In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 241

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

Heat crept up her neck. "Don't start."

"I'm merely stating a fact." His voice had dropped lower. "You clean up well, Warner."

"So do you," she admitted, because it would be absurd to pretend otherwise. He looked absolutely devastating in formal wear.

A photographer approached, camera raised. "Your Highness? A photo for the society pages?"

Alexei hesitated, then offered his arm to Keira. "Shall we?"

She stiffened but placed her hand on his arm, very aware of the firm muscle beneath the fabric of his jacket. They turned toward the camera, and Keira forced her face into what she hoped was a pleasant expression.

"Smile," the photographer instructed.

She did, through gritted teeth. "Move your hand or I break it," she whispered, her smile never faltering as Alexei's palm settled against her lower back, dangerously close to territory it had no business exploring.

He leaned in, as if sharing an intimate moment, his breath warm against her ear. "Put your claws away for one night and have fun."

The camera flashed, capturing whatever expression crossed her face at his words.

"Thank you, Your Highness," the photographer said, bowing slightly before he turned to move on.

Keira caught the photographer's arm. "If you add any comments to your photos, can you let it be known I'm Prince Alexei's assistant, not his date."

The guy looked surprised. "Sure, no problem," he said, jotting that down in his notepad.

Alexei shook his head at her before guiding her inside, his hand still resting on her back. "Ready to dazzle some diplomats?"

"I didn't realize that was in my job description."

"Consider it an expansion of your portfolio." His smile was all charm and danger. "Don't worry. Just stay close and follow my lead."

"Because that's worked out so well in the past," she muttered, but allowed him to guide her into the ballroom.

The next two hours were a blur of introductions, small talk, and smiling non-stop. Keira's face hurt from the effort, but she had to admit Alexei was in his element. He moved through the crowd with effortless grace, remembering names, asking after families, discussing business and diplomatic relations with genuine interest.

This was the Alexei she didn't always see, the one who took his role seriously and understood the responsibility that came with his title.

"Impressed?" he murmured as they moved away from a conversation with the Wystovian Minister of Trade.

"Surprised," she corrected. "I half expected you to get bored and start texting under the table."

He chuckled. "I save that for when you aren't with me."

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