Page 42 of The Billionaire's Destiny

“It wasn’t as you think, Rocco—”

“You were trying to help me and everyone else. That’s what you always do. But I thought of myself as not only your husband but also a friend you can confide in…” He didn’t continue with his train of thought, but I knew what he meant. I didn’t give him the grace that he deserved as a partner. I swallowed hard. “I came back to get you to sit with us for the landing. Rick’s goingto give a quick security brief because we expect the press will be there. Zane will take you to the hotel.”

“Where are you going?”

“I want to talk to Gunnar sooner rather than later. We’ll have a quick discussion, and I’ll meet you there. So…”

I rolled over and crawled off the bed, straightening my clothes that were mussed.

Rocco shook his head.

I blinked up at him, adjusting my clothes. “What?”

“You.”

“What about me?”

“You know you’re a little silly.” A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips.

I shrugged. “Yeah.”

Rocco walked over, and my pulse sped up as he leaned down, picked up a strand of hair, and moved it in front of my eye to show I had missed some paint.

“Do you need me to wash your hair?” he teased, which he’d said many times.

And I gave him the answer I always gave. “Maybe I do.”

He trailed his hand down my head, and I closed my eyes, hoping he’d hold me, but then he removed his hand, and I deflated.

Ding. I glanced over at the seatbelt light that was now on.

“Come on.” He walked to the door.

“Do you have any more news?”

“The board meeting may be in a couple of days to give us time to prepare.”

I stood up and put on my heels. “I want to go.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“Because it could get ugly.”

“I can handle it—”

“Ican’t handle it, Adelina,” he said and grimaced. “I’ll lose my temper if they say anything to hurt you. And Mom may find out about the possible baby. You won’t be able to shake her.”

I squared my shoulders. “I’m tougher than you think.”

“You are. You’re the most practical woman I know…” He stared off.

I pulled my hair over my shoulder and flicked my gaze at him. “Is it really a bad thing? It was one of the things you admired about me.”

“I admire many things. But sometimes…” His voice trailed off, and my pulse sped up.

“Sometimes what?” I asked.