Chapter 201

Alice was surprised. Caden pulled her closer, their bodies fitting perfectly. “How did you know?” she asked, leaning against his shoulder. The space was small; their faces were almost touching.

Caden tilted his head. “I remember your period,” he said bluntly.

Alice was speechless. Caden chuckled, a low, steady sound. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let her go with you.”

Puzzled, she asked, “Why would you remember that?” She considered it an unimportant detail, especially given their casual relationship. Most men didn't even remember their partners' cycles. How did he remember his own?

Caden saw her surprise. “It’s simple. Since we agreed to see each other regularly, I wrote down the days we couldn’t. Those days were difficult for me, and they’ve stayed in my memory.”

Alice’s lips trembled. She knew she shouldn’t expect kindness from him. Once her nerves calmed, she pressed her lips together firmly.

Caden gently lifted her chin with a smirk. “What? Did you think I remembered because I cared?”

Embarrassed and angry, Alice muttered a curse. She tried to pull away, but Caden held her firmly, kissing her and reopening the scab on her lip. Blood flowed, causing sharp pain. Alice moaned.

Caden softened momentarily, loosening his grip, though his tone remained icy. “Remember this pain. Avoid it next time.”

“You’re asking for trouble,” he said coldly.

“How can I be asking for trouble?” Alice replied defiantly.

Caden produced a packet of wet wipes and began cleaning his hands. She tried to pull away, but he held her firmly, leaving red marks on her pale skin. He meticulously cleaned each finger, focusing on those that had touched her.

Alice flinched. Through gritted teeth, she asked, “What are you doing?”

“They’re dirty,” Caden replied dryly.

Alice was silent before blurting out, “Why do you care about my hands? I didn’t touch you. Let me go, Caden.”

Caden remained indifferent, continuing to clean her fingers until satisfied. Then, his attention shifted to her lips. “Did he kiss you after leaving the bar?” he asked.

Irritated, Alice retorted, “So what if he did? You swallowed every trace of him, didn’t you?”

Caden’s gaze intensified. “Answer me. Did he kiss you?”

“It’s none of your business!” Alice said deliberately.

Caden’s face tightened, his eyes burning with anger. Alice had never seen him so angry; the intensity confused her. Was he jealous? Why would he be? He’d always said he had no feelings for her.

Alice tried to turn away, but he persisted. Tears welled in her eyes, her gaze intense but silent.

For a moment, Caden’s expression softened. He released her, his voice demanding, “He didn’t touch you, did he?” The urgency was unmistakable.

Tears streamed down Alice’s cheeks. Caden’s expression softened slightly with concern. “Since when are you so sensitive to pain? I haven’t been this harsh.” He searched her face for injuries. But as he drew closer, her vulnerability shifted to defiance. She grabbed his hair and, in a fit of fury, bit his face. His teeth sank into his skin, releasing all her bottled resentment and frustration. Caden cried out in pain.

Alice let go, breathless, but a sense of satisfaction washed over her. “We’re even now.” He’d bitten her lip; she’d retaliated. They were both hurt, a strange balance of pain.

Caden stared at her, a mixture of defiance and dissatisfaction on his face. Then, to Alice’s surprise, he seemed to forget his discomfort. He laughed softly, his gaze fixed on her swollen lips.

“That mouth of yours,” he whispered, his voice hoarse and provocative. “What do I feed it to shut it up? Tell me.”

Alice, used to his taunts, imagined several responses but said nothing. She stood her ground, her eyes flashing a warning. “Try anything and I’ll bite it off.”

“We’ll see about that later,” Caden replied, unfazed and almost anticipating.

He released her and started the car. Alice gritted her teeth, mentally planning her escape. But when they reached her apartment building, Caden pulled a bag from the trunk and produced a dark object.

He handed it to her neutrally. “Put this on your lower abdomen. It will relieve your cramps.”

Alice looked at him, puzzled. “What is this?”

“A thermos with hot water,” he explained simply.

Alice examined the object, her emotions a mixture of confusion and surprise.