Chapter 121

Alice whispered, frustrated. "Your nose keeps getting in the way. It's impossible to kiss you properly."

Caden pulled his hand away, his voice hoarse. "You're strong enough to almost knock me down, but can't figure out how to tilt your head?"

Alice licked her lips, lost in thought. The simple act only made her lips appear more rosy and alluring to Caden.

"How?" she asked.

Caden saw her genuine confusion. How could she be so absentminded? She excelled in school, mastering complex subjects effortlessly. They had kissed several times. How could he still not know how to angle his head?

He felt the urge to deepen the kiss, but restrained himself. He decided to guide her. "Turn a little. Move while you kiss my lips. Move your head left, then right. Do it fluidly, back and forth."

Alice followed his instructions, her hesitations obvious. She learned quickly, but shyness made her clumsy. Minutes later, she was still clumsily clicking her teeth.

Caden felt his control slipping. He'd started this intending to watch her struggle, for fun. Instead, her clumsiness tested his limits.

His patience snapped. He grabbed the back of her head and took control, frustration battling desire. Finally, he released her, his eyes intense. "Do you understand?"

Alicia trembled, sinking into his embrace. Their chemistry was passionate and overwhelming. Caden seized the moment, pressing forward. Alicia resisted, but her body betrayed her. The situation escalated.

He turned her, pressing her against the couch, his hand carefully cradling her head to protect her wound. Their lips met, bodies pressed together. Heat mixed with a strange coldness, electrifying the moment.

The bright light above softened the edges of his blurry vision, giving the scene a dreamlike quality. He leaned over her. "Do you want to take the lead, or should I?"

Alice's face flushed. Hesitantly, she stammered, "You do it."

Alice cried silently. Caden noticed only when he felt her tears on his hand and saw her reddened eyes and nose. Embarrassed, she covered her eyes. "Don't look at me," she whispered.

Caden smiled. "How much grapefruit have you eaten tonight? You taste the same."

Alicia gritted her teeth, frustrated, wishing she could mute herself.

Caden kissed her earlobe gently. "You have a talent for picking fruit. It's always plump and fresh, just like you," he paused, "And very juicy. Want to smell it? It smells like grapefruit."

Alicia never imagined Caden could be so flirtatious, especially now. She felt irritated, and even more so by his quick understanding. She wanted to disappear.

Luckily, the awkwardness was brief. It was her turn to take control. The living room lights were out, easing her self-consciousness. Determined to reciprocate, she focused on pleasing him, moving her hand deliberately.

Occasionally, she glanced at him. Though the darkness obscured his features, she could make out his basic outline. After several glances, he noticed.

Frustrated, he said, "I can't read your mind. If you want something, say it."

Alice's wrist ached; her movements slowed. She took a breath. "Did you throw away the condoms I bought last time?"

Caden shook his head. "No."

"So you plan to use one, or…"

Caden cut her off. "Is your head completely healed? I don't want to call an ambulance."

Alice was speechless. An awkward silence fell. Caden sensed what she wanted but saw her hesitation. He took her fingers, guiding them. Looking into her eyes, he said, "When you're healed, we can take our time."

He placed his other hand on her abdomen, a finger resting on her navel. He paused. "Here. Think about it. Do you think it can get this far?"

Alice's heart skipped a beat. Intense pressure filled her. Before she could breathe, Caden kissed her—aggressively, leaving her no room to react. She flinched at his bite, trying to pull away, but her resistance only intensified his response.

She trembled, struggling to keep up. She couldn't describe his intensity. She realized that if they went further and she couldn't take it, there would be no escape. He would pull her in without hesitation.

Fear and regret washed over her. He felt her pulling away. Her voice was hoarse. "What's wrong?"

She lied. "My…head hurts."

Caden didn't believe her. "You seemed fine when I was focusing on you," he said bluntly. He stared at her. "No matter what happens, you'll just stop when I'm done."