In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 283

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I've seen you handle hostile diplomats, angry reporters, and one particularly difficult prince," he said, straightening her dress with gentle hands. "A king is just another man with an opinion."

"A king who can have me thrown in the dungeon if he doesn't like me."

Alexei laughed, the sound rich and warm. "We don't have dungeons anymore. That's so medieval." But he was glad to see she still had her spark.

"How reassuring." But despite her sarcasm, she felt some of the panic receding. His calm confidence was infectious.

He used the bathroom and then finished dressing quickly, transforming back into the polished prince she was used to seeing in public. The crisp white shirt, perfectly knotted tie…. that tie, dark slacks that fit like they'd been tailored specifically for his body, which they probably had been. She had always thought he had a mighty fine ass.

"Ready?" he asked, offering her his arm.

"No." She slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow anyway. "But let's do this before I lose my nerve entirely."

They made their way back to the main cabin, where Mitchell was coordinating with the security crew. He looked up as they approached, his expression professional despite whatever he might be thinking about their extended absence.

"Your Highness, Miss Warner." He nodded to them both. He sat down across from them; this time Keira was pulled into the seat next to Alexei. They all belted up for landing.

Once secure in their seats he updated them. "The King's motorcade will be waiting on the tarmac. He's requested a private audience immediately upon your arrival."

Keira's stomach lurched again. "Immediately? Like, not even time to freshen up or—"

"My father doesn't believe in delay when he wants something," Alexei said grimly. "It's better to get it over with."

"Get it over with," Keira repeated. "You make it sound like a root canal."

The words hung between them, loaded with an admission neither of them was ready to make just yet. Keira's breath caught, her heart hammering against her ribs.

"Alexei—"

The plane lurched slightly as they began their descent, cutting off whatever she'd been about to say. Through the windows, Keira caught her first glimpse of Wystovia with its rolling green hills. A coastline that looked like something from a postcard, and in the distance, a city that seemed to rise from the landscape like something from a fairy tale.

"It's beautiful," she breathed, momentarily forgetting her panic. She had travelled with Alexei, but never when he was coming home… only ever on business.

"Wait until you see the palace," Alexei said, watching her reaction. "It's been in my family for over six hundred years."

Six hundred years. The weight of that history, of the tradition and expectations that came with it, settled over her like a heavy cloak. What was she doing here? What business did a girl from New York have walking into six centuries of royal legacy?

But then Alexei's hand covered hers, his fingers warm and steady, and some of that panic receded. He was letting her know he was there for her.