CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
My forehead cooled against the bathroom tiles as hot water poured over me, letting the heat melt away my tension.
Rocco’s hands clasped my waist, his fingertips tracing the scar with a firmness he’d never shown before.
He never wanted to remind me in fear he’d trigger the memory, and I knew he’d have erased every hurt if he could.
At times, the healed wound ached, but today it was victory. Judge Colby didn’t win. He was gone.
Despite everything he inflicted, we survived, and that was his undoing.
He never imagined Rocco would push him to the edge, leaving him to choose between overdose or prison.
Was it ever really a choice for him? “…after what he did to you, I always planned to kill him. No one ever hurts you and gets to live. No one.” There was no blood, but Rocco had ended a life.
In the end, death was the only door left for Judge Colby.
He was too dangerous to let live. If spared, he would only revive his schemes, spin more blackmail, and collect favors from his corrupt circle of allies.
We’d lived it before. Last time, he barely saw the inside of a cell, shuffled off to rehab, and then was welcomed back to the judge’s bench as if nothing happened.
If he walked free again, what would stop him? He would hunt me down and kill me.
A shiver ran through me, part adrenaline, part sensation of the rough scrape of the sponge on my back, bringing me to the present. My body turned in place, and I wrapped my arms around Rocco’s waist, hugging him fiercely. “Thank you.”
I stared at him standing strong and tall in front of me, no tremors of regret or fear at what he’d done. “Ti amo, Bella. Non c’è niente che non farei per te.” I love you, Bella. There’s nothing I won’t do for you.
“I love you, Rocco.” Tension dissolved from my shoulders as my stress and fear ran down the drain.
For a heartbeat, my mind went to Luca in one of the Polaroids in that hollowed-out book he left for me to find, menacing over my father.
He’d been sprawled in filth, lost in a ruined drug den.
Luca used him for vengeance, blind to the collateral damage he caused until he was forced to face it.
Truly, Luca had always been complicated; he’d been both the betrayer and the redeemer.
But not Rocco, though; he killed Judge Colby for me and for our future. My love for him was immense.
We left the shower. One chapter had ended, leaving much destruction in our lives. Rocco had given up part of his inheritance and hadn’t raised enough for his studio. Yet, he was grinning. “What are you smiling about?”
“Our future. Now’s the best time ever,” he said in a joyous tone.
I gave him a searching look. “Best time ever? After everything you sacrificed?”
“It’s not a sacrifice if I know I will get everything back, Bella. I loaned out my spot to prove myself. Now I do the work. Get more investors, win more awards, and go full steam ahead in creating my studio.”
Normally, I’d point out everything that had gone wrong, but instead I laced my fingers together with excitement. Rocco and I could do anything, and I not only believed it, I wanted to be a part of the work. “Where do we start?”
He spun me in a circle. “That’s exactly the spark I missed.”
“What spark?”
“Letting go of fear and moving with me.”
There was a shift inside me and a renewed feeling of energy, something I lost after the attack. “I feel energized. So, come on. Tell me your plan.”
“It’s just like I said. I get more investors, schmooze, fundraise, maybe with an established organization as a collaborator.”
I shook my head as thoughts began to form.
“We can donate to other established funds and encourage those in attendance to do so as well, but I’d like to do something personal.
A fundraiser for families of those battling addiction.
I remember the helplessness, not just from Judge Colby’s violence, but from the endless cycle.
It drains the life out of you. I want to help families like mine.
But not just with connection of services, but with keeping a promise.
He’d made so many, I want to be that gap that steps in and gives families hope again.
” Like Luca had been for me with the books.
He gave me worlds and wisdom to grow and dreams to believe in.
“I love it. We’ll give you a team to work on it. I’ll get Isla on it—”
“No,” I interrupted. “I don’t want Isla to handle it. She can set up meetings and introductions, but I want to be involved, not show up and take the credit. I appreciate how she makes things smooth, but I want to do the work myself, just like you.”
He kissed me deeply. “Damn, you’re irresistible when you talk like that.”
“Only when I talk like that?” I teased, arching a brow. He tickled me, making me laugh until I kissed him again. His hands stilled, and he groaned. “We should stop in New York. I have a production I’d like to look in on and some other brand shoots.”
I bobbed my head. “Good. I’d like to meet Lily Crane and the team at Perchance to Dream Publishing in person.”
He took out his phone. “Sounds like a plan. Let’s get on it.”
Ding. My phone chimed. We exchanged a glance, both knowing it was mine.
I picked up, my heart skipping. Grandfather?
I mouthed “grandfather” to Rocco. He smirked, flashing a thumbs-up, and I nearly burst out laughing.
I understood. My grandparents had been harsh with him, especially when they pressured him to marry me after Luca’s funeral.
“Hello, Grandfather.”
“Hello, Adelina. How are you? Did I catch you both at a good time?”
“Yes, we’re fine.”
“The baby?” His voice sounded cheerful, yet there was a faint tremor I couldn’t quite place. Concern? It made me feel warm inside, and I paused for a moment, taking in a deep breath before answering.
“Yes, the baby’s fine.”
“That’s good. How’s Rocco?”
“He’s fine. We’re going back to New York for a week.”
“Good. I’d like to invite you both over for dinner.”
I covered the phone and looked at Rocco, a mix of hope and anxiety knotting in my stomach.
“He wants to invite us for dinner,” I said with a nervous smile.
The thought of them casting their old judgments on Rocco gnawed at me.
What if they reopened wounds that were barely healing or questioned the love we fought so hard for?
Yet, even battling against these old resentments, I couldn’t hide the happiness from my voice.
After years of feeling like their project, this invitation felt like a win.
Rocco turned to me, meeting my eyes with a calm determination. “Yes, tell them we’ll be delighted to go,” he said while gently squeezing my hand, a silent promise that we would face whatever came our way together.
“We’d love to come.”
“Good. It’ll be formal, and I’ll send the details. Glad you’re coming. Constance will be thrilled to see you.”
I trembled with happiness as Rocco put his arm around my shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Please tell her I’m looking forward to seeing her, too.”
I didn’t know how it would go, but I would return to them and the Westchester estate.
The sight of the skyscrapers used to feel daunting, like towering giants surrounding me, but now, anticipation coursed through my veins at being in this ageless city.
Our plan this time was different. It included courting the press, even if their questions touched on the most personal aspects of our lives.
Isla joined us, settling in across the table to walk through our first pap walks.
“The press is waiting nearby, and I’ve included a few reporter allies who will snap photos to publish. You’ll have a chance to answer questions. Adelina, I didn’t exclude questions about your father.”
I sat taller in my seat. “That’s right. I need to get used to answering questions about my family.” Rocco gave my hand a squeeze, adding his pleasure at my response.
“Great.” She smiled and typed on her tablet, then shifted her attention to Rocco. “They’re prepared to ask about the movie studio and you stepping down.”
“I’m ready for that,” Rocco said in a confident tone. “We’re also prepared to answer questions about the baby.”
She nodded. “Wonderful. Let’s go.”
Rocco led the way, and I slipped my hand into his at the foot of the stairs.
Instead of waiting on the tarmac, our car was parked by the main entrance, so we strolled past the eager press.
I lifted my chin and beamed as camera flashes sparkled around us, capturing every step. Then the questions began.
“Rocco. Rocco?”
He grinned. “Right here with you. What’s your question?”
“How does it feel to be back in New York City?”
“Great. I love New York. It’s my home, and my wife is happy to visit as much as we can.”
“We suppose you have more time now that you lost your position at Marini Corporate.”
Rocco chuckled. The question was kind of rude, but I kept my smile. “Never lost, just changed. I support all Marini Corporate endeavors. However, I’m focused on my production company’s films.”
“Yes. Everyone’s expecting Oscars this year for The Age of Sin. Do you?”
It was a silly question, but Rocco took it in stride. “Our cast and crew worked tirelessly on making The Age of Sin. I’m honored that this wonderful movie will be considered.”
“What about the movie studio, or have you shelved that ambition?”
“Not at all,” he said, holding his head higher. “It’s still happening soon. Thank you.”
“Wait, Adelina?”
I smiled. “Yes?”
“Are you excited to be a new mother?”
“I am,” I replied, as a flurry of camera flashes erupted.
I caught Rocco’s eye, and he leaned in to kiss my cheek, sending the photographers into another frenzy.
“I’m also thrilled about my new company, BLM Illustrations which is partnering with Perchance to Dream Publishing to bring the Brenna Strongborne and the Shadow Prince series to life. ”
“That’s great, Adelina. What does your family think of it? After your alleged attack by your father.”
I lifted my chin. “It’s not alleged. My father did indeed hurt me. Addiction is a horrendous problem that affects a lot of families all over the world. However, there’s no excuse for violence. I survived, and I am very grateful.”
The reported nodded. “We all hope they find him and bring him to justice. Any news?”
“Not yet,” Rocco answered. “However, the police assured us they are making progress. We also have an award for information to help in his arrest. Thank you.”
His voice was unwavering, and my expression remained open and earnest even though we both knew the truth. Rocco placed his hand on my back, and we both waved at the cameras as we walked over to the waiting Mercedes and climbed inside. When we pulled off from the curb, I exhaled a sigh of relief.
“Wow, Adelina,” Isla said. “You handled it like a pro. So relaxed and calm.”
“Thank you,” I told her.
“JR wants to Zoom about the party theme and has a Malibu property in mind. Ian wants to discuss the charity and has a short list of people to help you work through establishing it. Lily will be in the NYC office and would love to have lunch with you.” For the first time, Isla’s focus was on me, not just Rocco.
I, Adelina, will be taking meetings, hosting charities, and working on my own artistry.
I was making plans for myself, and the sense of freedom was exhilarating.
Rocco leaned toward my ear. “It’s your beginning, Bella.”
I smiled. “Ours. It’s ours.”