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

the few formal dresses the owner. None seemed appropriate for a

you up at

bristled. “I know how to dress myself. I

a flicker of something in his eyes before it vanished. “I will

place.”

need you picking

picking it out,” he interrupted. “I

indeed came over a selection of dresses, all elegant,

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

apartment after the stylist had 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 was tossing up if she should change

Shit.

a final look in the mirror, she grabbed her clutch 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

well, not like herself. She looked like someone who belonged on a prince’s arm.

she refused to analyze.

the car pulled up in front of an old mansion

to race. Cameras flashed outside as guests arrived. This

visible.

breath and stepped out, immediately searching the crowd

entrance stairs, speaking with an older couple. Even from a distance, he commanded attention. His

he turned

slightly, his

stunned.

under his

she reached him, but there

ride here took longer than expected,” she replied,

the movement of her hands. “It was worth the

her neck.

stating a fact.” His voice had dropped

2/4

Chapter 158

would be absurd to pretend otherwise. He looked absolutely devastating in

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

his arm to Keira. “Shall

very aware of the firm muscle beneath the fabric of his jacket. They turned toward

“Smile,” the photographer instructed.

your hand or I break it,” she

territory it had no

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

camera flashed, capturing whatever expression crossed her face

bowing slightly

your photos,

date.”

surprised. “Sure, no problem,” he said, jotting

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

that was in my job

expansion of your portfolio.” His smile was all charm and danger.

that’s worked out so well in the past,” she muttered, but allowed him to guide her

but she had to admit Alexei was in his element. He moved through

didn’t always see, the one who took his role seriously and

he murmured as they moved away from a