The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Ryan) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16

His eyes narrowed. “You think you know me based on what? One rescue and a dinner?”

“I know that someone who truly believed love was meaningless wouldn’t care so much about protecting himself from

it.”

Alexander’s jaw tightened. For a moment, I thought I’d pushed too far.

“You’re an interesting woman, Olivia Morgan,” he said finally.

“Is that a compliment?”

“An observation.” His lips curved in an infuriating half-smile.

I gripped the railing tighter, feeling the cool metal ground me. The city lights twinkled below us like a mirror image of the night sky, but all I could focus on was the heat radiating from Alexander’s body.

“I want to ask you two things,” I said, turning to face him fully.

His eyebrows rose slightly. “I’m all ears.”

“First, back at the presentation, you said ‘it’s been a long time.’ Why? We’d literally met less than a week before.” Alexander leaned against the railing, his shoulder brushing mine. “Preparation. I couldn’t exactly acknowledge that we’d met while you were crying over your cheating boyfriend. I was creating our cover story early.”

“You were that confident I’d say yes to your insane proposal?”

“I’m always prepared for multiple scenarios.”

“Right,” I rolled my eyes. “And my second question. In your message, you said, ‘Be my girlfriend for the night.’ But this…” I gestured between us, “has been just dinner. Nothing else.”

“Are you disappointed?” His voice dropped lower, sending shivers across my skin. “Do you want more than this, Olivia?”

Fuck. The way he said my name made my nipples tighten against the thin fabric of my dress. I stepped back, needing distance from his intoxicating presence.

“It’s getting late,” I said, glancing at my watch. “I should go.”

“I’ll drive you home,” he replied, straightening from the railing.

“No need. I can grab a cab.”

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Alexander’s eyes darkened. “How can I possibly let my wife leave in a cab?”

“I’m not your wife yet,” I snapped. “And I might never be.”

“Yet,” he repeated, as if that was the only word he’d heard. “Come on. My car’s downstairs.”

I followed him back through the penthouse, my heels clicking against the marble floors. The remains of our dinner

still sat on the dining table: empty wine glasses, half-eaten dessert, and the candles burned low.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Alexander said as we stepped into the elevator.

“Which one?”

“Do you want more than dinner?” His eyes locked with mine in the mirrored walls of the elevator.

My cheeks flushed. “What exactly are you offering?”

“Whatever you want.” His voice was like velvet. “I’m a generous man.”

The elevator doors closed, sealing us in the confined space together. My heart hammered against my ribs.

“I bet you are,” I muttered, pressing myself against the wall, putting as much distance between us as possible. “But I’m not that easy.”

“I never thought you were.” He stepped closer, invading my space. “That’s what makes you interesting.”

His cologne wrapped around me like an invisible hand, pulling me toward him. My back pressed against the elevator wall, and I felt the cool metal through my dress. Alexander’s eyes held mine, unblinking, like a predator watching its

prey.

“You should know,” I said, trying to sound casual while my heart hammered against my ribs, “I’ve got pepper spray in my purse. And I know how to use it.”

“I remember. You mentioned it in the car.”

“Just making sure we’re clear.”

“Crystal.” He took another step closer, until I could feel the heat radiating from his body. “Though I wonder why you feel the need to remind me.”

“Because you’re looking at me like I’m your next meal,” I said, my voice embarrassingly breathy.

“Maybe you are.”

Jesus fucking Christ. My pussy clenched so hard I nearly gasped. This man knew exactly what he was doing, and it was working. My nipples tightened against the thin fabric of my dress, and I prayed he wouldn’t notice.

The elevator continued its descent, each floor bringing us closer to the lobby. Twenty-nine… twenty-eight… twenty- seven… Why did this building have so many goddamn floors?

Alexander’s eyes never left mine. He didn’t speak or move, just watched me with an intensity that made my skin feel too tight. His gaze dropped to my lips, then lower, lingering on my breasts. I crossed my arms over my chest, which

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