Page 73 of The Billionaire's Pact

Her advice was what I needed to hear. I didn’t want to be alone. Rocco was already keeping me close. He even had me shower with him.

I heard a creak behind me and turned my head. Rocco stood quietly in the doorway waiting.

“I have to go, thank you,” I told her.

“I feel honored that you trusted me, Adelina. And I hope you always will. Anytime, day or night. I’m here for you.” Her kindness touched me deeply. I could only hope that she meant it and that…well, that I had a new friend.

“Thank you,” I said hoarsely. We ended our call, and I took a deep breath.

Rocco came over and took my hand. “Come back to bed.” He didn’t ask who I’d called, only that he wanted me with him. I stood, and he tucked me into his side.

We sat down for brunch while we waited. I took a cornetto and espresso, and Rocco had waffles, eggs, and sausages. “You barely eat.”

“I eat when I’m hungry,” I told him, adding fruit to my plate.

He studied me quietly for a few minutes. “You run a few miles a day, but you only eat a full meal at dinner.”

My lips parted. Does anything ever get past him? “Ask the doctor when she gets here,” I joked.

“I just might,” he told me while squeezing my hand. I loved how touchy-feely Rocco was. Every time he did, it charmed me, and made me feel special.

But truth be told, I wasn’t eating because I was nervous about the doctor’s appointment. Isla had arranged for a house call instead of a public trip to the clinic. Rocco wasn’t exactly low profile, especially in Italy. He had international campaigns for Versace, Bulgari, and soon Ferrari. Isla walked in with a wave to both of us and handed over a portfolio of new contracts for him to sign. I could easily see why. He was the quintessential attractive, stylish man. But I knew him differently. He was becoming a new friend. And lover.

Rocco was so passionate and attentive. Even sitting with him now, I wanted him on me, deep inside me again. I coughed to cover my thoughts and breathed faster. Rocco reached over and rubbed my thigh.

We continued our breakfast while Rocco quietly murmured to Isla, who took notes. “Oh, Lorenzo called about Midsummer Nights,” she told him.

“It’s a masquerade ball,” Isla said cheerily.

Rocco’s brows pulled together, and he shook his head.

Isla quickly tucked the invite away.

“Is it? I love Shakespeare,” I said excitedly.

He huffed. “Shakespeare is what it’s supposed to be, but in the hands of my cousin, it’s Caligula’s den. He’s hosting this year, so that makes it a pass.”

I pretended to whine. “But it sounds exciting.”

He let out a shaky laugh. “You have no idea. But, hmm, maybe I shouldn’t stifle your new sexual exploration.”

My cheeks heated, and I glanced at Isla’s impassive expression. She’s probably heard worse, but still, I’m not used to it.

Rocco touched my arm and eyed me shrewdly. “You’re embarrassed?”

The doorbell rang, and my pulse jumped. Rocco handed the papers back to Isla, but I waved at him to stay seated. “Please, stay here. I’ll be fine.”

“Isla could translate for you if you got stuck?” Rocco suggested.

Isla gave me a nod.

I shook my head. “I can speak enough Italian to talk about it.”

The housekeeper, Rose, came in with a small older woman with a medical bag. I went stiff waiting for Rocco to insist on sitting in on my appointment, but he only greeted the doctor and returned to his meeting.

I exhaled the breath I was holding and followed the doctor with the housekeeper to a guest room on the ground floor.

“I’m Doctor Vitale. I speak English, so you can speak freely.”

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