Chapter 17

MADDIE

My heart was still racing even after he ended the kiss and went to the bathroom to take a shower. I was walking back and forth as I tried to calm myself down from the aftermath of that passionate kiss. We did more than just kiss last night, but I still hadn't gotten used to his advances.

He told me to wait for him as he took a shower. I don't know why I had to, but I haven't been thinking straight since that kiss ended, so I didn't get a chance to ask why.

I sat on the edge of the bed, my mind racing. The room was filled with the distant sound of running water. I couldn't shake the memory of his hands on my skin. The events of the night before replayed in my mind.

After what felt like an eternity, the sound of the shower stopped. I heard the soft rustle of a towel and the creak of the bathroom door opening. Hades stepped out. He looked at me with a predatory gaze that sent a shiver down my spine.

My jaw dropped when I saw him walk out of the bathroom with droplets of water running across his dashboard abs.

"Enjoying the view?" he asked with a satisfied smile.

"I didn't mean to stare. I'll just wait for you outside," I stuttered.

He approached me while his eyes never left mine. "You can stay. There's nothing here that you haven't seen yet," he said.

My heart skipped a beat at his words. "No, thank you. I'll wait outside," I replied before rushing towards the door. I can still hear him laughing even outside the door. I breathed out a sigh of relief as I leaned against the door.

I slumped on the couch as I tried to calm myself. I went to the fridge and picked up a bottle of water to cool myself down. I lost count of how many sighs I've been letting out ever since I woke up.

I tried to distract myself by making myself a sandwich. His kitchen was surprisingly filled with groceries. I didn't bother asking permission from him before I decided to help myself in the kitchen. I just made a simple French toast. But I decided to add some bacon, ham, and scrambled eggs to make it a sandwich.

I wasn't expecting to enjoy preparing my meal, and I completely forgot about Hades. I had no idea what Hades wanted for breakfast, so I didn't bother making him one. Once I was finished, I took a bite from the sandwich I made.

"Hmm..." I nodded in approval as I took a bite of the sandwich I had made.

I was about to take another bite when I was stunned to see Hades standing a few feet away from me. He was already in his usual three-piece suit, looking impeccably handsome. My throat suddenly felt dry as I gazed into his gorgeous eyes, unable to move, frozen mid-bite.

As he started closing the distance between us, I instinctively took a step back. To my surprise, he leaned in and took a bite from the other side of the sandwich, bringing our faces so close together. I held my breath, still biting into the sandwich, my heart racing.

"Hmmm, it tastes delicious," he commented as he stared at my lips.

I wasn't sure if he was referring to my sandwich or something else. I was finally able to take a bite of my sandwich. However, I forced myself to swallow the food inside my mouth without chewing.

His eyes remained fixed on my lips. That's when I realized that there's probably something left on the corner of my lips, which is why he was staring at it. I raised my hand to wipe my mouth when he was quick to grab my wrist.

I wasn't prepared for what he would do next. He leaned closer until our faces were inches apart before he licked the corner of my lips.

"Sweet," he said with amusement in his voice.

I stood there, unable to move or look away from him. The closeness and intensity of his gaze left me feeling dazed. It felt like the space between us was getting smaller, making the tension even more palpable.

I was left in stunned silence as he continued to act as if nothing happened, as if all of this seemed normal. My body stayed frozen.

"I didn't know you wanted one. Do you want me to make you another?" I stammered. My face flushed as I quickly averted my gaze and busied myself with the countertop, trying to regain my composure.

He chuckled softly and lightly brushed my fingers as he reached for the sandwich. "No need. I'm fine sharing this one," he said with a relaxed and friendly tone. He quickly grabbed my hand, holding the sandwich, and took a deliberate bite while keeping his eyes on me with a playful look.

The touch of his hand against mine sent a rush of electricity through me, making it hard to concentrate. My eyes landed on his lips, barely moving, as he chewed slowly.

As he ate, his gaze stayed fixed on me, with a smirk on his lips. I could feel the closeness and the slight pressure of his hand on mine. Everything seemed more intense. But I was the first one to tear my eyes away from him. I subtly removed my hand from the sandwich and allowed him to have it.

"I-I'm good. You can have it," I said before turning my back. I briskly walked towards the couch and waited for him there. He was teasing me; I know it. I'm like a moth to a fire, and I'm the only one in danger.

A few minutes later, he followed me into the receiving area. The space was softly lit, with comfortable seating and a quiet, almost expectant atmosphere. As we waited, a soft knock sounded at the door, interrupting the calm. I turned to see the same man who had stopped me outside earlier enter the room.

He looked professional and efficient as he approached us. "The car is ready, sir," he announced.

Hades turned toward him, a nod of acknowledgment on his face. "Okay. We'll be right outside in a few minutes," he replied smoothly.

The man nodded and exited the room, leaving us alone once more. My curiosity was killing me, so I couldn't help but ask.

"Are we going somewhere?"

He glanced at me with a calm expression. "We have an appointment at the courthouse to get our marriage license," he said simply.

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