Chapter 21

Olivia

I took another deep breath. "Yes. I accept your proposal."

"May I ask what changed your mind?"

"My father," I admitted. "He needs that heart surgery, and the waiting list for the affordable option is eighteen months long. The doctors don't think he has that long. With your money, I can get him into the best cardiac center in the country next month."

Alexander nodded, his expression serious. "Family is important. I respect your dedication to yours."

"It's not just the money," I added, needing him to understand. "My dad raised three kids. He worked two jobs to put food on the table but never complained, even when things were tight. He deserves better than dying on a waiting list because insurance won't cover the procedure he needs."

"You don't need to justify your decision to me, Olivia. We all have our reasons for the choices we make."

"What's yours?" I asked before I could stop myself. "Why go through all this trouble? Surely there are easier ways to keep control of your company."

A brief flash of vulnerability crossed his features, vanishing so swiftly I wondered if I had imagined it.

"My grandfather built Carter Enterprises from nothing. My father expanded it. Now it's my responsibility to expand and protect that legacy." His jaw tightened. "Victoria would dismantle it within a year, sell off the profitable divisions, and leave thousands unemployed."

"So this is about protecting jobs?"

"It's about honoring a legacy and preventing my cousin from destroying something that took generations to build."

I nodded, understanding the weight of responsibility he carried.

"I understand," I said softly. "And I... I want to thank you for selecting me. For the money, especially." My voice caught slightly. "You have no idea how much this helps me. My—"

"You don't need to thank me," Alexander interrupted, his expression softening. "This arrangement benefits us both."

"Still, there were other candidates. You didn't have to choose me."

"I chose the best option." His gaze was steady, unwavering. "You're intelligent, capable, and understand business. And there's..." He paused, his eyes darkening slightly. "Chemistry between us."

I felt heat creep up my neck. "Is that what you call it?"

"What would you call it?" His lips curved into a knowing smile.

I cleared my throat, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me flustered. "A business arrangement."

"With benefits," he added, his voice dropping to that dangerous octave that made my insides flutter.

"You're incorrigible."

"And you're blushing."

I rolled my eyes, trying to regain my composure. "So what happens now?"

"I'll have my lawyer prepare the final contract by this evening. Meet me at my office at 6 PM to review and sign."

"That's fast."

"I told you, I'm not a patient man." He leaned forward slightly. "After that, we'll need to go on several dates to establish our relationship publicly. Form a bond. We can't look awkward in front of my family. We need to convince people we're madly in love."

"Right. Madly in love." I couldn't keep the sarcasm from my voice.

"The marriage can happen in a few weeks," he continued, ignoring my tone. "Or at least an engagement, depending on my parents' and grandfather's decisions. They'll want to be involved in the planning."

The reality of what I was agreeing to suddenly hit me full force. This wasn't just about signing a contract. I would be meeting his family, planning a wedding, saying vows in front of witnesses, living with this man, and sharing his bed.

"Okay," I said, my voice smaller than I intended.

Alexander studied me for a moment, then stood and walked towards me. He extended his hand to me. "Stand up."

"Why?"

"Just do it."

I hesitated, then placed my hand in his and rose to my feet. Before I could react, he pulled me into a hug. I stiffened in surprise, my breasts pressing against his hard chest. His expensive, masculine cologne made my head swim.

"Relax," he murmured against my hair. "We need to get comfortable with physical contact. My family is very affectionate."

Slowly, I let myself relax into his embrace. His body was warm and solid against mine, his arms strong around my waist. I tentatively placed my hands on his back, feeling the expensive fabric of his suit jacket and the firm muscles beneath.

"See? Not so terrible," he said, his breath tickling my ear.

"I guess not," I admitted, trying to ignore how my nipples had hardened against his chest. Could he feel them? The thought made me blush harder.

He pulled back slightly but kept his hands on my waist. "We'll need to practice more intimate touches before we appear in public."

"More intimate than hugging?"

His eyes darkened. "Much more intimate, Mrs. Carter."

The name sent an unexpected thrill through me. "I'm not Mrs. Carter yet."

"You will be soon." His thumb traced small circles on my hip. "My wife."

The way he said "wife" made my knees weak. There was possession in his tone, a dark promise that made my body respond in ways my mind wasn't ready to acknowledge.

"This is just business," I reminded him and myself.

"Of course." His smile was predatory. "Just business."

He released me, and I stepped back, trying to regain my equilibrium. My body felt too warm, too sensitive.

"6 PM," he said, his voice back to its professional tone. "Don't be late."

"I won't." I smoothed my skirt, needing something to do with my hands. "I'll see you then."

I walked out of his office, my heart pounding against my ribs. The door clicked shut behind me, and I exhaled a shaky breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

Alexander's secretary glanced up, her perfectly arched eyebrow rising slightly at whatever expression must have been on my face.

"Everything okay, Ms. Morgan?" she asked, her voice dripping with curiosity.

"Fine," I managed, smoothing my skirt again. "Just fine."

I made my way to the elevator, feeling like everyone in the executive suite could somehow read my thoughts. Could they tell I'd just agreed to a sham marriage with the CEO? That I'd be sharing his bed? That I'd essentially sold myself?