Page 171 of The Sinner: James

I give him a quick nod and motion to Lex.

“Let’s get out of here.”

A car is waiting for us outside.

The driver takes us straight to the airport.

An hour later, we cruise at a high altitude in one of my private jets. Unfastening my seat belt, I sprawl on the couch, my gaze moving around the cabin.

It’s a new plane with round, futuristic chairs, sleek couches, dark granite floors, and black window panels.

Lex hands me a glass of scotch and slides into a nearby chair.

I take a big swig and lean back. The alcohol hits my blood just right, spreading heat throughout my body.

I relax.

“How many more interviews do I have to do?”

“You’re done. At least for now. Unless the producers of the Billionaire’s Life show come up with a different proposal tomorrow morning, your next interview is in January.”

I down the rest of my drink in a gulp, toss the glass on the table and take off my suit jacket and tie.

Lex watches me in silence as I unbutton my shirt at the neckline, prop my legs on the table, cross them at my ankles, and sink back into the couch.

Sucking in a long breath, I run my hands through my hair and glance up at the ceiling.

“I’ve had enough,” I say.

My words are met with silence.

I shift my gaze to him.

He smiles over the rim of his glass before taking a sip.

“Well, it’s worked so far,” he says.

“It fucking has, hasn’t it?”

I shift in my seat, pick up my jacket, and search inside my pocket, looking for my cigarettes. I fish one out, tuck it between my lips, and light it.

The smoke rolls into my lungs.

I hold my breath for a moment before blowing the smoke out in a long stream.

“What time is the meeting?” I ask, sliding an ashtray closer and rubbing my temple with the hand gripping the cigarette.

“Ten o’clock. But I can push it back,” he says before finishing his drink.

Smoothly, he runs the tip of his tongue across his lip.

He places the empty glass on the table and tilts back in his seat before crossing his ankle over his knee and folding his arms over his chest.

I slowly shake my head.

“No. It’s fine. The sooner I get it over with, the better. I need a fucking break. I’ve had enough of this TV crap.”

His phone buzzes.

---