Page 77 of The Billionaire's Pact

“I was wondering when I’d see you,” I said and we clasped hands.

“I’m not one to get in the way of a new couple,” he said in a teasing tone.

I rolled my eyes, and he let out a dry chuckle, hugging me again. “They’ll get stuck like that.”

I laughed.

“We’ll catch up later. Follow me,” he said.

Rocco stared at me, his eyes wide. Perhaps he was caught off guard by our casualness. But it had been that way from the start with his grandfather. He hadn’t looked down on me when I was poor and abused. And he’d given me his friendship when I needed it the most.

We followed him down the hallway. At the end was a guest room with a beautiful bed and oak desk. He had a laptop on it with the internet, and I realized I’d forgotten to ask for mine.

I turned and hugged Mr. Marini again, and he patted my back. It was so good to see him again, and I couldn’t wait to catch up. “There you go, my dear Adelina. You call your brother.”

My eyes stung. “Thank you. Thank you both.”

Rocco kissed me and followed his grandfather out of the room.

My heart expanded. All I had to do was ask. I didn’t know why I was afraid to do so. Only because I never put my own feelings and needs ahead of everyone else. It started long before Rocco. When I had to put Mama back together as a child when she was hurt. Her feelings and safety were always put ahead of my own. Rocco was showing me a different world. One I hoped I’d get to stay in. But it was my time with Jacob now.

I put my worries aside and typed in the address.

Ten minutes later, the screen connected to Yarwood Springs, and Jacob appeared beside Cindy, who waved at me. “Hello, Adelina. Jacob is so excited to see you today.”

“Lina…Hey,” he said, and raised his frozen hand and moved his finger.

“Hello, hello big brother,” I said, my tone cheery and using sign language as I spoke. “What are you up to?”

Jacob grinned, and Cindy wiped the corner of his mouth. I stared at him, and my heart swelled. He had on a T-shirt with some paint drops on it. “You painting today?”

He signed, “Yes. I made another masterpiece.”

Cindy left the screen and came back with Jacob’s new painting. It had modern stripes, and it was vibrant like a flower.

Jacob signed my name and the flowers were me. “For graduation.”

“Thank you, Jacob,” I signed back. “I’ll frame it and send you a picture of it as soon as I can.”

Jacob lifted his finger and nodded.

“We’re planning a trip to the museum in Poughkeepsie,” Cindy said. “I sent you the form.”

Cindy and I had a deal for her to give me information about the opportunities that exceeded his account bill for the month.

“I’ll send it now,” I said, typing into my phone to transfer the money to his account at the center. To my surprise, I had five thousand dollars in my account. Grandfather? No. Rocco? He hadn’t mentioned it. I blinked at the screen, my heart expanding. This money could help for a while. I sent three thousand dollars to Jacob’s account. “Anything you need, just let me know. Are you feeling better?” I signed the question.

Jacob gestured. “So-so.”

Cindy nodded. “Jacob has been doing well. His last checkup indicated that his chest infection has finally gone. He hasn’t had any seizures. His new medication makes him tired, but he’s still receiving physical therapy and doing daily exercises to help him stay strong.”

Cindy made a muscle, and Jacob lifted his arm.

I clasped my hands and laughed. “Big muscles, Jacob.”

Cindy brought over more of his paintings; Jacob had completed three new ones. They were vibrant hearts that looked like a tunnel. He’s extraordinary. I was often wowed by his talent, and he just kept on improving. Astonishingly given how most of the outside world believed he was incapable of anything beautiful because his body wasn’t considered “perfect.” And he’s my amazing brother. I was just so proud.

“Love’s infinity,” I signed. “That’s what I see.”

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