Page 175 of The Sinner: James

“Five K per hour per client.”

“Not bad...” I say, bobbing my head. “She must be good if her hourly rate is that high. What does she look like?”

“She looks good.”

“That’s it? Have you seen her?”

“No. You don’t get to see her until you meet her.”

“What are you fucking saying, man? That’s bad business all the way. You don’t buy shit you can’t see, Lex. Do I need to teach you this?”

He pushes out an amused chuckle while I wag my finger at him.

“She better deliver, or you’ll get an earful from me,” I say. “I’m not in the mood for your fucking games.”

He’s still laughing as I stick a pillow under my head and close my eyes.

“Wake me up when we get to New York.”

* * *

RAIN

It’s been snowing steadilyfor the past two hours.

I pick up my coffee, take a sip, and glance outside.

It’s dark and foggy, and Central Park is buried under thick snow. The streets are painted in glittery white too.

Christmas lights flicker in the windows and the trees, brightening the view.

Smiling to myself, I take another drink of coffee, spin around, and walk into my bedroom.

I set the cup on the nightstand, enter the closet, and riffle through my evening gowns for a few good minutes before narrowing my options to a few choices and heading back.

I lay two red evening gowns on the bed before retrieving a new pair of scarlet heels from a box.

A smile tugs at my lips as I inspect them.

They’re so pretty.

It takes me half an hour to put on my makeup and straighten my hair before I stroll out of the bathroom and enter my bedroom again.

I shed my robe, lift the cover of another fancy box, and pull out a set of red lingerie.

I decide against the low-cut bra since I go for an open-back gown and scoop out the G-string panties encrusted with tiny rhinestones.

I clasp my garter belt, attach the sheer stockings, and slip my dress on.

Perched on my heels, I twirl in front of the mirror.

The fabric falls perfectly, the cut intimately following the lines of my silhouette. Longer at the back, the bottom flares out into a small train.

I pivot and glance over my shoulder, inspecting the low-cut neckline showcasing my bare back down to my tailbone.

Perfect.

I put on my ruby-encrusted necklace and drape a cloak over my shoulders.

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