Page 97 of The Billionaire's Vow

London, lover.

London hit like an explosion from a powder keg. We landed and went to the city’s heart, and just like NYC, the metropolitan area brought a vigorous urgency to the air. It had the familiar bustling of tourists and locals rushing from posh retail shops to Union Jack-flagged pubs. And like every American visitor from across the pond, my attention gravitated towards everything I thought of as British: the vibrant red of the double-decker buses, tall furry hats of the seemingly stoic King’s Guards, and the majestic opulence of Buckingham Palace.They still have Kings and Queens.Of course, America had its own rich to worship, and while I spent a good portion of my time mocking the obsession, I could no longer throw stones. I’m married to one.Not only that, but I loved the lifestyle, traveling by jet around the worldto upscale mansions in designer clothes and visiting famous friends. It’s all so surreal.

“Adelina,” Rocco’s voice strained with frustration. He’d stopped his call to fuss at me as I attempted to take a selfie out the window when there was a pause in traffic. The photo of me and the bottom of a double-decker bus was blurry, but I hadn’t given up.

We only had time for our couples’ lunch with Nadia and Paul and their concert at the arena before I returned to New York City. While he was off to raise money in Italy. Rocco wanted to give me a send-off after our honeymoon instead of sending me back alone from Mustique Island. It made me feel better, but I knew I’d miss him.

“You can take as many photos as you want next time.”

“But it won’t be the same as the first time. I want to capture how I feel right now.” I dipped my head and grinned, and a flutter rose in my stomach.Happy. In love?

I beamed over at Rocco, and from the light in his gaze and the enduring smile on his lips, I knew he’d relent. “You’re always saying capture the moment.”

“I do, but you think you have me wrapped around your finger,” he pretended to be annoyed. Still, he returned to his call, leaving me to take more selfies by the open window.

“Oh,” he said hesitantly.

My head turned from the window. “What’s up?”

“Miles will be there. Their four-year-old.”

“Is that a surprise?”

“Yes, he stays mostly in Paris, and I believe he has started école maternelle, French early school. Nadia wants him to become fluent in multiple languages, especially French, since she usually works there. But I guess since they have to travel, he had to come with them.”

Rocco didn’t seem opposed to it.Our children will also have to live that reality if we want to stay together and not send them away to boarding schools.A flutter went through my chest. Having a child with Rocco didn’t scare me anymore.Why not?

The car was quiet, letting me know he ended his call. Glancing his way, I found he was already studying me.

“What?” I said nervously.

“You’re thinking about kids?”

I tensed, averting my eyes. “I was thinking of our future.”

“Bella?” I glanced back, and the corner of his mouth lifted. “I am, too, but not our first year. We’ve got a lot going on. It still annoys me my grandpa tried to force us.”

I lifted my shoulder. “Maybe he had a diagnosis and knew he was dying?”

He frowned. “Not possible. Grandpa had quarterly health check-ups as a provision to lead the board and trust. It’s all legally binding, even for us.”

Rocco was right. I had regular health checks to make sure I could have children. As part of my arranged marriage agreements, I even had my eggs stored in case I developed a health problem. However, Luca was clever.

Rocco opened his mouth, then closed it and rubbed his chin. It seemed he was thinking the same as I did. It wasn’t impossible to hide something.He hid what he’d done to my family for many years.“I know he’d never want us to worry. Anyway, Gunnar’s looking at that angle as well. I don’t wish to rule it out, but I don’t want his legacy overshadowed by an illness.”

I held my tongue, but I didn’t believe Luca deserved the discretion after what he’d done to Rocco. He should use the information if Luca’s judgment was compromised. He could use it to take his rightful place as the Marini successor. Also, hewouldn’t have to fight in court or schmooze for money from his investors.

“Let’s not dwell on that. This is your first trip to London,” Rocco said, changing the subject. “What do you think so far?”

“It’s a lot like New York, but not,” I said and laughed. “I’m also excited and nervous to see Paul and Nadia.”

“Don’t be. They already love you.”

“They don’t know me.”

“They don’t have to know everything. They’re a lot like me. We don’t look for things not to love. If you approach life like that, you’ll find you love a lot more.”

I grinned. “That’s deep.”

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