In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 317

"You may, Your Highness," she replied, placing her hand in his.

As he led her onto the dance floor, all eyes followed their movement.

The next song began, and Keira found herself swept across the floor in Alexei's arms. She was so grateful for Alexei guiding her through the steps with gentle pressure at her waist. He made her look good.

She'd never considered herself much of a dancer, but with him leading, she felt almost elegant and not so helpless.

"You're getting better," he murmured.

"Liar. But I appreciate the lie just another thing I'll have to improve on." She followed his lead through a turn. "Everyone's watching us."

"Let them watch." His hand tightened on her waist.

"Where did you learn to dance like this?" she asked.

"Royal education includes all the proper social graces." His eyes sparkled with mischief. "Though I must admit, I paid more attention to dancing lessons than history. My instructor was considerably more attractive."

Keira laughed. "Of course she was." He hadn't lost his playfulness.

As they moved across the floor, Keira noticed Amelia and Niko dancing close by. They looked beautiful together, but she could see the distance between them.

"I hope they work things out," she said quietly.

Alexei followed her gaze. "They will. They genuinely care for each other."

Alexei pulled her closer she could feel every hard line of his body. For a moment, Keira forgot about the watching crowd, she simply enjoyed the feeling of being in his arms. The last time they had danced together the night had turned into a nightmare.

The orchestra swept into a waltz that filled the ballroom, his hand tightened slightly on her waist. "Come with me."

Before she could question him, Alexei expertly guided her through a complicated turn that brought them to the edge of the dance floor near a set of French doors that led to a terrace.

"What are you doing?" she asked as he smoothly maneuvered them toward the doors.

"Trust me," he replied, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

He opened the box to reveal a stunning ring… a large sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

"This isn't my mother's engagement ring," he said, his eyes holding hers. "That belongs rightfully to Amelia as the future queen. This is my grandmother's. And now, I hope, yours."

Keira couldn't breathe, couldn't think. This wasn't the planned announcement or the diplomatic solution to a scandal. This wasn’t duty, it was real.

"Keira Warner," Alexei said, "you are the most infuriating, challenging, and extraordinary woman I've ever known. You've never been impressed by my title or my wealth. You've never hesitated to put me in my place when I deserved it and sometimes when I don't. You make me want to be better, to be worthy of you."

He took a deep breath, and for the first time since she'd known him, Alexei looked genuinely uncertain.

"Will you marry me? Not for show, not for politics or scandal management. But because I can't imagine my life without you in it."

Keira stood frozen, overwhelmed by the sincerity in his voice. This man who commanded rooms with his presence was kneeling before her, offering her his heart along with a ring.

"Alexei," she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you sure? This isn't just about duty or—"