Chapter 228

Alice's throat wound, though initially concerning, proved superficial. After two days' rest, only a faint pink scar remained, though her skin remained sensitive. Caden pressed his lips to the scar, his kiss soft, deliberate, almost playful. The warmth of his mouth seemed to possess a certain magic, slowly eroding Alice's defenses until her resistance melted away. Soon, she found herself clutching his shirt, torn between retreating and surrendering to the moment. Caden deepened the kiss, his touch growing more insistent, more demanding. Alice wound her arms around his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair, lightly brushing the wound at the nape of his neck. Caden loosened his grip slightly.

"It doesn't hurt," he murmured, pulling her closer. Their heartbeats synchronized, as if their hearts beat as one. Tears welled in Alice's eyes.

"Thank you, Caden," she whispered sincerely. He had saved her again. When Joshua had held her captive, she had given up, losing even the will to live. She had been ready to die. But Caden's arrival had brought immediate relief, and for the first time, she truly believed things would be alright.

Caden gently cupped her face, their noses almost touching. "If I hadn't arrived in time, did you have a plan?"

Alice shook her head. "No."

Caden's expression darkened. "When you were unconscious, I asked Cliff what happened. Monica was used as bait, wasn't she?"

Alice nodded. "She's in this mess because of me."

"Don't blame yourself. Joshua is responsible. Even if you had given in, he wouldn't have spared Monica," Caden said firmly.

Alice realized he was right. Some people simply harbored malice. Her fear, however, had clouded her judgment at that moment.

"If you find yourself in a similar situation again, contact the police immediately. Don't hesitate. No matter the threats, don't get involved. Sacrificing yourself to save another is the worst thing you could do. Understand?"

Alice couldn't immediately agree. "I can't," she admitted softly. The thought of remaining passive while Monica was in danger was unbearable.

Caden understood her reservations and didn't press further. He knew she would come to understand in time. Everyone needs time to grow, and he would be there to guide her.

Alice finally broke the silence. "It's one thing to avoid danger, but what if something happens anyway? What if someone attacks and I have no escape? What then?"

Caden looked at her intently. "Did you learn everything from the trainer I hired?"

"Yes, but what if I'm outnumbered?"

"When we return, I'll arrange a personalized training course for you. Once you complete it, you'll be ready for anything."

Alice chuckled softly. She hadn't anticipated such challenges, but preparation never hurt.

Their conversation gradually faded as their kisses deepened. Feeling exhausted, Alice whispered, "We can't continue like this. We should stop."

Caden's lips brushed hers again, his gaze unwavering. Being with him stirred thoughts in Alice that had previously been confined to explicit films. Her body responded, but she gently pushed him away, turning to her side.

"Let's sleep. It will pass."

Caden never believed in forcing himself upon her. Though he could be relentless in his pursuit of intimacy, often pestering her, Alice frequently teased him, calling him a "greedy animal." She couldn't deny, however, that she enjoyed it; otherwise, she wouldn't have indulged him.

He held her a moment longer, then, mindful of her injuries, released her. He stood and went to the bathroom to attend to himself. The bathroom was frigid, lacking heat, but he didn't seem to notice. Alice knew exactly what he was doing and waited silently. Finally, unable to resist, she slid out of bed, clutching her waist, and opened the bathroom door. The lights were off; only her labored breathing filled the room. Through the darkness, he saw her.

"What are you doing here? Do you pity me?" His voice was rough. "If so, reconsider before taking another step. If you're not ready, return to bed. Even your scent could make me lose control."

Alice hesitated, sensing the tension between them. After a moment's internal struggle, she took a deliberate step forward. Caden rose and gathered her into his arms. Alice shivered and kissed him. Caden kissed her back, a long, lingering kiss, before murmuring, "Let's go to bed so you can properly take care of me."

He wasn't one to hold back. In fact, he had been anticipating this for some time. When the moment arrived, he realized he hadn't prepared as well as he thought and felt a touch of embarrassment. He managed to maintain his composure, however, until Alice was completely spent. By then, he was satisfied.

Alice looked at him with narrowed eyes, refusing to speak. Caden's gaze revealed his lingering desire.

"Did it taste good?"

Alice glared at him. "I should cut it off."

"Then you'd never feel this good again," Caden mocked.

"You're useful in other ways," Alice retorted scornfully.

Caden understood the underlying implication. He chuckled to himself. It had never occurred to him to serve a woman. But instead of being deterred, he felt a strange curiosity. Perhaps, he mused, he was going mad.