Page 44 of (UN)Bounded

“Bella is also part of my name, Luca. It’s not a big deal. Let’s go.” Bella makes her way to my G-Wagon, and Luca and I pile in right after her. I can’t look him in the eyes; there’s no way he doesn’t know something is going on between me and his little sister. I feel tense the entire drive to the airport, and I can feel he’s tense, too. This fucking sucks, but I won’t say anything until Bella does. I promised her time, and that’s what I’ll give her.

Forty-five agonizing minutes later, we’re at the airport, and Luca is the first to get out of the car.

“I didn’t realize you had bought a jet, man. Nice,” I tell him, trying to make conversation.

“I rented it, but maybe this is something I need to invest in. Now that we’ll have a little one in tow, it will definitely come in handy.” I nod; a jet is a great investment.

“Thank you so much for coming to see me, brother dearest. I’ll be back in Chile in no time,” Bella says as she hugs Luca, and he hugs her back.

“Remember, no matter what, I’m always proud of you. Even though I might not agree with your choices, I’ll try my hardest to respect them,” he says as he looks me in the eyes.

Fuck.

Then he comes to give me a bro hug. “Yeah, the two of you are not fooling anyone. I can see how you look at each other, wanting to rip each other’s clothes off. And even though, in theory, it’s not my business, you both are part of my family. So if this goes sideways, one of you is going to be heartbroken and the other one is going to be fucked. And I don’t want to be in the middle of the shitshow, but we all know which side I’m going to choose. So be careful.” With that, he runs up the staircase and disappears into the jet.

Fuck.

I turn to look at Bella, her shoulders sagging. I immediately wrap my arms around her, and she hugs me back.

“I wish it'd gone differently,” I hear her say, muffled against my chest.

“I know, principessa. Me too. You know he’s my best friend and my brother-in-law, but you are mine, remember? We’ll show him and everyone else that we are bound to each other.”

I hear her chuckle as she lifts her face to look at me.

“We’re (Un)Bounded, G, remember?” she tells me with a crooked smile.

I roll my eyes at her as the jet’s engine starts. We both wave. I'm not sure if Luca is looking through the window. For Bella’s sake, I hope he is. I know my girl is tough, but her brother’s opinion is important to her.

Chapter 16

Isabella Bianchi

Ireally thought we were going to get away with not having to have the conversation with Luca on his day trip, but he dropped his opinion like a bomb at the very last minute. It wasn’t really a conversation; it was more like a judgment. I know the situations are different, but when Gonzalo, Karina’s dad, basically told Luca never to come back to his house, we all rallied behind him to get his girl.

It’s still crazy to me to think how my brother judges me no matter what. I’m too young, I don’t know what I’m doing with my life, I can’t choose a good partner. Never mind that it’s his best friend. How on earth is he not happy for me? For us? I honestly haven’t met a nicer guy than Gabo. He’s smart, determined, and strong-willed but with a huge heart.

“What are you thinking about so hard over there, principessa?” Gabo asks as he places his hand on mine.

“The truth?” I ask after a deep breath.

“Always.”

“Two things: I’m thinking about how I don’t want to keep fighting myself to not let you call me your girlfriend and how hard my brother judges me,” I say as my voice breaks at the last part.

“Before we talk about your brother, I just need to make sure I’m hearing you correctly. You are telling me you are ready to admit you’re my girlfriend?” Gabo says in a giddy tone, and I can’t help but smile at how happy he is.

“Yeah, G. You’re my boyfriend,” I tell him as I grab his hand and squeeze it hard. He has become my rock, and I don’t want to deny it anymore. I’m head over heels for this man.

He kisses the back of my hand over and over as he whispers, “Thank you, thank you, Bella mia.” And if there were any doubts left, they’re gone. This man is incredible.

After a few more kisses and whispers, Gabo’s face turns serious, and I know it’s time to talk about my brother.

“I know this is hard for you because Luca has been your parental figure for a while, but deep down, I know he only wants what’s best for you.”

“Yeah, G. He has a great way of showing it,” I say with a scoff, and Gabo barks out a laugh.

“You know your brother has no chill.” Gabo points out, and now it’s my turn to laugh.

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