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

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

Cat will pick you up at seven. Wear something

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

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

place.”

need you picking out clothes for

he interrupted. “I will arrange

indeed came over

been nudged toward a crimson, floor–length gown with

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.

stylist had the hairdresser sweep her blonde hair into an elegant updo, with a few strategic

like herself. She looked like someone who belonged on a prince’s arm. The thought made her stomach flip in

she refused to analyze.

later the car pulled up in front of an old

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

visible.

breath and

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

he turned

widened slightly, his

stunned.

feeling uncharacteristically self–conscious under his stare. She

said when she reached him, but there

longer than expected,” she replied, smoothing down

her hands. “It was

her

a fact.” His voice had

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Chapter 158

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

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

offered his arm to

his jacket. They turned toward the camera, and Keira forced her face

“Smile,” the photographer instructed.

“Move your hand or I break it,” she whispered, her smile never faltering as

to territory

in, as if sharing an intimate moment, his breath warm against her ear.

capturing whatever expression crossed her face

said, bowing slightly before he

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

date.”

he said, jotting that down in

shook his head at her before guiding her inside, his hand still resting on her back. “Ready to

realize that was

smile was all charm and danger.

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

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

the one who took his role seriously

they moved away from a conversation