Chapter 29

MADDIE

We remained in that position for a couple of minutes; no one wants to back down. After what seems like eternity, he withdraws and finally puts some distance between.

I let out a sigh of relief, but I made sure that he wouldn't notice it. I thought he's going to go back to his seat. But I was surprised when he sat on the center table in front of me instead.

"Go on, continue," he said without his eyes leaving mine.

"Can you please go back to your seat?" I said annoyingly.

"Why? You're afraid that you're going to break your own rule this soon?" he taunted.

"Don't be too confident, Mr. Grant. If there's anyone here who's likely to break that rule, it's you. Can I continue now?" I asked before rolling my eyes at him. I didn't wait for his reply, as I quickly brought my eyes back to the papers in my hand. "Next is the bedroom," I continued. "I don't know how you will do it, but I'd like a separate room."

"This penthouse has only one room in case you're not aware of it," he responded.

"FYI, I'm well aware of it. And as I said, I don't care how you will do it, but I'd like to have a separate room."

He chuckled, "What's wrong with sharing a bed? It's not like I'd be crawling on top of you in any given chance."

I bit my lower lip as I find myself helpless in front of him. I can't help but think that I might be overthinking all of these. What's worst is, he's probably right about one thing. That I was more scared of myself than him. He has every control over me, and I can't be sure that I won't give in to his advances once our bodies touch.

I took a deep breath as I rolled my eyes. I need to compromise to prove to him that he has no effect on me.

"Fine. If we can't have separate rooms, then at least get me a separate bed," I insisted as I tried to maintain some control over the situation.

He tilted his head slightly, studying me with that familiar but unreadable expression. "Alright, we can do that. I'll have my assistant arrange everything you need tomorrow," he agreed without hesitation.

His easy agreement threw me off balance. "Okay," I stammered, surprised by how quickly he gave in. I expected a fight, or at least some pushback. "Even though you won’t tell me the real reason you wanted this contract marriage, I'm not sure how we're supposed to act around others." Despite my suspicion that his reason has something to do with Lizzie, I can't assume that's the case unless he admits it. "But I think we should limit any physical interactions, like kissing, to 'only when absolutely necessary' or 'not at all.'"

His lips curled into a slight smile, and he leaned in just a bit, making my heart skip a beat. "And how do you define an 'absolutely necessary' situation?" he asked. His voice was low and teasing as if daring me to answer.

I was stunned for a minute, his tone carrying a hint of challenge that made my skin tingle with nervousness and anticipation. I opened my mouth to respond, but the words stuck in my throat. How was I supposed to define something like that when he always managed to blur the lines so effortlessly?

"Well," I started as I struggle to sound more confident than I felt, "things like public events, family gatherings, or any situation where people would expect us to act like a real couple. We’ll keep it to a minimum, and only if it’s absolutely necessary to maintain appearances."

He raised an eyebrow with his eyes never leaving mine. "And what about when we're alone?" he asked, his voice dropping to a near whisper. There was something dangerous in the way he spoke. It was like a warning that I always choose to ignore. Because the truth is, I'd like to play fire with him.

I forced myself to hold his gaze, refusing to let him see how much his words were affecting me. "When we’re alone," I said, "there’s no reason for us to pretend. We keep our distance. No touching, no kissing, no... anything."

He studied me for a moment longer, as if weighing my words. Then he slowly nodded. "And if I don't agree?"

I frowned in annoyance. It seems like he's deliberately making it hard for me. "Why won't you?"

"Let's just say I like kissing you," he admitted.

I was lost for words. I wasn't expecting him to admit that he wanted to kiss me. How can he say that when he clearly has his eyes on another woman? I wasn't expecting the hint of jealousy creeping through my body as I remember what happened a while at the party. It's also the same exact reason why I was trying to set boundaries between us. These rules are a clear reminder that this man was in love with another woman.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves before responding. "I can't do anything about that, Mr. Grant," I said, my voice firm but strained. "But I still want to insist that you can't kiss me unless it's absolutely necessary."

He tilted his head slightly as a playful smirk started tugging at the corners of his mouth. The look in his eyes was mischievous. "Can my desire to kiss you pass as necessary?" he teased.

His words sent a ripple of heat through me, catching me off guard. He looked at me with so much intensity that it was hard to think straight. I felt the color rise to my cheeks, but I refused to let him see how much he was affecting me.

"Desire is not a necessity," I replied. I was surprised to find my voice steadier than I expected. I met his gaze head-on. I was determined not to back down, even though my heart was pounding in my chest. "You’re going to have to control yourself."

Hades leaned closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Control isn’t exactly my strong suit, Maddie," he murmured. "Especially when it comes to you."

His words wrapped around me like a velvet rope, pulling me closer to the edge of something I wasn’t sure I could handle. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my thoughts clear, but it was impossible with him so close.

"It's not my problem, Mr. Grant. You have to do something about it," I replied.

I saw how his eyes darkened as it slowly dropped to my lips. "Are we done? This negotiation is making me horny," he asked with his eyes not leaving my lips.

My throat suddenly felt dry with his bluntness. I tried my best to ignore it and focus on the matter at hand. "That's it for now. I'd be talking to you again once I think about something to add. How about you? Do you have anything in mind that you'd like to add?" I asked.

"No, I'm good," he replied before he quickly stood from where he was sitting. He was walking briskly towards the bedroom.

I followed him with my eyes as I watched him get into the room. It didn't take long before we walked out of it with a small paper in his hand.

"Here," he said as he handed it to me.

I stood up from the couch and reached for the paper. I frowned when I realized that it was a check with an amount written on it—two million dollars.

"What's this?" I asked in confusion.

"Payment for the penalty," he said. Without another word, he quickly took the distance between us. He grabbed my waist and pulled me against his chest before claiming my lips in a deep and passionate kiss.

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