Page 160 of The Sinner: James

His gaze rolls down, his lips creasing into a soft smile.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he murmurs.

“Thank you.”

We enter his suite a few moments later.

It’s warm inside and smells like flowers, male cologne, and delicious food.

I look around as he takes off my coat and shows me to the dining room.

A romantic dinner awaits us, red candles and roses enlivening the table.

“Happy New Year, Red. It’s a little late,” he says apologetically, a small jewelry box surfacing in his hand.

“You shouldn’t...” I murmur, the high-end jewelry brand registering with me.

This must’ve cost him a small fortune––I muse, acting nonchalantly as if I’m used to receiving expensive gifts.

A small gasp escapes my lips when I get a glimpse of the blue diamond set.

He takes in my reaction with evident pleasure, his eyes glinting with a smile.

“It looks stunning,” I say, softly brushing the stones with my fingertips.

“You like it?”

“Yes,” I say, grinning.

I’ve never worn expensive jewelry, but I’ve always had an eye for beautiful things, and this is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious sets I’ve ever seen.

His cheeks get flushed as he notices the joy in my eyes.

More than the piece of jewelry, I love how he reacts to me and how I'm reflected in his eyes.

He clasps the necklace behind my neck and slips the bracelet on my wrist as I replace my earrings.

Glancing at me, he grins, content, satisfaction beaming in his gaze, and then he loops his arms around my waist and tenderly embraces me.

Slowly, he trails my neck with his lips, planting soft kisses.

“I’ll be here the entire weekend. Can you stay?” he asks, his voice filled with lust.

For a moment, I think about my job, the long hours I have to put in on Saturday and Sunday, and then I smile.

“Sure. I’m all yours,” I say, gently stroking his face.

The corners of his lips lift with a smile.

“Good. Then, let’s eat first.”

* * *

RAIN

Sunday evening.

I givehim a tender kiss as I get ready to leave.

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