Chapter 43

A sudden shock, like an unexpected scare in a horror movie, hit Alice, causing her to fall to her side. Caden caught her, pulling her into a tight hug. He grabbed a nearby coat and draped it over them.

Realizing she had no choice, Alice agreed to the situation, which now felt like a clandestine date. Gerry sat up, eyes still closed. After a moment, he squinted. "Did I fall asleep?" he asked.

Caden remained silent. Gerry noticed Caden holding something large and felt a jolt of surprise. "What are you doing?" he asked. The coat mostly concealed Alice, but her legs were visible. Caden gently tucked them under the coat. "What do you think?" he replied.

Still dazed, Gerry asked, "Is the Viagra kicking in yet?" Alice felt a blush creep up her neck. She tilted her head, brushing the collar of his shirt; her warm breath reached his chest. An intense heat flowed between them, neither able to discern the source.

He spoke in a slightly hoarse voice. "Maybe, but I can't hold back any longer." Alice couldn't bear his teasing. She slipped her hand under his shirt and pinched his waist. Caden let out a soft growl.

"Don't be hasty," he said calmly, hugging her tighter. "Gerry is still here. Let's wait for him to leave." Alice felt a wave of exasperation. Gerry, uncomfortable watching them, got up. "You're quite a character, Caden. Making moves right here? Did I wake up at the wrong time?"

Caden remained silent, gently running his fingers along Alice's knee. Her grace and soft skin were intoxicating. Gerry, needing the bathroom, headed for the door.

"Perhaps I should book you a private room," Gerry suggested. "It's disrespectful to the lady to continue like this."

Caden smiled slyly. "That's unnecessary. In fact, she prefers it that way."

"Amazing! You two are something else," Gerry said, shaking his head and quickly exiting to relieve himself.

As soon as the door closed, Alice pushed Caden away and stood. "Do you think Gerry noticed anything?" she asked, adjusting her clothes. "If he did, I'll be too embarrassed to face him again."

Caden stood. "Why don't you go and ask him yourself?"

She sighed. "We agreed our debts were settled." Caden stared at her, his eyes conveying unspoken meaning. "Leaving aside any personal feelings, did you feel anything during that kiss?" he asked.

Alice felt a lump in her throat and remained silent, turning her back. Caden smiled, amusement flickering in his eyes. She could deny it, but her body's reaction was undeniable. He might not have held much significance in her life, but her body suggested otherwise.

Caden remained in the room for another half-hour before leaving, the door ajar behind him. Meanwhile, Gerry had washed off the alcohol and taken hangover medicine. He met Alice on his way back.

"Where have you been?" he asked.

She was surprised. "Are you still here? I noticed you were drunk. I went out to get something to eat and just got back."

Caden chuckled. He certainly had acting talent. Gerry peeked into the room, relieved to find only Caden inside. "Is that girl gone?" he asked. Caden gave Alice a subtle glance, while she fidgeted with her fingers. "He left," Caden replied.

Tired of drinking, Gerry wanted to go home. The three left the club together. As soon as Gerry got into the car, he examined Caden closely. A slight redness around his eyes revealed what had happened.

Gerry clicked his tongue and turned to Alice. "That Viagra you gave Caden is really something. He took two pills, and it cured his lack of interest in women."

Although usually composed, Alice was nervous. Forcing a chuckle, she said, "Really? I actually bought it on impulse."

"You're the only one who can cure him," Gerry commented. Alice felt a wave of shame. The situation was far from commendable.

Gerry, curious, asked Caden, "It couldn't have just been the medicine, right? Was the girl particularly attractive?"

Caden replied nonchalantly, "Sorry to disappoint you, but she was pretty ordinary."

Irritation welled up inside Alice.

Gerry remained skeptical. "You're so selective. If she was really ordinary, you wouldn't have been interested. Who was she? Do I know her?"

Caden enjoyed these conversations. "You've already met her."

"Have I met her?" Gerry exclaimed. "What's her name? Who is she?"

Alice reached her breaking point. "Mr. Hopkins, could you recommend a good lawyer? Lilliana is turning public opinion against me online, and I want to take legal action."

Gerry stopped gossiping and focused on her. He felt obligated to help; she had composed a song for his new movie, generating considerable attention. He quickly produced a business card.

"Jeffery Benson is the most renowned lawyer around. However, it's been difficult to get an appointment with him lately," he said.

As Alice accepted the card, Caden glanced at it. "Jeffery Benson?" he asked.

Gerry agreed. "Yeah. What's going on? Are you planning to help Alicia?"

Caden turned to Alice. "I'd help anyone else, but not you. You're too annoying."

Alice mocked him. "Do you not want to help, or is it that you can't secure his services?"

Caden raised an eyebrow and chuckled. Despite their disagreements, Alice thanked Gerry.

Gerry was curious. "So, what's your plan? Are you going to take legal action against them?"