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Rocco sighed. “Yeah, I know. He’s my personal lawyer and friend. I trust him explicitly. There’s nothing he doesn’t know, and the more he does, the more he keeps us all safe.”
I understood, but it still made me uncomfortable that he saw me practically in tears, confessing my feelings—something I rarely do, if I’m honest—and that Rocco didn’t seem to mind.“The more he knows keeps us all safe.”Is that how I should look at his presence? That it was simply out of deference to his friendship and role with Rocco?Another learning curve?
I still remember Cassidy once saying that the best lawyers know everything and say nothing. Gunnar didn’t suggest that he outright urged Rocco not to marry me, which I should see as a good thing.He was protecting his friend.Maybe he wasn’t stirring the pot but preparing me for Rocco and his family, as he clearly knew them better than me.
I want to be there for Rocco as well.Which meant that I needed to be strong. That was something Luca often suggested was my strength—handling the difficult times in my life. My heart twinged, thinking about how much I would miss my loudest champion—apart from Cass.My dear Luca.
Rocco squeezed my shoulder. “You all right?”
I nodded. “Just thinking about Luca.”
He kissed the top of my head. “Me too.” He took my hand, and we walked over to where they stood.
Isla went stiff and flicked her eyes at Rocco, who gave her an icy stare. From what I knew of Rocco, he didn’t seem to hold grudges, but he was still mad at Isla? There had to be more that happened at Cannes with Marjorie after the panel. I hoped to ask her about it.
“We’ll meet you out front in a few minutes,” she announced.
Rocco gave her a curt nod, then kissed my cheek. “See you soon.”
He left with Gunnar, placing his arm on his back, and they chatted together as they walked. Gunnar stopped and turned back to us. His eyes fixed on…Isla?
I glanced at her, and to my surprise, she blushed. Something was definitely up, and I wanted to know.Gunnar’s nosy and so am I.
I looked at Rocco, and his eyes were on me. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, and I couldn’t help but smile.
His grin broadened, and he gave me a wave before they entered the elevator.
“I’ve never seen him like that.” Isla placed her hand on her hip.
“Gunnar?” I asked.
Her brows knitted. “No, not him. I meant Rocco.”
“Oh, what do you mean?”
“He’s grieving the loss of his grandfather, and he’s also been burdened with so much considering what his fathershouldbe doing for the funeral and the Marini business. And yet, he seems…at ease. I wouldn’t say happy, because he’s grieving, but there’s joy in him.” That was a strange observation, because to most of the world, he’s seen as the life of the party.
I cocked my head. “Before I met Rocco, I always thought of him as upbeat and happy, so that surprises me.”
She shook her head. “I’ve worked with him for five years, and yes, he always put on a lively persona in public, but in private, he’s quiet. Mostly alone and…sad.”
A pang went through my chest, thinking about Rocco alone. Mr. Marini had said as much, but after getting to know Rocco more and experiencing the warmth and joy he poured into me, I wanted him to never be lonely.
“Oh, and I should have already said this, but congratulations, Mrs. Marini,” she said.
Mrs. Marini. Strange how much I like that.
I grinned, my stomach fluttering, hearing my new name and title. “Thank you.”
We took the stairs together, and I went to the restroom. “Rocco texted me that you may need to replace…something.” Isla handed me a small bag, and I loved that she was being discreet about my underwear. It surprised me how calm I was about it.This weird life’s changing me.
I quickly went into a stall and put on the new pair. After, I came out and washed my hands at the sink. Isla was there and took out a styling kit.
She picked a brush to retouch my make-up but avoided direct eye contact. “Cameras will be around us. It’s best to prepare…Rocco said you’re the reason I still have a job. Thank you. I’m sorry about what happened at the party—”
“Don’t be. It wasn’t your fault Marjorie delayed Rocco and Janus flirted with me.” I put on lip gloss and placed it in the new handbag. “This is lovely. Thank you so much for everything.”
I was about to leave when she lightly touched my arm.