The Billionaire's Vow (Love and Destiny Trilogy #2)

PROLOGUE

Eight years earlier

14 years old

Mount Crest Academy

Luca Marini Re: Reading list

Hi Adelina,

I’m so happy you’ve settled into your new school and are already focusing on your coursework. My years at boarding school were tough, and I know you’re going through a lot. But you’ve got the fire; your superpower resilience won’t let anything keep you down. It takes strength and determination to succeed, and you’re already doing it. Bravo! That’s something you should be proud of. I know I’m impressed by you.

I see you’ve sent your English class reading list. The Odyssey, Fahrenheit 451, and I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings are all outstanding and essential literary classics to study. My grandson Rocco read them when he was your age, and I helped him. If you get stuck or don’t understand something, message me. However, I also recommend reading something light-hearted because life’s a balance. You need the light as much as the dark. I’ll send you a book to help with that.

Happy reading, and I’ll write you more soon,

M

“M?” I mumble under my breath.

Holy crap! Luca Marini actually replied to my email! Am I allowed to reply? Do I care that the Belfores would probably deny it? Nope. I wonder what he’ll send.

I chew my lip, thinking, then shrug.

Who cares about gifts? Mr. Marini said he’d help me with my schoolwork—something Mama would do if I could still talk to her.

A sharp pang hits my chest, and I huff.

Mama didn’t even call. Why can’t she call me? Why is she too busy in Italy?

I lean on the desk and blowout.

I don’t have many friends here, so would it really hurt if I emailed Mr. Marini back? Surely tha t’s okay to—

“There you are, Lina.”

I turn my head to Cassidy Cosgrove waving and walking over .

Thud. My hands slam the lid of my laptop shut.