Page 17 of Sinful Betrayal

“I like to stand here and watch the sunrise,” Anton says.

I watch his face in the glass, the dark night sky a backdrop to our reflections.

“I bet it’s breathtaking.”

“Just like you.”

I can’t help the blush that creeps up my neck at his words.

Remember why you’re here.

I clear my throat, flicking my bangs out of my eyes as I look around. “Where am I sleeping?”

“Right down here.” He leads me down the corridor, stopping outside the door at the very end.

He opens it and steps aside to let me past, and I do my best to hide my excitement as I glance around the room.

A huge king-size bed takes up most of the room with sage green and cream bedding as well as a window seat of the same sage green color, creating the perfect reading nook between the bookshelves that are mostly stocked with potted plants and antique books.

It’s beautiful, and entirely my taste.

“There’s an adjoining dressing room and bathroom.” Anton indicates to the two doors on the far side of the room.

“And where’s your room?” I glance over my shoulder.

Anton leans against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest as he looks at me with those intense chocolate brown eyes.

“It’s right next door.”

“Is that on purpose?”

“It’s in case you need me.” He shrugs.

I narrow my eyes, but his expression remains innocent despite the way his eyes roam over my body.

Kicking off my heels, I pad across the thick cream rug and perch on the edge of the bed, crossing one knee over another.

“This is all very hospitable, but I don’t have any of my things.” I sigh, glancing around the room. “I have a dance exam in the morning, and I haven’t even got a pair of pointe shoes with me. Not to mention how long the commute will be into the city?—”

“Nina.” Anton pushes off the wall, crossing over to me.

My breath catches as he moves to stand in front of me.

“I refuse to take any chances when it comes to your safety, so you’ll stay here until I can be sure you’re not in any danger. If that means driving you into the city morning and night for the next month, then so be it.”

I frown. “You’re going to all this trouble for a girl you just met? Why?”

“You tell me, Nina Balakin.” He tucks his hands into his pockets.

He raises his eyebrows, and I find myself lost for words.

He takes another step closer until my knees brush against his thighs, and I let out a small gasp.

“I-I need some clean underwear at least.” My cheeks are burning.

“Make a list, and I’ll have one of my men go and collect everything for you.”

I scoff, running my hands through my hair. “No offense, but I don’t want some strange guy rifling through my underwear drawer.”

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