bChapter /bb111 /b

    Olivia

    “Like keeping your husband satisfied.” His hand slid down to squeeze my ass, making me yelp.

    “Is that all I’m good for?” I asked, trying to sound offended despite the smile tugging at my lips.

    “Not at all.” His voice softened unexpectedly. “You’re brilliant at your job.”

    Thepliment caught me off guard. “Oh. Thank you.”

    An awkward silence fell between us, broken only by the distant sound of helicopter des.

    “Looks like our ride is here,” Alexander said, standing and offering me his hand.

    The flight back to the house was quiet, and both of us were lost in our own thoughts. As the helicopter descended toward thending pad, I couldn’t help but wonder what awaited us back in LA. How would our dynamic change once we were no longer in this ind paradise?

    Jackson executed a perfectnding, the rotors slowing as we touched down. Alexander helped me out, his hand lingering on my lower back as we ducked beneath the still–spinning des.

    “How long until we leave?” I asked as we walked toward the house.

    “Jet’s scheduled for nine tomorrow morning,” Alexander replied. “We should be back in LA by afternoon.”

    Inside the mansion, Miguel greeted us with fresh lemonade. “Did you enjoy the mountain, Mrs. Carter?”

    I felt my face flush, remembering exactly how much I’d “enjoyed” the mountain. “It was breathtaking.”

    Alexander smirked. “She particrly liked the view from Lover’s Leap.”

    I shot him a look that promised retributionter.

    “I’ve started packing your belongings,” Miguel informed us. “And I’ve prepared a light dinner for whenever you’re hungry.”

    “Thank you, Miguel,” Alexander said. “We’ll eat in an hour or so.”

    Once Miguel had disappeared, I turned to Alexander. “I should start packing too.”

    “Or,” he said, stepping closer, “we could make the most of ourst night in paradise.”

    His hands settled on my hips, drawing me against him. I could feel his erection already pressing against my stomach.

    “Again? Seriously? We just got back ifrom /ifucking on a mountain.”

    He shrugged, unrepentant. “What can I say? You bring out the beast in me.”

    “The beast needs to rest,” Iughed, pushing him away. “I’m going to shower.”

    “Need help washing your back?” he called after me.

    “I think I can manage!”

    The hot shower was exactly what my sore muscles needed. As I washed away the sweat and remnants of our mountaintop activities, I found myself smiling at the memory, Who would have thought I’d end up having sex on top of a mountain with Alexander Carter?

    When I emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a fluffy robe, Alexander was sprawled on the bed, phone in hand.

    27 Thu, b21 /bAug

    “Everything okay?” I asked, noticing his furrowed brow.

    “Just work stuff.” He set the phone aside. “Nothing that can’t wait until we’re back.”

    I moved to the closet, searching for somethingfortable to wear for dinner. Alexander watched me from the bed.

    “What?” I asked, feeling self–conscious under his gaze.

    “Just thinking about how beautiful you

    are”

    I rolled my eyes. “Save the lines for when we’re back in LA.”

    “Not a line,” he said, his voice surprisingly sincere. “Just an observation.”

    Ourst dinner on the ind was a subdued affair. We ate on the terrace, watching the sunset paint the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks.

    “Your stuff should be moved to the estate by Thursday,” Alexander said between bites of grilled fish. “I’ve arranged for a professional service to handle

    it.”

    “I still think I should pack my own things.”

    “Why? So you can obsess over every little item? It’s more efficient this way.”

    I sighed. “Fine. But I want to be there when they pack my personal items.”

    “Define ‘personal.“”

    “My underwear drawer, for starters.”

    Alexander grinned. “What, afraid the movers might find your vibrator collection?”

    I nearly choked on my wine. “I don’t have a vibrator collection!”

    “Shame,” he said, eyes twinkling. “We could have had fun with that.”

    I took another sip of wine to hide my smile. “You can always buy some if you’re so interested.”

    Alexander leaned forward, his eyes darkening with interest. “I like that idea. Very much.”

    “I bet you do.” I twirled my wine ss between my fingers. “Let me guess, you’ve got a whole collection back in your penthouse?”

    “Maybe I do.” His voice dropped an octave. “Maybe I don’t. Wouldn’t you like to find out?”

    I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “You’re impossible.”

    “iAnd /iyou’re blushing.” Alexander reached across the table, his finger tracing a line from my wrist to my elbow. “What kind would you like me to buy for you? Something small and discreet? Or something that would make you scream my name?”

    “Jesus, Alex!” I nced around, but Miguel was nowhere in sight.

    “That’s not an answer.” His smile was predatory. “want details. Sizeb. /bColor. Vibration settingsb./bb” /b

    I leaned in, deciding two could y this game. “Surprise me. But make sure bit’s /bwaterproof.”

    Alexander’s eyes widened slightly before his lips curved into a wicked grin. “nning to have fun in the showerb?/bb” /b

    “Or the pool. Or the hot tub.” I shrugged nonchntly. “I like options.”

    “Fuck,” he muttered, shifting in his seat. “You’re killing me.”

    b2/3 /b

    10:27 THU, 21 AUD 17

    “Poor baby. Need some relief?” I batted my eyshes innocently.

    Alexander’s response was cut off by Miguel entering with dessert. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect- or more frustrating, judging by the fook on Alexander’s face.

    After dinner, we retreated to the bedroom to finish packing. I folded my clothes carefully while Alexander made business calls. The domesticity of the scene struck me as oddlyfortable.

    “Private jet leaves at nine,” Alexander reminded me, hanging up his phone.

    “Got it.“! zipped my suitcase closed. “All packed.”

    Alexander approached from behind, his arms wrapping around my waist. “Sure, you don’t want to try out the hot tub one more time?”

    “We have an early morning,” I protested weakly as his lips found my neck.

    “It’s ourst night in paradise,” he murmured against my skin. “Let’s make it memorable.”

    biAD /i/b

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