Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Chapter 89

“I still can’t believe we’re doing this,” Blair said, stepping out of the car in front of Bella’s Bridal Boutique. “The wedding is this weekend. Shouldn’t we have done this months ago?”

“Most people, yes,” Sutton agreed, carefully maneuvering her very pregnant form out of the car. “But most people don’t get engaged, catch an embezzler, confront a jealous ex–wife, expose a murderous uncle, and take over a family business all within the span of a few weeks.”

Keira jumped out from the back seat, grinning. “Yeah, Blair. Stop being such an overachiever. Some of us can barely manage to show up to work on time.”

“Speaking of which,” Blair said, eyeing her younger sister, “how did you get time off from His Royal Highness?”

Keira’s smile turned smug. “I may have implied there was a family emergency. Technically, not having a wedding dress a few days before your wedding qualifies.” She had arrived home this morning and Blair could see she was jetlagged.

“You’re terrible,” Blair laughed.

“I’m pragmatic,” Keira corrected. “Also, turns out the prince isn’t completely heartless. He actually told me to ‘take as much time as you need.‘ I almost fainted from shock.”

“Maybe he’s finally recognizing your value,” Sutton suggested as they approached the boutique’s elegant glass doors.

“Or maybe he’s realized I’m the only person who knows how to work the fancy coffee machine,” Keira replied. “Either way, I’m free for as long as he can put up with someone else making it.”

Blair felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. With everything happening so quickly, there had been precious little time for just the three of them together. This dress shopping expedition, however last–minute, was exactly what she needed.

The boutique’s interior was all soft cream and blush tones, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the intimate space. A slender woman in her fifties approached them, her smile practiced but genuine.

“Welcome to Bella’s. I’m Sophia. You must be Blair.” She extended her hand. “Roman called ahead. He said something special on short notice.”

you

needed

Blair shook her hand. “That’s right. Our wedding is Saturday.”

Sophia didn’t bat an eye at the tight timeline. “We specialize in miracles. Now, tell me what you’re envisioning.”

Keira snorted, saying under her breath… “Miracles my ass more like a big cheque from Roman.”

Before Blair could answer, the boutique’s door chimed. All four women turned to see who had entered.

Luca.

He stood awkwardly in the doorway, looking as surprised to see them as they were to see him.

“I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I didn’t realize… I was just dropping something off.” He held up a small package.

Blair glanced at Sutton, whose face had gone slightly pink. The tension between them was almost touchable, though Blair knew they’d been cautiously building some kind of relationship. For the baby’s sake, if nothing else.

“It’s fine,” Sutton said, her voice carefully neutral. “We’re just helping Blair find a wedding dress.”

Luca’s expression softened. “Of course. I’ll be quick.” He approached Sutton. “I wanted to see if you were ok?” His eyes dropped briefly to her stomach.

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Cyber10 knew yet that Sutton was pregnant with Luca’s baby. She wasn’t ready to go public.

replied. “Just tired. The

clearing her throat loudly. “So! Wedding dresses! Let’s

deeper into the boutique while Luca lingered near the

though he made no

it was clear her sister still had feelings for

you

said, “What are you doing?”

you sure? This

replied, which was true. Not that she

but had an unavoidable meeting, so she hadn’t had to tell him he wasn’t allowed. “And since you’re his best friend,

Sutton,

hesitation, Sutton nodded. “It’s fine.

on Luca’s face

professional, simply adjusted her plans. “Wonderful. Now, Blair, let’s talk silhouettes. What style

tried on dress after dress, each beautiful but not

comments when asked, but mostly watching her with an intensity that was impossible to miss. Sutton, for her part, seemed both uncomfortable. Blair didn’t know if she had done. the right thing, but they needed to work on some sort

Sutton during a moment when she was

enjoying the new programming role. Thank you

to the programming department at Cyber10. Blair knew her sister had been hesitant to accept, wary of looking like she was receiving special treatment, but the opportunity was too good

simply. “The

blushed. “They’re being

honest.” Luca’s voice was soft, but insistent. “You have

conversation was interrupted when Blair emerged in what felt like the hundredth dress of the day. Blair was a

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Chapter 89

over it by now.

one was different, though–a sleek, elegant design with delicate lace overlay

Keira breathed. “That’s

her eyes suddenly misty. “Blair, you

catch. The dress was perfect… sophisticated without being ostentacions. romantic without being overly fussy. It hugged her curves in

Sophia asked,

swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. “I think this

mind,” Keira declared. “In the

throat. “It’s perfect,

smiled at him through the

of you,” Blair said, smoothing the fabric. “I can’t believe we actually found

with a wink. “Now,

you on

her regular clothes, Blair could hear Keira chatting animatedly

surprise, Sutton had joined the conversation too, her initial awkwardness giving way to

They weren’t exactly comfortable with each other yet, but there was progress a willingness to try that hadn’t been there before. Luca must feel a little apprehensive to

should get back to work,” Luca said as they exited the boutique. “But