Page 70 of (UN)Bounded

“You worthless piece of shit,” Gabo says as he lunges to punch Max in the face.

“Noooo, G,” I shout and try to go after him. I don’t want him to get arrested because of that psycho.

“It’s okay, Isa. He needs to let all that pent-up energy out,” Gio says as he holds me back.

I sigh but hug my brother.

Gabo gives Max a few good punches, and Max starts laughing uncontrollably. It’s almost maniacal. How can one laugh when there are bones crunching and blood flying left and right?

“Do you think a few good punches are going to do anything to me, Gabriel? What your family and the Bianchi’s did to me and my family is far worse than a few punches. And maybe this time my plan didn’t go as I thought it would, but time will tell who has the last laugh.” Max spits on Gabo's shoes. Gabo lunges to hit Max again, but Rocco and Mario hold him back this time.

Vicente approaches him with his aloof demeanor. He is the typical powerful billionaire: cool, calm, and collected.

“You caught us by surprise this time, Max. But make no mistake, the Godoy’s and the Bianchi’s are not to be messed with. We wouldn’t want to take away anything your parents have been able to acquire since you all moved to Switzerland,” Vicente says with a low growl, making everyone’s hair stand on edge.

Max sneers but doesn’t reply. He knows he’s lost.

“And I was the one who shot you, in case you were wondering who took you down, asshole,” Luca says as he approaches Max and presses his thumb into Max’s wound. Max’s shriek of pain is deafening. I cover my ears as Gio hugs me tighter. The next thing I know, Max is on the floor, unconscious.

“Hmm, who would have thought that actually worked? I saw it in a couple of movies and always wanted to try it,” Luca shares as he approaches us while cleaning his hands.

“Officer Dubois, what a pleasure to see you here,” I hear Gabo greet a man in uniform. I wonder when they met. There’s a lot for us to still talk about.

“I wish I could say the same, Mr. Godoy. I thought I had been clear enough when I said to wait at the hotel while my team worked on the case.”

I laugh but try to cover it with a cough. This man should know Gabo has no chill, especially when I’m involved.

“I’m sorry, officer. I just couldn’t sit there doing nothing.”

The officer nods at Gabo and then motions for two officers behind him to get Max.

“I’m a Swiss citizen! You don’t have jurisdiction over me,” Max shouts as he is woken up by the officers’ rough hold. He tries to break free but immediately winces in pain.

“Good thing we’re Interpol. There’s a warrant under your new name for stealing art from an English collector.” Max’s face goes pale, and he suddenly has no words.

“Karma is a bitch, huh, Max? Or should I say, Professor López?” I’m too excited to learn this man will spend a long time in jail. He glares at me as Interpol officers push him away.

“So am I to assume you came here with just your security team?” Dubois asks Gabo.

He presses his lips together, trying to hide a smile, but I can see it.

“Yes, officer. Mario, my security lead, is familiar with the area.”

Mario nods.

“You all are lucky this didn’t go sideways. Mario, please come with me. I’m assuming you’re the one who shot von Willer?”

A silent understanding passes between Mario and Gabo as he puts a hand across Luca’s chest to stop him from stepping forward.

“Yes, sir. Here’s my gun.” Mario disappears with the officer, and Gabo comes back to where I’m standing with Gio, Luca, and Vicente.

“I guess I’m glad Officer Dubois wasn’t in earshot when I told Max I was the one who shot him,” Luca whispers, and we all cackle. “Wait, is that why Mario lent me his gun?”

“Mario is a professional and won’t be prosecuted like you would be. However, you shouldn’t worry about that, brother-in-law. With our fortunes combined, we could easily get you out of jail this lifetime and all the rest,” Gabo tells Luca, who glares at him and then dissolves into a fit of laughter.

“That brother-in-law title has a whole new meaning now, huh?” Luca asks, and it’s Gabo’s turn to chuckle.

“Let’s go home,” Gabo says as he kisses my hair.

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