Chapter 67

Caden's voice was colder than the rain lashing against the car. Alice struggled to hold her umbrella, the bag of antiseptic and bandages in her hand trembling slightly.

"Let me see your wound," she said.

Caden's response was indifferent. "No need."

Without a second thought, she rolled up the car window. Alice froze, her reflection staring back from the glass. Caden was silent for a moment, then looked out the window, noticing her motionless figure. He sighed, slowed the car, and opened the door.

She carefully slid into the passenger seat, wiping rain from her clothes. The silence was heavy, finally broken by Caden's sharp voice. "What are you doing here at this hour? Shouldn't you be with Joshua, nice and warm...?"

Alice was taken aback by his harshness. His constant attacks were wearing her down; she wondered if he'd ever stop. His presence, however, untangled the knots of her confused emotions.

He sneered. "If you hadn't hit your shoulder, I wouldn't even care."

Firmly, she produced iodine and cotton swabs, ready to clean the wound. The tension in the car slowly eased.

Caden had pulled over earlier to manage the adrenaline coursing through him. The heavy rain had been a welcome distraction; he'd feared losing control while driving. Pulling over had seemed safest, though he hadn't anticipated Alice following. He watched her closely, knowing she’d used her injury as a pretext to check on him. It didn't bother him; in fact, he felt better now.

Alice met his gaze. His deep eyes seemed to draw her in, causing her to hesitate. Aware of her own potent charm, she quickly looked away.

"Take off your shirt," she murmured. "Let me see the wound."

Caden leaned back, almost lazily unbuttoning his shirt, his fingers moving slowly. The quiet rustle of fabric filled the car, creating an odd intimacy.

As she pushed aside the hem of his shirt, his chest and abs came into view. Alice did her best to avoid direct eye contact. Quickly snapping out of her daze, she protested, "Stop, stop. You don't have to take everything off. Just show me the wound."

Caden's voice was mocking. "What, you don't want to see the rest?"

Alice was speechless. He wanted to look away but couldn't. Without hesitation, Caden removed his shirt completely, revealing toned arms. An undeniable tension filled the car. The wound on his shoulder wasn't serious, but the slight bleeding accentuated his strong physique.

Alice focused on the wound, trying to ignore the heat between them.

"Is this convenient?" Caden asked, his tone unreadable.

"Mm?" Alice replied absentmindedly.

Before she could react, his hands were around her waist, lifting her onto his lap. Her face flushed crimson. "You..."

Caden looked at her, calm and unfazed. "It's easier this way."

Alice felt something pressing against her and jumped to conclusions. "Is it getting hard already?"

Caden chuckled. "What, are you some kind of aphrodisiac? It's just my belt."

Mortified, Alice didn't check. She cleared her throat, picking up the iodine, trying to concentrate. The close proximity and the heat radiating from him made the simple task difficult.

"Why are you shaking?" Caden asked, watching her closely. "Is your blood making you shiver?"

Alice forced calm, swallowing her nerves. "I'm not shaking."

But as she pressed the cotton ball against his skin, it slipped, missing the wound entirely.

He squinted, feigning surprise. "Oh, have I suddenly become short-sighted?"

Caden smiled and shifted slightly.

Already nervous, Alice whispered, "Don't move."

He chuckled softly. "If I don't move closer, you might not finish tonight."

As they adjusted, their bodies pressed closer, leaving little space between them. Alice, unsure where to place her hands, leaned forward instinctively. His abs were so close she had nowhere to go; in adjusting, her thighs tightened around his waist.

The pressure brought back a memory of their time at the movies – Alicia on top of him, just like this. His eyes darkened, the intensity of the moment palpable. The scent of her skin, sweet and floral, seemed to ease the lingering tension of the Yates family drama. Without hesitation, he gripped her waist tighter.

"Hurry up with the medicine," he murmured, his voice raspy, tinged with something more.

Unaware of the shift in his tone, Alice concentrated on applying the antiseptic. The wound, though not deep, was swollen and bruised. It would likely remain sore for a few days.

As she worked, the memory of the study flashed through his mind. The fear lingered. "Does your father always treat you like this?" he asked, burying his face in her neck, his breath warm on her skin. "What, are you feeling sorry for me?"