In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 338

Keira stared out the plane window, watching New York's skyline emerge through the clouds. After weeks in Wystovia's palace, the familiar skyscrapers felt both welcoming and strange, like returning to a favorite childhood book you've outgrown.

"Almost home," Alexei said, his hand covering hers on the armrest.

"Almost," she agreed, turning to meet his gaze. "Though I'm not sure where home is anymore."

He smiled, lifting her hand to press a kiss to her knuckles. "Home is wherever we are together."

"That's disgustingly romantic," she replied, but couldn't keep the smile from her face. "And nothing like the arrogant prince I first met."

"You've ruined me," he said with mock solemnity. "Turned me into one of those men who says sappy things. Plus New York was our home before. I'm hoping you are still happy to continue living here."

"I would love that. But I want to go to Wystovia as often as possible. Family is important to me, and that includes yours."

The plane began its descent, the slight pressure change making her ears pop. Keira's thoughts drifted to Sutton's wedding preparations and the whirlwind week ahead; she was going to need a lot of energy. After the hospital incident, public opinion in Wystovia had shifted dramatically. People had seen the real Keira very passionate, protective, and they had embraced her. The King had even pulled her aside before their departure, telling her in his gruff way that she'd done well.

Maria's father had contacted the King, trying to smooth things over. Alexei had told her last night, but the King had rejected all pleas. Which Keira was glad. She could see a very happy future for them.

"Why do you seem nervous about seeing your sisters?" Alexei asked, studying her face.

"I think I am a little," she admitted. "It's been a roller coaster since we last saw each other in person. Plus, you're officially meeting the whole family. I know you have met Roman and Luca through business… But this is different."

Alexei said with a confident smile. "I think I can handle your sisters' husbands."

"Don't be so sure," Keira laughed. "Luca isn't Sutton's husband yet. They're fiercely protective."

"Close enough I would say."

The plane touched down with a gentle bump, taxiing toward the private hangar where Mitchell had arranged for their arrival. Away from the main terminal, they could avoid the press frenzy.

"You don't know the half of it."

They all got into their cars, Mitchell getting in beside the driver in their SUV as the other two guards got into the other SUV. They followed Sutton's car out of the airport. Tonight, they were having dinner at Sutton's place.

Keira settled back against the plush leather seat as their car followed Sutton's through the familiar streets of New York.

"You're quiet," Alexei observed, his thumb tracing patterns on her hand.

"Just readjusting," she replied, offering him a small smile. "It's strange being back. Everything looks the same, but so different."

"That's because you are different," he said simply. "We both are."

Keira nodded, knowing he was right. The kidnapping, their relationship, her time in Wystovia… all of it had transformed her in ways she was still discovering. She felt more certain of herself in some ways, more vulnerable in others. The fire was still there, but she had grown up fast. She had been twenty-four just days before the kidnapping, but she had grown as a person.