Page 37 of The Billionaire's Pact

Her face softened. “Does that bother you? We have an open and friendly relationship. We share a lot with each other. It was hard for me to share my feelings, and I had to be careful what I said to anyone because Paul’s famous. Maybe it’s different for you.” She lowered her head.

“No, it’s really the same, Nadia. I’m kinda in shock, I guess. I-I can’t say much of anything about my life to anyone.” I hunched my shoulders. The pressure to hide everything in my life had taken a toll. Even with Cassidy, there had always been gaps of information I couldn’t fill in but wanted to.

She placed her arm around my shoulder. “That’s a burden you shouldn’t have to hold. Whatever you tell me will never be shared, unless it will hurt you. I’ll answer any questions you have honestly.”

My conscience reminded me of Mama’s warnings about the body and heart. She had good reasons for them, and I believed her. However, I had a chance to talk to one of Rocco’s friends who knew him and had been in a similar situation I found myself in. Nadia had a way of making it easy for me to drop my guard, and I had a chance to get some advice I really needed.

I took a deep breath. “I never had a life I could share easily.”

There was so much about me that Rocco may not know. My grandparents held all the cards, and I doubted he could do anything about it.

“Because of the arranged marriage?”

I nodded. More or less.

Nadia studied me for a few moments. “Well, even in your arranged marriage, you’re building a life together. You can date. Get to know each other like in any other relationship.”

“What’s Rocco like?” I asked.

She grinned. “Rocco goes out of his way to be friendly to everyone. When Paul was away, he’d check in, take me to movies or a play. When I was short a model for my premiere show in Milan, Rocco came and stood in. He’s someone I can count on to be there. I try to help him in any way I can. But….”

“But what?” I asked.

“I think, even though he’s often surrounded by people, he’s lonely,” she said. “I want him to be happy.”

I could see she loved him. He did seem to jump in to make me comfortable. And it was nice to hear he was thoughtful with his friends. But I had other questions, too, and this was my chance to get them answered.

“Can I ask you something personal?”

She nodded. “Of course.”

“What was your first time like?” I chewed on my bottom lip.

“I built it up so much in my head that when I finally found someone I desired, I didn’t want to wait. The first time felt good, but it hurt. Just communicate; tell him to slow down and that you need him to touch you more.”

I scrunched my face. “Wouldn’t that put him off?”

She lifted her chin. “Who cares? You know your body better than anyone. But trust me, he’ll want to make it good because he’ll want to have sex again.”

My mind returned to Rocco touching me on the bed. He’d watched my every move, switched the intensity and speed of his touches. He’d brought me to orgasm but hadn’t pushed me to reciprocate. He would be great. But what about me? Would I be great for him?

I stared down at the heels. “What if I don’t know how to do it right?”

“I worried about that, too. Just touch him, express your pleasure or discomfort, and don’t hold anything back. The rest will come to you. In fact, tell Rocco. He’ll love to hear how you’re feeling.”

I opened my arms, and she hugged me tight. “Thank you so much, Nadia.”

She smiled. “You’re very welcome, Adelina. Anytime, day or night, I’m here…Now for this evening, let’s have you wear this.” She went over and selected a dark blue palazzo jumpsuit. It was sleek, and sophisticated. “It’s beautiful,” I told her.

“It will be on you,” Nadia said, and we hugged.

I left to change. And once again, I couldn’t believe how stylish I looked in the clothes. I’d never really been bothered about fashion—much to Cassidy’s distress. She would love it here. Love being dressed by Nadia Crane. This was incredibly fun.

Just as I returned, a gorgeous man walked in. Paul Crane. Oh. My. God. He went straight to Nadia and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Damn, he’s sexy.

Her team packed up my clothes in boxes and garment bags. “Adelina, please come over here and meet Paul.”

Paul walked to me with an outstretched hand. “Lovely to meet you, and congratulations.”

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