Page 23 of Through You
If that’s the case, why are you always evading me? What areyou so afraid of?
I’m still rattled by the sound of his deep voice and the sensation of his breath grazing my lips. I shake my head. Maybe it’s only a physical attraction; after all, he’s very handsome—it’s normal to notice. That’s exactly why my heart was beating that fast. I don’t like to admit that I’m attracted to him; however, it helps explain what’s happening with me and why my body reacts the way it does when he’s near me. Still, I have to forget about that morning. Days have passed, so I don’t know why I’m still dwelling on it. Artemis has maintained a safe distance ever since, and I have a feeling he’s avoiding me. I’m grateful; it’s what’s best for the two of us.
I’m dusting the curtains in the living room when I hear noises coming from the rec room. I pause and listen for a second.
Oh. I guess Raquel, the neighbor, finally fell into Ares’s trap.
I recall how timid she appeared earlier when she came around asking for Ares. I confess, I’m surprised she was able to resist his charms for so long.
I can’t say the same for other girls who’ve passed through Ares’s bed. One look, a few words, and he traps them in a flash. I walk down the hallway to put on some music to camouflage the sounds they’re making. Even though Mr. and Mrs. Hidalgo aren’t home and Artemis hasn’t come from work, I can’t help but feel a little embarrassed on their behalf. Sadly, my attempts are in vain when I find Apolo paralyzed, standing right outside the door of the games room.
“I didn’t know Samy was over.”
I smile. “It isn’t Samy.”
“Then who?” Apolo raises a brow.
I let out a long breath. “I think it’s the neighbor girl.”
Apolo can’t hide his shock. “Raquel?”
“Yes, that’s the one.”
“Oh shit . . . I wasn’t expecting that. I thought they hated each other.”
I shrug. “Sometimes attraction can masquerade as hate.”
I head to the kitchen and Apolo follows me. I’m relieved. In here, we can no longer hear Ares and his guest.
“Would you like a turkey sandwich?” I ask.
He bumps his fist with mine. “You know I do.”
I can’t help but laugh. “You’re too easy to please.”
“I bet he is,” Artemis says from the kitchen door. He’s wearing a suit, which means he just got home from work. The good vibe between me and Apolo is put on pause by his brother’s sudden appearance.
“Claudia, do we pay you to chat or to work?”
I see. He’s in the frustrated and sarcastic idiot mood again.
Apolo moves to stand between us. “Artemis, don’t start.
Leave her alone.”
He remains still, watching us. I prepare the sandwich, place it on the kitchen table, and immediately proceed to make my exit.
I’m barely halfway across the living room when I hear Artemis and Apolo raising their voices at each other. Are they arguing?
Artemis leaves the kitchen. Apolo is right behind him and about to say something when Raquel rushes out of the rec room and slams right into me. Her hair is disheveled and her eyes are teary. She looks completely lost. She is oblivious to our presence and slams the main door on her way out. Artemis, Apolo, and I stare at each other in confusion.
“Wasn’t that Raquel?” Artemis asks, which takes us by surprise because he’s in the habit of remembering only the things he considers significant.
Apolo clenches his fists and heads to the rec room, probably to lecture Ares, which feels right and necessary. And then I realize he’s left me and Artemis alone. This is the first time I’ve been around him since that morning. Even though he appears tired from work, his suit and hair are impeccable. It’s as if elegance comes effortlessly to him.
I walk back to the kitchen. To my surprise, Artemis follows me in silence. What does he want now? Isn’t it obvious to him that tension still lingers between us? He leans against the kitchen door while I sort through some documents on the table; I’d brought them in earlier, hoping to make progress with a university assignment that’s due very soon.
“Claudia.” His voice has gone back to the icy tone he used that morning when he chose to humiliate me with the spilled tea.
