Page 90 of The Billionaire's Pact

I broke away from him and drew air into my lungs, my hand gripping my stomach, but it was my heart that pained. “You find me cold?” My voice caught, and I swallowed hard.

He opened his mouth but closed it, tightening his jaw. I could see he didn’t want to hurt me, but he meant what he’d said. What had I expected?

The man I’d come to know would not stay in a loveless marriage. He was open, warm, and passionate, but also a man used to getting whatever he wanted. His life was full of support and love. He’d been patient and never stopped trying, but even he had reached his limit. He very well could leave me. He needed a reason to keep trying.

Tears streamed down my face, and I trembled, but I stood my ground and spoke from my heart. “I don’t always say how I feel because I’m afraid. My family had no time for emotions So I learned to hide my feelings, or I’d get hurt.”

He nodded but kept his hands at his sides, not reaching for me. “I get that, Adelina. I know you struggle with expressing your emotions. That’s why I told you I’d try to find ways to bring you happiness. When you are happy, I know it’s real, and that means a lot to me. Your feelings matter to me. Just show me something.” His eyes cast down, and I could feel his pain, his vulnerability. He gave me so much. He needed to know I cared.

“What you did for Jacob means the world to me. It means everything to me. I’m so grateful. I…Rocco. I am happy…here with you. I…I want to stay with you. Give me another chance. Please.” I choked and drew in a shaky breath.

His shoulders rose and fell, and he exhaled heavily. I wasn’t sure, but then he lifted his arms. “Come, Bella.”

I didn’t hesitate and rushed over to him, throwing my arms around his broad shoulders. He wrapped his around my waist and held me tight. “That’s all I want. For you to give me something to keep going.” He lifted me in his arms, kissing my face. Our lips met with hard presses, and our tongues tangled. The air charged with lust, and his kisses were more seductive and intoxicating. His hand lifted my dress, and I wrapped a leg around his leg. He reached down and squeezed my ass. My hand went back and pulled on the thong.

He broke us apart, pulled my dress down, and said roughly, “We’re in public.”

“I need you inside me,” I begged. “Please.”

“Christ,” he said before I rushed down the bridge path to the forest of trees off the path ahead. We stopped, and I tugged off my thong, craving him with a ferocity like nothing I’d had before. My feelings were a broken dam, flooding recklessly. I couldn’t hold back, and Rocco could feel it.

“There you are, Bella.” He was quick on his feet, opening his trousers and lifting me, and roughly pushing his cock inside of me with a loud grunt.

I cried out between choppy breaths, my inner walls gripping him hard as we fucked.

“Bella,” he groaned, shuddering as I clung to him.

I want you, Rocco Marini.

I do.

We were about to leave the yacht for the Cannes Film Festival. Even though I was exhausted and had slept most of the ride, I rose early, inspired by my visit to the wedding venue. No matter what I came up with, nothing captured how special it had been. Rocco listened when I told him about Jacob. He could have ignored it, but he gave me what I wanted more than anything. He reached in my soul and quenched my deepest thirst for someone to care about my needs. Time and again, he showed me he was a man I could dream with. He so freely shared himself, and the more I shared with him, the more he showed he would be the man I needed. He was breaking me open, and from it, I found his touch and kisses so much more intense. He was indeed my friend and lover.

I wanted him inside of me and I couldn’t get enough. It was almost painful how much, even after we had sex. But I could see he didn’t plan to stop with my body. He wanted more. He would take my heart if I wasn’t careful.

I didn’t know how to stop him, nor could I sleep. I stayed up drawing, and when it had become lighter with the day’s sunlight, I’d cleaned up and changed. Nadia Crane had sent me Givenchy floral slacks, a suit, and a silk shirt to wear just to walk off the yacht when we arrived in Nice, France. My hair was styled in a low ponytail, and I had on slight makeup that was barely visible. The leather strappy sandals and bag actually matched. Nadia had sent sunglasses, too, which I twirled in my hand nervously. It was amazing learning all the preparation stars and socialites did just to leave their homes. Today, I’d have to go into Rocco’s world of celebrities. Nerves danced in my stomach. I watched entertainment news shows, and I thought about the press junket and the stars doing many interviews. Will Rocco as a producer have to do it, too?

Rocco came out of the shower to the bedroom, and I learned, once again, he wasn’t the type to wrap a towel around his waist. Hot damn. He finished drying his hair, then placed the towel around his shoulders. He had a godlike body. I was definitely in lust. And staring again. His muscles rippled as he put on the white T-shirt that was tight-fitted. He’d been talking, but he stopped and smirked at me. “Adelina are you listening?”

I widened my eyes, but I had to cover my mouth to stop my laugh.

He chuckled. “You will have me all night when it’s done, but I want to give you a heads up about how it will go.”

I smiled. “Okay. I’m listening.”

“Good,” he grinned. “Now, the press have a stand on the pier, and we’ll stop for a short interview. After, we’ll go straight to the car and hotel. Unfortunately, I have to leave for a photo shoot, but I will meet you at the premiere.”

“What will I do before that?” I asked, slipping on my pumps.

He put on his dark slacks. “You can do whatever you like. The spa will be there. Isla has your dress for the night. Swim, eat, read, whatever you want.”

I was getting used to the free time, but I’d hoped I could do more. Besides painting, I had considered a mentorship or a job that required the use of my language skills. But no matter what I decided on, I still hoped to explore after the wedding.

I smelled Rocco’s rich cologne, and my thoughts broke away.

He clasped my hands. “I’m happy you’re here.”

My heart skipped a beat. “I am, too.”

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