Page 328 of The Sinner: James

“This place was set for you and me. It didn’t look like this before.”

“You’ve planned to meet me for a while?” she asks incredulously.

“Yes, I have.”

“Has Eve helped you?”

“Yes. I talked to her some time back.”

“Here?”

“In New York.”

Surprise floods her eyes.

“How did you find her? ”

“I talked to Rene and Donnie.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“So everybody knew about this except me?”

I nod.

She looks around.

“You had this place remodeled then?”

“Mm-hmm. And the Dark House.”

“You were sure everything would work out?” she murmurs.

“No, I wasn’t, but I’ve never considered losing you either. I’m always focused on winning, and you’ve been one of the most important battles in my life.”

Her smile fades, her eyes getting teary again.

“Don’t cry for me now, Rain,” I say, smiling. “Don’t feel sorry for me. I’m a big boy. I can take a fall.”

Her eyes shine with a smile before she loops her arms around me and kisses me softly.

“I’ll be ready in a minute.”

She breaks away from me.

“We’re in no rush,” I say before she waves at me and walks into the bathroom.

* * *

JAMES

I gulpthe rest of my drink, set the glass back on the table, and train my eyes on the world pulsing with life outside.

The sound of cars and people becomes a dull hum, fading into the background.

If my father were here today, he wouldn’t recognize me or this piece of land.

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