Page 58 of (UN)Bounded

“Good, because now you’re going to tell me where you are taking me,” she says as she fixes her lipstick and rearranges herself in her seat.

“I’ll do you one better. I’ll show you. We’re here,” I say as I park in front of the National Art Gallery.

“What’s this?” Bella asks as she looks outside the window.

“We get to have dinner in the museum. Just the two of us and hundreds of historical pieces.”

Bella does her little happy dance, and I chuckle at her excitement. After helping her out of the car, we make our way up the stairs to the building, and I can’t help but look back. The fountain behind us, the soft glow of the street lamps, Bella next to me, shining like the star she is, and I’m smiling like the luckiest bastard in the universe—it’s a spectacular view. The best part? Mario snapped a picture of this moment. I can’t wait to ask him for it so I can use it as a screensaver.

When we get inside, a table for two is waiting for us in one of the rooms dedicated to the paintings of the fifteenth century, Bella’s favorites. I remember she talked about this particular room all night long after she visited with her summer class.

“G, this is incredible. I can’t believe we’ll be having dinner here,” she says as I help her take a seat. The dinner is amazing—all the dishes come from a pop-up restaurant run by a Michelin-starred Danish chef currently in town. Everything is farm-to-table, earthy, and organic.

“So, G. You know I love being with you, whether eating a sandwich at a tourist cafe or having an eight-course meal prepped by a Michelin chef, but is there a special reason why we’re having dinner here tonight?”

Holding her hand, I release a deep breath. “Since the moment you arrived in Bologna, my life has turned for the better. I know you have trust issues, but I’m here to tell you that I love you, Bella, and whatever path life takes us, I’ll always be by your side.”

Her azure eyes are filled with emotion like the deep blue seafaring a storm.

“G,” she begins, but her voice breaks. I squeeze her hand twice, letting her know it’s okay. She rewards me with a crooked smile.

“I’m not ready to say the words yet, but you know what you mean to me, right?”

And I know—I feel it, too. The way she cares about me, the way she gives herself to me fully and unconditionally. It might take her some time to realize it’s okay to verbalize what her heart feels, but I know she’ll get there. We’ll get there.

I take my phone out of my pocket. After opening my music app, “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims starts playing. I place the phone on the table and extend my hand to Bella.

“Would you allow me the honor of this dance, principessa?” She chuckles but takes my hand. I direct her to a slow dance, my hard body flushed to her soft one. With her hands crossed against the back of my neck, her head resting on my chest, my hands on her ass—I’m a shameless motherfucker, but without a doubt, this is the best night of my life. I can’t wait for what the future holds for us.

Chapter 21

Isabella Bianchi

Last night, I truly felt like a principessa. Everything was so luxurious; the food was divine, and the location was unbeatable. I’m thankful I paid attention to Karina before coming here and got this gorgeous beaded dress at her friend Dani Garcia’s store.

I have way too many emotions to process; I need to talk to someone, and obviously it can’t be Gabo. How on earth am I going to tell him how far gone I am for him when I’m not ready to say I love you? There’s only one option: I need my bestie. So before heading to uni, I FaceTime Cata.

“Hey love, is this a good time?” I greet her as she appears on my screen. It seems like she’s in her car.

“Isaaaa. Oh, my God, finally. I’ve been patiently waiting for you to call. I didn’t want to interrupt anything,” she says with a chuckle.

“You know you’ll never interrupt me. How’s everything going?” My soccer star bestie beams at my question.

“It’s going great. The team is doing amazing, and we’re in the playoffs! I still can’t believe I might play the final match for the Argentine Women’s Soccer Tournament.”

I chuckle at her excitement. “Of course I can believe it. You’re the best soccer player I’ve ever seen.”

She rolls her eyes at me. “Nah, it’s either because you’re my best friend or because you don’t watch enough soccer. Regardless, I appreciate the support.”

We fall into a comfortable silence. I’m trying to think about how to bring up the subject, but Cata beats me to it.

“So, are you going to tell me? Or do you want me to ask you until you come out with it?”

Yup, that’s my best friend. A straight shooter, on and off the pitch.

“So, I’m dating Gabo,” I tell her, ripping off the proverbial band-aid.

“You what? Karina’s brother?” Cata shouts, and I cackle at her reaction.

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