Chapter 300:

“I’ve seen all of you before. Why the guardedness?” Caden said, assertively moving her hands aside, further exposing her.

Overpowered, Alicia stood fully exposed under his gaze, her face flushing with embarrassment. “I won’t just observe. Expect more from me later,” Caden remarked flatly.

Alicia’s fists clenched, her breathing growing heavy with anger. Caden had to force himself to release her hand, struggling against his own desires. “Have you cleaned up yet?” he inquired.

Alicia turned away, exasperated. “No!”

His pretense of assistance dropped; he claimed worry over her pain. “Let me assist you,” he offered, beginning to undress.

Alicia knew she couldn’t outlast Caden—not in arguments, not in confrontations, certainly not in enduring his stubbornness. Realizing he was serious, she quickly softened her stance. “I’m already clean enough. You don’t need to do this!”

But Caden, already undressed, remained unmoved. “We need to make sure it’s thorough,” he said firmly. His hands moved purposefully as he helped her bathe. Though silent, Caden used the moment to assert his dominance.

Once he had helped her bathe, he lifted her from the water and wrapped her in a blanket. Alicia bit her lip, curling up tightly in the warmth. Caden moved toward the dresser.

Anticipating his next move, Alicia shut her eyes tightly, bracing herself for what she expected would be inevitable discomfort. Her complexion paled as she tensed, awaiting a painful fate. Seeing her reaction, Caden cracked a smile. “Why not open your eyes and look at me?” he teased.

Alicia remained still. “Enough talk. If you’re going to proceed, just do it,” she retorted sharply.

“Aren’t you worried it will hurt?” Caden’s hand gently stroked her thigh, slowly moving upward. “You were injured last night, and though it’s healing, today’s actions might reopen the wound. That could hurt far worse than before. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

Alicia’s color drained further, but she remained defiant. Then Caden moved her legs apart. A surge of resentment flooded over Alicia as she braced herself, certain of his capacity for cruelty. She clenched her teeth, steeling herself.