The CEO's Contractual Wife

After we finished our meal, Alexander insisted on leaving a tip that probably exceeded Dottie’s weekly salary. Back in his car, I felt pleasantly full and oddly content.

“Admit it,” I said as we pulled back onto the road. “That was better than any five–star restaurant dessert.”

“It had its charms.” His hand found mine on the console between us. “Especially the company.”

“Smooth talker.”

“Just honest.” He gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “I like seeing different sides of you, Olivia.”

“Even when I’m stealing your fries?”

“Especially then.”

We drove through the quiet streets of Los Angeles, the city transformed in the small hours of the morning. There was something magical about being awake while the world slept, like we were sharing a secret.

“Can I ask you something personal?” I ventured as we turned onto the coast road.

“Of course.”

“Before everything… us… what did you really want in life?”

Alexander was quiet for a moment, thinking. “Success, I suppose. To prove myself worthy of the Carter name.”

“And now?”

He glanced at me, his expression softening. “Now I’m learning there might be more to life than quarterly reports and board meetings.”

“Like midnight burgers?”

midnight burgers with

a declaration of

finally arrived back at the estate, the house stood dark and silent. Alexander

tonight,” I said softly. “All of it. The fancy dinner, the view… even

of work.” He turned to face me, his expression serious in

do it

a strand of hair from my face, his touch lingering. “I’d like that

with tension. I

his nickname for me sending a shiver

replied,

our earlier kisses at the overlook, this wasn’t fueled by urgent desire but something quieter, more profound. His hand cradled my face like I was something precious, and I melted into him, my fingers curling into the

go inside,” Alexander whispered against my lips, his

as he opened my door. We moved through the darkened estate like shadows, his hand firmly clasping mine, guiding me. The only sound was our

bedroom, Alexander flicked on a single lamp, bathing the room in soft golden light. He turned to me, his eyes dark with desire, and

he

the room to him, my heart hammering against my ribs. His fingers traced the curve of my cheek,

how fucking beautiful you are?” he

found my waist, pulling me against him until I could feel every hard line of his body. The thin fabric of my blouse did

to see you,” Alexander murmured, his fingers finding the buttons of

never leaving mine. When the last

running his fingers along the edge of the

prickled with goosebumps wherever his fingers trailed. He slid the blouse from my shoulders, letting it fall to the floor in a whisper of silk. His hands moved to my pants next,

a bit overdressed,” I managed to

help with