In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 318

"I've never been more certain of anything," he interrupted, his gaze never leaving hers. "I don't care what my father wants or what protocol demands. I care about what I want. And I want you, Keira. Only you."

Tears pricked at her eyes, threatening to ruin her carefully applied makeup. "Yes," she said, a smile breaking through her shock. "Yes, I'll marry you."

Relief and joy transformed his face. He slid the ring onto her finger, then rose to his feet in one fluid motion. His hands cupped her face, thumbs brushing away the tears that had escaped despite her best efforts.

"I love you," he whispered, his forehead touching hers. "I should have said it before now."

The words hit her like a physical force, stealing what little breath she had left. "I love you too," she replied, the admission finally spoken aloud. "God help me, but I do. Even though you drive me crazy sometimes."

His mouth found hers, tender at first, then deepening as her arms wound around his neck. The kiss was a claiming.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, Alexei's eyes were dark with desire. "We should go back," he said, though his tone suggested he'd rather do anything but.

"Should we?" Keira replied, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "They've seen us dance. They've heard the announcement. Haven't we fulfilled our duty?"

His laugh was low and warm. "Eager to escape, Miss Warner?"

"Eager for privacy, Prince Alexei," she corrected, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You still owe me for this morning remember."

"As tempting as that is," he said, pressing another quick kiss to her lips, "we can't disappear just yet. A few more dances, a few more conversations, then I promise we'll slip away."

She sighed dramatically, but her smile remained. "If we must."

He offered her his arm, and they started back toward the ballroom. But as they reached the French doors, Alexei paused.

"Wait," he said, his expression suddenly serious again. "Before we go back in, I need you to know something."

"What is it?"

"No matter what happens in there, no matter what people say or think about us, what we have is real." His eyes held hers, intense and sincere. "I chose you, Keira and nothing else matters."

The raw honesty in his voice made her heart swell. "I chose you too," she replied softly. "Despite all the reasons I shouldn't have."

He smiled then, that devastating smile that had first caught her attention even when she'd wanted to strangle him. "Ready to face the wolves?"

The King's eyebrows rose slightly, recognition flashing in his eyes. "I see."

"It seemed fitting, to give it to Keira tonight." Alexei replied.

"Indeed, it is," he agreed. "Alexandra would have approved." The subtle blessing wasn't lost on either of them.

Amelia stepped forward, her eyes bright with genuine happiness. "It's beautiful," she said, squeezing Keira's hand. "And it suits you perfectly."

"Thank you," Keira replied, grateful for the warmth in Amelia's voice.

As the royal family moved back toward the center of the ballroom, Keira noticed Maria had disappeared from the entrance. She was both relieved and wary. Maria's absence meant no immediate confrontation, but it also meant the woman was likely planning her next move.

"Don't worry about her," Alexei murmured, reading her thoughts. "She has no power to touch us."

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of dancing, champagne, and congratulations. By the time they were finally able to slip away, it was well past midnight.