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.

don’t

to share the bed,” he clarified. “It was merely a suggestion to

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

he agreed.

throat. “The couch looks

making my wife sleep on

him. “And the couch might be uncomfortable for you. You’re…” I gestured vaguely at

big?” he supplied, amusement dancing

“Tall.

smirk widened. “So, what do you

Chapter 28

+25 BONUS

chewed my lip, considering my options. The bed was massive, big enough for two people to sleep without touching. And I didn’t want to sleep on the couch, no matter

could share,” I said finally. “The bed’s big

darkened. “I can control myself, Olivia.

“Excuse me?”

been looking at me like you

ignoring the heat creeping up

his cologne enveloping me. “Your pupils dilate when

flew to my chest

“If you say so.”

say so,” I insisted, standing abruptly. “And

more than large enough

I would.” His voice held a hint of amusement. Unless

The mattress felt like heaven, soft yet supportive in all the

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

voice a low rumble

onto my