Page 185 of The Sinner: James

Large windows look out over Manhattan, and a panoramic view stretches from side to side.

Not far from us, a staircase descends to a lower level where the blue light of an inside pool casts a glow around the space.

A lavish oval bed sits near us, and a velvet couch and matching armchairs lean against the wall across from us.

A door opens and closes behind us, and footsteps trail our way.

I spin around as James swaggers in.

He stops in front of me, still wearing his tailored pants, his white tailored shirt completely open.

Lex gauges my reaction.

“Anything we need to know, babe?” James deadpans, tossing condoms and lube on a nightstand.

I shake my head.

“Safe word?” he asks.

“Red. Anything I need to know?” I toss back at him, barely keeping my nerves under control.

He locks my eyes, his gaze dark and heavy.

“I like it rough,” he says, with no humor in his voice.

My chest tightens with apprehension.

I shift my gaze to Lex, who looks guarded.

“I hope you’re as good as the word is on the street. I don’t want to be disappointed,” James says dryly. “Now strip,” he barks.

A bad feeling falls through me.

I pull the zipper down, hook my fingers inside the neckline, and peel the gown off, revealing my bare chest, garters, and tiny panties.

Lex’s eyes hover over my body, a soft gasp falling from his lips. James doesn’t look in my direction.

I step out of my dress and push it to the side.

“On your knees,” James instructs. “He goes first,” he says as Lex steps back and leans against the wall.

I sink to my knees and look up.

Toxic darkness drips from James’ eyes while Lex’s expression reveals nothing.

“Are you fucking doing it or not?” James thunders, throwing more venom my way.

Jaw locked, I glower at him before swinging my gaze away and shifting my position to face Lex.

James moves to his side, his hands clasped on his hips, his stare drilling holes into my face.

Boiling with rage, I take a long breath and peel my gaze away from him, trying to ignore him while sliding my hands up Lex’s thighs.

I tip my head back and lock Lex’s eyes, feeling an instant connection with him.

As much as he stifles his reaction and keeps his face straight, I sense the tension in his body.

This is far from ideal––it’s more like a nightmare.

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