Page 52 of Sinful Betrayal

“I appreciate that.” My chest tightens.

It feels selfish to even consider moving forward with Nina, but perhaps I should follow in Mikhail’s footsteps.

For so long he was closed off to the idea of a relationship, and then Lucia came along, and it was like she brought him back to life.

I wonder if that’s what Mikhail sees happening to me…

“This might be a dead end.” Mikhail sighs as he glances around the club.

“People always come crawling out of the woodworks eventually, Mikhail. You just have to give them a good enough reason to.”

13

NINA

Today marksa full week of staying at Anton’s place, and I’m starting to get worried. Not just at the fact that I’m still yet to see any signs of him being a murdering sociopath, but also because I think I’m starting to fall for him.

Likefor realfall for him.

It’s not good. I used to pride myself on my self-discipline. I’ve been studying ballet for almost my entire life, sacrificing countless nights out and opportunities for delicious food in order to perfect my craft.

And yet, when it comes to a six-foot-three god of a man who should be arrested for the things he can do with his tongue, I fold like a house of cards.

It does not bode well for my career as a bratva spy.

I’ve sent the last two calls from my father to voicemail and have bought myself time by texting him vague updates that are mostly made up to try and keep him happy until I can figure out my next move.

I’m starting to question whether it would be better to come clean and tell Anton of the threat my father poses and hope he can look past it.

But there’s no way I could betray my father like that. He’d do a hell of a lot worse than putting me on a plane back to Russia.

Besides, how can I come clean and openly betray Anton’s trust after everything he’s done for me?

I’m in deep, and I’m not sure I’m going to be able to crawl my way out.

Emma comes to my side, and we gather our things after class. “You’ve been quiet all day. Is everything okay?”

“Just tired, I guess.” I shrug into my long coat. “It’s been a long week.”

“I hear you. Bea and Allie were thinking of heading back toEspionagetonight to blow off some steam. Wanna come with? You can bring your new guy if you want.” She winks.

“Um…” I pretend to check my phone as I try to consider my options.

I know Anton will be home pretty late as he has meetings, but I doubt he’d let me go out drinking even if I took Yakov with me.

I wonder if I could give Yakov the slip…

I think of my giant bodyguard and immediately dismiss the idea.

“I’m exhausted. I think I’ll just stay in tonight.”

“Come on. Don’t be a killjoy.”

“I’m honestly beat. But I can make it up to you.”

“How?” she says, narrowing her eyes.

I unlock my phone and shoot Anton a quick text.

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