Page 2 of Sinful Promise

My breath catches in my throat as I look at him.

He’s easily the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. The way his black slacks hug his muscular thighs as he walks, along with his tight-fitted black shirt which he has rolled up to the elbows to show off his thick forearms, has my mouth watering.

He has a few of the buttons undone to show off a hint of the dark chest hair beneath, and my fingers twitch at the thought of running my hands over that broad chest.

Everything about him oozes masculinity.

He has the signature Koslov look that has every woman in the bar turning in his direction.

Danil flashes me a wink, and I blink.

My blood turns to fire in my veins as he looks at me with that slight smirk on his lips.

I offer him a smile in return, though it feels awkward. I brush my hair out of my face and try to act casual, though I’m suddenly too aware of my own limbs, and my palms are starting to sweat.

Danil could have any woman in this place, so I shouldn’t get my hopes up that anything will ever happen between us.

But then he looks at me likethat,and I melt into an Emily-shaped puddle on the floor.

God, could it be any more obvious that I have a massive crush on him?

Probably not.

I’ve known Danil for a few years. Ever since my sister Zara married his brother Dimitri, we’ve been forced to hang out at family events.

With us both being the youngest out of our respective families, and both single, we’ve naturally gravitated toward each other at weddings and parties.

But over time, we’ve become more than just each other’s plus one to family gatherings. We’ve become…friends.

Which is something I never thought would happen.

After all, he’s part of one of the most powerful and dangerous families in New York, who have a taste for breaking the law.

But despite those things, it turns out Danil and I have a lot in common.

Last year, when I learned that Danil was taking a postgraduate course at NYU, where I’m currently studying, we started hanging out on campus and studying together in the library. Eventually, our study sessions turned into movie nights and takeout dinners at either my place or his, and our friendship blossomed.

I used to think him studying business was a waste of time. After all, his family is well established, and I was sure he had a pick of whatever job he wanted.

But Danil didn’t want to be handed a position on a silver platter. He wanted to truly learn the ropes and earn his position atEspionage, which Anton granted him after he graduated last summer. Which only made me admire him more.

Though, I do miss the weekly study sessions we used to have. It can get a little lonely in the library without him constantly cracking jokes and winding me up.

He’s great company, and I always find myself laughing whenever we hang out together.

How could Inotdevelop feelings?

The guy is drop-dead gorgeous, annoyingly funny, and is one of the most caring men I’ve ever met.

Though, to be honest, that’s not exactly a difficult feat to achieve. All the men I’ve dated, or even justtalkedto, have been complete douchebags, and all of my relationships turn into a complete dumpster fire when I finally decide to stop ignoring all of their red flags.

Which only makes Danil even more appealing.

But I’m terrified of losing our friendship.

What if it didn’t work out? After all, the common denominator in all of these failed relationships is me.

Maybe I’m just not girlfriend material. Maybe I just bring out the worst in guys…

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