Page 210 of The Sinner: James

“Huh?” I mumble, moving my eyes to him. “Lex and I were never rivals to begin with,” I say, holding his eyes while stating the truth.

“He’s right,” Lex comments seriously this time. “Ed flies in next week. He’ll stay with me,” he adds.

“I see,” Rain murmurs, no reaction on her face.

She finishes eating and glances at the side table.

“I guess, no sweets.”

We both smile.

“Lex doesn’t like them, and he ordered the food. We’ll get something for you tomorrow.”

“Okay then,” she says, rising to her feet.

We both almost break our necks looking at her.

“Thank you so much for the food,” she says, sliding a hand onto Lex’s shoulder.

She bends at the waist to give him another kiss.

Her robe pulls slightly open, her breasts entering my line of sight.

His eyes dip to her chest as well. I start to get hot and tense.

Breaking away from him, she pivots to me. Her fingers thread through my hair, her free hand kneading my pecs.

She softly murmurs in my ear.

“I’ll be waiting for you in your bed, baby. Don’t be late.”

A moment later, she vanishes out the door.

Lex’s lips curl into a knowing smile.

“You’re so fucked,” he says, chuckling.

* * *

JAMES

Half an hour later.

Barefoot, I saunter back, crack the door open, and sneak in.

The place is quiet, a soft light fanning from under the bedroom door.

I pour myself a scotch and head to the window, taking a swig.

The alcohol burns my mouth before rolling down my throat. Lost in thought, I glance outside.

It’s four in the morning.

The sky is dark, the snow is coming down, and thick silence cloaks the city. Quiet Christmas carols echo in the air bringing back some childhood memories.

Moments like this were a time of celebration back then.

My mother had always loved Christmas, and it showed in how she decorated the house and made it hospitable for everyone, giving us, the kids, everything we had dreamed of.

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