Page 43 of (UN)Bounded

“Do you want tan lines?” I ask her honestly.

“I want to walk around a bit, so yeah, I don’t mind the tan lines.”

I do as she asks and see her put on a black hat and black heart-shaped glasses. She looks so gorgeous, like the old Hollywood divas who used to vacation here in Rimini back in the day. I can’t wait for Luca to leave so I can walk around freely with Bella, kiss her at every corner, and shout to the world that she’s mine. I would tell Luca right now, but Bella wants to keep things between us. I know I agreed to it, but I’m not sure how long I can keep something like this from my best friend. The Lambo episode was a close call.

“Wanna play volleyball?” Luca asks, pocketing his phone.

“Sure, let’s see if we can find enough people to form two teams.” I look around the beach, and although it’s not crowded, enough people are mingling around. You’d think Luca speaks Italian by how he charmed everyone and got two teams together in no time. No, he doesn’t need to speak the language; he’s pure charisma. Or swag, as he would say.

I scan the beach, looking for Bella, and when I spot her by the water, I jog to where she is. Like a moth to a flame, a couple of college-looking kids hang on her every word.

“Is everything okay here?” I ask her, and she turns to face me.

“Yes, G. We’re good. We were just chatting.”

I eye the kids up and down. My hand itches to take a possessive hold on Bella, but I can’t play the possessive boyfriend card with Luca nearby. “Okay, we’re going to play a volleyball match. If you need me, I’ll be right there.” I point toward the makeshift sandfield, and she nods.

“I’ll make sure to enjoy the view. I hope you put on a good show for me.” She gets impossibly close to me and places a barely-there kiss on my chest. I turn my hat backward as I make my way back to where Luca and his new friends are waiting.

“Everything okay with Isa?” Luca asks as we take positions.

“Yeah, I just wanted to let those kids know she’s not alone.”

“Thanks, man. You’re taking your job of taking care of Isa seriously. I really appreciate it.” Luca pats my back as the game starts. I can’t be chill around her to save my life. This hiding gig is harder than I anticipated. She makes me feel like a boy in puberty.

The game goes back and forth, everyone having a good time. I’m not really paying attention to the score. As Bella requested, I’m trying to put on a good show for her—running to hit every ball, falling on the sand a little bit more than needed. Luca rolls his eyes at my theatrics, but the moment I dusted off the sand from my abs, I caught Bella ogling me and biting her lower lip. Yeah, she likes what she sees, so it's worth it.

Our team wins the match, and everyone returns to their beach spots. Luca, Bella, and I go back to my house for lunch. Pizza and Aperol spritzes for everyone.

“I’m going to take a shower to get rid of all the sand I got in places that shouldn’t be in contact with sand,” Luca informs us, and I chuckle.

Once I hear the door close in one of the bedrooms upstairs, I’m next to Bella, kissing her. Her lips are warm and inviting, and I’ve been dying to kiss her all day.

“Hey, G. Do you think Luca suspects anything?” she asks as she trails kisses on my jaw.

“I don’t think so, but to be honest, I can’t wait for him to leave. I don’t like keeping you a secret. I want to kiss you and hold your hand in front of everyone,” I tell her.

“I know. I want that, too. But you know Luca—we need time to warm him up to the idea.” I capture her lips with mine again, and the kiss turns passionate quickly. I want her so badly.

Bella stands up, pressing flush against me, and my hard dick is pressing against her belly. She starts squirming, driving me wild. Maybe I can make her come once before Luca comes back down. I’m about to put her on the kitchen counter when I hear steps coming down the stairs. Reluctantly, I let Bella’s lips go, and she sits back on the breakfast bar.

“This has been fun, but I need to go back home to my wife. Can you guys give me a ride to the airport?” I look at Bella, and she’s wiping her mouth after eating more pizza. Damn, everything this woman does is sensual.

“I thought you said you had twenty-four hours here. What’s the rush?” Bella asks him, curiosity in her tone.

“I’m not built for the single life anymore. I miss Karina more than words can say, and I'd rather go back now so I can sleep with her tonight.” I chuckle at his reasoning but don’t argue. If someone asked me if I wanted a bros weekend or a weekend with Bella, I wouldn’t think twice. Bella would win every time.

“Sure. Bella and I can change back at the penthouse after we drop you off. Let’s go,” I say as I make my way to the front door where Aldo, Mario, and Rocco are shooting the shit and eating pizza and cola.

“Ready to go, boss?” Mario asks, getting up from the couch.

“Yes, we need to drop Luca off at the airport.”

“We can do that for you, sir. Aldo and Rocco can take him, and I’ll stay with you and Miss Bianchi.”

“No need, Mario. I appreciate it, and I really appreciate the way you call my sister Miss Bianchi. No silly nicknames. Bella? What the fuck is that, boludo?” Luca asks.

Fuck, I didn’t even realize my slip-up.

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