Just One Hello (Book 2 in the Just Series)

Chapter 10

Ellie

Friday came around and I decided to go to the party with my parents. Not that I'm giving in to my father's demands, but I think he is right. There is nothing wrong with socializing. This would be a good distraction for me. It will give me a chance to stop thinking about Marco Castellanos and actually bury him in the past.

"Mia figlia, si guarda assolutamente bella," my mother gushed.

"Grazi, mamma."

"Your mother is right Ellie. You look absolutely beautiful. You will be the envy of all the women tonight at the party. Andiomo, miei amori." Let's go my loves.

The Maretti's definitely knows how to throw a party. The large mansion is decorated elegantly.

"Dominic, how nice of you to come. Francesca, you look absolutely stunning as always," Leandros Maretti said.

"Grazi, Leandros," my mother replied.

"Ellie, you are a vision. I'm glad you are able to come," he said lifting my hand to his lips.

"Grazi. Thank you for inviting us," smiled.

"Well do come in and enjoy yourselves. Ellie, I do hope you save a dance for my son."

I hid my grimace. So the match making begins. I nodded politely.

As we walk into the ballroom I suddenly felt someone's eyes on me. The feeling felt very familiar. I look around across the ballroom trying to spot the familiar gaze.

I knew before I found him. I felt his familiarity. It was as if my body and soul was in tune with his.

Then I saw him. The same smouldering, sexy eyes who has haunted my for the past month, staring back at me.

"Marco," I whispered.

What is he doing here?

Marco

I saw right when she stepped foot in the ballroom. I didn't have to see her to know she was here. I felt her presence. My body recognizes her.

All my instincts says she was here. I turned towards the entry way and there she was. The woman who has haunted me for the past month since I last saw her.

Ellie Anastasi.

She looks absolutely beautiful. She's a fucking vision. All eyes were on her. I don't even think she noticed. She looked around the ballroom as if she was looking for someone then our eyes met.

I didn't have to be near her or to hear what she said. I know for a fact that she said my name. She's surprised to see me here.

I glanced around the room and find most if not all the men staring openly at her. Admiring her beauty. She exudes elegance and poise. She is by far the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

Jealousy surged through out my body. I wanted to rip all their eyes out for looking at my woman.

Fuck. Yes in my mind and soul she is my woman. And damn it to hell if let anyone of these obnoxious man get to her.

I walk across the ballroom to greet her. Keeping my contacts her daring her to look away or move. She kept her eyes on me. Watching me move towards her from across the room.

Her parents looked my way and smiled, but my eyes were on her.

"Marco, we didn't expect to see you here," Dominic Anastasi said.

"Zio," I shake his hands in greeting. "zia," I kissed Francesca on her cheeks in greeting as well.
"Lovely to see you all again." Then I turned to Ellie. She as looking at me wide eyed. "Ellie, you look absolutely gorgeous as always," I said moving towards her. I leaned down and brushed my lips against her cheek. I heard her short intake of breath.

Oh yeah. I still affect her.

"Would you give me the honour and dance with me,'princess?" I asked holding my hand out to her.

She numbly nodded and put her hand in mine.

I led her into the dance floor and held her close dancing to the tune of the music.

"Sei una visione, gattina," "You are a vision, kitten," I said.

She frowned.

"Mi sei mancato." I missed you.

She snorted. I frowned.

"You don't believe me princess?"

She let out a fake laugh. "Do you expect me to? may I remind you Signore Castellanos, you not only stole a kiss from me the last time we saw each other, you also ignored me like a plague. You made sure that wherever I was, you weren't. You did not even come to my brother's welcome home gathering because you," she stabbed at my chest, "were avoiding me. And don't you dare deny it," she hissed.

"Yes I did avoid you but it was for your own good," I said.

"My own good?" She asked incredulously. She gave me a bitter laugh. "If you were thinking about my own good, you wouldn't have treated me so callously. But you know what. That's all in the past. Let's keep it there." She took a deep breath just as the song ended. "Now if you'll excuse me. Thank you for the dance."

She tried to escape from me but I didn't let her. "We are not finished princess. Now tell me, do you think about that kiss every night since we have been apart? Because I have. You have haunted me since we have been apart. I can't stop thinking about you. You are all I think about. Even in my dreams you're all I see. Tell me gattina, do you feel the same?"

"You arrogant asshole. Let go of me. This is not the right place or time to discuss this. Actually there is no right place or time to discuss this. Now please let me go," she gritted out.

"No. Admit it. I am the only one who makes you feel that way. No other man has made you want him so badly. Just me, gattina," I said.

From her little gasp of breath, I'd say I hit the nail on the head. Her cheeks were flushed with colour. Her eyes lit up with desire. But hell. Nothing has changed. She is still off limits.

She's in the marrying category remember?

Damn it, Castellanos, let her go. And I did. "But I am not right for you, princess."

Her expression immediately changed from dazed to furious. Her eyes were snapping with anger. "Sei uno stronzo!" You are an asshole! She hissed before she stomped on my foot.

I groaned and hissed.

Fanculo!

Not again!