Page 78 of The Billionaire's Pact

Jacob signed, “You get it, sister.” He nodded at the screen.

My heart swelled. I signed back and said, “I’m visiting a friend, and I don’t have them, but I’m working on a new picture. I’ll send photos to Cindy to give you. I need your critique.”

He grinned. “Yeah. I’ll show you how to do better.” He chuckled, and I joined in, nodding my head. “You’re the expert.” Jacob was. His paintings inspired me to work harder at my art.

I wanted to tell Jacob about the marriage, but with Cindy there, nothing ever felt private or personal. Still, I didn’t want to keep Jacob in the dark about it.

“I’m getting married,” I signed.

He lowered his brows. “You? Married?”

I nodded.

“You date?” he signed and shook his head no.

“Yeah, we date now,” I signed back. “His name is Rocco.”

“Rocks?” he teased.

I chuckled. “Yeah. He’s nice. You will…you’ll meet him soon.”

He grinned. “You date and marry so fast. I have a girlfriend, but I’m staying a bachelor.”

I grinned and groaned. “You didn’t tell me.”

“I didn’t want you to be jealous,” he signed back and laughed.

I chuckled. “I am.”

“We have to go if he’s going to get his lunch on time,” Cindy said. “Sorry.”

“I love you, Jacob. Adelina loves you.” I pointed to myself and made a heart with my trembling hands.

Jacob lifted his hand. “Lov-ve you, Lina.”

I beamed at him. “I love you, too, Jacob.” I blew kisses and wiped the corners of my eyes before Cindy waved with him. “Goodbye, see you again soon. Please…hug him for me.”

“I’m not ‘allowed,’ but….” Cindy hugged Jacob.

My heart contracted, and the screen went black. I buried my face in my hands. More than anything, I wanted something more than a call. I hadn’t seen him in person since college winter break. I’d wanted to go on my own, but my grandparents had insisted on going too, which I’d hated. My grandfather had complained the whole drive, and had been ready to go after only half an hour. While my grandmother had fussed over his room being untidy. She’d had the staff on edge, cleaning his room instead of talking to him.

I sat in the room for a while, alone. Knock. Someone rapped on the door.

“It’s Rocco. May I come inside?” he called.

I dabbed my eyes and sat taller on the chair. “Yes, come in.”

Rocco opened the door and my heartbeat sped up. Not only had he generously shared his own experiences over the last few weeks, but he’d been so kind and supportive. A foreign concept for me. He hadn’t hesitated to help me when I asked for things, and in many ways, he was becoming a good friend. That’s a good way to start a marriage, right?

His brows went up as he sat on the edge of the bed. “Are you okay?”

I nodded. “I am.”

“How was your call?” he asked.

“Good.” I averted my eyes. “I guess it must be weird for you to have someone miss seeing David in Florence for a short call with their brother, but Jacob’s…he’s my big brother and one of my best friends.”

“I understand that. I wish you would have told me earlier,” he said, and I looked at him. “He’s twenty-three years old?”

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