Chapter 185

Alicia hesitated, unsure how to answer Monica's question. She shook her head. Monica remained unconvinced, but Alicia knew caution was necessary, especially following recent troubles with Joshua.

After dinner at Monica's, Alicia picked up Cade from the pet store and returned to Caden's apartment. It was empty. She didn't inquire about Caden's whereabouts, instead feeding Cade, tidying his bed, and settling into the study to work.

The art exhibition incident had sparked online debate, but the discussion was quickly suppressed, likely by the Green family. Jerald's involvement seemed probable; he wouldn't want Joshua's actions to damage their reputation. Both families would intervene to help Joshua, a thought that briefly unsettled Alicia. But remembering Caden's assurance that he'd handle everything eased her tension. She sighed.

The next day's class loomed, prompting her to prepare diligently and plan an early night. However, Caden's absence left the bed feeling strangely empty. She took her blanket to the couch, Cade snuggling beside her.

Drifting to sleep, Alicia heard a faint rustling. Reaching out to stroke Cade, she touched something cold. Bewildered, she opened her eyes to a dark figure looming over her. A familiar scent filled the air. He parted her lips expertly, their tongues meeting in a seductive dance.

Fully alert now, Alicia felt Caden push her head back, her breath catching as she stared at him in disbelief. He looked bewildered. "What's wrong?" he asked hoarsely. "Don't you recognize me?"

"I thought... I was dreaming," Alicia stammered. "I thought Cade had become human."

Caden was speechless for a moment. Gently turning her, he positioned her on top of him. "Is that why you reacted so passionately?" he smirked, sliding a hand under his pajamas. "Quit the pervert, Miss Bennett."

Shocked by his cold touch, Alicia pulled away. "You kissed me while I was sleeping! You're the pervert!"

Caden kissed her again, briefly, then began to pull down her pajama pants. She resisted, but he held her firmly. "You resist? Have you forgotten the two favors you owe me?"

Her resistance ceased. In the heat of the moment, she muttered, "Didn't you recognize me during the game of Truth or Dare today?"

He loved her tearful eyes and blushing face—precisely why he'd teased her. "How did you know I was playing Truth or Dare?"

Stunned, Alicia realized her suspicion was correct. Caden moved slowly. "I remember kissing a stranger," he said. "Too tipsy to see clearly, but I remember how soft her lips were, how sweet her breath. I kissed her once more... very similar to yours."

Noticing the playful glint in his eyes, she realized she'd been tricked. She playfully punched him, laughing. He pinched her waist teasingly. "Have your kissing skills improved since our last lesson?"

Her laughter increased at his playful touch. He smiled, encouraging her. "Come on. Spell a word with your tongue in my mouth."

Momentarily speechless, Alicia felt foolish, yet obeyed, tracing three letters inside his mouth. Her eyes sparkled with charm and mischief. "What did I spell?"

He swallowed. "Dad."

Stunned, Alicia listened as he smirked. "I thought you didn't like role-playing games. You seem to prefer it subtle."

Her face flushed crimson. "I wrote 'dog'! Dog! Not 'dad'!"

He raised an eyebrow. "Really? You can't tell the difference between 'dog' and 'dad'? How did you even graduate?"

Speechless, she found herself completely exhausted after making love twice. Lying in Caden's embrace, too tired to move, she listened as his alert mind addressed the situation with Joshua.

His voice, deep and seductive, stated simply, "It's over."

"Then I suppose our deal is over," she replied calmly.

"The task is completed, but the contract lasts for a year," he replied slowly.

Alicia was shocked. "How can you use that as a loophole? Joshua was our target! I only figured it would take a year."

"Joshua was your target, not mine," he countered.

Surprised, she met his gaze, his expression a mixture of sincerity and mockery. "You are."

Her ears rang. Her heart pounded. "You..." she tried to compose herself, finally whispering, "When did you start falling in love with me?"

Caden was caught off guard. She touched her cheek. "So, it turns out I'm pretty irresistible."

Caden was speechless.