"You might just think of me as some girl...but I just want you to know, that I'm the one girl who took one look at you, and fell harder than I ever have in my entire life." - Ana Chable

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Eleanor Pallos' POV

          Angelik was blabbering about Max, but I wasn't really even listening. I felt rejected and disappointed when Nicolai walk straight to Victoria's seat and sat beside her after they exchange pleasantries.

I was expecting him to stop and say hi to me, but it didn't happen.

Oh well, don't assume too much Elle!

I smiled bitterly to myself while trying to focus to whatever Angelik was saying.

"Have you seen Max around, yet?" Angelik asked frowning at me and I know she knew I wasn't really paying attention to her. Her sharp eyes was telling me that she's here talking yet my mind was wandering.

"No." I responded too quickly to let her know that I'm still with her. She just responded with one cocked-up eyebrow.

Michael Maximillian Demakis, an aspiring surgeon. I've met him twice, but we weren't close and never talk to him decently, so I have no idea how he looks like right now. Maybe I saw him somewhere, but no idea if it was him, or maybe I was just too lost with my own train of thoughts that I have no care about my surroundings.

Besides, the last time I met Max, was when I was eight.

Angel and her family fly here in New York occasionally since her mom owned the His 'n' Hers clothing and it is based here New York.

That's how they met and Max and began dating. How they manage a long distance relationship is I couldn't fathom.

He's very intelligent and he wants to be a cardiologist according to Angelik.

Dad has four closest friends that he treated like his own brothers and always talks about them, how their friendship lasted until now. They are all billionaires as far as I remember. Rafael Valiente and Stavros Demakis were both shipping magnate, but they were never a competition. Then there's Theios Nicolas whom I know since diapers, and Theios Zandros since we all lived close by and in the same country.

Theios Stavros and Theios Rafael lives here in New York.

But on some special occasions it's either we come to New York or they will come visit us in Athens.

"He better show up tonight or I will completely break up with him." Angel fuss and I rolled my eyes.

My eyes drifted to Victoria, Nicolai and Clara Bell. The three were too animatedly conversing. I quickly look away not wanting to prolong my agony and stood up.

My eyes drifted to Angel and smiled nonchalantly. "Why don't we go find him?" I suggested cooly, trying to act normal. I just want to be out of their sight.

Angel grinned thoughtfully and she nodded her head. She stood up with her wineglass and we both walk side by side. We met new faces and smiled at them. When we arrived at the grand foyer, a loud clunking of glass and a knife calling our attention.

Angelik and I stops to hear whatever it is.

It was theia Alessandra, glowing in her floor length body fitting purple dress, stood in the middle surrounded by their great friends and families.

"Good Evening Everyone," she started and gave the knife and glass to one of their servers and she discreetly walk away. Theia Alessandra scanned the room with a wide smile plaster on her face. Theio Stavros was beside her, holding her waist possessively and my eyes automatically ventured around for my parents and yes, I'm right. Dad was holding mom's small back possessively and once in a while dad nuzzled his nose on mom's head. I observe that it's not just dad. All his friends are acting so possessive to their wives.

Wow. I thought to myself. So there is still hopes for a hopeless romantic like me after all. I thought forever is not really happening. I thought dad and mom was the last couple who has happy ending.

I was too lost with my own thoughts that I didn't hear all what the couple were talking. I just heard the last sentence when Angelik tugged my arm with her free hand.

"Please let us all head to the hall," I heard theios voice and everyone started walking to the right wide hallway, leading to the hall.

"Wow, I thought it's only dad who was so possessive with mom. Did you see how theios Rafael and theios Stavros hold their wives?" I asked Angel and she chuckled, releasing my arm as we both turn to follow the crowd.

"So my dad to my mom. Sometimes it's so cheesy. My parents sweetness would bested a honey." Angel rolled her eyes and I chuckled.

"So was my mom and dad." I quipped giggling, walking side by side with Angel as we follow everyone. "I hope I would find the love my parent's has for each other." I wished dreamily as I sigh.

"You're so hopeless, Elle. Look at all this young men in front of us. There's no hope for them being like our dads," she quipped wittingly and I pouted. "Their generation is long phase-out." She added on.

"Dad was a womanizer back then, according to mom." I told her and she cocked her eyebrow telling me, you-believe-that?

"Silly." She just laughed and then walk inside the humongous hall. I bet thousand of people the room could accommodate.

Angelik and I scanned the room and discovered that her boyfriend is busy chatting with Matthew Valiente with his brother Luke Nikolai Valiente, and my brother Luke.  The four were animatedly talking that they didn't see us coming.

"Oh this brat, he didn't even bother to come and seek for me!" Angelik fumed and I bet her nose emits smoke at the moment. I wanted to laugh, but I bit my tongue not wanting to aggravate her temper.

"Michael Maximillian Demakis!" Angelik flung her hands on her small waist calling Max's attention as soon as we got closer and Max's smiling face withered, and turns soft and weary.

"Oh-oh!" I bit my bottom lip to stifle the laughters that's about to explode. Lucky, Luke and Matthew's serious face morphs an amused look, eyes sparkles with amusement.

"Geez, the lioness is here!" Lucky muttered and Luke guffawed unable to hide his laughters.

Max looks so scared and about to run when he saw how mad his girlfriend is, or maybe it's just me. Max's face lit up after and opens his arms for his girl to hug.

I stood a few inches watching them, completely amused.

"Sorry, agapi mou." He quickly snake his hands around Angelik's waist and pulled her closer. And man, she just melts like that.

I thought there's going to be a world war three.

I rolled my eyes when she curled her hands around Matthew's neck and the two started pecking at each other's lips.

"Jeezz.. Get a room you too!" Matthew scowled playfully and Angel just smirk at him.

"Hey nerdy!" I heard that irritating voice and I look at the next heir of the Valiente Shipping Corp., Luke Nikolai Valiente. His joshing smile is really irritating and always brought me to the edge of my temper.

I rolled my eyes and place the empty wine glass on the tray when a waiter pass by, then I cross my arms on my chest and face my one big mocker-fucker, Lucky Panty.

"Yes, Lucky panty, what can I do for you?" I snap giving him a taunting smile.

All the Valiente's kids are very handsome and the girls are stunning too. Luke is not far from Raffy when it comes to looks. He also boast a very powerful angular jaw and striking eyes, tall and well built.

Honestly, I grew up with all this tall, good-looking guys, but mind you, they are all nothing but a douchebags.

"Don't call me that, Nerdy Elle." He scowled and I cocked up one eyebrow taunting him.

"Then, stop calling me nerdy." I scowled back, thrusting one eyebrow up and he smirked, looking so satisfied and thoroughly amused at my expense.

"You really is pretty nerdy. How about going out with me for a date?" He grins and I frowned, then my eyes slowly morphing to scowl.

I drop my hands on my side harshly venting all my anger at it, clenching it at the end. "Are you making fun of me?" I grit out. He knows that nobody wants to date me because I'm not like anyone here, even my friends. They were always classy, sophisticated type of girl, while I on the other hand was too plain and simple. Nothing too interesting.

Sometimes, it surprises people that I'm a Pallos. It hurt sometimes, but I can't blame them. I'm nothing like my sister.

No. I have no fashion sense at all. I love my jeans and sweatshirt and most of the time sweatpants.

Thick rimmed glasses, hair that is is untameable, gray eyes as dead as the tomb and short. I'm just glad I was never bullied, except some of my parents friend's kids, just like Lucky.

I rolled my eyes at Lucky. He looks really serious now and it's bothering me. His brown orbs was staring at me like he was scrutinizing me. His hands were resting now in his pockets just a few inches away from me.

"Spare me, Lucky Panty! I'm not like your sluts." I said with my upper lip curled up in annoyance.

His eyes turns colder and I almost believe him when I saw him smirking, then he steps forward, eyes dancing with pure mirth.

"I'm going to kiss you here. I know you haven't kiss yet and I will stole your first kiss." Lucky threatened and I step back when he steps forward again, curling my hand into a ball on my sides. My eyes turns vigilant as I watch his super serious face getting closer and closer.

"Don't you dare, Lucky!" I tried to sound unfazed but my voice betrayed me. My voice fluttered and then he burst into a fit of laughters, with one hand clutching his belly while laughing so hard.

I watch him maddeningly with my sharp eyes turning into slits. One moment, I found my hand connecting to the back of his head and he groaned when he realized I just palmed his head.

He stood straight looming over me and I step back and about to retreat to get away from and to find my parents when I collided into a hard solid body, I thought a wall at first, but the familiar scent made it's way to my nose and my quick brain process it and realized it was Nicolai.

I step back, but I fumbled over my feet causing me to fall backward, but Nicolai was quick. His hands suddenly grasp my waist and caught me before I landed on my ass.

That electrifying sensations suddenly erupted in all my nerve endings, shooting every cells and I felt suddenly thirsty. My body shuddered with the sudden rising of temperature around us. I felt suffocated and my heartbeat became erratic. My thoughts gone wild and so my body were in havoc.

So help me God.

Damn hormones.

Everything around us, the music, the chattering voices of the people in the room, the clunking of glasses, everything around us swiftly dissipated, and only I could see is Nicolai and could only feel his hot body pressing against mine. It seems that the world around us stops and there's only us.

"You alright, sweetpea?" I heard him said breaking the erotic tension building between us. I pulled myself feeling embarrass, but he only tightened his grip on my waist and I look up to meet his dark green eyes and I saw something.

Is it lust? Passion? Love?"

"Y-yes." I stammered with my muddled eyes staring at him seeking for any emotions that I could grasp, but then again, his signature cold face resurfaces and he abruptly releases me. I almost fall again since my legs still feels like marshmallows. Soft and quivering from the contacts of our body.

It was a simple contact, but it made my rational thought mushy.

I still want to stay in his arms, but I held myself. It felt so good. I felt secured.

I look around to see who were watching us, but everyone seems busy except Lucky who was grinning like a fool. I slummed back the embarrassment I felt. That contact didn't take minutes, but it felt like it was.

"Hey," I heard Lucky greeted him and they both shared a manly hug. The rest did too.

I wonder where's my sister?

Just as my thought crosses her, I saw her coming with Xandrous and the two were looking cozy as they entered the hall. The two looks happy, and I felt something wrong.

I heard everybody was starting to sing happy birthday for theios Stavros.

I look at Nicolai and I found his eyes staring at me, but then again, those emotionless sea green eyes was locked to mine.

Why is it hard to read him?

Why is he always wearing that aura?

I look away and sang happy birthday, singing along with everyone else in the room. My eyes then drifted back to Xandrous who was standing not far from the doorway with Victoria on his side.

I wonder where is Clara Bell? She was with my sister a while ago.

Then after singing, every theios Stavros' friends including dad gave a small speech and then a toast. The room filled with clunking of glasses and bottles.

Shortly, the room then filled with a soft mellow music and I saw theios Stavros led his stunning wife, theia Alessandra to the middle and dance. Then soon, mom and dad went their way to the dance floor, and so their other friends.

Angelik was now busy with Max and the two seemed to be oblivious around them. Lucky had been pestering them both and I saw how Angelik threw him nasty glances and he just laugh it off. Max just laughed too.

"Sit here, sweet pea." I heard Nicolai and I stiffened when I felt his hot breath fanning against my earlobe.

His hot body is so close to me and I felt all that butterflies fluttering in my stomach and I gulp inaudibly. I'm seriously turning into puddle.

I just nodded and sat on the chair he pulled, then pulled another one closer to me and sat. He was too close to me and he even rested his hand on the back of my chair. I could feel his arm touching my shoulder occasionally.

I felt that warm sensations seeping from me and I squeeze my legs tighter, trying to terminate the embarrassing uncalled feelings.

Lucky was now talking to Matthew and the two looks too serious. I'm guessing about business. Angelik and Max was so cozy watching all the pairs dancing in the middle of the hall.

Suddenly I felt Nicolai's breath fanning against my earlobe. I turned to look at him and our eyes were an inches apart. "Is Lucky dating you?" He asked eyes still as cold as the ice.

I quirked my eyebrow. Why does he care? "No." I said shortly, then I saw her eyes travelled down my face and lingered to my lips.

"I heard him asking you out." His eyes didn't leave my lips, involuntarily biting my lips and gulp momentarily because I felt like my throat ran dry. "Do you like him too?" He added on, then his eyes trailed back up and meet mine.

His last words sounds bitter or was I hallucinating?

I think I am.

He's still impassive.

"He's not bad." I remarked and found my eyes drifting to Lucky who was still talking to Matthew while drinking his beer.

"Oh believe me, sweet pea. Looks can be deceiving." He remarked then he sat upright and grab his drinks. I watch him as he chugged his beer and then places the half emptied beer, then leaned back on his chair.

His eyes roamed around the hall. I followed his gaze and my eyes landed to Clara Bell. I look at Nicolai and his eyes lingered to her.

I look back at Clara Bell, and I can't blame Nicolai of staring at her. She's very beautiful, regal and sophisticated. She has a face of a goddess and a body of a temptress.

My eyes drifted to Alexander Demakis who was behind her and he was staring at her back. I look at Nicolai and found her eyes staring at me.

He didn't look away. He met my eyes and this time his eyes held something I couldn't decipher.

I'm so bad in reading emotions.

His mesmerizing eyes feels like drowning me, hypnotizing me.

"You're not going out with Luke Nicolai Valiente, Elle. Or I will let your father know." Nicolai leaned and whispered to me. Our proximity is unsettling.

I could feel all my blood rushing to my heart causing my heart to pump furiously against my ribcage.

"I-I'm not!" I stammered.

"Good!" He leaned back on his chair with his hand resting on top of my chair almost touching my shoulder.

"Why are here, by the way?" I asked as I scanned the room to look for my sister, but she's nowhere.

He just shrugged his shoulders and he took another bottle of beer offered by a waiter who just passed by. Matthew and my brother took another bottle too.

I saw Raffy and Natalia dancing. Angel and Max suddenly rose from their seat and then walk to the dance floor.

"Let's go dance, Elle." I heard Lucky's voice as he stood up.

I was about to stand just to get away from Nicolai, but I felt his hand on my thigh, gripping it in an iron grip. Billions of electrocuting sensations suddenly courses and whack my body, dominating the sudden pain caused of his iron grip.

"I asked her first, Lucky." Nicolai stood up and holding my hand and gingerly tug me to the dance floor, leaving Lucky gaping at us.

"Why are you so rude?" I snap as soon as we reach the middle floor. "And besides, he ask first!" I scowled. He took my hands and places it on his shoulder and his hands curled around my waist. He led me to the soft rhythm of the music and felt my two left feet following his lead.

"Just saving you from a predator like him." He just shrug his shoulder and pulled me a bit closer to him. I could feel his hot body almost pressing to mine. I wanted to lean on his chest and just drown myself with his tantalizing scent, but I held myself and just enjoy with the comfort of his arms wrapped around my waist.

"He couldn't do such thing with just one dance, Nico." I scowled, furrowing my forehead sending him a displeasure stare.

"Who knows? You're naive and innocent, sweet pea." Nicolai almost kiss me as he whispered huskily. Our lips an inches away. My breath hitched and I thought he would kiss me at that moment, but I felt so disappointed when he pulled his head back up and we both twirl around.

I look around us and saw Angel look at me teasingly.

I frowned at her and she giggles, winking at me at the end before turning her dreamy gaze back to her boyfriend, Max.

I saw Natalia staring at us too from my other side and she gave me another taunting smile. He glowing eyes is an evidence of her being utterly head-over-heels in love with Raffy.

"I know Lucky since diapers," I said defensively, meeting his intense gaze.

"So you know, he dated anyone with a skirt." He mocked, an evil smirk made it's way to his lips.

I rolled my eyes. Look who's talking here?

"And you aren't?" I retorted acidly.

He chuckled, and his hot breath kissed my cheeks and I smelled his breath. A smell of beer, a bit minty and citrusy, making it all smell sexy. He leaned his head a bit downward and smiled. "I didn't say I wasn't." He declared haughtily and I almost kick where his sun don't shine with great vexation.

He truly is cocky, yet my heart breaks with the realization. I know he is, but it still surprises me that hearing the words still affects me greatly.

I grit my teeth.

I saw everyone dispersing and realized the music is done and now Katy Perry's dark horse resonated inside the close walls.

Nicolai tug my hand back to our table. I just let him lead me. I was watching his