Page 351 of The Sinner: James

LOVING JAMES

A NIGHT OF THE KINGS NOVEL

1

RAIN

The phone humson the nightstand as footsteps near the bed.

I crack an eye open and take a peek. Dimly lit, the bedroom sprawls out in front of me with long drapes at the windows and lampposts glowing in the backyard.

I close my eyes and bury my head in the pillow.

The phone goes silent before ringing again––a clipped sound–– as James’ clothes rustle closer and his smokey voice drifts from nearby.

“It better be good, Preston,” he says quietly in a husky tone before moving away from the bed.

He doesn’t leave the room and keeps talking while I flick my eyes open.

The morning lights up the horizon, igniting the sky.

The backyard is a canvas of luscious trees, smooth grass, blossomed shrubs, and gravel pathways covered in petals.

The water trickles in the fountains like a mellow song, and a soft breeze blows the curtains.

“Yeah, yeah... I hear you,” he murmurs.

I shift under the covers, reveling in the scent of his cologne and pinning my eyes on his broad shoulders.

Facing the opposite wall of windows with his phone tucked between his shoulder and his ear, he works his suit pants closed.

A crisp pinstripe shirt hugs his V-shaped torso, the leather belt highlighting his trim waist, his dark pants emphasizing his backside and muscular legs.

A smile lines my lips while a sweet need grows in my body.

Clenching my thighs, I indulge in the pulsing pleasure.

“Mm-hmm...” he murmurs, holding his phone with one hand and sliding the other into his pocket.

He stares at the view, his athletic frame filling his clothes deliciously, making him look sexier than ever.

I bury my head into the pillow, realizing how smitten I am.

“Why can’t you tell me now?” he asks.

A few moments pass before he talks again.

“You’ll never hear the end of it from me if I’m flying there for nothing. Uh-huh... Okay. All right. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he says, smiling.

He goes quiet again, Ed’s muffled voice echoing in the room.

“Today,” James says. “Yes. I’ll leave in a couple of hours.”

My ears perk up.

“Singapore,” he murmurs.

The last shred of sleep disappears as I push to my elbows and pin my gaze on the back of his hair.

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