Alicia felt a smile, though strained, creep across her face. “It seems you’ve had plenty of practice at this, Mr. Ward.”

She mused that Caden’s pursuit of thrills felt deliberate and methodical. He probably had his share of women in the past. This thought caused a pang in Alicia’s chest, but she quickly reminded herself not to dwell on it.

It’s just two grown-ups finding pleasure. There’s no need to make it more complicated than that, Alicia reassured herself.

When Alicia tried to leave the car, she realized Caden’s hold on her had not eased in the slightest. Her body felt disconnected, her gaze hollow and unreadable. “So, are we going on?”

Caden’s expression remained neutral, but his fingers stayed on her skin, showing no sign of wanting to end this.

“Not exactly against it,” he replied.

Alicia pushed Caden’s hand aside. “Joshua’s going to be here any second.”

A crooked smirk curled on Caden’s lips. “Wouldn’t it be more interesting if he walked in on us?”

Alicia found herself unable to respond. What an absolute creep.

At that moment, Alicia noticed fresh blood staining the bandage on his shoulder. After a brief pause, she removed the bandage and reached for the pants that had been carelessly tossed aside. She chose a clean section of fabric to wipe away the blood.

Caden’s brows furrowed. “What the hell are you doing?”

“You’re bleeding again,” Alicia said, gently pressing the fabric against the wound.

Caden, ever fixated on cleanliness, scoffed with a humorless chuckle. “And you’re using the pants you just wore? Why not your underwear while you’re at it?”

While speaking, he hooked his finger around a piece of white and pink fabric, waving it in front of her. Alicia, caught off guard, quickly grabbed it back.

Explore more fiction on gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․𝒸𝓸𝗺

“You’re disgusting.”

Caden let out a low, mocking laugh. “Funny, you didn’t seem to mind when you lifted your legs earlier, making it easier for me to pull them off.”

Alicia could not find a response.

She had intended to apply some ointment, but now all she wanted was to leave as soon as possible. Any more of this, and she was certain her face would ignite.

The moment Alicia moved aside, Caden’s eyes fell on the noticeable stain on his pants.

Raising an eyebrow, he remarked, “Miss Bennett, did you happen to walk through a storm?”

Alicia adjusted her clothing, responding smoothly, “No, I did not.”

“Then explain this.” Caden gestured to the damp spot, his grin teasing but knowing.

Alicia’s breath faltered as she shifted her gaze, clearly uneasy. “Must have been the rain.”

Caden’s smile widened. He casually pulled out a tissue, wiping his fingers as though it was routine. “Quite the downpour, wasn’t it? Even managed to drench my fingers.”

Once he was done, Caden’s gaze flicked back to Alicia. “Miss Bennett, you might be feeling rather content right now, but what about me?”

Alicia stiffened, her eyes instinctively lowering. It had been… intense. He probably had every reason to feel dissatisfied. Twice now, he had been cut off before even getting a real taste of what he was after.

Her tone softened. “So, what do you want to do?”

Caden’s eyes darkened, noticing just how cooperative Alicia seemed. “But how many men can actually resist? The more submissive a woman is, the more enticing it becomes to push her further,” he thought.

“Next time, if the opportunity presents itself, I will decide then.” Caden’s voice, low and gravelly, carried a seductive edge. “Whatever I want, will you let me have it, Miss Bennett?”

Alicia’s heart pounded uncontrollably.

“Absolutely not.” Unsure of what Caden was scheming, Alicia hesitated. “A little should be more than enough.”

Caden let out a quiet laugh. “Are you all about keeping things fair?”

His eyes wandered pointedly to her slender fingers. “Very well.”

Alicia’s cheeks burned as she quickly tucked her hands away and rushed out of the car.

The rain had lightened outside. Like her mood, the lingering tension gave way to a sense of calm.

After Caden drove off, Alicia walked ahead under her umbrella, soon spotting Joshua’s car approaching. He stepped out, his eyes immediately scanning Alicia. His gaze felt penetrating, as though he was seeing straight through her, leaving nothing unnoticed.

Having tidied up earlier, Alicia stood tall, meeting his inspection with quiet confidence.

It didn’t take long for Joshua to notice the bloodstain on her pants. “What’s going on?” he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Alicia pressed her hand to her stomach, her expression downcast. “It’s that time of the month.”

Joshua’s frown deepened. “Then why are you out? Don’t we have medicine at home?”

Alicia explained, “We don’t have any pads at home.”

“You could have had the maid pick some up for you.”

“You’re talking about Georgia?” Alicia murmured quietly. “She’s not fond of me. I didn’t want to trouble her.” Her words were carefully chosen, and Joshua accepted them without question.

“Get in. I’ll take you back.”

After he dropped her off at the Yates family home, Joshua remained in the car.

Alicia asked, “Are you going out again?”

“Yes.”

Joshua considered that with Alicia on her period, there wasn’t much for him to accomplish here. It made more sense to spend time with Lilliana and ensure his presence was felt.

Before he left, Joshua handed Alicia a card.

“There’s $500,000 in here. Just tell me when you need more, and I’ll transfer it,” he said, brushing his fingers gently along her cheek. “Be good. I’ll give you whatever you want.”

Alicia grasped the card, a wave of cynicism washing over her. The money in that account had originally belonged to her. Joshua truly had the audacity to use her own money to control her.

After accepting the card, Alicia nodded in compliance.

“Make sure to drive carefully,” she said quietly.

Joshua studied her closely. She appeared exactly as she always had.

Unable to hold back, he lifted her chin and pressed his lips against hers.