6. Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Isabella Bianchi

I wake up energized and rested but without a real plan in mind. Instead of getting up and looking for sustenance, I decide to stay in bed for a little longer; it's the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. It's plush and soft, and the mattress is firm but not too firm. Ah, I love it. I'll have to get a bed just like this when I go back to Santiago.

Once I finally get up, I make my way to the kitchen. I stand still for a few seconds, unable to believe what's on the counter. It's a beautiful flower arrangement with peonies, roses, and carnations in all shades of pink, yellow, orange, and white. There are also little pink flowers that, after some Googling, I learn are called bleeding hearts. There must be at least two hundred flowers in total. It almost takes up the entire kitchen island—it's stunning. There's a note attached to it, and the paper has golden flowers engraved on it, and it smells just like the flowers.

Principessa,

I hope you enjoy your first weekend in Bologna. I've left a security detail outside the building, ready to take you wherever you need to go.

Gabo.

Interesting. He called me principessa again. I wonder where he got that nickname from? And a security detail? Why would I need a bodyguard? No one knows me in this city—I'm a simple girl who's here for the summer. Nothing more.

When I walk into the fridge to see what I can prepare, there are so many containers— it's incredible. When did he have time to plan all this? I didn't even hear him leave this morning. I get out a couple of containers with cut fruit and Greek yogurt. Then I find nuts and honey in the chef's pantry and decide to get a picture to send to Gabo, thanking him for the flowers.

I get his contact card from my purse and send him a text along with the picture:

Isabella : These are the most gorgeous flowers I've ever received. I love them. Gracias ! I'll see you in a few days.

I eat my breakfast while browsing social media, but after a couple of spoonfuls, I decide to FaceTime Karina. I'd rather check in with her than with Luca.

When the video connects, I see she's working in the greenhouse. I'm so glad I'm missing the cold ass winter back in Chile.

"Hey, Isa. How's it going?" Karina asks with a big smile on her face as she wipes her forehead. I guess the greenhouse is warm.

"Good. Great, even. Yesterday, I went to see the campus, and it's out of this world! I even met a classmate." I stop talking so I can breathe, and Karina chuckles at my excitement.

"That's awesome. I'm glad you're loving it so far. How are things with my brother?" Karina asks nonchalantly, but I can see her smirk. She's dying to know if there's any tea.

"Everything is good. We had a nice dinner the night I arrived, and this morning, he left for Ibiza with Vicente." Karina's eyes grow big, but she doesn't say anything immediately. After a couple of minutes, she finally speaks.

"Interesting. I wonder why he had to go out of town."

I lift my shoulder as if to say, "I have no clue." But then I decide to ask what I've been dying to know.

"So he left me a note this morning saying there's a security detail outside waiting for me. What's up with that?"

Karina frowns in confusion. "Isa, do you realize my brother is a billionaire? You're staying at his place, so you need to stay safe."

"All this billionaire talk is a little crazy to me. Last week, I learned that my brothers are billionaires, and now I'm staying with a billionaire. I mean, I knew our families had money but billionaires ?" Karina chuckles as I move my hands around, as if to say, "What the actual hell?"

"The fact that you've never seen security here in Chile doesn't mean we don't have it. The moment you moved to Santiago for college, your brother hired a company to keep you safe."

My jaw hits the floor; I feel so dumb and little. How is it possible I've had someone following me for the past four years, and I never noticed?

"But why didn't anyone tell me?" I say, my jaw clenched. "I might be the young one in the family, but I'm not stupid, you know?" Tears start pooling in my eyes, but I take a few deep breaths to keep them at bay.

"Oh, Isa. Please don't be upset. Your brothers were just trying to protect you," Karina says in a soft tone, and it only makes me angrier. I love my sister-in-law, but she's not gentle. She's strong and determined and never minces words. Right now, I feel like she's trying to calm me down, but it's having the opposite effect.

"You know what? You're right. You all always do what's best for me. Talk later." Without waiting for her to say goodbye, I disconnect the video and get ready. I'm going out, and I'm going to do whatever the fuck I want. I'm not a baby who needs to be protected from anything.

The moment I walk outside, I see two men standing by a Mercedes Benz SUV. When they see me, they both come my way. I'm thankful Gabo let me know there would be people waiting for me because if I didn't know, I'd be freaking out.

The men are wearing black suits, Ferragamo loafers, and sunglasses, and they both have coms in their ears. They look like they're a little older than Gabo, but not by much—maybe in their late thirties. It's probably a good thing that they're older, considering they're bodyguards and all.

It's like I'm living in an alternate universe.

" Signorina , good morning. I'm Rocco, and I'm in charge of making sure you're safe at all times." He tries to smile, but I don't think he's used to it because it comes out like he's in pain. I smile in return and look behind him, waiting for him to introduce the other huge man with him.

"Oh, yes. This is Aldo, he'll be your driver," Rocco says. Aldo nods at me, and I nod back.

After squaring my shoulders and taking a deep breath, I look at Rocco in the eyes and tell him, "Very well, the first place I want to go is a classic car dealership."

None of the men moved, like I wasn't clear enough. And if I weren't so riled up about being treated like a baby, I'd just admit defeat and go shopping for clothes instead, but I'm trying to make a statement, dammit, and I want to buy a car I know no one will approve of.

"Listen, I know you have a job to do, and Mr. Godoy is the one paying you, but if you want me to give a good report back about the two of you, I need you to listen to me and actually take me where I'm asking you to." They look at each other instead of paying attention to me, and I see red. "You know what? I can take myself there. Don't worry about it."

I start walking in the opposite direction, thinking I need to download the Uber app, but after a couple of steps, a strong hand grabs me by my arm. I turn around, immediately moving out of reach. "Do not touch me. And do not think that because I look young and naive, I actually am," I say, my chest rising and falling quickly, ready to scream bloody murder if I have to. "I apologize, Miss Bianchi. We'll take you where you want to go. Please, come with me." He extends his arm, showing me the way to the SUV, and I nod at him.

Once he opens the door for me and I'm seated, I take out my cell phone and send a quick text to Gabo.

Isabella : I understand that I need your security people looking after me, but I'm not a child with restricted places to go.

I'm still fired up as Aldo drives effortlessly through the streets of Bologna. Any other time, I'd be enjoying the ride, looking at the buildings and the people, but no—right now, all I want to do is yell at someone. Even though I'd like to say a few things to Luca, I don't want to regret anything later. He's been a pretty awesome brother, overall.

Taking a deep breath, I call the person I know will understand my anger.

" Hola, hermanita ?Qué hacés?" (Hello, little sister. What are you doing?) Gio answers after only one ring, and I immediately feel lighter.

"Not much here. Being driven around Bologna by Gabo's security team," I explain to my brother, and he's dead silent.

"Wait a minute, where is Gabo?" Gio asks, finally breaking the silence.

"He's in Ibiza with Vicente, but you know he's not supposed to be with me every single minute of the day that I'm here. Right?"

After releasing a sigh, Gio agrees. "Yeah, I know. I just think it's in poor taste to leave you alone on your first weekend there."

I don't disagree with Gio, but I won't tell him that. "Yeah, well… Maybe he had that weekend planned with Vicente before he decided to let me stay with him."

"You're right. They're both busy businessmen; they must have their lives planned for the next couple of years."

I don't say anything because what do I know? I'm the youngest of the bunch and everyone treats me like I'm an illiterate baby.

"Hey, Isa. What is really going on? You know I love chatting with you, but you usually go to Luca instead of me."

A knot forms in my throat, and suddenly, I can't speak. I don't want to cry in front of these men who I don't know, and I don't want to worry Gio with my immaturity; He has enough on his plate as it is.

"You know what? I'm on my way," Gio says, and that takes me out of my pity party.

"What? Don't you have to work?" I say almost in a panicked tone.

"It's the weekend, and even I take breaks," Gio says, and I chuckle. My brother is always in his research lab.

"There's no way I would convince you not to come, right?"

"You know it. I'll be there as soon as possible." Gio ends the call, and I relax a little bit in the backseat. Damn, this is one nice, comfy car.

It doesn't take much longer for us to arrive at a car dealership. It's exactly what I asked for—nothing fancy, just normal cars. Rocco opens the door for me and helps me out. I smile at him, feeling a little better after knowing my brother will be here soon.

I start perusing the lot, and there are so many cars. Every single brand under the sun is here, but I'm looking for something unique, something that screams ME!

Rocco and Aldo walk behind me, a little too close for my liking, and I feel trapped.

"Guys, I understand this is your job, but I'm pretty sure nothing is going to happen at this dealership."

Reluctantly, they nod and give me some more room to walk. I continue my search, hoping to find something that catches my eye. Suddenly, I spot a few Volkswagen Beetles at the end of the row. I speed up, unable to believe what I'm seeing. The cutest Beetle is at the end of the row. It's a convertible, it's pink, and it couldn't be more perfect. I start inspecting the car as I walk around it; it seems in pretty good shape.

"Buongiorno, can I help you?" A woman in a white pantsuit and black stilettos comes my way and smiles kindly at me.

"Yes, I'm interested in this car. Any chance I can test-drive it?" I'm not sure if that's the way things work in Italy, but I'm assuming a test-drive is pretty standard everywhere around the world.

"Well, to be perfectly honest, I don't know if this car works. Let me find the keys, and we can check," the lady says.

I can tell Rocco and Aldo aren't happy. They're currently giving me a what the fuck face, and I can't help the laugh that rumbles out of me. I know I'm being ridiculous, but if people are determined to treat me like a spoiled child, I'll sure as shit act like one. At least for today.

When the lady returns with the key, she opens the car door, and I get into the driver's seat. Rocco and Aldo approach, but I stop them before they can get any ideas.

"Hey, guys, why don't you follow us in the Mercedes?" I say.

They look at each other and then look at me. I'm sure behind those sunglasses, they're glaring at me, so I decide to crank up my charm. "I mean, I don't want you guys to be uncomfortable. Do you really think you both will fit in the backseat?" I give them a saccharine smile, and after a couple of seconds, Aldo makes his way to the SUV, and Rocco follows suit. Once they're out of earshot, I shout, "Yeah!" and the salesperson beside me chuckles.

We cruise around the dealership, and the car drives perfectly fine. I mean, it's not super smooth, but I actually like it; it has character.

Back at the dealership, I tell the clerk that I'm buying the Beetle and that I want it today. She simply nods and goes into the office, I'm sure to start on the paperwork.

While I wait, I take out my phone. I need a selfie with my new baby Bug. When the screen comes on, I notice I have a couple of texts waiting for me.

Gabo : Good morning! I'm sorry, but Rocco and Aldo are a little pushy. They're just trying to do their jobs.

Gabo : Also, what's this that I'm hearing about you buying a car? I told you I have an extensive car collection. I'm sure you could have found something there to drive while you're here.

I chuckle at his second text. I'd pay to see his face when he sees my Bug. I send him a quick text back.

Isabella : Well, I wanted something unique. Something more my speed. Isn't she a beauty? *eye heart emoji*

Instead of waiting for his reply, I pocket my phone and make my way toward the sales office. I need to make this purchase official.