Chapter 160

Keira leaned against the stone balustrade of the terrace, the cool night air providing blessed relief against her flushed skin. The distant sounds of the gala floated through the open French doors behind her, the orchestra starting another waltz. She closed her eyes, willing her heart to settle. What had just happened? "Pull yourself together," she muttered, pressing her palms against her cheeks. "It's Alexei, for God's sake." Alexei, her boss. Alexei, who had women falling at his feet. Alexei, who'd never looked at her like that until tonight. A shiver ran down her spine that had nothing to do with the evening breeze. The memory of his hardness pressed against her, the heat of his hand on her bare back, the intensity in his eyes, it was all dangerous territory. The sound of footsteps behind her made her stiffen. She didn't need to turn to know who it was. She had known he wouldn't let it go. Alexei's voice was low, controlled. "Running away doesn't solve anything, Keira." She squared