Chapter 27

MADDIE

As soon as his car stopped in front of the building entrance, I immediately jumped off the car. He did the same and tossed the car key to the valet service of the building. I walked straight to the revolving door without looking back. I didn't care whether he's behind me or not.

I pressed the elevator door open and quickly hopped in. I pressed the close button as hard as I could, hoping it would close faster. I was relieved when it did without Hades interrupting. But it didn't take long before I realized what's wrong. I can't press the penthouse button or any other floor because I have no access card.

As I blew a loud sigh, the elevator door opened. Hades was standing right outside the door with a smug look on his face. I just roll my eyes at him as a response.

I stepped aside and stood at the farthest corner away from him. But it seems like he's deliberately trying to drain my patience as he chooses to stand beside me despite all the available spaces in the elevator.

If I could only pass through these elevator walls, I would just so I could get away from him. The elevator cab was filled with nothing but the sound of our breathing. It was so silent that I could hear the thumping sound of my heart. And when the door finally opened, I let him get off the elevator.

However, it seems like he noticed what I was doing, so he quickly grabbed my hand and pulled me out with him.

As we walked towards the door, he fished his phone out of his pocket and made a call. "Prepare an elevator access card for Mrs. Grant," he said to whoever it is on the phone.

Mrs. Grant sounds lovely to my ear. If only he hadn't reminded me a few minutes ago about our deal. I let out a loud sigh, which eventually caught Hades' attention.

He turned towards me, to which I immediately replied with a sharp glare. "What?" I asked irritatedly.

This time it was him who blew a loud sigh. "Stand here," he commanded, ordering me to stand in front of the automated door lock.

But I didn't move a muscle. I have every intention to defy his every command. When he noticed that I had no intention to follow his order. He gently pulled my hand, and I realized he hadn't let go. He then placed my palm on the monitor.

"Palm print, registered," said the automated voice.

"Look at the camera," he said.

I roll my eyes before I do what he said. After a few seconds, I heard another confirmation. "Authorized person recognized," the machine announced.

"My assistant will give you an access card for the elevator once it's ready," he said.

"Whatever," I replied before heading inside the penthouse since it's already open.

I walked straight to the only room in the penthouse. Just as I expected, the contract that we both signed was still sitting on top of the table. I grabbed it and walked back to the living room. I found Hades hanging his jacket on the couch while he loosens his tie. I was lost for a moment as I watched him slowly unbutton his shirt, revealing his broad, chiseled chest.

I was snapped out of my reverie when our eyes met. I cleared my throat and walked towards the single couch across from where he was standing. The small center table was the only thing keeping our distance from one another.

"I think it's time for us to talk," I said, taking a seat and dropping the papers onto the center table with a determined thud.

His eyes sparked with amusement, a smirk playing on his lips. "Now you want to talk?" he replied, stepping closer. "Alright, let's talk."

"Stop!" I ordered, raising a hand to halt his approach. "That's your side; this is mine. Let's keep it that way."

He narrowed his eyes, tilting his head slightly. "You're giving me orders in my own house?" he asked, an eyebrow arching in disbelief.

"The last time we tried to have a conversation, we ended up doing everything but talking. So, yeah. Let's keep our distance," I insisted, my voice firm.

His mischievous smile only grew wider as he crossed his arms over his chest. "If I remember correctly, I didn't hear any complaints from you," he teased, his tone dripping with arrogance.

I glared at him, my patience wearing thin. His grin widened, clearly pleased that he'd managed to get under my skin. I watched him carefully as he strolled over to the minibar, pouring himself a drink with deliberate slowness. Every move he made was calculated, designed to rattle me. He returned to the single couch across from me, glass in hand.

"Go on, I'm listening," he said, settling into the seat and gesturing for me to continue. His eyes remained locked on me, studying my every move as he took a sip. "Want one?" he asked, offering me the glass.

"No, thanks," I declined. I had already had a couple of shots at the party, and adding more alcohol to the mix while trying to negotiate our terms wasn't exactly the smartest idea. "Shall we proceed now?" I asked, eager to get down to business.

"As you wish," he replied smoothly, raising his glass in a mock toast before leaning back against the couch, looking entirely too comfortable.

As I continued reading the contract, I finally felt my feet getting tired from wearing heels all night. Without removing my eyes from the paper, I started to unstrap my stilettos and set it aside. I crossed my legs, revealing my smooth, beautiful legs through the slit of my dress as I lean back on the couch to sit comfortably. It didn't go unnoticed the pair of heated eyes gazing at me.

Jolts of electricity came crushing through my veins as our eyes met. My throat suddenly felt dry when I saw how his intense gaze was filled with passion and desire. I can't help but notice how sexy his throat moves as he sips whiskey from his glass.

I cleared my throat to stir my mind from fantasizing about this gorgeous man in front of me. I took a deep breath as I continued to read the contract.

"The terms," I began, my voice steady. "We need to finalize them now."

He arched an eyebrow, sipping his drink slowly, savoring every drop as if he had all the time in the world. "And what exactly are these terms you're so eager to discuss?" he asked, his tone casual, almost bored.

I clenched my jaw, trying to ignore his infuriating nonchalance. "First, we need to clarify the boundaries of our agreement. I'm tired of this constant back-and-forth. We need clear rules, Hades. No more gray areas."

His eyes glinted with something unreadable, and he set his glass down on the table. "Rules?" he repeated, as if the word were foreign to him. "And what makes you think I'm interested in following any of your rules, Madison?"

I don't know why I find it sexy when he calls me by my complete name. "Because if we don't, this arrangement is going to spiral out of control. You know that as well as I do."

He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his eyes darkening with intensity. "Maybe that's exactly what I want. To see what happens when everything falls apart."

His words sent a chill down my spine, but I forced myself to stay calm. "Well, I'm not interested in watching things fall apart. I'm interested in making this work—for both of us."

For a moment, he was silent, just staring at me as if weighing my words, deciding how much truth there was behind them. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Alright, Maddie. Let's hear these rules of yours."

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