The CEO's Contractual Wife

“You’ve really thought this through,” I said, disturbed by how methodical he was about the whole thing.

“I never enter a negotiation without a strategy.” He moved closer still, his heat radiating against me. “Which brings me back to the non-negotiable aspect of our arrangement.”

My mouth went dry. “The sex.”

“Yes.” His voice dropped to a dangerous purr. “The sex.”

“I’m not a prostitute, Mr. Carter.”

“I never suggested you were. This would be a marriage in every sense of the word, including the physical aspects.”

“Which you expect me to perform on demand?” I asked, hating the breathless quality of my voice.

His eyes darkened. “I expect mutual satisfaction. I’m very good at making sure my partners are… thoroughly pleased.” The way he said “thoroughly” sent a jolt of heat straight to my core. I pressed my thighs together, praying he couldn’t tell how my body was betraying me.

“You’re asking me to have sex with a stranger.” I said, trying to sound indignant rather than aroused.

“We won’t be strangers for long. And trust me when I say I can make it worth your while in more ways than just fi- nancial.”

“You seem very confident about your abilities,” I shot back.

“I’ve never had complaints.” His eyes locked on mine, challenging. “I can make you come so hard you forget your own name. I can make that pretty pussy of yours so wet it soaks through your panties just by whispering in your car.”

My face flamed at his crude words, but my body responded with a rush of heat between my legs.

“That’s-that’s inappropriate,” I stammered.

wanted to know what you’d be getting into.” His voice was unapologetic. “I don’t do vanilla, Olivia. I like

needing distance from his overwhelming presence. “I need to think about

need your

That’s not enough

no question,” he interrupted. “And I’m not a patient

clutched the folder to my chest like a shield.

he agreed, watching me with those predatory eyes. “Don’t

Sure, Alexander Carter was possibly the most

help but wonder: how would those large hands feel on my breasts? Would his mouth be as demanding as his personality? Would he be rough or

shook my head, trying to

his full-time job. Ethan could finish college without the crushing debt I was still carrying. How had my life come to this? A few days ago, I was in a stable

question nagged as I rode the elevator back to my floor. I wasn’t special. I wasn’t some supermodel

the top of his list of candidates. But why? Because I needed money? Half of L.A. needed

that night he drove me home. Vulnerability mixed with determination. A woman at her lowest point who still managed

themselves at his feet. Why

they’d all throw

feelings rather than contrac- tual obligations. A business arrangement

about sex? He’d made it clear that was non-negotiable. My pussy clenched at the memory of his words: “I can make you

we caught feelings? A year is a long time to pretend to be in love with someone. To sleep beside them. To have them inside you.

desk on autopilot, shoving the folder deep

in her chair.

I froze. “What?”

Carter,” she clarified, lowering her voice to a whisper. “You were summoned to his

What did he want?”

face into something I hoped resembled nonchalance. “Nothing important. Just… work stuff.” Vivian rolled her chair closer. “Work stuff? That’s all you’re giving us? The CEO of Carter Enterprises personally calls you to his