Chapter: 379

Her breathing turned shallow, each inhale slow and deliberate as her chest rose and fell against his.

She wasn't sure whose heartbeat she heard pounding in her ears-his or hers.

Alicia parted her lips, her voice barely a whisper. "Is there anyone who doesn't like you?"

The words seemed to catch Caden off guard.

Only then did he notice her ears, which were flushed bright red.

With a teasing arch of his brow, he asked, "So, you admit it?"

Trying to suppress the flurry of emotions swirling inside her, she shot back with a defiant smirk, “Hard not to, considering your impressive skills in bed."

For a brief second, Caden looked as though he didn't know what to say.

His Lips curved into a bemused smile. "Is that all you like about me?"

Her eyelashes fluttered as she tried to regain her composure, her voice regaining its edge. “What else is there to like? Your bad temper, or that sharp tongue of yours?"

Caden sneered, "Who said my skills couldn't compare to a teenager's, hmm?"

Alicia leveled him with a serious look. "You must've put in a lot of effort to keep up with me. Well done. I think I like you even more now."

Annoyed by her cheeky remark, Caden smacked her in the butt.

The sound was sharp, echoing in the quiet room, and he felt the soft give of her skin beneath his palm.

Feeling a bit remorseful, he rubbed the spot he'd just hit, though it was anything but comforting. Alicia winced, arching her back to escape the sting. “See? You can't handle a little teasing. Shame on you!"

She had raised her voice, inadvertently calling the puppy's attention.

It pitter-pattered over on its short legs, wagging its tail eagerly.

Alicia took the opportunity to call out playfully, “Cade, help!"

Caden's voice dropped, thick with a dangerous edge. "'Cade'?" he spat.

Without warning, he swiftly flipped her over his knee, tugging down her loose lounge pants until the smooth curve of her buttocks was exposed.

With a smirk, he delivered another sharp slap, the sound ringing out even louder this time.

Alicia cried out, "Caden, you jerk! That hurts!"

At her feet, the little puppy, Cade, growled and lunged, tiny teeth sinking into the hem of Caden's pant leg.

Despite Cade's "vicious" attack, Caden barely flinched, his focus unshaken as his gaze slid over Alicia's figure. His voice, low and teasing, sent a shiver down her spine. “When did you name the Little bastard?"

Alicia, cheeks flushing with both irritation and the effort to block his wandering hand, covered her rear end defensively. “I named him a long time ago. He's always been Cade to me!"

Usually, Caden's busy schedule kept him distant, leaving early in the morning and returning late at night, barely sparing a glance at the lively pup.

Unbeknownst to him, Alicia had been joyfully calling the dog “Cade” behind his back.

"Change its name to Lucky," Caden demanded, the playfulness in his tone fading into something darker. "Or I'll give you a real reason to cry today.”

Alicia's eyes, watery from the pain, flickered with defiance. “No. His name is Cade!"

Caden paused, his hand resting firmly on her tender skin, the warmth from her body seeping into his palm.