Page 297 of The Sinner: James

I steal a glance at him.

There’s something different about him.

His magnetism is no longer fueled by his wild streak. He seems more profound, deeper.

His fitted white shirt is undone at the neckline, and the sleeves are rolled up. Black pants fall perfectly over his legs, setting off his muscular body.

He oozes the same sexual energy, despite doing nothing.

A ring graces his finger, prompting me to do a double-take and lose my breath briefly.

His lips curve into a soft grin.

“What’s so funny?” I ask.

“I’m not married.”

“I’m not interested anyway.”

He fights back a smile.

“Okay. About my girlfriends––”

“I don’t care about that, either,” I toss at him harshly.

“I’m single,” he says calmly, ignoring my fit.

I stay quiet.

He leans against the balustrade, his arms folded across his chest, his gaze pinned on me.

Slowly, he brings his cigarette to his lips, narrowing his eyes as he inhales the smoke.

His hair and eyes catch the lights of the party.

“What about you? Are you with someone?” he asks, his tone reserved.

“Nothing has changed,” I deadpan, pulling my gaze away from him.

“How’s the business going?” he asks.

I pivot to leave.

“Hey.”

His hand comes to my arm, his fingers touching me softly.

“I’m not trying to hurt you,” he says as I face him again.

“Business is good.”

I keep my voice even despite the emotions swirling inside me.

“You should’ve kept the money,” he says and pauses, observing me in silence.

It doesn’t take long before he notices my saddened eyes and slowly shakes his head.

“What you did was childish and didn’t prove a damn thing. Not to me anyway,” he comments in a serious voice.

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