Through You (The Hidalgo Brothers Book 2)

CLAUDIA

I play with my hands while I wait for Artemis in front of the university building. This is the first time I’ve felt nervous before going out on a date with a man. But he’s not any man—I honestly don’t know why I’m surprised by my current state. He was my first love—my only love. And this is our first official date. I’m restless so I keep adjusting the neckline and the hem of my knee-length floral dress. My hair is down and parted in the middle. I’m glad that it’s warming up so I can wear nice clothes without carrying a coat, hat, and other accessories to cover myself up.

I lick my lips, thinking of my kiss with Artemis from last night; of his heavy breathing and the pent-up tension in his body.

To be honest, I don’t think we’re capable of being alone and keeping our hands off each other. If this date wasn’t in a public place, I’m pretty sure it would lead quickly to sex.

Given the long history we share, and all the years of accumulated desire, it’s incredibly difficult to keep our hands to ourselves. Add to that the fact that Artemis is superattractive, and I get all hot and bothered just thinking of him. I take a deep breath and try to steer my mind in the direction of more innocent thoughts.

Who am I kidding, as if I could ever do that. My heart starts beating fast as soon as I notice him parking his elegant black car in front of me. I’m about to take a step toward the passenger door when he gets out. He’s wearing a black suit with a shirt and tie of the same color. It looks like the driver matches the car; both elegant and dressed in black.

His eyes fall on me and I try my best to appear calm, pretending that I’m not affected by how drop-dead gorgeous he looks.

Artemis smiles at me as he opens the door. “Hello.”

“Hello,” I reply with a smile, and get into the car.

The interior is also black with dark-blue accents. The contrast makes for a sophisticated look. The AC blows refreshing cool air in my face. The car smells like his cologne and him. I put my seat belt on while Artemis gets back into the car.

“Nice car,” I say, watching him put on his seat belt.

“And now you tell me? This isn’t the first time you’ve been inside.” He pulls the car onto the road.

He’s talking about the night at his bar when he drove me home. The same night we nearly defiled the kitchen table but didn’t because Ares interrupted us, god only knows why. Oh well, I guess I was saved from greater humiliation since not too long after Artemis got back with his girlfriend.

Don’t think about that, Claudia. Don’t ruin the night before it’s even started. Live in the moment.

Maybe I need to change the subject.

“How was work today?” I remember there’s a new project that’s taking up most of his time and focus. The marketing team kept talking about it yesterday; they said it was crucial to close the deal, and that it was a multimillion-dollar venture. If it moves forward, our department will have to dedicate a substantial amount of work formulating project-specific public relations and marketing strategies.

Artemis rubs the back of his neck with his hand. “It’s been . . . intense, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“I never imagined you would be interested in business management. You never mentioned it when we were growing up.”

“Because I wasn’t interested.”

This revelation saddens me, though I had my suspicions he chose to pursue studies in business administration out of obligation and not by choice. I thought that with time, he might have grown to like it. I watch him for a moment. He has one hand on the steering wheel and the other is rubbing his neck. His eyes look tired and so does his posture. Artemis is still young but he carries a heavy burden on his shoulders; he’s responsible for something he never wanted in the first place.

How could you stand doing something you didn’t like for this long, Artemis? How much have you endured? Are you frustrated?

If he’s miserable, he’s done a good job of covering it up. He’s never complained or cursed his father; hell, not even his mother after what happened with that man. I have great admiration for his capacity to put up with so much, as well as his ability not to lash out.

He quickly glances back at me, feeling my gaze on him.

“What is it?”

“Nothing.” We’ll talk about it one day, but not now. I don’t want to discuss sad things and spoil this night. “Where are we going?”

“First is dinner. And after, wherever your heart desires.”

Your bed, maybe? Claudia, for god’s sake.

“Where are we going for dinner?” I ask out of curiosity. I look at the streets, at the houses and the trees passing. We are far from the university campus, heading in the opposite direction of the downtown core.

“You’ll see.”

And then I notice a familiar street. My chest tightens when I recognize every house and restaurant on this strip. The place looks like it’s been frozen in time. Artemis parks the car, and I don’t wait for him to open my door. I get out quickly and go to stand in front of the Greek restaurant where I saw the Hidalgos for the first time.

A wave of emotions washes over me. Nostalgia is the first one I recognize. It’s incredible how vividly I remember the hunger I felt that day and the smell of the food, as well as my fear of the men who were after my mother. The image of the Hidalgo family that night is imprinted in my mind. They were seated at that table, and looked like one of those idyllic portraits of happy families. Artemis comes to stand next to me. We stay silent for a few minutes, absorbed in watching our surroundings and reliving the memory.

He breaks the silence. “I thought it would be nice to come back to the place where it all began.”

I turn to look at him, and he’s watching me attentively. I suppose my reaction to this moment matters to him. He begins to speak when I can’t find words.

“If you’re not okay with this place, we can go somewhere else.

I just thought that no other restaurant, no matter how high-end and exclusive, would have as much significance as the one where I first saw you. Maybe those times don’t bring back the best memories for you, but that was the day your life changed for the better.

Also, it was the day you came into mine.”

I don’t know exactly what to say so I lick my lips instead. He’s right, this place holds a special place in my story, and I don’t see it in a negative light. Instead, it’s the place where my life had a new start.

“I love it,” I reply and take his hand, a move that seems to surprise him.

He clears his throat. And is that a blush I see? Artemis Hidalgo is blushing?

“Fine. Let’s go in.”

The restaurant is well preserved, and has kept its very distinctive classy appearance. The clientele is made up of predominantly well-attired men and elegant women. Although it’s not in one of the best districts in town, the place has managed to maintain an ambiance suitable for its distinguished patrons.

We follow the waitress, who takes us to the table in front of the window—the same table where the Hidalgos sat many years ago. Out the window, I can almost see the child version of myself standing outside staring at the food inside.

“What are you thinking about?” Artemis asks. The dim lights of the restaurant make his face glow across the table.

“Nothing. I was just remembering.” I try to smile happily, but it feels bittersweet. “Your father did a very generous deed that day.

He saved my mom’s life and mine.”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“That’s the version of my father I always carry with me.”

“You know, it’s not a version of him. It’s who he really is.

I believe that deep down, that it’s his true self. You need to be patient. Your grandfather still has a lot of faith in him.”

“You’re very close to my grandfather.” He points this out without a hint of annoyance in his voice, just curiosity.

“How can I not be? He’s so loving.”

“Is he your favorite Hidalgo, by any chance?”

“To be honest, yes, he is. But don’t tell Ares. I promised him he’ll always be my favorite. Though in reality, he’s a close second to his grandfather.”

Artemis smiles at me. “I don’t think I can settle for third place in the list of your favorite Hidalgos.”

“Who said you were third? After Ares, there’s Apolo.”

His smile has disappeared, and he clenches his fists on the table. Apolo. Still a sensitive subject between us, huh? He needs to get over it. There’s a glimmer in his eyes, and I’m having a hard time figuring out what that’s about. I raise my glass of water to take a sip.

“We’ll see who your favorite Hidalgo is after I screw you senseless and give you the best orgasm you’ve had in your life.”

I cough, nearly choking on my water. I put my hand on my heaving chest and try to clear my throat. How can he say that while sitting so calmly and with such a straight face? Artemis gives me a sly grin with a hint of mischief. And I shoot him a contemptuous smile.

“You’re feeling very confident about your abilities.”

“I’m just a man who knows what he’s doing.” He raises a glass half-filled with wine. He swirls it first, then sniffs it. “I can get you wet without touching you. Mmm, I made you feel hot just now.”

“Oh yeah?”

I slip my foot out of my sandal and stretch it out under the table, just enough to place it on his thigh, not too far from his crotch. Artemis becomes visibly tense. He wasn’t expecting that. I give him an innocent smile.

“And I could give you an embarrassing erection. Don’t you ever forget that.”

“You really don’t like to give up control, huh?”

“That’s something you’ll have to earn.”

“Is that a challenge?”

Our gazes meet, and the intensity electrifies the air around us. The waitress shows up at our table with a friendly smile and asks if we’re ready to order, breaking the moment. I put my foot down and go back to behaving myself.

It’s going to be a long night.