The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 285

Chapter 285

Olivia

“What are you thinking?” Alexander asked, his voice soft.

“Nothing important.” I forced a smile, looking up at him. “Just enjoying the view?

“Liar.” But he didn’t press, just held me tighter.

The intimacy of the moment hit me unexpectedly. This wasn’t about sex or desire or the physical chemistry that constantly simmered between us. This was just two people sitting together, sharing space and silence and the simple comfort of being near each other.

I glanced at Alexander, studying his profile as he looked out at the ocean. Strong jaw, straight nose, those dark eyes that missed nothing. Beautiful in a way that still caught me off guard sometimes.

And something else. Something that made my chest tighten with an emotion I wasn’t ready to name.

I wanted this to be real. Wanted these moments to mean something beyond the terms of our arrangement. Wanted to believe that when he looked at me, he saw more than just a solution to his inheritance problem.

The thought terrified me.

Our arrangement had clear boundaries, an expiration date built in from the start. Getting emotionally involved was never part of the deal. But as Alexander turned to smile at me, his eyes warm and genuine, I knew with startling clarity that it was too late.

I’d already fallen.

The realization hit like a physical blow, stealing my breath. I loved him. Actually, genuinely loved this complicated, demanding, infuriating man who’d bought his way into my life.

Fuck.

I swallowed hard, forcing down the confession threatening to spill out. This wasn’t the time. Might never be the time.

“You okay?” Alexander asked, noticing my expression.

“Fine.” I manufactured a smile. “Just thinking about how much paperwork is waiting for me back in LA.

“Always the professional.” He tugged me closer. “Can’t even enjoy a tropical island without thinking about work.”

“Says the man who checked his email three times this morning.”

“Touché.”

The moment passed, but the feeling remained, lodged firmly in my chest where I couldn’t ignore it. I loved Alexander Carter, and I had no idea what to do about it.

“Come on,” Alexander said, standing and offering his hand. “There’s more trail to explore before it gets too late.”

I took his hand, letting him pull me up. We continued along the path, the canopy growing denser overhead. Sunlight filtered through in scattered beams, painting everything gold.

“Look,” Alexander pointed upward. “Green parrot. Native to the island.”

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Chapter 285

I followed his gesture, spotting a brilliant green bird perched on a high branch. “It’s beautiful.”

“Cayman parrots. Endangered species. There’s a preservation program trying to protect them.”

How do you know that?”

He kept walking, pulling me along behind him. “Research. Before we came here.”

I studied his profile, the strong line of his jaw, the way his hair had gotten slightly messy from our activities. “You researched the local wildlife?”

“Wanted to know what we might see.” He glanced back at me, almost sheepish. “Thought you’d enjoy it.”

My chest ached at the admission. He’d planned this. Put thought into what I might like, what would make me happy. Not just throwing money at expensive hotels and fancy dinners, but actually considering what would matter to me.

“That’s surprisingly thoughtful,” I managed.

“Don’t sound so shocked.” He squeezed my hand. “I pay attention.”

We rounded a bend in the trail and encountered a small clearing where butterflies danced among wildflowers. Dozens of them, wings in shades of orange, yellow, and blue.

“Oh my god,” I breathed, stopping to watch them.

Alexander moved behind me, his arms sliding around my waist. “There’s a butterfly reserve on the other side of the island. We could visit tomorrow if you want.”

“After your meeting?”

“After.” His lips found my neck. “Or we could skip the meeting entirely.”

“You can’t skip a business meeting.”

“Watch me.” He turned me in his arms. “I’d rather spend the day with you.”

“Liar. You live for business meetings.”

“Used to. Things change.”

We continued along the trail.

“That’s mahogany,” he said, gesturing to a massive tree. “Takes decades to grow that big. Used to be heavily logged, but there are protections now.”

“Secret nature enthusiast,” I teased. “Who knew?”

“Not secret. Just don’t advertise it.” He pulled me around a bend in the path. “There’s a grotto up ahead. You’ll want to see this.”

The trail opened suddenly into a small clearing where water trickled down moss covered rocks into a crystal clear pool. Ferns grew thick around the edges, and sunlight filtered through the canopy in scattered beams.

“Holy shit,” I breathed.

“Natural spring water. Completely safe to swim in.”

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Chapter 285

I moved closer to the pool, kneeling at the edge to trail my fingers through the water. Cold. Refreshing. Perfect after the humid hike.

“Can we swim?” I asked, looking back at him.

“That’s why I brought you here.” He pulled his shirt over his head in one smooth motion, tossing it aside. “Get naked.”

“We don’t have swimsuits.”

“Don’t need them. Nobody around for miles.” He unbuttoned his hiking pants, shoving them down along with his underwear.

My mouth went dry at the sight of him completely naked, his cock already half hard.

“Stop staring and start stripping,” he ordered.

I stood slowly, pulling my tank top over my head. The sports bra came next, then my shorts and underwear. The humid air felt strange against my bare skin.

Alexander’s eyes traveled slowly down my body, lingering on my breasts, my hips, the junction of my thighs.

“Beautiful,” he murmured, moving closer. His hands found my waist, thumbs stroking my hipbones. “Every fucking time I look at you.”

He kissed me hard, backing me toward the pool. My heel hit the edge, and I gasped, but his arms tightened around me.

“Trust me,” he said against my mouth.

Then he stepped backward, pulling us both into the water.

The cold hit like a shock, making me yelp. But Alexander held me tight, his warmth offsetting the chill.

“You bastard,” I gasped, wrapping my legs around his waist. “Could’ve warned me.”

“More fun this way.” His hands gripped my ass, holding me in place. “You’ll adjust.”

He was right. Within seconds, my body adapted to the temperature. The water felt refreshing against my overheated skin.

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