Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Chapter 160

Keira leaned against the stone balustrade of the terrace, the cool night air providing blessed relief against her flushed skin. The distant sounds of the gala floated through the open French doors behind her, the orchestra starting another waltz. She closed her eyes, willing her

heart to settle.

What had just happened? “Pull yourself together,” she muttered, pressing her palms against her cheeks. “It’s Alexei, for God’s sake.”

Alexei, her boss. Alexei, who had women falling at his feet. Alexei, who’d never looked at her like that until tonight.

A shiver ran down her spine that had nothing to do with the evening breeze. The memory of his hardness pressed against her, the heat of his hand on her bare back, the intensity in his eyes, it was all dangerous territory.

The sound of footsteps behind her made her stiffen. She didn’t need to turn to know who it was. She had known he wouldn’t let it go.

Alexei’s voice was low, controlled. “Running away doesn’t solve anything, Keira.”

She squared her shoulders before turning to face him. “I wasn’t running. I needed air.”

“And I need to finish our conversation.”

“There’s nothing to finish.” She crossed her arms, creating a barrier between them. Hoping he would read her body language, she said, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

He stepped closer. “You can’t keep pretending there’s nothing between us!””

“Watch me. I’m tired, I want to go home.”

His jaw tightened. “Why are you fighting this?”

“Because this-” she gestured between them, “-is a disaster waiting to happen. I’m your employee. You’re a prince. Your father is pushing you toward a royal marriage. Pick any reason; they’re all valid.”

“None of those reasons matter if-”

“If what? If we sleep together? And then what, Alexei?” She shook her head. “I become another conquest? Another headline? ‘Prince beds

assistant, searches for next thrill“?”

She could see she was pissing him off, and she didn’t care. “You think that’s what this is?” His voice dropped dangerously low. “That I’d risk everything we’ve built professionally for a one–night stand?”

“Wouldn’t you?” She held his gaze. “Your track record isn’t exactly stellar in the commitment department.”

He took another step toward her, close enough now that she could smell his cologne, feel the heat radiating from his body.

irrelevant. This is

a

expression hardened.

“I’m pragmatic.”

her against the balustrade. “You feel it too. Every argument, every challenge, every moment

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Chapter 160

to the edge, it’s

quickened. “That’s just… tension. Workplace

to her mouth. “Because I have another

with danger. Keira felt

called

car is ready whenever you’re prepared

stood waiting at the terrace entrance. Alexei must

Alexei replied without turning. “Give us a

won’t be needing the few minutes. I’m ready to leave now.” She walked around Alexei and headed

“We’re not finished with

we are,” she said, looking ahead. “If you can’t shut up, I’ll find my own

His tone left no room for argument. “It’s nearly midnight,

can call a

me, Keira.” He softened his voice. “Please. Let me at

wanted to argue, but exhaustion was setting in.

conceded. “But

were within ten feet

her. She turned, finding his eyes in the dim

“What?”

tonight never happened,” she said, her voice

that’s possible.” The honesty in

punched his shoulder, hard enough to make him

to decide

with intensity. “You really think we

have to,” she insisted. “Because the

moved toward them,

The guard’s eyes fixed

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Chapter 160