Page 60 of Sinful Betrayal

The thought has me holding back a smile.

But I can’t find it in me to tell her the story, and I know telling her who she really was will lead to a whole lot of questions. So, I just say, “She was just someone that our family used to know.”

“A friend of the family?”

I nod. “Something like that.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Now, how do you feel about popcorn for dinner?”

I feel bad for not telling her the whole truth about who Katerina is, but the truth is that even after all this time, it still brings back painful memories. I know it would probably help to actually talk about her, but Nina is not going to be that person. Talking about your ex-girlfriend with the woman you’re interested in is a complete mood killer.

Nina smiles and gets to her feet.

I pull the bag of kernels out of the pantry as Nina grabs the pot out of the cupboard beside the stove.

I pour the kernels into the pot and set the lid back on. “How was your day?”

“It was good. Long, but good.”

“So, the girls are heading out tonight?”

“Yeah. Oh, that reminds me, Emma says thank you for organizing the table and everything. It was very sweet.”

“It was my pleasure. You know, it’s not too late if you want to join them.”

Nina glances at me and bites her lower lip.

“I’d rather stay in with you,” she whispers.

I can’t help but bend down to kiss her on the tip of her nose.

“Me too.”

Her breath catches, and I laugh, loving how she responds to the slightest touch.

Once the popcorn is almost ready, I grab two huge mugs and start heating up milk for the hot chocolate. “I think there’s some whipped cream in the fridge.”

“Ooh, yum!”

I smile as she skips over to the fridge, her movements so delicate and graceful that I can’t help but stare.

“Oh, I forgot to mention that I invited Emma over on Sunday for a girly afternoon if that’s okay? Sorry, I probably should have checked with you first.” She opens the fridge and pulls out the can of whipped cream.

Warmth rushes in my chest at the thought of her feeling comfortable enough in my house to invite her friends around.

“You’re welcome to invite your friends over any time.” I lean against the counter. “And I want you to know how much I appreciate your willingness to follow my requests when it comes to your safety. I know it’s not easy.”

“Getting to stay in a big fancy house with a hot guy isn’t exactly a hardship.” She smirks.

“You think I’m hot?”

Nina scowls. “Just for that, you can show me just how much you appreciate me.” She shakes the can of cream, and my mind instantly fills with filthy thoughts. “And maybe we can see how willing you are to followmyrequests.”

15

NINA

---