Page 27 of Secret Bet

Belle marched up the circular stairs and went toward a bedroom. She found her original suitcase and opened it. She placed her mother's picture on the nightstand as she always did, though she wasn't sureshe'dstay.

A knock on the door reverberated in the air. Peter leaning against the door right now would be all she needed to pass out on the floor. Belle clutched the handle then opened it to threewomen.

As she pressed her lips together, all three charged at her. One held a tape measure and one went for her hair as the other studied her. Belle's legs were restless as tingles grew in herchest.

One of the women said, "You'll need to wash so we canprepareyou."

No one prepared her, except her. Her insides practically quivered as she tore herself away from them. "Whoareyou?"

The same one said, "Hair, makeup and clothes. We're here to ensure you are ready fortonight."

Did Hair, Makeup and Clothes use that as their names? Peter shouldn't pay for all this. Bellewrung herhands.

"I can't do myownhair?"

"Not likeNancycan."

Nancy must be the one that had tugged at her hair a minute ago. The one that spoke must be Clothes as she held the tape measure and said, "Did you pick your dress for tonight? Or was there a different designer you'd prefer we get for you? I need to ensure it's a perfect fit ineveryway."

The boxes werelined up in the front hall. Perhaps she'd only have to spend some of her savings and might return the others. She let out a breath, though she was still a little dizzy. "I've notlooked."

Clothes shook her head. "I've hung everything in yourcloset."

Of course she had. She rested her arms on the table beside her and gazed toward the floor. "My mind is awhirlwind."

"Do youneed us to bring in a doctor?" She rushed to open the closet as she said that. Miss Clothes wastoomuch.

Belle held her stomach as she stood. "No. I need everyone to give me a half an hour to take a shower and thencomeback."

The three women nodded to each other and went to the door. "Yes,miss."

As soon as they left, Belle slammed it shut and rested on it. This dream wasout of control. One night with one billionaire did not have to change everythingabouther.

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