Page 54 of The Billionaire's Pact

After cleaning up and braiding my hair into a low ponytail, I changed into the sleeveless, bohemian-styled, embroidered, white lace gown, then left the room. Rocco was speaking with the pilot in the front of the plane. He had changed into a white T-shirt, off-white linen blazer, and dark blue slacks—all looked tailor-made for him, stylish. Sexy. He’d gelled his dark waves back, and his stubble was visible on his square jaw. He turned to me with his bright eyes and devastating smile, and my knees weakened. Christ. I couldn’t believe this gorgeous man was all over me hours ago.

“You’re a sonnet in white, Adelina.”

I tried not to smile, but I did.

Rocco held out his hand for me to take. My pulse sped up as I moved at a casual pace to his side. He scanned me over, then clasped my hand when I reached him. “Sei una bella ragazza, you’re a beautiful girl,” he murmured, and brushed his lips on the back of it. Something about the way he looked at me made me feel pretty and feminine. He spoke rapidly in Italian to his hostess Alice, who left and returned with a lovely floral scarf.

“It’s windy today.” He draped it around my neck, his eyes roving all over me with a grin.

“What would you like to do first?” he asked, taking the keys to a Jaguar convertible waiting on the tarmac from his driver.

I cleared my throat. “Call home.” Mama was pretty distraught, and I wouldn’t rest if she wasn’t better.

He blew out his breath and left the car.

A wave of nerves and nausea went through me as I waited for Mama to answer. Four rings and voicemail? I tried again. This time, someone picked up.

“Hello, Adelina. It’s your grandfather.”

“Mr. Belfiore, Hello? Is everything okay?”

“It will be,” he said and huffed.

“Why? Where’s Mama?” I asked.

“She’s unwell. So we’ve sent her away to rest.”

“Wh-what do you mean?” I stammered. “Please let me speak to her—”

“She’s unavailable right now,” Mr. Belfiore said firmly. “Glenn said she was not herself last night. Rocco also called and complained about her behavior and interference. He threatened to pull out of the agreement.”

My pulse jumped, and I touched my stomach. “What? Really? Oh.” I glanced out the window of the car at Rocco. He was leaning against the hood, talking on his phone.

Rocco seemed so charming, but he called and threatened to back out of the arranged marriage? “I don’t understand.” My stomach churned, and I clutched the phone, lowering my voice. “She wasn’t feeling well—”

“We both know that’s a lie. Glenn confirmed what Rocco told me instead of you.”

I snorted. He actually expected me to rat out Mama? Poor Mama. Glenn’s basically her handler. Would I have the same life with Rocco? That must be why Mama was so distressed.

“I think having Lorelei go away is a good lesson for you both. If Rocco backs out, that will not be the end of it. I’ll have to pay him ten million dollars and give him part of our estate.”

My brows knitted. “Rocco threatened you?” That couldn’t be. He wouldn’t do that. Would he? Then again, what do I know about him?

“I didn’t make it up, Adelina. He feels slighted by us not showing up last night. It’s a lot about appearances with him. He seems to think we’re benefiting without showing a genuine commitment to the joining of our families.”

I touched my throat. “Are we, Mr. Belfiore?”

He sighed. “As I explained, it will take some adjustments. We released a statement today about Constance’s sickness and how excited we are about the wedding.”

“But why agree to lose your home and money? How could you make such a promise?” I asked, my voice thick.

“These negotiations aren’t without risk. Rocco’s agreement included money and property, and we had to match it with resources. This home and land has been in our family for many generations. I believed you wouldn’t let us down.”

My insides crumbled. I’m not. You are. But I couldn’t harm my grandfather while he was in distress. “I won’t.” Mama just needed us to clarify things and she’d apologize to Rocco. I was sure of it. “I’m sure Mama’s sorry. If you’d just let me speak to her, she’d tell you—”

“The answer is still no, Adelina. Please, I’m trying not to upset you, but we know what Lorelei can handle and this is all too much for her.”

I clenched my hand. “It’s not all Mama’s fault. If you’d been there it never would have happened—”

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