Through My Window (Hidalgos #1)(7)

And that thought snaps me out of my self-conscious state. A defiant side of me surfaces when I feel cornered; it’s like a defense mechanism. Mom says I got it from my father. Now it comes out and this becomes a challenge, almost a game, and I will not lose. I won’t give Ares the satisfaction. I’m tired of hiding behind jokes and sarcastic comments. I feel the need to prove to this handsome guy that he’s wrong about me, that everything he thinks he knows is pure lies, and that I’m not easily intimidated. I’ve had enough with hiding in the shadows. I’ve had enough with not telling anyone what I think and feel for fear of being rejected and cast aside. So, I raise my gaze and look directly into those infinite blue eyes.

“Yes, I have a crush on you.”

I underestimated how startled he would be. His cockiness disappears, replaced by pure confusion. He takes a step back, looking stunned.

I give him a half-sided smile, crossing my arms over my chest. “Why are you so surprised, pretty boy?”

He doesn’t say anything. Ladies and gentlemen, I, Raquel Mendoza, have left my lifelong crush speechless.

Ares recovers, running his hand along his jaw as if taking everything in. “I wasn’t expecting that, I must admit.”

“I know.” I can’t get rid of the stupid grin caused by the feeling of being in control of the situation.

“And may I know why you have a crush on me?” he asks, tilting his head to the side.

“Isn’t that obvious?” I say, amused. “Because I like you.”

Ares’s eyes threaten to pop out of his face. “Since when are you so . . . forward?”

Since you cornered me and had every intention of embarrassing me, I think, running my hand through my damp hair. “Since always.”

Ares chuckles under his breath. “I thought you were just another quiet, introverted girl playing innocent, but, apparently, I’m wrong. You’re a bit interesting.”

“A bit?” I snort. “I’m the most interesting girl you’ve ever met in your life.”

“And, from what I can see, you also have decent self-esteem.”

“That’s right.”

Ares approaches me again, but this time I don’t step back. “And what does this interesting girl want from me?”

“Can’t you figure it out? I thought you had the highest IQ in the county.”

Ares laughs openly, the sound echoing around the surrounding mausoleums. “It’s amazing how much you know about me, and yes, of course I can figure it out. I just want you to say it.”

“I think I’ve talked enough. It’s your turn to guess what I want.”

Ares leans in until our faces are merely inches apart. Having him so close still affects me, and I swallow thickly. “Do you want to see my room?”

The suggestion in his voice doesn’t go unnoticed, so I push him away and shake my head. “No, thank you.”

Ares frowns. “What do you want then?”

“Something very simple,” I tell him casually. “I want you to fall in love with me.”

For the second time in the evening, Ares laughs. I don’t know what he finds so funny because I’m not joking, but I’m not complaining because the sound of his laughter is wonderful. When he stops laughing, he gives me a bemused look.

“You’re crazy. Why would I fall in love with you? You’re not even my type.”

“We’ll see about that.” I wink at him. “And maybe I’m crazy, but my determination is impressive.”

“I can see that.” He turns around and goes back to the headstone where he was sitting before.

Trying to defuse the tension between us, I speak. “Why did you come here?”

“It’s quiet, and people usually don’t come here.”

“Do you like being alone?”

Ares shoots me a look, putting another cigarette between those red lips I’d like to taste. “I do.”

I realize how limited my knowledge about Ares really is, despite having had a crush on him for so long.

“Why are you still here?” His question hurts me a little. Does he want me to leave?

“I’m afraid to go back alone, I told you.”

Ares releases the smoke in his mouth and touches a space next to him before speaking.

“Come, sit next to me. Don’t be afraid of me. According to this bizarre situation I should be the scared one, little stalker.”

I swallow, but I obey like a puppet. I sit next to him, and he continues to smoke. We remain silent for a while and my thoughts wander. I can’t believe I said all those things to him. I shiver a little. Even though it’s dark, I can see clearly. The moon has already made its way out from the black clouds, illuminating the cemetery. It’s not the most romantic view in the world, but being next to Ares makes it tolerable.

I glance at his profile, and his eyes are on the horizon. God, he’s so handsome. As if sensing my gaze, Ares turns to me.

“What?”

“Nothing.” I look away.

“You like to read.”

“Yes. How do you know?”

“Your computer had a lot of information. It’s like an electronic diary.”

“You still haven’t apologized for hacking my computer.”

“I won’t.”