Page 303 of The Sinner: James

“You can stay at the Dark House.”

I open my mouth to protest.

His thumb seals my lips, demanding silence.

“Please... You’ll be on your own,” he says, his finger softly stroking the corner of my lips.

I find myself quivering again.

“I will come to you when you invite me. You’ll have a maid and a driver, and no one will bother you.

“I’ve already paid for my place.”

“I’ll pick up the tab.”

“You don’t need to.”

“I want to. We’re not debating this. I said one week. We’re not talking money. I respect your space and desires, but not when it comes to how I spend my money. Okay?”

“All right.”

He peels his fingers off my face, leaving me bereft.

* * *

RAIN

The Dark Houseis no longer shrouded in darkness.

The space surrounding the estate has been transformed into a meticulously designed landscape with convoluted footpaths, freshly painted benches, trimmed old trees, and even more wild rose shrubs.

The front of the house sparkles with light, the tall windows filtering the view of the elegant foyer.

“What happened to the house?” I ask as we pull up in the round driveway.

“It had a makeover,” he says, smiling.

“What about the...?”

“Orgies?”

I smile.

“Yeah... The orgies.”

“There aren’t any,” he says, pulling the key out of the ignition.

“When did they stop?”

“After you trespassed the place,” he jokes.

I look at him incredulously.

“You mean, no more orgies here,” I comment as he already climbs out of the car.

He walks around and helps me out, holding my hand as I push out of my seat, straighten my back, and take a step toward him.

I lose my balance for a moment, his arm draping around me promptly as his chest stops inches away from mine.

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