Page 9 of (UN)Bounded

Her eyebrows rise in question. “I thought being the middle brother was easy. I mean, you don’t necessarily have to carry the family name. Didn’t you mention this back in Alamo Peaks?”

A small laugh escapes me as the waiter arrives with the appetizers. “You’re not wrong. I don’t have to carry the Godoy last name into the next generation, but when you have a brother who fills the older brother’s shoes so perfectly—responsible, disciplined, determined—you feel the need to live up to his greatness and not be in his shadow. Vicente is the perfect child, you know?” I tell her honestly.

“I can understand that, even though it took Luca meeting your sister to fully believe he could be as great as Gio.” She takes a bite of her octopus and moans as she savors it.

Holy shit.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to make that sound. It’s just so delicious.”

She covers her mouth with her hand, and I notice a pink flush creeping up her chest. She’s fucking bewitching. I take a bite out of the octopus and moan just like she did a moment ago. She barks out a laugh, and I’m not sure why, but I love that I made her laugh that hard.

The night continues, and we make easy conversation as we get to know each other a little better. After our second bottle of wine, I ask for the check. Bella tilts her head, her brow furrowing slightly.

“What? Do you think I eat for free here?” I smirk at her as I sign the bill. “This is a business. I need to treat it as such.”

I give her a wink; her blush is back, and this time, it’s closer to a dark red hue. I need to chill it out—the last thing I need is for her to think I’m hitting on her.

Do I want to hit on her?

Before I can even answer that, Luca’s words come to mind, and that’s all the answer I need: take care of his sister like he’s taken care of mine.

As we make our way through the restaurant, I place my hand on the small of her back. When we get outside, I ask her, “Are you too tired to walk? My place is just a couple of blocks away.”

She shakes her head and gives me a small smile. It’s refreshing that she didn’t make a big fuss about walking instead of driving. But we had two bottles of wine, and I’d rather not risk it with her in the car. I’d never put her in danger.

Chapter 3

Isabella Bianchi

Iknow I haven’t even been in Italy for twenty-four hours, but so far, I’m loving it. I had an amazing dinner with Gabo last night—his restaurant looks straight out of a movie. It was so luxurious, and the food was to die for—just exquisite. I really liked that he played it safe and decided to walk home instead of driving his car while tipsy. The boys at school were all about flaunting their cars and driving drunk. Allegedly, it made them cooler and more badass. Huh, not in my eyes, that’s for sure.

Last night, I didn’t get a chance to tour Gabo’s penthouse; all I wanted was to shower and crash. My room is absolutely gorgeous: it has a four-post bed with a beautiful silk canopy, the fluffiest comforter, and tons and tons of pillows.

This morning, I woke up refreshed and ready to take Bologna by storm. The moment I set foot in the kitchen to prepare breakfast, my jaw hit the floor. It’s a state-of-the-art kitchen, and all the appliances are industrial-grade. There’s even a goddamn walk-in fridge! This place is honestly surreal. Everything in Gabo’s place is out of this world. Owning my own penthouse—just like this one but in Santiago—has become my top dream. Right after I establish my gallery, of course.

I’m not sure why, but every time I’m in the kitchen cooking, my mind wanders to my childhood.

Growing up, I used to do ballet. Although I really enjoyed wearing tutus and the recitals, as I grew older, I switched to contemporary dance. I felt it allowed me to express myself better. It was another outlet for my creativity, just like painting.

I’m lost in my thoughts, dancing to the beat of a song I can’t get out of my head while making breakfast in Gabo’s immaculate kitchen. I turn from the stove to plate the pancakes I just made when I see the most sculpted body I’ve ever seen in my life. Gabo is wearing black basketball shorts that hang low on his waist. His muscles are on full display since the man decided not to wear a T-shirt, nearly giving me a heart attack. Not to mention the beads of sweat rolling down his abs. Does he have a gym here, too? Of course, he does. Even Luca has one at the villa.

I can’t take my eyes off Gabo. I’m sure I’m red as a beet, but I’ll worry about that later because now I see the dust of hair that forms a happy trail to what I’m assuming is a huge cock. Those shorts leave little to the imagination. Fuck, after seeing Gabo like this, I’m rethinking my past choices. All the guys I’ve been with are just kids compared to this Adonis in front of me.

Maybe I can find a man to have a fling with while I’m here. Hmm, I better add that to my to-do list for the summer.

“Oh, morning, Bella. I didn’t realize you were already up,” he says, cool as a cucumber as he wipes the sweat from his face with a towel that’s now hanging on his shoulders.

I open my mouth, but no words come out. I must be making a very silly face because Gabo chuckles.

“Listen, I’m about to get ready to go to the office, but if there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to contact me. If I can’t come get you, I’ll send Mario. He’s my security lead.” He slides a business card on the counter, and after a little salute, he makes his way to his room.

Once I hear the lock click on his door, I release a deep sigh. I know he’s not the first attractive man I’ve laid eyes on, but damn, he's definitely the hottest.

After eating my breakfast, I grab his card and can’t help but notice the beautiful design. His name is in bold gold letters against a black background—elegant and sophisticated, just like him.

I head to my room, shaking off any thoughts of Gabo. I take a shower before checking the weather on my phone. Beautiful sunny skies and a balmy 80°F (26°C) call for a cute summer dress from Dani’s collection and comfortable sneakers to wander the streets of Bologna and get lost in its beauty.

I plan to start my day at Piazza Maggiore. It isn’t too far from Gabo’s place, so I use Google Maps to guide my walk.

---