Beneath Her Bastard Boss

hapter 90

“Breathe, Blair. You look like you’re about to pass out,” Sutton said, adjusting the delicate veil in Blair’s hair.

“I’m fine,” Blair insisted, though her heart was racing. “Just… processing.”

Keira snorted, carefully touching up Blair’s makeup. “Processing that in exactly thirty–seven minutes, you’re going to be Mrs. Roman Kingston?”

“When you say it like that, it sounds so… real,” Blair whispered.

“That’s because it is real,” Sutton laughed softly. “After everything you’ve been through to get here, I’d hope so.”

Blair glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her dress was perfect. The hairdresser had styled her hair in loose waves.

Inside, though, she felt anything but calm. Not because she was having doubts… she had never been more certain of anything in her life, but because the moment felt so monumental.

“Mom and Dad would be so proud,” Keira said softly, as if reading her thoughts. “Of all of us, but especially you today.”

Blair felt tears threatening and blinked rapidly. “Don’t make me cry. My makeup will run.”

“No, it won’t,” Keira assured her. “I used the industrial–strength waterproof stuff. You could swim the English Channel and still look flawless.”

A knock at the door interrupted them. Eleanor Kingston peeked in, looking elegant in a pale blue dress. “How’s our bride doing?”

“Just having a minor existential crisis,” Keira replied cheerfully. “Nothing to worry about.”

“Perfectly normal,” Eleanor said, stepping into the room. “I nearly threw up right before walking down the aisle to James.”

“That’s… not as reassuring as you might think,” Blair said weakly.

Eleanor laughed, coming to stand beside her. “What I’m trying to say is that nerves are natural. But Blair, I’ve never seen my son happier than he’s been with you. You two belong together.”

Blair smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Eleanor.”

“I have something for you,” Roman’s mother continued, pulling a small velvet box from her clutch. “A tradition in the Kingston family. Something borrowed.”

She opened the box to reveal a stunning sapphire and diamond bracelet. “I wore this on my wedding day, and Roman’s grandmother wore it before me.”

“It’s beautiful,” Blair breathed as Eleanor fastened it around her wrist.

“And,” Eleanor added, “Rose wanted me to give you this.” She produced a small blue garter. “Something blue, obviously.”

Keira grinned. “I’ve got the something old covered.” She handed Blair a small locket. “It was Mom’s. Sutton and I thought you should have it today.”

Blair’s fingers trembled as she took the familiar locket. “I remember this. She wore it all the time.”

“There’s a new picture inside,” Sutton said softly.

Blair opened it to find a tiny photograph of her parents on one side and a small picture of her with her sisters on the other. This time, she couldn’t stop the tears.

1/4

16:23 Wed, 18

91%

(+28)

Chapter 90

Blair’s eye.

and this time it was James Kingston who entered. “Ladies, it’s almost time.” He stopped when he saw

said, taking a deep breath

her with a chuckle. “I’ve never seen him so

picturing Roman–normally so composed–pacing anxiously at the altar. “That’s

I’m not your father, and I would never presume to take his place. But if you’d allow me, I’d be honored to walk you down

“I’d

son waiting any longer. He might wear a hole in the

like something from a fairy tale, with soft lighting, delicate flowers, and only their closest friends and family in attendance. Just as

the location, but the church

Ready?” James whispered.

“Ready,” she confirmed.

for her, every nervous thought vanished. He stood tall and handsome in his tuxedo, but it was his expression that caught her heart. The naked adoration in his eyes,

grounding her as she moved toward her. future. When they reached the altar, James kissed her cheek before placing her

then stepped back and taking his

tightened around hers.

are you,” she replied,

written themselves, of the cool slide of the wedding band onto her

pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister announced. “You

possessive, a perfect reflection of the man himself. The small gathering erupted in applause, but Blair barely

he murmured against

Kingston,” she returned with

away tears while trying to

2/4

16.23 wed,

Chapter 90

O

91%

28)

an enthusiastic

hadn’t had a bride’s maid or best man. Blair

elegant affair in the beautifully landscaped gardens. As Blair and Roman moved among their guests,

a moment alone near the fountain, “a year ago, if someone had told me

told me I’d marry my arrogant, demanding boss, I would have checked them for a

offense. “I prefer

corrected with a

close.

into him. “I love

love you, Blair Kingston,” he replied, his voice deepening with

but your first dance is supposed to

no,” Roman groaned. “Last time she DJ’d, she played the

his hand. “We better