Page 17 of High Stakes

When I go back into the living room, Bella is smiling at her mobile and I instantly feel a pang of jealousy.Is she talking to him?“Get dressed we’re going out.” I announce.

She glances up, “Huh?”

“I know someone that owns a furniture shop, she’s waiting for us to go and choose some stuff for your bedroom.”

She stands, shaking her head, “No, please don’t go to any trouble. Besides, I told you last night, I’m going home.”

“I need to decorate it anyway; it’s been empty for too long. And at least spend the day with me before you make any rash decisions, I could actually turn out to be nice.” I give a wide smile, and she rolls her eyes.

“Fine, but I’m making no promises.”

I can feel her looking at me nervously as I swing the car into Bond Street. I pull up outside Harpers store. Her furniture is exclusive and costs a fortune, but I know Bella will love it.

She gets out of the car warily and looks around at all the expensive shops surrounding us.

“Aiden, It’s so expensive here.” I take her hand and pull her into the shop.

Harper greets us with a huge smile. She is stunning and was madly in love with my brother, Jake. He met her after his diagnosis so refused to get involved with her, hedidn’t want to make her fall in love with him; only to leave her behind. She fell anyway, and she is still very much heartbroken.

“Aiden.” She smiles kissing each cheek, “and this must be Isabella?” she adds kissing her too.

“Take your time, give me a shout if you see anything you like. My guy already has his van out the back with the bed, so we can just add to that.” She wanders off and I risk a glance at Bella who looks like a deer caught in headlights.

“You’re doing me a favour here,” I tell her, hoping she’ll relax. “I need a woman’s touch in my apartment, let’s start with the spare room that you happen to be staying in.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Aiden

Bella is hesitant at first, until I pick up a gold eagle lamp. She stares wide eyed, “No,” she says simply.

“No?” I ask, taking a good look at the ugly lamp.

“It’s awful,” she whispers, glancing around to check Harper isn’t within ear shot.

“It’s one of a kind,” I argue.

She reaches for a simple glass feature where the bulb is extra-large. “Modern,” she says, shrugging, “And it fits with the décor in your apartment.”

I give a nod, “I like it.” And I place it toone side.

Bella’s eyes light up, “Cushions,” she says, heading off to where there’s a huge display. She selects some, holding each up for my approval, which I give because I have no idea about any of this. I usually pay someone to sort the décor. Who even has the time these days? But as I watch Bella select things, I realise that most men probably go with their women, just for this. To see their face’s light up at bright fabrics, or to hear them passionately discuss artwork and why they love it.

When she’s selected practically half the shop, I hand over my card while Harper’s assistants take it all out to the delivery van. I lean closer so Bella doesn’t overhear the amount, and then I hand over my spare key so that everything can be taken up to the apartment.

We step outside and I take her hand, ignoring the way she glances down at it in confusion. “I’d love to take you to lunch,” I say.

“Why?” she asks, as I lead her in the direction of a nice restaurant I know around the corner.

“To thank you for your help.”

She smiles, “Well, as long as you know this isn’t a date, Aiden Tremos.”

I scoff playfully, “Like I’d date you.”

She giggles as we cross the street, and I push the door open to the little Italian I’ve been coming to for years.Lucas, the owner, greets us warmly and leads us to a spot by the window. It’s busy and has a long waiting list, but me and Lucas have an arrangement which means I can walk in here any time I want.

I pull out Bella’s chair and she lowers gracefully. Once I take my own, she smiles coyly. “I’m almost impressed,” she admits, “Shop’s that open for you on Bond Street, whipping out a card and putting almost eight grand on it to furnish a room you don’t even sleep in, and now this,” she says, looking around, “A table in a restaurant that I know is always fully booked and has weeks of waiting lists.”

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