"What's on your mind?" Caden asked, noticing the serious expression on my face as he tilted his head. "Nothing," I replied, shaking my head. At that moment, the weight of exhaustion hit me, leaving me too drained to think about anything else. "I'm wiped out. I'm going to take a shower," I said, stretching lazily. I hadn't realized that the motion caused my waist to briefly show. Caden's eyes flickered to my exposed waist before his gaze quickly shifted. I headed toward the bathroom, but just as I was about to close the door, Caden appeared in the doorway. "What's going on?" I asked, assuming Caden had something to say. I tilted my head, waiting for his response. Instead of replying, Caden swiftly stepped into the bathroom, wrapped his arms around me, and kissed me deeply, effectively silencing my surprised gasp with his lips. I hadn't seen it coming. I struggled for a moment, but it was futile. Eventually, I gave in, softening to his touch, and leaned into his chest. When the kiss finally broke, my cheeks flushed, and I lightly tapped Caden's chest. "What was that? You nearly gave me a heart attack." Caden lowered his head, his warm breath brushing against my neck. "Didn't you say you were going to take a shower? Let's do it together." "Caden!" My heart raced from the teasing tone in his voice. I shot him a glare. "Stop messing around. I'm exhausted. And Joel's still ... " A dark shadow crossed Caden's eyes, and his grip on my waist tightened. His voice turned cold. "Joel's been bothering you again today?" I blinked, noticing the anger in his gaze. I quickly shook my head. "No ... " Then, I remembered tomorrow was Joel's birthday, and I had promised to go to the park with him. With Caden's current mood, it seemed safer not to bring it up. Caden's expression darkened further, and without another word, he kissed me again, this time more forcefully, with a possessive edge. His kiss left me breathless, and I struggled to keep my balance. Giggling softly, I pushed him away, teasing, "Mr. Holbrook, are you jealous?" Caden raised an eyebrow. Seeing his reaction, I leaned in and kissed him on the lips, a smile playing on my lips. "A little something to make it up to you, but now I really need that shower. Shouldn't you—" Before I could finish, Caden spoke again, his voice calm and steady, "Didn't you say you were tired? I can help you with that." The casual way he said it threw me off. How could he say such bold things with such a straight face? "Caden, get out now," I said, diverting my gaze and pushing him away. But in the process, my elbow accidentally hit the shower switch. In an instant, freezing cold water poured down on us. I gasped, shivering from the sudden chill and hurriedly tried to turn off the shower. But before I could, Caden wrapped his arms around me, shielding me from most of the cold. The closeness between us intensified. I found myself pressed against his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin through his damp shirt. I was so flustered that when I looked up, all I could see was his chest. I couldn't deny it—Caden's body was flawless. And with the few buttons of his shirt undone, his sculpted collarbone was exposed. His damp hair clung to his face; a water droplet I momentarily focused on, slid down to disappear into his shirt collar, making the moment all the more alluring. My cheeks flushed from the intensity of it all. "Rosaline." Caden's voice was soft in my ear. I looked up into his eyes, and for a moment, I forgot what I was about to say. I simply stared, my mouth slightly open. Caden gazed back at me, his arm braced beside my face, slightly bent to support his weight. Our faces slowly inched closer, and our breathing tangled together. My heart raced in a wild, chaotic rhythm, leaving me dazed and mindless. Then, without warning, Caden kissed me. It was different from the earlier kiss. This time, his touch was tender, the atmosphere thick with growing heat. I found myself pressed against the wall, my hands resting on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his powerful heart. But then, Caden's hand, which had been on my waist, began to move. It slid along my back, and soon, his warm hand traveled from behind to the front, brushing against my sensitive skin. "Mmm, stop ... " I could feel what he intended, and instinctively, my body shifted away. But Caden held me in place. His touch became bolder, slipping under the hem of my shirt. In one swift motion, he pressed himself closer, his knee wedging between my legs. The heat of his manhood jolted me back to reality. I pushed against him with all my might. "No ... " My breath hitched, my face flushed with urgency. I sought to create some distance between us. "W-we can't do this. Not until we're married ... " "We can," Caden's grip tightened, pinning my wrist against the wall. "We're getting engaged soon." "No!" I protested, struggling to break free from his hold. "Caden, this is not happening!" "But I can't wait," Caden's Adam's apple bobbed as he spoke, his eyes still blazing with desire. I cupped his face, desperation in my voice. "Caden, please, just this once, promise me?" Caden didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stared at me, his eyes searching mine. "Caden," I whispered again, my voice soft and pleading. His lips were set in a firm line, and he tilted his head, biting my finger lightly before wrapping a towel around his waist and stepping out of the bathroom. "I'm going for a cold shower ... hmph."