Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Chapter 168

Chapter 168

Nightfall brought a chill that seeped through the warehouse walls. Alexei’s eyes had closed again, his body’s desperate attempt to heat kref stealing his consciousness in waves. Hours passed with nothing but silence beyond their prison.

Keira wrapped her arms around herself, shivering slightly as she watched the square of night sky through the high window. The room had darkened to the point where Alexei’s face was just a pale oval in the gloom. She had turned out the light which hadn’t been great in this com and turned on the bathroom light. Giving them just enough light to get to the bathroom to use the toilet if needed.

Her stomach growled, reminding her that the meager dinner they’d been provided hadn’t been nearly enough. They now had more water af

least.

A metallic clank outside their door made her jump. She held her breath, listening as footsteps approached, then receded again. The kidnappers were still there, patrolling perhaps, but not interested in checking on their captives.

When Alexei finally stirred again, it was well past midnight.

“How long was I out?” he asked, his voice rough from sleep.

“A few hours.” Keira moved closer to him on the cot. “How’s your head?”

He pressed his fingers gingerly to his temple. “Better. Still hurts, but I’m thinking clearer and my head isn’t pounding now.”

“That’s something at least.”

Silence settled between them again, comfortable despite their circumstances. The distant sound of a door opening and closing echoed

through the warehouse, why was everything so much louder at night?

“They’re still here,” Alexei observed.

“Some of them. I’ve heard movement a few times.” She pulled her knees to her chest. “I think they’re taking shifts, because cars have come and gone.”

“Smart.” He sat up straighter, wincing slightly. “We should wait until morning.”

“For what?”

“To try anything. If we’re going to attempt an escape, we need to be at our best. And more people might be around.”

Keira nodded, relieved by his decision. “I was thinking the same thing. By morning you’ll be stronger, and we’ll have a better chance of seeing

what we’re doing.”

“And by then, if no one’s found us…” He let the implication hang in the air.

“They’re looking for us,” she said firmly. “Blair, Sutton, Roman, Luca–they won’t stop until they find us.”

“I know.” His hand found hers in the darkness, squeezing gently. “My father, too. Between all of them, there’s a good chance they’re close

already.”

can’t count on

circles on her palm.

fell silent again, planning silently, each lost in their own thoughts. Eventually, Alexei shifted on the

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Chapter 168

to sleep too,” he said.

the

bathroom. Inside, she took care of business quickly, then used the sink, staring at her reflection in the cracked mirror.

a shower, scrubbing away

she used some paper towel to dry herself as best

The thought of putting the same pair back on after all they’d been

crawl.

to the sink, she washed them thoroughly, wringing them out before draping them over the edge to dry

their situation.

a bra, Alexei had stretched out on the cot, his long frame taking

he asked as she hesitated

good as it gets in this place.” She gestured vaguely toward the bathroom. “I, uh, washed out

or amused, he didn’t show it.

for her, pulling her down to rest against him. She tensed momentarily, then relaxed as he settled her head on

around her.

asked, his

by how okay it actually

vibrated through his chest. “Practical

bodies gradually relaxing against each other. Despite everything, the danger, the uncertainty, the fear Keira found

did you walk away at the gala?” he asked suddenly, his voice quiet

guard. She lifted her head slightly, trying

scared,” she

“Of me?”

probably couldn’t see the

moved to her hair, fingers tangling gently in the strands.

warehouse by kidnappers, and I’m lying in your arms in a dirty dress with no underwear on.” She gave a short laugh.

“That’s not an answer.”

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Chapter 168

letting her head drop back to his shoulder. “I don’t know, Alexei. I’ve spent so long pushing people away that I’m not sure remember how

see you for who you are,” he pointed out.

refreshing that is.”

don’t take my

“That’s different.”

movement through her hair. “Or is it just that being here, like

ourselves