The CEO's Contractual Wife

Olivia

Alexander stood by the window, his back to me. He’d changed into a simple gray t–shirt and black shorts that hung low on his hips. The casual clothes did nothing to diminish his commanding presence.

He turned at the sound of the door, his eyes immediately taking in my bare legs. “Feel better?”

“I’d feel better in my own clothes in my own apartment,” I replied, crossing my arms over my chest. The movement only emphasized my breasts beneath the thin fabric.

His eyes darkened slightly. “I usually sleep naked, but I thought that might make you uncomfortable.”

“How considerate,” I said dryly. “This whole situation is your fault you know. Who arranges a date without planning for overnight accommodations?”

“Someone who doesn’t have the luxury of time,” he replied, running a hand through his hair. “I have less than four months to make this marriage happen, or I lose controlling shares in Carter Enterprises.”

“I thought your grandfather gave you six months.”

“He did. Two months ago.” Alexander moved to sit on the edge of the bed. “I’ve been evaluating potential candidates since then.

“Lucky me, making the final cut,” I muttered.

“You have no idea how lucky you are,” he said, his voice dropping an octave. “There were over thirty women on my initial list.” I rolled my eyes. “Should I be flattered?”

“You should be practical.” He patted the bed beside him. “Come sit”

“I’m fine standing.”

“Olivia.” Just my name, but said with such authority that I found myself moving toward the bed before I could stop myself.

I perched on the edge, keeping a good foot of space between us. The mattress was ridiculously comfortable, sinking just enough under my weight.

“You’ll sleep here tonight,” he said, nodding toward the king–sized bed.

you? I don’t think

“It was merely a suggestion to improve our chemistry. We’ll need to be convincing

isn’t our problem,” I blurted, then immediately regretted it when his lips curved into a

he agreed. “It

“The couch

an eyebrow. “I’m not making my

couch might be uncomfortable for you. You’re…” I gestured vaguely at his

amusement dancing

my cheeks heat. “Tall. I

smirk widened. “So, what do

Chapter 28

+25 BONUS

considering my options. The bed was massive, big enough for two people to sleep without

“The bed’s big enough. Just… stay on

eyes darkened. “I can control

“Excuse me?”

you want

heat creeping up my neck. “That’s

me. “Your pupils dilate when I get near you.

hand flew to my chest instinctively.

“If you say so.”

standing abruptly. “And I’m going

over me. “Don’t be ridiculous. The bed is more than large enough for both of us.” “Fine,” I relented, too exhausted to argue. “But stay on

already promised I would.” His voice held a hint of

soft yet supportive in all the right places. I

the city lights filtering through the windows. I felt the mattress dip

Olivia,” he said, his voice a low rumble in the

Alex,” I replied, curling onto my side facing away from