Chapter: 545

Alicia shook her head in response.

"I didn't."

Caden's expression darkened. "When you were out, I asked Cliff what happened. Monica was used as bait, wasn't she?"

Alicia nodded. "She got caught up in this mess because of me."

“Don't take this on yourself. Joshua is the one responsible. Even if you had given in, he wouldn't have spared Monica," Caden said firmly.

Alicia realized he was right.

Some people had malice in their hearts.

But in that moment, her fear had taken over, clouding her judgment.

Caden continued, "If you ever find yourself in a situation like that again, contact the police right away. Don't think twice. No matter what they threaten you with, don't get involved. Sacrificing yourself to save someone else is the worst thing you could do. Got it?"

Alicia couldn't bring herself to agree.

"I can't," she admitted quietly.

The thought of standing by while Monica was in danger was unbearable.

Caden understood her hesitation and didn't push any further.

He knew she'd come to understand eventually.

Everyone needed time to grow.

He would be there to guide her through it.

Alicia eventually broke the silence. "It's one thing to avoid danger, but what if something happens anyway? If someone attacks and I have no way out, what am I supposed to do?"

Caden looked at her. "Did you pick up everything from the coach I hired?"

"I did, but what if I'm outnumbered?"

"When we're back, I'll set up a personalized training course. Once you're through it, you'll be ready for anything."

Alicia couldn't help but laugh softly.

She didn't expect to face such challenges, but being prepared never hurt.

Their conversation faded as the kisses deepened.

Feeling drained, Alicia whispered, “We can't keep this up here. We should stop."

Caden's lips brushed over hers again.

His gaze was unrelenting.

Being with him reminded Alicia of things she'd only seen in explicit films.

Her body reacted, but she gently pushed him away, turning to the side. "Let's sleep. It'll pass."

Caden never believed in forcing her.

At times he could be relentless. He'd pester her for sex again and again. Alicia often teased him, calling him a greedy animal, but she couldn't deny she enjoyed it.