Chapter 35

MADDIE

I barely slept at all after the stunt Hades pulled last night. Every time I closed my eyes, my mind replayed it, leaving me restless and frustrated. So, when a loud clattering noise echoed from the kitchen, my annoyance flared. I groaned softly, burying my face deeper into the pillow, hoping to block out the sound. 
But then, the rich, comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted into the living room, teasing my senses. Curiosity got the better of me, and I cracked one eye open, only to wince as the bright light streaming through the glass wall hit me like a spotlight. I quickly shut my eyes again, squeezing them tight to block out the glare. 
Still, the noise and aroma tugged at my attention. Forcing myself to peek again, I squinted through the brightness and caught a glimpse of Hades. His bare back was to me, all smooth, sculpted muscle as he stood at the counter, casually preparing his coffee. The sight of him—completely at ease, bathed in the soft morning glow—stirred something I couldn't quite name. 
For a moment, I forgot about my irritation. I watched as he moved with quiet confidence, utterly unaware of the effect he had on me. The tension from the night before lingered, but now it was mixed with something else, something that made my cheeks warm and my pulse quicken. 
"When you're done ogling me, get up from the couch and join me for breakfast," Hades said without even looking as he continued to make his coffee as if he knows that I have been watching him for quite a while.

I stiffened at his words, heat rushing to my cheeks. How on earth did he know I was watching him? I thought I'd been subtle, but clearly, I underestimated him. Hades always seemed to know more than he let on, which was both infuriating and... unsettling. 
"I wasn't ogling you," I shot back, my voice sharper than I intended. I sat up, clutching the blanket around me like it was a shield, as if that could protect me from his knowing smirk. 
He turned slightly, just enough for me to catch the teasing curve of his lips, though his focus remained on his coffee. "Sure, keep telling yourself that," he said smoothly, pouring the dark liquid into a mug. 
The smell of the coffee was tantalizing, and despite my embarrassment, my stomach growled loudly, betraying me. Hades raised an eyebrow and finally glanced my way, his expression smug. 
"You keep denying things, but your body always gives you away," he said, his tone dripping with amusement. He held up the mug in a silent offer, as if daring me to let this little interaction slide. 
I huffed, pushing myself off the couch before walking to the kitchen that was only separated by a large counter top. "You're insufferable, you know that?" I muttered, avoiding his gaze. 
"And yet, here you are," he replied, setting the mug on the counter in front of me. His voice was softer now, less teasing, but the playful glint in his eyes remained. 
I grabbed the mug from his hand and took a sip, letting the warmth of the coffee calm my nerves. "I'm here because I was starving, not because I enjoy your company," I said, though my words lacked their usual bite. 
Hades chuckled, leaning against the counter as he sipped from his coffee that I was holding. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, sweetheart," he said, leaving him breathless.
I glared at him over the rim of my mug, but deep down, I couldn't deny the small flutter in my chest. He was impossible, but somehow, he was exactly what I needed in that moment. 
As I stood there clutching my coffee like a lifeline, I tried to ignore the way Hades casually leaned against the counter, his shirtless form a maddening distraction. The man had no right to look that good so early in the morning. It was unfair, really.
"You know," he started, his voice casual but laced with amusement, "if you keep glaring at me like that, your coffee might boil over."
I rolled my eyes and took another sip, willing myself to focus on the rich, warm taste rather than his smug grin. "Trust me, the only thing boiling over here is my patience," I retorted, setting the mug down with a little more force than necessary.
Hades laughed, a low, throaty sound that sent an unwelcome shiver down my spine. "Patience? Funny, I didn't think you had much of that to begin with." 
I shot him a look, crossing my arms. "Oh, I have plenty. How else do you think I've put up with you this long?"
"Touché," he said, smirking as he pushed off the counter and moved closer. Too close. My breath hitched as he reached past me to grab something—a plate of toast he must've prepared earlier. His proximity made the air feel heavier, charged.
"Relax, sweetheart," he said, noticing my sudden stiffness. "I'm just grabbing breakfast. Or do you want me to feed you too?"
I scoffed, stepping to the side to put some much-needed distance between us. "Please, don't flatter yourself," I said, picking up my mug again like it could shield me from his overwhelming presence.
He raised an eyebrow, taking a bite of his toast as he studied me. "You're awfully defensive this morning. Did I do something... inappropriate?" His tone was innocent, but the sparkle in his eyes told me he knew exactly what he was doing.
"You mean besides invading my personal space and ruining my chance at a good night's sleep?" I asked, glaring at him.
Hades shrugged. "It's not my fault you're so easy to fluster." He leaned against the counter again, taking another sip of the new coffee he get from the pot. "But, if it makes you feel better, I'll try to behave. For now."
I didn't know what annoyed me more—the fact that he was enjoying this or the fact that he was right. I was flustered, and it was entirely his fault. But I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of admitting it.
Instead, I took a deep breath, straightened my shoulders, and fixed him with my best no-nonsense look. "Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to eat in peace."
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