The CEO's Contractual Wife

“Are you planning to stare at that suitcase until it packs itself?” Alexander’s amused voice broke through my packing paralysis.

I glanced up from the empty luggage sitting accusingly on our bed. “I’ve never packed for Europe before. What does one wear in London during this season?”

“Anything you want,” Alexander replied, coming to stand behind me. His hands settled on my shoulders, kneading gently. “You’ll look beautiful regardless.”

“That’s not helpful,” I sighed, leaning into his touch. “I need practical advice. Is it going to rain the entire time? Do I need boots? Jackets? Will we be going somewhere fancy? How fancy?”

“Yes to rain in London, maybe in Paris, probably not in Milan. Pack layers. And as for fancy…” His fingers trailed down my arms. “Pack that red dress I like. The one that makes your breasts look spectacular.”

“Alexander!” I elbowed him playfully. “You’re still not helping.”

“Fine,” he conceded. “We have several business dinners scheduled, so three or four formal outfits.

Comfortable shoes for sightseeing. A coat for London, something lighter for Paris and Milan. The hotels have laundry service, so don’t overpack.”

I turned to face him. “Thank you. That’s actually useful information.”

“I have my moments.” He pressed a quick kiss to my lips. “Now hurry up. The jet leaves in three hours.”

The jet. Not a commercial flight, but Alexander’s private jet.

“You know,” I called as he headed toward the bathroom, “normal people fly coach.”

“Normal is boring,” he replied without turning around. “And I don’t do boring.”

Two hours later, we arrived at a private airfield where the sleek white jet waited on the tarmac. CARTER was emblazoned on the side in elegant silver lettering. A uniformed attendant greeted us and took our luggage while Alexander guided me up the stairs.

“Welcome aboard, Mr. Carter, Mrs. Carter,” the flight attendant said with a warm smile.

The interior exuded luxury with cream leather seats, polished wood tables, and plush carpeting, resembling a high–end living room more than an aircraft.

is…” I trailed off,

with

the awe from

comfortable. Would you

the morning.” I

“And? We’re on vacation.”

trip with vacation elements,” I corrected. “And I’ll have coffee, please. Let’s

us while I settled into one of the buttery–soft leather seats. The flight attendant returned quickly with

raising his

echoed, clinking

the large screen while stretched out on what was essentially a full–sized bed. Alexander spent part of the

the captain’s voice announced over the intercom. “Local time is 7:42 AM. Weather is cloudy with light rain,

and suburbs giving way to the sprawling city

a movie set,” I

my window. “Wait until you see it

was waiting for us on the tarmac. The driver, a distinguished older gentleman named Geoffrey,

Hotel, sir?”

Geoffrey,” Alexander replied, then turned to me. “Ready to

buildings alongside

the London Eye! And is that Big

my enthusiasm with amusement. “Elizabeth Tower, technically. Big

tourist guides,” I

may have done some research,” he admitted. “Since I’m

as we approached a stunning building

staff appeared almost instantly

elegant blend of Edwardian and Art Deco design. Marble floors, glittering chandeliers, and fresh flower arrangements created an atmosphere of timeless

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