Page 16 of Sinful Betrayal

If he learns who I truly am, I’ll lose a hell of a lot more than my ballet career.

As we pull up to a set of towering gates thirty minutes later, I sit up straighter, taking in the sprawling estate.

I knew that Anton came from money, but I didn’t realize the extent of his wealth.

I eye the crisp white exterior of the house, lit up by flood lights, with its floor to ceiling windows and sprawling green lawns. Even at night, the house looks so light and welcoming. It makes it hard to remember that you’re still in New York.

He looks at me. “Do you like it?”

“It’s… Wow.”

“It’s extravagant, I know.” He chuckles.

“Only a little,” I tease. “What is it, six bedrooms?”

“Eight.”

“One for you, and I’m guessing that the rest are for all the other women that you save?”

“How did you know?” His lips twitch as he glances over at me. “Come on, I can give you a quick tour.”

I follow Anton up the steps to the front door, watching carefully as he scans his fingerprint alongside punching in a code. I have no doubt that there are cameras covering every inch of the place, both inside and out.

The door clicks open, and Anton steps aside to let me through.

My heels click against the pale wooden floors as Anton leads me across the foyer.

A huge staircase is situated in the center, made of the same pale wood with a dark green carpet running up the middle. The color scheme is earthy and warm, which is entirely not what I expected from Anton.

“What do you think?” He leads me into the lounge.

“I didn’t expect it to be so…homely. I pictured more of a black and white minimalist vibe.”

Anton chuckles, tucking his hands into his pockets.

“That style always felt so cold to me. I wanted to have a place where I could just come home and sprawl out on the couch.”

“Well, you’ve definitely achieved that.” I eye the huge couch.

Built-in white bookcases cover the opposite wall with a huge TV in the center. There are also plants in almost every corner of every room, making it seem fresh and vibrant.

I can’t help but compare it to my home back in Russia, which feels dark and cold.

“I have an apartment in the city too, but I thought bringing you here would be safer.” Anton looks around the room.

“So you could show off more?” I nudge him with my elbow.

“What do you think I’ve been trying to do all night?” The corner of his lip twitches.

“Ah, so the hero routine was purely for show, huh? Not because you wereactuallyworried about my safety?”

Anton peers down at me, his eyes lingering on my lips long enough for my pulse to quicken.

“You can read it whatever way you like, Nina. It doesn’t change the fact that you’re staying here until I’m certain you’re safe. Now, let me show you the rest of the house.”

With each room Anton walks me through, I fall in love with the place a little bit more. The decor is slightly rustic with a farmhouse feel.

As he leads me up the stairs, I take a moment to admire the huge windows that look out over the now dark grounds.

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