Chapter 61

The water enveloped Alicia in a tender embrace, its warmth so luxurious she almost thought she was dreaming. Drowsiness overcame her, making it impossible to keep her eyes open. She caught a glimpse of Caden through the steam, his voice a near whisper: “Are you done showering?”

Her senses were still dulled; she wasn't fully aware of her surroundings, her guard completely down. The softness of his voice, the gentle vulnerability in his gaze… she felt as weightless as a petal on a calm breeze. Caden's lips curved into a subtle smile as he gently touched her skin.

“Are you still awake?” she whispered.

Alicia flinched at the light pressure, her foot jerking, sending a small splash through the water. The sudden movement cleared the fog from her mind. Realizing where she was, she instinctively hugged herself, her pulse quickening. “What's going on? Why am I here?” Hadn't she been waiting outside for him to finish?

“You fell asleep,” Caden replied casually, as if it were perfectly normal. “So I carried you in.”

Alicia blinked, surprised. Had she slept so soundly she hadn't felt a thing? Her gaze fell to his naked body beneath the water, and her cheeks flushed. “You… took my clothes off?!”

Caden's eyes briefly flicked to her soaked dress on the floor. Earlier, emerging from the shower, he’d found her shivering, curled up in the cold, her lips blue. He hadn't hesitated; he’d scooped her up, knowing she'd catch a cold if he didn't get her into warm water.

“Yes,” he admitted without hesitation.

Alicia's face burned crimson. "Why didn't you just wake me?" she asked, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

“I couldn't,” Caden said, his tone unruffled. “Why would I wake you like that?”

“How so?” His brow furrowed in confusion.

Before answering, Caden brushed her knee again; the touch sent a sharp jolt through her.

“Hey!” Alicia gasped, the sudden pain startling her, and she kicked her legs underwater. The movement caused ripples, briefly revealing glimpses of her skin.

Caden didn't look away. Noticing his gaze, heat flooded Alicia's cheeks. She quickly submerged herself deeper, instinctively hugging her chest.

Caden stared, his eyes dark and unapologetic. His voice was low, almost mocking: “Why bother covering up? I’ve seen it all.” His words left her speechless.

Even with the tension between them, she knew he wouldn't do anything, not here.

He stood, his imposing figure casting a shadow. With a lazy smile, he said, “Go wash up.”

Alicia hurried to the bathroom. Less than twenty minutes later, she emerged, flushed and damp. Caden was waiting, leaning back in a chair, dressed only in a dark robe, holding a small bottle of ointment. He'd examined her injured knee; fortunately, the damage wasn't serious. The ointment would suffice.

Without hesitation, Alicia accepted the bottle. She poured some onto her palm and gently rubbed the sore area.

Outside, the weather had turned foul; rain lashed against the windows. Inside, however, the room glowed with soft amber light. Despite the melancholic atmosphere, Caden's presence made her feel unexpectedly safe, as if he could ward off the darkness.

He remained silent, his attention fixed on the gathering storm. His expression was distant, unreadable. The silence grew heavier.

Suddenly, lightning flashed, followed by a deafening clap of thunder. Startled, Alicia looked at Caden. She noticed his tightly clenched fists. His breath hitched.

Despite her usual composure, Alicia never imagined the domineering Caden could be upset by a storm. Normally, she would have mocked him, but tonight, with the storm raging, she bit back her words.

Because she, too, was afraid of thunder.

A fear dating back to the night her parents died. Every flash of lightning, every gust of wind, seemed to mock her loneliness. Wrapped in blankets, she’d spent countless nights staring into the darkness, longing for comfort that never came. No one had whispered, “Don’t be afraid.” She’d closed her eyes, waiting for dawn.

As another bolt of lightning flashed, Alice cried out, "Caden."

He slowly turned. His eyes held a chilling coldness, almost impenetrable. But in an instant, that icy exterior softened into calm composure. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice deep and magnetic.

She watched his hands slowly relax, his fists unclenching.

“You were doing so well abroad,” she began, her curiosity piqued. “Why did you come back?”

Caden's response was indifferent, almost disdainful. "Because of the inheritance."

Alicia raised an eyebrow. “But you don't seem to be fighting for it.” The obvious hadn't gone unnoticed.

The dark gleam in Caden's eyes faded, replaced by a lascivious smile.

“Why the sudden interest?” he asked, his tone playful and suspicious. “Are you gathering information for Joshua, or are you planning to team up with me against him?”

Alice smiled amusedly. “I was just asking,” she replied nonchalantly, her true motive unspoken. She wanted to distract him, keep him busy, protect him from the storm outside.

"I could ask you the same question."

Caden persisted, "What are you doing here with the Yates family?”

She shrugged. “I don't want to fight anymore. I’m here to enjoy life under Joshua’s protection.”

Caden's grin widened, his eyes twinkling. “What if I beat him? The Yates family will be mine… and you too?”

Alice's mouth twitched.

He was being mischievous again, and for a moment Alice forgot the frightened child she'd seen in him. She quickly dismissed her fleeting sympathy, capped the ointment, and set it aside.

"I'm leaving," he announced, his voice firm.

He headed for the door, pausing to check the hallway. Finding it clear, he limped out, leaning against the wall.

But as she turned the corner, her heart leaped.

Shelia stood in her path, a false smile as sharp as the daggers in her eyes. Shelia had clearly been waiting.

“Alicia,” she purred, mock-concerned. “What were you doing alone in a room with Caden for so long?”