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.”

on purpose?” She turned to study his

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Chapter 165

so long

to be the royal disappointment than to be nothing at all. I have to convince myself it’s not

the arrogant prince she was used to dealing

it’s worth,” Keira said softly, “I don’t think you’re

half–smile tugged at his lips. “No, you think

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

approaching silenced them both. They tensed, exchanging wary glances as the lock

man entered, gun held casually at his side. “Good morning, Your

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

what he was worried about; she didn’t think Alexei was in

on our situation?” Alexei asked, his voice

difficult, but we expected that. Warner’s sister, on the other hand,

said, until they saw her value she had been expendable. Usable and of no worth. At least now she had

the door. “Sit tight.

slammed shut, the lock clicking

for the water bottles, passing one to Alexei before opening the paper bag.

to,” she said, breaking the bagels

slowly. “Your sisters and husbands

“And your father?”

expression hardened. “My father follows what

what happens

out.” He finished his water, setting the empty bottle aside. “Or pray

knees tighter.

you something,” Alexei said after a long silence. “We’re not just going to sit here waiting for

Chapter 165

head was pounding worse than he let on. You should re të That head

though the tightness around his eyes told a different

your eyes.” Keira

once in your life, don’t argue

fight her on it. “Look for cameras first.

methodically, checking corners, light fixtures, any place that might conceal surveillance equipment. The bathroom was

returning to the main room. “They must

her eye in the corner of the room–a small metal cot she hadn’t noticed before. It was partially hidden behind some stacked boxes. She had been looking

tested it. The

that princely pride

drag you

weak smile.

side and slipped her arm around his waist. “Up you go,

a barely suppressed groan of relief. Keira helped him stretch out, noticing how

here,” she said, as if he had any intention of going