Chapter 246:
Gerry stormed off, muttering curses. Even after disembarking the cruise ship, his anger clung to him like a heavy cloak. She turned, her voice laced with bitterness. "Caden, you're an asshole! I never want to see your face again." Hank stood by the car, frozen. "Mr. Hopkins, I did everything I could to stop you, but you wouldn't listen." Gerry glared, adding a few swear words. Hank remained speechless. The two men climbed into their cars, their engines roaring as they sped away in opposite directions.
Once the taillights vanished, another vehicle emerged from the shadows, parking beneath a tree. Yolanda sat behind the wheel, her gaze fixed on the cruise ship. In the darkness, an eerie stillness hung in the air, tinged with an undeniable romanticism. Then, fireworks exploded, shattering the silence with a thunderous crash. The spectacle was magnificent, a kaleidoscope of light and color momentarily banishing the night.
On the ship's deck, two figures intertwined beneath the fireworks' ethereal glow. They kissed, their forms silhouetted against the vibrant sky. Caden pressed his lips passionately against Alicia's neck, impatiently tugging at her dress. Yolanda's eyes filled with tears, the sight piercing her heart. She quickly looked away, breathing raggedly. Her hands clenched the steering wheel, knuckles white with tension. A tempest of jealousy and fury threatened to overwhelm her.
Meanwhile, Caden trailed soft kisses down Alicia's nose, lingering as if savoring the moment. His nose felt cold against her warm skin. He loosened his hold, murmuring tenderly, "Are you cold?" Alicia wrapped her arms around his waist and shook her head. The wind ruffled her hair, revealing her soft neck and rosy cheeks. Her eyes sparkled, drawing him in. Caden gasped, captivated. He picked her up and carried her inside.
"I want to see the fireworks!" Alicia protested. "You can see them through the windows," he replied, losing patience. As he carried her, his hands slid up her thighs. Her soft skin momentarily distracted him. Just inside the door, urgency took over. Alicia made a soft sound, her cheeks flushing as she buried her face in his neck. Suddenly remembering, she raised her head. "You didn't use protection!"
Caden's dark eyes met hers, intense and electric. "I'll deal with that in a moment," he replied, his voice thick with desire, his breathing labored. "Let me savor this a little longer." When he finished, Alicia lay stretched out, her long hair cascading around her. A delicate blanket barely covered her waist. Her back bore the unmistakable marks of their passion: light bites and tender kisses. Her slender waist showed bruises from Caden's fervent grip. Caden looked at her, desire surging, but seeing her spent, he held back. It had been a long day, and they'd used three condoms. Any further pressure would anger her.
Restless, Caden lit a cigarette, the ember illuminating his features. Alicia propped herself up, watching him with silent curiosity. He took a drag, his striking features illuminated by the dim light. As he exhaled, the smoke curled around him. Alicia felt an inexplicable attraction. He looked down at her with open admiration, his gaze lingering, memorizing every detail. Leaning against his chest, she said softly, "Is the cigarette nice?" She realized she didn't know his brand preference; this scent was fresh and subtle, reflecting him: irresistible, refined, and impossible to resist.
He took the cigarette from his lips. "Do you want to try?" he asked, his voice deep and inviting. Without waiting, he pressed his mouth against hers, the faint trace of smoke on his lips a mixture of euphoria and bitterness. A warmth enveloped her. She didn't push him away, lost again in his kisses. Caden murmured, "Let me stay like this a little longer. Then we can get cleaned up. How about that?" Alicia blushed but couldn't refuse. He pulled the blanket over them.
Breaking the quiet intimacy, Alice's curiosity surfaced. "Are you thinking of marrying someone?" Caden lazily opened his eyes, his expression a mix of irritation and amusement. "What's the point of that question?" Alicia blinked, surprised. "If you're not, then why the big surprise?" She knew he wouldn't go to such extremes without purpose.
He chuckled, amused. With a playful nudge, he teased, "What if I really am? Would you crash the wedding?" Alice's eyes widened. "You have an exaggerated idea of my capabilities," she said, shaking her head. "With all the enemies you've made, I can imagine armed guards surrounding the venue. I would never pull that off."
Caden persisted, mocking and inquisitive. "So, you'd just stand by and watch me tie the knot with someone else?" "What other choice have I?" Alice replied, her curiosity piqued. He stared at her, a mysterious smile appearing on his lips. Alice stifled a yawn. "Time to get up," she murmured. "We should wash up and get some sleep."
Caden, however, had other plans. He grabbed her waist, holding her against him. Alice felt a chill. "You... What do you think you're doing?" Despite assuring her it would be the last time, he silenced her with a kiss, rekindling their embrace. "Alicia," he murmured, "you have made me incredibly happy today."
Later, entwined once more, Caden leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. He whispered sweet words, but Alice instinctively covered her ears, her voice tinged with playful skepticism. "They say a man's words can never be trusted at times like this." Caden was speechless for a moment, then began to tell his story about Lina. Alice felt very awake.
"Are you really going to create an intelligent robot that will completely replace humans?" "Of course," he replied, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. Alice responded sincerely, "I really hope you make it." "It's almost finished," Caden said, full of pride. "Yolanda has been instrumental in the project."