Page 36 of (UN)Bounded

“What kind of project are you looking for? You’re known for restoring classic structures and, lately, for environmentally friendly warehouses. What do you think would be a challenge for you?”

“That’s a great question, principessa.” He takes a sip of wine the waiter just brought us, and after approving it, we each get a glass.

“The truth is, I don’t know. I haven’t felt inspired in a long time. All I do is work and work; I think I might be burned out.”

“Okay, hear me out. Why don’t you take a week off and just do stuff with me? We can just enjoy life here in Bologna—we don’t need to do anything crazy. Recharge your batteries, and then maybe the inspiration muse will knock on your door?”

“I like the way you think, Bella mia. Let me see what I have in the next couple of weeks. What about your class?”

“I’ll have a one-week break after this week, then three weeks of class. So it’d be perfect if you could take next week off. Since I can work remotely on your company’s project, I can do it from anywhere in the world,” I inform him.

He looks at me with those soulful eyes; all I can think of is kissing him. So I do. I lean closer to him, and he meets me halfway. I start the kiss gently, enjoying the feel of his lips on mine, but Gabo takes over, and it’s like a raging inferno. It’s like he can’t get enough of me; he pulls me toward him, and I straddle him on his seat. The moment I feel the hardness inside his pants, I start rubbing my core against him. He’s making me feel too much, and a simple kiss won’t do.

The waiter clears his throat, and Gabo chuckles against my lips. I slowly remove myself from Gabo’s lap, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks. When I look at him, he’s as cool as a cucumber—not fair.

“I apologize for the interruption, Mr. Godoy, but here’s a sampler of the appetizers we have today. Roasted octopus with potato cream, applewood smoked burrata, cream of roasted cherry tomatoes, and grilled focaccia.”

“All this looks delicious, thank you so much,” I tell the waiter as he makes his way back to the kitchen.

“What do you want to try first?” Gabo asks, and although I don’t understand why he’s asking me, like the good girl I am when I’m with him, I answer, “The octopus.”

“Good choice. Come here.” He takes a spoonful of the potato cream, which has a couple of octopus pieces, and feeds it to me. The moment it hits my taste buds, a symphony of flavors explodes in my mouth.

“Hmm, delicious. Here, let me,” I tell him as I grab the spoon from his hand and feed him.

“It definitely tastes better when you feed it to me,” he says, and I chuckle.

The food keeps coming, and each dish is better than the last; I don’t think I’ve ever had so much food at once. But with Gabo feeding me, it feels like nothing. Now all I want is to nap. I’m in a food coma.

“Do you think you have room for dessert?” Gabo asks, and I shake my head as I rub my belly.

“If I eat one more bite, I might explode,” I tell him, and he kisses the back of my hand as he helps me up from my seat.

“Okay, what do you think about a night stroll?”

“I think Netflix and chill might be a better option.” Gabo frowns, and I laugh.

“What? You don’t know what that means? It’s just code for a hookup,” I retort incredulously, and he starts tickling me mercilessly.

“I don’t want to talk about the past because it is irrelevant now, but I have never dated. I’ve never felt the need to do things like this with anyone,” he says as he sways our intertwined hands.

“So you’ve never had anything other than one-night stands? Is that what you’re trying to say?” I ask in a playful tone, not wanting him to think I’m judging him. I’ve been the same way.

“You could say that. I’ve had a few friends with benefits, but I’ve never had a steady girlfriend until you.”

Here we go with the girlfriend calling again, but this time, it doesn’t sound so terrible.

We reach his car, and he drives us back to the penthouse. I press him one more time for good measure.

“G, I don’t want this to be a constant thing between us, but I really don’t feel like having a title just yet. Can we just enjoy each other's company and see how things go?” I say, releasing a frustrating breath.

“I don’t do things half-assed, and I sure as shit won’t fumble you, Bella mia,” Gabo informs me as he starts tracing circles with his finger on my thigh.

“You just said you never had a serious relationship. Why do you have to start now? I’m not one to be bound, Gabo. Let’s just say we’re unbound. Yeah?” I bat my eyelashes and pout for good measure.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to say no to you, Isabella Bianchi. You and I are (Un)Bounded,” he says with a deep, almost defeated, sigh.

“Thank you, G. Thank you for listening and accepting me the way I am.”

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