14. Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Isabella Bianchi

" G ood morning, everyone. I'm Martín López, and I'll be your instructor this week." I immediately lift my eyes from my sketchbook—that name doesn't sound Italian at all.

"I'm Chilean, but have lived in Switzerland for a while now, and last year I started teaching a module of this class."

Everyone nods, and I grin like an idiot. What are the odds that I would have a Chilean professor in Bologna? I can't wait to chat with him and ask for advice on getting artists to send their pieces back to Chile with me.

After class, I pack my stuff quickly and make my way to the front of the room to introduce myself to Mr. López.

"Hey there. I noticed you were really focused on your work today. Good job," he says with an easy smile.

"Thank you, I'm Isabella Bianchi. I went to school at the University of Santiago." His eyes go wide, and I chuckle.

"Oh wow, I didn't expect to meet a fellow Chilean here. Are you from Santiago?"

"No, I'm actually Argentinian, but moved to Chile for college."

He stops packing his canvas bag and looks at me from head to toe. His demeanor immediately changes. I frown, confused. He shakes his head quickly, and his easy smile returns.

"Sorry, I just thought you looked familiar for a second."

Hmm, interesting. I doubt he knows my family, but you never know.

"Any chance you've ever been in Alamo Peaks?" I ask him, wanting to know if he knows Luca.

"No, never heard of it. I'm from Valdivia, which is 520 miles south of Santiago," he says as he starts walking toward the door. His answer is kinda strange, since Alamo Peaks is part of the well-known wine region, but I don't think he's lying.

"Oh, I see. Yeah, I've never traveled south. It must be beautiful though." He nods at me as I fall into step next to him.

"Professor López, I have this idea about opening a gallery back in Santiago, and my hope is to be able to provide a space for immigrants to send their art back to their homeland. I was wondering if you know any up-and-coming artists here in Europe?"

We walk in silence for a couple of minutes. He seems deep in thought, and I take the opportunity to look at the people walking around campus, noticing how the golden hour light casts a beautiful glow upon them.

"That's very noble on your part, Miss Bianchi. But have you thought if it would be profitable? Is there a market for such a niche in Santiago?"

"To be honest, I don't think there wouldn't be. I mean, people are dying to have fresh and authentic pieces in their spaces. But maybe I should include new artists from around the world, not only Chileans. Do you think I should make a poll?"

"I think your idea has great bones; it's new and fresh, but you should do some marketing research. If you have the funds, maybe even hire a marketing company. Food for thought, Miss Bianchi. I'll see you tomorrow," he says with a smile and starts walking faster.

I stop and turn around to find my Bug. He does have a point; if I want to have a profitable business, I cannot only be guided by my heart.

When I'm back in my car, I see Aldo and Rocco parked in the spot next to me. I give them a little wave, and Rocco waves back. Taking my phone out of my bag, I see I have a couple of messages waiting for me.

Gabo : Do you have time to stop by my office before heading home today? I want you to meet with HR to see if any of the open positions interest you. We can go to dinner afterward.

I smile at his text. We didn't have a chance to talk this morning, but as usual, a huge bouquet and delicious fresh fruit were waiting for me in the kitchen.

I check the other message and hold my breath before reading it.

Luca : I'm sorry, Isa. I know I screwed up big time by being a nosey ass. Let me know a good time to call and apologize. Also, I returned your money transfer. That money is yours, no strings attached.

I can only imagine what Karina told him. " De seguro lo cagó a pedos." (I'm sure she gave him an earful.) I'll have to text him soon.

Lowering my window, I motion for Rocco to do the same.

"I need to go see Gabo in his office," I inform them, and Rocco nods as he raises his window again.

I punch the address into my phone, and as I'm making my way out of the parking spot, Giacomo blocks my way with his motorcycle. I hit the brake so hard that my car rattles, causing me to yelp in shock.

"What the hell?" I raise my hands to Giacomo. Rocco gets out of the SUV and has Giacomo off his bike and in his hold before I can even get out of my car. I need to help Giacomo before Rocco hits him or something.

"Rocco, it's okay. This is Giacomo. We are in the same class," I say as I approach them, but Rocco doesn't even move.

"I know who he is, miss. But he jumped in front of your car. Was he expecting you to run him over?" Rocco says through his teeth, and I can see the terror in Giacomo's eyes.

"Rocco, let him go. Please," I say politely but firmly. Rocco doesn't reply; he simply lets him go, and Giacomo bends his middle while gasping for air.

"I was just coming to see if you wanted to have dinner with me. I didn't mean to startle you," he says after a couple of beats.

I try hard not to laugh at how small he looks right now, still terrified from Rocco having him in a chokehold. I'm sure his intentions are good, but no man will ever match the BDE Gabo has.

"I know you didn't mean anything by it. Maybe next time, text me and don't jump in front of a moving car?" I say, and he chuckles, his cheeks blushing.

"Okay, yeah. That's fair. I'm sorry."

"And I'm so sorry to have to say no, but I really need to get going."

His gaze drops.

"Listen, Giacomo. You're a good friend but that's all we'll ever be. I hope you're okay with that."

He gives me a sad smile with a little wave, and even though I feel bad for saying no again, I can't wait to go see Gabo. It doesn't matter if I keep telling myself that all I want is a fling with him; my feelings for him are growing. He's so thoughtful, sweet, and kind to me. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to keep these blooming feelings at bay.

"One day, you'll say yes, Isabella Bianchi," Giacomo says out loud with a smile on his face as he walks backward. I hear Rocco grunt beside me, and I simply shake my head as I get back into my car. He's persistent—I'll give him that. But at this point, I wish he'd focus that persistence elsewhere.

I start driving toward Gabo's office while listening to my soft summer vibes playlist. A song is stuck in my head, and I need to create choreography for it—another thing to add to my to-do list.

"Hello, I'm here to see Mr. Godoy," I tell the woman outside of Gabo's office after I make it to the top floor of the building. She pulls her glasses down on her nose and eyes me like I have dirt on my face. I look behind me to see if Rocco and Aldo are around, but they're nowhere to be seen.

"Is there something wrong?" I ask because her staring is making me uncomfortable.

"Is Mr. Godoy expecting you?" she asks, and I pin her down with a glare.

"As a matter of fact, he is," I tell her in a short tone. I'm not about to be looked down on by this woman. I know I'm not wearing business clothes, but I'm not wearing anything indecent or provocative either; I have one of my sundresses on and tennis shoes.

"Is there a problem here?" Gabo's deep voice materializes behind his assistant, and she stands up like she has a rocket in her butt.

"No, sir. I was simply asking this girl if you were expecting her because she's not in my calendar," she says as she flattens her skirt with her hands.

"My bad, I forgot to mention that my girlfriend was coming to see me." Gabo emphasizes the word girlfriend as he comes to stand next to me and kisses me on the cheek. Such a gentleman.

"Oh, I'm sorry, miss. I didn't realize you were with Mr. Godoy," the lady says as she takes her seat. She can't look me in the eyes, and her face is red. I guess she's feeling bad now.

"Isabella Bianchi, nice to meet you." I extend my hand to her, and she shakes it, still not meeting my eyes.

"Did you have a good day?" Gabo asks, effectively ending the awkward encounter with his assistant.

"Very. It turns out my instructor is Chilean. I asked him about any contacts he might have with Chilean artists."

"That's amazing, principessa. Maybe we should invite him for dinner before he goes back to Switzerland." I grin at his idea; he's so thoughtful.

"Let's go meet Giulia. She's the head of HR."

We go to the elevator, and once the doors close, I hug Gabo, inhaling his signature scent of tobacco, whisky, and sandalwood. He kisses me slowly, and I melt in his arms. He looks so good in his three-piece suit, and all I want to do is take it off and eat him whole.

"How's your day been?" I ask as the elevator makes its way down.

"Busy," he replies as he releases a deep breath. "There are a lot of studies we need to conduct before we can start the new designs for the warehouses. The terrains in Germany and Sweden are quite different from here."

The elevator dings, and we make our way to Giulia's office.

"That sounds intense. I hope I don't have to work on soil studies because I have no clue about it," I tell him, and he chuckles.

"I'm sure we can find something that's more your speed." I smile brightly at him. I love how he gets me.

When we step into Giulia's office, I immediately think of The Devil Wears Prada. Her office is immaculate—all white and pristine. Giulia is a gorgeous woman—tall, lean, and with stunning hair. Not to mention, she's dressed to the nines. I wonder if Gabo has had a fling with her. Judging by the way she's looking at him, I'm sure it has crossed her mind at least once.

"Giulia, hi. This is Bella, my girlfriend."

And here I thought we were taking things slow, but he's been introducing me as his girlfriend left and right.

"Hi, Bella. Great to meet you. So Mr. Godoy mentioned you have a degree in the arts?" Giulia asks, and I nod.

"Perfect, we were thinking you could work on creating a color palette for each of the new warehouses we're currently working on."

I can't hide my excitement; this is right up my alley.

"That sounds amazing. When can I start?" Giulia and Gabo chuckle, but I don't care. I think it's a cool task.

"You can come back tomorrow after your class. Are you okay working three hours a day?"

"Absolutely, that's doable. Do I have to do my work here or can I work remotely?" Giulia looks at Gabo, looking for guidance, I guess.

When he smiles, she replies, "Of course. If you have a computer, you can submit your work to the design team; otherwise, we'll provide you with a PC." I smile at her and let her know I have my own computer.

"Great, here's your badge. Welcome to Godoy Construzione ." Giulia and I shake hands, and Gabo places his hand on my waist, leading me back to the elevator.

"I knew you were going to like this project. Color is your thing."

"Impressive how well you know me in such a short period of time," I say, internally swooning. I can feel the walls I've built around my heart starting to crack.

"I pay attention to what matters." I lay my head on his shoulder and press a kiss on top of his jacket.

"Do you have work to finish?" I ask him, hoping he says no.

"I was waiting for you. I made a point of finishing everything that was pressing before you arrived. Are you hungry?"

"Starving," I say as I exhale a breath. Suddenly, I'm exhausted.

"Okay, let's go find some food. Anything you have in mind?" he asks, and I look at him sheepishly.

"Actually, yes. Not sure why, but I'm craving seafood. Do you know a place?"

"I have the perfect place," he says with his signature smirk, and for a moment, I forget we still need to talk about this girlfriend thing.

"G, I came in my car. Should I follow you to the restaurant?" This stops him in his tracks.

"Rocco can drive it back to the penthouse. You're not leaving my sight, principessa." I huff, feigning annoyance and pouting for good measure, but secretly, I love that he can't be away from me.

"Seriously? I don't think Rocco will fit in my car."

Gabo chuckles. "He will if he wants to keep his job." With a wink, this conversation is over. Gabo's ability to find a solution for everything in a matter of seconds amazes me.

Once comfortably in his car—he drove the Rolls Royce today—Gabo splays his right hand on my thigh, and a shot of electricity runs through me. It's like there's a kinetic current between us. He almost makes me forget we still need to talk about this girlfriend deal… almost.

"So, G, what's this thing about you calling me your girlfriend?"

"I thought it was clear already. We're taking it slow, but you're mine," he answers like it's the most natural thing in the world. I can't help but throw my head back and laugh.

"Is that so? I didn't realize that made me yours." I challenge him with a smirk after my laugh calms down. I love giving him shit. He's such a caveman and so possessive. If he didn't make me melt like he does, I would be concerned about how much he's into me in such a short time.

"It is so. Listen, principessa. I can be patient and give you all the time you need to understand you're not a fling to me, but never think for even a second that I'm playing games with you. When I tell you you are mine, it's because you are," he informs me in such a low and deep voice that my insides tremble with the promise of more.

"Understood," is all I manage to say.

Yup, my walls are crumbling down.

"Good." He squeezes my thigh a couple of times before removing his hand. "We're here."

When I look outside, we're in a residential area. There's no restaurant in sight, but Gabo gets out of the car and jogs toward my door to open it.

"This way," he says as he helps me out of the car and places his hand on my ass. This man can't be subtle to save his life. He's so possessive, and if I didn't find it sexy, as hell, I'd be concerned.

"Are you sure there's a restaurant around here?" I ask as I look around, and all I see are a bunch of residential buildings.

"It's the best kept secret in all of Bologna. They only open for a couple of hours every day."

"So how do we know we're getting a table?" I ask innocently. The look Gabo gives me makes me laugh.

"Okay, I'm sorry. Sometimes I forget I'm with Mr. Billionaire." That earns me a chuckle.

We arrive at a wooden door on the first floor of one of the buildings, and Gabo knocks twice. A waiter answers, and the moment he sees Gabo, his face lights up, and he opens the door wide for us.

"Mr. Godoy, what a pleasure to have you here. We were about to close, but for you we're always open," the waiter says as Gabo gets the seat for me.

"Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. We don't need a menu; just give us whatever you have available." Gabo looks to me for approval, and I nod. I've never been surprised like this in a restaurant. I like the idea of eating the chef's recs.

"Right away, Mr. Godoy."

"So, G, any other projects going on besides the warehouse one?" I ask him while we wait for the appetizers.

He shakes his head and takes a few seconds to gather his thoughts. "Honestly, I'm itching to find a project that challenges me, you know? Lately, I feel like all I do is the same project over and over again," he says, and I wonder if he has people in his business to confide this kind of thing to.

"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."

"Always."