Chapter 448

Losing his mother and being abandoned by the Yates family had left Caden no choice. Returning to the Ward family, he'd been forced into a premature adulthood, relying solely on instinct and innate talent. It had been a difficult journey, and his present calm acceptance was a hard-won reward for a painful past. Yolanda's parents had been close friends with his mother, and he'd learned that some matters were best left undisturbed, particularly if money could resolve them.

Alicia curled closer, her palm resting gently on his chest, directly over his heartbeat. "What's on your mind?" he asked softly.

She looked up, her voice barely a whisper. "You've endured so much, Caden." Her words were a balm, soothing the scars within him. He smiled, a gentler smile this time. "Is that your way of saying you care about me?"

Her cheeks flushed, and she attempted to withdraw her hand, slightly embarrassed. "No, of course not," she replied, avoiding his gaze. But Caden held her hand in place, pressing it gently against his heart. "Well, if you do care, then you'll make sure to keep me satisfied," he teased, a playful grin spreading across his lips. "I'm not done with you yet."

Alicia raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Aren't you tired?"

Caden's grin widened. "A guy my age? Never."

Alicia bit her lip, her eyes twinkling as she leaned in to kiss him. She was always gentle and cautious when initiating, but Caden's youthful passion soon overcame gentleness, and he found her beneath him, his ardor unrestrained.

Afterwards, as they lay side by side, catching their breath, Caden's curiosity overcame him. "So," he said, glancing at her, "how did you know I'd gone to Devarlton?"

Too exhausted to be guarded, Alicia answered honestly, "A mutual friend of yours and Yolanda's saw a photo she posted of you two together."

Caden furrowed his brow; he was unaware of any such photo. "What kind of picture?"

Alicia shook her head weakly, her gaze soft and ethereal. "I didn't actually see it."

He thought back, puzzled. During his trip to Devarlton, his interactions with Yolanda had been minimal. The closest they'd come was upon his arrival at the Moss family home, when she'd briefly tugged his sleeve in greeting. Could the photo have been taken then? With a clear conscience, he felt no need for explanation, especially since Alicia hadn't even seen the picture. If she was willing to trust him without proof, he would respect that.

But one question remained. "Who showed it to you?" he asked.

Alicia blinked, pulling herself from her thoughts. To avoid unnecessary tension, she offered a playful response. "I honestly don't remember. After how many rounds you wanted tonight, my brain's turned to mush," she teased, smiling faintly. "I can't recall anything."

Caden chuckled, recognizing her attempt to deflect.