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.

I don’t think so.”

not forcing you to share the bed,” he clarified. “It was merely a suggestion to improve our chemistry. We’ll

then immediately regretted it

agreed. “It certainly

cleared my throat. “The couch looks comfortable

eyebrow. “I’m not making my wife sleep

wite yet,” I reminded him. “And the couch might be uncomfortable for you. You’re…” I gestured

he supplied, amusement dancing in

heat. “Tall. I

His smirk widened. “So, what do

Chapter 28

+25 BONUS

massive, big enough for two people to sleep without touching. And I didn’t want to sleep on the couch, no matter how

said finally. “The bed’s

can

“Excuse me?”

been looking at me like you want to devour me since

ignoring the heat creeping

it?” He leaned closer, his cologne enveloping me. “Your pupils dilate when I get near you.

my chest instinctively. “That’s–that’s just the air

“If you say so.”

do say so,” I insisted, standing abruptly. “And I’m

be ridiculous. The bed is more than large enough for both of us.” “Fine,” I relented, too exhausted

a

felt like heaven, soft yet supportive in

darkness broken only by the city lights filtering through the windows. I felt the

voice a low rumble in

curling onto my side facing away from