Page 16 of (UN)Bounded

I start perusing the lot, and there are so many cars. Every single brand under the sun is here, but I’m looking for something unique, something that screams ME!

Rocco and Aldo walk behind me, a little too close for my liking, and I feel trapped.

“Guys, I understand this is your job, but I’m pretty sure nothing is going to happen at this dealership.”

Reluctantly, they nod and give me some more room to walk. I continue my search, hoping to find something that catches my eye. Suddenly, I spot a few Volkswagen Beetles at the end of the row. I speed up, unable to believe what I’m seeing. The cutest Beetle is at the end of the row. It’s a convertible, it’s pink, and it couldn’t be more perfect. I start inspecting the car as I walk around it; it seems in pretty good shape.

“Buongiorno, can I help you?” A woman in a white pantsuit and black stilettos comes my way and smiles kindly at me.

“Yes, I’m interested in this car. Any chance I can test-drive it?” I’m not sure if that’s the way things work in Italy, but I’m assuming a test-drive is pretty standard everywhere around the world.

“Well, to be perfectly honest, I don’t know if this car works. Let me find the keys, and we can check,” the lady says.

I can tell Rocco and Aldo aren’t happy. They’re currently giving me a what the fuck face, and I can’t help the laugh that rumbles out of me. I know I’m being ridiculous, but if people are determined to treat me like a spoiled child, I’ll sure as shit act like one. At least for today.

When the lady returns with the key, she opens the car door, and I get into the driver's seat. Rocco and Aldo approach, but I stop them before they can get any ideas.

“Hey, guys, why don’t you follow us in the Mercedes?” I say.

They look at each other and then look at me. I’m sure behind those sunglasses, they’re glaring at me, so I decide to crank up my charm. “I mean, I don’t want you guys to be uncomfortable. Do you really think you both will fit in the backseat?” I give them a saccharine smile, and after a couple of seconds, Aldo makes his way to the SUV, and Rocco follows suit. Once they’re out of earshot, I shout, “Yeah!” and the salesperson beside me chuckles.

We cruise around the dealership, and the car drives perfectly fine. I mean, it’s not super smooth, but I actually like it; it has character.

Back at the dealership, I tell the clerk that I’m buying the Beetle and that I want it today. She simply nods and goes into the office, I’m sure to start on the paperwork.

While I wait, I take out my phone. I need a selfie with my new baby Bug. When the screen comes on, I notice I have a couple of texts waiting for me.

Gabo: Good morning! I’m sorry, but Rocco and Aldo are a little pushy. They’re just trying to do their jobs.

Gabo: Also, what’s this that I’m hearing about you buying a car? I told you I have an extensive car collection. I’m sure you could have found something there to drive while you’re here.

I chuckle at his second text. I’d pay to see his face when he sees my Bug. I send him a quick text back.

Isabella: Well, I wanted something unique. Something more my speed. Isn’t she a beauty? *eye heart emoji*

Instead of waiting for his reply, I pocket my phone and make my way toward the sales office. I need to make this purchase official.

Chapter 6

Gabo Godoy

The moment I see the picture Bella sent me, I choke on my wine.

“What the fuck?” I ask out loud to no one in particular since Vicente has been on his phone since we arrived this morning. I’m having lunch alone and was about to head to a cabana on the beach and do some people-watching while my brother decides to stop working, but this picture has me out of bounds. Bella is a fucking vision in a dress with a corset on top, her hair cascading down her shoulders. With a huge smile on her face, she stands in front of an old pink Volkswagen Beetle. What is it that has me so attracted to her? I’ve dated supermodels in the past, even dated a beauty pageant queen at one point. But for some reason, Bella is the most gorgeous woman I’ve seen in my life.

Instead of reaching out to question her about her choice of car, I call Rocco. I need to know what’s going on.

“Rocco, what the fuck is happening?” I ask, and Rocco clears his throat.

“Well, boss, Miss Bianchi decided she wanted an antique car. When I told her we wouldn’t take her to a dealership, she threatened to report me to you. So I decided to just bring her in.”

I can’t help the chuckle that forms in my throat. This woman threatened two huge motherfuckers. She’s no taller than five foot six, yet she made these two behemoths do exactly as she wished. I’m enjoying this way too much.

“Okay, that’s fine. Let her be, and just be mindful of her space. Try to be unseen,” I say, finally relenting to her wishes myself. “But I need you to contact my mechanic and ask him for a whole refurbishing. If it can be done overnight, even better. Tell him to spare no expense. I need that little Volkswagen to be the safest car in all of the European Union.”

Maybe not all of her wishes. I still have my heart in a vise with a need to protect her, to the point that I’m becoming obsessed. What the hell?

“You got it, boss.” I’m about to end the call when Rocco continues talking. “Oh, I almost forgot. She called one of her brothers, and he’s on his way.”

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