Chapter 290:

“Yes,” he answered, his voice bold. “Tonight’s first rendezvous will be in the master bedroom.” Despite his outward playfulness, the idea quickened his pulse. With effort, he reined in his anticipation and retreated to the bathroom.

Once the door clicked shut, Alicia wasted no time reactivating the robot and modifying its code. Ten minutes after he finished his shower, a knock echoed on the glass door. Through the steam, he saw a blurred figure.

“What’s the rush? I’ll be out soon,” he called. Wrapping a towel around himself, he opened the door to find the smart robot. His expression soured. “What are you doing here?” he demanded.

The robot’s eyes glowed with infrared rays, beginning a thorough scan of Caden, lingering on his bare muscles. He squinted, feeling oddly violated. “Get lost,” he snapped. “Out!”

The robot disregarded his command, stepping closer, nearly pressing against him. Goosebumps erupted across his skin. He tried to shut it down, but the button failed to respond. Instead, the robot embraced him.

Shocked, Caden stared. Frustration surged as he kicked the robot away. Undeterred, it advanced again. In desperation, he removed its battery, ending the bizarre encounter.

Still seething, he glanced toward the door, suspecting Alicia was outside, amused by the chaos. With a grimace, he turned back for another shower.

Meanwhile, outside the bathroom, Alicia lounged on the sofa with Cade, her attention divided between the television and the sounds from the bedroom. She wasn’t truly watching; her focus was on any noise from inside. She had programmed the robot to react to skin, especially muscles, anticipating a strong reaction from Caden’s quick temper.

Surprised by the sudden silence, she paused, puzzled. After a moment, she stood, cradling Cade, and pressed her ear to the door, listening intently. A loud bang from inside shook the room.