“I’m always tasty.” Mario took hold of the controls, to begin the plane’s descent.
“I really don’t want to find out just how true that is.” Simone chuckled.
“You’re an ass,” Mario told her. “The moment we touch down, I’m running to the pharmacy.”
Simone chuckled and shrugged. “You could just give in and let your alpha claim you.”
“Are you trying to get fired?” Mario glanced out the smaller side window, eyeing the colorful homes and cars. Then the beach, full of white sand, next to clear blue water.
Too bad he couldn’t dive in right now.
“You’re no fun during your cycles.” Simone’s voice broke him out of his haze. “You have no idea how your scent could drive a man or woman alpha crazy. No wonder your heat cycles are so p…”
“Nope. End of discussion. Let’s land this plane. We need to concentrate.” Mario cut her off and turned his attention to the glass in front of him. The signals from the tower were visible. He was ready to complete the perfect landing as he’d done plenty of times before.
“Yes, sir.”
Mario twisted his lips and held the lever steady. He pressed a couple of buttons, making the wheels appear from underneath the plane.
“C’mon, baby. Easy now.” Mario cooed to the inanimate object. He’d always done that to give himself the confidence and he honestly felt it helped the aircraft also.
In moments, the plane bumped the ground slightly.
Mario gently put his feet on the brakes to slow down, feeling more in control when he’s in captain pilot mode. He began to taxi when he noticed the air traffic controller giving the signals.
Mario flipped his mic to the front of his mouth. “Ciao e benvenuto a Napoli. We hope you enjoyed flying with Capri Charters and will choose us again soon. Have a great day.” He moved the mic and continued to turn the wheel.
“Good job, as always, Captain.” Simone patted his shoulder.
Mario flinched a little, but didn’t lose sight of what he had to do. “Thanks.”
Now to find a fucking drug store and to take a shower!
Jaivon stood and stretched, then rubbed his jaws. “What’s the name of the hotel we’re staying at tonight?”
“Hotel Vesuvio,” Bryce answered standing up. “There’s a driver waiting to take us to the hotel. He’ll pick us up and take us to Capri island in the morning.”
Jaivon nodded. He grabbed their bags from the overhead compartment, and looked up when the cockpit’s door opened. Mario walked out, trying his best not to make eye contact.
Fuck, even in his disshevled state the man is so damn sexy.
Jaivon moistened his lips, gripping the bag’s handles tighter. It took everything in him not to tackle the omega to the floor, but they had already promised not to put pressure on him. Although he hated it, Jaivon knew it was for the best. They wanted Mario to feel comfortable, so that meant excercising restraint despite it being absolute torture.
“So I was thinking,” Mario said. He exhaled while tossing his bag over his shoulder. “Since you two are here for vacation why don’t I let you two go ahead and enjoy all that Italy has to offer. Then when we get back to Rhode Island we’ll hook up.”
Is he serious?
Jaivon glanced at Bryce who was probably thinking this same thing. “Do you really expect us to agree with that?” He asked the omega.
“I just figured—”
“Look we get it.” Jaivon put down his bag. He held up his hand not only to show calm to the omega, but also himself. “You need time to process what’s happening and frankly we do too. But I’m not. . .no make that, we aren’t going to let this sit until we get back home. Where are you staying tonight?”
“We usually stay at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio. Since I was only filling in for someone I was planning on going home in two days.”
Jaivon smelled the partial lie rolling off the man in waves. “Well, what a coincidence. We’re spending one night at the Vesuvio before heading to Capri in the morning. That makes it easier for you to have dinner with us.” He grinned at Mario.
“Wait.” Mario shook his head. “Friends, remember?”
“But you gotta eat right?” Bryce asked.
“Well, yeah but . . .”
“It’s just a meal little one, not a marriage proposal.” Jaivon interrupted him. “Although we do hope that happens later on down the road.”
Mario looked between them again. “So you’re the one that’s in charge, huh?”
“In charge of what?” Bryce asked, sounding confused.
“He’s the one that dictates every aspect of your life. I thought you were both alphas?”
Bryce snorted and side eyed Jaivon as if to say, he wishes.
Jaivon chuckled knowing that wasn’t true. Although he was slightly bigger than Bryce, he knew not to try and cross him. He was sneakily smart, and even as the smaller one, didn't make him any less tough. They were equals. Jaivon wouldn’t have expected anything more or anything less from his sibling.
“You’ll find out sweetheart, that in this relationship no one is in charge. We do what we want but always together,” Bryce told him.
“So dinner tonight?” Jaivon asked, not letting up.
“You’re not going to take no for an answer, are you?” Mario pursed his lips, frowning.
“Only when you mean it.” Jaivon said without hesitation. Mario wanted them to chase after him. No matter what, omegas would always enjoy the thrills of being approached. Though Mario tried denying the attraction, it was there, plain as day. Jaivin would be damned if he’d let the needy one slip through their fingers.
“Captain,” Simone said, getting Mario’s attention.
Mario looked at her over his shoulder. “What is it?”
“We’ve been given permission to deboard the plane.” She said, then strolled back to the cockpit to give them some privacy. He hadn’t seen Jeanette yet. She might’ve been hiding in the bathroom, waiting for everyone to leave.
“Thank you.” He looked back at the brothers. “I don’t want to feel like a third wheel.” Mario put that out there. He needed an escape, but neither the brothers or Simone was going to give him one.
“You won’t,” Bryce told him. “How about this? We have a car waiting and since we are going to the same hotel, you can ride with us. We can get to know each other during the short trip.”
Mario let out a breath seeing they weren’t taking no for an answer. Perhaps it was a good idea just to get things over with. After all he was the one that came up with being friends and getting to know them.
Why can’t I just let them fuck me and we all go our separate ways? Because there’s no fuck ‘em and leave em when it comes to mates.
Mario answered his own damn question. He cursed under his breath, hating that he allowed these alphas to get under his skin. “Okay,” he answered finally. “Let me finish talking with my co-pilot and we can go.” Mario turned to walk away. As he took the first step Bryce cleared his throat.
Fuck.
Mario’s body went frozen stiff. He didn’t pin around again, for fear of what might happen next.
“Don’t take too long, little omega and mistake our kindness for weakness,” Bryce said matter-of-factly.
Shit, I can already tell who’s speaking without looking at them. This is not fucking good.
“Ah, yeah, sure...whatever,” he said, hoping this would buy him some time.
“Captain, I’ve taken care of all the landing checks. The cleaning company will be here in an hour and we’re all set.”
Mario narrowed his eyes at Simone. He didn’t miss the smirk on her lips.
Bitch.
Simone snorted and shook her head as if knowing what he was thinking.
“I guess you’re free to ride with us then?” Jaivon said behind him feeling the man’s hot breath on the nape of his neck. Sparks coursed through him as if he was touched by lightning.
Mario spun and bumped into a wall
of muscles. His gaze slowly moved up and connected with dark brown that resembled a pool of hot chocolate. “Um. . .” he said, suddenly lost for words.
Wait what the hell? I always have something to say!
Mario screamed or thought he did. He was suddenly distracted by a scent that had his brain short circuiting. Lips were moving but no sound was coming out of them. “Huh?” He heard himself say.
“I said we need to get off before the car we ordered leaves.” Bryce added, sounding as if he was smiling.
“Car? What car?” Mario asked as if in a daze.
“The one waiting to take us to the hotel.”
“Hotel?” Mario suddenly felt lightheaded. He gripped onto the seats around him to stay upright.
Shit.
“Are you okay?” Jaivon asked.
No, I feel like I’m drowning being this close to you. Mario wanted to say. Instead he stepped back putting space and air between them.
Yeah, this whole friend thing is going to test every ounce of my strength. Mario wanted to look back but didn’t.
Jaivon was right. They might look alike but they were different in so many ways. How the heck had he figured so much out in such a short amount of time? He’d only spent a plane ride with them.
How the hell am I going to handle a simple dinner?
Chapter Nine
Mario couldn’t get off the plane fast enough.
Simone continued giving him disapproving looks, but he didn’t give a shit. Again this was his life to live and not hers. She was already set and so was he, just the way he liked it. Mario would be damned if he allowed any of these alphas to rule him.
The walk from the plane was a safe torture. The brothers flanked him on both sides as if they were his bodyguards walking through the airport scowling at anyone who looked at him.
To put it mildly, the car ride was torture. Jaivon and Bryce must’ve used their mental link to make sure Mario sat between them in the spacious limo. They didn't allow Mario personal space, barely any room to breathe.
Just like alphas.
Making their presence felt whenever they saw fit. Not worrying about the omegas feelings or concerns.
Yeah this shit won’t work.
Even more frustrating was how the two continued to drop subtle hints about mating. While Mario tried his best to keep the conversation on neutral topics like the weather, how gorgeous Italy was this time of year, and the best places to eat in Capri, the brothers continued mentioning how much they looked forward to spending time with him.
Damn alphas!
How dare they treat Mario as if he didn’t pick up on what they’d tried to do. Didn’t they realize Mario was smarter than the average omega? Mario wasn’t one to be fooled, no matter how crazy he’d acted due to his heat. He hadn’t allowed anyone to sidetrack him in years, and he wouldn’t allow it to happen now.
Thankfully, the car arrived at the Vesuvio within less than a half hour. The moment Bryce got out, Mario followed, grabbing his bag from the driver, then running inside.
Ignoring the calls from the alphas behind him, Mario checked in, scurried to the elevators, then stepped on to push his number.
“Alone.” Mario leaned against the paneling, releasing a breath, and wiping the sweat from his brow. “Shit. I still need to get my suppressants.”
Mario cursed himself again and checked his cell phone. He still had time to run to the pharmacy after he showered and changed. Mario would just have to fend the brothers off the rest of the evening which would be a feat within itself. It wouldn’t surprise him if they found out his room number and one of them would be stationed in front of his door.
The elevator dinged telling Mario that he’d arrived on his floor and he walked off. He sped down the hallway, to his room--pressing his key card on the lock and hurried into his room the second the door was opened.
“Home. For now.” Mario loosened his tie as he walked in and dropped his bags on the luggage rack. The room was painted in an array of light grays and browns, with white crown molding and coffee colored elements. The rich wood furniture, only a desk, the television cabinet, and the wet bar filled the space. Mario lifted the mattress and turned on his phone’s flashlight, checking for bugs or abnormalities. When he noticed none, he let it drop and put his phone on the nightstand.
“Shower time.” Mario sripped off his uniform, letting the clothes fall on the floor. He’d have to get the thing dry cleaned if he were to wear it again anytime soon. After Mario finished, he strolled to the bathroom, flicking on the lights. White tiles with black accents were the primary colors. They’d installed a rain spout shower, which Mario loved. Once he turned the valves to his desired temperature, Mario stepped in. He placed his head underneath, allowing the drops to wash over his hair and body. The heat warmed him, relaxing tense muscles throughout his body. He needed this, not only to get clean, but to calm his frayed nerves.
Unfortunately, thoughts of Jaivon and Bryce roamed through his brain, making his cock hard. Mario cursed his body, shaking his head. “Not now, dick!” He washed up quickly, then got out, grabbing a towel from the counter. If he was going to make it through the night, he had to ignore his natural instincts.
Picking up the room phone he called the front desk inquiring where the nearest pharmacy was. He was glad to hear the store was located about ten minutes away. He was even more ecstatic to hear they would deliver his suppressants to his room.
As soon as he hung up, Mario ordered his prescription thanking the gods for small favors. Now if he could get through dinner, that would be a miracle.
Mario stood in front of the mirror appreciating his firm muscles. Spending at least two hours in the gym, he enjoyed driving men and women crazy with his good looks. Still, he didn’t think that his flirtatious ways would lead him to his mates, especially when he didn’t talk to them beforehand. Damn fates worked in mysterious ways.
What the hell am I going to wear to dinner with the twins?
Again, he shook his head. “Why the fuck am I worried about what I’m wearing to dinner?” Mario hadn’t planned on meeting his mate. He wasn’t the lets get married and have fucking baby type. He’d given up on those hopes and dreams years ago. Now he lived for himself.
I have two mates! Two! The deities must really hate me.
Mario glanced at the phone sitting on the bed.
I should call them and cancel then get the fuck out of Naples, maybe Italy all together. So what if I’m running away? I don’t want to be hurt again, I don’t want to believe in love again, or that I could have children.
Edward taught him that love was nothing but fairytales filled with unrealistic expectations. The lies that parents told their kids. Mario wasn’t a child and knew what happened when he believed in love. The scars left on his heart by Edward’s betrayal were deep and they had never healed.
Mario opened his garment bag, lifted out his black skin tight slacks and hunter green button down shirt, and tossed both on the bed. He grabbed his favorite blue boxer briefs, slipping them over his waist. Being hard and leaking pre-cum, his cock wasn’t making it easy. Eventually he completed the task, but not without discomfort.
“Damn omega hormones.” Mario muttered to himself. “Think of something gross.” He picked up his shirt and started buttoning. Immediately, his mind started playing the last horror movie he’d watched willing his erection to go down.
Mario chuckled to himself. “Haha. Works every time.” He finished putting on his pants, then slipped on his shoes.
Mario remembered being so shocked by the graphics in that flick, he couldn’t sleep for days. Perhaps he needed to find something else to distract him so he wouldn’t jump into bed with Jaivon and Bryce.
No matter how gorgeous they were, the twins were lethal.
Once Mario got dressed, he glanced at his watch wondering what was taking his delivery so long. When he picked up his cellphone to call the pharmacy, there was a knock on his room door.
“Oh you're here.
Coming.” Mario strolled over and unlocked it. He was surprised to see both men standing on the other side looking quite pleased with themselves.
Mario tugged on his collar. Just the sight of the two men made him perspire and tingle.
Think about the horror movie! Think of the horror movie.
Mario urged his erection to stay down. Being too hyped in front of Jaivon and Bryce would be trouble for sure. “What are you two doing here? We planned on meeting in the lobby.” Trying to keep his composure, he folded his arms and leaned against the door frame. “How did you get my room number?”
“Bryce figured you’d try to leave town,” Jaivon answered.
Shit.
Mario looked at Bryce who seemed to know exactly what he was thinking.
“I would have tracked you down if you ran,” Bryce said, sounding calm. “I told you, we’re already linked.”
Mario frowned. “So we are. What would you have done? Knock me over the head with your club and drag me back to your cave?”
“You know the more snappy and irritated you get with us the more attractive we find you,” Jaivon said grinning.
“What the hell is wrong with you two?” Mario was irritated. No matter what he said they didn’t appear to take it seriously. Knowing how alphas didn’t listen to omegas, Mario was sure this friendship wouldn’t go any further.
“Um…”
All three turned to the timid voice who was looking between them. Mario breathed a sigh of relief seeing the delivery guy with his suppressants.
Maybe now I can fucking think.
“I think that’s mine.” He grabbed the bag from the guy who squeaked and dashed off before Mario could say grazie. Mario quickly took out the contents and stuffed the packet in his pocket.
“Are you ready to go?” Bryce asked.
Mario could tell they were curious about what he’d shoved in his pocket but held back from showing them.
“If I said no, what would you guys do?” Mario smirked. It was a dangerous game trying to call their bluff, but Mario was willing to take the risk.
When an Omega Loves Page 8
