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“I’m studying art, and during the summer, I like working a couple of days a week and taking a class that can be used toward my degree. The rest of the time, I enjoy traveling,” he tells me with glee in his eyes, and I smile at ease; he seems genuine.

“That sounds amazing. I just graduated from college.” He raises his eyebrows in question, and I chuckle. “Yeah, back in Chile,” I say as I rearrange the strap of my bag on my shoulder, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by Giacomo’s attention.

“Your Italian is impressive. You could have fooled me, I thought you were from here.”

I smile at the compliment. “Thanks. This truth is I enjoy learning languages.”

“So, are you here just for the summer?” he asks, and I don’t answer immediately. As nice as he seems, I don’t know him.

“I’m sorry, I’m not trying to interrogate you. I’m simply genuinely interested in getting to know you,” he says with a sheepish smile, and I smile back.

Before I can answer, it’s my turn to talk to the registrar employee. I got all the documents I need for Monday, including a campus map and a couple of books the professors want us to work with.

As I’m turning to leave, Giacomo asks, “Would you wait for me? This won’t take long.” I nod, and fifteen minutes later, we’re making our way out of the building.

“Do you have plans tonight? I’m going out with my friends, and I figured you could join us,” Giacomo says expectantly.

Even though he seems nice, I’m still struggling with the jetlag, so I decide to tell him the truth.

“As fun as that sounds, I arrived yesterday, and I’m still trying to catch up with sleep. I’ll see you next week,” I say as I start making my way toward Gabo’s place. Giacomo falls in step beside me.

“I can understand that, but maybe we can see if you’re feeling better over the weekend?” He looks like he wants to say more, but he simply smiles and waits for me to make up my mind.

I shrug as I take my phone out and pass it to him. Once he enters his number, he texts himself from my phone.

“Thank you, Isabella. I’ll see you around.” He pockets his phone and gives me two kisses, one on each cheek, before he walks in the opposite direction. I watch his figure recede as he walks away, then continue on my way toward Gabo’s place. I can’t wait to take a long bath, maybe order some food, and sleep for a long time.

Chapter 4

Gabo Godoy

I’ve been on edge all fucking day. When I gave Bella my card this morning, I thought she would text me so I could save her number, but nothing. I haven’t heard from her all day. I know she’s fine since I asked Mario to send someone to make sure she was safe, but still. It’s not the same as hearing from her. I’m not even sure why I am so on edge about it; it’s not like she’s mine to protect or that someone has threatened her. But the moment I saw her coming out of my jet, it was like I felt she had become mine.

Which is ludicrous. I mean, who the fuck thinks like that? I think I’ve just been alone for a long time now, and seeing a beautiful woman took my brain for a spin. I think it’s best to take the weekend off and let her settle alone in my penthouse.

You know that’s not the only thing that pulls you to her. The girl is smart, ambitious, and driven, the little voice in my head says. I decide to shake off my thoughts and make a phone call on the drive home instead.

My brother picks up after the second ring.

“What?” Vicente scoffs. I roll my eyes; he’s such a dick when he wants to be.

“Hello to you too, dear brother. I was going to ask how you are, but I guess I already got my answer.”

“Sorry.” Vicente releases a deep breath. “It’s been fucking chaos today.”

“Then my call is the answer to your prayers,” I tell him, my idea taking more form in my head.

“You got my attention, Gabo. What do you have in mind?”

“What about a bro weekend? I need to let off some steam, too.” I pray he doesn’t pry for more than I can tell him right now, but even more, I pray he accepts. My brother is married to his business. Rarely ever takes time off.

“Okay, where and when?” he answers immediately. I’m utterly shocked he accepted, but I’m not about to poke the bear.

“Your choice. I can go over to London, or we can meet halfway in Ibiza.”

“I need to get out of London. Ibiza will do.”

“Fuck yes. I’ll take care of everything. I’ll email you the details soon.”

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