The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 103

Olivia

I pulled on my cover–up as we headed back to the house, still feeling the cool dampness of my bikini against my skin.

The afternoon sun filtered through the palm trees, casting dappled shadows across the path.

Alexander walked slightly ahead of me, and I couldn’t help but notice the way his muscles moved beneath his shirt, still damp from our swim.

“The chef should have lunch ready by now,” Alexander said, glancing back at me. “You hungry?”

“Starving,” I admitted. “Swimming always makes me ravenous.”

“Good. Miguel makes an amazing ceviche.”

As we approached the house, I found myself studying Alexander’s profile, the strong line of his jaw, the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck, where it was still wet. I’d been so focused on the contractual nature of our relationship that I hadn’t really allowed myself to fully appreciate just how ridiculously handsome my new husband was.

“What are you staring at?” Alexander asked, catching me looking.

“Nothing,” I said quickly, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

A knowing smile spread across his face. “Admiring the view?”

“You wish,” I scoffed, but there was no real heat behind my words.

We reached the patio, where Miguel had indeed set up lunch, a spread of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and chilled white wine.

“This looks amazing,” I said, sinking into one of the chairs.

Alexander poured us each a glass of wine before sitting across from me.

We ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the fresh ceviche practically melting in my mouth. Alexander watched me over the rim of his wineglass, his eyes tracing my features in a way that made my skin tingle.

“You know,” he said suddenly, “you’re quite beautiful when you’re relaxed.”

The compliment caught me off guard. “As opposed to when I’m not relaxed?”

“You’re always beautiful,” he clarified, his voice matter–of–fact rather than flirtatious. “But there’s something about you here, away from the office and the city. Your face is softer. Your eyes are brighter. It suits you.”

cheeks warm

his wine. “The sun looks good on you too. Brings out the gold in your

touched my hair self–consciously. “It’s going to be a tangled mess from

His eyes held mine for a moment too long, and I felt something shift in the

cleared my throat. “So, what’s the plan for the rest of the

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the pool, take the boat out, or…”

“Or what?”

rest of the house. There

A dungeon? Secret

Just the library,

library on a private

course. Where else would I

shook my head, smiling despite myself.

Alexander gave me a proper tour of the mansion. The library was impressive, walls lined with books from floor to ceiling. The media room contained a massive screen and the most comfortable–looking couches I’d

a panoramic view of the ocean. The sun began

I murmured, moving

I turned, I found Alexander looking

On paper, at least. For a year. The thought sent a

shower before dinner,” I said abruptly.

do the same. Meet

master bathroom, letting the hot water wash away the remains of our day. As I dried off, I caught sight of myself in the mirror. My skin was

a simple sundress from the closet full of clothes Alexander had provided. It was white, flowing, and far more elegant than anything I’d have chosen for myself. I left my hair down to

linen pants and a white button–down with the sleeves rolled up

incredible,” he said, his voice

you. So

crossed to the bar in the corner. “Drink before dinner?”

“Sure. Whatever you’re having.”

pale pink color. I took a sip; it was fruity but not

definite kick of alcohol.

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Chapter 103