Through My Window (Hidalgos #1)(100)

“It’s the same college you applied to. Aren’t you glad to know we’ll be together?”

“Don’t try to make this about me,” I retort. “This is about you and what you want for your life.”

“This is what I want for my life. To be useful to my family, and to be by your side, that’s all I want.”

“No,” I shake my head. Ares raises an eyebrow.

“No?” he asks.

“You’re just taking the easy path. You’re giving up without even trying and taking refuge in the thought that at least we’ll be together.”

“At least?” he repeats. “I didn’t know being together was so unimportant to you.”

“Again, don’t try to make this about me or about us.”

“How can it not be about us? If I apply to those other colleges, do you know how far apart we’ll be? I’m going to have to move to another state, Raquel.”

I know . . .

I’ve thought about it so many times . . .

But I can’t be selfish . . .

“I know, but you’ll be studying what you want to study and following your dream. That’s enough for me.”

“Don’t give me that shit.” He moves closer to me. “You want us to split up?”

“I just want you to do what you want to do.”

“This is what I want to do. This is what I’ll do. This is my decision.”

I run my hands through my hair.

“It’s not. Why are you so stubborn?” I demand. I see him hesitate.

“Because I love you,” he says, and I stop breathing. “And just imagining being away from you tears me apart.”

“I know. I feel that too.” I move closer to him and take his face in my hands before I continue. “I love you, too, and because I love you, I want you to be happy and achieve everything you want in this life.”

He puts his forehead on mine.

“I can’t be happy without you.”

“I’m not going anywhere. We’ll find a way, long-distance relationship or whatever.” I pause. “I’d rather do that than see you every day in a place that has never interested you, studying something you hate. I don’t want to see you suffer that way.”

“My family won’t support me.”

“Have you talked to them? At least try.” I give him a short kiss. “Please?”

“Okay.” His lips meet mine in a soft kiss that’s filled with so many emotions that my heart races. I reciprocate, running my hands around his neck, kissing him deeply. Feeling his wet torso against me, my hormones rage, and it doesn’t help that he’s only wearing a towel. Our mouths move harder against each other, brushing and licking, and I press my breasts against him with desire.

Ares lifts me up, setting me on the computer table, and reaches between my legs. I interrupt the kiss breathlessly.

“We’re going to be late.”

“A quickie.” He kisses me again, lifting the shirt I’m wearing, and underneath I’m naked. The towel falls to the floor and Ares pulls me tighter against him, forcing me to spread my legs wide for him. I’m on the pill now, so we don’t use condoms anymore.

Before I can say anything, he penetrates me, and a moan of surprise escapes me but is stifled by his lips. His movements are rough and deep, but they feel fucking good. I hold tight to his neck as he thrusts into me, the table crashing against the wall with each thrust.

Our kisses become uncontrolled and wet, and it’s not long before we both reach orgasm. Breathing fast, we hug each other. Having so much sex has its advantages, we know each other intimately, and we know where to touch, lick, and how to move to make each other come.

Apolo walks in without warning.

“Ares, let’s—Oh shit.” Apolo turns his back to us quickly. Ares picks up the towel and covers himself, stepping in front of me to cover me. Apolo continues to stare into the distance.

“We’re going to be late. I’ll wait for you downstairs.”

As soon as he leaves, I burst out laughing, tapping Ares’s shoulder.

“I told you to close that door.”

I know, we’ve become cheeky and shameless. Ares gives me a short kiss and carries me toward the bathroom.

“Come on, we’ll save time by showering together.” I let out a laugh and bury my face in his neck.





- ARES -




“Well?” my father begins, holding a glass of whiskey in his hand. We’re in the study on the small couches to one side of my father’s large desk. Artemis is sitting beside him, checking a chart on his tablet, and my mother is on his other side, looking at me curiously. Apolo is sitting next to me on the opposite couch, giving me the occasional worried glance. I called this family meeting. I’m not going to lie, my hands are sweaty, and my throat is so dry it hurts.

“Ares?” my mother calls. Everyone is waiting for me. I can’t give up without a fight, and the thought of Raquel’s disappointed face motivates me.

“As you know, it’s time to apply to colleges,” I begin. Artemis puts down his tablet.

“Do you need help with that? I can make some calls.”

“No, I . . .” Shit, I didn’t think this would be so hard. The moment I say the words, I’ll expose myself, and I don’t want to get hurt.