Page 18 of Sinful Betrayal

“Haven’t got anything to hide, have we?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” I glance up at him beneath my lashes to see his eyes darken.

For a moment, an image of him pushing me back against the plush comforter and climbing on top of me fills my mind, and I can’t help but rub my thighs together as an ache starts to build between them.

“Would you feel better if I went?” he asks in a low tone.

“You mean, would I feel better if you were the one to rifle through my underwear?” I raise an eyebrow as Anton rubs at the back of his neck, clearly trying his hardest not to think of all the lace panties that he might find.

“I, uh…” A soft blush stains his cheeks, and I fight a smile.

How does a grown man like him get that embarrassed by thinking about going through my underwear?

“I would prefer you to get them.” I lean back on my hands.

His jacket falls open to reveal my even skimpier outfit after my sweater was torn at the hem.

I fight the urge to uncross my legs to give him a little preview of what he might find.

As if sensing where my thoughts are going, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and hands it to me, unlocked and open on the notes app.

“Make a list, and I’ll head back there now.” His voice comes out rough.

“You’re leaving me here alone?” I widen my eyes to feign fear as I take his phone.

“My security is aware that you’re here. If you need anything, let them know. I won't be gone long.”

I nod before turning my attention to his phone.

Anton stays exactly where he is as I quickly type out a list of items and where he can find them. I mentally run through what I’ll need for class as well as all my toiletries, doing my best to ignore how close he is. “It’s quite a long list. I can be a little high maintenance.”

“I hadn’t noticed…” Anton teases.

I shoot him a glare before returning to my list, not wanting to lose my train of thought.

Once I’ve finished, I follow Anton back downstairs and watch him climb into his car.

I don’t move from the door until his headlights have disappeared from sight, feeling a little uneasy at the thought of being left in this strange house.

To keep myself occupied, I make my way to the kitchen in search of something to eat. The fridge is well stocked with fresh produce, and I grab some grapes to snack on while I explore the house some more.

Heading back into the living room, I take my time glancing at the various framed photos that are littered across the many bookcases.

I recognize each of the smiling faces instantly.

Alexei, Dimitri, Mikhail, Danil.

Anton.

There are pictures from various weddings as well as pictures of children who I know belong to the oldest Koslov brothers.

My eyes linger on a picture that I know is of the latest addition, Vivianna.

It looks like Mikhail and his wife were married at the hospital, and my eyes well with tears as they stand in their outfits on either side of the incubator, looking overjoyed as they stare at one another.

I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be a part of a close-knit family like this one.

Despite losing my mother, I still had two brothers and a father. I was far from alone, but that didn’t make me feel any less lonely.

---