Page 23 of Sinful Promise

“Nothing much. Anton’s still following behind me with a whip to make sure I stay on top of things.”

I like Anton, but the way he’s treating Danil is completely unfair. He’s more than proved himself, so I don’t understand why Anton insists on treating Danil like a kid.

“Surely, he should back off soon, right? You’ve been working for him for a long while now, and the place seems busier than ever.”

“It is, but Anton likes to make sure I don’t forget who’s really in charge.”

“Maybe it’s time to branch out on your own. Open up your own place.”

Danil shrugs as he stares down at his coffee.

I wish he could see himself through my eyes.

Then his eyes lift to mine. “What else is new with you? How was the rest of your weekend?”

My stomach sinks.

“Uh…pretty uneventful.”

Danil narrows his dark eyes at me, and I try not to cringe under his stare.

I’m a terrible liar, and I want more than anything to tell Danil the truth about the guy who’s stalking me. But I’m not ready to answer the questions that are bound to follow, like how I met this guy.

I need to change the subject. Fast. “This weather reminds me of when you had that great idea to go to the beach to study. Do you remember?”

“Of course I do. It was a great idea! Fresh sea air, great view, amazing company…” His low tone makes me shiver.

“Sure, it was great, until the huge gusts of wind came in and sent my entire collection of notes flying all over the place.” I laugh. “I was so mad at you that day. I mean, who doesn’t check the forecast before suggesting something like that?”

“I was trying to be spontaneous, which is your fault. You were making fun of me because I plan too much.”

“Youdoplan too much.”

“Yeah, well, we had fun, though, didn’t we?”

“We always do.”

Danil smiles at me, and the way his eyes crease at the edges makes my heart melt.

That day might only be a fond memory to Danil, but it sticks in my mind for another reason.

Sitting on the sand, crying with laughter, as I watched him chase after my notes, was the moment I knew my feelings for Danil ran deeper than friendship.

“I remember you didn’t stay mad at me for long, seeing as I stayed up all night with you and helped you rewrite all your notes.”

“Only because you felt guilty.” I pick up my coffee and take a sip.

“That wasn’t the reason.” His voice is so low under his breath that I almost don’t catch the comment.

“What was the reason?”

“I just wanted to keep spending time with you.”

My eyes lock with Danil’s and for a second, time stops.

All I can see is the deep chocolate color of his eyes, and the thick dark lashes that surround them.

But then he looks away as his phone buzzes and time restarts.

---