Page 464 of The Sinner: James

“Where’s Lex?” Ed asks, his gaze sweeping the crowd.

“He’s late. Dahlia is here, somewhere,” I say, swinging my eyes to the people again, not spotting her.

Thea breaks away from us, nearing the food table, while Ed scoops up a drink from a server’s plate.

“How are things in Monaco?” I ask, nervous for some reason.

“Good,” he says, bringing his drink to his lips.

He takes a sip, studying me.

“Your man is good too. He’ll be back soon. You’ll see.”

A knowing grin tugs at his lips.

“Next week,” I say, no longer sure.

His smile turns into a ghost.

“Um...” he murmurs, his gaze flicking to the side, evading my eyes for a second.

I wait for him to shift his focus back to me.

He no longer smiles.

“What is it, Ed?” I ask, jittery again.

He looks straight into my eyes, hiding something.

“When did you talk to him last time?” he asks.

“This morning. Why?”

“His schedule has changed from what I know.”

I read his eyes.

“What else do you know?” I ask suspiciously.

A smile softens his features.

He leans to me and kisses my cheek before moving his lips to my ear.

“Stop being so worried,” he murmurs, a grin woven in his voice.

He straightens and looks at me.

“He needs to take care of some business, so you should check with him first,” he adds.

“He didn’t say a word to me.”

“I’m sure he will,” he says, his eyes flying over my shoulder. “Okay. I gotta go now,” he adds as Thea beckons him to her.

“Sure,” I mutter, torn as he pulls away.

My phone starts buzzing.

I slide my finger over the screen.

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