Chapter 227

Alicia paused, taken aback by Caden's explanation. "Why are you telling me this now?" she asked uncertainly.

Caden didn't immediately answer, instead gently massaging her aching shoulder. He'd been unconscious, but he'd heard her panicked calls, her desperate search for his wounds, her determined efforts to save him. He'd been aware of everything.

"You wanted to know, right? That's why I'm telling you," Caden said, his voice unusually deep and reassuring. Alicia almost believed he truly cared. Unable to resist, she looked up at him. He leaned down and kissed her. It had been a while, and Caden found himself enjoying it more than expected, wanting more. Alicia didn't resist.

His kiss seemed to answer her unspoken question. He stepped back slightly. "About the scarf Yolanda was wearing… I forgot it was yours. I bought another one to replace it."

Alice was startled. She'd been upset for a while, but Caden's words eased her distress. She silently chided herself for her lack of faith in him. His desire was palpable, and Alicia felt the heat between them, whispering softly, "I'm hurt…"

Caden pulled back, his voice hoarse. "We're not doing anything." When he asked, "If you weren't hurt, would you be intimate with me?" Alicia didn't answer. The distance between them had vanished. His interest had initially been purely physical, but it seemed to have deepened. Alicia, once preoccupied with labels and the search for love, had shifted her perspective. Realizing life was short, she now understood that being with him mattered.

Too embarrassed to answer directly, she changed the subject. "Weren't you in Averibon? How did you get here so quickly?"

Caden didn't admit to arranging a private jet. Instead, he asked, "When you saw me, you must have been overwhelmed, right? Don't you think I'm like a knight saving a damsel in distress?"

Alice replied playfully, "In that situation, I would have considered any man appearing a gentleman."

Caden chuckled, and Alicia smiled. The tender moment quickly faded as Caden's wandering hand found its way under her loose shirt. Alice tried to stop him, but couldn't. His touch was expert and playful.

"You've only been unconscious for a day. Why do your breasts seem smaller?" Caden frowned. "You should eat more tomorrow."

Alice bristled. Was that his only concern? Did he like her less now? "If you don't like them, don't touch them," she said sharply, brushing his hand away.

Suddenly remembering Yolanda's call, he casually asked, "When you were on your business trip, did you share a room with Yolanda?" He looked at her with a smile. "What are you trying to find out?" His playful tone left Alice feeling restless and uneasy.

She closed her eyes, fidgeting with the blanket. "I understand."

"Understand what?" Caden asked, gently playing with her hair.

Alicia hesitated, her emotions in turmoil. "Tell me… what kind of room did Yolanda and I share, and how many times…" she trailed off.

Caden's mocking tone grew more persistent: "A honeymoon suite on the top floor, with every luxury imaginable."

Alice's heart sank, but she tried to mask her emotions. "Oh. I've never stayed in a honeymoon suite. I should try it sometime."

Her comment struck a nerve. He stirred, his voice high-pitched. "What is this? Have you become bold after the fall? You were so shy when I installed a mirror in the living room, remember? How shy would you be in a real bridal suite?"

Alice laughed softly, trying to deflect the tension. "With someone else, I might be more adventurous."

Caden's smile vanished. His hand tightened on her waist, his voice low with frustration. "With someone else?"

"Yes," Alice replied coldly. "You seem very much in love with Miss Moss, don't you? I don't want to intrude. After all, there are plenty of other options."

He sneered, brushing her hair aside to stare intently at her neck. Alicia felt the heat of his gaze, her blood stirring. He persisted, "Is the suite expensive?"

Caden grumbled through gritted teeth. "Why? Are you planning to experience it with another man in the same suite as me?"

Alicia raised an eyebrow. "There may be cameras in places like this, but I'm sure the suite you stayed in was perfectly safe, right, Mr. Ward?"

For a moment, Caden was speechless. He cocked his head and then, without warning, bit her neck. Alice writhed in pain, her vision blurring. He quickly released her, licking the spot.

Alice pushed him away, disgust evident in her eyes. "How dirty." Her entire body shuddered, her breathing shaky.

Caden replied, "Of course there are many other options, but after being with someone as skilled as me, who else could truly satisfy you?"

Alice snapped, "That's none of your business. Mind your own business. Sleep with all the women you like."

Caden's grip tightened around her waist. He pressed her hips forward, his voice low and commanding as he whispered, "Do you feel that? If I was with someone else, would you still have such a strong reaction?"