“What about Papá?” Artemis’s hard stare makes me shift in my seat.
“He called. He’s pissed that I’ve been absent. I almost quit.”
Athena strokes my back. “If that’s what you need to do, he’ll get over it.” Gotta give it to her, she’s almost convincing. “We need to come up with a plan for how to deal with his indiscretions, and what we’re going to do about our half siblings. But that can wait, right now our priority is getting you through the Frozen Four and get Edith back on her feet. Okay?”
“Okay.”
My phone vibrates on the table. Papá’s name lights up the screen.El Diablohimself.
How the hell am I supposed to talk to him, to work with him, knowing what I know? I let the call go to voicemail before playing Papá’s message for everyone.
He’s pissed as fuck. He somehow found out I’ve been using his plane to travel back and forth to see Edith. Misusing business resources. Head not in the office, nor on the ice since the accident—no mention of my studies. No leeway, no understanding, “in our life this is what we do,” no time for superficial injuries, no time for distractions, pull your shit together, or else.
Today couldn’t get much worse. I’m ready for a fucking nap.
“Apollo?” Edith’s tired voice carries across the hallway. I left both doors open so I could hear if she needed me. She calls my name again.
It’s time to get my game face on and go comfort my girl.
CHAPTER22
Edith
(MARCH 24TH – DAY 7 POST OP)
Something’s wrong with Apollo, and I have no idea what it is. He’s keeping something from me, but I’ve known him for long enough to know that things aren’t right. Even when I’m high on pain meds.
He’s grunting at a stack of paperwork on my dining room table, periodically running his hand through his glossy dark hair, and muttering strings of swear words under his breath. Stress emanates from him in uncomfortable waves, leaving an almost acerbic taste in the air.
Is he keeping it from me because he thinks I can’t handle whatever he’s going through? Or am I the thing that’s stressing him out so much he looks like he hasn’t slept in a week?
“Pollo?”
His tongue snakes out the corner of his mouth, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. He doesn’t react to my voice. That in itself is unusual. He’s been tuned into my every pained breath, grunt, wince and gasp since I got home from the hospital. Whatever is going on with him, I don’t think it’s me.
At least I hope not.
“Apollo?”
His head snaps up, eyes glassy and tired.“Sí, princesa?”
Patting the couch next to me, I wave for him to join me. His hesitation wouldn’t be noticed by many, but I don’t miss the extra fraction of a beat before he puts down his pen. When his body drops onto the couch next to me, I try to move to him, but everything hurts. Looping his arms around me as though I weigh nothing, he pulls me to him, holding me against him.
“Estás bien?”
“I’m okay.” I search his face. “But I don’t think you are.”
He sighs. A loud cheer erupts from his apartment, and he rolls his eyes.
“Is your family over there?”
He nods. “They came over earlier for a family meeting.”
“And they’re staying until you’re done with me?”
He shrugs. I’m not sure how I feel about that. It’s nice they’re waiting around for him to be free. I love that he’s working next to me while I read my book, but we could really all be doing something together.
“What is it, Apollo? Talk to me.”
