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.”

hand found my knee again, warm

taken pictures? Without us noticing?” The thought made my stomach clench. What if my face were clearly visible? What would my parents think if they saw me splashed across tabloid pages with

his thumb tracing circles on my skin. “Trust me to

he looked at me. His eyes had darkened, dropping to my lips with unmistakable intent. The air between us

shifted slightly, leaning toward mine. My heart hammered against my

air between

almost there,” he said, his voice deeper than

out the window, hoping he couldn’t see the flush on my cheeks. What was wrong with me? I should

out, his hand lingering at the small of my

tie

already

Chapter 27

+25 BONUS

in relief as my bare feet sank into the plush carpet. Alexander poured amber liquid into two glasses and handed one to me. Our

beginnings,” he said,

echoed, taking a sip. The whiskey burned pleasantly down

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

asked

second drink went down easier than the first, warmth spreading through my limbs. “It’s late,” Alexander said, setting down his empty glass. “We should get some