Chapter 43:
A sudden shock struck Alicia, much like an unexpected fright in a horror movie.
An overwhelming weakness overcame her, causing her to slump sideways.
Caden extended his arm and drew her into a firm embrace.
He picked up a coat from nearby and placed it over her head.
Well…
Realizing she had no choice, Alicia accepted the situation that now felt like a secret rendezvous.
Gerry sat up, his eyes still closed. He squinted after a moment. “Did I fall asleep?” he asked.
Caden chose not to reply.
Gerry noticed that Caden was holding something sizable and felt a jolt of surprise. “What are you doing?” he inquired.
The large coat concealed most of Alicia, but her legs were still visible, dangling on either side.
Caden gently gathered her legs and tucked them beneath the coat. “What do you think?” he responded.
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Still groggy, Gerry asked, “Is that Viagra kicking in already?”
Alicia felt a flush of intense embarrassment.
She leaned her head slightly. It brushed against the collar of his shirt, and her warm breath touched his chest.
An intense heat seemed to flow between them. Neither could tell who was causing the other’s temperature to rise.
He spoke in a slightly hoarse voice. “Maybe so, but I can’t hold back any longer.”
Alicia couldn’t bear his teasing anymore. She slipped her hand under his shirt and pinched his waist.
Caden let out a soft grunt.
“Don’t rush,” he said calmly. He tightened his embrace on Alicia to calm her down. “Gerry is still here. Let’s wait until he leaves.”
Alicia felt a surge of exasperation.
Gerry had never seen him act like this. He found it uncomfortable to watch.
He pushed himself up from the table and stood. “You’re quite something, Caden. Making moves right here? Did I wake up at the wrong time?”
Caden remained silent. He traced his fingers gently over Alicia’s knee.
Her figure was graceful, and the touch of her smooth skin was intoxicating.
Gerry had woken up. He needed to use the restroom, so he stumbled toward the door.
“Perhaps I should reserve a private room for you two,” he suggested. “Carrying on like this here is disrespectful to the lady.”
Caden gave a sly grin. “That’s unnecessary. She actually prefers it this way.”
“Unbelievable! You both are something else,” he remarked, shaking his head.
Feeling an urgent need to relieve himself, Gerry quickly left the room.
The moment the door closed behind him, Alicia shoved Caden aside and swiftly stood up.
“Do you think Gerry noticed anything?” she asked, adjusting her clothes and trying to appear composed. “If he figures it out, I’ll be too embarrassed to face him again.”
Caden rose to his feet. “Why not go and ask him yourself?”
She sighed and cleared her throat. “We agreed that our debts are settled now.”
Caden gazed at her intently, his eyes conveying a depth of meaning that was impossible to ignore.
“Setting aside any personal feelings, did you experience anything during that kiss?” he asked.
Alicia felt a lump forming in her throat, making it hard to respond.
She chose to remain silent and turned away from him. Caden wore a smirk across his face, and amusement flickered in his eyes.
She might deny it endlessly, but the undeniable truth was that her body had reacted.
He might not hold much significance in Alicia’s life, but her body’s response suggested otherwise.
He stayed in the room for another half hour before deciding to leave.
The door stood open as he stepped outside.
Meanwhile, Gerry had relieved himself of the alcohol and taken some medicine for his hangover; he felt considerably better now. On his way back, he encountered Alicia.
“Where have you been?” he asked.
She pretended to be surprised. “You’re still here? I noticed you were drunk earlier. I went out to grab something to eat and just got back.”
Caden let out a chuckle.
She certainly had a talent for acting.
Gerry peeked into the room and saw that only Caden was inside. A sense of relief washed over him as he stepped in.
“Did that girl leave?” Gerry asked.
Caden gave Alicia a subtle glance.
Meanwhile, Alicia fidgeted with her fingers.
“She left,” Caden replied.
Feeling tired from drinking, Gerry wanted to go home and sleep. The three of them left the club together. As soon as he got into the car, he scrutinized Caden closely.
A slight redness around his eyes made it clear what had happened.
Gerry clicked his tongue and turned to Alicia. “That Viagra you gave Caden is really something. He took two pills, and it cured his lack of interest in women.”
Though Alicia was usually composed in any situation, she was flustered at this moment.
Forcing out a chuckle, she remarked, “Really? I actually bought it on impulse.”
“You’re the only one who can cure him,” Gerry remarked.
Alicia felt a surge of embarrassment wash over her.
There was nothing commendable about the situation.
Gerry grew curious and asked Caden, “It couldn’t have been just the medicine, right? Was the girl particularly attractive?”
Caden replied casually, “Hate to disappoint you, but she was fairly ordinary.”
Irritation bubbled up within Alicia.
Gerry remained skeptical. “You’re so selective. If she was really ordinary, you wouldn’t have been interested. Who was she? Have I met her?”
Caden enjoyed engaging in this kind of conversation.
“You’ve already met her.”
“I have?” Gerry exclaimed in surprise. “What’s her name? Who is it?”
Alicia reached her breaking point and spoke up. “Mr. Hopkins, could you recommend a good lawyer? Lilliana is turning public opinion against me online, and I want to take legal action.”
Gerry stopped his gossiping and turned his full attention to her.
Alicia had composed a song for him, which had brought significant attention to the new movie he was promoting. He felt that helping her was the least he could do in return.
Gerry swiftly retrieved a business card and handed it to her.
“Jeffery Benson is the most renowned lawyer around. However, he has been difficult to schedule recently,” he informed her.
When Alicia accepted the card, Caden glanced at it.
“Jeffery Benson?” Caden asked.
Gerry nodded. “Yeah. What’s the matter? Are you planning to help Alicia?”
Caden turned to Alicia. “I’d assist anyone else, but not you. You’re too much of a nuisance.”
Alicia scoffed at him. “Is it that you won’t help, or you just can’t secure his services?”
Caden lifted an eyebrow and chuckled.
Despite their disagreements, Alicia still thanked Gerry.
Gerry was curious. “So, what’s your plan? Are you going to take legal action against them?”
