Page 26 of The Billionaire's Destiny

“Please stop worrying. The press love to report gossip, but we gave an answer they’ll print. Let’s forget about it and enjoy ourselves.” His voice was easy, his posture loose, and I had no choice but to take him at his word. Soon, the car rolled to a stop.He reached for my hand and pressed two gentle kisses to my palm, sending a flutter through me. “Ready, Mrs. Marini?”

I smiled at hearing the endearing inflection in his tone. “I am. Thank you.”

We stepped from the car, slipping seamlessly into the familiar routine. Isla fussed with my dress as we posed, all practiced smiles, before climbing the tiered steps to the grand colonnade ofpietra serenastone. I’d admired it online, but nothing compared to standing beneath its brilliance. The exterior dazzled, but the interior was pure magic:trompe-l’oeilfrescoes that seemed to breathe, marble statues, draped cornices. Strings swelled from somewhere within, the melody of “Mattinata Fiorentina” drifting closer. Rocco hummed beside me, and the moment felt almost enchanted.

I turned to him, grinning, and he surprised me by catching my waist and spinning me in a playful circle right there in the foyer, among guests holding drinks from black-tied hosts balancing them on serving trays. Our eyes locked, and I melted under his gaze. He tilted my chin as his lips found mine in a kiss that set me alight. Applause broke out as if we were on stage, but they couldn’t know the Rocco who danced with me when no one watched and who kissed me until dawn.

“There you are,” a male voice called out behind us. We turned toward a handsome man with a head full of thick, dark waves that reminded me of all the Marini men I’d met. He wore a tuxedo with sneakers that I thought were playful, along with a wicked grin on his handsome face. He had a beautiful blonde on his arm in a stunning red velvet and satin gown.

“Bianca.” Rocco let me go and crossed over to the woman, giving her cheek kisses and a warm hug. “Do you ever age?”

“No. Just like you, I get better. You know, I wish I had known you were coming. I’d have made you sing with me.” She poked his chest.

Rocco chuckled and tutted. “To be upstaged by the Diva Soprano of Italy? No, thanks.”

She let out a throaty laugh.

The man stepped in front of them and gazed at me with a wide grin. “Of course Rocco would find a raremolto bella.” He lifted my hand and pressed his lips to the back. “Lovely to meet you, Adelina. I’m Lorenzo.”

“Nice to meet you, too,” I said with an excited lift to my tone.

He squinted and stared with his finger against his lips. “I knew your great-grandmother…Tessa Belfiore?”

I nodded, grinning. “Yes, that’s her name.” It always marveled me that people knew more about my family than I did.

He nodded, and sighed. “Yes. Tessa Belfiore. She lived down the hill from my uncle, who also passed.”

“I’m sorry.”

Lorenzo waved his hand dismissively. “It’s life. But Tessa left a mark. She was never without a book in her hand, and she made homemadecastagnacciofor my uncle every Christmas.”

I felt my chest expand. “Thank you for sharing that with me. I was named after her. Adelina Tessa Belfiore.”

Mama had called her occasionally and thanked her for sending money. She’d tell me and Jacob that it was a secret.

He smiled. “You’re welcome, and to be honest, when I saw you walk in, it was like seeing her ghost. My uncle had a photo of her when they went on a family holiday to Rome. That’s where we live. You’re welcome to visit anytime.”

I glanced at Rocco, and he winked at me. “Thank you. I’d love to.”

“Great.” He tilted his head and pressed his index finger to his lip. “Hmm. You know, I did invite you both to our Shakespeare’s Summer Nights party.”

I puzzled.Summer Nights? Oh? Ohh.My face warmed, and I glanced away, remembering Rocco had called it an orgy.

Lorenzo chortled. “She’s heard of it.”

I gave him a nod. “I have. I hope you both had a, uh…pleasant time.”

“Why, thank you, we did,” Lorenzo mocked, grinning and crossing arms. “She’s polite. Reserved. An Astraea.” I knew the myth and that she was the goddess of justice, innocence, and purity.

I laughed. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Oh, it is, Adelina. Your beauty would undoubtedly charm me, but I’d want more. Would you let me fall in love with you,molto bella?”

I rolled my eyes. “Please, stop.”

“She said please.” Lorenzo burst with laughter.

Rocco groaned. “Leave my wife alone.”