Page 21 of The Billionaire's Destiny

“Maybe you should go alone this year. With everything happening, I might be a distraction.”

“We Marinis don’t hide, and we have no reason to. We’ll handle it. Don’t worry.” He patted my arms.

I leaned on his confidence, but deep down, I knew he couldn’t shield me forever. I had to prepare myself, or my father would win.

I nodded, determination returning. “You’re right. Forget the press. I’ll get ready, but I wanted to take photos of the paintings.Lily Crane called and said I could send over something extra before they decide.”

“Isla’s here. She can help with the photos.”

“She is?”

“Yes. She came over with me from Marini Corporate.”

“All right.”

“Good.” His phone buzzed. “Okay. I must go, but you need to get ready for tonight.”

I glanced at my watch. “Tonight’s like hours away.”

“You know the drill. It’s a public event.” What Rocco meant was more time at the spa, makeup, hair, and a dress.

I groaned. “I just went to the premiere with Cassidy not that long ago.”

“Yeah, but this is Italy, baby,” Rocco teased, tugging me out of the room and up the stairs. “Tonight’s special.”

“How so?”

“My cousin Lorenzo and his wife, Bianca Rossi, are performing. She sings opera; he conducts. Even the prime minister will be there.”

I pressed a hand to my stomach, nerves jumping. “The prime minister?”

“You’ve met a mayor and spent time with Paul Crane,” he pointed out. “They’re just people. It’s fun. Just like the Palio.”

The Palio was a laid-back sporting event. But with the mayor of Siena present, it still felt intense. Like Cannes, with its swarm of press and celebrities, it was another world I had to grow comfortable in. “I did enjoy the Palio, but yeah. The only way to get used to it is to do it.”

“That’s the right attitude,” he said and kissed my cheek.

We had reached the landing that led to the east and west wings when he stopped walking.

“Magda says the crew is finished with your bedroom.”

The bedroom I had stayed in over the summer. My heart leaped with excitement. I threw my arms around his neck and gave him two quick kisses. “See you later.”

He playfully took my waist. “Should I be happy or disappointed you want to leave my room?”

“You can come with me.”

He let me go, and I turned and cocked a brow, crooking my finger. “Come…with me.”

“Damn, too tempting,” he said. “Go before I do.”

I blew him a kiss and hurried up the opposite stairs. At first, having my own bedroom felt strange, but now I cherished it. The room still took my breath away, with its freshly retouched walls and restored frescoes. The oil painting of Aurora Marini that hung on the wall, one of the central features of the room, had been removed. Another difference I noticed was a new Gothic mahogany bed, polished and carved as if for royalty. I ran my fingers over the embroidered lace that had plumeria and bougainvillea shapes, and I could almost smell the scent of the tropical flowers from our honeymoon in Mustique.Rocco thought of every detail.

I walked over to a bookcase and picked up one of the books from the shelf. It was a collection of Shakespeare, yet another touch that seemed added for me since Luca and I spent many years discussing the plays. There were the same elegant accents, embroidered rugs, couches, and chairs, but there was also a new laptop on the desk with a phone station. I knew thepièce de résistancewas close, and I walked over to the double doors leading to the balcony. A chilly wind greeted me, carrying the scent of autumn, and I inhaled as I stared out, running my hands down my arms to warm them. It was worth it to see all of Florence before me: the timeless stone pillars, bridges, and hilly valleys. Holding myself reminded me of the way Rocco held me that first day here. His touch was electric, making my heart race.I had so wanted to be distant, but he could feel me. He knew his effect, and his confidence never wavered.He got the love he wanted.

“Adelina?” A voice called behind me.

I turned to see Isla entering the bedroom. “Hello. How was your flight?”