Page 423 of The Sinner: James

I glance to the side––his phone and an empty glass of wine are next to him.

“Is everything all right?” I ask.

“Yes,” he rasps.

“Where are your cigarettes?”

Slowly grinning, he looks at me.

“I’m trying to cut back.”

“Is it working?”

“No. Not really.”

“Is it because of me?” I ask.

His gaze slides down, filtered through his lashes, a secret smile tilting his lips.

“Is it?” I insist.

He peels his eyes away and tilts his head back, running his fingers through his hair.

I notice the slow motion before moving my eyes over his neck, chest, and sculpted shoulders.

“It is for me...” I murmur.

My arms open before locking around his neck, and my lips land on his cheek.

I hug him tight before I straddle him, covering his face in kisses.

“I love you so much, James Sexton.”

A mysterious smile lines his lips.

“I thought it was a fucking given,” he says.

“No need to be cocky with me, sir.”

He chuckles.

“Are you seriously doing it for me?” I ask, looking at him incredulously.

“I’m doing it for us.”

“Us?”

His eyes sparkle with emotion as he slowly nods.

“Yeah... Us.”

Unexpected, overwhelming joy flows through me.

My chin trembles as I tilt my head down, take his face in my hands, and press my lips against his mouth.

“You make me so happy,” I breathe into him before we kiss.

His touch is tender, warm, and positively arousing.

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