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”

1/4

Chapter 158

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

up

know how to dress myself. I have been doing

you have.” His gaze swept over her, a flicker of something in his eyes before it vanished. “I will arrange something to be sent to

place.”

you picking out clothes

he interrupted. “I

had arranged indeed came over a selection of

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

sure. “I don’t know about this. I mean, it’s modest from the front, scandal from behind,” she muttered to herself. She was tossing up if she should change when

Shit.

sweep her blonde hair into

looked like someone who belonged on a prince’s arm.

she refused to analyze.

the car pulled up in front of

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

visible.

She took a deep breath and stepped out, immediately searching

a distance, he commanded attention. His tuxedo was impeccably tailored,

he turned and

widened slightly, his lips parting. For a brief moment, Prince Alexei

stunned.

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

she reached him, but there was

took longer than expected,” she replied, smoothing down the crimson

eyes followed the movement of her

crept up her neck. “Don’t

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

2/4

Chapter 158

be absurd to pretend otherwise. He

approached, camera raised. “Your Highness? A photo

his arm to Keira. “Shall

of the firm muscle beneath the fabric of his jacket. They turned toward the camera, and Keira forced her face

“Smile,” the photographer instructed.

or I break it,” she whispered,

territory it

his breath warm against her ear. “Put your claws away for one

whatever expression crossed

Highness,” the photographer said, bowing slightly before he

you add any comments to your photos, can you let it be known I’m Prince Alexei’s assistant, not

date.”

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

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

that was in

an expansion of your portfolio.” His smile was all charm and danger. “Don’t worry. Just stay close and follow my

past,” she

had to admit Alexei was in his element. He moved through the crowd with effortless grace, remembering names, asking after families, discussing

took his role seriously and understood

away from a conversation with the Wystovian Minister