The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 1

I slumped against the passenger seat as Ryan’s car cruised through the palm-lined streets of Los Angeles.

My eyelids felt heavy after a twelve-hour shift at Carter Enterprises. The quarterly marketing campaign required us all to work overtime, and as a junior marketing executive, I was stuck with weekend work.

“You still with me, babe?” Ryan glanced over, his perfectly styled dark hair catching the sunset’s glow.

“Barely.” I stifled a yawn. “Remind me why we’re going to this party when I could be face-planting into my pillow right now?”

“Because Sophia would kill you if you missed her birthday.” He reached over and squeezed my knee. “And because you look stunning in that dress I bought for you.”

I glanced down at the black cocktail dress he’d insisted I wear. The neckline plunged lower than I’d normally choose, and the hemline rode high enough to make me self-conscious every time I sat down.

Ryan had shown up at my apartment with the dress in a boutique bag, eyes gleaming with anticipation as I’d tried it

“I still think it’s a bit much for a birthday party,” I tugged at the fabric, trying to cover more of my chest.

“Liv, we’ve been dating for two years. I know what looks good on you better than you do. Trust me, every guy at this party will wish he was me tonight.”

“Is that what this is about? Marking your territory?”

“Can you blame me?” He winked as he turned onto Sophia’s street, where luxury cars lined both sides.

Sophia’s recently purchased triplex stood illuminated against the darkening sky, music pulsing from within. For some- one only turning twenty-five, she’d done remarkably well for herself in real estate development.

Ryan found a spot half a block away and cut the engine. “Ready to make an entrance, Ms. Morgan?”

“As I’ll ever be.” I grabbed my purse and the gift bag containing the vintage champagne Ryan had suggested we bring.

The cool evening air hit my bare shoulders as I stepped out of the car, making me shiver. Ryan’s arm slid around my waist, his hand resting dangerously low on my hip.

“See? Worth getting dressed up for.” He nodded toward the house. “This place is insane.”

strung through the palm trees. The front door stood open, spilling light,

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Chapter 1

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appeared in the doorway, resplendent in a gold sequined dress. “I was starting to think

away,” I laughed, accepting her enthusiastic

air-kissed his cheeks. “Come in, come

opened to a massive great room where at least thirty people mingled. The space

asked, already scanning the

The strongest thing

chuckled. “That’s my

setup, I heard

your ass

a plush sectional sofa. My best friend since college was already flushed from alcohol, her blonde hair falling in waves

guests to reach her. “How long have you

She pulled back, holding me at arm’s length to

my cheeks warm. “Is

because I’ve known you for eight years, and you’ve never willingly shown that much cleavage.”

that a little louder? I don’t think everyone in Malibu

too easy to embarrass.” Emilia’s eyes danced with mischief as she took another sip of her drink. “By the way, have you seen our birthday girl? I swear she was here greeting people and

“No, actually. Where did Ryan go? He was supposed to be getting

back lawn earlier.” Emilia shrugged. “Or he could be

quit three months ago. If I catch him smoking after all

just admit you still smoke and save us both the

tugging at my dress, which had ridden up dangerously high.

it on

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girl.” Emilia raised her glass. “I’ll be right

nodding at half-familiar faces

No Ryan.

back patio held a group playing some drinking games with