In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 293

"We're just worried," Sutton said gently. "This is a lot, even for you."

"I know." Keira's shoulders sagged. "The worst part is, I don't know if I'm more afraid this engagement will fail... or that it won't."

Her sisters' faces softened in understanding.

"You really do have feelings for him," Blair said quietly.

Keira nodded, throat suddenly tight. "But what if he doesn't feel the same…"

A knock at the door cut her off. She jumped, heart racing.

"I have to go. Someone's here."

"Keep us updated," Sutton insisted. "And Keira? Be careful."

"With my heart or with palace politics?"

"Both," Blair answered firmly. "We love you."

"Love you too."

Keira ended the call and moved to the door, half-expecting to find Maria back for round two. Instead, she found Alexei.

"May I come in?" he asked, glancing down the hall where a staff member pretended not to be watching.

She stepped back, letting him enter before closing the door. The moment they were alone, his formal posture melted away, and he pulled her into his arms.

"I'm sorry," he murmured against her hair. "For all of this. My father, the separate rooms, the announcement tomorrow..."

"Not your fault," she said, pulling back to study his face. "How bad was your talk with Daddy Dearest?"

Alexei's mouth quirked in a half-smile. "About what you'd expect. He thinks I've been reckless, impulsive, that I've created yet another PR nightmare." His eyes softened as they met hers. "But he also thinks you might be exactly what I need."

"Really? That's not the impression I got."

Alexei moved to the window, gazing out. "Tomorrow night is the state dinner. My father will announce our engagement to the diplomatic corps and senior government officials."

"And if we decide later we don't want to go through with it?"

He turned back to her, his expression serious. "Then we'll face that when the time comes. But for now... for now, we play our parts."

Was that all it was for him? "And what are our parts exactly? Prince Charming and his rescued damsel?"

"No." He crossed the room to her again, taking her hands in his. "Two people who found each other in the worst of circumstances and are choosing to face the future together." He paused, studying her face. "Unless you've changed your mind?"

The question hung between them, loaded with implications. Had she? In the chaos of the day, had her feelings shifted? Had the reality of palace life already frightened her away?

"No," she said finally, the word surprisingly easy to say. "I haven't changed my mind."

Relief flooded his expression. "Then I have something for you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.