Page 107 of The Billionaire's Destiny

I had never dared to dream so boldly before, but now, I thrived to live without limits.

From New York City to Westchester, and I had to laugh.

I can’t believe how much I want to return to my grandparents and the Westchester house.

“I’ll change at the house.”

My words barely carried in the wind as Rocco guided me up the steps and settled me into the helicopter. Once my headphones were on, he leaned in close and asked, “Do you think you’ll be okay?”

“I believe so.”

My fear of falling still rushed my pulse, but Rocco’s calm steadied me as we lifted off. The city below appeared like an overfilled pincushion, and even as the helicopter trembled in the wind, I could not look away. We flew ahead of the growing darkness across the Hudson, the view changing to green patches of Westchester drawing nearer until, in less than fifty minutes, we landed at the Marini mansion.

For once, we skipped the garage and stepped straight into the house thanking Zane as he went upstairs with our bags. Theliving room was a blend of sophisticated contemporary styling, with a baby grand piano, floral couches, and a massive flat-screen. Art adorned some walls, but family photos outnumbered everything, the Marinis smiling out from every frame. I longed to take a closer look at them, but we had less than half an hour to reach my grandparents, and they never tolerated lateness.

“You can change in my room,” Rocco offered, leading me up the stairs to the last bedroom. Shelves lined the walls, crowded with his trophies and certificates: Debate Team Captain, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and a parade of club and outreach awards.

“Wow, it’s like a shrine,” I teased.

“Grandpa had high expectations,” he said, picking up a leadership trophy. “I delivered every time.” He sounded proud, and I was for him.

“You know, I used to hope I’d spot you when I jogged past this house.” I unzipped the garment bag to reveal a mauve crepe dress and a pair of low heels.

“I’ve seen you jog,” he admitted.

Zane closed the door, and I slipped out of my suit and into the dress. “Really? Why didn’t you talk to me?”

Rocco rolled his eyes. “You know why.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Because you would run in the opposite direction the times I tried.”

He pressed a kiss to my shoulder before drawing the zipper up my back.

I laughed, remembering. “Right. I was terrified my grandparents would catch me fraternizing with the enemy.” Our families had always been rivals. Yet, here we were, about to share a meal after everything they’d put us through. They’d softened since our wedding, but I still worried they might woundhim. “If they say or do anything out of line, we leave. No questions.”

Rocco grinned. “You protecting me?”

My smile faded. “I mean it. No one gets to hurt you. Not ever.”

He cradled my face and kissed my forehead. “We’ll be fine. I promise.” Then he reached into his jacket and pulled out a velvet case, opening it to reveal the diamond collar necklace Judge Colby had stolen from Luca. “I had it polished and repaired.”

I turned, and he fastened the necklace around my neck. My fingers traced the diamonds. “Thank you. I love it. It’s so beautiful.”

“So are you,” he whispered, his lips brushing my neck.

I reached up, cupping his clean-shaven cheek. “And so are you, my love.”

His hand settled gently on my belly. “How’s Baby Marini?”

My stomach answered with a loud growl, and we both burst out laughing. “Hungry. Let’s go.”

We left, drove down the driveway, and across the hill to my grandparents’ home. It was then that worry hit me. The Esposito heirloom necklace felt heavy around my neck, and I was sure my grandmother would notice it. What if the necklace reminded her of something painful with Luca? However, I didn’t have time to think about it. We pulled up and climbed out of the car. Grandmother was outside, and the front was bright with outdoor lights and…a valet.This isn’t a family dinner?

She rushed down the steps with open arms, and I relaxed into her hug.

“How are you, Adelina? You look lovely.”