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

“Is that on purpose?” She turned to study his profile in the dim light. “The headlines, the scandals.”

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Chapter 165

He was quiet for so long she thought he wouldn’t answer.

“Sometimes,” he admitted finally. “It’s easier to be the royal disappointment than to be nothing at all. I have to convince myself it’s not always my fault.”

This wasn’t the arrogant prince she was used to dealing with. This was just a man, and suddenly very human.

“For what it’s worth,” Keira said softly, “I don’t think you’re just a spare.”

A half–smile tugged at his lips. “No, you think I’m an asshole with daddy issues.”

“Well, you are.” She nudged his shoulder gently. “But that’s not all you are.”

The sound of footsteps approaching silenced them both. They tensed, exchanging wary glances as the lock rattled.

The door swung open, and a masked man entered, gun held casually at his side. “Good morning, Your Highness. Miss Warner. Hope you are enjoying your stay with us.”

Keira muttered, “Five–star accommodations.”

The kidnapper chuckled. “Feisty. I like that.” He tossed two bottles of water and a paper bag onto the floor. “Breakfast. Enjoy it while you can.” Not stepping any closer.

Keira didn’t know what he was worried about; she didn’t think Alexei was in any fit state to fight.

“Any updates on our situation?” Alexei asked, his voice controlled.

“Negotiations are progressing.” The man adjusted his mask. “Your father’s people are being difficult, but we expected that. Warner’s sister, on the other hand, seem quite eager to pay.”

Keira’s stomach knotted. She hated bringing her family into this, but like Alexei had said, until they saw her value she had been expendable. Usable and of no worth. At least now she had a chance and maybe her family could save them both.

He backed toward the door. “Sit tight. We’ll be back soon with news.”

The door slammed shut, the lock clicking into place.

Keira lunged for the water bottles, passing one to Alexei before opening the paper bag. Inside were two bagels and some packaged cheese.

“Not exactly the royal breakfast you’re used to,” she said, breaking the bagels into pieces.

“Better than nothing.” Alexei accepted his portion, eating slowly. “Your sisters and husbands are smart. They won’t just hand over money without guarantees.”

“We work on getting ourselves out.” He finished his water, setting the empty bottle aside. “Or pray someone comes for us.”

“Let me tell 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 we’re working with.”

Chapter 165

Keira 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 to mess with”

“I’m fine,” he insisted, though the tightness around his eyes told a different story.

“You’re not fine. I can see the pain radiating from your eyes.” Keira stood up, brushing off her ruined dress. “I’ll look around, You rest.

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