Page 201 of The Sinner: James

I examine him in silence.

“You’ll get a head start in the new year. Not to mention the perks,” he says.

“What perks?”

“You keep me company. Wherever I go, you go. Wining and dining, events, shopping.”

He pauses and searches my eyes as I weigh his proposal.

“Okay,” I murmur, not entirely convinced it’s a good idea.

“And, um... You’ll also get to meet my friends,” he smiles.

“I will?” I flirt.

He nods.

“Uh-huh. Depending on how things go, I might throw in a special treat for you.”

“Which is?” I ask, arching an eyebrow.

“The Night of the Kings.”

My cheeks burn, and a different kind of smile rolls across my lips.

I lower my eyes to hide the lustful grin in my gaze.

“You’ve got yourself a deal, Mr. Sexton.”

10

RAIN

The car is hereto collect me at six o’clock sharp.

Thirty minutes later, I enter the luxury residential building, where the concierge girl shows me to a private elevator.

I thank her with a soft nod and slip in.

Later, I enter James’ place.

He takes off my cream coat, furtively observing my dark navy satin dress featuring a plunging neckline and split sleeves, complementing my art deco sapphire platinum necklace.

Gingerly fighting to keep my balance on my heels, I spin around to face him.

He sports a pair of black suit pants and a button-down fitted silver shirt that’s only highlighting his dark hair and fiery eyes.

His sleeves are neatly rolled up, revealing his muscular forearms.

He studies me as much as I examine him.

His eyes glint with a secret smile while tiny drops of cologne gleam on his clean-shaven face.

Something is different about him, and I’m sure he can say the same thing about me.

“Are you hungry?” he asks.

“No. Are we going somewhere?”