Chapter 408

Noticing her expression, Caden asked, "Are you working late tonight?"

Hoping to expedite things, Alicia calmly replied, "No."

"Is Blake at the same hotel?"

"Yes."

"Is your room near his?"

Caden leaned in, his voice softening. "Just be honest with me, and I'll let you go sooner."

Alicia fell silent, her heart tightening as a sense of relaxation she'd felt moments before vanished. She sensed Caden wouldn't easily let her leave.

"No, we're two floors apart," she said calmly.

Caden teased, "Aren't you relying on him for protection? If something happens, do you really think he can get to you in time from two floors away?"

Alicia shrugged.

"Oh, then I'll just switch to the room next to his tonight."

Caden's smile faded, his gaze softening. "Are you still upset after all this time?"

Alicia tried to pull away. "I need to go."

But Caden pulled her close, their chests nearly touching. When she glanced up, his warm breath brushed her cheek. A spark ignited in his eyes. His voice, low and rough, urged, "Stop teasing me, okay?"

Alicia's eyelashes fluttered; her chest felt tight, constricted. She felt weak and vulnerable. Caden's dry lips brushed her cheek, slowly moving towards hers, but Alicia turned her face away.

Caden inhaled deeply, gently rubbing her back and waist. His voice, filled with longing and tenderness, pleaded, "Can you just stop being angry?"

Alicia sensed his restraint. A man accustomed to getting his way clearly didn't know how to handle this. After months of suppressing his feelings, this was all he had left.

Alicia remained speechless, tears welling in her eyes as she lowered her head, trying to hide her emotions. Caden attempted to coax her. "Hey, Lucky, look at me."

Alicia whispered, "Caden, do you really understand what you did?"

Caden was silent for a moment before answering, "Yes."

"Are you really sorry?"

Having navigated this before, Caden responded with more certainty, "Absolutely."

Alicia finally voiced her lingering concern. "Are you just after my body?"

Caden shook his head. "No."

"Seriously?"

"Yes, trust me."

Alicia sharply looked up. "You sound so sincere, but you're kind of pressed up against me."

Caden was taken aback. Wait, what?