Reluctantly I went into the shop and when I tried on the dress, it fit like a glove. Like it was made for me.
But when I saw the price tag, my eyes flew so far out of my sockets, they could’ve landed back in London.
‘How is it?’ Gabriel asked from behind the door of the luxurious changing room.
‘Expensive,’ I replied.
‘Come out and let me see it.’
‘No, I can’t take it. Unless Cassie’s discount is 99 per cent off, there’s no way I can get this.’
‘Laila, let me see it,’ Gabriel growled.
I sighed, then reluctantly stepped out of the changing room.
When I did, Gabriel’s eyes bulged then darkened.
‘Oh là là, c’est tellement parfait!’ Gabriel beamed, before turning to face the sales assistant. ‘We will take it.’
‘But…’ I protested.
Gabriel fixed his gaze on me and his expression told me he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
I slid back into the changing room and put my old charity shop dress on. This couldn’t be more different than the silky material of the orange dress.
When I came out, Gabriel was thanking the shop assistant.
‘It is all taken care of. And do not say a single word. No mention of money or paying me back. Otherwise, I will be offended.’
‘Can I at least say thank you?’
‘You can.’ The corner of his mouth twitched.
‘Actually, do you think I can wear it now?’ I asked. ‘It is my birthday, after all.’
And let’s face it, when else would I get to wear something this stunning?
I returned to the changing room and slipped back into the dress.
It was amazing how one piece of material had the ability to transform my entire look.
I strutted out of the boutique, holding Gabriel’s hand, then slid back into the Ferrari looking and feeling like a million dollars.
35
GABRIEL
‘Last stop,’ I said to Laila as I drove towards the clifftop Nico had recommended we visit to watch the sunset.
It was in a remote location so it had taken a while to get here, but I could already tell that it would be worth it.
I pulled over, got out of the car and raced over to open Laila’s door.
‘You don’t have to do that, but thank you,’ she smiled as she slid out of the car.
Laila always looked beautiful, but I couldn’t deny that the dress she had chosen looked incredible on her. It accentuated her gorgeous curves and I was not ashamed to admit that it also made me think about all of the different things I would like to do to her whilst she was wearing it.
‘Bloody hell!’ Laila gasped when she took in her surroundings. ‘This view is insane!’
