Page 296 of The Sinner: James

“Rain?”

I could recognize his voice anywhere with ease. Although this time, he sounds different.

His tone is deep and mellow, no longer bearing an edge.

Slowly, I turn around.

He stands there, his backside propped against the railing, his eyes rooted on me.

“James…?” I murmur, taking a few steps toward him.

The tip of his cigarette casts a light over his face again, his eyes looking like burning embers in the dimness.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, barely breathing.

He looks away, blowing the smoke to the side before swinging his gaze back to me and locking my eyes.

“I’m a guest.”

“Guest? Eve’s guest?”

“Yes.”

Something doesn’t feel right.

I glance around.

“Are you alone?”

A smile glints across his lips.

“You mean without my friends?”

“No. I mean without your girlfriends.”

“Hmm... Girlfriends. Are we still on that topic?” he jokes, his humor lost on me.

Anger soars through me at once, prompting me to spin away.

“Rain?”

Footsteps rush behind me as he pushes off the railing and bolts after me.

He grips my elbow before I get the chance to pull away.

His other hand goes to my shoulder, nudging me to turn around and face him.

His body heat envelopes me, his unmistakable scent––a dash of cologne and smoke–– reaching my nostrils.

“Don’t leave,” he says seriously.

“I don’t want to fight you.”

“We won’t fight. I need a few moments with you. It’s the only reason I am here.”

He studies me before taking his hands off and breaking away from me.

Silently, he lights a couple of candle lanterns, and a soft glow grows around the pavilion. The place is wrapped in wild roses and lined with wooden floors. It’s pretty.

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