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

mentally Cataloging the few formal dresses the

you up at seven.

I

His gaze swept over her, a flicker of something in his eyes before it vanished. “I will

place.”

don’t need you picking out

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

that Alexei had arranged indeed came over

been nudged toward a crimson, floor–length gown with a

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 when her phone chimed with a text.

Shit.

her blonde hair into an elegant updo, with

on a prince’s arm. The thought made her stomach flip in

she refused to analyze.

the car pulled up in front of

heart began to race. Cameras flashed outside as guests arrived. This wasn’t her usual

visible.

her door. She took a deep breath and stepped

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 tailored, his posture regal. He looked every inch the prince

turned and saw

his lips

stunned.

self–conscious under his stare. She almost

late,” he said when she reached him, but

expected,” she replied,

her

up her

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

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Chapter 158

would be absurd to pretend otherwise. He looked

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

offered his

fabric of his jacket. They turned toward the camera, and Keira forced her face into what she hoped was a pleasant

“Smile,” the photographer instructed.

it,” she whispered, her smile never faltering as Alexei’s palm

close to territory

against her ear. “Put your claws

flashed, capturing whatever expression crossed her face at his

said, bowing slightly before he

to your photos, can you let it be known I’m Prince Alexei’s assistant,

date.”

no problem,” he

guiding her inside, his hand still resting on

was

portfolio.” His smile was all charm and danger.

out so well in the past,” she muttered, but allowed him to guide

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

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

away from a conversation with the Wystovian Minister of