In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 158

Nearly two weeks had passed since Keira's confrontation with Alexei, and she had to admit, grudgingly, that he'd kept his word. The weekend texts had stopped. The middle-of-the-night calls hadn't happened again. When she left the office last Friday evening, he'd actually nodded and said, "Have a great weekend, Warner."

It was... kind of unsettling.

She sat at her desk the following Monday morning, eyeing him through the glass wall of his office. He was on a call, nodding, occasionally making notes. She didn't know if this was going to last.

This new, boundary-respecting Alexei was throwing her off balance. She'd prepared for it to last a day maybe two. She had armed herself with sharp remarks and withering looks. Ready to quit if needed because he couldn't respect her.

Instead, she got... compliance.

"Mark wants to know if Prince Alexei has approved the press release for the Wystovian Trade Summit," Jen from Communications called as she walked past Keira's desk.

"I'll check," Keira said, grateful for the distraction.

She grabbed her tablet and went to Alexei's door, knocking as she entered.

He glanced up, ending his call. "Yes?"

"Mark needs the trade summit release. Did you approve it?"

"It's in your inbox," he replied, his eyes flicking back to his computer. "Sent it ten minutes ago."

"Oh." She hesitated, waiting for him to say something more, to tease her or smirk or make some comment.

He didn't. He just kept working.

"Right. Thanks," she said, turning to leave. This was so strange.

"Keira."

She paused, hand on the doorknob.

"Don't forget about the royal benefit gala on Friday. My father's pet project. Very important. I need you there."

She turned. "Me? Why would I need to attend?"

Alexei looked up, his expression neutral. "I need someone who understands diplomatic etiquette and won't embarrass the royal family."

"You have a list of suitable companions for these things."

"Yes, well." His mouth curved slightly. "Contrary to what you believe, my little black book isn't overflowing with women who understand palace protocol."

Keira crossed her arms. "So, I'm your... what? Stand-in? Because one of your Barbies would cause an international incident, like one of her boobs falling out of her too-tight dress."

His eyes darkened. "You will be my assistant. Attending a formal function. As you've done before."

"Fine." She sighed, already mentally cataloging the few formal dresses she owned. None seemed appropriate for a royal gala. "What time?"

"Eight. Car will pick you up at seven. Wear something... suitable."

She bristled. "I know how to dress myself. I have been doing it since I was two."

"I'm sure you have." His gaze swept over her, a flicker of something in his eyes before it vanished. "I will arrange something to be sent to your place."

"I don't need you picking out clothes for me, Alexei—"

"I will not be picking it out," he interrupted. "I will arrange for it to be done."

By Friday afternoon, the personal stylist that Alexei had arranged indeed came over a selection of dresses, all elegant, all expensive.

She’d been nudged toward a crimson, floor-length gown with a modest neckline but a nearly backless design.

Standing, examining herself in the full-length mirror of her apartment after the stylist had left, she wasn't so sure. "I don't know about this. I mean, it's modest from the front, scandal from behind," she muttered to herself. She was tossing up if she should change when her phone chimed with a text. The car was downstairs.

Shit.

With a final look in the mirror, she grabbed her clutch and headed out. The stylist had the hairdresser sweep her blonde hair into an elegant updo, with a few strategic tendrils framing her face. Diamond studs… on loan, glittered at her ears.

She looked... well, not like herself. She looked like someone who belonged on a prince's arm. The thought made her stomach flip in a way she refused to analyze.

Twenty minutes later the car pulled up in front of an old mansion converted into an event space.

Keira's heart began to race. Cameras flashed outside as guests arrived. This wasn't her usual behind-the-scenes role. Tonight, she'd be visible.

The driver opened her door. She took a deep breath and stepped out, immediately searching the crowd for Alexei.

She spotted him at the top of the entrance stairs, speaking with an older couple. Even from a distance, he commanded attention. His tuxedo was impeccably tailored, his posture regal. He looked every inch the prince he was born to be.

Then he turned and saw her.

Keira watched as his expression shifted. His eyes widened slightly, his lips parting. For a brief moment, Prince Alexei looked genuinely stunned.

She ascended the stairs, feeling uncharacteristically self-conscious under his stare. She almost felt like kicking him.

"You're late," he said when she reached him, but there was no bite to his words.

"The ride here took longer than expected," she replied, smoothing down the crimson fabric of her dress.

His eyes followed the movement of her hands. "It was worth the wait."

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