Through My Window (Hidalgos #1)(2)

I freeze. “Share my internet? What are you talking about?”

“You’re sharing your Wi-Fi with us, that’s why I’m here in the yard. The signal doesn’t reach the house.”

“What?” But I didn’t give you the password . . .” Confusion barely lets me speak.

Apolo frowns. “Ares told me that you gave him the password.”

My heart flutters in my chest when I hear that name. “I’ve never even exchanged a word with your brother.”

Believe me, I would remember in great detail if I had!

Apolo seems to realize that something’s off, and his cheeks turn red. “I’m sorry, Ares told me that you gave him the password. That’s why I’m here. I’m sorry, really.”

“Relax, it’s not your fault.”

“But if you didn’t give him the password, then how does he have it? I just connected to your internet.”

“I don’t know.”

“It won’t happen again. I apologize, again.” With his head down, he disappears back toward his house.

I stare at the place where Apolo had been sitting. What was that all about? How does Ares have my Wi-Fi password? Ares is not only the most handsome of the three brothers, but he’s also the coldest, and probably the least likely to ask for a favor. This is turning into a mystery. I can even imagine the title: The Wi-Fi Password Mystery. I shake my head at the idea.

I close the window and lean against it, biting my lip. My password is embarrassing, and somehow Apolo now knows it. How did Ares get it?

“Raquel! Dinner is ready!” my mom calls from downstairs.

“I’m coming, Mom!”

I glance back at the Hidalgos’ house before heading downstairs. This is not over. I’ll find out how Ares got my password. It’ll be like my own crime scene investigation. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even buy some sunglasses to look like a professional detective.

“Raquel!”

“I’m coming!”

A smirk slips across my lips.

Project Wi-Fi Password: activated.





TWO


   The Obnoxious Neighbor




I hate being disturbed when I sleep.

It’s one of the few things I can’t stand. Normally, I’m a quiet, peaceful person, but if you wake me up, you’ll see my darker side. So, when I’m awakened by an unfamiliar tune, I can’t help but grunt in annoyance. I toss and turn in my bed, covering my head with my pillow, but the damage is done, and I can’t fall asleep again. Irritated, I toss the pillow aside and sit up, muttering profanities. Where the hell is that sound coming from?

I groan. It’s midnight. Who could be making noise at this hour? It’s not even the weekend. I stumble like a zombie to my open window, and the cool breeze sneaking through the curtains gives me goose bumps. I’m used to sleeping with the window open because I’ve never had a problem with noises during the night, until now. I recognize the song: “Rayando El Sol” by Maná. Tilting my head to the side, I part the curtains to find out where it’s coming from. There’s someone sitting on the small chair in the Hidalgos’ yard.

But it’s not Apolo this time.

My heart bursts when I realize it’s none other than Ares.

Ares is the best-looking guy I’ve ever seen in my entire life, and believe me, I’ve seen quite a few. He’s tall and athletic, with muscular legs and an ass to die for. His face is perfectly proportioned, with high cheekbones and a gorgeous nose. His lips are full and look wet all the time. His upper lip forms an arch like the top of a drawn heart and his lower lip is accompanied by an almost imperceptible piercing. His eyes take my breath away every time I see them. They’re deep blue with a flash of stunning green. His hair is jet black, contrasting nicely with his creamy white skin, and falls carelessly over his forehead and ears. He has a tattoo on his left arm of a curvy dragon that looks professionally done. Everything about Ares screams mystery and danger, which should keep me away from him, but instead draws me in with a force that takes me aback.

Under the floodlight, I can see that he’s wearing shorts, a pair of Converse, and a black T-shirt that matches his hair. I gawk at him as he types something on his laptop, nibbling on his lower lip. Sexy!

But then it happens. Ares’s head snaps up, and he sees me. Those beautiful blue eyes meet mine, and my world stops. He and I have never made direct eye contact. Without meaning to, I blush immediately, but I can’t look away.

Ares arches an eyebrow, and his gaze is as cold as ice. “Do you need something?”

His voice lacks any emotion. I swallow, struggling to find my voice. His look paralyzes me. How can someone so young be so intimidating?

“I . . . Hi,” I almost stutter. He doesn’t say anything, just stares at me, making me more nervous. I grip the edge of my windowsill. “I-I—your music woke me up.”

I’m talking to Ares.

God, don’t faint, Raquel. Breathe.

“You have a good ear. Your room is quite far.”

That’s it? He’s not going to apologize for waking me up? He returns his attention to the laptop and continues typing on it. I twist my lips in irritation. After a few minutes, he notices that I haven’t moved, and he looks back at me, lips pursed.