Page 73 of Sinful Betrayal

“He should still be alive. He shouldn’t have been so stupid to try and shoot Mikhail. If he just went along with what they wanted…” I run a hand over my face as I try to stay calm.

There’s no point in dwelling on what could have been. It doesn’t change the fact that my brother’s dead, and Anton is responsible.

“I agree. But Maxim was hot-headed.”

“Act now, think later, just like our father”

Pyotr chuckles. “Exactly.”

“So, Anton was trying to save Mikhail…” My eyes well with tears.

“Looked that way, yeah. I’m sorry this happened to you, Nina, truly.”

“I appreciate that. Thanks for talking me through it.” I hang up the phone.

He was trying to save Mikhail’s life.

I swallow a sob as relief washes over me.

Anton’s been genuine this entire time. A small part of me was terrified to learn that it might have all been an act, one that I was stupid enough to fall for.

But he’s not the villain. He’s one of the good guys, and I need to make sure it stays that way.

I need to talk to my father in person. Somehow, I need to persuade him not to seek revenge against Anton, which is not going to be an easy feat. But I have to try.

I can’t let Anton suffer for trying to save his cousin's life.

We need to talk. I found out something that will be very useful to you. Send a car to the emergency exit of the main building at two.

My father doesn’t replyto my text, so I just have to hope that he does as I ask just this once. But that’s not my only issue. Somehow I also have to ditch Yakov.

My final class of the day is held in one of the small private studios on the first floor of the main building. Our class is split up into groups of five, with each group in one of the studios that all link together. If I can somehow sneak into the adjacent studio, I’ll be able to dip out of the emergency exit at the back of the building to meet the car my father hopefully sends…

I follow behind Allie as we head into the studio.

We’re currently rehearsing for the Winter showcase which is still weeks away but agents from various ballet companies will be coming to watch to scout potential dancers. It’s a huge opportunity, and one I should not be wasting.

Allie moans as we drop our bags in the corner. “A three-hour practice, who thought that was a good idea? I’m already dead on my feet after the fundamentals class this morning.”

I’m barely listening.

The fourth-year student who is choreographing this particular piece hasn’t arrived yet, so if I’m going to make my move, it needs to be now.

I glance at the door that joins us with the next studio.

“Allie, I need to ask a favor,” I whisper under my breath.

“Sure, what?”

“I have an appointment I really need to go to, but Yakov doesn’t know, can you cover for me?”

“Uh…” Allie frowns, glancing at the clock on the wall.

“Please.” I hope she can read the urgency in my tone. “Just tell Cassie I went to the nurse or something if she asks. I’ll try and be back before the end of class.”

“What’s this for, Nina?” Allie looks worried.

“I can’t tell you.”

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