Page 183 of The Sinner: James

“I’m not doing anything.”

His eyes are clear, like the summer sky.

Splaying my fingers over his chest, I drink in his soft smile.

“You look good,” I murmur.

“You too, baby,” he says without tearing his gaze away from my eyes.

He threads his fingers through my hair and gently cuffs and strokes my neck, spurring goosebumps on my back.

As if aware of my reaction, he lets his palm cruise down my spine before inching closer to my backside.

Holding my gaze, he runs his fingers up my back and slides his fingers into my hair again.

My shoulders quiver.

Drinking me in, he moves his hands slowly, kneading my back and stroking my neck until I softly gasp.

He’s good.

So smooth.

Flashing a secret grin, he turns me on.

“We shouldn’t do this,” he says.

I blink and look at him with clearer eyes.

He observes me in silence as I run my fingers up the lapel of his jacket and gently touch his face.

“What do you mean?” I ask softly.

“This whole evening. It’s a bad idea.”

I flick my eyes away from him and meet James’ glare.

I wonder how long he’s been watching us since his eyes look like they could start a fire.

He keeps his focus on us, oblivious to his dancing partner.

Without breaking my stare, I murmur to Lex.

“He wants to do it,” I say before moving my eyes back to Lex. “What about you?”

A soft smile curves his lips.

“What do you think?”

A moment passes before he speaks again.

“I still think it’s a bad idea.”

I ponder for a second.

“You’ve always wanted me…” I say. “And you were right. I would’ve been yours had he not claimed me first,” I add, tenderly stroking his face.

A warm smile threads through his gaze.

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