Chapter 82

Alicia spoke, her gaze averted. She didn't want to meet Caden's, who remained completely relaxed, leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed. “What do you mean by that?” he asked.

She hadn't anticipated the question. Considering their history, shouldn't they simply proceed? He'd give her what she wanted, then leave. But his question demanded a direct response. "Can you stop pretending you're unaware?" she said. His games clearly indicated considerable experience. Why the pretense?

Caden began walking toward her, each step feeling heavy, stirring conflicting emotions. He took the bag from her hand and opened it. A mocking smile played on his lips. “Condoms? Is that what you bought?”

Alice blushed at his laughter. She looked up, noticing the weight of his broad shoulders, his presence a palpable pressure on her already frayed nerves. His slightly smiling eyes were even more striking. Maintaining composure, she replied, “What's wrong? Isn’t that what you wanted?”

Caden casually produced the small box; in his hand, it seemed even smaller. Her embarrassment intensified, his handling of it feeling increasingly suggestive.

“Who said I wanted this?” Caden looked at the box, then at her. “I asked for cold medicine, not this.”

Alice stood stunned. His face was a mixture of shock and embarrassment. “Huh? Cold medicine?” he stammered, nearly biting his tongue. “But that’s not what you implied.”

Caden smirked. “Did I imply you should buy condoms?”

“You coughed,” she replied. “Obviously, you were too shy to say it openly, so you gave me a hint.”

"I merely reminded you I still have a cold and a sore throat."

Alice’s face burned with shame. He immediately tried to take the box. Caden effortlessly deflected her attempt, casually slipping the condoms into his pocket.

“Don't get too excited,” he joked. “We’ll use them later.”

Alice’s face flushed. "I'm not excited. I just don't want you to have them."

Caden turned and headed inside. “You don't want me to use them?” he sneered, twisting her words. “Miss Bennett, are you more into up-close, direct contact?”

Alice understood his insinuation immediately. "In your dreams!" she retorted, pushing against his back. He barely moved; she almost slipped, being barefoot. Caden reacted swiftly, catching her at the waist and pulling her into his arms, her face colliding with his chest.

Ignoring the awkwardness, she reached for her pocket. Caden grabbed her wrist. "Are you that desperate for them?"

Alice struggled, but his grip held firm. Frustrated, she stomped her foot. Caden effortlessly avoided it. Her bare foot slammed against the hard ground, sending a sharp pain up her leg, making her gasp.

Caden’s gaze sharpened. "Relax. I’m starving and too tired to take care of you right now.”

His abrupt words caught Alice off guard. Seconds later, he released her. “Feed me first,” he said, sliding his hand down her waist. “When I’m satisfied, I’ll take care of you.”

Alice was speechless. He despised the ease with which she understood; she hated even more her involuntary physical response, her thoughts straying to indecent places.

Unable to respond and desperate to avoid further embarrassment, she pushed him away and ran to the bathroom. Caden watched her frantic escape, fighting a smile that turned into a loud cough. His throat throbbed. Rubbing his forehead, he realized his cold lingered too long and ordered cold medicine on his phone.

Alicia stood in the bathroom, looking at her reflection. “It's just sex,” she muttered. “It's nothing to write home about. Relax. With a man like Caden, the more I fear him, the more arrogant he becomes. Why should I give him an advantage?” Taking a deep breath, she regained her composure and walked out.

Caden lay on the couch, his head propped up, eyes half-closed. The air cooled; feeling the freshness on her feet, Alice put on her slippers. Caden’s eyes flickered open, watching her.

“Did I say you could wear them?” he asked.

Alice ignored him, playfully rubbing her feet in her shoes. So you're a neat freak? Let's see how you manage this, she thought.

Caden was speechless. Ignoring his expression, Alice adopted a matter-of-fact tone. “What would you like to eat?”

“You decide,” Caden replied.

She rolled her eyes and sat down. “I don't know how to cook. Should we order takeout?”

Caden didn't move. "You didn't cook during your marriage?"

"Yes, but I wasn't very good at it," Alice replied. She had learned, hoping to welcome Joshua home, but his frequent absences had extinguished her interest.

Caden remained firm. "I don't eat takeout."

Alice tried to convince him: “What I cook is worse than takeaway. You may not survive. Think about it carefully.”

Unfazed, Caden calmly replied, “A culinary catastrophe? Sounds exciting. Now I’m really curious.”

She stared at him, speechless.