Page 32 of The Billionaire's Pact

“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?

Soft waves hummed in the background of the low-lit sea-green room, giving me the illusion of floating in water. The masseuse’s hands were warm and heavenly as they worked over the stiff knots in my muscles. I’d gone from room to room: enjoying a facial, mani-pedi, and a full wax, the last thing I would typically do.

My head rolled through a film of yesterday. Rocco had packed so many things in a short time, and I was as surprised as Cassidy had been that I went for it. That had been me, in a helicopter and swing dancing in the middle of the day. Unbelievable. But somehow, Rocco made it all seem so natural. He was candid with me about his life and goals, and to my surprise, he supported my going for my dreams and passions. I was also captivated by his charm and how he treated me as if I were beautiful. I was on such a high and would have stayed there if I hadn’t spoken to Mama. Yes, I had ignored her, but I hadn’t expected her hostility. She put down everything he had done for me. Why couldn’t I enjoy the lifestyle they all had regularly?

Grandmother rode their horses at the stable I hadn’t been privy to. Grandfather golfed around the world regularly. They shopped, traveled, took vacations to their other estates. Even my eighteen-year-old cousin Lana had flown off to Europe with her friends on her graduation trip. Most of the time I pretended to have a blind eye, mainly because they complained about Mama’s extravagant lifestyle growing up and not wanting to spoil me in case I became selfish. Or because of all the money they’d lost from whatever my father had done. My college education was expensive; Jacob’s care was even more costly. That’s all I ever asked for. It was a sin to covet. I wasn’t hungry. Yet, there were times I wanted more. But Mama always said, once you’re married, you’ll have it.

My family duty came first, and after, I would support my husband by having his children, and then it’ll be my time. I’ll paint, travel, and illustrate. Maybe I’d even have that art institute one day. But why one day? Why not try to have more now? Rocco seemed open to it.

But that wasn’t what really bothered me. I told him you were a virgin and that you’d never been alone with a grown man. I hung out with guys at times in college, but I just didn’t date them. It was completely unacceptable. What had she expected? Did she believe she could control him? Or is she trying to get him to change his mind? Mama had also said our arranged marriage could change….

Hands pressed harder on my back. I gritted my teeth.

“Your muscles are tense. Concentrate on your breath. Inhale, exhale. Count in your head.”

I followed the advice, and after a while, I let myself drift.

When it was over, I changed and returned to the hotel room. Rocco had left a text message on my phone.

Rocco: Held up in Brooklyn Heights. Maybe for an hour or so.

Adelina: Okay. Thanks for letting me know.

I went to the bedroom and stretched out on the mattress, which formed to my body. Ahh. I sank in and rested my back. Just a few minutes…

Mmm. My eyes remained shut, unwilling to open and wake fully. I was boneless, sinking deeper into the mattress. Something different crossed my senses, but my mind refused to focus. The silkiness of the lace thong against my skin… bare. I slipped my hand down underneath the fabric and slid my hand against the smooth mound. Mmm. A tingling sensation coursed through me from the touch. I was very aware of my pulsing clit. I moved down further. My fingers circled it. “Ohh.” It felt so good. My eyes blinked open, and the haze lifted, as if a beacon directed my gaze. It zeroed in on Rocco. He was standing near the door, staring at me. His eyes filled with surprise.

I quickly moved my hand and flipped over to face away from him. My pulse pounded so hard I could feel it in my ears. I gulped air to steady my breath, but it came out like a moan. Oh no!

“Adelina, I—”

“I thought…I thought I-I was alone,” I stuttered.

“You were, but I sent a message to tell you I’m here. You didn’t answer, so I came to check on you….”

My body stiffened. I had only checked my phone earlier, and the volume was off. “Oh, I didn’t hear….” I said, my voice muffled. It hadn’t occurred to me that he’d have a key, or that he would come into the room.

“I also hadn’t expected to find you like that. I’m sorry.” His voice sounded nearer as the mattress dipped. His closeness was a pressure on my awareness, impossible to ignore. He placed his hand on my hip, and a thrill went down my spine. “Let’s talk about it—”

“I don’t want to,” I mumbled quickly.

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