Chapter 158:

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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.

to playfully

voice, his tone

flipped her over onto her knees and pulled down her baggy lounge pants until the soft curve of

satisfied smile, she gave him another slap, this

screamed, “Caden, you moron!

up and lunged, his tiny teeth

figure. Her voice, deep

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

schedule usually kept him distant, leaving early in the morning and returning late at night, barely catching a glimpse of the lively

Alice had been happily calling

fading into something darker. “Or I’ll give

pain, blinked defiantly. "No. “His name is

paused, his hand resting firmly on her tender skin,

heat radiating off of her, a clear indication of how much his earlier

“You're strong enough to withstand a spanking, right? If not, that's fine.

expected, Alice's reaction

glaring at him. “Why didn't you say so before?! Cade can take a beating

moment, Caden

his grip, quickly pulling up her pants with a

grabbed Cade and ran out of the room, leaving

bother to chase after her. Instead, he glanced at his

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

milk into Cade's bowl with a satisfied smile,

wondering if she was

down at

celery salad, the second a beef salad, and the

at his fork for an eternity, unable

don't like it? Don't worry.

a

he said, his voice flat, as if all

to leave, his gaze fell on the soft cushion on Alice's

expression hardened, but she didn't say anything, her hands busy clearing the plates from the table. She didn't

maid do it,” Caden

"Eat here."

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