Chapter 365:

Alicia protested, her voice laced with frustration. “Caden, let go of me!” He seemed oblivious. Gently, he pushed aside her long hair to admire her graceful neck. It was exquisite, captivating. He felt mesmerized by its every curve. He pressed his lips against her skin.

Alicia stiffened at the contact of his dry lips, too startled to react. Caden’s kiss was gentle yet deliberate. He let his fingers trace her waist, but refrained from further advances. He slowly began kissing her cheek.

Alicia’s expression hardened, her tone sharp. “Caden.” His eyes glimmered with an almost imperceptible hint of red. She couldn't discern whether it stemmed from lust or love. Her tempting lips were near. He only needed to lean in slightly to taste them—a temptation he couldn't resist.

But, despite the pull of desire, he forced himself to restrain his impulses. His voice was low and serious. “Alicia, if I don’t touch you, will you choose to be with me?”

Alicia’s eyes flickered, curiosity piqued. What were his intentions now? Caden pressed on, “I can manage, but you must give me a timeline.” She remained silent, hesitant. “How long would it take? Three months? Six months? It doesn’t matter to me. I can endure the wait,” he murmured softly.

Alicia replied, her voice steady, “What if I said ten years, or even twenty? Could you wait that long?” Caden hesitated. He felt as though he were being tortured. In the realm of business, he was astute. He understood human psychology, skillfully blending truth and deception to secure his deals. He could apply the same tactics with Alicia. Yet, he recognized her sharpness; he wouldn’t dare employ those strategies on her, knowing he couldn’t afford any missteps.

He fell silent for a few moments before finally saying, “Yes, I can.” He buried his face in her neck, trying to convince himself. “I can, Alicia.”

Alicia chuckled. “In twenty years, you’ll be forty-six,” she remarked, her tone unwavering. “Will you even be able to… perform?”

Caden felt anger surge within him, his temples throbbing. “Don’t even think about forty-six. Even at sixty, I’ll still be just as energetic as ever.”

Alicia smirked, tilting her face slightly upward. They were so close now that her movement brought their faces nearly together. Their warm breaths mingled, the air charged with anticipation. Caden felt a surge of desire. Alicia sensed it, too. She wanted to pull away but found herself frozen.

She scoffed. “Mr. Ward, your self-control leaves much to be desired. Forget ten years; I doubt you could last ten seconds.”