Chapter 42

Alice decided to be direct. “What exactly are you looking for?”

Caden remained calm, his lover as distant as ever. “Why are you chasing me?” he asked.

For a moment, Alice was speechless. This infuriating man was playing the victim. She wouldn't fall for his tactic. "I'll stay here. If you can't hear me, I'll speak louder."

Caden leaned back. “In that case, let’s talk about the favor you owe me.”

She looked at him in surprise, taking a moment to recall the incident. He had lent her a jacket when her period started unexpectedly, mentioning then that she owed him a favor. Naturally, Alice knew this wouldn't be simple. This was the moment she'd been anticipating. Accepting the inevitable, she asked, "So, what do you have in mind?"

“Are you afraid of me?” Caden asked directly.

Alice hesitated, but refused to let her guard down. “It's not fear. You’re a pervert, and no one in their right mind would take a risk with you,” she replied.

He offered a sly smile that didn't reach his eyes. "So it seems you enjoy getting close to perverts, Miss Bennett."

Alice was overcome with anguish. “How can you say that?” she exclaimed.

He glanced at Gerry, still unconscious from the drink. Caden knew nothing would wake him. Without pausing, he continued, “It's just a bit of adult fun. If you’re curious, I can tell you more details.”

Finally, Alice gave in and sat down beside him, keeping some distance. “Okay, I'll listen. Can you hear me from here?”

However, conversation wasn't Caden's goal. He was testing a theory. Previously, women who served drinks fit a certain mold: innocent faces, alluring figures, and playful banter. Caden had found them uninteresting.

Now, with Alice beside him—shrewd, composed, and devoid of flirtation—he noticed something different. He felt no strong attraction, yet her presence wasn't unpleasant. Their past intimacy seemed to create a subtle, recognizable chemistry.

This realization triggered a warning in Caden's mind. Instinctively, he felt the need to investigate further.

Caden pulled Alice onto his lap. She instinctively pressed her hands to her chest, bracing herself. Suddenly remembering Gerry, a shiver ran down her spine. “Caden, Gerry is still here,” she whispered.

Caden held her firmly, preventing her escape. Looking deeply into her eyes, ignoring their surroundings, he said, “Give me a kiss, and we'll consider your debt settled.”

Alice's mind raced. Her eyes widened, her heart pounding. "Has the alcohol affected your brain?" she asked. Had he gone mad?

Caden leaned closer, his breath warm on her face. “We've kissed before. Why are you shy now?”

Alice took a deep breath. “Returning a favor should be nice. Why does this feel like punishment?” she asked. “Caden, what are you thinking?”

Caden's gaze intensified. He gently pressed his thumb against her lips, teasing her. He wanted to fully experience their connection.

“If you agree, it will only be a kiss,” she said seductively. “But if you hesitate, I might be tempted to go further.”

The words “go further” hit Alice like an adrenaline rush. Suddenly, Caden felt his mouth go dry. Alice agreed, driven by competition or a deeper desire.

“Have you thought this through?” he asked, forcing calm. “A kiss settles the debt. You can't go back on your word.”

“A French kiss,” Caden specified.

Despite her preparation, a blush spread across Alice's cheeks. She grabbed his shirt. “Fine, a French kiss. You better keep your word.”

Caden remained motionless, but desire gleamed in his eyes. “Mm.”

Alice took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Caden waited, but she didn't move. Getting impatient, he asked, "What are you waiting for?"

Alice took another deep breath. “I’m psyching myself up, imagining you're a handsome celebrity.”

Caden chuckled. She closed her eyes and leaned in. They had shared a long kiss when drunk; Alice's skills had improved.

After a passionate moment, he pulled away, whispering, “You're learning fast, Miss Bennett.” His voice was husky, mocking, full of desire and satisfaction.

Alice's mind went blank, a wave of desire washing over her. She quickly regained her composure and stepped away, though her body felt weak. “It's over,” she said.

But his hand remained on her waist. She looked at him, a mixture of confusion and growing desire. Caden didn't go beyond their agreement, but his hand lingered on her waist.

"Well, then the favor is repaid," he commented.

He glanced at his crotch. The tightness in his pants confirmed his arousal. Alice noticed, her thoughts chaotic. Nervous, she hurriedly climbed off his lap. At that moment, Gerry woke up.