Through You (The Hidalgo Brothers Book 2)

CLAUDIA

July 4th, five years later

“What’s it like to live with three very attractive guys?”

“You are so lucky.”

“I’m dying of envy!”

“Living with those absolute gods, what a privilege!”

“How can you stand living under the same roof?”

“Have you ever slept with one of them?”

“Can you get me their numbers?”

I’ve heard these kinds of comments from the moment the Hidalgo brothers became the leading men in the fantasies of every girl and boy around town. Although we’re not family, I grew up with Artemis, Ares, and Apolo Hidalgo. And out there, on the streets, they cause never-ending swooning and sighing.

How did we end up living under the same roof? Well, my mother was hired to work as a housekeeper for the Hidalgo family when I was a little girl. Mr. Juan Hidalgo, their father, opened his doors and allowed us to live in his home. A year ago, when my mother fell ill and could no longer work, Mr. Hidalgo let me take her place as housekeeper. I am forever grateful to him for his kindness.

Many envy my position and think I have the perfect life because I live in close proximity to three very attractive guys.

This is far from my reality. To me, there is more to life than relationships, sex, boys, etc. Relationships only lead to problems, disagreements. Sure, sometimes they may bring happiness, however, it’s fleeting, and not worth the risk. Or at least I don’t believe it is. I prefer stability and tranquility a thousand times over what a relationship may offer. So I keep a safe distance from all these complications. I have too much on my plate already.

I’m not only talking about love. It’s also difficult for me to make friends. I have no time for friendships. I work for the Hidalgos during the day. During my breaks, I look after my mother. And in the evenings I attend university. My day starts at four in the morning and ends close to midnight. I hardly have time to sleep. At the age of twenty, I should have many friends, yet I only have one, and that’s simply because we’re in the same classes. Of course, I also consider the boys my friends. Well, Ares and Apolo. With Artemis, it’s a different story.

The truth is, growing up, Artemis and I were very close. Then everything changed five years ago, that Fourth of July night, when I rejected him after he kissed me. From that moment on, our relationship ceased to be easy and comfortable, and turned tense and distant. Now he’ll only speak to me when necessary.

Although they never asked questions, Ares and Apolo noticed the change. I appreciate their discretion. It helped me avoid the discomfort of having to explain what happened between their brother and me.

It was easy for Artemis to avoid me. At the end of that summer he started university and left home to live on campus, where he remained for the five years of his program. A month ago he graduated. And now he’s coming home. Today.

Life can be full of irony when it wants to be. Out of all the days, he had to come back today, on the exact date of that night, five years ago. I must admit that I’m nervous. The last time I saw him was six months ago. It was a brief encounter—he came by the house to pick up a few things, and didn’t even say hello.

To be completely honest, I hope we can manage to be civilized. Five years have gone by. I doubt he evens remembers what happened that night. I don’t expect us to be as close as we once were, but I hope we can at least be friendly.

“Is the food ready?” Martha, my mother, asks while zipping up the black dress I need to wear for the surprise party the Hidalgos planned for Artemis.

“Claudia, are you listening to me?”

I turn and smile at her.

“Everything is in order, Mother. Don’t worry, and go to sleep.

Okay?” I help her lie down then pull up her blanket and kiss her forehead. “I’ll come back soon.”

“Don’t get in trouble. You know it’s always best to keep one’s mouth shut and avoid . . .”

“Being honest?” I finish her sentence. “I understand.”

She caresses my cheek. “You never know, some of the people coming to this party may be rude.”

“I’ll stay out of trouble, Mom. I’m a grown-up.”

I kiss her forehead one more time and walk away. I stand in front of the mirror to make sure I look okay. The Hidalgo matriarch, Sofia, has ordered me to wear this sleek black dress to match the attire of the rest of the staff. She wants the servers looking after her guests to be elegantly dressed, and I can’t be the exception. I check that the bun I’ve made with my red hair is perfectly in place. I’ll be in charge of the distribution of the food so can’t have my hair down. I turn off the light and walk out of our room, moving quickly, and my black heels make clicking sounds, announcing my every step. And though I rarely wear high heels, I’m very good at walking in them.

When I reach the kitchen, I find four people waiting: two men wearing waiter uniforms and two women in the same dress I have on. I know them very well. They all work for the catering company that Mrs. Hidalgo frequently hires for these occasions.

She prefers to hire the same staff each time because they’re familiar with how parties are hosted at the house. One of the women is the one friend I have from university, Gin. I helped her get this job.

“And how is everything?”

“Everything’s going well,” she replies. She points to the other young woman. “Anellie has prepared a few cocktails and stocked the minibar with champagne and wine.”

“Great. And who will be in charge of preparing drinks?” I ask while fixing a tray with hors d’oeuvres. “Is it Jon?”

Jon nods. “Yes, of course. I am, after all, the best bartender in the world.” He winks at me.

Gin rolls her eyes. “Um, excuse me? I make the best margaritas in the world, okay?”

Miguel, who has been quiet all this time, finally comments.

“I concur.”

Jon flips them off.

I check my watch. The guests are about to arrive. “It’s showtime.”

They all exit, except Gin, who stays behind, hoping to walk out with me.

“How are you feeling?” she asks.

I give her a shrug.

“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.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

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.”

She looks offended. “The back door? Who do you think I am? And you still haven’t told me who you are.”

I get what she’s asking. My dress is too elegant to indicate that I’m just the house staff.

“That’s not important. We’re hosting a party downstairs.

I suggest using the back exit for your own good. Unless you’d rather make your way out past dozens of strangers while looking like that.” I gesture to her tangled hair and rumpled dress.

She shoots me a murderous glare. “Whatever.”

How ungrateful.

I know I’m doing Ares’s dirty work. Though I don’t endorse his actions, I know him well—he’s brutally honest with these girls and lets them know exactly what he wants. If they agree to sleep with him under his terms but then change their minds afterward and expect more, well, that’s on them.

After I make sure the girl leaves, I descend the stairs, taking the room in: the shining marble floors, the exquisite black-and-white paintings on the walls. The Hidalgos are not the type of family who have a lot of things to show off; they’re more into quiet luxurious details. Many guests have already arrived, and the room swarms with elegant dresses, expensive jewelry, and designer suits. I put on my best smile and begin to courteously serve those in attendance. I laugh at their jokes, even when I don’t find them funny. And I offer compliments, even though they’re fake.

I become more nervous as the time passes and the room begins to get crowded with guests. After all, this is a surprise party. Artemis has no idea that all these people are waiting to welcome him home after all these years away. The time of his arrival is getting closer. I don’t know why I’m so anxious.

Sofia gets everyone’s attention, and asks them to be quiet. Jon dims the lights, and everyone waits in complete silence while the doors start to open.

Artemis has finally arrived.