CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
L ondon, lover.
London hit like an explosion from a powder keg. We landed and went to the city’s heart, and just like NYC, the metropolitan area brought a vigorous urgency to the air. It had the familiar bustling of tourists and locals rushing from posh retail shops to Union Jack-flagged pubs. And like every American visitor from across the pond, my attention gravitated towards everything I thought of as British: the vibrant red of the double-decker buses, tall furry hats of the seemingly stoic King’s Guards, and the majestic opulence of Buckingham Palace. They still have Kings and Queens. Of course, America had its own rich to worship, and while I spent a good portion of my time mocking the obsession, I could no longer throw stones . I’m married to one. Not only that, but I loved the lifestyle, traveling by jet around the world to upscale mansions in designer clothes and visiting famous friends . It’s all so surreal.
“Adelina,” Rocco’s voice strained with frustration. He’d stopped his call to fuss at me as I attempted to take a selfie out the window when there was a pause in traffic. The photo of me and the bottom of a double-decker bus was blurry, but I hadn’t given up.
We only had time for our couples’ lunch with Nadia and Paul and their concert at the arena before I returned to New York City. While he was off to raise money in Italy. Rocco wanted to give me a send-off after our honeymoon instead of sending me back alone from Mustique Island. It made me feel better, but I knew I’d miss him.
“You can take as many photos as you want next time.”
“But it won’t be the same as the first time. I want to capture how I feel right now.” I dipped my head and grinned, and a flutter rose in my stomach. Happy. In love?
I beamed over at Rocco, and from the light in his gaze and the enduring smile on his lips, I knew he’d relent. “You’re always saying capture the moment.”
“I do, but you think you have me wrapped around your finger,” he pretended to be annoyed. Still, he returned to his call, leaving me to take more selfies by the open window.
“Oh,” he said hesitantly.
My head turned from the window. “What’s up?”
“Miles will be there. Their four-year-old.”
“Is that a surprise?”
“Yes, he stays mostly in Paris, and I believe he has started école maternelle, French early school. Nadia wants him to become fluent in multiple languages, especially French, since she usually works there. But I guess since they have to travel, he had to come with them.”
Rocco didn’t seem opposed to it. Our children will also have to live that reality if we want to stay together and not send them away to boarding schools. A flutter went through my chest. Having a child with Rocco didn’t scare me anymore. Why not?
The car was quiet, letting me know he ended his call. Glancing his way, I found he was already studying me.
“What?” I said nervously.
“You’re thinking about kids?”
I tensed, averting my eyes. “I was thinking of our future.”
“Bella?” I glanced back, and the corner of his mouth lifted. “I am, too, but not our first year. We’ve got a lot going on. It still annoys me my grandpa tried to force us.”
I lifted my shoulder. “Maybe he had a diagnosis and knew he was dying?”
He frowned. “Not possible. Grandpa had quarterly health check-ups as a provision to lead the board and trust. It’s all legally binding, even for us.”
Rocco was right. I had regular health checks to make sure I could have children. As part of my arranged marriage agreements, I even had my eggs stored in case I developed a health problem. However, Luca was clever.
Rocco opened his mouth, then closed it and rubbed his chin. It seemed he was thinking the same as I did. It wasn’t impossible to hide something. He hid what he’d done to my family for many years. “I know he’d never want us to worry. Anyway, Gunnar’s looking at that angle as well. I don’t wish to rule it out, but I don’t want his legacy overshadowed by an illness.”
I held my tongue, but I didn’t believe Luca deserved the discretion after what he’d done to Rocco. He should use the information if Luca’s judgment was compromised. He could use it to take his rightful place as the Marini successor. Also, he wouldn’t have to fight in court or schmooze for money from his investors.
“Let’s not dwell on that. This is your first trip to London,” Rocco said, changing the subject. “What do you think so far?”
“It’s a lot like New York, but not,” I said and laughed. “I’m also excited and nervous to see Paul and Nadia.”
“Don’t be. They already love you.”
“They don’t know me.”
“They don’t have to know everything. They’re a lot like me. We don’t look for things not to love. If you approach life like that, you’ll find you love a lot more.”
I grinned. “That’s deep.”
He chuckled and returned his phone to his blazer. “I can go even deeper.”
I covered my warm cheeks.
“I meant your pocket, Adelina.”
My brows rose in surprise, having not noticed it until now. Had he slipped something in it? My hand went in and brushed over a velvet case.
“A present?” I blinked rapidly, my pulse speeding.
“Take it out.”
My hands trembled as I took the box out of my pocket. Then I opened it and gasped. It was a wrap-beaded bracelet of diamonds and pearls with a locket. “Why did you get me a present?”
“Because I want to. Those diamonds and pearls are rare beauties born out of fire and fight. That’s you, Adelina. And that lock holding it is me. It means you’re mine, and you belong to me. Even far away, I have you. Our bond is soul deep.”
“Oh, Rocco.” I let out a sob, and fanned my eyes, as he placed it on my wrist, trailing his fingers over each stone and pearl, as if he was imprinting himself on it. It wasn’t just a gift, it held meaning. He understood my need to feel special, protected, and cared for. He was letting me know I had it all with him.
“When I return, I expect you to wear this bracelet and nothing else,” he said in a deep, authoritative tone that turned me on.
I let out a shaky breath, and he lifted my wrist and kissed it. “ Te adoro, Bella.”
I was just as wrapped around his finger as he was mine. If he had asked me to do anything, I would have. A pang went through my heart, thinking about what he said. It hurts to think of being without him.
I glanced up and swallowed. He pulled me closer. “Do you like it?”
“I do. So much. It’s beautiful. Thank you so much.” I leaned over and pressed my lips to his. He slanted his mouth and cupped my head, lingering our connection. When we parted, he said, “You’re very welcome.”
Our gazes locked, and I stopped looking out the window and was completely content to sit here in his company.
“Big Ben’s coming up, Adelina,” Zane called back.
I wiggled on the seat and lifted a brow at Rocco.
He grinned wickedly. “Look at you, using your power. You’ll give me everything that wiggle promised. Zane, please stay on the roundabout so Adelina can take a photo. I promise you’ll get the full tour next time.”
Zane had somehow found a way to stay on the roundabout that streamed out lanes of traffic like an elaborate spider web.
Rocco took my phone and mused as I posed, lips puckered next to the open window and pointing at the bottom of Big Ben. It wasn’t a great picture, but at least I had one to send to Cassidy, along with a message.
Adelina: Ello Gov’na. We’re in London, gorgeous!
She replied almost instantly.
Cassidy: Do me a favor and say that to everyone you meet there! LOL
Adelina: Planning on it! LOL
Cassidy: Looking mighty fine with that vacation tan, gorgeous. How was the rest of your honeymoon?
Adelina: So amazing. I didn’t want to leave.
Cassidy: Go back, and I’ll join you. Or send me your lawyer.
Adelina: Gunnar?
Cassidy: Not him. He’s interested in someone that he should go for.
Adelina: Ian?
Cassidy: That’s him. Damn, he’s fine. I want him to give me that stern glare when he ravishes me.
I laughed inwardly. She already had a fantasy, which meant she was definitely interested.
Adelina: Where did you see him?
Cassidy: Arguing a high-profile case for a lecture here, Gah. I almost came from watching him. I’d even skip foreplay. Heck, he could even ghost me. I’d be totally cool with it.
I choked-laughed and wrote back.
Adelina: Dial it back. You’re too thirsty. He’s also way older than you.
Cassidy: Aging like a fine wine. I’m done with the young guys.
Adelina: So, I take it you’ve dumped your study partner?
Cassidy: He was never in the running. Too indecisive. It’s exhausting. I want a man who knows what he wants.
“Hey,” I said to Rocco.
“Yes?”
“Is Ian available to…uhm, date?”
His smile wilted. “I’m not sure. He’s recently widowed.”
He was kind and friendly. It must be hard for him. “How awful. I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Why did you ask?”
“Cassidy found him interesting.”
Rocco smiled. “Okay. How about we invite them over for dinner, then leave it up to them?”
“Great,” I said and typed Cassidy back.
Adelina: Rocco said dinner with Ian when we return.
Cassidy: That’s good. I need to meet the man who is married to my sister. I love you, gorgeous.
My heart burned. “With all that happened, it just came to me that you haven’t met my closest and dearest friend.”
“Then we need to fix that. I’d love to meet her.”
I leaned over and kissed him, and he grinned. Then I replied to Cassidy.
Adelina: Love you like crazy, gorgeous. TTYL.
“We’re here,” Rocco announced as Zane approached the curb. It was a quiet side street, but there were still a few tourists and paparazzi. It must’ve been because of Paul Crane and his sold-out Mid-Summer Nights Concert Charity event at Wembley Stadium.
I quickly took out a hand mirror, powdered my face, and added some gloss to my lips. Then, I adjusted my double-breasted vintage dress and prepared to step out in my slingback heels. It was something Nadia had styled. I hope she likes the way I put it together.
“We’ll give a wave and walk directly inside the restaurant,” Rocco instructed.
Before my eyes, he put on that aura of charisma and star power that he used for modeling and interviews—drop-dead gorgeous and oh-so-sexy . It was such a change from the man who sang on a parasail or carried me on his back at the beach. The paparazzi stepped forward to photograph him, and tourists surged to find out who he was.
“Ready?” He took my hand and kissed it, and then we climbed out of the car to camera shutters flashing. The press called questions.
“We hear you’re short on investors. Is Marini Studios still happening?”
“Care to comment on Marjorie Storm’s lawsuit? Is it because of your previous engagement with her or the surprise baby?”
I cursed and bit my cheek, keeping my expression blank. However, even without a reaction, the press continued taking photos. Lawsuit?
Rocco hadn’t mentioned it. I knew the trip to the Dolomites, the Italian Alps, had more to do with his studio than skiing, but hadn’t known he was short on investors.
“How did they know we’d be here?” I asked Rocco once inside.
He blew out his breath. “People tell them. You’ll get used to it. Don’t worry.”
My tension eased at his assuredness. I followed him as we took the stairs to the second floor, which was mostly empty. And at the top was the power couple, Nadia and Paul. They both dressed to the highest degree and were stunning. I mean, wow. She was beautiful in a male-styled suit, complete with a tie. And Paul wore something similar. His handsome face made it hard to look away from him, but then little Paul, Miles, came forward with an extended hand to me. He had a lovely head of thick black waves and bright blue eyes. He’s a little Paul in a suit.
“Hello, I’m Miles,” he said, holding out his hand to formally shake.
I smiled at his politeness and shook his hand. “Very nice to meet you, Miles. I’m Adelina.”
“Hey man,” Rocco greeted him, tossing his curls with his hand. “How about a flight?”
Miles snorted. “Flying is for babies. I’m a big boy.”
Rocco’s mouth dropped open. “Oh…okay.”
Miles’s pout turned into a fit of giggles. Nadia and Paul joined in.
“So you’ve picked up Paul’s humor, eh, Miles? Nadia, you, too?” Rocco said and tsked.
“Miles’s idea,” Nadia said, laughing.
“They were right. It’s funny,” Miles said in a squeaky voice and giggled. He turned his head, and his eyes widened. “Oncle Laurence,” Miles yelled cheerfully. He rushed over to an older man in a tailored suit who had to be Laurence. The man scooped him up, and Miles kissed both his cheeks.
I glanced around questioningly because what I’d known about Paul was that he only had one sister, Jane.
“Laurence is our personal manager, and he’s also family,” Nadia explained.
“That’s right,” Paul concurred. “He’s family. Laurence?” he called the man and he walked over, and I stood to shake his hand as they introduced us.
“Beautiful wife you have there. How did you get so lucky, Rocco?”
Rocco laughed and hugged him. “Yeah, I feel lucky every day.”
“Can we go now?” Miles announced. “I don’t want to be last.”
“Okay,” Paul told him.
“Allons-y,” Miles shouted in a high-pitched squeal, and I fought not to say “aww.” It was so cute.
Nadia took my hand and led me away. “How are you holding up? I know it’s hard with the press and public constantly following you with cameras and stories.”
I nodded. “It’s hard. They made up a baby. I tried to avoid looking online, but sometimes I want to defend myself, but I’m afraid.”
She nodded and sighed. “I know, but it’s better not to do it. I’ve found it only makes things worse. I’m also available whenever you want to vent. When I return to New York, I hope we can go out, and see more of each other? I can show you my favorite places.”
I beamed at her. “I’d love that.”
Her eyes shifted and she turned her head. “Hey, Miles. You’re not leaving yet. We get goodbyes first.”
Miles ran back, and we all left the booth so he could kiss all of our cheeks. He then went to Laurence and held his hands up.
Laurence picked him up and flew him around with Miles’s arms outstretched like a superhero.
“Hey, I wanted to do that,” Rocco complained, and that made us all laugh at him.
“You laughing at me, too, Bella? Where’s the Marini loyalty?”
I placed my arms around him. “You can fly me around later.”
He gave me one of his fiery looks. “I will.”
We hugged each other, then turned back to Paul and Nadia, who both stared with big smiles.