Page 56 of (UN)Bounded

“Holy fuck, you’ve really got it bad for Luca’s little sister, huh?” Dom says with a cackle.

“Bella. Her name is Isabella. And yes, I’m in love with her. But this has nothing to do with her. I didn’t realize I had to ask you permission to work from home after flying in and out of Abu Dhabi in a twenty-four-hour period.”

“Woah, sorry, man. I didn’t mean anything bad by it. I just didn’t realize you were serious about her. You’ve never been serious about a woman before.”

“None of them were her.” I give him a pointed look, hoping he’ll drop this topic. I don’t feel like explaining myself when I haven’t told her I love her. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have matters to attend to.” Dom raises his hands in surrender and makes his way to the door, but before he leaves my office, I say out loud, “Go scratch that itch you’ve had for years with Mario. Maybe then you can stop minding other people's business.”

“Fuck you.” He gives me the finger as he leaves my office, and I laugh out loud.

I get back to approving designs and checking emails. One from the design team in particular catches my attention.

Dear Mr. Godoy,

I simply wanted to say we are impressed by the quality and the turnaround time in which Ms. Bianchi has been working on the project she was assigned.

To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect from her since I wasn’t involved in her hiring, but she has been critical in having the designs ready for your approval. Not only does she provide quality work but also valuable feedback.

If for some reason she would like a permanent position on the team, we would be happy to have her.

Regards,

Angelo Cabrissi

Design Team Leader

Godoy Construzione

My chest fills with pride to see others recognize what I’ve seen in Bella all along: a hardworking, driven, and bright woman. I can’t wait to tell her. I’m about to reply to Angelo when my office phone lights up.

“Excuse me, Mr. Godoy. The sheikh is on line two and would like to speak with you,” my assistant informs me.

I raise my eyebrows, wondering what the sheikh would like to speak about; I thought my trip went smoothly yesterday.

“Mr. Godoy, I just wanted to personally thank you for coming to my country yesterday and sending the first draft of my palace today,” Sheikh Khalid says, and I’m deeply honored he called me instead of having his team contact me.

“It’s my pleasure, Sheikh Kahlid. Do you approve of the design?”

“I’m pleasantly surprised with the additions you recommended after our initial conversation. Admittedly, they’re my favorite part of the palace now. I’m looking forward to seeing them once completed.” He’s praising Bella’s ideas. I can’t wait to tell her.

“Thank you very much. I must admit, those ideas are my significant other’s. I cannot claim them as my own.”

“Oh, you have a bright woman by your side. I didn’t expect less from you. Please extend my praise to her. Talk soon.” The sheikh hangs up, and I decide to send a text to Bella.

Gabo: We’re going out for dinner tonight. Wear white, Bella mia.

Bella: Oh, fun, where are we going? Should I wear something fancy?

Gabo: Yes, the fanciest dress you have.

Bella: Okay. *happy emoji*

I type and delete those three words I want to tell her over and over again, but I have to wait to tell her in person. I need to see how her azure eyes sparkle when I tell her I love her.

I get to the penthouse before Bella returns from uni, which is a good thing because if she were here, we wouldn't be going out. I take a quick shower and put on one of my Brioni tuxedos.

As I’m putting on the cufflinks, she enters our room. She hasn’t seen me in my closet yet, but I have a perfect view of her. Her hair and makeup are done, and I love that she went the extra mile to get all fancy tonight. She’s always gorgeous, but tonight, I wanted to roll out the red carpet for her.

“Hey there, principessa,” I tell her as I leave my closet. She yelps as she practically jumps out of her skin, and I feel like shit because I didn’t mean to scare her.

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