Page 124 of Bellini Born

A smug smile tugged onto her lips. “That’s what I thought. So get out of your head and forget about money, because that’s something you willneverhave to worry about again.”

That was a wild concept in and of itself. Money—more specifically, the lack of it—had been at the front of my mind for as long as I could remember. There were so many nights I went to bed hungry growing up because my mom burned through her paycheck at the bar, trying to pick up men, more interested in getting laid than taking care of her daughter. Shopping for back-to-school clothes was done at thrift shops, and every year, I was forced to accept the generosity of teachers when they figured out we couldn’t afford to purchase the items on the supply list.

Could anyone blame me for struggling to wrap my brain around how fast my circumstances had changed? Five months ago, I was working in a run-down diner, being sexually harassed by the patrons, scraping pennies together to pay rent on an apartment inside a building that probably should have been condemned. Now, I was married to a billionaire whose fortune rivaled the GDP of some small countries. On top of that, we hadn’t signed a prenup, so legally, I was entitled to half of his assets, even though he’d made it very clear that divorce would never be an option.

“Fine,” I grudgingly agreed. “Let’s shop.”

“That’s my girl.” Gabi bumped me with her shoulder. “Now, let’s give that no-limit credit card a proper workout.”

Matteo would probably regret agreeing to foot the bill on a shopping spree for meandmy best friend, but some lessons needed to be learned the hard way.

“Arabella Reign?” I frowned up at the signage of a storefront without any street-facing windows.

Gabi linked her elbow through mine, smirking. “Matteo’s going toloveme for this one.”

“Doubtful,” I muttered under my breath. The SUV’s trunk was bursting with shopping bags featuring designer logos, with the total cost of the contents quickly approaching six figures.

“Trust me.” She practically dragged me with her toward the intercom, where she pressed the call button.

Static crackled before a woman’s voice came through the speaker. “Do you have an appointment?”

“Yes, for Summer Bellini,” Gabi replied, giving my married name, which was still strange to hear out loud.

“Right, of course.”

A buzzer sounded, and Gabi pulled the door open before ushering me inside. When the merchandise came into view, I stopped short, causing my best friend to barrel into my back.

“Shit, sorry.” She grabbed my biceps when I stumbled forward.

Since there was a saleswoman quickly approaching, I threw on a fake smile while hissing through my teeth, “Did you seriously bring me to a lingerie store?”

“What’s the big deal?”

“My husband isnotbuying you underwear, Gabi.”

“Put your claws away,” she said in a placating tone. “This stop is all for you.”

I let out an unimpressed humph a split second before the saleswoman’s smooth voice purred, “Welcome to Arabella Reign. My name is Maya, and I’ll be assisting you today. Is there anything in particular you’re looking for?”

“Uh . . .” My eyes darted around the space. “Is it okay if we just browse for a bit?”

“Absolutely. I’ll bring over some champagne to sip on while you peruse.”

“Thank you.”

The minute she was gone, I turned to Gabi. “Can’t we just call it a day already?”

“Nope.” She popped the P.

Eyeing the display of see-through nighties to our right, I pursed my lips. “Don’t really see the point. Guys are usually more interested in what’s underneath the pretty packaging.”

A mischievous twinkle entered Gabi’s eyes. “Driving them insane in their attempt to get to that hidden treasure is half the fun.”

Guess I couldn’t argue with that. Matteo had shredded far more than his fair share of panties in his impatience to get inside me.

She grabbed an item that resembled a mess of tangled strings. “How about this one?”

My head tilted to the side. “I don’t even know which way is up in that thing.”