Chapter: 160

Alicia, already on edge, whispered, “Don't move."

He chuckled. “If I don't move closer, you might not finish tonight."

As he adjusted, their bodies pressed even closer, leaving Little room between them.

Alicia, tense and unsure where to put her hands, instinctively leaned forward.

But with his abs so close, there was nowhere to go.

In her attempt to adjust, she tightened her thighs around his waist.

The squeeze triggered a memory for Caden, a familiar one from their time together at the cinema. He remembered how Alicia had been on top of him back then, just like this.

His eyes darkened, filled with the intensity of the moment, as the scent of her skin surrounded him. It was a sweet, floral aroma that seemed to ease the tension from the Yates family drama still weighing on him.

Without hesitation, Caden stretched out his arm, his hand gripping her waist tighter.

“Hurry up with the medicine," he muttered, his voice rough and edged with something more.

Alicia, not entirely aware of the shift in his tone, focused on applying the antiseptic.

The wound, though not deep, was swollen and bruised from the impact.

It would probably stay sore for a few days.

As she worked, the memory of what had happened in the study flashed in her mind. The fear from earlier still lingered, and she couldn't help but ask, "Does your dad always treat you like that?"

Caden buried his face against her neck, his breath warm on her skin.

“What, are you feeling sorry for me?"

Alicia tried to pull away from Caden. "Just a casual question," she said.

Caden chuckled softly, unaffected by the hit he had taken earlier. It seemed like nothing bothered him.

He leaned in slightly, inhaling Alicia's scent.

His movement brought their skin into contact, his cold lips grazing her cheek lightly. The touch lingered, just like the moment.

Alicia, trying to shift the conversation away, asked, "That hit was aimed at me, so why did you help me?"

She had always thought Caden didn't Like her.

His reply was vague. “Instinct.”

Alicia had no words for a moment.

She thought about pressing him, about asking why his instincts had led him to protect her, but something held her back. It felt too awkward.

And with how Caden was, he wouldn't give her a straight answer anyway.

More likely, he'd just tease her.

The moment passed, and Alicia finished tying the bandage on his wound.

“There, all done," she said, ready to leave the car.

But Caden wasn't about to let her go. He pulled her back against him, holding her close.