In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 287

"Worth fighting for," Keira clarified. "Worth standing beside even when it's difficult. Then yes."

The King studied her for a long moment, then turned to his son. "Alexei, leave us."

Alexei immediately stiffened. "Father—"

"It's an order, not a suggestion."

Keira felt panic rise in her chest, but she kept her expression smooth. She couldn't show weakness now.

"It's okay," she said to Alexei, her voice firm. "I'll be fine."

Alexei hesitated, looking between her and his father. He knew she needed to do this to prove herself. Finally, he stood, squeezing her shoulder briefly before he left. The sound of the door closing behind him felt ominously final.

The King waited until they were alone before speaking again. "Now, Miss Warner, shall we speak plainly, without my son's presence influencing your answers?"

"I prefer plain speaking in all circumstances, Your Majesty. But I have to tell you your son's presence does not and never will influence my answers because I speak my mind always."

A small smile, the first she'd seen curved the King's mouth. "My son has a history of... entanglements with women who see his title before they see him. Women easily dazzled by wealth and status."

"I'm aware of his reputation. Everyone is aware of his reputation."

"And yet you insist you're different."

"I don't insist anything." Keira squared her shoulders. "I'm simply stating that I was his assistant for a while before anything happened between us. I've seen him at his best and his very worst, and I've never hesitated to tell him when he's being an ass."

The King's eyebrows shot up at her language, but she continued.

Something that might have been respect flickered in the King's eyes. "You are not what I expected, Miss Warner."

Keira laughed. "I hear that a lot."

"I can see why my son is drawn to you." He tapped his fingers thoughtfully on his desk. "Stubborn, direct, and not intimidated by power... qualities that would serve the royal family well if properly channeled."

He was talking about training her to be a proper princess, she hoped he had shares in a company that made gaffer tape. Because unless she learned to control her wayward mouth, he was going to need truck loads.

"I'm not trying to be a royal. I'm just trying to figure out if there's a path forward that doesn't hurt Alexei's position or me personally."

The King's gaze remained fixed on Keira, his expression revealing nothing as he contemplated her words.

Finally, he leaned forward, hands clasped on his desk. "Tell me, Miss Warner, were you a virgin when you met my son?"