Page 63 of Sinner

“What are you salivating over, oh brother of mine?” he asked as he took a sip of his drink. When I didn’t answer, he studied the crowd, finally chuckling under his breath. “I see. Did you invite your prize? Do you plan in fucking her in the hotel restroom?”

“Why would I sully her in a disgusting environment? She deserves much more.”

He laughed. “That never stopped you before. A delight to see her.”

“Yes, but I’m quite curious how she obtained an invitation.”

“Perhaps the girl she’s with has connections.”

“Perhaps.” I studied the way she was walking, attempting to have an air of confidence as if she belonged at such an event. In my mind, she was more regal than the plastic people who were just eager to grasp onto a few minutes of fame and glory.

At our expense, of course.

Another reason I loathed these events. They brought out the worst in people.

“I think I’ll go talk with her,” Zach said as he started to move away.

“Not a chance. She belongs to me.”

“So possessive.”

I threw him a look. “I have every right to be. We have a strong connection.”

“I’m curious. Does she know that? Does she know the real you or only Sinner?”

“She is aware of what’s necessary at this point. You know how I enjoy playing games.”

“Yes, I know quite well, but be careful. She appears innocent, even vulnerable, especially to a man capable of such heinous things.”

“You ought to know, but in her case especially, looks can be deceiving.” Which was a truthful statement. I sipped my drink as she continued milling through the crowd. There were various stations set up for a brief sampling of the new game, although the upper tiers had been locked down. We certainly didn’t want anyone to have a heart attack when facing their own demons.

As expected, Jessica gravitated toward one of the consoles, becoming animated in whatever she was explaining to her friend.

I headed in their direction, forced to stop a few times to pretend I cared about whatever the guest was spouting off.

“A masterful game,” Jeff Plant exclaimed as he popped his glass into my arm. He was already half drunk. He was one of our toughest critics and had been for years.

I glanced down at my jacket where he’d splashed a few drops then back to his eyes.

“Oops,” he said as he brushed his hand on my arm.

“May I offer you an experience at our headquarters? You might find it more illuminating.”

He was surprised. Little did he know I’d ensure his experience was terrifying. “I’d love that.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed someone I loathed swooping in, suddenly monopolizing Jessica even as she was attempting to convince her friend to enjoy a few moments of the game.

Dorn Franklin was a piece of shit as far as I was concerned. Considered a womanizer to the point of disgust, he someone managed to sweet talk women into bed then posting of his adventures on his TikTok videos and Instagram reels. He was a goddamn reporter for a small but influential gaming magazine, yet thought he was God’s gift to women.

There were too many people that believed the bullshit he spouted off.

An instant bad taste was left in my mouth.

I pushed my way through the crowd until I was standing right behind them.

“Come on. Just one drink,” Dorn pushed. I was pleased to see Jessica holding her own, even more so that she wasn’t taken by the jerk.

“I’m here with my friend. Thank you for the offer, but I’m just not interested.” Jessica was polite but firm.

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