Through You (The Hidalgo Brothers Book 2)

CLAUDIA

There are moments in life, especially when emotionally charged, that unfold in real time yet feel as if they are playing in slow motion. The door begins to open. The lights are turned on. And the sound of everyone clapping in unison echoes throughout the room.

It bothers me that my heart beats faster when I see him.

Artemis. I can’t help but notice how much he has changed. He’s no longer the bright-eyed seventeen-year-old boy who held my hand on that long-ago Fourth of July. He is a fully grown man dressed in a suit that makes him look older. His parents greet him, and a crowd of guests follows him around. He’s changed a lot—he doesn’t smile as much, and his gaze is cool and subdued.

I can’t deny that he’s more handsome than before. His features have matured, and he has a light, scruffy beard. I manage to take my eyes off him, and notice the redhead who stands next to him.

She’s beautiful—curvy, with very generous cleavage. I assume they’re very close by the way she clings to his side. She places a lock of her red hair behind her ear and smiles at Artemis’s mother.

And why should that matter to me?

I shake my head. I’m about to turn around when his gaze finds mine. His brown eyes, which I have always found beautiful, meet mine. I can’t breathe. The air around me feels different. And I can sense a tension between us. It feels as if, in this crowded room, we’re connected by a cord threaded with so many emotions. I turn away. I’m not brave enough to hold his gaze.

Gin is behind me. “He’s even more handsome in person,” she says.

I walk on by without replying. Jon greets me with a big grin at the bar. “Why are you always so serious? Smiling isn’t a crime, you know.”

I give him a tray with empty champagne glasses that need to be filled. “I don’t have a reason to smile.”

Jon presents me with a fresh tray of full glasses. “You don’t always need a reason.” He leans on the bar. “You’re really pretty when you smile.”

I raise an eyebrow. “I told you before, your flirty lines won’t work on me.”

Gin comes to stand by my side. “But of course they don’t work. Claudia prefers guys with beards.”

Jon pouts. “I’ll grow a beard just for you.”

I’m about to speak when a pair of strong arms circle me from behind. I recognize the cologne, and can tell that it’s Ares who is hugging me tightly.

“Thank you, you rescued me,” he says quietly.

I free myself from his embrace and turn around. “That is the last time.”

He flashes all his teeth. “I promise.”

“You said the same thing the other last time.”

“I double promise, okay?” He gives me the same sheepish look he has undoubtedly used to make girls fall for him. I abstain from answering. Instead, I flick one finger against his forehead.

Ares laughs. I look over his shoulder and notice that Artemis and the redhead are approaching, most likely to greet Ares.

And that is my cue to leave.

“I have to go and get more appetizers,” I whisper, and leave Gin, who is about to challenge my excuse, since we both well know there’s plenty of food circulating.

The kitchen is my safe place. It’s where I grew up, where I scribbled and doodled at the table while my mother cooked and cleaned. It’s the room in the house that the Hidalgos most rarely frequent. It’s my territory. I didn’t intend to turn this small space into my refuge, it just happened that way. I rearrange what is ready to serve, and try to make myself look busy in case someone comes in. I’m simply wasting time. If Mrs. Hidalgo finds me here she’ll likely scold me. I’m not sure why I’m avoiding Artemis.

In my head, this evening was going to unfold very differently.

I never imagined I would act like a coward, retreating to the kitchen. What is wrong with me?

I’m just surprised by how much he’s changed, that’s all.

I’ve never let anyone intimidate me. I can’t let him be the first.

“Is everything okay?” Apolo’s voice startles me.

I turn around to face the youngest of the Hidalgo brothers.

“Yes, everything is going well.”

Out of the three brothers, Apolo is the innocent one. He’s very cute, with big brown eyes and a childlike smile. I’m willing to bet that of the three, he’ll turn out to be the most handsome. And of course, he’ll be the one with the nicest personality.

“Okay.” He leans on the counter and crosses his arms. “So how come you’re hiding here?”

“I’m not hiding.”

Apolo arches an eyebrow. “Then what are you doing?”

I open my mouth but close it immediately. I stall while I try to come up with an excuse. And then one pops into my head.

“I am—”

“Wasting your time,” Sofia Hidalgo interjects as she makes her entrance. “Can you please explain where have you been for the past twenty minutes?”

“I simply wanted to make sure that—”

“Shush!” She shuts me up. “I don’t want to hear your excuses.

I want you out there tending to my guests.”

I promised my mom that I would be on my best behavior, so I bite my tongue. I walk past Apolo and begrudgingly make my way back to the event. I resume my duties. I serve drinks and smile like an idiot. I keep my eyes and mind off the evening’s center of attention.

I become preoccupied with avoiding Artemis at all costs.

This unfortunately leads me straight into the chest of the last person I expected would be here: Daniel. His eyes sparkle when they meet mine.

“My beautiful genius.”

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“Hi.” I raise my hand to greet him. I’m about to walk past him when he grabs me by the arm and stops me in my tracks.

“Hey, there, wait.” He turns me around so I can face him.

“You’re mistaken if you think I’m going to let you get away this time.”

I free myself from his grip.

“I’m really busy right now.”

“Why aren’t you taking my calls?” This was the conversation that I wanted to avoid. “I get that you’re playing hard to get, but ignoring me for two months is taking it too far, don’t you think?”

Ugh, Daniel.

In short, what happened with Daniel was too much alcohol mixed with pent-up sexual frustration, resulting in a one-night stand. He plays on the same soccer team as Ares. And he is fucking hot. And though he’s a bit younger that I am, he is incredible in bed. And the sex was amazing. But that’s all it was. Sex.

And yes, I am quite forward and honest about both my sexuality and my needs.

Women should be free to sleep with whomever we want, whenever and however we want. Society can go screw itself. As long as I’m careful and play it safe, what I do is no one else’s business but mine. Some people may judge me, but frankly, I don’t give a damn.

I’m not interested in relationships. However, on occasion, I happen to enjoy sexual intimacy with a man who is attractive and knows what to do. Is there something wrong that? My life is mine to decide what to do with. This doesn’t mean I disagree with people who prefer to commit to more serious relationships or that I disapprove of those who think sex is sacred. I respect the beliefs of others, and hope to receive the same respect in return.

“Daniel, you’re very handsome.”

He smiles.

“Thank you.”

“But it was a one-night thing. Please, leave it in the past.”

The smile vanishes from his face and a look of confusion takes its place. “What . . . ?”

I rub my face with frustration as I stand surrounded by all these people. I worry that Mrs. Hidalgo will find me again not doing my job.

“Daniel, it was just a night of sex, okay?” I say curtly. “I’m not playing hard to get, I just wanted to sleep with you. I did it, and it’s over.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Why not?”

“Girls aren’t interested in only sex.”

“What a terrible generalization. I regret to debunk your theory, but I am one hundred percent certain that I only wanted that and nothing more.”

“I’m not sure what kind of game you’re playing with me, Claudia, but stop. You don’t need to make it harder—I’m interested in you.”

Why is it difficult to believe that a woman could only want sexual gratification and nothing else?

“I’m not playing any games and I just—”

“Something wrong here?” Ares joins us.

I smile at him. “No. I was about to leave.” I rush away before Daniel can say anything more.

The party proceeds without complications. When the reception is over, Gin and the rest of the hired staff help me clean up.

After I check that my mother is sleeping, I return to the kitchen and make sure everything is in order. I rub my face with my hands and let out a deep sigh.

“Tired?”

My breath stops when I hear him speak. His voice has changed—it’s deeper, more masculine and commanding than I remember it. I turn to face him for the first time in a long while.

Artemis.