Chapter 25

MADDIE



I gave Hades one sharp look before taking my last shot of tequila. My eyes locked onto his as I downed the fiery liquid. His gaze grew darker, more intense, as he watched my every move. With a defiant slam, I placed the empty shot glass on the bar counter and turned to leave.

I had barely taken a step when he grabbed my arm, spinning me back into his arms with a force that took my breath away. I was about to snap at him when he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me firmly against his broad chest.

"Let's dance," he said with his tone, leaving no room for argument. It wasn't a request. It was a command. I opened my mouth to protest, but he was already leading me to the middle of the dance floor.

All eyes were on us the moment we stepped onto the floor. I could almost hear the whispers and feel the curious stares. Some were likely wondering who the lucky girl was on the arm of the city's most sought-after bachelor. Others who recognize me were probably questioning what Hades Atticus Grant was doing with the scandalous Madison Rae Phillips.

The music started—a slow, sultry melody that seemed to match the charged atmosphere between us. Hades held me close, and his grip was possessive and unyielding. I could feel the heat of his body through the thin fabric of my dress. His every movement sends shivers down my spine.

Despite my initial resistance, I found myself swaying to the rhythm, my body instinctively following his lead. His hand tightened on my waist as he guided me effortlessly across the floor. The intensity in his eyes never wavered, and I felt a strange mix of defiance and attraction stirring within me.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I challenged. My voice was barely above a whisper.

A slow, predatory smile curled his lips. "Depends on what you are referring to," he replied.

We moved as one, our bodies perfectly in sync. I couldn't deny the electric chemistry between us—the way his touch ignited a fire deep inside me. The room seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us locked in a dance that was both intimate and fierce.

As the song drew to a close, Hades dipped me low, his face inches from mine. I could feel his breath on my skin, his eyes smoldering with an intensity that made my heart race. For a moment, time stood still, and I was lost in the depths of his gaze.

Then, with a graceful lift, he brought me back to my feet. The music stopped, and the room erupted in applause. But all I could focus on was the man before me, the man who had just turned my world upside down with a single dance.

"Don't forget who you belong to, Madison," he murmured.

I met his gaze head-on, my heart pounding in my chest. "I belong to no one, Hades," I retorted. I tried to keep my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

He gave me a knowing smile, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and something darker. "We'll see about that," he said.

I roll my eyes at his response. His possessiveness says a lot of things. It makes me wonder whether he's really interested in me—that's why we offered me that deal—or if he has other motives.

We were in that position when I heard a familiar voice behind us. "I'm not expecting to see you here, uncle."

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath upon realizing who it was. It hadn't been long since I got into an argument with Hades. I don't think I still have the energy to face Wyatt tonight. 

When I opened my eyes to face Wyatt, I was surprised to meet Hades' eyes as he stared at me with amusement. It was as if he was watching me the whole time. I cleared my throat to ease the tension building inside me. I removed my arm that was resting on his shoulder before I turned around to face him.

"And you're the least person I want to see tonight, Wyatt."

"Really? I was already thinking that you've been following me," he replied.

I roll my eyes at his arrogance. I don't know where he got the idea that I still wanted him even after what he did to me. 

I was about to speak when Hades’ strong arm snaked around my waist, pulling me tightly against him. I felt his broad chest pressing against my back, grounding me in a way that both infuriated and comforted me.

“She wasn’t here for you, Wyatt. She’s here with me,” Hades declared.

Wyatt’s expression hardened. “I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into, Uncle Hades. Everybody knows what she’s after. I suggest you drop her before it’s too late. As your family, I’m just worried you’ll fall into her trap,” Wyatt warned.

Hades looked at him with bored eyes, his gaze dismissive. “Listen to me, Wyatt, and listen carefully. I’ll only accept advice from you once you’ve become richer than me,” he said, his voice dripping with condescension and finality. He then gently pulled me away from the dance floor.

We hadn’t taken more than a few steps when Lizzie grabbed Hades’ arm to stop him. “Hades, please listen to Wyatt. I know why you’re doing this. So, please stop it now,” she pleaded.

I squinted my eyes, shifting my gaze between her and Hades. I wasn’t blind to the longing look she cast toward him, a look that spoke volumes about her feelings.

Hades sighed, turning to face Lizzie. “Lizzie, this is none of your concern.” His tone was firm and unkind.

She tightened her grip on his arm, her eyes shimmering with unspoken emotion. “We both know you're wrong. I know exactly why you're doing this," she said, her voice quivering slightly with a mix of frustration and longing.

Hades gently pried her hand off his arm, his touch both firm and careful. “Well, good then," he replied with his eyes locking with hers for a brief. His gaze was steady, unwavering, yet there was a flicker of something deeper, something unresolved. It was as if an entire unspoken conversation passed between them in that fleeting glance.

Lizzie’s expression softened, her resolve wavering as she searched his eyes for any sign of the affection they once shared. Lizzie stepped back, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt,” she said as her voice broke slightly. “I care about you, Hades. More than you realize.”

Hades didn't respond. With that, he turned back to me. There's something in his eyes that I couldn't fully comprehend. He held out his hand, his gaze never leaving mine. “Let’s go,” he said.

I looked at his hand in front of me. After what I just witnessed, I don't think I'd be able to hold his hand like I used to. 

Instead of holding his hand, I said, "Yeah, let's go," before walking past him. 

"Maddie." I heard him calling my name from behind. But I don't have the strength to look back. I think I already know what's exactly going on here.

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