Chapter 21: Guilt

"Guilt and no guilt: these were the worst things. The only thing worse than the guilt was the fear of getting caught."

- Elin Hilderbrand

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Eleanor Pallos' POV

I made my way back to the living room where JJ was still comfortably sitting. He was holding his wine glass which he serve himself, on his other hand, while the other was busy flicking the remote control.

"What took you so long?" He inquired, without bothering to spare me a glance, with is eyes glued on the screen.

"I'm sorry. I just .." I stop as I don't know what's next to tell him. I couldn't find any alibi. My brain seems to froze.

He puts down the remote on his side and he leaned his back against the back support of the couch. He leisurely sips his wine, as he crosses his legs. "How is he?" He asked momentarily, holding the stem of his wineglass, resting it on his thigh, while his other hand rested on the top of the couch support, while facing me.

"Huh?" I almost croak stupidly as I stared at him in confusion.

He smiled. "Nicolai Petropoulis. I know he's here." He shrugs his response. Then he straightened himself, placing the almost empty wine glass on the coffee table. Then he took something behind him.

A necktie.

Crap!

"This is his, right?" More like a statement.

"Ye-yeah." I nodded sheepishly. "I'm sorry. He was drunk last night and he slept here." I explained feeling my cheeks burned in embarrassment.

"I understand, baby doll." He only chuckled. He's always the understanding man and I'm so grateful. And I felt that pang of remorse.

"So he's in your room?" He ask in confirmation. I know it's no point of lying.

"Yes." I confirmed.

"Go and fetch him out. I want to talk to him." He wave me off with a broad smile and I nodded, still feeling embarrass. I left him as soon as he turns his attention back on the screen.

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"Yes, I was actually there during the awarding of the 2015 business tiger of the year." JJ explains to Nicolai.

We were all sitting in the living room while Nico and me drinking our coffee and JJ with his wine. I'm sitting in between them while trying to just ignore their conversation.

JJ's voice is too excited talking to him. I could sense the vivid enchantment in his voice while conversing to Nicolai. Nicolai still wears his impassive detach look in which JJ's seems to no care at all while he kept on blabbering how Nico phenomenally brought the IFIG on top after a long years in the industry. How the IFIG struggles to keep up floating.

And as I hear all this truth about him, how he became as the CEO of the IFIG based in Italy, I felt suddenly happy for him and proud.

I know he's smart, but I never thought he would succeed by starting from scratch.

After a while, a smile is slowly forming in Nico's lips. I could now see that he's relaxing with JJ's company.

"You know I have no doubt that Mr. Agnelli would sell his share since he doesn't have any siblings or relative to be his successor." I heard JJ said and I look at Nico. He was nodding his head in agreement.

"I'm still waiting for that time. I want to buy his share." Nico responded and I could hear the excitement in his resonance as he agreed to JJ's statement.

"He will not think twice to sell it to you. Besides, they owned it to you the success of his family's company." He remarks.

Nico only made a successive sips on his mug. Then place the empty mug on the coffee table, beside my empty mug. I felt his hand snake around my waist. I was still wearing my robe since I'm charged with bite marks which I only noticed when I change into my daily clothes. I didn't bother going to the office, since I have only one client today and that was him.

"Well, how was the realty business doing with the US stock market and dollar have been falling lately?" Nico asked, as he surreptitiously pulled me closer to him. JJ place his empty glass on the coffee table too after he chugs the remaining liquid.

I felt Nico's lips pressed on the back of my head. Tingles spreads like a wildfire throughout my body. I wanted to move farther away, but his hand held me firmly.

He seems listening intently to JJ, but I knew he wasn't. I could feel his body heated matching mine with our closeness. JJ seems to not notice anything as he kept on explaining to him, how the company fairly floating regardless of the dollar slowly falling.

Jaschel James still ranting about the stock market when his phone rang. He excused himself and stood up, and left us alone on the couch as he connected the call.

"You smelled so good, sweetpea." He whispered against my earlobe and kissed under it, making me shiver in excitement. Tingles ran down my spine.

"Stop Nico .." I spat, but I sounded raspy and unconvincing.

"I love it when you calls me in that tone. It sounding sexy and stimulating." He kept taunting me as he pulled me even closer to him and nuzzled his head on the crook of my neck.

I tried to yank myself away from him, but I failed miserably. He was stronger than I, or I just had no energy to do it, since I'm already melting into puddles.

"I'm sorry guys, I had to go back to the office." We heard JJ's voice approaching, so I quickly pulled away and I'm glad he release me. "If you don't mind, we can have dinner tonight. I'll bring my girl friend." JJ offered.

"Of course. Just let us know where." Nico stood up and gave JJ a handshake with wide smile. While ago, he was uptight. And now, he looks so elated.

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JJ is gone and I'm already showered. I was wearing now a gray pencil cut skirt with a turtle neck to cover all the love bites he gave me. I tried to conceal it with foundation or concealer, but none works out. It is still visible.

He only gave me a cheshire grin as he watch me concealing the marks.

What a jerk.

"Are you ready?" I asked. He only gave me a curious stare, then he glance on his sleek watch that I know, would cost 200K a pop.

"It's just eleven thirty in the morning, sweet pea. Dinner is tonight with JJ." He gave me an incredulous stare.

Oh God, I'm already losing my temper again.

"I have to show the penthouses that's on the market." I explained it to him, exasperated.

"Oh, that." He chuckled. "I will let you decide. You pick." He grinned lopsidedly.

I wanted to kick myself as I stared at him, with my eyes scanning, admiring his gorgeous face and body, yet again. I can't believe I let myself fall all over him again. Well, I'm still madly in love with this guy. And I gave myself without blinking, not even caring that he was married to my sister.

Yes, to your sister, slut. Guilt envelops me.

"Why would I do that?" I asked him incredulously. I can't believe I fell into his trap. Why did I believe he would buy a penthouse here in New York while his family have several penthouses around New York.

The realization didn't suit me well. My eyes suddenly turned into slits. This shrewd bastard tricks me.

"First, I want you to like the place. Second, because from now on, we will be living in together. Anyway, I can work anywhere, as long as I have my phone and laptop with me. I'll just fly to Italy if it is needed." He explains further and I felt like stupid gawking at him.

So he was going to make me his mistress?

How dare him. He has the audacity to do this to me. I know I had given myself to him, but that doesn't mean I will allow him to make me his mistress.

"I am not living with you, Nico. Whatever happened to us, it won't happen again. It was a mistake!" I sputtered vehemently. I was gritting my teeth in frustrations and the pain of realizing the painful truth.

His forehead formed a prominent creased. His playful eyes was now cold and rigid. He spoke with stern as he steps closer to me. "You are going to live with me, Elle. And you better get a week off since you are also coming with me back to Athens." He grit out. His tone held no room of argument.

His detach cold eyes scares me a bit.

He turned on his heel and walk out of the room. I just watch his back as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. After a while I could hear his faint voice.

I walk to my bed and feeling lightheaded as I plopped down on the edge. In a matter of a day, a lot happened. It never dawn to me, that this crazy things will happen. I thought I am tough enough to resist him.

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I heard the ringing of my door bell and I weakly stood up and decided to change. I pulled out a yoga pants and a tank top. I cringed as I saw the love bites on my chest again.

A half of me was happy, and half of me, scared of what this may bring.  I know, I'm in trouble. I'm sleeping with my sister's husband.

I can't believe I was doing it. I'm screwing my sister's husband.

I felt the tears rolled down my cheeks. The thought of her and me, the troubles I have brought to her and to my family, brought fresh pains in my heart.

I thought it's only in a movie where I see family drama, sister cheating on each other. I'm no difference. I felt like the villain. The home-wrecker.

"No. I'm not going to let him win. I will not let myself be ruined again." I mumbled to myself.

I decided to meet my friends and be away from him. If I can't kick him out of my place, then I'll sleep at my friend's apartment.

I pulled my purse and stuff a pair of underwear, bra and a pair of dress. My purse looks puffy, but I didn't care. I will just buy toothbrush in the store and for sure my friends wouldn't mind sharing their toiletries.

I pulled a black cardigan and put it on. I went to check where he is and I didn't see him in the living room. I went back in my room, and as I pass the guest room, I heard his voice still talking on the phone.

I quickly walk back inside my room and grab my purse, keys and phone and quietly headed out. I heaved a relieve sigh as soon as I step inside the elevator.

I quickly dialed my friend, Starr.

"Hey." I heard her voice on the line.

"Hi. It's me."

"I know." She chuckled. "What's up?"

"I needed a place to stay for tonight," I sigh. When the elevator jolted to stop, the door slides open and I walk out, heading to where my car was park.

"Why? Is something wrong?" She asked. Worries laced in her voice.

"I'll explain it to you later. It's a long story." I explained and she agreed.

"I'm still at work though. I'll come home at lunch time. How about you come to our office?" She suggested and I agreed.

"I'll be there in ten minutes." I said and then hang up the phone. I'll just call JJ later to tell him, I can't have dinner with him.

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Eleanor Pallos' POV

Starr and I was sitting across each other at the diner across our building. As soon as I arrived at our building, we decided to have lunch. And since we sat on the table, she started bombarding me with questions.

"Why all of a sudden, you wanted to sleep in my place?" Starr started and I sigh. I don't know how am I explain myself, not looking desperate. The guilt assaulted me again as the memories of our hot love making flashes in my head.

"Nicolai is in my condo." I explained too briefly.

"Nicolai Petropoulis?" Starr's eyes was bulging with excitement and shock.

I nodded my head as I grab the glass of water sitting in front of me. We were for our orders.

"What is he doing in your condo?" She asked. She rested her elbows on the table and leaned forward, not missing a bit of information.

I let out a loud breath. I know I had to tell her why, so I found myself explaining. "Nicolai was sent by Mr. Agnelli, and he was my childhood friend." I look down, not meeting her curious faze.

"So why did you left him in your condo? Is there anything between you two? You sounded pensive and apprehensive?" Starr looks at me intently. I met her eyes, still doubting if I'll tell her the truth. Will she still look at me, the same?

"He was my sister's husband and I still love him." I blurted out before I will cower.

"Oh... Really?" Starr stared at me in disbelief. Her mouth formed an "o", with her eyes staring at me unbelievably.

"I know. I'm guilty as charged." I look down again in shame.

Starr was still quiet. I don't know what she's thinking. I felt so embarrassed. I couldn't look her in the eyes.

"Hey, Elle. It's not a crime. You did nothing. You can't teach your heart to love someone. It happens, okay? And I don't judge you." Starr comforting words made me look at her. She's a true friend. I felt the tears brimming around my eyelid.

"That's why I need to stay away from him, as much as possible." I explained further.

"I get it. Sure, you can sleep in my place until he leaves." Starr smiled and I felt relieved.

After a while, our food arrived. We ate in silence. Not long, I paid our food no matter how she insist to pay the bill and headed back to the office.

Just as we entered our team office, I saw Nicolai sitting on the couch at the waiting area, with his grim face. Still, he looks sinfully handsome, and I could see all my teammates gawking at him.

When he saw us, he stood up. He didn't smile or anything. I felt terrified for a bit, but I kept my poker face intact. He can't intimidate me.

"Ms. Pallos, we need to talk!" His ominous eyes staring at me vehemently. Lips tightly pursed, and a prominent creased line on his forehead.

Damn, he's pissed. And he still looks deliciously hot.

He doesn't look impressed or anything. Starr nudge me with her elbow on my side.

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Nicolai Petropoulis' POV

After talking to zio Vincenso, I head back to Elle's room, only to find her nowhere. I quickly scanned the whole place, but to my dismay, she had escape.

I quickly dialed JJ's number. He's the only resort I could think that knows where she is.

"Baumgartner speaking,"

"It's Nicolai, JJ." I started. "Elle just left and I don't know where she went. We had a little misunderstanding and she left me here-"

"Check her office. If not, call her friend, Starr. I'll send you her number." JJ said and I smiled. After thanking him, I quickly changed.

Not long, I was on the road to her office.

I park at the back of their building where the parking lot and then walk around to the entrance of the ten story building.

I asked the reception if they know Eleanor Pallos and I'm glad they knew her well. They gave me the floor where she was in. When I entered the floor, the room has it's own waiting area. A long couch with and four armchairs across adjacent on each side of the couch and a glass coffee table in between.

There's a reception desk not far from the waiting area, and then at far corner where cubicles and two rooms that was divided with glass panel.

"Yes, how may I help you?" A lady in her mid thirties approach me with a huge smile plastered in her face. She was wearing a black pencil cut and white ruffled shirt, top it with black coat that matches her skirt. Her hair tightly tied in a bun, showing her cheeky face. She was shorter than Elle.

"I'm looking for Ms. Eleaner Pallos." I gave her my panty-dropper smile and I saw how her eyes swooned as she stared at me, with her smile widening, showing me her sets of teeth.

"Oh, she's with Ms. Starr Tejada. They went to have a bite." She explains. And she's now obviously flirting with me.

"And what's your name?" She asked batting her fake lashes.

I felt suddenly uncomfortable at her stare. I gave her my poker face. "Nicolai." I sit on one of the leathered armchairs without waiting for her to motion me to sit. "Nicolai Petropoulis." I finished.

"Oh, I'm sorry Mr. Petropoulis. I forgot to ask you to sit." She looks embarrassed. Her widening eyes upon realizing who I was, looks priceless. She looks like she's constipated as she stood straight and offered me something to drink.

I could see from my peripheral vision all the eyes curiously staring at my direction. I just ignored it. I get that wherever I go.

"No, I'm fine. I'll just wait for her, here." I said as I took one magazines sitting on the coffee table, indirectly telling her to leave me alone, but she didn't get the hint.

"Are you Ms. Elle's brother?" She asked. I looked at her and I could see hope in her brown orbs.

"No." I almost chuckled. Where on earth did she get that idea? Elle and I has nothing in common when it comes to features. Ridiculous. I held my thoughts inside my head, not wanting to embarrass her completely. "I'm her boyfriend." I responded curtly.

Finally, she left. I averted my attention on the magazine sitting on my lap, but I was really paying attention. I kept on flipping the pages of the business magazines, which is called the Global Business Magazine. Then I stumbled on the page where I was featured. A photo of me, wearing my expensive fine three piece suit covering the whole page, then the story of me, how I succeeded in IFIG.

I remember this day where I was interviewed. I totally forgot it.

I read the whole thing, and I can't believe how much this writer talked about me with so much respect and pride in every words.

I don't know how long I was reading when I heard murmuring voices walking into our directions. I folded the magazine and place it back on the coffee table and sat upright, keeping my straight face.

She looks surprised and at the same time, I saw fear in her eyes. I felt a sudden kick in my gut. Why would she fear me? Did I do something to terrify her?

I clenched my jaws at the thought. I want her to love me, not to fear me.

I stood up and spoke. Ignoring all the stares this people gave me. "Ms. Pallos, we need to talk!"

She gave me her poker face.

When she didn't say anything, I walk to her. Her friend Starr was obviously gawking at me. "Hi," I smiled. She was still stunned until Elle nudge her on her side.

"Uh Oh.. H-hi!" She stammered and her cheeks is as bright as the ripe tomato.

"I'm Nicolai Petropoulis. I believe you're Starr, Elle's best friend." I said and she smiled brightly.

"Yes. I'm Starr, Tejada." She beams at her, and then gave me a sweet smile.

"You must be Elle's-"

"Boyfriend!" I finished her words.

She looks at Elle's bug-eyed. Elle was looking shocked.

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A/N: I'm sorry. This is all I could write for now. I thought I could write more. I was loaded with laundry.. Sorry..

I hope this is fine for now..

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