Page 25 of The Billionaire's Destiny

“That’s why his head, his mind, is large,” Rocco added. “Knowledge wins. Men have so much of it, beauty and reason. We have the choice of what to do with it.”

“You’re so sexy when you talk about art,” I said, grinning.

“So are you, Bella.” He leaned close and kissed my lips. A flash of light reminded me that we were being filmed and photographed. Once we all had our moment with the incredible piece, Rocco approached the prime minister, and I shook his hand and his wife’s.

“Our new Marinis. Congratulations on your wedding.”

“Thank you,” we both said to him.

“I had been looking forward to the wedding at the castle. I even skipped a few meals to feast at the reception,” the prime minister mused, and we both laughed.

“Perhaps we’ll have a reception at a later date,” Rocco said.

“Well, be sure to include me,” he said.“I’m sorry about my dear friend Luca. Please tell your family that we have you and all in our prayers.”

Rocco placed his arm around me. “We most appreciate it.”

I nodded in agreement.

Then we posed with him in front of the statue. Afterward, the entire intimate group took more photos. We had become more a part of Florence’s history.

We were headed out the door when a woman in an evening gown and holding a microphone approached us, accompanied by a film crew.

Rocco clasped my hand, and she smiled as her gaze mused over us, speaking rapidly in both Italian and English. “Rocco Marini, I’m Teresa withItaly Live. Are you excited about the event this evening?”

“We both are. Anytime to celebrate is exciting. I’ve always been a lover of the arts and Florence. It’s a pleasure to continue to support the academy.”

“How’s married life?”

“Better than being unmarried.” He lifted my hand and kissed the back, and I let out a laugh.

“Adelina, will a baby come this spring?”

“I guess we’ll just have to wait and see,” I murmured under my breath.

Teresa’s eyes widened, and a big smile spread across her face.

I froze.Oh, no.

Rocco’s hand lightly squeezed mine. “She’s joking.”

“Uh, yes, I am,” I stammered.

“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Marini. You heard it here first,” she said quickly before sprinting to the front entrance as if in an Olympic race.

Rocco then turned to me and groaned. “Adelina.”

My face heated. “I was caught up in the mood. Giddy, I guess,” I mumbled.

When I peered up at Rocco, he eyed me speculatively. “Hm…okay. Speaking to the press is a lot to get used to, but please, no more jokes. Isla?”

Her expression softened on me, then turned to Rocco. “Yes?”

“Release a statement that we have no plans to have children anytime soon.”

The treelined path to Villa Caro Hotel soothed my nerves; its quiet was a balm after my slipup at the impromptu interview withItaly Live. Nothing ever remained in one location, and I could just imagine baby watch starting with strangers monitoring my stomach like I’ve seen online.But there isn’t a baby…so why did I say there might be one?

I glimpsed at Rocco. His silence since the reporter incident spoke volumes, making it clear he didn’t think I’d erred. Even Isla, who’d become my supporter, was lost in her phone. The hush between us grew heavy until I finally edged closer to Rocco and whispered, “I didn’t mean to imply anything.”