Chapter 9 First Day as Mrs. Sterling

I slowly blinked awake, my mind foggy and disoriented. The mattress beneath me felt impossibly plush, the sheets silky against my skin. I stretched lazily, enjoying the comfort of what had to be the largest bed I'd ever slept in. Without opening my eyes fully, I ran my hand over the smooth sheets, savoring this half-conscious state of bliss.

"Awake at last?" a deep voice came from the doorway.

My eyes snapped open. Alexander stood leaning against the doorframe, impeccably dressed in a charcoal gray suit, coffee mug in hand. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his expression was somewhere between amused and predatory.

Reality hit me like a bucket of ice water.

I'm married. This is Alexander's mansion. His bedroom.

I glanced down at myself in panic and discovered I was wearing nothing but a thin silk nightgown with spaghetti straps. I frantically lifted the covers for a quick inspection. Jesus Christ, I'm not wearing anything underneath! My heart hammered against my ribs as fragments of last night filtered back—the drinking contest, Alexander carrying me to the car, my hands wandering over his chest...

I looked back at Alexander, then down at myself again, my brain racing. What happened last night? Did we...? Who changed my clothes? I ran my fingers anxiously through my tangled blonde hair, trying desperately to remember.

Alexander walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, his weight making the mattress dip slightly. The subtle scent of his cologne—something expensive and masculine—filled my senses.

"Don't worry," he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "I just carried you home and changed your clothes." He paused, his eyes darkening slightly as they traced over my face, down to my collarbone, then back up. "And seeing your beautiful back... well, any man would find it hard to resist."

He hesitated, watching my face turn scarlet, then added with a wicked smile, "But I didn't touch you. I'll wait until you come to me asking for it."

"You!" I lunged forward with an angry fist aimed at his chest, mortification and relief battling inside me.

He caught my wrist effortlessly, his grip firm but gentle. His thumb brushed lightly over my pulse point, sending an unwelcome shiver up my arm. "Breakfast is ready downstairs."

Mortified, I dove back under the covers, pulling them over my head. Alexander chuckled, then without warning, scooped me up—blanket and all—and started carrying me downstairs.

"Put me down!" I protested, my voice muffled through the blanket. "I can walk! This is ridiculous!"

"No," he replied simply. "You might run away. Besides, I like how you feel in my arms."

In the dining room, he deposited me in the chair next to his. A beautifully arranged breakfast was already waiting: fresh fruit, eggs, toast, and orange juice. I peeked out from my blanket cocoon and began poking at the food with my fork.

"Did I... do anything last night?" I asked hesitantly, not meeting his eyes. "Like, anything embarrassing?"

"Not much," Alexander said casually, taking a bite of toast. "Just expressed particular fondness for my body and face. Nearly broke my self-control." He watched me sink lower in embarrassment and added, "But I enjoyed it. You're quite affectionate when drunk."

I pulled the blanket back over my head, leaving only my arm exposed to continue eating breakfast in mortified silence.

"You should eat properly," Alexander said, pulling the blanket down enough to expose my face. "You'll need energy for your first day as Mrs. Sterling."

"Don't call me that," I muttered, but took a proper bite of the perfectly cooked eggs. They were delicious, which annoyed me further.

An hour later, freshly showered and dressed in clothes Alexander had provided—a tasteful, perfectly fitted suit—I sat beside him in his luxury car heading to Sterling Group headquarters. The gleaming skyscraper towered over Manhattan, its glass exterior reflecting the morning sun.

"Your company looks like a giant mirror," I commented, trying to break the tension.

"Makes our competitors reflect on their failures," Alexander replied with unexpected humor.

We rode the private elevator directly to the top floor. Alexander's office was massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city. To my surprise, my desk was inside his office rather than in the reception area outside.

"Your workstation," he said, gesturing toward an elegant desk. "Let me know if you need anything."

I smirked, settling into the plush leather chair and immediately turning on the sleek computer. "I'm good. Got everything I need right here," I said, quickly navigating to Netflix on the browser.

"Of course you do," he replied with a knowing smile.

Alexander immersed himself in work immediately, while I settled at my desk, watching Netflix on the computer. For hours, I lost myself in episode after episode, occasionally glancing up to find Alexander looking at me. His gaze would quickly return to his documents, but not before I caught the hint of a smile on his lips.

When lunchtime arrived, he finally spoke. "Aren't your eyes tired? Take a break. I'll take you to lunch."

"Aren't your eyes tired?" I countered, having noticed his frequent glances in my direction.

He smiled, unembrrassed. "Looking at you is my break."

The company cafeteria was more like a high-end restaurant, with crystal chandeliers and waitstaff in formal attire. The moment we walked in, conversation died, and all eyes turned to us. Alexander, apparently accustomed to the attention, led me to a central table as if we were royalty entering a ball.

When the food arrived, I took a bite and couldn't suppress my delight. "This is amazing!"

"The head chef used to work at the Four Seasons," Alexander explained, watching my reaction with satisfaction. "I hired him away to be my personal chef."

Around us, employees had begun whispering:

"That's the North girl, isn't it? She's working here as his secretary?"

"Are they dating?"

"I heard she has a terrible temper. Better stay clear..."

"I can hear you," I called out, making several people choke on their food.

The room fell silent again. Bill stood up and announced to the room: "Anyone caught gossiping will pay for their own meals for the next six months."

After lunch, Alexander suggested showing me around the company. I hesitated.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," I said quietly. "If our relationship becomes public, the gossip might hurt your reputation. My name isn't exactly associated with good behavior..."

Alexander stopped walking and turned to face me, his expression suddenly serious. "Emma, listen to me." His voice dropped lower, intense and firm. "I married you, and I take full responsibility for that decision. You don't need to worry about protecting me. My name and position are meant to shield you, not the other way around. No one dares to challenge me, and no one can touch me."

His voice was low and resolute, leaving me momentarily speechless. Something warm and unfamiliar bloomed in my chest at his words. He reached over and pressed the elevator button, and the doors slid open smoothly.

"Come on," he said, his tone softening. "You've seen my office. Now let's show you the rest of the company."