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.

This is about you and

her body betrayed her with a shiver. “There’s you, there’s

hardened. “You’re

“I’m pragmatic.”

He moved closer still, backing her against the balustrade. “You feel

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Chapter 160

the edge, it’s been building since the

pulse quickened. “That’s

that what you call it?” His eyes dropped to her mouth. “Because I have another name for

The air between them charged with possibility, with danger.

a voice called from

Highness? Your car is ready

again as a bodyguard stood waiting at

without turning.

in. “No, we won’t be needing the few minutes. I’m ready to leave now.” She walked around Alexei

in beside her. “We’re not finished

she said, looking ahead. “If you can’t

no room for argument.

call

voice. “Please. Let me at least

argue, but exhaustion was setting in. Fighting Alexei and her own feelings had

conceded. “But this conversation is

were within ten

She turned, finding his eyes in the dim

“What?”

her voice

honesty in his tone made her chest

punched his shoulder, hard enough to

get to decide that,” she

slightly before narrowing with intensity. “You really think we can pretend tonight

she insisted. “Because

moved toward them,

alright, Your Highness?” The guard’s eyes fixed

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Chapter 160

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