The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 80

Olivia

“Your grandmother is surprisingly nice,” I said, perched on the edge of his couch.

“Margaret’s always had good instincts about people.” Alexander loosened his tie, the simple action drawing my attention to his strong hands. “She liked you.”

“Victoria definitely didn’t.”

“Victoria doesn’t like anyone who threatens her plans. He sat beside me, close enough that our knees almost touched. “Don’t take it personally.”

I took another sip of whiskey, letting the alcohol calm my nerves. “So what’s next?”

Alexander’s eyebrow arched. “Sleep, unless you had something else in mind?”

Heat rushed to my face. “That’s not what I meant. I meant what’s next before the marriage? We’ve met your family, and then what?”

“We need to meet your family,” he said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “I was thinking we could have the wedding in a few weeks. It would be a small ceremony, just close family and friends”

“Okay,” I replied, the reality of our situation hitting me anew. In a few weeks, I would be Mrs. Carter, at least on paper.

Alexander set his empty glass on the coffee table and turned to face me fully. “You seem tense.”

“Meeting your family was intense.” I finished my drink and placed it next to his. “Your grandfather is something else.”

said, surprising me. He

‘fine young woman. That’s

curved into a genuine smile. “He’s

to be in love with Alexander, fending off Victoria’s

did well tonight,” Alexander said

the vote of confidence,”

it.” His hand found mine, his thumb tracing circles on

cower or overreact.”

before.” I tried to ignore how good his touch felt. “Your cousin is just a more

exactly what she

continued their maddening circles on my palm, each sweep sending tingles up my arm. I should pull away. This wasn’t part

should sleep,” he said finally, his voice deeper than before. “It’s

nodded, suddenly nervous about sharing his bed

1/3

Chapter 80

change first,” I said, standing up

“The closet is

room, flipping on the light. The space still overwhelmed

pajama sets in various colors and styles. My fingers traced over the delicate fabric, finally selecting a simple

was beautiful but definitely not made for sleeping. I decided to skip underwear entirely,

teeth.

and carefully hung it up, then removed the lingerie, folding it neatly on the counter. Naked, I caught my reflection in the mirror and paused. My nipples had hardened

on the pajama shorts and buttoning up the top. The silk felt amazing against my skin, cool

was already in bed, shirtless with the covers pulled to his waist. The sight of his bare