Chapter 158

Alicia's heart skipped a beat. She wanted to flee, but her body remained frozen, as if held captive. Caden's face was inches from hers, his breath warm on her skin, his features so perfect they seemed unreal. The mischievous glint in his eyes washed over her, leaving her breathless. Her breathing grew shallow, her chest rising and falling against his. She couldn't tell whose heart pounded faster, his or hers.

"Is there anyone who doesn't like you?" she whispered.

The question seemed to surprise Caden. She noticed his flushed ears. "So, you admit it?" she teased, arching a brow. Trying to control her swirling emotions, she added with a defiant smile, "Hard not to, considering your... impressive skills in bed."

Caden seemed momentarily speechless, then a bemused smile curved his lips. "Is that all you like about me?"

Her eyelashes fluttered as she regained her composure. "What else is there? Your bad temper? Your sharp tongue?"

Caden scoffed. "Who said my skills couldn't compare to a teenager's?"

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

Annoyed, Caden slapped her on the buttocks. The sharp sound echoed in the silent room. Feeling remorseful, she rubbed the spot, but flinched away from another potential jab. "See? You can't stand a little teasing. How embarrassing," she retorted.

His raised voice drew the puppy's attention. The pup shifted, tail wagging. Alicia seized the opportunity, playfully shouting, "Cade, help!"

Caden's voice dropped, his tone dangerous. "Cade?" he snapped. Without warning, he flipped her onto her knees, pulling down her pants to expose her buttocks.

With a satisfied smile, she slapped him, even harder this time. "Caden, you moron! That hurts!" she screamed.

Cade, the tiny pup, lunged, his teeth sinking into Caden's pants. Despite the "attack," Caden barely flinched, his eyes fixed on Alicia. Her deep, mocking voice sent a chill down his spine. "When did you name the little bastard?"

Alicia, cheeks flushed with irritation and effort, defensively covered herself. "I named him a long time ago. He's always been Cade to me."

Caden's busy schedule kept him distant, leaving early and returning late, barely noticing the pup. Unbeknownst to him, Alice had been calling the dog "Cade."

"Change Lucky's name," Caden demanded, his mirth fading. "Or I'll give you a real reason to cry today."

Alicia's eyes, watery with pain, blinked defiantly. "No. His name is Cade!"

Caden paused, his hand on her tender skin, the warmth of her body seeping into his palm. He felt the heat radiating from her, a clear indication of his blow's impact. Sighing, he changed tactics. "You're strong enough to withstand a spanking, right? If not, that's fine. I'll punish that troublemaker instead."

Alice's reaction was immediate. She turned, eyes shining with unshed tears, glaring at him. "Why didn't you say so before?! Cade can take a beating better than I can!"

For a moment, Caden was speechless. Before he could react, Alice broke free, pulling up her pants. She grabbed Cade and ran from the room, leaving him alone.

He didn't chase her. He checked his watch, turned off his laptop, and went to the living room. Rubbing his hands together, he enjoyed the scent of Alicia's lotion. "What's for dinner?"

From across the room, Alicia poured milk into Cade's bowl, her tone mischievous. "Celery with meat."

Caden fell silent, wondering if she was joking. She wasn't. Three dishes awaited him: celery salad, beef salad, and the dreaded celery with beef—her least favorite.

He stared at his fork, unable to eat. Alice's mocking voice cut through the silence. "You don't like it? Don't worry. I can always make a soup with celery and beef, of course."

Caden's lips thinned, his eyes narrowing. "I'll just have some bread," he said flatly.

As he turned to leave, his gaze fell on the cushion on Alice's chair. "Does it hurt that much? I didn't even try very hard." Alice's expression hardened, but she remained silent, clearing the plates. She didn't look at him.

"Let the maid do it," Caden added lazily.

"Eat here."

"So that?"

"My tie." He tilted his chin toward the couch. "Bring it here and tie it for me."

Alicia glared at him, annoyance flashing in her eyes. "You get her," she snapped.

Unfazed, Caden shifted his attention to the pup. "Lucky, go get my tie."

Alicia frowned, frustrated. "I told you, his name is Cade!" He was clearly trying to irritate her.

Leaning against the furniture, Caden watched her, amused. "Are you crazy?" His voice was a mocking purr. "Why aren't you wearing your tie? Maybe you can strangle me with it."

He sighed in frustration, thinking, The sooner this is over, the sooner I'll be rid of him.

With a sigh of resignation, she picked up the tie and stood before him, expertly knotting it around his neck. Before she could step back, Caden's hand caressed her buttocks. His tone softened, no longer playful. "Does it really hurt that much?"

Alice stiffened, a flicker of lust at the sudden shift in his mood. The unexpected tenderness surprised her. "I just... I mean, I'm fine," she stammered, clearing her throat as she pulled away. "As long as you don't touch it, it doesn't hurt." But Caden didn't move. His hand remained, gently rubbing her bottom.

Alice bit her lip, shifting closer. "I'm fine now," she added quietly.

His eyes darkened, locking onto hers with new intensity. His hand slipped beneath her clothes, warm fingertips brushing her skin. "I'll be busy this afternoon," he murmured, his voice deep and intimate. "I might be back late tonight, so you'd better not fall asleep. Wait for me."