Page 56 of Sinful Betrayal

I look closer at the picture and sure enough, his knobby knees covered in band-aids.

“Poor Anton.” I chuckle.

“Never did it again, though.” Maria shrugs. “My sister's kids were the same. Never liked being told what to do and always came home covered in blood.”

Not much has changed there.

“Oh, this is my favorite photo.” She reaches for one of Anton with his arm around a slightly younger boy who I assume is his brother, Nikolai.

They’re wearing matching school uniforms with their dark hair neatly styled.

“My boys were inseparable growing up.”

“They look like they got into mischief together.”

“Oh, they sure did. Anton tried his best to keep Nikolai in line, but it never really worked.” She laughs. “One time they stole all the lemons off the tree in our neighbor's yard. She was an older lady and somehow the boys convinced her to buy them all back.”

“I guess Anton’s always been an entrepreneur.” I chuckle.

“He sure has. I’m so proud of Anton.” Maria sets the photo back on the shelf. “He’s grown into an amazing young man, despite everything he’s gone through.”

I frown, wondering what hardships she’s referring to. Before I have a chance to ask, the door to the lounge clicks open, and Anton strolls in.

I can’t help but stare as he crosses the room wearing his signature black shirt and pants combo that shows off his powerful body.

He’s freshly-shaven, which makes his jaw appear even more angular, and I’m eager to explore the thick column of his neck with my tongue.

“What’s going on?” He glances between me and his mother.

“Maria was just showing me some old pictures.”

Anton’s eyebrows shoot up, but I offer him a reassuring smile. “She’s been telling me all sorts of stories about you.”

“Is that so?” His eyes fly to her. “Mamulichka?”

“Come over here, Anton.” Maria waves her hand. “Remind me where this one was taken?”

He moves to stand on her other side and reaches onto the top shelf of the bookcase for a picture of himself and Nikolai with a man I assume is their father.

“This was on dad’s birthday.” Anton hands Maria the frame. “Right after Nikolai and I stole the cake.”

I glance over Maria’s shoulder at the photo and burst out laughing as I notice the two boys sporting a mustache made of chocolate icing.

“Like I said, they were troublemakers.” She shakes her head.

I look at Anton closely and notice his eyes glisten with tears as his mother recalls that day with a fond expression.

My heart aches for him. He must feel so helpless knowing that there’s no cure for this disease, but I hope these lucid moments can bring him some comfort.

14

ANTON

The last thingI expect to find when I walk into the lounge is Nina chatting with my mother.

I decided to pop back to the house between meetings to check on both of them, and when the maid came rushing out of the kitchen looking distressed, I knew immediately that my mother was having a bad day.

But then I heard Mama laughing, and I froze.

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