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

Cataloging the few formal dresses

you up

bristled. “I know how to dress myself. I have

her, a flicker of something in his eyes

place.”

picking out clothes

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

the personal stylist that Alexei had arranged indeed came over a selection of dresses,

gown with

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

Shit.

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

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

she refused to analyze.

car pulled up in front of

outside as guests arrived. This wasn’t her usual

visible.

breath and

stairs, speaking with an older couple. Even from a distance, he commanded attention. His tuxedo was impeccably tailored, his posture regal. He looked

turned and

slightly, his lips parting.

stunned.

the stairs, feeling uncharacteristically self–conscious under his stare. She almost

him,

she replied, smoothing down the crimson fabric

her

crept up her neck.

fact.” His voice had dropped lower. “You clean up

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Chapter 158

because it would be absurd to pretend otherwise. He looked absolutely

“Your Highness? A

hesitated, then offered his arm

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

“Smile,” the photographer instructed.

it,” she whispered, her

to territory it had no business

intimate moment, his breath warm against her ear. “Put

capturing whatever expression crossed her face at

said, bowing slightly before he turned

“If you add any comments to your photos, can you let it be

date.”

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

his

didn’t realize that was in my

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

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

Keira’s face hurt from the effort, but she had to admit Alexei was in his element. He moved through the

the one who took his role

away from a conversation with the Wystovian