CHAPTER TEN
R occo was charming and a little flirtatious. He planned to marry me, so of course he’d want sex. But that wasn’t what he said . Rocco had said he hoped we’d be lovers and have passion in our marriage. It brought on a romanticism I hadn’t expected. Of course I knew I’d have sex, but I’d thought of it as a duty. His idealism was the danger Mama had warned me about. My father had often had romantic poetry on his lips to seduce Mama. And just like her, I’m already getting caught up in the fantasy of it. Grandmother was right; going early wouldn’t ease up the tension and pressure, especially if he keeps teasing and touching me. What can I do?
I didn’t have to do anything. Rocco said he’d wait for me. The dance lesson had been thoughtful, and I’d had fun. And there were moments during our slow dance when he’d held me that I’d felt a visceral tug to stay in his arms. This was new territory for me, and I needed advice. Hopefully Cassidy can help. Our marriage will be announced soon, so I can talk more freely. Then I remembered Rocco’s assistant, Isla was waiting for me inside the hotel. I squared my shoulders and walked forward, thanking the door person as I stepped inside.
The Greenwich Hotel lobby was a step into an era rich in luxury and style. Instant love. My heels tapped on its gorgeous terra-cotta palazzo flooring. It harmonized well with the velvet and leather couches of Eastern hues—burnt oranges and dark greens. They were seated on decorative Persian rugs with bronze potted plants and lamp accents. A few people were occupying the room, speaking at a low hum on their phones. One person stood up, putting her phone away, and smiled my way. She appeared close to my age but more sophisticated in her double-breasted leather top and sateen pants. She had a garment bag and a briefcase she left next to her seat as she moved forward with her hand outstretched. “I’m Isla. It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Belfiore.”
I closed my hand on hers. “Please, call me Adelina.”
Isla smiled. “Thank you, Adelina. Congratulations on graduating from college and your upcoming wedding.”
“Thank you very much,” I said.
“If you’d follow me, I’ll explain everything in the penthouse.”
My heart stopped. “Penthouse?”
“Yes. If you’re unsatisfied, we’ll change rooms.” Before I could answer, we were whisked off into the elevator.
A hotel assistant collected the items, and we rode to the top. My nerves jumped as she slipped a fob over the large door, and we all walked inside. I tried to keep calm, but wow. The hotel’s penthouse was more like a luxury apartment, bright with the sunlight streaming through the large, slanted windows. The view was jaw-dropping; we were above the skyscraper’s tiered pillars that went up to the edge of the Hudson River’s massive blue waters. It was stunning.
The penthouse opened to a spacious room with a stone fireplace between two bookshelves. There were neutral fabric and leather couches, and an ornately carved coffee table with a tablet on it. On the other side of the dining room, I could see a set of stairs.
I turned to Isla and the hotel consultant, who eyed me expectantly. The room was my decision, and a bubble of joy rose. It was up to me to stay here. I tried my best to keep my voice even.
I cleared my throat. “This is fine, thank you.”
Isla moved fluidly, signing, and collecting the items from the hotel assistant. When he left, she gestured to the dining table. “Let’s start with the non-disclosure agreements.”
I sat at the table and signed where she left tabs. When that was done, she placed a new phone box and a credit card in front of me. “This is yours. I’ve taken the liberty of transferring your current number to this one.”
I frowned. “Oh, Rocco didn’t mention it.” I hadn’t expected any phone calls anyway since my family rarely called my old one. Cassidy was the only one who normally called me, but I knew she was busy with her graduation party her parents planned for her in California.
“Apologies for not informing you sooner,” she said. “Mr. Marini blocked out all contact for your lunch and lesson.” She went over and opened the garment bag, pulling out a few outfits. “This is a linen pants suit and heels for tomorrow’s wedding dress appointment. You have jeans and shirts in here, and a tracksuit for your spa time, which I’ve scheduled for the morning. One of the associates will come for you—”
“Spa time?” I interrupted her.
“Your grandmother, Mrs. Belfiore, advised me to schedule a salon appointment.”
Mrs. Belfiore said she’d do as much. “Thank you. Yes, please.”
“Great, then we’ll keep the appointment,” Isla said, checking the list on her iPad. “I’ve scheduled a massage, facial, wax, manicure, and pedicure. Is that okay?”
I nodded. “That’s fine.”
“Good. There’s some food in the kitchen. However, you can call room service if you want something else. The menu is on the tablet. There’s a steam room, shower, bath, books, music, whatever you want.” Her phone chimed with an incoming text. “Mr. Marini. He says you are an artist. I can get supplies for you here.”
My jaw dropped. Rocco had only heard a little about it today, and already, he was encouraging me. I liked it. But painting was not something I bet the hotel would approve of. “I’ll just take reference photos for later.”
“I can still make a list for Italy?” she offered. I agreed and she took down a list of art supplies from me.
I grinned broadly. “Thank you so much.” My eyes darted around. There was so much to take in. I rarely ever had time entirely to myself in the dorms. Now I’m in a penthouse suite! My grandparents’ house was elegant, but I spent my summers at college taking courses and working in the alumni office. A week or two here and there at their home, but never alone. Heck, I didn’t even go to their other homes. It was like they wanted to keep me and my lineage a secret. But who could blame them? It was my family who damaged them.
“Congratulations again, Adelina. I’ll leave you to relax. If you need anything, give me a call. My phone number is programmed into your phone. You can call me anytime.”
“Thank you so much for everything.”
“You’re very welcome.” Isla left.
I explored the rooms. The penthouse had two bedrooms, a spacious bathroom, and a sauna. There were robes and slippers to wear, and Isla had left perfumes and body mousses. I opened one and inhaled the fruity, jasmine musk. It smelled heavenly. Was it a favorite of Rocco’s? A tingle went through my chest thinking about it.
I decided to take a bubble bath. Once ready, I sank into the steam with a giggle. This is the life. Rocco was showing me his life, which was luxurious and enticing. To my surprise, he had leisure time for dance lessons. Rocco has me staying in a penthouse at a hotel for a week. I didn’t even know they did things like that.
I picked up my new phone, checked the price for this suite, and my jaw dropped. Over ten thousand dollars a night? Rocco spent all that money on me to stay here?
The penthouse in the hotel was excessive, but I couldn’t stop smiling. Sure, I should’ve felt bad for the extravagance, but I decided to leave that for later. I turned on the television and a stereo to play music. With both going simultaneously, I sang along and watched a show. This is freaking fantastic!
I found it hard to leave the comfortable bath but forced myself to. After, I changed into the new matching set of lingerie—delicate, lace, silk—not something I’d usually wear, or even what Mrs. Belfiore had shopped for me. This set was very sexy.
I put on a scoop-neck shirt and slacks, then checked my new phone again. To my surprise, it was already filled with messages from Mama and two from Cassidy. I listened to hers first.
“Hey, Lina, it’s Cass. I miss you already. How’s it going? Did ‘it’ happen? Call me when you have a chance.”
Second message.
“Okay. My head’s exploding over here. There’s a huge rumor out there. You must call me back, lady. I’m dying here, Gorgeous.”
I laughed and played the last message.
“It’s your mother again. Call me back. Now, Adelina.”
I furrowed my brows . What’s the rush? In the past eight years, she’d acted more like a sister than a mother. My grandparents were the ones who did the disciplining, not her. If something was wrong, they’d have told me. So I decided to call Cassidy, who answered with a scream.
I held the phone away from my ear and laughed.
“Tell me it’s true?” she said excitedly.
I grinned and walked over and sat down on the leather couch. “Yes. It’s true.”
“You’re marrying the Rocco Marini?” she whispered into the phone.
“Yes. I’m marrying Rocco Marini,” I repeated, and it was just as outrageous hearing me say it out loud.
Cassidy screamed again. “Oh, my God. We were joking about it and now it’s actually happening. Unbelievable. But wow, Rocco Marini. Is it still…arranged?” she asked softly.
“Yes, it is,” I said and bit my lip.
“Wow, I didn’t know the Marinis were also into arranged marriages. I guess you can never know. Now I understand why Mr. M sent you all those gift boxes.”
My stomach sank. “Yes, I guess so. But it kinda bothers me.” I always thought of him as a friend. It hadn’t been easy to build a friendship because I didn’t trust men, but he was patient and kind. So is Rocco so far.
“So, he had a motive. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. He was nice and you liked him. I mean it worked out in the end. It’s better your husband will be Rocco. Right?”
“Yeah, I suppose,” I said and took a deep breath.
“Was he the one you were going to marry all this time?”
“No, I was supposed to marry Willy Ashford.” I filled Cassidy in as much as I could, excluding why he had decided to not marry me.
“Wait, I’m doing a search…Yikes. I mean the man’s ancient. What the hell?” she grumbled when I told her he’s marrying my cousin Lana.
“He was sort of nice,” I scrunched up my face.
“Nice? He’s basically going for a child bride. Gross.”
I didn’t answer though I agreed. Lana was much too young for him.
“Now seriously, I don’t like the arranged part, but if I had to be I’d choose Rocco. He’s sexy as hell. I can say that until you’re married, right?” Her voice raised an octave. She was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and I loved her for it. But I loved her joking too, as it made life less stressful.
“You can,” I said grinning. “But you should see him in person. I mean. Whoa. He’s breathtaking.” I sent an emoji of a person fanning herself.
Cassidy burst out laughing when she checked the text. “Brag much? I hate you, but I love this for you.”
I bit my smile and stretched out on my back on the couch. “Thank you. But it’s still all new.”
“So, what’s he like in person?”
I told her about what happened from the moment he picked me up until now.
“Helicopters, lunch in the village, and swing dance lessons. You did all that, Adelina?” she said cheerfully.
I touched my warm face and twirled the ends of my hair. “Yes. It was incredible.”
“God, I love it. You’re finally stepping outside your shell. So, did you kiss him?”
I chuckled. “No. It hasn’t even been a day.”
“Okay, okay. But he’s the husband-to-be so you can kiss the man. He said he wants to be your lover; if he said that to me I’d have jumped him in the car.”
“You wouldn’t have.” I said, laughing.
“Probably not, but I’d have wanted to see if he can kiss at least…So, five weeks to a destination wedding in Italy. I better be invited.”
“You’re more than invited. I want to know if you’d mind being my maid of honor.” My pulse sped up.
“Oh, my God. Of course I will.” She let out a sob. “I’m honored, Sis. There’s nothing that will keep me from seeing you happy.”
My eyes stung. “Thank you, Cass.”
“But jokes aside. How do you really feel Lina?”
I blew out my breath. “I feel out of my depth.”
“Don’t worry. He’s done a bunch of things already to try to make you comfortable. That’s important. You also have a chance to spend time together. Use it. Just talk to him. See what you have in common. Let him romance you. It only works if you work at it. I’m also here to cheer you on anytime. Okay?” The line engaged, and I checked the number. Mama calling again. “I have to go. I’ll call you soon.”
“Love you and we’ll talk soon. I’ll see about coming to Italy early.”
“Oh, I hope you can. Love you too, Cass. Sorry I didn’t ask about how you’re doing—”
“Don’t be. We’ll talk again soon. Love you.”
My heart warmed and I ended our call. The line engaged again, and I answered.
“It’s about time I reached you.”
I rolled my eyes. “Hello, Mama. How are you?” I deadpanned.
“Don’t take that tone with me, young lady. Yes, there is something wrong. I don’t understand why you’re staying in New York this week. Where are you?”
I sat up on the couch. “I’m in a hotel in Tribeca. It’s a penthouse.”
She scoffed down the line. “Rocco took you to a hotel? Only whores go to hotels.”
I tightened my jaw. “Gee, thanks, Mama.”
“I don’t mean you are, you know that. It’s just not proper. You could have stayed with Rocco’s relatives—”
“Stay with people I haven’t met?” I huffed. “No thanks.”
“Your uncle Lawrence offered, but my mother put her foot down. I can’t believe it.”
“Fine by me.” I pursed my lips.
Grandmother refusing Uncle Lawrence didn’t surprise me. She thought him too lenient. But Mama seemed clueless. She had been gone for sixteen years. I doubt she knows, or she would tell me.
“They’re falling all over Rocco because he’s a billionaire. Your grandfather offered to have a family dinner at their estate, which was a generous offer. But he turned them down for a splashy dance hall. He arranged flights and cars for a few hours, spending like a gambler drunk on a winning streak.” Her tone was downright snotty. She was already making him sound like my horrible father, and she hadn’t even met him yet.
“It’s his money, Mama. Isn’t marrying me to a wealthy family what you all wanted?” I grumbled and rolled my eyes. Now marrying well isn’t enough?
“It is, but I expect him to behave appropriately. He’s treating you like he’s not planning to keep you. I expected him to bring you into his family, not leave you at a hotel.”
It’s better than the seedy motel Judge Colby had us staying in at the end. The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I didn’t dare say them. Even when I disagreed with Mama, I avoided retriggering her trauma.
“Did he…Rocco, make a move on you?” she asked gingerly.
I suppressed my laugh. “You mean did he try to have sex with me?”
“Yes. Rocco took you to a hotel. He must have made a move?”
My mouth went dry. “What happened to getting things going with Rocco fast?” I asked coyly. She told me to try to get pregnant; my grandmother told me the opposite. Neither one could make up their minds. There was a lot at stake for this wedding: my grandparent’s future, Mama and Jacob’s security.
The line went quiet, and I sat up. “Mama, you there?”
She sighed. “I am here, Adelina. I know you’re older, but as I explained to Rocco, when I spoke with him, you’re a virgin. You’ve never dated and didn’t have good male role models until you were fourteen—”
“You, what ?” My voice erupted, a mixture of disbelief and anger. I shot up from my seat. “Why on earth did you tell him that?” My face warmed. Rocco hadn’t mentioned it at all when we had lunch or during the lesson. He was nice and I had fun with him. He flirted, but he didn’t even try to kiss me. Not even when he slid the ring on my finger.
“What did I say that wasn’t true, Adelina?”
I balled my fist. What does she know about role models in my life? She’s been gone for most of the last eight years. “Grandfather and Grandmother are my role models. They taught me the importance of family and duty. I am the one who should decide if I want him to know about my past or personal life. It’s too late to mother me now.”
She never cared for my privacy or boundaries, and we both knew I never had a childhood. All I did was fight to take care of her.
The line fell silent. Had I been too harsh? My stomach lurched. I never wanted to hurt her, especially now that I knew why she took us to my grandparents. She had a mental break and couldn’t take care of me. She didn’t leave me because she wanted to. “Mama, I’m sorry. I’m grateful you helped us. I love you.”
“I know, Adelina…I have regrets. Many. But you’re defending Rocco too much already, just like I did with your father. You can’t even see he’s charming you into his bed to ruin you for another match—”
“What other match? We signed our marriage license today.” My voice strained, and a wave of panic churned my stomach.
“He…is, but…well, you’re not officially married yet.” Her voice wavered, adding to my growing unease.
My hand tightened on the phone. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing you don’t already know. Things have a way of changing. Just like what happened with the Ashfords. Just be careful. See you at the engagement party.” She spoke in a rushed tone.
I responded just as fast. “Okay. See you.”
Bile rose in my throat as I stared at the phone. Mama often had a way of putting pressure on me to get her way. Did she want me to insist Rocco let me stay with his family? Sorry, Mama, but no way. It felt good to be alone in my own space doing whatever I wanted. If our families started to fight, would Rocco end our marriage before it started?
Chime. An incoming text message.
Rocco: Sorry, Adelina. I’m tied up with work that I must finish before our trip. I enjoyed our lunch, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
I put the phone down and buried my face in my hands, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment at Rocco’s message. In some respects, I felt relief. But, contrary to what I’d read about him online, I wanted more of his company. He’d surprised me…and I could see myself liking my husband, even though I never believed I would.
But then my mama’s words came back to me.
“It is, but I expect him to behave appropriately. He’s treating you like he’s not planning to keep you. I expected him to bring you into his family, not leave you at a hotel.”
Will I end up as jaded as she did? Is that my ultimate destiny?
Loveless…and still alone?