In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 303

"That sounds wonderful," she agreed.

As they filed out of the dining room, Alexei caught her hand briefly. "You did well," he murmured against her ear. "Better than well."

"Even with the sparring match?"

"Especially because of it." His eyes gleamed. "Firecracker," he whispered before leaving.

As she and Amelia stepped outside, Maria remained behind in the dining room, clearly not invited to join them. It was a welcome relief after her first dinner with Alexei's family.

"God, I needed that," Amelia breathed, linking her arm through Keira's as they walked down the stone steps toward the garden paths. "Formal dinners with Theodore can be suffocating even on good days."

"Are they always formal?"

Amelia laughed. "No, we don't always dress up to the nines."

Keira was glad. "Does he always interrogate people like he has with me?"

"Only the ones he's considering for permanent residence." Amelia's laugh held no humor. "You did very well, by the way. I could tell Theodore likes you."

They strolled past perfectly manicured hedges and fountain displays, their footsteps crunching softly on the gravel path. The setting sun made the palace gardens look like something from a fairy tale. She felt like she was in a storybook — The Secret Garden.

"Can I ask you something?" Amelia glanced sideways at her. "What did you think of Maria?"

Keira considered her words carefully. "I think she has strong opinions about who belongs in your family. I think her opinion about me is stronger."

"That's diplomatic." Amelia stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "I'll be blunt since we're going to be sisters soon enough. I can't stand her."

Keira was shocked at how direct Amelia was being with her.

"Amelia—"

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