Page 231 of The Sinner: James

Lex joins us, his eyes lighting up with a smile as he catches sight of me.

“She’s afraid of flying,” James announces, giving Ed and Lex the green light to poke fun at me.

Lex curls his arm around my shoulders as we all head to the elevator.

“Don’t worry, baby. There’s no better way to go down than with the three of us.”

We all hit a wall of silence, and they exchange looks.

James smiles while Ed crushes his bottom lip between his teeth, and Lex averts his eyes.

The doors peel open, and we step into the elevator, none of us talking.

An hour later, we’re up in the air. Literally.

Flying a private jet, aside from having enough room to stretch my legs, takes the angst out of the entire experience.

As we near the most southern state, a fascinating view sprawls out in front of us.

Fluffy white clouds, bathed in golden light, roll across the clear sky, taking mesmerizing shapes.

Hours later, we sail to a tropical island that looks like paradise.

A pristine beach and palm trees surround the only house on the island, tentacles of greenery spreading inside the open space.

A warm breeze makes the vegetation rustle, and the water ripples in the pool around the house.

Dozens of torches and lit candles toss lights in the background, the day drawing to an end, a quiet evening rolling in.

A sweet floral scent wafts through the air.

The property has a luxury spa, a fitness center, and a gourmet kitchen operated by a private chef.

A staff of four caters to our needs.

Lex and Ed settle in their quarters as James and I enter a large bedroom.

The room opens to the ocean, a breathtaking view stretching out in front of us.

Stair steps lead to the pool, a footpath trailing farther away, ending at the beach.

A platform bed occupies the middle of the room.

“Do we have to go back?” I murmur to myself, not realizing that James is in the room, standing right behind me.

Turning around, I catch the ghost of a smile fluttering across his lips.

“Dinner at eight,” he says, spinning away, his eyes shifting to his phone.

Spellbound, I sit on the bed and look at the horizon, my eyes trained on the fine line separating the ocean from the sky.

Dialogue travels through the air. Soft voices. The staff, then James, Ed, and Lex. The sounds give me a sense of calm, peace, and safety.

“I’ll be in the gym,” James says minutes later.

I’m still chained to the bed.

“Okay.”

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