Page 45 of The Billionaire's Destiny

Rocco’s features softened into an easy smile as he shook the manager’s hand, asking after his family while we made our way to a private elevator. When his hand grazed my back as we stepped inside, a shiver ran through me, my muscles quivering with anticipation. His touch always set me alight.

“We’re at the top?” I joked in a light tone.

“Yes. That’s where the penthouse suite is,” Rocco replied, his tone playful. Laughter rippled through the group, dissolving some of the tension. Even if the joke was on me, I was grateful to hear his laughter. Had it really only been hours since I last basked in his warmth?

I hated this distance. I hated that I’d caused it. But I also understood he needed time to sort through several bombs at the moment.

Minutes later, we arrived, and Rocco lingered behind as I said my goodbyes and walked the hall alone. The Katara Royal Suite unfolded into a grand living room, with plush couches, elegant dining tables, Art Deco lighting, and sleek flat-screen TVs. Through a wall of glass, a terrace beckoned, offering a breathtaking view of Milan, where gothic arches and ornate stonework mingled with gleaming skyscrapers.

“It’s lovely,” I said in awe.

“It is,” Rocco’s deep voice said behind me. My head turned, and I found him close. I shifted on my feet to hide how much his presence affected me.

He cleared his throat. “Dr. Vitale said she could speak to us both now. I thought that you’d benefit from her assurance.”

I raised my brows. “So, you decided to postpone the meeting?”

“For a half hour. I’ve given the USB drive to Gunnar so he can look at it and prep.”

“Oh.” I nodded, but I understood what he had left out. He postponed listening in on the call because he didn’t trust I’d tell him everything.

Rocco gestured toward the couch and sat down next to me while we waited. “Oh, and I have some more news,” he announced. “My parents want to meet with us when we return to Florence. And we have our family portrait scheduled. Santiago Romeo—”

“Oh, my God. Seriously? Santiago’s painting us?” I shrieked. “I didn’t know he did personal commissions.”

Rocco’s lips curved into a smile. “He does for Luca Marini. We’re one of four he’s agreed to do over the last twelve years. It was another parting gift from Grandpa.”

Santiago’s reputation was legendary. He had painted for the Vatican and was celebrated for breathing new life into Renaissance art. The thought of meeting an artist I so admired sent a thrill through me.

Rocco’s mention of Luca was like chasing a shadow. I was back inside the office, watching him talk to me on the video, longing for one more conversation.God, I wish I could speak to you now.

Buzz.I checked my phone. “It’s Dr. Vitale.”

“Put her on speaker.”

I did and placed the phone on the table. “Hello?”

“Hello, Adelina. Rocco?”

“Yes, I’m here, too. Thank you, Vitale, for calling.”

“How are you doing, Adelina?”

“I’m…I’m okay. Thanks. How are you?”

“Very well, thank you. I understand you consent to this joint discussion?”

I cleared my throat. “I do.”

“Rocco disclosed that you want to take a test to see if you’re pregnant?”

I shifted my legs nervously on the seat. “I do.”

“We prefer to wait for at least one missed menstrual cycle. According to our records, you’re close to your last one. Are you still regular?”

“I haven’t been checking as much, but I think I am,” I said, my voice rising an octave. I glimpsed Rocco, who was staring intently at me, and touched my hot neck.

“When’s the last time you had sex?” she asked.