Chapter 158:

? ? ? ? ?

Alicia felt her heart stop for a fraction of a second.

She wanted to move, to get away, but her body refused to listen, frozen in place as if some invisible force held her captive.

Caden's face was mere inches from hers, his breath hot against her skin and his chiseled features so perfect they seemed almost unreal. The mischievous glint in her deep eyes washed over her like an unstoppable tide, leaving her breathless.

Her breathing became shallow, each inhalation slow and deliberate as her chest rose and fell against his. She wasn't sure whose heart was pounding, his or hers.

Alice 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 she notice his ears, which were flushed bright red. With a mocking arch of her brow, she asked, “So, do you admit it?”

Trying to suppress the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her, she replied with a defiant smile, “Hard not to, considering your… impressive skills in bed.”

For a brief second, Caden seemed at a loss for 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 scoffed, “Who said my skills couldn't compare to a teenager’s?”

Alice gave him a serious look. “You must have worked really hard to keep up with me. Well done. “I think I like you even more now.”

Annoyed by her brazen comment, Caden slapped her on the butt.

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

Feeling a little remorseful, she rubbed the spot she had just hit, although it was anything but comforting. Alice flinched and arched her back to avoid the jab. “See? You can't stand a little teasing. “How embarrassing.”

He had raised his voice, inadvertently drawing the pup's attention.

The puppy shifted on his short legs, his tail wagging impatiently.

the opportunity to playfully

his voice, his tone

her knees and pulled down

gave him another slap, this

“Caden, you moron! That

grew up and lunged, his tiny

voice, deep and

from both irritation and the effort of blocking her wandering hand, covered her behind defensively. “I named him a long time ago.

early in the morning and returning late at night, barely catching a

happily calling the dog “Cade”

Caden demanded, the mirth in his tone fading into something darker. “Or I’ll give

watery with pain, blinked defiantly. "No. “His name

on her tender skin,

a clear

he changed tactics. “You're strong enough to withstand a spanking, right? If not, that's fine. “I’ll punish that troublemaker

expected, Alice's reaction was

at him. “Why didn't

a moment, Caden was

could react, Alice broke free from his grip,

she grabbed Cade and ran out of the room, leaving him

his watch, turned off his laptop, and headed into

his hands together, he enjoyed the scent of Alicia's floral body lotion on his palms. “What's for

a satisfied smile, her tone mischievous as

fell silent, wondering if she was pulling

down at the table, three dishes

and the

his fork for an eternity, unable to take the

worry. I can always

his lips into a thin line, eyes

he said, his voice flat, as if all food had lost its

to leave, his gaze fell

didn't say anything, her hands busy clearing the plates from the table. She didn't even bother

maid do it,” Caden

"Eat here."

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