Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Room Mate 165

Chapter 165

Chapter 165

The new people arriving or returning hadn’t come in to see them. Keira turned to Alexei, realizing now they didn’t have their phones The kidnappers must have taken them. Pretty stupid if they hadn’t.

“What time do you think it is?” she asked.

Alexei looked out the window where the sky was starting to lighten. “I would say almost 7 am.”

“I hate to think what my sisters are going through right now.” Keira stood looking up at the window.

“You are the one being held hostage and you’re worried about your sisters.” There was no mockery in his tone, just a quiet observation.

Keira gave him a look that spoke volumes. “My sister Blair is pregnant.”

Alexei’s expression softened. He patted the floor beside him. “Tell me about your family.”

“What, now?”

“What, you have somewhere else to be?” His attempt at humor fell flat, but Keira appreciated the effort.

She walked over to him, then sat down, putting her shoulder against his, seeking warmth as much as comfort. “Blair’s my middle sister. She’s married to Roman Kingston—”

“The billionaire?” Alexei’s eyebrows raised. “I’ve met him at several charity functions.”

“That’s the one. She’s expecting their first child.” Keira’s voice caught. “She worries too much under normal circumstances. This will be driving her insane.”

“And your other sister?”

“Sutton. She’s the oldest, the responsible one.” Keira managed a small smile. “She has a little boy, Miles. She was a model once, but she’s actually freakishly smart with computers. So I really hope she is involved right now. Her husband, Luca, owns Cyber10.”

“De Santis? Another billionaire?” Alexei whistled softly. “Your family doesn’t do things by halves.”

“It wasn’t always like that.” Keira leaned her head back against the wall. “Well, it was early on, things changed after our parents died. We got part–time jobs while at school. I think it was good for us. Not losing our parents but working to get by.”

Alexei stayed quiet, giving her space to continue or stop. The silence stretched between them, not uncomfortable but heavy with unspoken

words.

“What about you?” she asked finally. “Tell me about your family. Not the royal biographies. The real stuff.”

“Not much to tell.” He shrugged, wincing slightly from the movement. “My father is… well, a king first and a father second. My mother died

when I was young. My brother, Niko, is the perfect heir, dutiful, serious and married to the perfect princess. They haven’t had children yet and

that has put pressure on me.”

“And you’re the spare,” Keira supplied.

“The problematic spare.” His mouth twisted into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “The one who makes headlines for all the wrong

reasons.”

turned to study his profile in the dim light.

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Chapter 165

was quiet for so long she thought he wouldn’t

to be the royal disappointment than to be nothing at all. I have to convince

she was used to dealing with. This was

softly, “I

“No, you think I’m an asshole

She nudged his shoulder gently. “But that’s not all

approaching silenced them both. They tensed,

side. “Good morning,

Keira muttered, “Five–star accommodations.”

kidnapper chuckled. “Feisty. I like that.” He tossed two bottles of water and a paper bag onto the floor. “Breakfast. Enjoy it

she didn’t think Alexei was in any

situation?” Alexei asked, his

progressing.” The man adjusted his mask. “Your father’s people are being difficult, but we expected that. Warner’s sister,

her family into this, but like Alexei had said, until they saw her value she had been expendable. Usable and of

door. “Sit tight.

shut, the lock clicking into

to Alexei before opening the paper

exactly the royal breakfast you’re used to,” she said, breaking the bagels

accepted his portion, eating slowly. “Your sisters and husbands are

“And your father?”

hardened. “My father follows

what happens to

getting ourselves out.” He finished his water, setting the empty

her knees tighter. “I hate

you something,” Alexei said after a long silence. “We’re not just going to sit here waiting for rescue. We need to explore this place. See what

Chapter 165

looked at him skeptically. The way he winced when he moved told her his head was pounding worse than he let on. You should re të That head injury isn’t something

the tightness around his eyes

from your eyes.” Keira stood up, brushing off her ruined dress. “I’ll look

protest, but she cut him off with a sharp gesture. “For once in your life, don’t argue with me. Your royal stubbornness isn’t helping either of

“Look for cameras first. We need to know if

a careful inspection of the room. She moved methodically, checking corners, light fixtures, any place that might conceal surveillance equipment. The bathroom was tiny, just a

that I can see,” she reported, returning to the main room.

metal cot she hadn’t noticed before.

hurried over and tested it. The frame creaked,

princely pride

you

her a weak smile. “As if you

side and slipped her arm

Alexei sank down on it with a barely suppressed groan of relief. Keira helped him stretch out, noticing how he tried to hide his grimace

as if he had