Semua Bab The CEO's Contractual Wife: Bab 171 - Bab 180

OliviaI pulled into O'Malley's parking lot, scanning for a spot amid the usual Friday night crowd. The neon sign buzzed overhead, casting a red glow across the cars. My phone buzzed with a text from Emilia: "Got us seats at the bar. Hurry before someone steals them!" I smiled, already feeling lighter at the prospect of drinks with my best friend. After the drama with Penelope and that horrible gossip article, I needed this night out. I found a spot near the back and pulled in, grabbing my purse from the passenger seat. The cool evening air hit my face as I stepped out. I locked the Porsche with a beep, still not quite used to driving such a luxury vehicle, and headed toward the entrance. "Liv?" I froze at the familiar voice behind me. Ryan. Perfect timing, as always. Turning, I found him standing a few feet away, hands shoved in his pockets. He looked exactly like he had the last time I'd seen him, slightly disheveled in that calculated way he thought made him look artistic.

OliviaI glanced between Alexander and James, feeling the tension crackling in the air despite their outwardly calm demeanors. Emilia shifted beside me, looking like she was thoroughly enjoying the drama unfolding. "I appreciate the assist," Alexander said, his hand still gently holding my wrist. "Not many would step in like that." "Please," James waved dismissively. "Ryan was being an ass. Someone needed to shut him down." He glanced at me with a hint of concern. "Are you sure you're alright? Those marks look painful." "I'll be fine," I assured him, resisting the urge to rub my wrist again. "Nothing some ice won't fix." Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly at James. "Well, we won't keep you from your evening. Thanks again." "Actually, I was just heading in for a drink myself," James said, gesturing toward O'Malley's entrance. "Flying solo tonight." "What a coincidence," Emilia chimed in. "We're having a girls' night. Or were, until these two showed up." She nudged me playfully.

AlexanderI stared at the financial reports on my desk, trying to focus. We'd signed several new clients this quarter, our stock was up thirteen percent, and the Thompson Hotels rebranding was going better than expected. All things that should have me in a great mood. But my mind kept drifting to Olivia, specifically to Olivia and James Westbrook. My phone rang, pulling me from my thoughts. Straightening in my chair, I reached for it. "Alexander Carter speaking." "Mr. Carter, it's Nathan Reeves from Hudson Development." The man's voice came through crisp and urgent. "I apologize for the short notice, but we need to move our meeting forward. We've just received another offer on the property." I checked my calendar. The meeting was scheduled for tomorrow. "I see. How urgent is this?" "Very. The other party is pressing for an immediate decision," Nathan explained. "If you could come to our offices in the next hour, we'd greatly appreciate it." Running through my schedule mentally

OliviaI stifled a yawn, staring at my computer screen while stretching my arms above my head. My back cracked in three distinct places as I twisted side to side. After hours of tweaking, our concept boards were polished to perfection. "And we're officially finished," I announced, saving the file one last time. Dylan pumped his fist in the air. "Thank god. I was starting to forget what sunlight looks like." Ava closed her laptop with a dramatic thud. "If I had to adjust that logo placement one more time, I might have thrown myself out the window." "Top floor," Marcus reminded her, gathering his sketches. "You'd definitely die. And then who would make our presentations look pretty?" "Someone less talented and twice as expensive," Ava replied, flashing a tired grin. I checked the time on my phone, 9:37 PM. We'd been at it for nearly fourteen hours straight. The team began gathering their belongings, moving with the slow, dazed movements of people who'd been staring at screens for

OliviaHis hand slid up to cup my breast through my blouse, thumb circling my nipple until it hardened beneath the fabric. I arched into his touch, my body responding to him with embarrassing eagerness. His mouth trailed a burning path of kisses along my collarbone, his lips lingering at the sensitive hollow of my throat where my pulse hammered wildly. "Do you know what I want to do to you right now?" he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "Show me," I challenged, surprising myself with my boldness. The corner of his mouth quirked up in that devastating half-smile that made my insides melt. "Not here. Not when I want to take my time with you." His cock pressed hard against me as he pulled me close for another searing kiss. I rolled my hips against him, drawing a groan from deep in his throat. "Keep that up, and I'll forget my good intentions," he warned. "Maybe that's what I want," I teased, biting his lower lip gently. "Careful what you wish for," he growled, pressing m