CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
W e sat down for brunch while we waited. I took a cornetto and espresso, and Rocco had waffles, eggs, and sausages. “You barely eat.”
“I eat when I’m hungry,” I told him, adding fruit to my plate.
He studied me quietly for a few minutes. “You run a few miles a day, but you only eat a full meal at dinner.”
My lips parted. Does anything ever get past him? “Ask the doctor when she gets here,” I joked.
“I just might,” he told me while squeezing my hand. I loved how touchy-feely Rocco was. Every time he did, it charmed me, and made me feel special.
But truth be told, I wasn’t eating because I was nervous about the doctor’s appointment. Isla had arranged for a house call instead of a public trip to the clinic. Rocco wasn’t exactly low profile, especially in Italy. He had international campaigns for Versace, Bulgari, and soon Ferrari. Isla walked in with a wave to both of us and handed over a portfolio of new contracts for him to sign. I could easily see why. He was the quintessential attractive, stylish man. But I knew him differently. He was becoming a new friend. And lover.
Rocco was so passionate and attentive. Even sitting with him now, I wanted him on me, deep inside me again. I coughed to cover my thoughts and breathed faster. Rocco reached over and rubbed my thigh.
We continued our breakfast while Rocco quietly murmured to Isla, who took notes. “Oh, Lorenzo called about Midsummer Nights,” she told him.
“It’s a masquerade ball,” Isla said cheerily.
Rocco’s brows pulled together, and he shook his head.
Isla quickly tucked the invite away.
“Is it? I love Shakespeare,” I said excitedly.
He huffed. “Shakespeare is what it’s supposed to be, but in the hands of my cousin, it’s Caligula’s den. He’s hosting this year, so that makes it a pass.”
I pretended to whine. “But it sounds exciting.”
He let out a shaky laugh. “You have no idea. But, hmm, maybe I shouldn’t stifle your new sexual exploration.”
My cheeks heated, and I glanced at Isla’s impassive expression. She’s probably heard worse, but still, I’m not used to it.
Rocco touched my arm and eyed me shrewdly. “You’re embarrassed?”
The doorbell rang, and my pulse jumped. Rocco handed the papers back to Isla, but I waved at him to stay seated. “Please, stay here. I’ll be fine.”
“Isla could translate for you if you got stuck?” Rocco suggested.
Isla gave me a nod.
I shook my head. “I can speak enough Italian to talk about it.”
The housekeeper, Rose, came in with a small older woman with a medical bag. I went stiff waiting for Rocco to insist on sitting in on my appointment, but he only greeted the doctor and returned to his meeting.
I exhaled the breath I was holding and followed the doctor with the housekeeper to a guest room on the ground floor.
“I’m Doctor Vitale. I speak English, so you can speak freely.”
“Great, thank you.” I shook her hand. We went inside the room, and she sat behind the desk, and I pulled up a chair.
She took out a notepad and pen. “Date of your last period?”
“May seventeenth,” I said.
Her brows rose. “You know the exact date.”
“Yes, I do,” I nodded.
If my grandmother hadn’t been so adamantly obsessed with my uterus, I wouldn’t have remembered. Still, I double checked using the calendar on my phone. My last period was a week before graduation. Three weeks ago? I rechecked the calendar. An appointment caught my eye.
Yarwood Springs FaceTime with Jacob 1 p.m.
Dr. Vitale checked my pulse. “You can send me the information from your last medical checkup. Just sign this release.”
I filled out a form and handed it back to her.
“I understand from your fiancé, that you are exclusive?” Her voice raised an octave.
I smoothed my damp hands down the front of my dress. “Yes. I was sexually active for the first time yesterday. We used condoms.”
Her brows rose. “Okay, I’ll check your vitals and do an exam.”
Dr. Vitale went at a slow pace and checked in with me to see how I was feeling as she checked over my pulse and heart. It put me at ease as she did the rest of the physical exam. Even though I’d been checked at the college clinic not that long ago, I was a bit nervous that she’d find something. However, she smiled and said, “You’re healthy.” Then she gave me time and privacy to put my clothes back on.
When I returned from the bathroom, I sat down on the edge of the bed, and Dr. Vitale took a seat at the desk in the room. “Now, let’s discuss birth control. I can give you pills, a shot, or the implant.”
“How long does the shot last?” I asked.
Dr. Vitale took out three boxes and some pamphlets and placed them on the desk. “Three months, and you’ll have to come back for another one. The pill would depend on you remembering to take them. I would suggest the implant if you want long-term birth control.”
The implant was too permanent. The shot gave me time, but I didn’t have much of it, and if anything happened, I’d be in trouble. “I’ll take the pill.”
She handed me the box. “All right. You take one a day for twenty-one days, then a week break for your period. I’ll leave a prescription for more. They don’t protect from diseases, so get regular checkups.”
“Thank you very much,” I said and shook her hand again. I left for the bathroom and filled a cup of water to take the first pill, then returned to her in the bedroom.
She smiled. “Communication is the most important part of a marriage. Plan ahead with your partner, understand?”
“Yes, I do.” I shook her hand. “Thank you.”
Rocco was near the door when I got out. The corner of his mouth had turned down when she said the pill. However, he shook her hand, then walked her out to the car.
When he returned, I braced myself for a fight, but he gazed at me tenderly. “I’ll put the pill in my calendar to help you remember.”
I had expected Rocco to control me like my grandparents and Mama had, but he didn’t. Instead, he treated me with respect. That somehow empowered me. And I also felt validated that I could actually be a full adult without supervision from my grandparents. That was definitely something I didn’t expect in my arranged marriage.
A soft smile spread across his lips. “You’re not staying inside today. We’re going to the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia.”
My lips parted in awe as excitement swirled in my stomach. “Uffizi Gallery?”
He clasped my waist. “Yes.”
I hugged him, and he laughed. “Wow. Okay…uhm, I left something upstairs.”
I left to collect my laptop and sent a quick message to Cindy, confirming I’d be there for the call with Jacob.
After a short search, I found a leather case to carry it in and headed back downstairs. Rocco gave the bag to his driver, Rick, and we walked out with him to the Bentley out front. Once we were settled inside, we moved off the estate, heading to the center of town. Like before, there were lots of tourists crowding the famous museum. A thrill went through me. I was getting the chance to stand before the art masterpieces I’d seen only in books.
We left the car, and Rocco placed his arm around my waist. “Art is something to see over a lifetime.”
“A lifetime? We only have like a few hours,” I mused.
“Yes, that’s the point. Time holds meaning; it’s not stagnant. Seeing Botticelli as a child means something completely different as an adult.”
He greeted someone at the front, and we were shown right in. I felt a twinge of guilt for skipping the long line, but I was excited to go see the famous artwork. We decided to head straight to Botticelli’s work. Once we reached it, I had to agree with Rocco about time.
We gazed over the incredible Primavera, Spring ; Botticelli’s depiction of nine mythical figures on a flowery field with orange and laurel trees.
“To me now, it’s….” I hesitated. It’s falling in love .
Rocco pointed at the god Zephyrus. “The mighty wind of Zephyrus is change, stripping away the innocence of the maiden nymph Chloris. She’s ripe, full, and sensual. And together, they are no match for love’s arrow.” He moved to the Cupid above. “That pierces their passion and gives birth to love. Venus is knowledge and abundance. The muse’s dance is the sex, and Mercury blesses with good fortune and fertility. That’s how I see the painting now.”
My skin heated. “That’s a very different take from what I heard in college, but I love your interpretation. It’s very…sensual.”
“Yes, it is. I thought the same when we kissed on the street in Siena. You’ve inspired me.”
My heart skipped a beat.
Rocco’s gaze shifted over my face, his expression impish. He kissed my lips, then my neck, right where he had sucked on it earlier when he was deep inside me. I shivered, and my breath hitched. His nose brushed behind my ear. “I want to fuck you here.” His tone was deep, seductive.
I shuddered, my heart beating faster. “Rocco.” I tried to admonish him, but my voice was breathless. There were people all around us, some even staring.
I pushed his chest, and touched my warm face. He cocked an eyebrow, challenging me.
“Oh, my God. You’re serious? No…no way. Let’s get the book from the gift shop and move on.” I shook my head, touching my smile.
Rocco chuckled. “As you wish, soon-to-be Mrs. Marini.”
We didn’t leave, but went on to Botticelli’s life-size painting of The Birth of Venus .
Rocco gazed admiringly. “Everything about a woman’s body is so beautiful. This is a celebration of form. It’s one of my favorites.”
“Mine, too,” I said and beamed at it. “It was one of my dreams to see this in person. It’s one of the paintings that inspired me to draw. I used to draw on everything, anything.”
“Your paintings are vibrant, exciting, and you’re great with form,” he said. “I could see us all in your creation. You captured our passion for the music.”
I beamed at his praise. “I. Wow. Thank you. I have a long way to go, though.”
He squeezed my hand and brushed a kiss on my cheek. “Some things are worth putting time into.”
“Do you think I should do that?” I asked, tentatively.
“Yes, I do. I’ve grown up to appreciate talent and true beauty, Adelina. And I’m not one to joke about talent. I don’t give false praise. Have never seen the point.” He looked so serious, and it made me realize that there were so many facets to this man.
“Thank you for saying that. My family doesn’t really recognize my desire to create art. They’ve squashed that hope, if I’m honest.”
“Then I hope I can keep your dream alive.”
“I’d like that. Thank you. It’s nice to feel empowered, if that makes sense.”
“Complete sense.” He linked his hand with mine and pulled me forward.
We went to see the masterpieces Leonardo Di Vinci’s Annunciation, the shield head of Medusa by Caravaggio, and the power beheading of Holofernes by Judith.
“Power is sexless,” I said. “Women can be as strong—”
“And evil,” he said grimacing. “It’s a powerful work, but unsettling.”
I nodded in agreement.
He wrinkled his nose. “Let’s go back to the Renaissance work.”
I laughed.
“You could show in a gallery one day,” he said.
I stopped walking. “I doubt it.”
“Don’t. Every accomplishment starts with a dream. I was fortunate to have connections,” he acknowledged. “But still the willingness to try. I volunteered to do every position.”
“Did you? I never heard about that,” I said.
He gazed at me. “Even though it feels like it, everything is not captured. It felt good to be anonymous, in a way.”
I stared at him, as I hadn’t expected him to feel that way. He was always out there with so much attention on him. “I’m surprised. I thought you liked the spotlight.”
“I use it to promote my work, but there are times I just want to walk in a gallery,” he said, and I hugged his side. “I like how easy it is with us here.”
It had been like we’re in our own, special cocoon. I also loved the time away.
“I most of all like that I can talk to you,” he said, his eyes shifting over my face.
My pulse sped up. “I love to listen.”
He kissed me on the lips, then checked his watch. “I must cut this short so we have time at the Academia Gallery.”
I checked my phone. The call was in two hours. “Okay.”
Rocco stopped to speak with a few people on our way to the car. By the time we were seated and moving, the traffic was busy. We only made it a block before stopping, waiting to navigate the narrow streets.
My heart accelerated. “Maybe we can go another time?”
“It’s not that far; we’ll be there very soon.
Ten minutes later, we parked a couple of blocks away and had to wade through a huge crowd. Rocco ran into more people he knew, so he introduced me and started a conversation. I put on a smile next to him, but I couldn’t resist checking the time on my phone. Only an hour and fifteen minutes left. The laptop was in the car, and I had no idea where we had parked.
I touched his arm. “Maybe another time?”
He said goodbye to his friend and placed his hand on my back. “Why? We’re almost there, Adelina. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this.”
I went stiff. “I-I can’t right now. I have an important call and barely an hour to make it. Please. Let’s go.” My voice caught.
He lifted my chin to him. “What’s wrong?”
“I have a call scheduled with my brother, Jacob. He’s at Yarwood Springs Care Center. They have him on a set schedule. I-I can’t miss it,” I said nasally and sniffled.
He pulled me into a hug, then made a call, speaking rapidly in Italian. “We’ll make it. I promise.”
The car came within minutes, and we were back on the road. “We’ll go to my grandpa’s home. You can make your call there.”
“Thank you,” I mumbled, my fingers fidgeting on my lap.
He took out his phone and made a call.
However, my eyes were focused out the window, and for once, I wanted the traffic to move faster. After turning a sharp corner, the road opened up to the countryside, and I eased some. We finally turned down a road to a mansion surrounded by fruit trees, and Mr. Marini stood in the front doorway. I rushed forward and into a bear hug.
He patted my back. “Mia dolce, Adelina. There you are.”
“I was wondering when I’d see you,” I said and we clasped hands.
“I’m not one to get in the way of a new couple,” he said in a teasing tone.
I rolled my eyes, and he let out a dry chuckle, hugging me again. “They’ll get stuck like that.”
I laughed.
“We’ll catch up later. Follow me,” he said.
Rocco stared at me, his eyes wide. Perhaps he was caught off guard by our casualness. But it had been that way from the start with his grandfather. He hadn’t looked down on me when I was poor and abused. And he’d given me his friendship when I needed it the most.
We followed him down the hallway. At the end was a guest room with a beautiful bed and oak desk. He had a laptop on it with the internet, and I realized I’d forgotten to ask for mine.
I turned and hugged Mr. Marini again, and he patted my back. It was so good to see him again, and I couldn’t wait to catch up. “There you go, my dear Adelina. You call your brother.”
My eyes stung. “Thank you. Thank you both.”
Rocco kissed me and followed his grandfather out of the room.
My heart expanded. All I had to do was ask . I didn’t know why I was afraid to do so. Only because I never put my own feelings and needs ahead of everyone else. It started long before Rocco. When I had to put Mama back together as a child when she was hurt. Her feelings and safety were always put ahead of my own. Rocco was showing me a different world. One I hoped I’d get to stay in. But it was my time with Jacob now.
I put my worries aside and typed in the address.