AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER TEN
CARMELLA
Al and I took his private jet back to New York, and his father boarded his for Philadelphia.
I’ve paid no attention to any of our journey, it’s all passed in a blur. With his hand on my lower back, Al guides me carefully off the plane.
I didn’t get a chance to appreciate flying in his private jet. I cannot take any enjoyment when all I feel is numb.
Once we’ve safely descended the stairs, Al leads me to his waiting Aston Martin. He turns to me before turning on the ignition.
“If you want, I can get my pilot to take you home,angelo. I can arrange for you to be back here for the wedding on Saturday.” I can see the tick in his jaw. He’s not looking at me as he addresses me.
“No, I want to be here. I’m just hurt over Papa and Nic.”
He nods but doesn’t say a word as he starts the car and drives us to an underground car park. I have no idea where we are, other than I know his apartment is in New York. We ride up a private elevator that opens into a large foyer. There are two doors, one on either side of the large room.
“The other apartment is Maximus’,” Al nods toward the door opposite us.
He’s carrying my suitcase in one hand and uses his other to open the door and guide me into the open plan apartment.
I take in the high ceilings and large windows that give the most stunning view of Central Park. The herringbone white oak floor runs throughout the main living area. Just off to the left of the seating area is a wood-burning fireplace that leads through to the dining area. As he ushers me farther into the apartment, to the right are marble floors leading into a sublime kitchen with more views of the park. The whole apartment has a light and airy feel. Although I’m guessing with the fire burning, it would be rather cozy.
“Is this a good silence or an ‘I hate it’ silence?” Al is standing by the corridor to the side of the kitchen.
“It’s beautiful. I love the décor. Did you have someone in or did you purchase it like this?” I continue to take in the room, each time noting something else that I like.
I run my fingers over the silky-smooth granite work tops. The coolness of them sends a chill through my fingertips.
“Your aunt recommended an interior designer to me. If anything is not to your liking, we can get them back to redo what you don’t like.” He offers.
Little does he know how euphonious his words are.
“You would let me change bits?” I ask in shock.
“Of course, this is your home now too. You’ll definitely need to pick which of the guestrooms you want as the nursery. I thought maybe this one.” I follow him down the hallway past four closed doors.
He pushes open a door on the right, and I follow him into the standard guestroom. It’s decorated in muted pinks, paired with white furniture.
“The size is good, I think.” I nod as I enter farther and turn around to take in the entire room.
“We can get the team in to discuss ideas as soon as you are ready.” Al turns and heads for the door.
“Would… would you mind if I were to make the changes myself?” I ask sheepishly.
He might hate the idea of me messing around with his apartment.
“If you want to, as long as you’re not taking on too much. I don’t want you stressing yourself out.” He tilts his head.
I feel so exposed in front of him, I can see him trying to figure me out.
“I would have studied interior design if I had been allowed to attend college.” I dip my head as I enter into the hallway before him.
He follows, closing the door behind us. He leans past me to open the door opposite. I notice he has brought my suitcase. This must be the guestroom he wants me to have.
Only, it’s most definitely not a guestroom, it’s the master. There is a large four-poster bed in walnut-stained wood. It’s the centerpiece of the room with its contrast striking against the thick beige carpet. On either side of the bed is an archway, one leading into the huge walk-in closet and the other into the en-suite.
I’m silent as I take the room in.
