Chapter 412:

Alicia was slightly taken aback and looked up at him. Caden undressed, revealing his muscular physique. “So, are you disappointed I’m not making a move?” he asked teasingly.

Alicia quickly looked away. “I’d be overjoyed if you simply vanished from my sight.”

Caden chuckled softly and went to the bathroom. Feeling tense yet exhausted, Alicia eventually fell into a fitful sleep, haunted by a terrifying nightmare.

She dreamed she was caught in a torrential downpour, battling a fierce wind, while her parents walked ahead, never looking back. Fear and heartache overwhelmed her as she called out, but they disappeared, leaving her alone in the storm. Rainwater choked her, filling her mouth and nose. She struggled desperately, gasping for breath as the suffocating sensation intensified.

She thrashed her arms until she grasped something furry. She awoke to find a handsome face inches from hers, a playful tongue exploring her mouth. Deeply shocked, the nightmare’s fear quickly yielded to anger. Alicia slapped Caden.

He loosened his grip slightly, his voice soft. “Awake?”

Alicia’s face flushed, her breathing uneven. “If I hadn’t woken up, you might have kissed me to death,” she said, her scolding lacking force after such an intimate kiss. “Who allowed you into my bed?”

Caden ignored the question. “You were calling for your father in your sleep, so I came.”

Reflecting on the dream and feeling safe in his embrace, her terror seemed to melt away. She asked curiously, “Why did you come when I was calling for my father?”

Caden held her closer. “A man has many roles to fulfill, especially when he’s needed.”

Alicia considered his mischievous nature and inhaled deeply. Had they not been at odds, he would likely have begun his usual teasing. His warmth made her feel overheated, prompting her to push him away; her hand inadvertently brushed his bare skin. She quickly withdrew it.

“Why aren’t you dressed?”

Caden replied casually, “I didn’t bring any clothes to change into.”

“Don’t they provide bathrobes at the hotel?”

“I’m allergic to their material.”

“What?” Alicia challenged, unimpressed. “Then how come you’re not allergic to my bathrobe?”

Caden smirked.