Page 234 of The Sinner: James

“Ed,” Lex murmurs, his eyes glinting with a secret grin before locking James’ gaze.

Lex wears a white T-shirt and dark jeans, a rebel strand of hair brushing his high cheekbones.

James pulls out a chair for me and invites me to take a seat.

Running my hands down, I straighten my white summer dress before I slide into my seat.

James sits next to me.

He wears a black shirt open at the neckline and dark jeans.

We focus on dinner––grilled fish, vegetables, wild rice, and mango key lime pie.

The evening is filled with stories from back home and James’ humorous take on life.

I learn more about their childhood, memorable camp trips, and adventurous life in the Dark House.

We recollect the night they captured Eve and me, and I realize how much fun they had at our expense.

Throughout the evening, I observe them.

It’s hard not to notice how solid their friendship has been all these years.

Their story reminds me of how lonely I’ve become.

As dinner draws to an end, I empty my glass of wine and push up to my feet.

“You okay?” James asks.

“Mm-hmm,” I say, evading his eyes.

Silently, I spin around and stroll away.

A few quick steps take me inside the house. I saunter across the living room, heading straight to the bedroom.

The place is quiet and faintly lit, the ocean tossing waves against the shore nearby.

Standing at the top of the stairs in the bedroom, I peer at the horizon, the breeze rolling smoothly across my skin.

It doesn’t take long, and footsteps echo throughout the house, inching closer and making my heart race.

Someone enters the bedroom, and their footsteps stop behind me.

Muscular arms wrap around my body, warm lips kissing my hair.

“Why are you sad?” Ed asks softly.

“I’m not sad,” I murmur.

I turn to face him, smiling to confirm I’m not sad.

He locks my eyes and takes my face in his hands.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asks softly, his breath fanning over my lips.

“He doesn’t have a problem with it. Why would I?” I say quietly.

Slowly, he runs his thumbs across my cheeks.

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