Page 102 of Sinful Betrayal

She had a late rehearsal tonight, and it’s almost eight and she’ll likely want something to eat.

I stop a passing waiter and order some small plates for the table as well as some water. Once the waiter leaves, I turn to find both my cousins smirking at me.

“What?”

Dimitri laughs. “You are such a mother hen.”

“Am not.”

“You’re fussing,” Mikhail mutters, sipping his vodka. “It’s cute.”

“I am not cute.” I sit up straighter, rolling up my shirt sleeves, purposefully flexing my tattooed forearms.

“And now you’re posturing,” Mikhail shakes his head. “Like I said, it’s cute.”

“Remind me again why I’m voluntarily spending my evening with you? Oh yeah, because yourwivesmade you come out tonight.”

Mikhail scowls, and I laugh.

“I’m excited to meet this girl.” Dimitri flashes me a knowing smile.

“Be on your best behavior, please,” I warn them both. “Don’t scare her off.”

Dimitri holds his hands up in mock surrender, and Mikhail rolls his eyes.

This could be a disaster.

By the time we finish our second round of drinks, I spot Nina walking through the door with Yakov, and that weight in my stomach disappears.

Her cheeks are flushed from the cold, and her dark hair is a little windswept.

I get to my feet, ignoring the sniggers from Dimitri, and make my way through the packed bar toward her.

I nod at Yakov once, and he takes that as his cue to stand down for a minute.

He steps away into the crowd toward the bar, causing a few heads to turn in the process.

“Sorry I’m late,” Nina says a little breathlessly, flicking her bangs out of her eyes. “Allieinsistedon running through the piece one last time for luck, and I didn’t have time to change.”

I glance down at her outfit, but she’s huddled inside a long coat.

“You’re not late, you’re right on time.” I press a kiss to her forehead.

She lets out a contented sigh as her arms wrap around me. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’m always here,” I whisper against her hair. “Now, as much as I would like to take you straight home, I have a couple of people who are desperate to meet you.”

I did forewarn Nina that Mikhail and Dimitri would be joining us in case she wanted to make an excuse and head home with Yakov, but to my surprise, she was more than willing to meet some of my family.

Wrapping an arm around Nina’s waist, I lead her back through the crowd toward our table.

Dimitri’s eyes light up when he spots us, but I shoot him a look that reminds him to be on his best behavior.

“Nina, these are my cousins, Mikhail and Dimitri.”

“It’s lovely to meet you.” She holds out her hand.

Dimitri climbs off the stool and comes around to wrap her in a bone-crushing hug. “Welcome to the family, Nina.”