Just One Hello (Book 2 in the Just Series)

Chapter 18

Marco

"What? What do you mean somebody else bought Maretti Industries? I thought you were on top of this?"

"I know, but it was sudden. None of the bidders knew," Shane said.

I was seething with anger. How the fuck can this happen?

"Who bought it?" I growled.

"I don't know. Nobody knows."

I know how thorough Shane is and the people I've hired so when Shane says he doesn't know, then he doesn't know.

Fanculo!

"Keep me updated. I'm going to put a man on Leandros. I want to know his every move. Who he meets and why," I said.

"Demetri has lost it, Marco. He can't believe they've lost everything."

"Good. I want him to suffer. Losing his wealth is not merely enough for what he did to my sister. And Leandros, I'm not down with him. I want to know who bought Maretti Industries from him. Keep digging."

"Alright. What are you planning once you find out who bought it?"

"I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse." I said. "I want to see Leandros face when he realizes who bought his company. I want to see his face when he finds out that I know what he did to my grandfather 35 years ago. I'm going to finish what my father has started."

***

"Hello?"

"Hey, are you on your way?" Massimo asked.

"Yes," I said.

"Good. Don't be late Castellanos," he said.

"I'm 15 minutes away Mass."

"Alright. Jason cancelled he said something about an emergency," Mass said.

I snorted.

"What?" He asked.

"Huh? What?"

"Never mind just get here fast," he said before hanging up.

Emergency my ass. He's not going because Zarah's going to be there for sure. He won't tell me, but I know something happened between those two. He's avoiding Zarah like a plague.

"Henderson," he answered.

"So what's your emergency?" I asked sarcastically.

"None of your business."

I laughed. "When are you going to tell me what happened between you and Zarah?"

"I don't know what the hell you're talking about. There's nothing to tell. Nothing happened," he denied vehemently.

"Then why are you avoiding her?" I threw back.

"I'm not. I have an emergency at the office that can't wait."

I snorted.

I know he's lying but I let it go.

"Fine. Whatever you say. You're missing out man. I heard Ara's baking apple pie," i said.

He growled. "You asshole!"

I laughed and ended the call.

Not only is Ara a good cook. She makes and bakes the best desserts I have ever tasted. And her apple pie is without a doubt, the best apple pie you will ever taste.

I smiled to myself. Too bad Ellie won't be able to make it tonight. I haven't seen her since the wedding. I miss her.

I can't believe I just admitted that. But there's no use denying it. She's on my mind constantly. Now that she's moved here, it's getting harder and harder for me to stay away from her.

I walk through the front door and the aroma of Ara's cooking greets me.

Damn that smells incredible.

"They're in the kitchen, Marco," Evelyn said.

"Alright thanks."

"Look who's here!" Mass said.

"Hey man," I greeted him.

"Hi, Marco," Ara said.

"Hey, you look beautiful as always," I said as I lean down to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks," she smiled.

"That looks delicious Ara," I said.

She beamed at me. "Thanks."

"Where's the little munchkin?" I asked.

Before Mass could answer me, "Uncle Marco, you're here!" Lia said from behind me.

I turned around and was stunned.

Ellie was here.

What? I thought...

"What are you doing here?" I asked a little harsh than what I intended.

She raised her eyebrows and frowned. "Ermm, this is my brother's house and I was invited for dinner," she said.

"I thought you weren't coming," I accused.

She snorted. "What? Can't I change my mind?"

"What? No. Of course not. I mean, of course you can. Sorry. I'm being rude," I said. All the while Lia was there looking at us back and forth while covering her mouth trying to stifle her giggles.

Ellie roles her eyes at me. "What's new," she mumbled.

I smirked. Always the smart mouth.

"Come on love bug," she said to Lia as she led her to one of the bar stools.

"Wow, everything looks great Ara," she said.

"Thanks. The table is set, let's head on out to the dining room," Ara said.

All throughout dinner, I couldn't keep my eyes off of Ellie. If it's possible, she looks even more beautiful than when I saw her last.

I couldn't even enjoy my food because I was too busy watching Ellie enjoy her meal.

Damn it! What is wrong with me? I just need a distraction. Hell I just need to get laid. Yup by his is all just a lot of pent up sexual frustration.

Yeah, that's right.

Fuck how long has it been?

Since you met Ellie, a voice inside me said.

Merda! This woman is getting to me.

"Marco, are you alright?" Ellie asked.

"Huh? What?"

"I said, are you alright?"

"Oh yeah. Just thinking," I said.

She smiled and nodded.

Oh fuck. I'm. In. Big. Fucking. Trouble.