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

few formal dresses the owner. None seemed appropriate for a royal eats,

up at

myself. I have been doing it since

you have.” His gaze swept over her, a flicker of something in his eyes

place.”

picking out clothes

will not be picking it out,” he interrupted. “I will arrange

Friday afternoon, the personal stylist that Alexei had arranged indeed came

with a modest neckline but a

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

Shit.

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

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

guests arrived. This wasn’t her usual behind–the–scenes

visible.

driver opened her door. She took a deep breath and stepped

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

turned

slightly, his lips parting. For

stunned.

stairs, feeling uncharacteristically self–conscious under his stare.

late,” he said when she reached him, but there was no bite to his

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

the movement of her hands. “It was

up her

a fact.” His voice had dropped

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Chapter 158

do you,” she admitted, because it would be absurd to pretend otherwise. He looked absolutely devastating

approached, camera raised. “Your Highness? A photo

hesitated, then offered his arm to Keira.

fabric of his jacket. They turned toward the camera,

“Smile,” the photographer instructed.

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

territory it had no business

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

expression crossed her

bowing slightly

photographer’s arm. “If you add any comments to your photos, can you let it be known I’m Prince Alexei’s

date.”

no problem,” he said,

at her before guiding her inside, his hand still resting

was in my job

your portfolio.” His smile was all charm and danger. “Don’t worry. Just

in the past,” she muttered, but allowed him to guide her into

two hours were a blur of 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 moved through the crowd with effortless grace, remembering names, asking

always see, the one who took his role seriously and understood the responsibility that came with his

moved away from a conversation