Page 8 of Sinful Betrayal

Perhaps if I manage to pull this all off, he’ll finally take me seriously. Not because I have any interest in taking over the family business, but solely for the purpose of proving to him that I’m much more than a pretty face who prances about in a tutu.

“That’s very nice of you to say.” I take another sip of my drink.

“So, does your intense schedule leave much time for relationships?”

“Is that your way of asking if I’m single?”

“A man can never be too sure.” His eyes flick to my lips.

“Well, I’m very trustworthy. I don’t fall into men’s laps if I’m not available.”

“Ah, so you fall in guy’s laps often?” Anton’s lips twitch, and I shake my head, fighting a smile.

“All the time.”

“Here I was, thinking I was special.”

“Sorry to disappoint.” I chuckle, taking another sip of my drink.

As we lose ourselves in an easy conversation, I barely register moving closer to Anton. Our bodies are both angled toward each other with our knees touching. I’m so close that I can smell the scotch on his breath. It’s rich and smooth, like him, and I wonder what it would be like to have a taste?—

Anton’s eyes move beyond me. “It looks like we have company.”

I blink, having almost forgotten that we weren’t the only people in the bar. I straighten and glance over my shoulder to find Emma, Beatrice, and Allie heading our way.

“I apologize in advance,” I state before turning in my seat and grinning at my friends. “Are you guys leaving?”

Allie pouts. “I don’t want to.”

Beatrice sighs, wrapping her arm around Allie’s waist. “You’ll thank me when you pass the exam in the morning.”

Emma eyes Anton warily. “And I don’t want to be a third wheel to you love birds, so I’m heading out too.”

I take the opportunity to move a little closer to Anton, brushing my knee up against his thigh.

Beatrice also eyes Anton suspiciously. “Are you ok to get home?”

I can’t help but chuckle. If only they knew how dangerous he really was…

“I’m fine, Bea. I’ll text you all when I get home, I promise.”

Allie’s eyes are half-closed as she leans against Beatrice. “It’s your turn to bring the coffee tomorrow,”

“I’ll make sure they give you an extra shot.”

“Thanks.” She sighs, resting her head on Bea’s shoulder.

Emma turns to Anton. “Oh, that reminds me! Where do I send a thank you note?”

“Thank you note?” Anton glances at me for an explanation, but I just shrug my shoulders.

“For the hangover I’m going to be sporting in the morning,” Emma clarifies.

Anton’s shoulders shake with silent laughter as he glances at me, and I shake my head.

“If I vomit, I’ll even send you flowers.”

“I feel appreciated.” Anton holds his hand over his heart as he tries to keep a straight face.

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