Page 3 of The Billionaire's Destiny

Paul touched my arm to refocus me. “Hold on, Adelina. Rick said it was for ‘maybe a few seconds.’”

“O-okay. But he was thrown from the vehicle. Does he have other injuries?”

“He also dislocated his shoulder, which they reset. He was conscious when they airlifted him here, and they are running tests. Let’s wait for the doctor before jumping to conclusions.”

I nodded and swallowed hard. “Is everyone else fine? George?”

“George is here. I only know he’s in surgery. Sorry. I wish I could tell you more.”

“No, Paul. You flew us here, and that was very generous.”

“It’s what Rocco would’ve done for me, if it was Nadia.”

That was Rocco; he’d rush to help anyone he could. It was another reason I fell for him: his concern for everyone around him. Images flashed through my mind of Rocco laughing and dancing with me at the concert in London, making love to me on the plane. Neither one of us had any idea what would come. Once again, I was reminded how quickly a life could change.

The door swung open with Olivia and Zane. Paul went over to tell her the same thing he told me.

“But why are they running tests? Do they think it’s serious? He’s going to be fine. Right, Paul?” Olivia asked, her voice strained.

“We’re waiting to hear from the doctor,” Paul told her, but even he wouldn’t promise.

She let out a sob, and I went over to comfort her, placing my arm around her shoulder. Losing her father Luca, and now having her son injured was a lot to take, and I sympathized.

“He arrived conscious, and they are treating his injuries. He’s strong and healthy.” I told her something we both needed to hear.

When she finally calmed, we stood apart staring at each other, like a tide retreating. Her threat on the plane was still heavy between us.

“…you want Jacob to keep his new home. If everything is turned over to Mr. Sears and the board of trustees, they can reverse all recent changes. Do you want Jacob to have a board of people deciding each quarter about his care?”

I harbored no illusions that Olivia wouldn’t hesitate to follow through with her threat. Even though Rocco had told us that he wasn’t ready for children, his mother had trapped me…and wanted me to betray him.And using the one thing that could make me waver was my love for my brother Jacob.Her final card to play.Her ruthless desperation to get her way had left me unsure what to believe.

Olivia lowered her gaze, allowing Rick to lead her to a seat near the door. I sat with Paul on the opposite side of the seating area.

The terms of Luca’s new will, if valid, made it clear that Rocco could only access the fortune if we had a child together.His grandfather wanted to ensure his family’s future mattered more than anything else. Having a child had lingered in the corners of my mind for some time, a secret whisper I tried to ignore because it wouldn’t be fair to either one of us. But as I recalled my rush to the plane and conversation with Olivia, a new worry sparked.Did I take my birth control today?I tensed, rummaging through my handbag for my pills.Lord Byron’s poetry, my phone, hand lotion, lip gloss. Nothing else.Where is it?

My mind drifted to the hours before the flight, replaying the whirlwind of the last day: the film premiere in New York with Cassidy, the rush to finish my illustration for Perchance to Dream Publishing.Even if I missed one, I could always take another tomorrow. Right now, all my attention was on Rocco, and I did the only thing I could do.

I sat there with my heart in my hands, waiting.

Hours went by as I sat there suspended in detached existence, eating without tasting, watching without seeing. Memories of Rocco, our summer, and his relentless pursuit of me even on our honeymoon brought on such fierce longing that my heart ached in my chest.

Oh, how I tried hard to shield myself, but his tenderness found a way in. His kind eyes and gentle smile were always there, offering comfort and understanding. He was also my passionate protector, introducing me to pleasures I never dared imagine. That was Rocco. He cradled my fragile heart, nurturing it with warmth and hope. Truly, his love was a force that changed my world, and if something happened to him…No. He’s fine.He has to be.

After what felt like an eternity, the doctor finally appeared in his scrubs. Olivia and I both rose from our seats, and Paul returned to the room for the news. “How’s Rocco?”

He spoke in English. “He’s stable. We performed a CT scan, MRI, and concussion assessment. We also X-rayed his dislocated shoulder to check for fractures or tears; nothing is broken. We treated minor cuts. Rocco’s bruised and in pain, but given the accident, he is fortunate.”

“Oh, thank God,” Olivia cried out.

I swiped under my eyes. “Can we take him home?”

“Not today. Because he lost consciousness, I’m admitting him for more observation and tests.”

“Can I see him now, please?” I asked.

“You can, but only for a few minutes. He needs rest.”

A few minutes later, I followed the doctor down the corridors to Rocco’s hospital room. His charismatic nature had always made me think of him as invincible, but now he lay there with visible bruising on his face and his left arm resting gently in a sling. My eyes watered as I covered my mouth, afraid to disturb him, until he surprised me by opening his eyes. Instantly, I connected with his worry. He reached to remove the oxygen mask, and I covered his hand to stop him.