Through You (The Hidalgo Brothers Book 2)

CLAUDIA

I’m not good with good-byes.

I suppose this is normal, considering I’ve had very few in my life. The day Artemis left for university, we didn’t even say good-bye. I couldn’t look him in the face after I pushed him away. In a nutshell, situations like these are rare and far apart in my life. My lack of experience makes it hard to prepare for the moment, so it’s difficult to predict how I’ll behave when it happens. Ares is going away to study at a university in another state. Raquel let me know that his flight leaves in a few hours. I just left her in the kitchen, eating with the rest of the family.

I notice that his door is ajar and peek inside. His room looks organized and clean, but it also appears empty in a way that’s hard to describe. Ares is wearing jeans but is shirtless. His hair is wet, and he’s having a hard time trying to fit something inside one of his suitcases.

Though I knew this day would come, I’m shocked by how much it pains me now that it’s finally here. As I watch him pack his bags, I realize I’ll no longer run into him in the hallway, or catch him making faces at me, or find him in the rec room playing video games, or spend time chatting about silly things wherever we happen to be hanging out in the house. I underestimated how used to his presence I am, and how much I’ll miss him. He smiles at me with sadness when he sees me, and there’s a glimmer in his blue eyes.

“All set?”

He nods, and sighs. “I guess so.”

I’m not sure what to say or how to say it. I’ve always put up a strong front around him, and I’m not sure how he might react if he sees me crying. A memory of Ares as a little boy comes to mind.

He’s inside the restaurant and his hand is pressed on the glass where I have mine. His smile is warm and innocent. He’s always been kindhearted. These boys have truly been family to me.

“What are you thinking about?” he asks.

“Nothing. Just reminiscing, that’s all.” I have a lump in my throat. “I’m not going to the airport.”

He doesn’t ask why, or look disappointed. He simply nods, understanding that farewells at airports are not for everyone.

“I guess you’re here to say good-bye, then.” The closer he gets to me, the more I struggle to contain the tears that are welling up in my eyes.

“Umm, I . . .” My voice breaks, so I clear my throat. “I wish you the best in the world and I know that you’ll do great. You are incredibly smart.” I stop talking for a moment; my vision is getting foggy. “You’re going to be an amazing doctor. I’m really proud of you, Ares.”

His expression saddens, and his eyes turn red. Before I can continue, he pulls me into a tight hug.

“Thank you, Claudia,” he whispers against my shoulder.

“Thank you for everything. For being a good woman, and teaching me everything that my mother couldn’t.” He places a kiss on my hair. “I love you so much.”

I let the tears flow down my cheeks at the sound of those words. “You dumbass, I love you too.”

Ares wipes away my tears with his thumbs when we pull apart.

“Dumbass?”

We both laugh.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be here every other weekend. And Thanksgiving and Christmas. You’re not going to get rid of me that easily.”

“You better do that. All right, I’ll let you finish packing,” I tell him as I sniff through my stuffed-up nose.

“Okay.” Ares kisses me on the forehead. “And remember, no matter what happens with iceberg—”

“You’ll always be my favorite.”

He winks at me.

“Good girl.”

I leave him to finish packing and make my way downstairs.

Everyone is waiting for him in the living room. Artemis and I exchange a quick glance before I head to my room. I don’t even want to be present when Ares leaves with his suitcases in hand.

Farewells are a newly discovered personal weakness. I run into my mother in the hallway.

“Is he leaving already?” my mother asks with a sad smile.

“Yes, he’s about to come downstairs.”

“I’ll go say good-bye.” I nod and step aside to let her pass.

My mom loves the three Hidalgo boys very much. She’s spent more time with them than their own mother. I let out a sigh when I enter my room. Ares’s flight departs early, but it’s not yet dawn, which means I have a few hours left to sleep. Sunrise is in three hours and I’ll need all the energy I can get. I crawl into bed.

I want . . . I want to be with you, Claudia.

I roll to my side and rest my cheek on my hands. Artemis’s words keep circling inside my head. Several days have gone by and I haven’t seen him other than just this morning, but I can’t stop thinking about him.

Because it’s you. Because you’re the only person who can see through me.

How can he say those things and disappear, just like that?

I roll over again, and this time I’m lying on my back with hands outstretched on either side.

“Stupid iceberg.”

I close my eyes, and take a deep breath. I really need these three hours of rest or I’ll perform poorly during the day.

Moonlight sneaks through my window, invading the darkness of my bedroom, and the trees outside make shadows on the roof.

A wistful smile forms on my lips.

“What are you doing?” I asked with trepidation when I was eight years old, watching Artemis place some sheets on the floor of his room before turning the lights off. My fear of the dark from spending so many years living on the streets still tormented me.

So I closed my eyes, feeling afraid.

Artemis took me by the hand and led me over to where he’d put down the sheets, and we both lay down on our backs. I kept my eyes closed because I didn’t want to see the monsters around me.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Artemis, I don’t like the dark.”

“I know,” he whispered. “Open your eyes and look at the ceiling.”

I slowly opened my eyes and discovered that the ceiling was covered with glow-in-the-dark stickers. There were stars, planets, and constellations, all in different colors. It was a beautiful sight.

“Wow.”

“You don’t have to be afraid, Claudia. You can also find beauty in the dark.”

After that night, we shared other moments together in the dark and he showed me so many beautiful things. Eventually, I came to associate positive experiences with the dark and overcame my fear.

I doubt anyone else knows how kindhearted Artemis really is. I wonder if he’s shown that side of himself to anyone else.

At last, exhaustion wins and I fall asleep with that question lingering in my mind.

“This is the list of your daily tasks,” Mrs. Marks concludes, giving me a sheet of paper. “And Claudia, I want to reiterate that we’re very happy you accepted this internship. Your résumé and writing samples are impressive.”

“Thank you very much. It’s a great compliment coming from you, Mrs. Marks.”

“Oh, please, call me Paula. ‘Mrs. Marks’ makes me feel old.”

“All right, Paula.”

Paula is the manager of the marketing department at Hidalgo Enterprises. She introduces me to the rest of the staff and to Kelly, the other intern. I take a seat on one side of the large desk Kelly and I share.

I still can’t believe it’s the first day of my internship. The very first time I have the opportunity to put into practice what I’ve been learning in school all these years; a chance to do what I like.

It goes without saying that I’m grateful to Mr. Juan for letting me take over the housekeeper position when my mother fell ill, but I don’t plan to work for the Hidalgos forever. I have many goals and aspirations, and this is one of them. My connection to the Hidalgo family didn’t influence my desire to work for this company; I was objective in my selection process and made my decision based on the fact that this is one of the most successful companies in the state. Their marketing department has a strong reputation and it’s highly respected, having launched some of the most creative and innovative marketing campaigns I’ve ever seen.

I knew this was the place I needed to be whenever I came across one of their projects or read about its team.

I’m pretty sure Artemis won’t find out I’m here. This building is immense, and I’m just one intern of many working three days a week during the afternoon shift. I can’t completely abandon my position at the Hidalgo house, so I’m glad the internships aren’t full-time.

“Are you excited?” Kelly asks me.

“Yes. And you?”

“Extremely. I’ve heard that they received over a hundred applications. One hundred! And here we are, you and me. We’re so lucky.”

I smile at her. “Yes. Indeed we are.”

I spend the first hours of the afternoon setting up my half of the desk and organizing the desktop computer assigned to me so I can perform well and do my work the way I like. During the afternoon break, Paula gives us the company credit card for the coffee run. Kelly and I go to the cafe across the street and pick up drinks for the whole team. This is one of the tasks on our list of duties, so I’m not bothered in the least. Caffeine is often considered the fuel of the workplace, and we are the newest members of the team. When we make our way back to the building and walk through the revolving doors, I come to an abrupt stop and nearly drop the tray of coffees I’m carrying.

Artemis is coming out of the elevators, dressed in an impeccable dark-blue suit paired with a light-blue tie. His handsome face wears the cold expression he shows to the world. His cell phone is plastered to one ear while he’s riffling through some papers with his hands. Two men in dark suits follow closely behind him. I move before he can see me, trotting to one side, where I hide behind a potted plant that’s slightly above my height.

I’m amazed I manage to avoid spilling one drop of coffee—I should add that skill to my résumé. I sneak a peek, sticking my head out from behind the potted plant and notice that Kelly is frozen in place. She gives me a “what the fuck” kind of look. Her gaze turns to Artemis, who walks right by without noticing her and exits through the revolving doors.

I let out a deep and long breath. That was close. Kelly comes near, waiting for an explanation. “Claudia? What’s going on?”

“It’s . . . complicated.”

“Why are you hiding from the CEO?”

“How do you know he’s the CEO?”

“Because he’s the face of the company. He appears in tons of the promotional materials and ads. And how could he not be—he’s gorgeous.”

And he’s also a great kisser.

“It’s just that, you know, I felt intimidated. He’s the big boss.

Maybe it’s first-day jitters.”

“I completely understand. To be honest, I felt shivers when he passed by. He looks terrifyingly intense and intimidating.”

“Exactly.”

We go back to our desks after we deliver the coffees to the team, for which they’re all very appreciative. I still can’t believe Artemis almost saw me; that was a close call. I can’t say exactly why, but I’d rather he didn’t know I work here. I guess I don’t want to be treated differently, and want to avoid any discomfort resulting from the team finding out he and I are acquainted. I want them to value my work based on my own merits, and not the people I’m connected to. Even if they were to deny it, I’m certain the dynamics would change if the staff here found out I have a close relationship with the CEO.

By the time I get home, I’m exhausted. After I was done at work, I had classes at the university. I may have underestimated the demands of this internship—it’s amazing how even a few hours can wear you out. I’m not surprised by how still and quiet the house is when I make my way inside. I head to the kitchen because I’m starving. I let out a yawn, covering my mouth with my palm. I nearly choke on my own saliva when I find Artemis inside.

This is the first time we’ve been in a room alone together since the night he said the words that keep tossing and turning inside my head. It’s not so much his presence that catches me by surprise, but his attire. He has on an apron over a white dress shirt and he’s cooking something that smells delicious. His back is turned to me, so he hasn’t seen me yet. I lean against the doorframe, watching him. It’s a very nice view.

“How long are you going to stand there staring?”

His voice catches me off guard. How did he . . . ? He answers by pointing his wooden spoon at my shadow on the wall next to him, anticipating the question I was about to ask. Shit.

“It’s an unexpected sight, that’s all.”

He turns to face me, and my heart warms. That face, with the light scruff—every detail of his appearance is so masculine and sexy. Even when he’s wearing an apron he manages to look so damn handsome. But it’s his expression that stirs so many emotions in me. His warm gaze is the opposite of the look I saw on his face this afternoon. He’s a completely different person when he’s with me.

“I’m almost done. Have a seat.” He points to the kitchen table.

I arch an eyebrow. “Are you cooking for me?”

“Why do you look surprised? Who prepared the first sandwiches you had when you first came to live with us? Who taught you how to make pancakes? Huh?”

“Okay. Yes, I get it.”

He smiles. And I feel the urge to grab his face with my hands and kiss his lips.

Calm down, Claudia.

I take a seat and watch him cook then plate the food he’s prepared.

“You look exhausted,” he comments.

“I am. It’s been a long day.” I would love to chat with him about my internship. With the exception of what his horrible mother did to me, I’m not used to hiding things from him. He puts the plates down on the table, and everything looks delicious.

“Wow.” The presentation looks incredible, just like it was done by a professional chef.

“Wait until you have a taste.”

He takes the seat next to me and grabs my hand, placing a kiss on my knuckles, which sends shivers all over my body. He looks me straight in the eyes, his hand still holding mine.

“I’m sorry I’ve been absent for the past few days. A new company project has taken up all my time. I even slept in the office a few nights.”

“Don’t worry. You don’t owe me an explanation.”

“Yes, I do. I can’t make a declaration swearing that I’m going to win you over then disappear only to come out of the wood-work as if nothing happened. You deserve better than that.”

His proximity is making it very hard to resist the urge to kiss him. This need for him has intensified over the months spent fantasizing about him. I clear my throat and pull my hand from his grasp.

“Time to taste your famous food. Let’s have a try.”

Artemis watches me expectantly as I take my first bite. My face contorts with disgust, just to bug him.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, alarmed.

I chew and smile, then speak after I’m done swallowing.

“It’s delicious, I was just teasing you.”

He rolls his eyes, and without much warning, sneaks in a quick peck on my cheek.

“Hey!”

The jerk grins at me. “I was just teasing you.”

I look away when I feel the heat rise and warm my cheeks, and get back to eating the food on my plate. I wash the dishes when we’re done with our meal, which was simply divine: fried shrimp, rice, and salad. Artemis is on the other side of the table, right across from me. We’re chatting about work. I leave out any mention of my first day interning at his company.

“It must be difficult to manage such a large company,” I tell him, while washing a glass.

“You’re one of the very few people who think that,” he replies, rubbing his face with his hand. “Most people think it’s easy being the CEO, that I spend my time sitting in a big office, enjoying the view from my window.”

“I bet you look sexy in your office.”

He bites his lower lip. “Are you flirting with me, Claudia?”

I shrug. “Maybe.”

“You know what they say about those who play with fire, don’t you?”

I finish with the dishes and dry my hands with a towel.

“And why should I be afraid when I am fire?” I point to my hair.

Artemis laughs. He keeps his eyes locked with mine as he stands and walks around the table, slowly dragging his fingers along the edge.

“You are fire . . .” he whispers, and I have a hard time swallowing.

I have to lift my face to look at him when he comes to stand in front of me. My heart is racing, and I try to control my breathing.

My god. What is this tension I sense in the air? I’ve never felt anything like it before. Artemis licks his lips, observing me attentively.

He extends one hand to me and uses it to cradle my cheek.

“I missed you.”

I want to tell him that I missed him, too, but the words are stuck in my throat. So instead I lift my hand and touch his cheek, feeling his light scruff under my palm. I reply with a smile. The dim lighting in the kitchen makes his brown eyes appear black.

I’m in awe at how much his features have aged and the maturity of his appearance. Part of me is on guard and doesn’t want to be vulnerable again—the hurt from a few months ago is still fresh—but this time I know he’s being honest. Artemis lowers his gaze, staring at my lips. I can see desire in his eyes. It’s evident he wants to kiss me, but he’s not sure if it’s something I want, given everything that’s happened between us.

“You are so beautiful,” he whispers as he strokes my cheek with his thumb.

“I know.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Very well, then.”

He lowers his hand and steps back, breaking all physical contact between us.

“Tomorrow after class I’ll pick you up at campus and take you out to dinner.”

“Hmm, let me think about it.”

“You’ll think about it?”

“Fine, I accept. But it’s just because the food tonight was delicious.”

“Good. Also, I’m not sure if clarification is needed, but just in case: we’re going on a date. Okay?”

“Okay.”

He waves. “Good night, Claudia.”

“Good night, Artemis.”

He gives me a smile, then turns his back on me and walks away. I move fast and catch up to him. I grab his arm to turn him around and grab him by the collar of his shirt to kiss him. He immediately reciprocates with kisses as hungry as mine. Our lips brush and I become wet as our passion ignites. My entire body is burning up from one kiss. The moans coming from his lips indicate that he feels the same. I move my head slightly to one side and deepen the kiss, enjoying every second.

That’s enough, Claudia. Or you’ll end up screwing him right here on the table.

I pull away from him but he grabs me by the waist. He presses me against his body and tries to kiss me again. I put my thumb on his lips to block his attempt and he shakes his head.

“You’re not the one in charge,” I tell him, freeing myself from his arms. “It’s me who’s in control.”

And I walk away, leaving Artemis alone in the kitchen, breathing heavily and wanting me.

After all he’s done to me, from this moment on I will be the one who decides if something happens between us.

I am fire after all.