The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 173

I glanced between Alexander and James, feeling the tension crackling in the air despite their outwardly calm demeanors. Emilia shifted beside me, looking like she was thoroughly enjoying the drama unfolding.

“I appreciate the assist,” Alexander said, his hand still gently holding my wrist. “Not many would step in like that.”

“Please,” James waved dismissively. “Ryan was being an ass. Someone needed to shut him down.” He glanced at me with a hint of concern. “Are you sure you’re alright? Those marks look painful.”

“I’ll be fine,” I assured him, resisting the urge to rub my wrist again. “Nothing some ice won’t fix.”

Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly at James. “Well, we won’t keep you from your evening. Thanks again.”

“Actually, I was just heading in for a drink myself,” James said, gesturing toward O’Malley’s entrance. “Flying solo tonight.”

“What a coincidence,” Emilia chimed in. “We’re having a girls‘ night. Or were, until these two showed up.” She nudged me playfully.

Alexander seemed to consider something, then surprised me by saying, “Why don’t you join us for a drink? It’s the least I can do to thank you for helping Olivia.”

James raised an eyebrow, clearly as surprised by the invitation as I was. “You sure? I wouldn’t want to intrude on your evening.”

“Not at all,” Alexander replied smoothly. “One drink.”

“Alright then,” James agreed. “One drink it is.”

The four of us headed into O’Malley’s, the warm glow of the bar a welcome contrast to the cool night air. The place was packed with Friday night revelers, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filling the space.

Emilia led us to a high–top table in the corner where Claire and Ariana were already seated, drinks in hand. Their eyes widened comically when they spotted not just me, but Alexander and James trailing behind.

between the two men.

appeared, pen poised over her notepad. “What can

whiskey,

for me,” James

cosmos for us,” Emilia declared, gesturing to herself and the

said. After the confrontation with Ryan, I wanted to keep a

me. “Live a little,

eyes. “Fine. A glass

other up, like two alpha wolves determining territory. Yet their interaction remained oddly friendly, like competitors who respected each other

eagerly, “what brings you two here tonight?

mine on the table.

have handled him herself. She looked ready

despite myself. “I was

to back off,” Emilia said, sipping her cosmo. “Remember when he showed up at your apartment at 3

groaned. “Don’t

“Tried to serenade her from the parking lot. Security almost called

dedication,” James said with an

his thumb absently stroking the back of my hand. “Some men can’t accept when a woman

experience?” James asked with

let the past stay in the

a grateful sip of wine, feeling the tension in my shoulders begin to

forward, her eyes glinting with a

I hissed, kicking her under

she asked innocently. “I’m making

he answered. “My schedule doesn’t leave much

familiar,” Alexander said wryly. “Until this one came along.” He nudged

declared. “It’s almost offensive

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