Page 46 of Sinful Betrayal

“I’m not a professional dancer yet. I still have a long way to go.”

“But you’re putting in the work to make that dream a reality, Nina. Not many would have the courage to do that.”

My cheeks burn at the compliment.

“We’ll see what happens…” I mutter, ignoring the pang of guilt in my stomach.

If I can’t get my growing feelings for Anton under control, my father is going to ruin a lot more than just my dance career.

“What about the rest of your family? Do you have siblings or cousins?”

“I don’t.” It’s not a complete lie. After all Maxim is dead, and Lev is…well, Lev. “I am jealous of your cousins, though. It must be nice to have a big family, and all those babies to snuggle.”

Anton chuckles. “Don’t be fooled by the cuteness.”

“I’d say your cousins are more handsome than cute, but sure, I guess they’re sort of cute.”

“I meant, the babies.” He pinches my waist, and I squeal.

There’s a twinkle of amusement in his eyes, and I know that the dark cloud is starting to pass.

“So jealous.” I chuckle.

“Well, I can’t be too jealous, seeing as you’re wearingmyshirt. Which, by the way, you look sexy as hell in.” He sinks his fingers into my hips as he bends down to press a kiss to my neck.

I shiver at his touch, arching my back as my nipples pebble against the soft material.

“Oh, this old thing?” I gasp as his tongue licks along my jaw.

My pussy starts to throb as I remember how it felt to have that tongue between my thighs.

“Mmm, I think I might have to donate all my shirts to you. You wear them much better.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that.” I run my hands over his broad shoulders. “You’re pretty sexy yourself.”

Anton’s breath tickles my neck as he laughs.

“Lapochka, there’s no competition when it comes to you.”

12

ANTON

Nina is doinga wonderful job of lifting my spirits, but that might have something to do with the fact that she’s straddling my lap wearing nothing but my shirt.

I always feel deflated after spending time with my mom.

I love her dearly, but it’s exhausting, and that only adds to the permanent guilt that weighs heavy on my shoulders.

When it comes to her condition, my feelings are irrelevant, so I force the guilt down and try to push through the pain of her not knowing who I am.

She was particularly distressed today. I’m not sure where this sudden fixation on Nikolai is coming from. She’s barely mentioned him in the last few months, and I had almost hoped she had forgotten about him entirely, if only to save her the heartache.

I hate that he’s causing her so much pain, but I hate even more that he doesn’t seem to care.

Nina presses another kiss to my lips, bringing me out of my thoughts.

It’s like she can sense me spiraling and is working to keep me focused on something else.

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