Page 26 of Sinful Betrayal

I take a seat at the kitchen Island and start putting berries into my bowl.

Anton turns his back to me, seeming lost in thought as he pours us both a coffee.

“Fine.” He sets a mug down in front of me. “But you’re taking Yakov with you.”

“Yakov?”

“He’s one of my men.”

“You’re giving me a bodyguard?”

“It’s a fair compromise.”

I groan as I think of all the attention I’m going to get from my classmates when some hulking great Russian dude is following me around everywhere.

“I can come and go as I please as long as Yakov comes too?”

Anton nods, leaning against the island as he clutches his coffee mug.

“Like I said, fair compromise.”

I sigh, reaching for my coffee. “Fine. Tell your lackey that we leave at seven.”

There’sno way that Yakov is going to blend in among a building full of ballerinas. He’s easily six foot five, with a shaved head, multiple eyebrow piercings and hands covered in tattoos that make him look rough as hell.

I decide to sit in the back of the Range Rover he picks me up in and put my headphones on so I can avoid any uncomfortable conversation as we drive into the city.

On my way there, I quickly message my group chat, letting them know I’ll be there soon.

Emma:SHE’S ALIVE?!?!

Beatrice:I was starting to get worried…

Allie:Bring coffee x

I groanas I read Allie’s message. I had completely forgotten that it was my turn to provide the caffeine. “Hey, Yakov. Can we make a quick stop?”

At quarter to eight, Yakov pulls into a parking spot outside the IOD, and I immediately spy Emma hanging around outside. Ourexam doesn’t start until nine, but we wanted to have plenty of time to warm up beforehand.

Emma’s eyes light up as I approach with the container of coffees.

“Uh, who’s the hottie with all the muscles?”

“He’s my, uh…security,” I mutter.

Emma’s blue eyes look like they’re about to pop out of their sockets, so I hand her a latte to distract her. “My father’s decided to get all super protective. He reads too much news.”

“Well, I must say I’m very grateful for the eye candy.” She winks at Yakov.

I turn, and a faint blush is staining Yakov’s cheek.

I fight a smile.

“But what happened to the other hottie from last night? Please tell me you got some.”

“I, uh…” I glance around for any sign of Beatrice and Allie.

“Oh, my god, you so did!” Emma squeals, slapping me on the shoulder. “Was it good?”

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