Page 28 of The Billionaire's Pact

I licked my lips. “I…I don’t know passion.” I flicked my gaze his way and his was soft on me.

“You will,” he said assertively. “I know I’ll have it for you; I can already feel it.” His voice was deep, and he sounded breathless. I glanced down at his hand on the car seat near my thigh and was distracted by the ache forming between them. I shifted, crossing and uncrossing my legs, as I smoothed my damp hands on my thighs.

He inhaled sharply, his eyes moving boldly down my body as my breathing quickened. My dress felt tight around my nipples that were taut. I didn’t need to speak, my body told him everything. All my inexperience and insecurities were on full display for this worldly man. What must he think to be paired with a woman like me? I wanted to shrink and disappear.

“Fuck. You really don’t know your power,” he said with surprise in his tone, his voice low. “Your sweetness will undo me. I’m eager, Adelina. There are so many things I want to do to you.” He leaned close, and I could feel the heat from his body. His intoxicating scent filled my nostrils.

I took a shaky breath, my heart pounding hard.

“Adelina…I’m a patient man, and I can restrain myself. I won’t even take a kiss unless you want it. But know I want you when you’re ready.”

I sucked in air and stared at his lips and a shudder went down my spine. Desire coursed through me so intensely my clit throbbed. I was so wet and wanted to feel what he wanted to do to me so badly that if Rocco had made a move on me, I doubted I’d have the strength to stop myself. I wanted his hands to touch me more, the press of his lips on mine. But I can’t. I shouldn’t.

The car door opened, and I practically leaped out of the car to escape from the lust that filled it. But even outside on the sidewalk, I failed to recover.

My head lifted, and I found his gaze was hot on me. He waited for that. And for the life of me, I couldn’t look away, not even when the car moved on down the road.

Rocco 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?”

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