He shrugs. “Then enjoy your walk in the dark alone.”
He turns to sit down again, but I can see him look at me out of the corner of his eye. I know it’s to make sure I don’t leave alone, even if I don’t give him the kiss, but who am I kidding? I want that kiss too; every part of me is on fire just imagining it.
“Wait,” I say, keeping true to my new extroverted attitude. “Okay.”
Ares turns to me again. “Really?”
“Yes!” My heart is going to collapse at any moment. “C-can we go now?”
Ares draws in his bottom lip seductively. “I need my incentive to start walking.”
“I said I would pay the price.”
His face is only inches away from mine. “Do I have your word?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s see if that’s true.”
“What?” A gasp escapes my lips as he leans down and buries his face into my neck, his hair brushing my cheek. “Ares, what are you . . . ?” My voice fails me, everything fails me.
His hot breath caresses my skin, awakening my senses and, instinctively, I move closer to him.
“Raquel,” he says my name in my ear, sending delicious shivers all over my body.
I can’t believe this is happening. I have Ares pressed against me, his warm breath on my neck, and his hand on my waist. Am I dreaming?
“You’re not dreaming.”
Oh shit! I said it out loud.
I feel flustered; however, the moment Ares’s lips meet the skin of my neck, I forget everything. He leaves wet kisses along my skin, up until he reaches my earlobe, which he lightly sucks. My legs get weak, and if it weren’t for Ares holding me firmly in place, I would be on the ground by now. What is he doing to me?
While I stand there trembling, little spasms of pleasure cross my body and make my breath hitch. A pressure blooms in my lower belly, and I can’t believe how much havoc he’s causing just by kissing my neck. His breathing quickens, and I realize I’m not the only one affected by this. When he finishes his attack on my neck, he proceeds to kiss the side of my face, moving across my cheek, until he presses his lips to the corner of mine. I open my mouth in anticipation, waiting for contact, waiting for his kiss, but it never comes.
Ares breaks away and gives me a smirk. “Let’s go.”
I gasp. Are you going to leave me like this? I want to ask him, but I stop myself before the plea leaves my lips. Ares picks up his umbrella and starts walking, apparently unaffected by what just happened. Regaining control of my body, I reluctantly follow him.
I know tonight was just the beginning of something. I don’t know if I can handle it, but I’m going to at least try.
FIVE
The Best Friend
The walk back isn’t as uncomfortable as I expected, but I’m nervous and my hands are shaking. Part of me still can’t believe I’m walking next to Ares. I stay a step behind him so I don’t have to be opposite that cute face of his. However, my curious eyes travel down his defined arms and legs. Playing soccer suits him. He has an athletic body that makes him look strong. I continue to gawk at him until he catches me, and I look away.
Ares glances over his shoulder at me with a mischievous, knowing grin that takes my breath away. Why does he have to be so fucking attractive?
Grumbling, I focus on the street to one side of us. Ares plays on his phone the rest of the way. As we reach my front door, the atmosphere gets a little awkward. He stops next to me and runs his hand through his hair. “You’ve arrived at your cave, Witch.”
“Stop calling me that.”
“Comb your hair more often, and I will.”
Low blow.
I immediately run my fingers through my tangled hair, trying to unknot it. “It’s the weather’s fault.”
Ares just smiles. “Whatever you say.” He pauses. “Witch.”
“Very funny.”
Ares checks his phone, as if checking the time. “Get in before your mom comes out and drags you in.”
“My mom wouldn’t do that, she knows what kind of daughter she raised,” I say arrogantly. “She trusts me.”
And as if hearing me, my mother’s voice calls from inside the house. “Raquel? Is that you?”
“Shit!” I panic. “Oh . . . that was fun, good night, bye.” I turn around to walk to the door.
“Didn’t you just say that your mother knows who she raised?”
“Raquel?” my mother calls again.
I turn to him again.
“Shhhh!” I gesture with both hands for him to leave. “Go away! Shoo!”
Ares laughs showing those perfect teeth. He has a beautiful smile, I could stare at him all night, but my mother is about to come out and make a fuss. Ares gives me the “Okay” sign with his fingers.
“All right, I’m off, Stalker Witch.”
“Wow, a special nickname now?” Sarcasm drips from my tone.
He shrugs. “I’m very creative, I know.”
“So am I, Greek God.” As soon as my so-called nickname for him leaves my lips, I regret it. Greek God? Are you serious, Raquel?
“I like that nickname.”
Of course, you like it, arrogant—
“Raquel!” My mom’s voice is louder now.
I turn my back to him again and this time he says nothing. I hear his footsteps fading further into the distance as I open my front door. I walk in and put my back against the door as a stupid grin comes over my face. I had a good time with Ares. I still can’t believe it.
“Raquel Margarita Mendoza Álvarez!”
You know you’re in trouble when your mom uses your full name.
“Hi, my beautiful mom,” I say with the cutest look I can conjure up.
My mother, Rosa Maria Álvarez, is a hard-working, dedicated woman. She’s a respected nurse at the local hospital. She’s the best person I know, but as a mother she can be strict. Although she doesn’t spend much time at home because of her job, when she is at home, she likes to take control and maintain order.
“Don’t mom me,” she warns, holding up her pointer finger. “It’s ten o’clock at night, can you tell me where you were?”
“I thought we agreed that I could arrive at eleven o’clock at the latest during the summer.”
“Only on weekends,” she reminds me. “As long as you let me know where you are, and who you’re with.”