Page 97 of Sinful Betrayal
“How long have you been here?” I prefer not talking about my father.
Anton looks at me curiously, but I purposefully avoid his gaze.
“A few years now. Ever since the divorce, I craved a fresh start, and New York seemed like the perfect place.”
“You seem happy.”
“Oh, I am, truly. Leaving Sergei was the best thing I ever did. No offense, dear, but men are sometimes more hassle than they’re worth.”
“None taken.” Anton chuckles.
“Though if my husband looked anything like you, I would have been more inclined to keep him around.” She strokes his arm.
I find myself moving closer to Anton. “We really should be going. I have an early start in the morning.”
“It was just lovely seeing you.” Valerija kisses me once on each cheek. “You have my number, darling. Call me, and we’ll go for a drink.”
“I’d love that,” I lie.
She smiles again at Anton, barely listening to me as she squeezes his arm. “And you can definitely call me any time.”
She flashes me a wink as if to sayI’m happy to share if you are.
I tighten my hold on Anton’s arm as I look over my shoulder and watch Valerija disappear into the crowd of people streaming out of the theater.
When I’m certain she’s definitely gone, I quickly lead us toward the line of cars being driven around the front of the theater.
“She’s like a vulture when it comes to men.”
“Don’t worry, I only have eyes for one woman tonight.” Anton pinches my waist.
It takes the entire car ride back to Anton’s place for my heart to stop pounding in my chest.
I can’t seem to stop playing out all the potential conversations we could have ended up having on the front steps of the Lincoln Center.
Valerija could have blurted out my father’s name, and it would have all been over in an instant.
That realization has my blood turning cold.
I need to tell Anton. He has to hear the truth from me.
The gravel crunches beneath the tires as Anton pulls up outside the house, and I force myself back to the present, determined not to let the run in with Valerija ruin this perfect evening.
Anton walks around to my door and helps me out of the car.
This dress is incredible, but it does make it hard to get in and out of a car as low to the ground as Anton’s.
I take his hand, and we walk toward the front door together.
“Is this the part of the evening where you kiss me goodnight?” I bite my lower lip.
Anton smiles, his eyes flicking to my lips. He looks incredible in his tux, the jacket highlighting his broad shoulders and thick arms, and I’m desperate to get my hands on him.
“I didn’t want to presume.” His gaze heats as he glances lower to where my hard nipples are peeking through my dress.
I hold my breath as he steps closer to me and takes my face in his hands.
He tilts my head up before bending down to kiss me softly.