Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Chapter 158

Nearly two weeks had passed since Keira’s confrontation with Alexei, and she had to admit, grudgingly, that he’d kept his word. The weekend texts had stopped. The middle of the night calls hadn’t happened again. When she left the office last Friday evening, he’d actually nodded and said, “Have a great weekend, Warner.”

It was… kind of unsettling.

She sat at her desk the following Monday morning, eyeing him through the glass wall of his office. He was on a call, nodding, occasionally making notes. She didn’t know if this was goin

to

ast

This new, boundary–respecting Alexei was throwing her off balance. She’d prepared for it to last a day maybe two. She had armed herself

quit if needed because he couldn’t respect her. with sharp remarks and withering looks. Ready

Instead, she got… compliance.

“Mark wants to know if Prince Alexei has approved the press release for the Wystovian Trade Summit,” Jen from Communications called as she walked past Keira’s desk.

“I’ll check,” Keira said, grateful for the distraction.

She grabbed her tablet and went to Alexei’s door, knocking as she entered.

He glanced up, ending his call. “Yes?”

“Mark needs the trade summit release. Did you approve it?”

“It’s in your inbox,” he replied, his eyes flicking back to his computer. “Sent it ten minutes ago.”

“Oh.” She hesitated, waiting for him to say something more, to tease her or smirk or make some comment.

He didn’t. He just kept working.

“Right. Thanks,” she said, turning to leave. This was so strange.

“Keira.”

She paused, hand on the doorknob.

“Don’t forget about the royal benefit gala on Friday. My father’s pet project. Very important. I need you there.”

She turned. “Me? Why would I need to attend?”

Alexei looked up, his expression neutral. “I need someone who understands diplomatic etiquette and won’t embarrass the royal family.”

“You have a list of suitable companions for these things.”

“Yes, well.” His mouth curved slightly, “Contrary to what you believe, my little black book isn’t overflowing with women who understand palace protocol.”

Keira crossed her arms. “So, I’m your… what? Stand–in? Because one of your Barbies would cause an international incident, like one of her boobs falling out of her too–tight dress.”

His eyes darkened. “You will be my assistant. Attending a formal function. As you’ve done before”

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Chapter 158

Cataloging the few formal dresses the owner. None seemed appropriate

pick you up at

dress myself. I

her, a flicker of something in his eyes before it vanished. “I will arrange something to be

place.”

you picking out

picking it out,” he interrupted. “I will arrange for

afternoon, the personal stylist that Alexei had arranged indeed came over a selection of dresses, all

a crimson, floor–length gown with a modest neckline but

left, she wasn’t so sure. “I don’t know about this. I mean, it’s modest from the front, scandal from behind,” she muttered to herself. She

Shit.

and headed out. The stylist had the hairdresser sweep her blonde hair into an elegant updo, with a few strategic tendrils framing her face. Diamond studs… on

looked… well, not like herself. She looked like someone who belonged on a prince’s arm. The thought made her stomach flip

she refused to analyze.

front of an old

heart began to race. Cameras flashed outside as guests arrived. This wasn’t her usual behind–the–scenes role. Tonight, she’d

visible.

breath and stepped out, immediately searching the

spotted him at the top of the entrance stairs, speaking with an older couple. Even from a distance, he commanded attention. His tuxedo was impeccably

turned and saw

as his expression shifted. His eyes widened slightly, his lips parting. For a brief moment,

stunned.

under his stare. She almost felt like

he said when she reached him, but

than expected,” she replied, smoothing down the crimson

the movement of her hands.

her neck. “Don’t

voice had dropped lower. “You clean up well,

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Chapter 158

you,” she admitted, because it would be absurd

approached, camera raised. “Your Highness? A

then offered his arm to Keira.

but placed her hand on his arm, very aware of the firm muscle beneath the fabric of his jacket. They turned toward the camera, and Keira forced her face into what she hoped was

“Smile,” the photographer instructed.

“Move your hand or I break it,” she whispered, her smile never faltering as Alexei’s palm settled against

back, dangerously close to territory it had no

moment, his breath warm against

expression crossed her face

Your Highness,” the photographer said, bowing slightly before he turned to move

photographer’s arm. “If you add any comments to your photos, can you let it be

date.”

“Sure, no problem,” he said, jotting that down in

before guiding her inside, his hand still resting on her back. “Ready to dazzle

that was

smile was all charm and danger.

she muttered, but allowed him

Keira’s face hurt from the effort, but she had to admit Alexei was in his element. He

the one who took his role seriously

moved away from a conversation with the Wystovian Minister