Page 109 of Through You
“Okay.”
“Okay.”
We remain silent for a moment, and then Apolo smiles at me before he turns to leave. I pull at my hair in a dramatic gesture and fall backward on the bed. How did I end up here?
Think, Claudia. Think.
I went out with Gin, Jon, and Miguel to celebrate the great day I was having. Soon after, I had too many shots of vodka followed by a few more of tequila. And that’s when my memory starts to go foggy. I make an effort to remember every detail, but anytime I recall something, the flashback is more embarrassing than the previous one. There’s Artemis picking me up at his bar, then bringing me home. God, the things I said to him.
Do I deserve a spanking?
Do you want a spanking?
From you, I want it all.
Blood rushes to my cheeks. I cover my face and growl in frustration. Have I gone mad?
Can I tell you a secret? I love your penis.
How am I going to face Artemis after saying all those things to him? Even if I was being honest, those were my innermost thoughts, which I usually keep buried.
Well, it appears that it only takes a few shots of vodka and tequila to dig out those deepest thoughts. I walk out of Artemis’s room, combing my hair with my fingers in an attempt to look presentable. I come face-to-face with the nurse caring for Grandpa. She’s carrying a tray with breakfast for him. She raises an eyebrow, and tries to disguise a smile.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning.” I return the smile, and keep my head down.
Am I going to run into everyone in this house?
I hurry downstairs, praying that I won’t meet anyone else. I let out a sigh of relief when I reach my bedroom. However, as soon as I open the door, I freeze. Artemis is sitting in front of my mother’s bed, and he’s laughing at something she’s said. He’s wearing one of his suits, and his hair is combed back, showcasing his finely chiseled face. My mother has a tray of food in front of her.
Did he bring her breakfast?
My heart is touched by the gesture. Maybe he planned to wake me up later but wanted to make sure that my mother had something to eat before he left for work. If that was indeed the case, how can I not love this man?
“Clau!” My mother looks at me confused. “You look like . . .”
Artemis turns his head around and glances at me over his shoulder. A slight smile forms on his lips.
“Good morning,” he whispers.
“Artemis told me that you drank too much last night and that you slept in the guest room. Are you okay?”
Artemis tries to hide a smirk. God, I can’t look him in the face. So I stare at my mother.
“Yes. I’m going to shower,” I inform them, and close the door.
Once I’m showered and wearing fresh clothes, I head to the kitchen, where I find Artemis cleaning up the breakfast tray he brought to my mother.
Act natural, Claudia. Pretend you forgot everything.
I walk past him and pour myself a glass of ice-cold water, hoping it will help my upset stomach feel better. Why did I drink like that? Why?
“You’re very quiet.” The hint of amusement in Artemis’s voice is hard to ignore.
I drink my water and set the glass aside. I look everywhere except at him.
“Well,” he says as he approaches. I smell the scent of his cologne. “I have to go to work. Are you not going to say good-bye?”
