Husband With Benefits-Chapter 823: Make A Move

"Are you sex-deprived?"

Cai nearly choked on his hot chocolate, eyes wide as he stared at Lily in disbelief. Okay, He knew he’d been the one to start the topic after making a cheeky comment about taking her to his bed, since this was their third date and all but he certainly hadn’t expected that to be her response. She had asked the question with complete seriousness, her expression somewhere between concern and contemplation. Was she genuinely worried that he was going to die of blue balls or... worse, pounce on her to save himself?

He felt his nose itch as he struggled to catch his breath, turning to make sure she wasn’t teasing him. But no, she was dead serious, her eyes fixed on him, genuinely searching for an answer.

His first instinct was to reassure her, to laugh it off and pacify any concerns she might have. But his second, much stronger instinct, was to see how far she’d take this. After all, how could he resist playing along with that?

Adopting the most pitiful expression he could muster, Cai sighed dramatically and murmured, "You understand, don’t you? It’s been so long in this cold place... all alone. You know the best part for winters is human touch."

Her eyes widened, and he almost lost it at the brief flash of panic that flickered across her face. She gulped audibly, and Cai had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. The sheer innocence in her reaction made the whole situation ten times funnier.

When he expected her to awkwardly excuse herself or retreat somewhere but she surprised him. Lily squared her shoulders, bracing herself, and asked, "Well... can’t you take care of it yourself?"

Cai had to fight every impulse in his body not to burst out laughing. If he’d had anything in his mouth at that moment, he would’ve been done for—choking on his own amusement. But he managed to keep his composure, just barely.

Trying his best to look sheepish, he put on the most innocent face he could and said, "Take care of it? How do I do that? I’ve only ever had other girls do it for me..."

He raised his hand, covering his face in mock embarrassment, his shoulders shaking ever so slightly. The look on her face was priceless—pure confusion mixed with nervousness and... curiosity? He could practically see the gears turning in her head as she processed his words.

The temptation to take it further was overwhelming. He needed to know how she’d respond if he asked her if she could help him out. But before he could push his luck, Lily’s sharp eyes caught the slight tremor in his shoulders. Her expression shifted from confusion to realization in an instant.

With an indignant growl, she smacked his arm. "You’re pranking me!"

Cai couldn’t hold it in any longer and burst out laughing, doubling over as he rubbed his arm where she’d hit him. "I’m sorry! I couldn’t help it. Your face was just... too good!" He tried to straighten up, but every time he glanced at her exasperated face, he dissolved into laughter again.

Lily huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, though a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "You’re the worst, you know that? How can you tease me like this?"

Just as Lily was about to hit him again, he caught her wrist and pulled her close to him, so that she was half leaning on him.

The teasing smile he’d worn just moments ago faded into something more tender. He let go of her wrist and, with the back of his fingers, slowly caressed the side of her face, tracing her jawline until her eyes met his.

"Lily," he murmured, his voice low and serious now, "you really need to stop putting yourself down."

Her brow furrowed, lips parting in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Cai’s thumb brushed her cheek, and he leaned in just a little closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "Every time I show you that I’m interested... you don’t believe it’s real. You always think I’m looking for something else. At first, you thought I was just... seeing you as a replacement for your sister, like you weren’t enough on your own. And now..." He paused, his hand slipping to the back of her neck, gently tilting her face up to him. "Now, you think I’m flirting with you just because I’m sex-deprived?"

Lily blinked, her lips pressing into a thin line as she took in his words. Her frown deepened, though not out of anger—more like confusion and self-doubt. "I-I didn’t mean it like that... I just... I don’t get why you’d want me like that. I thought maybe you were just... lonely."

Cai sighed softly, shaking his head. "You think I’m that shallow?" His voice was soft, but there was a hint of disappointment that made her heart ache in confusion. Why did she feel bad if he was disappointed.

"No," she whispered, biting her lip, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. "But why me?"

"Lily, stop. Tell me, why not you? You’re not ’just you.’ You’re smart, kind, funny... and you make me feel like myself, like I don’t have to pretend to be anyone else when I’m around you. I don’t have to be the genius Dr Cai Frost who has all the answers. I can be myself. Heck, I can be a child with you and that is even below my normal self. Why is that so hard for you to see? Do you really think I could have been so comfortable here with any other woman? Or even as interested?"

"I want you, my sweet Lily. And it’s not because I’m lonely or desperate, or because of some stupid reason like sex deprivation.

"Cai..." she whispered, her voice shaky.

His thumb stroked her cheek, and he leaned in just enough that their foreheads touched, his breath mingling with hers. "Hush. You don’t have to rush to say anything. Just consider this a warning from me... From today onwards, you’re going to be officially pursued by me. And if you want to rotify your defenses? All the best."