5. Nina

5

NINA

This night is turning out even better than I predicted. Not only did I have Anton Koslov practically drooling at my feet, but now I’ve managed to score myself an all-access pass to his house upstate without having to throw sex in the mix.

I make a mental note to send the two men who attacked me a well-deserved bonus.

It’s likely my father won’t be pleased to learn that I’ve put two of his men out of commission for the foreseeable future, but I’m hoping it’s worth it.

I wait patiently beside Anton as a valet brings his steel gray McLaren GTS around.

Even after just taking out two men, he still remembers to tip his staff.

I have to say, the guy has some attractive qualities. Just not enough to make up for the not so attractive ones.

The blood currently staining his hands reminds me all too well of who he truly is underneath all the wealth and charm.

All eyes turn in our direction as the engine roars, but Anton only has eyes for me.

I can tell he’s concerned I’m about to shatter into a million pieces, and I feel a little anxious that I acted a little too calm. Playing a damsel in distress doesn’t come easily.

Growing up in my world, I had to learn to take care of myself. I only hope that I haven’t just cost myself a chance at Anton’s trust.

Perhaps once we’re alone in the car, I’ll let my walls down just enough to let him think I’m going to break. It seems he enjoys playing the hero, considering how fast he came to my rescue.

I took a chance that he would follow me outside, and it paid off.

What I wasn’t expecting was him to insist on taking me back to his place to protect me. I must say, it’s an unexpected bonus, and one I plan on taking full advantage of.

Anton opens the passenger door for me and helps me into the car. It’s very low to the ground, but his jacket stops me from flashing too much skin to all of the curious bystanders.

I buckle myself in and watch him as he walks around the car and climbs behind the wheel.

Other than the blood on his hands, he’s still immaculate, with barely a hair out of place.

Watching him take out two men with his bare hands was like watching a violent ballet. He moved his body effortlessly, and it’s clear that he’s put years of training into honing his skills.

I have to say I’m impressed, and a little aroused. Being wrapped in his jacket doesn’t help. I inhale the earthy scent mixed with alcohol and sweat.

It’s intoxicating, and I want to bathe in the scent all night.

“Ready?” Anton snaps me back to the present.

I nod, offering him a small smile. His eyes search my face for a moment before he turns on the engine and pulls away from the curb.

We’re silent the entire drive out of the city.

Anton is likely lost in his own thoughts, trying to work out who the two guys work for. Knowing him, he’ll trace them back to my father before the sun rises. I just hope that’s as far as the connection goes.

If he learns who I truly am, I’ll lose a hell of a lot more than my ballet career.

As we pull up to a set of towering gates thirty minutes later, I sit up straighter, taking in the sprawling estate.

I knew that Anton came from money, but I didn’t realize the extent of his wealth.

I eye the crisp white exterior of the house, lit up by flood lights, with its floor to ceiling windows and sprawling green lawns. Even at night, the house looks so light and welcoming. It makes it hard to remember that you’re still in New York.

He looks at me. “Do you like it?”

“It’s… Wow.”

“It’s extravagant, I know.” He chuckles.

“Only a little,” I tease. “What is it, six bedrooms?”

“Eight.”

“One for you, and I’m guessing that the rest are for all the other women that you save?”

“How did you know?” His lips twitch as he glances over at me. “Come on, I can give you a quick tour.”

I follow Anton up the steps to the front door, watching carefully as he scans his fingerprint alongside punching in a code. I have no doubt that there are cameras covering every inch of the place, both inside and out.

The door clicks open, and Anton steps aside to let me through.

My heels click against the pale wooden floors as Anton leads me across the foyer.

A huge staircase is situated in the center, made of the same pale wood with a dark green carpet running up the middle. The color scheme is earthy and warm, which is entirely not what I expected from Anton.

“What do you think?” He leads me into the lounge.

“I didn’t expect it to be so…homely. I pictured more of a black and white minimalist vibe.”

Anton chuckles, tucking his hands into his pockets.

“That style always felt so cold to me. I wanted to have a place where I could just come home and sprawl out on the couch.”

“Well, you’ve definitely achieved that.” I eye the huge couch.

Built-in white bookcases cover the opposite wall with a huge TV in the center. There are also plants in almost every corner of every room, making it seem fresh and vibrant.

I can’t help but compare it to my home back in Russia, which feels dark and cold.

“I have an apartment in the city too, but I thought bringing you here would be safer.” Anton looks around the room.

“So you could show off more?” I nudge him with my elbow.

“What do you think I’ve been trying to do all night?” The corner of his lip twitches.

“Ah, so the hero routine was purely for show, huh? Not because you were actually worried about my safety?”

Anton peers down at me, his eyes lingering on my lips long enough for my pulse to quicken.

“You can read it whatever way you like, Nina. It doesn’t change the fact that you’re staying here until I’m certain you’re safe. Now, let me show you the rest of the house.”

With each room Anton walks me through, I fall in love with the place a little bit more. The decor is slightly rustic with a farmhouse feel.

As he leads me up the stairs, I take a moment to admire the huge windows that look out over the now dark grounds.

“I like to stand here and watch the sunrise,” Anton says.

I watch his face in the glass, the dark night sky a backdrop to our reflections.

“I bet it’s breathtaking.”

“Just like you.”

I can’t help the blush that creeps up my neck at his words.

Remember why you’re here.

I clear my throat, flicking my bangs out of my eyes as I look around. “Where am I sleeping?”

“Right down here.” He leads me down the corridor, stopping outside the door at the very end.

He opens it and steps aside to let me past, and I do my best to hide my excitement as I glance around the room.

A huge king-size bed takes up most of the room with sage green and cream bedding as well as a window seat of the same sage green color, creating the perfect reading nook between the bookshelves that are mostly stocked with potted plants and antique books.

It’s beautiful, and entirely my taste.

“There’s an adjoining dressing room and bathroom.” Anton indicates to the two doors on the far side of the room.

“And where’s your room?” I glance over my shoulder.

Anton leans against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest as he looks at me with those intense chocolate brown eyes.

“It’s right next door.”

“Is that on purpose?”

“It’s in case you need me.” He shrugs.

I narrow my eyes, but his expression remains innocent despite the way his eyes roam over my body.

Kicking off my heels, I pad across the thick cream rug and perch on the edge of the bed, crossing one knee over another.

“This is all very hospitable, but I don’t have any of my things.” I sigh, glancing around the room. “I have a dance exam in the morning, and I haven’t even got a pair of pointe shoes with me. Not to mention how long the commute will be into the city?—”

“Nina.” Anton pushes off the wall, crossing over to me.

My breath catches as he moves to stand in front of me.

“I refuse to take any chances when it comes to your safety, so you’ll stay here until I can be sure you’re not in any danger. If that means driving you into the city morning and night for the next month, then so be it.”

I frown. “You’re going to all this trouble for a girl you just met? Why?”

“You tell me, Nina Balakin.” He tucks his hands into his pockets.

He raises his eyebrows, and I find myself lost for words.

He takes another step closer until my knees brush against his thighs, and I let out a small gasp.

“I-I need some clean underwear at least.” My cheeks are burning.

“Make a list, and I’ll have one of my men go and collect everything for you.”

I scoff, running my hands through my hair. “No offense, but I don’t want some strange guy rifling through my underwear drawer.”

“Haven’t got anything to hide, have we?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” I glance up at him beneath my lashes to see his eyes darken.

For a moment, an image of him pushing me back against the plush comforter and climbing on top of me fills my mind, and I can’t help but rub my thighs together as an ache starts to build between them.

“Would you feel better if I went?” he asks in a low tone.

“You mean, would I feel better if you were the one to rifle through my underwear?” I raise an eyebrow as Anton rubs at the back of his neck, clearly trying his hardest not to think of all the lace panties that he might find.

“I, uh…” A soft blush stains his cheeks, and I fight a smile.

How does a grown man like him get that embarrassed by thinking about going through my underwear?

“I would prefer you to get them.” I lean back on my hands.

His jacket falls open to reveal my even skimpier outfit after my sweater was torn at the hem.

I fight the urge to uncross my legs to give him a little preview of what he might find.

As if sensing where my thoughts are going, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and hands it to me, unlocked and open on the notes app.

“Make a list, and I’ll head back there now.” His voice comes out rough.

“You’re leaving me here alone?” I widen my eyes to feign fear as I take his phone.

“My security is aware that you’re here. If you need anything, let them know. I won't be gone long.”

I nod before turning my attention to his phone.

Anton stays exactly where he is as I quickly type out a list of items and where he can find them. I mentally run through what I’ll need for class as well as all my toiletries, doing my best to ignore how close he is. “It’s quite a long list. I can be a little high maintenance.”

“I hadn’t noticed…” Anton teases.

I shoot him a glare before returning to my list, not wanting to lose my train of thought.

Once I’ve finished, I follow Anton back downstairs and watch him climb into his car.

I don’t move from the door until his headlights have disappeared from sight, feeling a little uneasy at the thought of being left in this strange house.

To keep myself occupied, I make my way to the kitchen in search of something to eat. The fridge is well stocked with fresh produce, and I grab some grapes to snack on while I explore the house some more.

Heading back into the living room, I take my time glancing at the various framed photos that are littered across the many bookcases.

I recognize each of the smiling faces instantly.

Alexei, Dimitri, Mikhail, Danil.

Anton.

There are pictures from various weddings as well as pictures of children who I know belong to the oldest Koslov brothers.

My eyes linger on a picture that I know is of the latest addition, Vivianna.

It looks like Mikhail and his wife were married at the hospital, and my eyes well with tears as they stand in their outfits on either side of the incubator, looking overjoyed as they stare at one another.

I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be a part of a close-knit family like this one.

Despite losing my mother, I still had two brothers and a father. I was far from alone, but that didn’t make me feel any less lonely.

I’ve never experienced family like this. There are no happy pictures littered around my home, except old ones of me and my mother that were taken before she died.

My chest tightens as I look at the smiles on each of the faces of the Koslov family.

I don’t think I’ve ever felt so alone.