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

already mentally Cataloging the few formal dresses the owner. None seemed appropriate for

Cat will pick you up

“I know how to dress myself. I have been doing it since I was

something in his eyes before it vanished. “I will arrange

place.”

need you picking out clothes

he interrupted. “I will arrange for it to be

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

floor–length gown with a modest neckline but a nearly backless

of her apartment after the stylist had left, she wasn’t so sure. “I don’t know about this. I mean, it’s modest from the

Shit.

blonde hair into an elegant

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

she refused to analyze.

up in front of an old mansion

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

visible.

driver opened her door. She took a deep breath and stepped out, immediately searching the crowd for

with an older couple. Even from a distance, he commanded attention. His tuxedo was impeccably tailored, his posture

he turned and saw

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

stunned.

self–conscious under his stare. She almost felt like kicking

he said when she reached him, but there was

ride here took longer than expected,” she replied, smoothing

her hands. “It was worth

her neck. “Don’t

a fact.” His voice had dropped lower. “You

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Chapter 158

because it would be absurd to pretend otherwise. He looked

photographer approached, camera raised. “Your Highness? A photo for

then offered his arm to

very aware of the firm muscle beneath the fabric of his jacket. They turned toward the camera, and Keira

“Smile,” the photographer instructed.

gritted teeth. “Move your hand or I break it,”

close to territory it had

against her ear. “Put your claws away for one night

expression crossed her face

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

arm. “If you add any comments to your photos, can you

date.”

surprised. “Sure, no problem,” he

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

that was

smile was all charm and danger. “Don’t worry. Just stay

worked out so well in the past,” she

talk, and smiling non–stop. Keira’s face hurt from the effort, but she had to admit Alexei was in his element.

took

from a conversation with the Wystovian Minister of