Olivia

    After Victoria’s unexpected visit, Alexander and I continued the tour of the estate. By the time we reached the massive garage housing his collection of luxury vehicles, I was mentally exhausted from trying to memorize theyout of my new home.

    “Jesus Christ,” I muttered as Alexander flipped on the lights, revealing a gleaming row of cars that would make any collector weep. “This is obscene.”

    Alexander grinned, clearly pleased by my reaction. “Which one’s your favorite?”

    I walked slowly along the line, passing a Ferrari, two Bentleys, the Aston Martin we’d arrived in, and several other vehicles I couldn’t even name. “I don’t know anything about cars except that these probably cost more than my entire education.”

    “True,” he conceded. “But you must have a preference.”

    I stopped in front of a sleek silver Porsche. “This one’s pretty.”

    “The 911 Turbo S,” Alexander nodded approvingly. “Good choice. Want to drive it sometime?”

    Iughed. “I’m afraid I’d crash it and end up owing you for the rest of my life.”

    “You’re already stuck with me now,” he pointed out, moving closer. “Might as well enjoy the perks.”

    There was something in his tone that made my skin prickle with awareness. I took a stop bar should probably head to my apartment soon. I want to get started on packing.”

    eding some distance

    Alexander checked his watch. “You’re right. We cane back to the estateter.” He led me toward he Aston Mar “Ready to go sort through your underwear drawer?”

    “You’re not touching my underwear drawer,” I informed him as he opened the passenger door for me.

    “We’ll see about that,” he replied with a wink, closing the door before I could retort.

    The drive to my apartment was mercifully quick.

    Alexander spent most of it on the phone, dealing with some work crisis that required his immediate attention. I used the time to gather my thoughts, still processing the whirlwind morning and Victoria’s unexpected appearance.

    When we arrived at my building, Alexander ended his call with a brisk “Handle it” to whoever was on the other end.

    “Everything okay?” I asked as we rode the elevator to my floor.

    “Just the usual corporate fires,” he said dismissively. “Nothing that can’t wait.” He ced his hand on my lower back as we exited the elevator, the casual touch sending a flicker of heat through me.

    My apartment felt smaller than ever after the sprawling Carter estate.

    Alexander followed me to the bedroom, his presence immediately making the space feel even smaller. He surveyed my cluttered dresser and the clothes spilling out of myundry basket with amusement.

    “Not quite as organized at home as you are at work,” he observed.

    “I’ve been busy,” I defended. “You know, getting married and all.”

    His eyes narrowed at my tone. “Having second thoughts?”

    15:10 Mon, 25 Aug Pp.

    Olivia

    44%

    After Victoria’s unexpected visit, Alexander and I continued the tour of the estate. By the time we reached the massive garage housing his collection of luxury vehicles, I was mentally exhausted from trying to memorize theyout of my new home.

    “Jesus Christ,” I muttered as Alexander flipped on the lights, revealing a gleaming row of cars that would make any collector weep. “This is obscene.”

    Alexander grinned, clearly pleased by my reaction. “Which one’s your favorite?”

    I walked slowly along the line, passing a Ferrari, two Bentleys, the Aston Martin we’d arrived in, and several other vehicles I couldn’t even name. “I don’t know anything about cars except that these probably cost more than my entire education..

    “True,” he conceded. “But you must have a preference.”

    I stopped in front of a sleek silver Porsche. “This one’s pretty.”

    “The 911 Turbo S,” Alexander nodded approvingly. “Good choice. Want ito /idrive it sometime?”

    Iughed. “I’m afraid I’d crash it and end up owing you for the rest of my life.”

    “You’re already stuck with me now,” he pointed out, moving closer. “Might as well enjoy the perks.”

    There was something in his tone that made my skin prickle with awareness. I took a s should probably head to my apartment soon. I want to get started on packing.”

    eding some distance

    Alexander checked his watch. “You’re right. We cane back to the estateter.” He led me to “Ready to go sort through your underwear drawer?”

    Aston M

    “You’re not touching my underwear drawer,” I informed him as he opened the passenger door for me.

    “We’ll see about that,” he replied with a wink, closing the door before I could retort.

    The drive to my apartment was mercifully quick.

    Alexander spent most of it on the phone, dealing with some work crisis that required his immediate attention. I used the time to gather my thoughts, still processing the whirlwind morning and Victoria’s unexpected appearance.

    When we arrived at my building, Alexander ended his call with a brisk “Handle it” to whoever was on the other end.

    “Everything okay?” I asked as we rode the elevator to my

    floor.

    “Just the usual corporate fires,” he said dismissively. “Nothing that can’t wait.” He ced his hand on my lower back as we exited the elevator, the casual touch sending a flicker of heat through me.

    My apartment felt smaller than ever after the sprawling Carter estate.

    Alexander followed me to the bedroom, his presence immediately making the space feel even smaller. He surveyed my cluttered dresser and the clothes spilling out of myundry basket with amusement.

    “Not quite as organized at home as you are at work,” he observed.

    “I’ve been busy,” I defended. “You know, getting married and all.”

    His eyes narrowed at my tone. “Having second thoughts?”

    44%

    “No,” I said quickly, “Just… it’s a lot to process.”

    Alexander nodded, his expression softening. “I know. But it will get easier. You’ll settle into the estate, into our routine.

    Our routine. The phrase conjured images of shared breakfasts, sleeping in the same bed, living as a couple.

    “Let’s just focus on packing,” I suggested, pulling a suitcase from under my bed. “Closet first, then dresser.

    Alexander rolled up his sleeves, revealing strong forearms. “Point me in the right direction.”

    We worked silently for a while, me sorting through clothes while Alexander folded and packed them with surprising efficiency.

    “Do you really need all these t–shirts?” he asked, holding up one with a faded band logo.

    “Yes,” I said firmly, snatching it from him. “That’s vintage.”

    “It has holes in it.”

    “That’s part of its charm.” I stuffed the shirt into the suitcase. “Not everything needs to be designer quality, you know.”

    “Your wardrobe, your rules.”

    We fell into a rhythm, asionallymenting on an item of clothing orughing at something ridiculous Id kept for sentimental reasons. It was almost normal. Until we reached my underwear drawer.

    “I’ll handle this,” I said quickly, stepping in front of the dresser as Alexander approach

    He smirked. “Afraid I’ll find something interesting?”

    “No,” I lied, feeling my cheeks heat. “Just seems unnecessary for you to pack my underwear.”

    “On the contrary,” Alexander moved closer, his chest almost touching my back. “I think it’s very necessary. After all, we are married now.”

    I turned to face him. “This is still my stuff. My private things.”

    “Nothing between us should be private,” he murmured, his eyes dropping to my lips. “I’ve seen you naked countless times now. You don’t need to hide anything from me.”

    I felt my resistance crumbling under his intense gaze. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m overreacting.”

    “Let me see.” He gently moved me aside and pulled open the drawer.

    His eyebrows shot up as he surveyed my collection of underwear. Most were practical cotton pieces in neutral colors, with a few nicer sets mixed in.

    “Jesus, Liv,” he said, lifting a beige bra with frayed edges. “How old is this thing?”

    “It’sfortable,” I defended, snatching it from his hands.

    Alexander rummaged further, pulling out a in white thong. “And this? It’s practically falling apart.”

    “It still works,” I muttered, feeling my cheeks heat.

    “Barely.” He continued sorting through the drawer, asionally making disapproving sounds. “You know, for someone who’s been wearing La Pe and Agent Provocateur when we go out, your everyday collection is…cking.”

    “I only bought those fancy sets recently.”

    15:10 Mon, 25 Aug PPb. /b

    “You need new everything. We’re packing these for now, but you’re getting apletely new wardrobe.”

    “I was nning to buy more after the wedding anyway,” I said.

    “I’ll buy them for you,” he replied without hesitation.

    “You don’t have to do that.”

    “I want to,” Alexander said firmly. “People will think I’m not taking care of my wife if you’re wearing these relics.”

    “I can buy my own underwear.”

    He stepped closer, his hand cupping my face. “Let me do this for you.”

    Something in his expression made my protest die in my throat. “Fine.”

    “Good girl,” he said, his thumb brushing my lower lip.

    I tried to ignore the flutter in my stomach at his praise. “Let’s just finish packing.”

    bAD /b

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