The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 14

Olivia

We finished our dessert in silence, the tension building with each bite. By the time the chef cleared our plates, my skin felt too tight, and every nerve ended on high alert.

“Thank you, Antoine. You’ve outdone yourself,” Alexander said, standing to shake the chef’s hand. “That will be all for tonight.”

The chef bowed slightly. “Very good, sir. I’ve left everything prepared for breakfast, should you need it.”

The implication in those words wasn’t lost on me. How many women had sat where I was sitting? How many had stayed for breakfast?

After the chef left, Alexander turned to me. “Would you like a tour?”

“Sure,” I said, standing too quickly and feeling the wine rush to my head. “Lead the way.”

He showed me through the penthouse, starting with a home office with sweeping views of the city-views so mes- merizing they would surely make concentration impossible. Next was a gym that rivaled the commercial one I fre- quented, equipped with every machine and gadget imaginable. Then, we moved on to a theater room with plush seats arranged in perfect tiers, designed for ultimate comfort and an immersive viewing experience.

“How many bedrooms does this place have?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

“Three. My master suite, a guest room, and one I use as a secondary office.”

“And how many women have you brought here?” The question slipped out before I could stop it.

Alexander paused, turning to face me. “Does that matter?”

“No,” I lied. “Just curious how many women have gotten the billionaire treatment before me.”

“Fewer than you might think.” His eyes held mine. “This isn’t a routine for me, Olivia.”

“Right.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m special. I bet you say that to all the girls.”

“Actually, I don’t.” His voice hardened slightly. “I don’t bring women here often. This space is private.”

then?” I challenged, crossing my arms under my

dropped to my cleavage before returning to my face. “I thought

“Enlighten me.”

trying to convince you to

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Chapter 14

What, am I supposed to get wet over

jaw twitched. “I’m showing you

gilded cage is still a

be?” He stepped closer, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his

would you call it? You want to buy me. Like

a mutually beneficial arrangement,” he corrected. “One that

right now is standing in front

up. “Am I a

a step back, bumping into the wall. “A very big

he asked, his voice dropping to a dangerous register as he moved

realized the double entendre.

the wall beside my head, caging me in. “What did you mean,

wine, food, and luxury surrounding us were all going to my head. I needed to re- member why I was here. This wasn’t a date.

tion.

my boss. And you’re asking me to marry you. And you’re…”

face was

fucking Carter. You date models and actresses. Not junior marketing executives

actresses.” His thumb brushed my cheek, sending sparks racing

heart pounded against my ribs like it was trying to escape. Alexander leaned in, his breath warm against my lips. I closed my eyes, waiting for the press of his mouth

his lips brushed my

my voice barely a

traced the curve of my jaw, inhaling deeply. “You