Page 69 of Sinful Betrayal

“I want to know as much about him as possible.”

“This is just between us, but my cousins found out they have a half sibling. Their father had an affair with Igor’s ex-wife, Katya, and there was a son. Igor recorded Katya as having a stillbirth and took the son and basically tortured him for most of his life. We’ve been trying to track him down for almost two years.”

Nina’s body is shaking, and I decide that’s probably enough information. I cup her cheeks and wipe her tears away with my thumbs.

“But he won’t ever hurt you, Nina, I promise you.”

She nods as tears continue to stream down her cheeks.

“I’m sorry for upsetting youlapochka.”

“I’m the one who asked.”

“Unfortunately, there are bad people in this world. But then there are angels like you who are nothing but good and pure.” I bend down to kiss her lips.

Nina only sobs louder. I pull her into my arms and hold her against my chest as she cries. I hate that she’s shedding tears because of Igor Ivanov, but she has every right to know the reality of the situation. I won’t ever deny the truth to her.

“Have you ever killed anyone?” she whispers once she’s calmed down.

For a moment, I consider lying, but I can’t deceive Nina like that. She deserves to know who I really am.

“Yes.” I stroke her cheek. “But only when it’s absolutely necessary. It’s never out of entertainment or enjoyment.”

I take the fact that she’s not pushing me away, or looks repulsed by my honesty, as a good sign.

“What counts as necessary?” Nina frowns.

“Protecting those I love.”

Nina goes quiet, and I worry that my confession might be too much for her. But I wanted to be as open and transparent with her as possible.

Secrets can ruin relationships, and if Nina and I have a chance at something real, it’s best she knows what she’s getting herself into.

“Are you okay?” I continue stroking her hair, hoping that this small touch reminds her of who I really am.

“I’m okay,” she whispers. “But I need to talk to you about something.”

“You can always talk to me about anything.”

She nods, biting her lower lip.

My phone buzzes among my pile of clothes on the floor.

I hesitate, but Nina shifts out of my arms.

“You should take that.”

“It’s probably just Mikhail or Danil.” I reach over the side of the bed for my pants.

I pull my phone out of my pocket and see Rosa’s name flashing on the screen. “Shit.”

She’s likely calling with an update on Nikolai, and I’m eager to learn of my brother’s whereabouts. But I’m also aware of the conversation that Nina and I have just had, and the fact that she was wanting to share something with me.

“Anton, it’s okay.” She climbs out of bed, reaching for her pink, silk robe that’s slung over the armchair. “We can talk later.”

“You needed to talk…” My phone continues to buzz in my hand, but there’s no way I can send Rosa to voicemail.

“Really, it’s fine.” Nina ties the belt of her robe around her middle before walking over to the door. “Take your call. We’ll talk more later.”

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