CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“O h, the ring. How did I miss it,” Nadia came over to look at it. “It’s stunning, Adelina.”
“Thank you,” I said, holding out my hand. It was the most extravagant thing I’d ever had. I glanced over at Rocco, and he was talking to Paul, but his focus was on me. I bit back my smile, and he left where he was standing and came over to stand with me.
Chime. The Crane’s doorbell rang. The sound of people arriving filtered up the stairs, letting us know their gathering had started. We went down, and the living room soon filled with people. Some were on couches with hosts bringing out food and drinks.
Rocco introduced me around. My face was hot, but I smiled and shook hands. Most were musicians. Some were at the top of their careers. The A-listers showing up was wild. There were people I’d seen in movies and television shows, as well as at concerts in person, and online. It brought a buzz to the air as they greeted each other. Everyone seemed comfortable, chatting and laughing. Then, Nadia walked up on the platform, and we all gave her an applause. She playfully bowed, then announced, “The tavern has opened, and you all are hired. But you must perform, or you’ll get no supper.”
The guests made annoyed noises, but there was excitement as they prepared to participate.
Paul took his place at the piano, and the guest started calling songs for him to play. Rocco leaned over my ear. “Sometimes the choice is made for you.”
I furrowed my brow. “I won’t have to perform. Right?”
He grinned and held up his hands. “I hold no power here.”
My jaw dropped, and I shook my head. He squeezed my hand. “You’ll be fine.”
“Play A Sonnet to Love ,” someone behind us called out.
“ Appassionata ,” a woman on the end of the couch yelled.
Another said, “Play Ginuwine’s, Pony .”
That earned them a wicked look from Paul. “A classic,” he said before he began to play a slow version of the song, and the crowd roared. A man stood, pulled off his shirt, and danced while another playfully slipped a napkin into his pants. We all laughed.
Paul switched to playing his hit song, “ A Sonnet to Love .” Nadia moved and stood next to the piano, and the song took on a romantic ambiance. The classical, flawless ebb and flow made it a treasure to the ears and senses. I was fascinated.
When it ended, Rocco called out. “Nadia, sing ‘ Beyond the Sea .’”
She beamed at Rocco. “For you and all the lovers.”
A man got up, picked up a trumpet, and Nadia started playing the song with Paul’s piano. She swayed as her flawless soprano filled the room. The song was always a favorite of mine, and I couldn’t believe I was witnessing her sing it. Her rendition turned jazzy, and she snapped her fingers. A couple got up and started to dance. It was so amazing, I wished I could record it all on my phone.
A guy near us cupped his hand and called, “En Fran?ais, Nadia.”
Nadia seamlessly switched from Bobby Darin to the French version of Charles Trenet’s La Mer mid-verse. Two other people from the crowd picked up a violin and a guitar. Paul stood and gave her a deep kiss, which brought on a roar from us seated, including me.
When we quieted down, Nadia called out, “Rocco, get up here.”
I turned to him, and my heartbeat quickened.
He stood and went forward with a roar from the crowd.
My mouth gaped. Rocco sings?
Rocco gazed at me. “I’m singing, ‘ Quanto è Bella, Quanto è Cara ,’ an aria from the Italian Opera L’elisir D’Amore, The Elixir of Love, by Gaetano Donizetti. I dedicate it to a little girl in a skull cap who shrugged me off all those years ago.”
My heart pounded, and I sat on the edge of my seat. I recognized it as the song Mr. Luca Marini, his grandfather, had sang the night we met at the Croton Reservoir. Rocco’s voice was a rich tenor, and him singing opera was a full-bodied treat. My eyes watered at the swell of the high notes—he didn’t hold back—and the song vibrated to my soul, gripping my heart. His performance brought the house down. We were all on our feet. I was blown away by his talent and fortitude. He was fearless. I admire that as much as I enjoyed hearing him sing.
But then Rocco came over, took my hand, and pulled me up to my feet. “Your turn, Adelina.”
“No way.” I waved my hands. “Sorry. I don’t sing or follow the next Pavarotti,” I joked, and everyone laughed.
Paul rose and handed me a tambourine. “You can’t eat if you don’t play,” he teased.
I held the tambourine in hand and Paul Crane gave me an impromptu lesson on how to play. This is crazy. I tried hitting and shaking it to his claps.
A female took over the piano, and on the spot, I learned to play along to the Beatles’, “ Got to Get You into My Life .” Someone took the drums while another picked up a second trumpet. A male singer took a microphone, and we were now performing as a band!
I laughed as I shook and hit the tambourine in the way Paul had showed me. My eyes went to Rocco, who gave me a broad smile and thumbs up.
The song ended, and everyone clapped.
“That’s it. I’m taking Adelina on tour,” Rocco called out.
They laughed, and I covered my warm face. Rocco came over, took my hand, and guided me from the living room to the balcony. The night sky was full of stars, and a warm wind blew across us. I pushed my hair back and turned to him with my hands over my open mouth. Whoa. Did that really happen?
“How was that for you?” he asked, grinning.
I couldn’t stand still. I bounced on my feet and turned around in a circle. “Amazing. I am in shock; I can’t believe I did that,” I said excitedly. Joy bloomed inside my chest, intermixed with exhilaration. I could already picture in my head a vision of the night I couldn’t wait to paint. It was like fire in my veins, and I was eager to capture it.
I stared at Rocco in astonishment and shook my head, smiling. “Wow. I didn’t know you were a professional singer.”
The balcony was bright enough that I didn’t miss his warm gaze. “I was classically trained, but I’m not a professional. Like most of my family, I have a love for opera.”
“You were fantastic,” I gushed. “How do you get up and perform?”
“I had to,” he said simply. “From the moment I was born, we had the press on us. My parents went the direction of Hollywood: acting, television productions. So I learned early to give interviews, and took lessons.”
I grinned. “You’re great at it.”
“Thank you.” He sighed. “Business and politics is what the family wants for me. But even with their wants, I have my own passions to pursue, like singing.”
I gazed off dreamily, thinking about how fortunate he was to have choices. “Yeah, maybe I’ll go on the road and play a tambourine.”
“I’d go see you, Adelina.” His voice was deep, almost hoarse.
My eyes returned to him and his gaze bore into mine, mesmerizing. I couldn’t look away.
He came closer, clasped my face, and lifted it. I blinked up at him expectantly, my pulse accelerating. His mouth brushed mine like silk slipping on the skin—so soft. Then he pressed in. It sent shivers through me that made my whole body tremble. My lips parted, his tongue sliding in a lustful glide against mine, melting my demeanor. And I wanted more than anything for his kiss to linger.
He responded, moving his hands to my waist, and pulling me closer. Our bodies were clothed, but I could feel his strong firmness beneath the suit. Pleasure coursed through me like a live wire. It was electric. My breasts tightened. I remembered how he’d rubbed my clit and I burned, arching my back to feel more of his body pressed to mine. His kiss grew more urgent, hotter, and stronger. His hands moving down my back to grip my ass. Mmm . I’d fallen under a spell. So eager, so needy. Rocco slowly eased our lips apart, and I drew in a breath.
A flash of light and the sound of a camera shutter crossed my senses. My awareness returned like the startle of ice water poured over me.
My head lowered, and I practically jumped back, creating a space between us. “I’m sorry. Excuse me.”
Rocco’s fingers brushed my hot cheek. “Don’t be. I’m not. Nadia and Paul like to have photographers at the parties. They give us a chance to keep the photos later.”
His gaze was soft as he cupped my face. “You’re sweet.” He kissed my forehead. A tingle spread through me from his brief contact. Buzz . His phone vibrated. He sighed. “I’ll be right with you.”
He let me go, and I ran my hands over the goosebumps on my arms. I fought hard not to stare at him. I’d been too willing whenever we touched. It was all new for me, but there was a longing inside me that craved it. I wouldn’t form a deeper connection with him, though. I learned to be far more careful with my heart. With…emotions. But I could admit that Rocco worked fast and was dangerous to me in every way.
Bonding with Judge Colby had made my mother weak. Her love had outweighed her self-preservation. He’d broken her body and mind, but he’d always known he could return to her because he owned her heart.
That was why I needed to control myself. Rocco was just being friendly. But he sang a song, dedicating it to us. And thinking about it made my heart flutter at his thoughtfulness.
What did I do with that?