Page 358 of The Sinner: James

“Yes. You can leave tomorrow morning.”

“Oh, my God... James.”

My arms open before closing around him, my lips crashing against his.

“I guess you like my idea,” he says as we tear away from each other.

“I love it...” I say, thrilled.

“Good. Now let’s get in the shower,” he says, a lustful promise flickering through his gaze.

2

RAIN

“Where is he?”Evie asks, hugging me.

She breaks away from me, her eyes sparkling in the afternoon light.

A soft cotton dress hugs her body, the floral pattern and turquoise background setting off her eyes.

She drags a blue-wheeled suitcase after her.

“He left this morning.”

Her smile fades.

“Where?”

“Singapore,” I say, my voice tinged with disappointment.

“You said that, uh––”

“Yeah, yeah...” I murmur, gesturing irritated.

She studies me for a moment.

“You said you wanted me to spend the entire week with you and perhaps convince him to take a few days off. That was the whole idea. I didn’t even tell my parents I’d be here. If I did, they would’ve cut their Hawaii vacation short and flown back home. I know my mom.”

I help her with her travel bag.

“I found out about his trip at the last minute. I didn’t know he was going to leave until this morning. He just came back from Asia a few days ago,” I say, unable to conceal my frustration.

Her gaze stays on my face while she studies my expression.

“Anyway, did you bring your passport?” I ask, grinning again.

Her face lights up.

“Yes...” she says before we start walking.

She glances at me.

“So, where are we going?” she asks, her eyes glinting with curiosity. “Is it one of those Cancun beaches I’ve seen on TV?”

Laughing, I shake my head.

“Is it, Rain?” she asks, pulling to an abrupt stop and forcing me to halt.

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