Page 57 of The Sinner: James

“Has anyone touched you since I saw you last time?”

His gaze swings up.

Quirking my lips, I stare at him poker-faced while my cheeks burn, giving me away.

His lips curve into a sultry smile, mischief glinting in his eyes.

“You know what? Go fuck yourself, James,” I bark, irate, tearing away from him.

He grabs me again and has his hands around my neck, his fingers splayed over my cheeks, his thumbs pressed against my lips.

I clutch his arms, having a hard time breathing.

“You should watch your mouth, babe,” he says, dead serious this time, sending a shiver down my back.

He enjoys seeing my lips quiver before his features soften somewhat, a smirk tugging at his lips.

He raises his eyes and locks my gaze.

“You’re nothing but a spoiled brat, Rain Morgan,” he says, the sound of my full name on his lips making me shudder.

He’s unimpressed with my reaction.

“You have no idea what regret is. Saying that you wished you hadn’t met me…” he murmurs, his voice dense and hard as steel. “You’ll know regret when you learn who I really am.”

“Are you threatening me now?” I swing back at him, pretending I’m not affected while shaking inside.

He pulls back a little, a crooked smile arching his lips.

“Uh-huh… I fucking am. You should’ve taken my word for it when I told you I wasn’t the man for you.”

“Are you the man for the brunette in the blue dress?”

His eyes glint faintly, frosted again.

“I’m no one’s man, Rain… And don’t fool yourself. I won’t be yours either,” he says, straightening and letting go of me.

“Fine. Who cares?” I hurl at him.

“Okay.”

“Good.”

Without another word, he grabs my hand and pulls me toward the house.

I barely keep up with him, his fingers crushing mine.

“You’re hurting me,” I protest.

“Get used to it,” he tosses at me without looking at me.

As we draw closer to the crowded area in the back of the house, people murmur, and heads turn as we head inside.

“You keep your mouth shut,” he says, pushing me up the stairs and into the mansion.

“Are you serious?”

He scorches me with his eyes, and I swiftly close my mouth.

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