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My heart beat faster. “I’m happy, too.”
“We’re happy too and will be happy still after The Ball.” Paul leaned over and kissed Nadia. They gazed at each other with much adoration and love. It was sweet.The magic remains even with their Shakespearean sex orgies.
Nadia clasped her hands together. “Wait. I don’t want to leave Adelina with the impression that we share. We like to—”
“Next topic,” Paul said, cutting her off.
“Oh, I thought we needed to modernize and leave the Dark Ages,” Rocco mocked.
Paul gave Nadia a quiet look.
Nadia waved her hands. “Fine, you win. We all do what we want to do without judgment. Now, let me change the subject to tonight. I’d love to sing a song for you both. Any requests?”
“Can you sing “Only You” by the Platters,” Rocco requested.
“Oh, please,” I said and clasped my hands together.
“Then we will,” Nadia said, and Paul agreed. She hummed it and sang a few bars. Her voice was amazing and transported me back to our dance lesson.
I learned to swing dance and had my first slow dance. Later that week, we danced to the same song at our announcement party, and his kiss left me breathless.
“Mrs. Marini,” Rocco said, and I turned my head. His eyes bore into mine, and our lips met for a tender kiss.
I remember thinking Rocco was a danger to my heart that night.
But now, I’d willingly give it to him.
Te adoro, Rocco.
Music Icon Aria’s soulful soprano vibrated through Wembley Stadium, belting Candi Staton’s infectious hit, “Young Hearts Run Free.” My voice joined the thousands singing along, shaking my hips to the beat with Rocco pressed snugly against my back. The stadium was a whimsical Mid-Summer Night’s party, with strobing lights and thousands of neon sparklers joining the glow of the festive light show as screens above the sandstone stage backdrop played clips from Shakespeare’s plays and films. The crowd had also invested in the theme, some wearing traditional Elizabethan tight bodices and robes. At the same time, others stood out as the phenomenal white-wigged Mercurio in silver dresses and platform heels.
Rocco lifted my arms to outstretch them before me, and I stared at the illuminated angel wings drawn on my arms. His arms next to it were muscular, tan, and bare. He was a 90sCapulet gangster Tybalt in a fitted shirt and painted-on pants. And I was his Juliet in a white gown. His hands trailed down my arms and chest as he kissed my neck, moving his mouth close to my ear.
“I want to fuck you here.” He emphasized that by pressing his hard erection against my ass.
I drew in a fast breath as I rocked my hips, pushing back on it. If I could get away with it, I’d have to bend over to get more friction. And I wished the dress was shorter so he could discreetly put his hands underneath.
Rocco groaned. “Hot damn, I didn’t know you could dance.”
“I’m full of surprises, Mr. Marini.”
“Mmm. Give me more.” He rolled his hips, his hands cupping my breasts as he sucked on my neck.
“Rocco?” A woman’s voice screamed close by, and it worked as cold water, dousing the fire burning between us. The lights were fuller as the staff moved to reset the stage. He tensed behind me, and I didn’t have to look back to know who it was.
Marjorie Storm came into view, waving her arms wide. She was the ethereal Queen of the fairies, Titania, with her beautiful blonde hair tangled in gold strings, a lace bodice, and a silk strip skirt.
“Marjorie,” Rocco said flatly, keeping his hands on my hips.
Her eyes fixed on Rocco as she held her hand to me. “Hey, you two. Isn’t this the concert of the year?”
I chafed at her cool indifference but took it as her celebrity ego. With that in mind, I casually clasped it quickly and let go.
Morgan stepped up behind her, a beefy bare-chested Puck with horns and low-hanging leathers. He extended his fist, his smile broad. “Hey man, don’t leave me hanging.”
Rocco sighed and gave his fist a tap.
Morgan winced as if Rocco had hurt him. “Still mad, I see. Come on. Let’s bury the hatchet, okay? I made a loser newbie mistake at Cannes. It won’t happen again.”