Chapter: 883

“There's a pack of condoms in the drawer," Caden murmured, his eyes glinting. "Grab one and put it on for me."

Blushing, Alicia reached into the drawer, fumbling for the pack, but her hand brushed against a smooth ceramic box instead.

Curious, she opened it to find a fragrant powder inside. "What's this? Some kind of makeup?"

Caden glanced over, an amused expression on his face. “It's a drug."

She froze. “You're joking, right?”

Caden said nothing, simply watching her with an unreadable expression.

Alicia's hands trembled as she set the box down and reached for the pack again. Her hands were unsteady as she tried to get a grip.

Grasping his shoulders tightly, she looked up, her whole body tense.

“Caden.."

“Hm?" he responded lazily.

"You haven't. tried it, have you?" Her voice was laced with worry.

"You've been here a while. Have you been able to resist?"

Seeing her concerned expression, he suppressed a smile. “I wondered when you'd ask."

Alicia shuddered. "What do you mean by that?"

Caden's eyes gleamed with amusement. "I didn't think you'd ask, so I wasn't planning on telling you."

A chill ran through her as she trembled. “You. you actually used it?"

"Yep."

Her heart dropped. "How much? Was it just that stuff?"

Though she had never seen substances like that up close, she knew enough about their dangers: once you start, there's no going back.

“Oh, it's something even stronger," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her neck, laughter hidden in his voice.

Her chest tightened as panic set in. "Stronger? Caden, what's it? Is there any way to stop it?"

He threw his head back, laughing. "It's your body, Alicia. It's like an aphrodisiac, and there's no cure."

Alicia's heart, wound tight with fear, suddenly relaxed, relief flooding her.

Anger replaced her panic, and tears of frustration brimmed in her eyes.

Caden's laughter faded, and he gently brushed her tears away. “Why are you crying?" he asked softly, a hint of concern in his voice.

She punched and kicked at him, furious and too overwhelmed to form words.

He knew she'd believe whatever he said, yet he'd toyed with her feelings, watching her panic just to amuse himself.

She pushed him away, turning her back, refusing to say another word.

Caden leaned in, pressing against her from behind. "Come on, let's just finish this, and then you can be mad."

She whirled around, her hand aiming for a slap.