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A camera came closer, and I drew on that calm I had used for years to compose myself. I took a deep breath and turned towards the screen. My hands formed a heart, and I signed, “Congratulations. I’m so proud, and I love you, big brother.”
The applause went on for a while, and I kissed and held onto Rocco to calm myself down. Then, Nadia’s voice came over the speaker, and Rocco turned us sideways so he could hold me and make sure I wouldn’t miss it.
She smiled and came close to where we were with her microphone. “In light of the Shakespeare theme of star-crossed lovers, we will sing a special song for my favorite newlyweds, The Platters’, “Only You”.”
As her voice soared, we swayed. I closed my eyes, and even as people filmed us, everything faded to only the two of us. Rocco swept me off my feet from the very start. Even as I fought against it, our souls intertwined felt utterly miraculous. It was as if destiny had conspired to bring us together. And for once, I loved my fate.
The song ended, and we cheered for Nadia and Paul. I faced Rocco, and his thumbs wiped my cheeks, his gaze tender. My heart raced, each beat echoing in my ears. The lights came up, and the staff came to reset the stage.
Thud.Someone pushed us hard, and we stumbled back toward the stage. We turned to Marjorie, who was waving her arms at the crowd and screaming, “Look at the lovebirds.”
Morgan pulled her back, but the moment had gone.
“Leave them alone, Midge; you said you wouldn’t do this.” Morgan took her hips. “Sorry, man.”
Rocco ignored them, took my hand, and pointed to the security area. I remembered Paul had offered us a chance to sit backstage, and I welcomed it.
“Excuse us,” Rocco said to the people in our path.
“You’re not leaving already, Rocco,” Marjorie called behind us, her tone exasperated.
He stopped walking, and I looked back to find that Marjorie had clasped his arm. He could either pull it back and she’d use it to do something silly that would make a scene or wait her out. It was so unfair.
I decided it was my turn to use the crowd to our advantage.Two can play your game.
“Marjorie Storm, everyone,” I shouted in a cheery voice.
The crowd around us turned towards us and started staring. Some took out their phones.
When I had their attention, I said, “That was my big brother on screen. MyhusbandRocco shared his art with Paul; now he has a cover. Isn’t he the best?” I leaned up and kissed Rocco sweetly and rubbed his chest. Then, I grabbed the arm Marjorie had, and lifted it high in the air, jumping in place.
Strangers all around screamed and cheered for us. Rocco took selfies with some of the people, and a few of them took selfies with me.Crazy.
Zane appeared and stood nearby, waiting for Rocco’s cue. He took a step to leave but stopped and turned to face me. My brows rose imploringly. I hoped he was okay with what I’d done by using the public. It was territorial and cringe-worthy, even to me.
His gaze fused to mine as his hands went to touch my face.
I blinked up at him questioningly, my pulse rushing.
His head lowered, and I anxiously parted my lips, welcoming his kiss, but he said, “I love you, Adelina.”
I swallowed hard, threw my arms around his neck, and pressed my lips to his.I love you too.No one knew that this was his first time saying it, but I knew. And my heart was soaring. Those around us clapped and jumped like we were part of a reality show, but this was my life, and Rocco Marini was my one true love.
My heart leaped with absolute happiness and crushing fear.Does Rocco love me?Or did he say it to get rid of Marjorie?
Zane had moved between her and us, and Rocco didn’t even look at her. He told me he loved me because that was how he felt. I wanted to say it back, but I couldn’t.
It wasn’t that I didn’t love him. I did. But I’d already given him my body, my vow, and every waking thought.But once he knows he has all that I am, he’ll own me forever.It was my greatest fear to give all I am and lose myself.
I kissed him again, our tongues entwining, and in it, I knew I could give him what I was ready to. I poured my emotions and feelings into it, caressing his tongue and holding onto him with all my might.
My kiss was my love professed louder than words. But I knew it wouldn’t end there. Rocco Marini meant what he’d said when I asked him what he wanted from me.
“I want to have all of you.”
He’d only accept nothing short of everything, and we both knew he’d get it.
We had made it backstage to Nadia and Paul.