Page 18 of (UN)Bounded

“What? What’s going on?” Vicente asks, but I don’t reply. I need to make things right.

Taking my phone out of my pocket, I dial one of my best friends.

“Yes, yes. I’m on my way,” Gio says instead of hello, and I chuckle.

“Hey, man. I’m sorry you had to come all the way to Europe. I assure you, your sister is well,” I tell him, and I can hear him chuckling on the other end of the line.

“No need to apologize. This conversation I'm hoping to have with Isa is long overdue. Besides, I’m in dire need of a getaway, so it’s truly no big deal.” I release a big breath, and Gio continues speaking.

“Just so you know, Isa got her trust fund. There’s no need for you to babysit her or think that you need to help her pay her way while she’s in Bologna. I’ll be staying for a couple of days at The Majestic, and Isa will be with me. So you can also tell your security detail to back off.”

So much for being understanding. I roll my eyes at Gio’s statement, even though he can’t see me.

“Look, man. You’re a good friend, one of my best friends actually, but you’re completely missing the point here. The reason your sister is so damn frustrated is that she’s trying to start her life as an adult, fresh out of college, full of dreams and goals, and all we’re doing is telling her how to live it. I get it, I’m part of the problem, but to be completely honest, you and Luca are a part of this mess, too.”

My rant is met with silence. I know Gio hasn’t hung up because, when I look at my phone, I see the call is still connected. He’s a very calm and rational man, but the anticipation building from his silence is killing me.

“That’s a very good point, and I appreciate you seeing my sister’s wants and needs for what they are. The reason why I decided to go see her is because I need her to know that no matter what, I’ll always have her back. But I’ve been treating her like the child she was twelve years ago when I left to the United States. So yeah, I need to go say I’m sorry in person. And I’ll let her decide whether or not she wants your security following her all over Bologna. Maybe even embarrassing her at the university.”

I wince at Gio’s words. I didn’t think about how it’d look to have Rocco following her around campus. I sure as shit would have been embarrassed if I had an overwhelming security detail.

“I hope to see you before I have to go back to the States, man. Thanks for the call.” The phone disconnects, and Vicente looks at me expectantly, waiting for me to spill the tea.

“What?” I ask, the pure picture of innocence.

“I take it Gio isn’t mad because you’re being an overprotective host to his sister?”

I chuckle at my brother’s comment. “Of course, he’s not mad. It’s Gio we’re talking about.”

“Good, now let’s go find a girl or two to get your dick wet,” Vicente says as he gets up from the table after barely eating his lunch, and I flinch at his crass comment. “What? Are you serious? You brought me to Ibiza, and you’re not going to hook up with a girl?” he asks, incredulous.

“Yeah, weón. I’m dead serious. I don’t want just any girl. I need to at least try to charm my way into Bella’s heart.”

“You’re fucking crazy. Do you realize if things go south with her, Luca will hand you your balls?”

“And who said I was going to fumble my chance with Bella? I’m Gabriel fucking Godoy, after all.”

“That’s right, The Gabo Godoy. Let’s go. Be my wingman, at least.”

“That I can absolutely do.”

Chapter 7

Isabella Bianchi

After visiting so many stores that I lost count, I’m back at Gabo’s place. My room is a mess, with everything I bought today spread across the floor. Driving my Bug around this afternoon definitely helped my mood. Aldo and Rocco followed me in the SUV and kept a respectful distance at all times. They’re not so bad when they’re not crowding my space.

After making a smoothie, I take a quick shower and throw on a tracksuit to get my brother from the airport. As I walk outside the building, my phone vibrates with a text. When I look at the screen, a small smile forms on my lips.

Giacomo: Ciao, Isabella. I was wondering if you would like to hang out with me tonight? I’m going to a bar with a couple of friends.

This guy is cute, but I’m actually looking forward to spending some time with my brother. I hope he doesn’t give up on asking me out because, at some point, I’m going to say yes.

Isabella: Hi Giacomo, I can’t make it tonight, but I’ll be sure to try my best to make it next time. Have fun!

Giacomo: Thank you. Maybe you want to have coffee with me on Monday after class?

Isabella: That could actually work. See you later.

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