Claire Relationships with Other Characters: Aiden Markel

     Aiden Markel is introduced in the first chapter of the book as the well put together and handsome art collector who own the infamous art studio Markel G. He gives Claire the proposal of painting a forgery of Degas's After The Bath V in exchange for her own show at Markel G and the great feeling of knowing that the authentic After the Bath is in it rightful place. The beginning of their relationship starts off strictly business but the two start to develop a sudden attraction towards each other which can be a good and bad thing for their arrangement.  On one hand it strengthens their bond because they are working together towards the common goal of forging the painting. However, this also was a bad idea  because it was easier to hide things from each other because they believed that they loved the other too much to tell them or because they wanted to keep the other "safe".The quick attraction between the two could have been because they are both getting something out of the deal that they want; Aiden is getting the "authentic" After the Bath and Claire is getting he show at the gallery .Aiden's relationship with Claire can also be seen as an investor protecting his investment which is exactly what Aiden says to her when he tells her to go to Canyon Ranch for three days to relax," I have a lot invested in you. I'm looking out for my own ass." Although Claire tried to do everything she could to get Markel out of jail it was unsuccessful in the end. Their relationship between came to a bitter end as Claire builds herself up in the art world.