bChapter /b89

    Olivia

    “Nick once convinced Ethan that our neighbor’s cat could talk,” I said,ughing at the memory. “Ethan spent weeks trying to get that poor cat to say something.”

    “Did he eventually figure it out?”

    “Only after Nick recorded himself making cat noises and yed it when Ethan wasn’t looking.” I smiled at the memory. “Ethan chased him around the block with a water gun.”

    Alexander’s smile was rxed, a stark contrast to his usual controlled expression at the office. “You clearly love your family.”

    “I do,” I admitted. “They drive me crazy, but they’re everything to me.”

    “That’s why you agreed to this arrangement,” he said quietly. “For them.”

    I met his gaze. “Yes,”

    He nodded, understanding in his eyes. “Family isplicated.”

    Speaking ofplicated,” I said, seizing the opportunity, “your cousin Victoria seemed less than thrilled at our wedding.”

    Alexander’s expression darkened. “Victoria has always wanted what isn’t hers. She thinks she deserves to run Carter Enterprises.”

    And you don’t think she does?”

    Victoria is brilliant,” he acknowledged. “But she puts profit above everything else, including people. She would gut thepany of its soul to increase the bottom line.”

    And you wouldn’t?”

    His eyes met mine. “I believe in bnce. Profit matters, but so do the people who make it possible.”

    I was saved from responding by the pilot’s voice announcing our descent. Alexander fastened his seatbelt and gazed out the window.

    “Wee to Paradise Ind, Mrs. Carter.”

    The ind materialized below us, a lush green jewel surrounded by turquoise waters. Even in the darkness, illuminated only by the moon and the ne’s lights, it was breathtaking.

    Wended on a private airstrip where a sleek Range Rover waited. Alexander loaded our bags while I stepped out into the warm, fragrant night air. The scent of tropical flowers and salt water filled my lungs.

    “This way,” Alexander saidi, /iopening the passenger door for me.

    We drove along a winding road through dense tropical foliage, the headlights cutting through the darkness. After about ten minutes, the trees gave way ito /ireveal a stunning modern mansion perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

    “Holy shit,” I breathed, taking in the sprawling structure with its floor–to–ceiling windows and multiple terraced levels.

    “Home sweet home,” Alexander said with a hint of amusement.

    pm

    As we approached, lights automatically illuminated our path. Alexander parked in front of the main entrance, a massive door nked by tropical nts and softly glowingnterns.

    “The staff has been instructed to make themselves scarce,” he exined as he unlocked the door. “They’ll maintain the property, prepare meals, and clean, but otherwise, we’ll haveplete privacy.”

    The interior of the house was even more impressive than the exterior. A soaring entryway opened to a great room with panoramic ocean views, modern furnishings in creams and blues, and a statement chandelier that looked like cascading ss bubbles.

    “Your grandfather has good taste,” I remarked, running my hand along a custom marble countertop in the kitchen.

    “My mother designed most of it,” Alexander corrected. “She has a passion for architecture and interior design.”

    “It’s beautiful,” I admitted.

    “Come on,” he said, picking up our bags. “I’ll show you to our room.”

    Our room. The phrase sent a flutter through my stomach as I followed him up a floating staircase to the second level.

    The master suite featured a king–sized bed facing floor–to–ceiling windows, promising stunning ocean views by day. A sitting area with plush chairs upied one corner, while a workspace with a sleek desk filled another. Double doors led to a bathroom that looked more like a luxury spa.

    “This bis/b…” I trailed off, words failing me.

    Will it do?” Alexander asked, setting our bags down.

    I think I can make do with the private paradise mansion, yes.”

    Good. The closet is through there.” He pointed to another door. “I had the staff unpack some essentials, but your bags are here if you need anything specific.”

    nodded, suddenly aware of how tired I was. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions and events, from bing Mrs. Carter to flying halfway across the world.

    ‘I think I’ll take a shower,” I said, needing a moment alone to process everything.

    Of course. Make yourself at home.”

    The bathroom was a marvel of marble and ss, with a rainfall shower big enough for four people and a freestanding tub positioned to take advantage of the ocean view. I stripped off my travel clothes and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash away the day’s tension.

    As Ithered my hair with what smelled like obscenely expensive shampoo, reality finally hit me: I was married. To Alexander Carter. My boss. The man who had propositioned me with a business arrangement that included sex as a non- negotiable term.

    And now we were alone on a private ind, about to share a bed.

    “Get it together, Olivia,” I muttered as I rinsed my hair. “This is just business. Complicated, potentially naked business.”

    After my shower, I wrapped myself in a plush towel and padded to the closet, curious about these “essentials” Alexander mentioned. Inside, I found an assortment of designer clothes, from casual beachwear to elegant evening attire, all in my size. Among them was a sleepwear section, including silk nightgowns and pajama bsets/b.

    I selected a modest silk camisole and shorts set in deep blue, ignoring the more revealing options. After changing, I gathered

    my courage and exited the bathroom.

    Alexander bwas /bsitting on the edge of the bed in just his pajama bottoms, his chest bare and muscled. He looked up as bI /bentered, his eyes darkening as they swept over me.

    “Feel better?”

    “Much,” I replied, trying not to stare at his torso. The man was built like a Greek god, with all defined muscles and smooth skin. “Your turn.”

    He nodded and disappeared into the bathroom. I heard the shower start as I climbed into bed, pulling the cool sheets up to my chin like armor.

    When Alexander emerged fifteen minutester, his hair was damp and tousled, his pajama bottoms sitting low on his hips. He moved to the opposite side of the bed and slid under the covers, keeping a respectful distance between us.

    “We should get some sleep,” he said, reaching for the bedsidemp. “Jetg will hit hard tomorrow.”

    “Right,” I agreed, grateful for the darkness that hid my flushed face. “Goodnight, Alexander.”

    “Goodnight, Olivia.”