The CEO's Contractual Wife

Olivia

Our food arrived, and we ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes. I was acutely aware of his eyes on me, watching as I savored each bite.

After dinner, we stepped out into the cool night air. Alexander’s arm slid around my waist as we waited for his car, his fingers tracing idle patterns against the silk of my dress.

“Did you enjoy dinner?” he asked, his breath warm against my ear.

“It was incredible,” I admitted. “I’ve never had steak that melted in my mouth like that.”

“I’m glad you approved.” His thumb brushed the bare skin exposed by the dress’s low back. “There are many more experiences I’d like to show you.”

The double meaning wasn’t lost on me. I felt my cheeks flush as his car pulled up to the curb.

Alexander guided me forward, his hand sliding from my waist to my ass as I bent to enter the car. His fingers lingered, squeezing slightly before releasing me. The touch was brief but deliberate, sending a jolt of electricity up my spine.

“Careful with the dress,” he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I slid across the leather seat, hyperaware of the slit in my dress riding up my thigh. Alexander settled beside me, closer than necessary in the spacious backseat.

As the car pulled away, I glanced out the window, scanning the sidewalk. Hadn’t he mentioned paparazzi? I didn’t see anyone with cameras, and no suspicious figures were lurking in doorways or behind parked cars.

“Looking for something?” Alexander asked, his voice amused.

“You said you tipped off photographers,” I whispered, still searching the darkened street. “I don’t see any.”

obvious about it.” His hand found my knee

Without us noticing?” The thought made my stomach clench. What if my face were clearly visible? What would my parents think if they saw

his thumb tracing circles on my skin. “Trust

about trust being earned, not demanded, when I noticed how he looked at me. His eyes had darkened, dropping to my lips with unmistakable intent. The air between us

leaning toward mine. My heart hammered against my ribs, and I anxiously

against my skin. The air between us crackled with electricity. Then, he suddenly pulled back, straightening in his

almost there,” he said,

surprising in its intensity. I turned to look out the window, hoping he couldn’t see the flush on my cheeks. What was wrong with me? I should be relieved he

small of my back as we walked through the lobby. The elevator ride was

Alexander loosened his tie

he asked, already pulling

Chapter 27

+25 BONUS

my bare feet sank into the plush carpet.

he said, raising

I echoed, taking a sip. The whiskey burned pleasantly

drank in silence, the city lights twinkling through the floor–to–ceiling windows. I was acutely aware of Alexander watching me over the rim of his glass, his

asked when

he refilled my glass. The second drink went down easier than the first, warmth spreading through my limbs. “It’s late,”