Page 20 of The Billionaire's Pact

I winced inwardly. It probably wasn’t a good idea to taunt my potential new husband. But Rocco let out a chuckle.

“It beats my Thursday.”

I suppressed my laughter, instead turning my face to blank as I glanced at my grandmother. She motioned for me to sit next to Rocco once we reached the dining room.

“Coffee?” she asked him, signaling Patricia to step forward.

“Water. Thanks,” Rocco said smoothly.

A team of lawyers entered, and documents were handed around. Brunch was also served, and brought out on platters full of pastries and fruits. I was hungry, but my stomach soured and my mouth felt full of cotton. It was a business meeting with many tabs and initialing between negotiations with the law teams.

On one of the documents, I read a short list of prep schools for a son. There was nothing left to chance. Once the lawyers approved, the papers were passed around to sign. Some voided all the agreements from Mr. Ashford over a week ago. And there was a new marriage license. They all were collected by Brenda, who notarized them to be filed later. It surprised me how easily Rocco had agreed to everything and signed the documents. We were now almost officially married.

“As I mentioned on our call, we have quite a number of events to attend before our wedding in Italy,” Rocco said and took a sip of his water.

My mouth dropped open and a thrill went down my spine. We’re marrying in Italy?

“Yes, we’re aware of the wedding plans and have agreed to your terms,” Grandfather added. “What I would like to discuss is your plans for the week in New York City since you requested Adelina stay there?”

“Yes,” Rocco confirmed. “It’ll be easier for Adelina to stay there instead of here.”

I held my breath, waiting for my grandparents to protest. We rarely ever went to New York City, and never overnight. But to my surprise, Mrs. Belfiore said, “We’ll need time to pack.”

“Unfortunately, we don’t have time,” Rocco told her. “We must go after this meeting. But please don’t worry, I’ll make sure Adelina has all she needs.”

He will? I chewed on my lip, wanting to ask. But it was clear I was to sit here quietly while they made plans for me. Away from them I could talk myself into thinking this was all fine, but here, in my face, I hated it. Was this how my marriage would be, too? Would I be trapped inside miserable without a voice of my own? I thought about my one dream of running away to Paris to paint, but then Jacob might not have what he needed. I would never abandon him.

“We have dinner tonight,” Rocco continued. “Adelina has a wedding dress appointment tomorrow, and then a gathering with good friends. Then we’ll end the week with our engagement party and our flight to Italy.”

“Excuse me, Rocco,” Mr. Belfiore said, smiling. “Have you considered my offer of holding a joint family announcement dinner? As I told you, Adelina’s cousin is also engaged. I would happily host it here at our home.”

A hand clasped my knee, and I hadn’t realized it was shaking. It was Rocco’s. I flicked my gaze his way, and my pulse sped up, though I regained focus and stilled my leg.

Rocco remained calm and moved his hand to lift his glass again without missing a beat. His attention remained on my grandfather. “That was a kind offer, Reginald, but our engagement party is set for the Brass Clarinet.” His tone was light, but his authority was unmistakable.

Mr. Belfiore gave him a tight smile as he nodded. “Of course, Rocco. We may not be able to stay the whole night, but Adelina’s mother Lorelei, and her stepfather, Glenn Talbot, will be there.”

Rocco smiled. “Great. Then you’ll both be able to see us off to Italy.”

“Any other issues or concerns?” Brenda asked.

“Just one,” Mrs. Belfiore said. “Will your grandfather Luca be attending your announcement dinner?” Grandfather placed his arm along the back of her chair.

“Possibly,” Rocco said.

Mrs. Belfiore turned her head toward Mr. Belfiore and his smile vanished. “All right. Thank you, Rocco. That’s all from us, but I’d like to speak with you privately, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course. Excuse us.” Rocco stood up, and from his cool expression, he wasn’t exactly happy. Mrs. Belfiore had never mentioned his grandfather, Luca Marini before. What was that about?

Mrs. Belfiore stayed and peered at me. “You seemed too familiar with Rocco. Have you been communicating with him? I want to see your phone.”

I frowned and folded my arms. “What? What do you mean? I only learned about the marriage yesterday. How could I plot anything, and why would I?”

She jutted her chin. “Even if you go into the city alone with him, nothing has changed. No sex with him until your wedding night. Is that clear?”

I raised my brows. “What are you saying?”

She smirked. “You’re your mother’s daughter. I saw how you stared at him all doe-eyed. We’ll not tolerate the same from you. We will have a doctor confirm you’re still a virgin before your wedding.”

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