Chapter 413:

“Thanks for reminding me,” he coaxed gently. “How about you take it off then?”

“No way…” Alicia knew he would manipulate whatever she said. She closed her eyes, turned her back, and ignored him. Caden embraced her from behind, turned her around, and kissed her again.

The intimacy felt even more overwhelming in that moment, pushing him toward irrationality. Caden lowered his tone, attempting to appease her. “You’ve forgiven me, haven’t you?” he asked, though he already knew the answer. “You’ve missed me these days, haven’t you?”

Alicia bit her lip, remaining silent. She tried to maintain her composure, but the blush creeping to her eyes betrayed her.

“If you were still mad, you wouldn’t have let me in,” Caden pressed, furthering his point.

Alicia’s voice was raspy. “If I ask you to leave now, would you…”

Caden smoothly changed the subject. “Do you miss me, Lucky?”

Tears streamed down Alicia’s cheeks. Caden felt a pang of guilt and leaned in to kiss them away. Alicia shivered slightly, but ceased resisting. What she couldn't resist wasn't Caden's playful taunts, but her lingering feelings for him. Once triggered, her emotions overwhelmed her.

Caden began to make love to her passionately, but stopped short of completion. It seemed he was trying to prove something, kissing her repeatedly and satisfying his desires on his own terms. He was both restrained and indulgent.

The intensity left Alicia stunned and unmoving, her thoughts in disarray. She wondered if she would go to such lengths for a handsome male escort if their roles were reversed. She realized she wouldn't.

Noticing her stunned state, Caden softened his approach. “Did I scare you?” he asked gently.

Alicia’s eyes widened. She wasn’t frightened by his body; she was taken aback by his boldness. Although he didn’t stop, he slowed down.

Alicia moistened her dry lips. “Could you… could you stop for a second?”

Caden, compliant, looked at her intensely. “Are you frightened?”

Alicia shook her head, avoiding his body and focusing on his eyes. “I just don’t get it, what are you trying to do?”

Caden swallowed hard. “An apology.”

“Well…” Alicia was bewildered. “What kind of apology is this?” If he weren’t so attractive, this would seem completely inappropriate.

Caden clarified, “It’s to demonstrate that I’m interested in more than just your body.”