Olivia

    “The shoes,” he said, moving to a shelf and selecting a pair of strappy heels that perfectly matched the dress.

    He knelt before me, the image so unexpectedly intimate it made my breath catch. He held out the first shoe, and I ced my hand on his shoulder as I lifted my foot. His fingers wrapped around my ankle, his thumb brushing across my skin as he

    slid the shoe on.

    “These fit perfectly, too,” I said as he repeated the process with the other foot.

    b“/bbI /bpay attention to details,” he replied, still kneeling. His position put his face level with my thighs, and I felt a rush of heat at the thought of him moving just a few inches closer, pushing the dress aside…

    He stood abruptly, breaking the moment. “Onest thing.”

    From a velvet box, he withdrew a delicate ne with a teardrop emerald pendant. “Turn around.”

    Again, I presented my back to him, lifting my hair. The cool metal settled against my skin, followed by the warmth of his fingers as he fastened the sp. They lingered at the nape of my neck, tracing small circles that sent shivers down my spine.

    “Perfect,” he murmured, his lips close to my ear.

    I turned to face him, finding him much closer than expected. Our bodies were nearly touching, the air between us charged with electricity.

    ‘Is this all for show?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “To impress your family?”

    His eyes darkened. “Partly.”

    ‘And the other part?”

    Instead of answering, he reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers grazing my cheek. “We should go. The car is waiting.”

    The ride to the Carter estate took nearly forty minutes, giving me time to gather my thoughts. Alexander briefed me on his family members, their rtionships, and potentialndmines to avoid.

    Victoria will try to trip you up,” he warned. “Don’t let her bait you.”

    ‘I can handle your cousin,” I assured him, more confident than I felt.

    The Carter mansion was exactly what I’d expected: imposing, elegant, and screaming old money. The circr driveway was lined with luxury vehicles, and the entrance was nked by stone columns.

    ‘Ready?” Alexander asked as the car stopped.

    I took a deep breath. “As I’ll ever be.”

    His hand found mine, squeezing gently. “You look incredible. They’ll love you.”

    “Or at least pretend to,” I muttered.

    Alexander’s lips twitched. “That’s the spirit.”

    He ced his hand at the small of my back, guiding me up the stone steps toward massive double doors that looked like they belonged in a castle. My stomach churned with nerves as a uniformed butler swung them open before we even reached the top step.

    “Mr. Carter,” the elderly man greeted with a slight bow. “And thedy. Wee.”

    “Thank you, Jenkins,” Alexander replied smoothly. “Is everyone here?”

    “Yes, sir. The family has gathered in the east drawing room for pre–dinner drinks.”

    Alexander’s hand pressed a little more firmly against my back. “Ready?” he murmured.

    “As I’ll ever be,” I whispered back, stering on my best professional smile.

    The foyer was cavernous, with gleaming marble floors and a chandelier that probably cost more than my annual sry. Family portraits lined the walls, generations of Carters staring down at me with the same piercing eyes Alexander possessed.

    “Stop looking like you’re walking to your execution,” Alexander whispered, his lips brushing my ear.

    “I’m not,” I hissed back.

    “Your smile looks like it’s been painted on by a deranged clown.”

    I rxed my face. “Better?”

    “Much.” He slipped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. “Remember, we’re madly in love.”

    “Hard to forget with your hand practically on my ass,” I muttered.

    “Just ying my part, darling.”

    We paused outsiderge double doors, from which I could hear the murmur of voices and the clink of sses.

    “Onest thing,” Alexander said, turning to face me. “Victoria will try to bait you. Don’t let her.”

    “You’ve mentioned that. Twice.”

    “Because it’s important.” His eyes searched mine. “She wants thepany, and she’ll use any means to get it.”

    “Including sending her friends to harass me at bars?”

    Alexander’s jaw tightened. “Exactly.”

    Before I could respond, he pushed open the doors, and suddenly all eyes were on us.

    The room fell silent as we entered, filled with impably dressed individuals holding crystal sses of amber liquid. A massive firece dominated one wall, while floor–to–ceiling windows showcased manicured gardens on the other.

    “Alexander,” a regal–looking woman with silver hair, rose from her seat. “You’rete.”

    “Apologiesi, /iGrandmother,” Alexander replied, guiding me forward. “Traffic was terrible.”

    The woman’s sharp eyes assessed me from head to toe. “And this must be Olivia.”

    “Yes,” Alexander smiled, his arm tightening around my waist. “Olivia Morgan, my girlfriend. Olivia, this is my grandmother, Margaret Carter.”

    Chapter

    I extended my hand, praying it wasn’t visibly shaking. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Carter.”

    Instead of taking my hand, Margaret stepped forward and kissed my cheek. “Margaret, please. Mrs. Carter makes me sound

    ancient.”

    From a wheelchair near the firece, an elderly man cleared his throat. “Bring her here, boy. Let me see this young woman who’s captured your interest.”

    Alexander guided me toward the wheelchair. “Grandfather, this is Olivia Morgan. Olivia, my grandfather, Harold Carter.”

    Harold Carter’s handshake was surprisingly strong for a man his age. His eyes, though clouded with age, were sharp and

    assessing.

    “So you’re the one,” he said, not releasing my hand. “The woman who’s going to marry my grandson.”

    My heart stopped. “I—”

    We haven’t discussed marriage yet, Grandfather,” Alexander cut in smoothly. “We’re taking things one day at a time.”

    Harold harrumphed. “At my age, there’s no time for ‘one day at a time. You either know or you don’t.”

    A sleek woman with dark hair cut in an expensive bob stepped forward, champagne flute in hand. “Don’t overwhelm the poor girl, Grandfather. She’s only just arrived.” She turned to me with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Victoria ckwood. Alexander’s cousin.”

    So this was Victoria. The woman who stood to inherit everything if Alexander failed to marry. Up close, she was

    intimidatingly perfect: not a hair out of ce, a designer dress hugging her slim figure, diamond earrings catching the light.