Page 3 of Through You
“Fine. How else should I feel?”
She snorts. “You don’t have to pretend around me. You haven’t seen him in months. You must be nervous.”
“I’m fine,” I repeat.
“Did I tell you that I caught a glimpse of him a few days ago in this business magazine? Did you know that he’s one of the youngest CEOs in the country?”
I do know, but Gin carries on with her update. “He was appointed CEO of Hidalgo Enterprises before he even finished his degree. They added a blurb in the article noting that he graduated with honors. He’s a fucking genius!”
“Gin.” I turn and grab her by the shoulders. “I adore you, but can you please shut up?”
Gin snorts again. “Why don’t you ever want to talk about him?”
“Because there is nothing to talk about.”
“You’ll never convince me that nothing happened between you two. He’s the only Hidalgo brother you never want to discuss.”
“Nothing happened,” I respond as we approach the living room. The furniture has been removed and replaced with small high tables adorned with centerpieces. Tall glasses filled with champagne and appetizers have been carefully laid out on each table.
Sofia and Juan are by the entrance, ready to receive their guests. I notice Apolo, their youngest son, wearing a beautiful suit and standing by their side. Sofia looks behind her then around, as if looking for someone, and I furrow my eyebrows before realizing who we’re missing. Where is Ares?
I know these boys, so I quickly head up the stairs. Ares was partying last night, and came home early this morning. And though it’s already six o’clock in the evening, it’s very likely that he’s still fast asleep. I let myself into his room without knocking, and am not surprised that it’s dark inside. I wrinkle my nose; the room stinks of alcohol and cigarettes. I open the curtains and the fading sunlight shines on the figure of the eighteen-year-old boy I know so well. He’s lying on his bed, shirtless, with his face buried in his pillow, the sheets pulled up to his torso. I’m not shocked to find a blond girl fast asleep next to him. I’ve never met her; it’s likely she’s a one-night stand.
“Ares!” I punch him lightly on the shoulder, and he groans in annoyance. “Ares!” This time I squeeze his shoulder and make sure he opens his eyes—blue, and very much like his mother’s.
“Aaaagh, the light!” he complains, throwing his hand over his eyes.
“The light is the least of your problems.” I stand up straight and place my hands on my waist.
“What’s going on?” He sits up and rubs his face.
And I utter the only name he needs to hear in order to understand why I’m here.
“Artemis.”
I watch as the information finally registers. He springs from the bed, only wearing boxers. I would be in awe if I had never seen him wearing just that.
“Shit!It’s today!”
“Hurry, go shower,” I order. “Your suit is hanging by the bathroom door.”
Ares is about to run to the bathroom when he notices the girl in his bed, who is still asleep. “Oh shit.”
I arch an eyebrow. “I thought you were taking a break from one-night conquests.”
“I was. Argh, damn alcohol.” He scratches the back of his head. “I don’t have time for the effort and drama it will take to get her out of here.” He comes closer to me. “Clau, you love me, right?”
“I’m not going to get rid of her for you. You have to take responsibility for your actions.”
“But I don’t have the time. Please,” he begs. “If I have to take care of her, I won’t make it on time to welcome my brother.”
“All right. But this is the very last time. For real.” I shove him toward the bathroom. “Hurry.”
I sigh, and proceed to wake the girl up. I try to respect her privacy as much as possible while she puts on her clothes, although it’s uncomfortable. Even though I hate to admit it, I’m used to situations like this. It’s hard not to be when you live with an eighteen-year-old boy in the midst of his sexual awakening.
Apolo, on the other hand, is still very innocent and I’m grateful for that. The blond is very pretty, and I feel terrible for her.
“Come on, I’ll call you a taxi and take you to the exit out back.”
