Chapter: 882

Alicia's brow furrowed, still doubtful. "Do you really prefer them that young?"

Caden's response was a bite on her shoulder, drawing a sharp gasp from her.

“Am I truly that much of a beast?" he explained. "Marlon offered me women to test my sincerity. I requested high school girls because they are simple and obedient - easier to win over."

Alicia pouted, clearly unimpressed.

After two rounds in the bathtub, Caden lifted Alicia and carried her to the mirror.

Alicia scolded him for his lack of restraint, but despite her words, she couldn't resist him, surrendering to his every whim.

"Why did you come looking for me?" Caden asked, his tone softening as satisfaction washed over him. "Did you miss me that much?"

Alicia flushed, her demeanor suddenly fragile.

She shook her head stubbornly, her voice barely a whisper. "I did not."

Caden's heart raced, its rhythm echoing in Alicia's chest like a distant drumbeat.

He didn't want to admit it, but the moment he caught sight of Alicia in that private room, it felt as if his heart had been yanked down, awakening a fear he had never experienced before.

"You can't pull surprises like this without asking me first. Terriland isn't exactly safe for women," Caden said, his voice firm and slightly rough, lingering hoarseness from their intimacy.

She nodded, murmuring a soft "Got it.”

Once dressed, Caden stepped out to handle the situation with the young girl.

He slipped her a small stack of cash, and following his instructions, she draped herself in a large towel, rumpled her hair, and took on a disheveled look as though they'd just made love.

Before she left, he noticed her uneasy expression and called for a bodyguard to make sure she got home safely.

With that handled, Caden returned and took Alicia back to his hotel suite.

During the drive, Alicia couldn't contain her curiosity any longer.

“Are you always this. cautious here?" she asked, glancing over at him.

He gave a short, noncommittal grunt. "It keeps things... interesting."

Alicia didn't quite understand what he meant.

But finally, she understood it when she woke up in the middle of the night, thirsty and disoriented. Quietly, she got up to get some water.

When she opened one of the cabinets, she was startled to find rows of knives and guns neatly lined up inside.

Eventually, after finding a cup and pouring herself some water, she glanced at Caden. "Is the water safe to drink here?" she asked.

Caden's mouth twisted into a teasing grin. “Careful. Drink too much, and you'll get hooked."

Startled, Alicia quickly set the glass down. “Then what should I drink? What do you usually go for?"

"Human blood," he replied with a straight face.

Alicia's eyes widened in shock, but Caden couldn't keep up the act, bursting into laughter. “Relax! It's not that dramatic. You believe everything I say."

A bit annoyed, she punched his arm lightly before taking a defiant gulp of water.

She leaned into him, their faces close, and they shared a kiss that reignited the spark between them.