Recently, the weather in Warrington had turned quite chilly with significant rainfall. Caden, concerned for Ciara’s comfort, suggested she postpone her visit until the weather improved.

Ciara always relied on Caden’s judgment in such matters. On the phone, she cautioned him, “It’s getting colder. Make sure you dress warmly. You always seem to be buried in work. Are you taking care of yourself? Are you eating well?”

Perched on the bathtub’s edge, Caden assured her as he checked the water temperature, “Don’t worry. Everything’s under control.”

Curious about the background noise, Ciara asked, “What are you up to?”

“Just about to take a bath,” Caden responded, glancing towards the door.

Ciara noted, “It’s still daylight. Isn’t it too early for a bath?” Caden just smiled silently.

“Grandma, I have to go now,” he concluded the call, wrapped a towel around his waist, and headed back to the bedroom.

The bed was disheveled but inviting, with Alicia resting at its heart.

A blanket loosely draped around her waist did little to conceal the intimate marks adorning her legs and back. Caden’s eyes lingered on those red reminders of their passion.

His touch wasn’t rough, yet Alicia’s sensitive skin bore the signs of their encounters, marks that would fade only to reappear.

These marks served as silent affirmations of their intense connection.

“Still catching your breath?” Caden teased, his voice playful as he embraced her, his chest pressing against her back. “Time for a bath.”

Alicia, her cheeks still radiantly warm, buried her face in the mattress and bit her lip.

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“Let’s just rest a little more. You go ahead,” she murmured, her voice raspy with fatigue.

Caden acknowledged her tiredness but opted to carry her to the bathtub, determined not to let her overexert herself.

As they settled into the bath, Alicia’s phone began to ring. Recognizing the ringtone, Caden handed her the phone without a glance.

The caller ID displayed a woman’s name. Alicia, recognizing the name, jolted up suddenly, causing water to splash over both of them. Caden, drenched yet attentive, looked at her intently, waiting for her explanation.

Alicia greeted warmly, “Hello,” as Caden joined her in the tub.

Water cascaded over the edge, soaking the floor.

Alicia spoke into the phone with a firm tone. “Two in the afternoon, right? Okay. I’ll be there on time. Thank you.” After hanging up, she was swept into Caden’s embrace.

“Was that an interview?” Caden asked.

Grinning broadly, Alicia replied, “Yes, for a music teacher position at Los Academy. Mr. Hopkins recommended me to the principal, who seemed quite impressed.” As they settled into the confined space of the bathtub, Caden couldn’t help but share in her happiness, his own smile mirroring hers.

“Los Academy, huh? Lots of wealthy kids there. Think you can handle the noise?”

Alicia laughed. “The principal offered a good salary, so a little noise is a small price to pay.”

Caden playfully splashed water at her.

“And what’s the salary?”

“Twenty-five thousand dollars before tax,” Alicia said, leaning into him tiredly.

“I’m thrilled,” she continued. “I haven’t worked in a while, and I need to save up a significant amount to open my art gallery.”

Caden, half-joking, half-serious, furrowed his brow. “Seriously? You could easily charm that out of me with a little sweet talk.”

Alicia’s response was gentle but firm. “I prefer not to rely on a man.”

Overwhelmed by her presence and softened by her touch, Caden found her irresistibly appealing.

His hands moved under the water, drawing her closer.

Alicia resisted, her strength no match for his.

Water erupted around them as she protested, “Caden, that’s enough! We’ve reached today’s limit!”

His gaze intensified, the urge undeniable.

“Isn’t this the perfect way to celebrate your new job?” he persuaded, the tension between them sparking in the humid air.

Alicia repeatedly said no, biting her lip in protest as she struggled to free herself.

Concerned about hurting her, Caden offered a compromise. “This one counts for tomorrow.”

Alicia paused, then countered firmly, “You broke the rules, so you should be punished. This should cancel out the next three times.”

Caden burst out laughing, incredulous at her audacity. “You’re unbelievably greedy.”

“If you don’t agree, let me go,” Alicia demanded, unwavering in her stance.

Caden, using his cunning, targeted her weaknesses, but Alicia resisted stubbornly, clenching her teeth and refusing to give in to his advances.

Unable to sway her, Caden finally capitulated.

“Fine,” he conceded reluctantly and leaned in to kiss her, but she turned her face away, rejecting the gesture.

Just then, the puppy, alerted by the noise, scampered into the bathroom.

Startled, Alicia ducked deeper into the water, splashing around.

“Why didn’t you close the door?” she said to Caden. The puppy, mistaking their splashes for play, wagged its tail excitedly and ran circles around the tub.

Caden, disliking the intrusion, gestured dismissively at the puppy. “Lucky, out.”

Alicia, catching the name, looked up sharply. “What did you just call it?”

Caden, eyeing her and then the slight swell of her abdomen, replied with a soft chuckle, “Lucky. Isn’t it a nice name?”