Why was he doing that? He knew Aaren had an alpha. He knew Aaren couldn’t leave his alpha.
Still confused, Aaren got ready some paper towels, an egg mixture, and a prep tray. He took the chicken breasts out of thebrine, patting them dry. One by one, he egged and breaded the meat, before washing his hands.
“The tomatoes are starting to smell really good,” Hades murmured.
Aaren bent over to check the roasting vegetables. As he did so, his ass bumped into something warm and firm—Hades’ solid thighs.
He squeaked and jumped a little, looking over his shoulder.
“Sorry,” Hades said, taking a step back.
He didn’t sound sorry at all.
Warmth swooped between Aaren’s legs. Had Hadeswantedto touch his ass?
I should tell him to stop. I have a boyfriend.Aaren stared unseeingly at the tomatoes.But Ballus is horrible and I can’t dump him.
“I can drain the potatoes when they’re done,” Hades said.
Aaren blinked himself back. He shut the oven door and grabbed a fork to test the potatoes. “They’re done. If... If you don’t mind, I’d like some help with the potatoes. I don’t like carrying pots of water; they’re kind of heavy.”
“Didn’t you say you have muscles?” Hades’ tone was lightly teasing; he lifted the pot anyway, his biceps bunching. At the sink, he held the potatoes back with a lid and drained them easily.
“Your muscles are really big,” Aaren blurted.
Hades smiled, his lips curving slowly. “That’s not the only big thing about me.”
“What else—Oh.” Aaren’s mouth went dry.
Hades set the pot back on the stove. Aaren shook himself.I need to focus!He heated some oil in a pan, then mashed the potatoes in their pot and stirred in some cream cheese. When the oil was hot enough, he began frying the chicken.
“Looking good,” Hades said quietly.
Except when Aaren peeked at him, he found Hades looking at his ass again.
Oh gods. Does he really think I’m hot?
“Do you want a taste?” Aaren asked.
“Yes,” Hades said, still staring at his ass.
Then he looked up, and his face contained no hint of a joke.
Aaren blushed so hot, he thought he might faint. Hades smiled.
“Wow, um.” Aaren fumbled for a clean spoon, his hole a little wet. He scooped some mashed potatoes out of the pot. “Here.”
When Hades accepted the spoon, he wrapped his hand around Aaren’s. His fingers were calloused, warm and firm.
Hades didn’t let go. Aaren had to tug his hand free, his blush burning all the way down his chest. He squeaked and hurried back to the stove, his heart pounding.
He wasn’t going to think about this. Hewasn’t.
But his body remembered the brief touches—the brush of their arms, the light squeeze of his hip, the warm hands on his, the solid thighs against his ass.
He hastily picked up his hot chocolate, gulping down a mouthful. Then he checked on the frying chicken.
“The potatoes are delicious. How is the chicken going?” Hades stepped up behind him. He didn’t touch Aaren again. But there were only a couple of inches between their bodies, and Hades’ warmth soaked into Aaren’s back.
