Page 91 of The Billionaire's Pact

“It’s time for us to go.” He squeezed my hand, and we walked out of the bedroom and up a flight and down a corridor to the top deck exit. My nerves jumbled seeing the crowds and press with cameras, and my hand tightened in his. Rocco lifted it, brushing the back with his lips. “You’ll be fine.”

We walked off the boat and the camera shutters and video cameras moved our way, capturing our every move. Rocco had to do all the pre-press before the premiere. He was to have the first one when we arrived at the festival. I peered ahead at his driver, Rick, who was standing next to a limo, but we would have to pass the press and some film festival fans. Rocco smiled and took selfies, and I stayed close to his side, putting on my sunglasses to act as a shield as we waited.

Rocco pressed his hand to my back, and I realized I was shaking. I shifted next to him, a wave of jitters dancing in my stomach. The spotlight wasn’t something I was prepared for, but I knew this festival was one of the biggest ones in the world and he had the fortune of having a movie he worked on premiere here. He placed his arm around my waist and moved his head next to my ear. “They’re just normal people asking questions. That’s it.”

I leaned into him, and he tighten his hand on my waist. “Thank you,” I whispered. Still, my pulse jumped into my throat as we stood waiting for a couple of celebrities to finish their questions. We’re next.

Rocco seamlessly reached his hand up and removed my glasses, then winked at me.

My heart skipped a beat. He took my hand, and his warm touch comforted me. I ran my tongue over my lips, and morphed into the smile I practiced as we moved up to the row of press and microphones.

Right before my eyes, Rocco transformed into a magnetic, charismatic star. I was just as transfixed by his spell just like the spectators, who were watching him behind the press.

His voice was strong and commanding to the captive audience of media and crowd. “My fiancée Adelina, and I are excited to be here at the Cannes for the premiere of my dear friend Morgan Steele’s movie “The Age of Sin.” As you know, it’s already an Oscar contender, and you’ll all find out why. Thank you.”

He glanced at me, and I smiled. However, the press wasn’t done.

“Rocco, are you considering breaking into acting next?”

He smiled broadly. “No. I’m better behind the camera.”

“Marjorie Storm is here. She called you the love of her life and dedicated her Emmy win for The Crossing to you. Care to comment?”

I kept my smile, but touched my churning stomach. Love of her life? Were they in love? He’d been vague and dismissive when I asked him about her before. I hadn’t brought her up again because I believed he was sincerely committed to giving us a chance. I thought back to what he said about her.

“We broke up a couple of weeks ago.”

“You must still have feelings for her….”

“If I do, it doesn’t matter. We had no future.”

Did they have no future because I graduated from college and his arranged marriage was about to come into effect? If so, it would be understandable that he still had feelings for her. And yet, he fought to gain your trust and affection.

“I hope the best for Marjorie,” Rocco said smoothly, squeezing my hand.

“Wait. Adelina… Adelina, your father, Judge Eric Colby, has received his license to practice law again and has taken a new position in the 5th Circuit. He says he has been exonerated but has not been invited to your wedding. Can you confirm?”

I trembled, and Rocco placed his arm around me and quickly moved us to the waiting car. But I still heard the reporter’s question thrown at my back.

“Adelina, why is your father barred from your wedding?”

Rick and another beefy security guard stepped in front to block their view of us as we climbed into the back. The door closed, but I couldn’t stop shaking. Judge Colby’s out of jail? My pulse pounded so hard, I could feel it in my ears. I gasped for air to refill my lungs but couldn’t regain control of my breathing.

“Shit,” Rocco said. “What can I do?”

My stomach lurched. I gagged and covered my mouth.

“We need to find a place to stop. Hold on, Bella. Rick, find us a private space as quickly as you can. Adelina’s sick.”

The car jerked around a corner near the docks. Rocco quickly got out and helped me. I made it to the edge of the street just in time and vomited.

Rick came over with a towel and handed it to me.

Rocco rubbed my back. “Just let it all out.”

I vomited again and dry heaved. Then, I wiped my mouth.

“Fucking assholes,” he growled.

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