Chapter 68

Alicia tried to pull away from Caden. "Just a casual question," she said, attempting to create some distance. Caden laughed softly, unfazed by her earlier blow. Nothing seemed to bother him. He leaned in, his movement bringing their skin into contact; his cool lips lightly brushed her cheek, the contact lingering, a testament to the tension between them.

Trying to lighten the mood, Alicia asked, "That punch was meant for me. Why did you help me?" She'd always assumed Caden didn't appreciate her. His answer was vague: "Instinct."

She considered pressing him, asking why his instincts had led him to protect her, but something held her back; she felt too uncomfortable. And with someone like Caden, she knew she wouldn't get a straight answer anyway; he'd likely just make fun of her. Finishing the bandage, she said, "That's it, all set," ready to leave the car. But Caden wouldn't let her go, pulling her close.

"Where are you going?" he asked, his grip gentle yet firm. Their proximity made it impossible for Alicia to look away; her eyes were fixed on his. She felt trapped, unable to break their gaze. "I'll be back," she murmured, unsure of herself under his intensity. The intimacy of the moment, and the embarrassing dreams she'd been having, made her want to escape.

Caden narrowed his eyes slightly. "Are you really going to walk out of here and go straight to Joshua's bed?"

Alicia instinctively shook her head. "No."

Her quick response didn't surprise him. "Why not?" he insisted. Given their relationship, why wouldn't she? Before she could offer an excuse, Caden interrupted with a low laugh. "Because I'm better in bed, right?"

Her heart sank. Caden's lips brushed her ear; his voice was teasing. "How about we try again?"

A shiver ran through Alicia, her body reacting involuntarily. She felt breathless. "You're not upset that I just got off with Joshua?" she asked, her voice wavering.

Caden laughed softly. "You're the one who came to me, remember?" His tone was merciless, erasing her doubts. "You're sitting on my lap and you're still wondering if this means anything?"

A lump formed in Alicia's throat. She had no answer. Resting her hands on his shoulders, she asked hesitantly, "Here?"

Outside, rain poured, thunder rumbling. The storm raging outside seemed to have no effect on him. How could he even think about this, after everything?

Without hesitation, Caden leaned in, kissing her before she could speak. He murmured between kisses, "Too uncomfortable in the car? Pick a hotel. I'll find the room."

Alicia felt dizzy from the intensity of his kiss. Her mind was a whirlwind, all the reasons why they shouldn't be doing this blurring. She no longer considered her past or their complicated relationship; the attraction between them was overwhelming, driving them beyond control. What surprised her was the realization that he was consumed by it as much as she was. Something wild and hot flared between them.

When she finally came to, the cold air brushed her bare skin, and she realized how far they had gone. Caden moved easily, as if he'd done this countless times.

"When...?" she whispered, biting her lip to stop herself from saying more.

At that moment, her phone rang, breaking the tension. Before Alicia could react, Caden answered it and handed it to her. "He's your man," he said, with a harsh laugh.

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. She tried to pull away, but Caden's hand held her firmly. When the call connected, the words Alicia was about to say caught in her throat.

Joshua's voice: "Alicia, where have you gone?"

Alicia took a sharp breath, trying to compose herself. Just as she started to respond, Caden mischievously leaned down and kissed her, silencing her. His kiss was slow, teasing, but quiet enough that Joshua couldn't hear it. Alicia weakly pushed him away, her heart racing. Joshua, impatient, spoke again.

"Alicia?"

With a hint of playful mercy, Caden pulled away just enough for her to breathe; she let out a soft gasp. The sound startled her, causing her to freeze. Caden grinned wickedly and, as if rewarding her slip, kissed her again, still holding her close.

Alicia, furious, bit Caden's lip hard enough to draw blood. He didn't flinch; the pain only intensified the dark glow in his eyes, like a caged predator.

She took a ragged breath, covered her mouth, and picked up the phone. "Joshua," she rasped, making her voice sound fragile. "Can you come pick me up?" Caden's hands roamed freely, taking advantage of her distraction. Alicia stifled a moan.

Joshua's tone was sharp. "What are you doing?"

Alicia added a sob to her voice. "I don't feel well, Joshua." She feigned illness, but Caden knew better; every word was laced with genuine emotion, and he was the cause. His obsession with her deepened; the urge to pull her closer nearly consumed him.

"What's wrong?" Joshua asked.

Alicia held her hand firmly over Caden's mouth, her voice shaking. "I caught a cold. I went out for medicine, but now my stomach hurts. I can't move. Can you come get me?"

Joshua paused, his mind on the sounds he'd heard earlier. His voice was full of doubt. "Where are you?"

Alicia hesitated. "I'll send you my location."

"Okay. I'm coming."

When the call ended, Alicia exhaled deeply, feeling exhausted. The tension drained from her, and even Caden's fervor seemed to have cooled. He chuckled, his voice harsh. "Miss Bennett, that was quite a scene."