Page 330 of The Sinner: James

“Hey.”

Her hair is all brushed back, and her eyes are clear of tears.

She dips her gaze to my shirt.

“You didn’t change?”

I smile.

“I like my shirts stained with your tears.”

She flashes a warm grin.

“Do you like me crying?”

“No. But if you do cry… I like you crying in my arms.”

Her smile withers away.

I slide my fingers into her hair, and then I cuff her neck.

Her arms go around me.

“Let’s hope there won’t be many tears,” I murmur in her hair.

She glances up at me, grinning again.

“Are you ready?” I ask, giving her a swift once-over.

“Yes,” she says.

“Good.”

I take her hand and lead her out of the suite before we enter the elevator and ride it down.

From time to time, I sense the heat of her stare on my face. Her hand trembles, tucked in mine.

“Nervous?” I ask, slanting my gaze to her.

Holding my eyes, she softly nods.

“Don’t be. You’re not alone,” I say.

A smile brightens her eyes.

The door slides open, and the hostess greets us.

“Mr. Sexton,” she says as she smoothly steps aside.

A few men who work for me tilt their heads discreetly, greeting us too.

We veer toward the VIP area, where Lex and Ed await us in a private booth.

They push to their feet as we near the table, their eyes drawn to me first and then to her.

They’re both smiling.

Lex shifts his gaze to me again and locks my eyes, a grin curving his lips.

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