Page 36 of Sinful Betrayal

Anton moves his hands to my cheeks and gently brushes the tears away with his thumbs.

For a moment, I lose myself in his dark brown eyes, trying to see any hint of the monster that my father told me was there. But all I see is warmth.

“Come on, let’s go to my room.” He takes my hand and leads me out of the bathroom.

Being inside Anton’s room feels strangely intimate. The room is lit by the two bedside lamps, casting the room in a pale-yellow glow that makes me feel instantly calm.

I glance around at the various framed pictures on the walls and on top of the dresser.

His room is almost identical to mine, except with slate gray accents and no window seat. But the bookshelves on either side of the window are packed, and I find myself wandering over to scan the titles.

“Looking for anything in particular?”

I glance over my shoulder to find him leaning back against the closed door with his arms folded across his chest.

“Just trying to get a sense of who you are.” I turn back to the books. “WhoisAnton Koslov?”

Anton softly chuckles, and the sound sends a shiver running down my spine.

“There’s not much to tell. I’m a pretty simple guy.”

“Coming from the person who has a ten-bed mansion.”

“It’s eight, but glad to know you’re paying attention when I talk,” he teases. “And I meant simple in terms of what’s important to me.”

“And what’s that?” I turn around.

His eyes flick to my lips.

“My family is everything. And so are my friends. I put them before everything.”

“Are we friends?”

“Do you want to be friends, Nina?” Anton’s eyes darken as they roam over my body.

I suddenly remember I’m wearing a skimpy pink silk cami and short set that shows off ample thigh and cleavage.

My cheeks heat, and he chuckles.

“I’ll let you think about it.”

I get a little breathless. “So, what’s your favorite food?”

“Pepperoni Pizza fromAntonio’s.”

“Sunny or rainy days?”

“Rainy. Perfect movie and pizza weather.” He smirks.

“Telling someone the truth or a white lie if it meant sparing someone’s feelings?”

“Truth.” No hesitation. “Always the truth.”

My throat bobs as I see how sincere he is.

‘My turn.” He pushes off the door, stepping closer to me. “Favorite color?”

“Pink.”