CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
S ometime later, I asked the flight attendant Alice in Italian where I could find Rocco. “ Grazie mille. Potete dirmi dove posso trovare Rocco ?”
She nodded and gestured down the aisle. “ Rocco è nella camera da letto, ultima porta in fondo all’aereo .”
I walked down to the last door at the back and went inside. It was a bedroom with a king-sized bed, dark wood side tables, leather chairs, and even a built-in library in a locked cabinet with books. My hand moved over the outside, scanning what Rocco would read. There was something for everyone: thrillers, mysteries, memoirs, and romance. Hmm. Not bad .
“Adelina?” Rocco’s voice called.
I turned and wow. He was naked . I should have walked out but my eyes were too absorbed. He was a beauty to behold, muscular, firm, and tanned. Without lines . There was a thin trail of hair below his navel that went down to his large cock that hung between his well-toned thighs. Something else caught my sight. Terry cloth? My eyes lifted, as he was using a white towel to dry himself. Then it hit me. I was being rude.
I covered my hot face. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’m not shy,” he said evenly. “If you’re curious and want to—”
“No, uhm, please put something on,” I said quickly, and waited a few minutes before dropping my hands. He was smiling at me, now in a pair of pajama bottoms and still hot.
He patted the bed and took a chair. I sat on the edge of it.
“I was coming to get you to rest back here. You can shower, sleep, and watch a movie.” He picked up the remote and showed me how to use it.
“Doesn’t this feel odd to you at all?” I asked, placing the remote down.
He stood and put on a robe. “What?”
“Showering on your own plane.”
“Money definitely makes life easier, but not perfect.” He sat back down, and my pulse sped up. “I got the luck of being born into wealth. You were, too.”
I flicked my gaze at him. “My mother was, not me.”
He nodded and stood. “You were upset about your mother, but I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me, but I won’t pressure you. I’ll see you when we land.”
But was there anything Rocco wasn’t telling me? Mama had a point about Mr. Marini’s contact with me. “Wait, Rocco.”
He turned around. “Yes?”
“Did your grandfather ever tell you why he stayed in contact with me?” I asked.
He rubbed his jaw and paused to think. “He said he liked you from the start. You made him feel like he was still needed. All of us were getting older and not interested in taking his advice, but you listened to him.”
I sighed. “I did. He knows so much. He’s like a historian.”
“Yes,” Rocco said nodding with a grin on his face. “He has libraries at every property and believe me, he’s read every book.”
“Rocco…there is something else I need to know,” I began and flicked my eyes to his.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Marjorie Storm was until recently your girlfriend,” I said raising a brow.
His smile wilted. “We broke up a couple of weeks ago.”
That was sooner than I’d thought, and I wondered how long they were together. However, the tension in his expression and his glances at the door told me he didn’t want to discuss it. But I couldn’t drop it either.
“You must still have feelings for her.…” I let my voice trail off, my pulse racing as I waited for his answer.
He made his face expressionless. “If I do, it doesn’t matter. We had no future. What do you want to know?”
I winced inwardly. That wasn’t exactly the reassurance I wanted, but I appreciated his willingness to tell me the truth. “Are you…are we, exclusive? I mean, are you going to have girlfriends, and we’re going to be like business partners?”
I thought of Mama and Glenn. He was always kind to her, but now I knew he had girlfriends.
He winced. “Why would I do that? Is that what you think of me?” He grimaced and put his hands on his hips. “I was just eating you out in the car. You think I’d just do that?” His words were blunt, but so was his point.
My face burned. “I…I didn’t want to assume—”
“Whatever you read about me online isn’t true. I’m not that kind of a man. I learned in my teens and early twenties that everyone isn’t with me for the right reasons. I’ve even been blackmailed before.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Rocco,” I said softly.
“The tabloids make up stories about the women I bring into my life. I don’t date them all. Most are friends. But when I do date, it’s only one partner at a time. I’m tested regularly for diseases. Your grandparents have my medical history as part of our arrangement. I’m up-to-date, disease free, and have regular checkups.”
I had regular health screens too because my grandparents were obsessed with my virginity.
“Okay, Rocco, uhm thank you for being open and honest with me,” I said and cleared my throat. “It wasn’t my intention to assume. But the little I know about you is what’s published by the press online.”
He bobbed his head. “I get that. But whatever you want to know Adelina, you should ask me. Okay? I’m marrying you and that means a commitment from both of us,” he said in a sharp tone. His jaw had tightened and there was a stiffening in his demeanor. While I could see he was mad, it wasn’t all about me. It was his reputation out there.
I gentled my voice and said, “I’m sorry for offending you. Couldn’t you have gotten out of this marriage and married someone you love?” I lowered my head.
He sighed heavily and the bed dipped next to me. He lifted my chin and our eyes met. “Nothing is easy, even for me. I’ve accepted that there’s no way out of an arranged marriage. Trust me. I went through many lawyers and legal options to see what could be done. It’s ironclad. If I say no, my brother Salvatore marries and takes my birthright. I’d never allow that.”
“So you’re just going to be with me,” I murmured.
Rocco took my hands. “That’s why we signed the marriage license. I want to try, Adelina, but that takes you trying, too. I could throw a tantrum or move forward. I chose forward. You can, too. So are you with me?”
Rocco was even minded, practical in his situation, and I liked that even more. It was up to us what we did with our marriage. But even if he still loved Marjorie, he was committed and that had to be enough for me.
I nodded. “Yeah. Thanks.”
He squeezed my hands and then let go. “Good. Go on and rest.”
I didn’t stop him this time and he left the room.
My body felt heavy with tiredness. I wasn’t ready to relive the worst times of my life. Leaving for Italy was my chance to escape it all. We will both have to let things go.
I showered and found clothes for me in the built-in wardrobe and went to sleep. Sometime later, I woke up on my own. The plane had landed. Rocco hadn’t returned to stay, but a soft blanket covered me and rested under my chin. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Sweet.
After cleaning up and braiding my hair into a low ponytail, I changed into the sleeveless, bohemian-styled, embroidered, white lace gown, then left the room. Rocco was speaking with the pilot in the front of the plane. He had changed into a white T-shirt, off-white linen blazer, and dark blue slacks—all looked tailor-made for him, stylish. Sexy. He’d gelled his dark waves back, and his stubble was visible on his square jaw. He turned to me with his bright eyes and devastating smile, and my knees weakened. Christ . I couldn’t believe this gorgeous man was all over me hours ago.
“You’re a sonnet in white, Adelina.”
I tried not to smile, but I did.
Rocco held out his hand for me to take. My pulse sped up as I moved at a casual pace to his side. He scanned me over, then clasped my hand when I reached him. “ Sei una bella ragazza , you’re a beautiful girl,” he murmured, and brushed his lips on the back of it. Something about the way he looked at me made me feel pretty and feminine. He spoke rapidly in Italian to his hostess Alice, who left and returned with a lovely floral scarf.
“It’s windy today.” He draped it around my neck, his eyes roving all over me with a grin.
“What would you like to do first?” he asked, taking the keys to a Jaguar convertible waiting on the tarmac from his driver.
I cleared my throat. “Call home.” Mama was pretty distraught, and I wouldn’t rest if she wasn’t better.
He blew out his breath and left the car.
A wave of nerves and nausea went through me as I waited for Mama to answer. Four rings and voicemail? I tried again. This time, someone picked up.
“Hello, Adelina. It’s your grandfather.”
“Mr. Belfiore, Hello? Is everything okay?”
“It will be,” he said and huffed.
“Why? Where’s Mama?” I asked.
“She’s unwell. So we’ve sent her away to rest.”
“Wh-what do you mean?” I stammered. “Please let me speak to her—”
“She’s unavailable right now,” Mr. Belfiore said firmly. “Glenn said she was not herself last night. Rocco also called and complained about her behavior and interference. He threatened to pull out of the agreement.”
My pulse jumped, and I touched my stomach. “What? Really? Oh.” I glanced out the window of the car at Rocco. He was leaning against the hood, talking on his phone.
Rocco seemed so charming, but he called and threatened to back out of the arranged marriage? “I don’t understand.” My stomach churned, and I clutched the phone, lowering my voice. “She wasn’t feeling well—”
“We both know that’s a lie. Glenn confirmed what Rocco told me instead of you.”
I snorted. He actually expected me to rat out Mama? Poor Mama. Glenn’s basically her handler . Would I have the same life with Rocco? That must be why Mama was so distressed.
“I think having Lorelei go away is a good lesson for you both. If Rocco backs out, that will not be the end of it. I’ll have to pay him ten million dollars and give him part of our estate.”
My brows knitted. “Rocco threatened you?” That couldn’t be. He wouldn’t do that. Would he? Then again, what do I know about him?
“I didn’t make it up, Adelina. He feels slighted by us not showing up last night. It’s a lot about appearances with him. He seems to think we’re benefiting without showing a genuine commitment to the joining of our families.”
I touched my throat. “Are we, Mr. Belfiore?”
He sighed. “As I explained, it will take some adjustments. We released a statement today about Constance’s sickness and how excited we are about the wedding.”
“But why agree to lose your home and money? How could you make such a promise?” I asked, my voice thick.
“These negotiations aren’t without risk. Rocco’s agreement included money and property, and we had to match it with resources. This home and land has been in our family for many generations. I believed you wouldn’t let us down.”
My insides crumbled. I’m not. You are . But I couldn’t harm my grandfather while he was in distress. “I won’t.” Mama just needed us to clarify things and she’d apologize to Rocco. I was sure of it. “I’m sure Mama’s sorry. If you’d just let me speak to her, she’d tell you—”
“The answer is still no, Adelina. Please, I’m trying not to upset you, but we know what Lorelei can handle and this is all too much for her.”
I clenched my hand. “It’s not all Mama’s fault. If you’d been there it never would have happened—”
“You’re admitting Lorelei needs a chaperone and that doesn’t help your argument. Anyway I couldn’t come. Your grandmother can’t be in the same room with that man .”
“What man?”
“Luca Marini. I didn’t want to put her through that.” His tone was harsh.
I furrowed my brows. “Mr. Marini’s in Italy. He wasn’t there. What do you mean she can’t be in the room with him? I don’t understand.”
“It’s things that happened before you were born, and not something you should be concentrating on. I need you to accept it and let it go.”
I grimaced. “How can I?” You and grandmother are not.
He sighed down the line. “You can, Adelina. Your marriage is a business. I’ve been very honest with you. Lorelei needs rest and that’s what she’s getting. She’s all worked up and unable to calm down, and this time away will give her a chance to gain more perspective. I will speak with you again soon.” He was firm in his resolution and as her conservator, he had the right to intervene if she had problems. And apparently, Glenn supported it .
I took a deep breath, my heart heavy. “Make sure you tell her that I love her and not to worry. Everything is fine here. Okay?”
“I’ll definitely let her know,” he said. “Now, we’ll speak with you later. Try to enjoy your time in Italy.” We ended the call.
Mama hadn’t shared about my friendship with Mr. Marini and that had cost her. Most of the time she was a fly running into glass, expecting a different outcome from the many times it flew into it. But she had been right. I was easily impressed and captivated by Rocco and his world. Yet, he didn’t hesitate to use his power over my family.
My eyes watered, but I didn’t cry. Tears were a waste of time.
Rocco returned to the car. We didn’t speak for a few moments.
“Why did you call my grandfather?” I asked.
“Because I refuse to be disrespected in any way. I let your family have some leeway, and they took it for weakness. It won’t happen again.” His tone remained even, but he was candid and astute in his resolve. He was charming, but proud. I knew that already.
If I told him about Mama’s conservatorship would that change anything? No. Mr. Belfiore would be even more upset that I’d revealed his secrets. Rocco could also use whatever happened as us breaching our agreement with him. We could all lose everything we have . This was our lives, not a romance. Too much was at stake. We had to move forward.
Resilience will be your superpower, Adelina.
I nodded in his direction but didn’t say anything. There was no need for words. We were simply business partners, who might get to know each other sexually as well. I shouldn’t really begrudge that.
Rocco took out his phone, and I heard him tell the caller there was a change in plans in Italian. He was removing our visit to Pisa on our way to Florence.
“Why are we not going to Pisa?” I asked frowning.
He muffled the phone. “Because you’re hurt, and I want our memories to be happy.”
“I’ll be more upset if all I see of Pisa is from an airport, Mr. Marini,” I said, gesturing toward the window and sign. It was better this way; now I knew where we stood. He’s just like Grandfather. I’m just another piece in his business.
“Hmm,” he said, but didn’t say more. He stepped out of the car, and I held my breath, unsure of what to do, but then a few minutes later, he returned with a smile. “Let’s go get irritated by other tourists with cameras,” he mused.
“We can complain about it all night. Sounds perfect.” I couldn’t remove the graveling from my voice. Not being able to call Mama reduced the number of my very few confidants. With Cassidy so far away, and Nadia being Rocco’s friend, I felt more alone than ever.
He moved to reach for me, but stopped and placed his hands on the wheel. Sighing heavily, he drove off from the airport.
After only ten minutes, we were near the square. We could see the white marble leaning tower well before we parked. The summer had more tourists and crowds, as we’d suspected. My ears tuned into the multiple languages surrounding us—Italian, Japanese, Spanish, English. My head managing to translate their words delighted my senses, and I smiled.
“You have a lovely smile, Adelina,” Rocco told me. I turned my head away and walked closer to the tower.
“Climbing closed.” Of course, disappointment was universal, but that didn’t take away the excitement of being to view the marble tower of Pisa from outside. We moved around the people filming and taking selfies with friends.
“I bet every camera has that pose,” Rocco said, pointing towards the groups pretending to push the tower straight. I laughed out loud, and he placed his arm around my waist. It had come on so naturally—his affection. I didn’t move out of his hold, and instead languished in the warmth and strength of his arms. They allured me. I was smaller than him, and he practically engulfed me. My heart pumped faster and when the bare skin on his arms met mine, a tingling sensation coursed through me. I took a deep breath and inhaled his rich cologne. It was so masculine, so intoxicating. His chest expanded as if my presence relaxed him, too.
“Would you like a picture?” he asked softly. The longer I stayed in his arms, the better it felt, and I could hear my mind making excuses. Mama was rude at the party. Rocco had a right to be upset. He doesn’t know the way our family works . But then, I thought about Mama, alone in her life now. Why couldn’t he have left it alone? He didn’t just hurt her, he hurt me.
I stiffened and moved out of his grasp. “No, thanks. I’ll take some with my phone.” My hands went into my bag, and I pulled it out, snapping a few pictures of the tower.
Rocco stayed patiently next to me, and that was how we continued to the church next to it.
I could go on about the long wait to go inside the narrow structure. The beauty of the view of the medieval stone city. Even more, I could share the impressiveness of the grand cathedral with its marble mosaics, intricate etchings, and sculptures that would make a hardened heart swell in its beauty. As a painter, the frescoes and mosaics shone like sirens to my eyes. The Romanesque, Byzantine and Islamic arts I had only seen in a course or books called to me. It was difficult not to be absorbed in the vivid palette and the symmetry of the composed art before us. However, I was drawn to a man in a wheelchair. He was being wheeled down the aisle, smiling with his family. I hadn’t meant to do it, but I left Rocco’s side to follow them.
“What are you doing? You’re skipping the incredible paintings over here,” he pointed out.
My eyes darted, unfocussed. “I see them, but I’m just.…”
They moved across the aisle, and I hurried to cross over to stand near them. My heart swelled as they squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek. Every piece of love they shared tore a piece of my heart.
Jacob. It wasn’t him, but he was all I could see. I often imagined and painted pictures of the two of us doing things together. It was like a dream, and I wasn’t ready to leave it.
Those monthly FaceTime calls were comforting. Jacob’s smile was pure light. He signed to communicate, and I loved how he shared all the things he did, especially his art. He even told me he loved me. But in truth, it wasn’t enough. He had no hugs or kisses from me.
My mind breached sealed territory. The family visits that probably happened daily at his center. Birthdays and Christmas gifts he’d see opened with people who were there to visit his friends. Sure, I did see him a handful of times, but not nearly as often as I should have. Did my family visit Jacob on their own? Did Jacob ever have a hug from Mama and my grandparents? Did they visit him without me?
Mama never mentioned him without sobbing uncontrollably. But I do what I can . I tried to soothe myself. My grandparents thought he needed a “smooth transition” to bring his family back into his life. They allowed me to FaceTime with him, but did Jacob feel my love through the screen?
I clutched my chest and gulped air into my lungs.
“Adelina?” Rocco’s voice was sharp with alarm.
But the pain was a flood breaking the dam, and it couldn’t stop. His hands gripped my shoulders as I shook. He slid them up to cup my face, his thumbs brushing my wet cheeks. He didn’t ask me to explain, and I had nothing to share.
He embraced me in the middle of the crowd, wrapping his arms around me, and held me tight as he rubbed my back. Even though he was still a stranger, he knew what I needed. Comfort. He didn’t need to give me words, just his arms wrapped around me. So many emotions were barreling through me to the point that I was overwhelmed. But Rocco kept holding me.
Pain and comfort, and how closely they are linked. That was what I’d remember from visiting Pisa.