Page 33 of The Sinner’s Desire (The Sinner’s Touch #1)

“Thanks for this. I don’t think I would’ve had the energy to walk around campus alone. There are so many buildings. It’s way bigger than the one in Paris,” I say to Benjamin, walking beside him.

After what I told him at the restaurant, I was afraid things might get awkward between us—but maybe he only asked me out because this new version of Ben flirts as easily as he breathes.

As we walk through the university grounds, I’m surprised by how many people greet him—especially women.

“You’re pretty popular.”

I could be imagining it, but I think his cheeks turn red.

“And you seem kind of obsessed with popularity,” he counters.

“Not really. I just want to fit in, but it’s not easy. I hate social media, for example.”

“I’m not into it either, but I’m kind of forced to post because of football. There are lots of fans who expect you to have a way to connect.”

I laugh. “Let me guess: shirtless mirror selfies with a towel, just to show off your abs?”

He bursts out laughing, drawing attention from people around us. “Not there yet—but hey, never say never.”

“I’ve missed our conversations, Ben.”

“I was hoping they’d be more than just conversations. But I’ll take your ‘no’ without holding a grudge.”

I don’t know what to say. And as if the universe decides to remind me that there’s no vacancy in my heart right now, a notification from Amos pops up—he’s already on campus.

I don’t even bother wondering how he knows where I am. As I walk, I’ve already noticed the bodyguards just a few meters behind me. They probably sent him a live location.

“Is that the guy who’s claimed the top spot in your heart?” Benjamin asks, nodding at my phone.

“I don’t really know what label to use for us yet. We’ve only been seeing each other for a short time.”

“You don’t have to sugarcoat it for me. I’m not upset, Lilly. I’m not in love with you or anything like that, I’m just being a bit spoiled, I guess. I’ve gotten used to getting whatever girl I want.”

“And that girl would be me?” I ask, genuinely surprised.

“Why not? You’re gorgeous. And I already know your criminal record.”

“I don’t have a criminal record, future lawyer.”

“Future Supreme Court judge ,” he corrects me.

“I thought you were following your dad’s footsteps into law.”

His face darkens immediately. “No. I’m going to be a Supreme Court judge,” he says like it’s a done deal.

“You do know it’s an appointed position, right?” I tease, since he seems so serious about it.

“Exactly. So mark today on your calendar—when I take office, you’ll be invited.”

“You’re not thinking of going pro in football?”

“No. I love the sport, but I know that long-term, it won’t fulfill me. Now, tell me about the guy who ran me off the road before I even had a chance with you.”

“He’s a friend of my brother’s.”

“Much older than you, then.”

“Yeah. Amos is thirty too.”

“I promise I’m not trying to badmouth the competition—”

“He’s not your competition. You and I are just friends.” I think, like he said himself, he’s got flirt mode on autopilot—but I don’t want any confusion, so I’m making it clear.

“Right, right, it’s kind of a reflex. Everyone’s a potential rival.”

“Well, someone’s got a healthy ego, Your Honor.”

“Back to your elderly boyfriend . . .”

Now I really start laughing, because that’s the last word anyone would use to describe Amos. If he’s elderly, I’m about to become a geriatrics enthusiast.

“There’s not much to say. We’re just at the beginning of whatever this is, and—”

“Keep going.”

“I don’t have any real experience with men, but I think he’s into me. He agreed to a relationship. He’s the same type as Ethan—actually, like you too, apparently—high rotation of women. But I told him I’m not the casual type, and we agreed on being exclusive.”

“Be careful. Guys can be assholes when they want something.”

“Not Amos, Ben. He could have any woman he wants with a snap of his fingers. Dating me is complicated—I’m Ethan’s little sister. If he’s still going for it, I don’t think I’m just another girl.”

He doesn’t say anything else as we walk toward the library building.

It’s been about ten minutes since Amos texted.

When we reach the building, we don’t go in—Ben just explains how things work and the opening hours.

I’m distracted by our conversation when, suddenly, Ben stops talking and looks over my shoulder.

A warm shiver runs through my whole body—and before I even turn around, I know Amos is behind me.

Sure, he said he was coming—but I didn’t think he’d get here so fast.

“Shit,” Ben mutters.

“What’s wrong?”

“I think your boyfriend is about five steps away from reaching you—and possibly ending my short life. And here I thought I’d be a judge. Tell my mom I love her,” he jokes. “Either way, it’s been nice knowing you, Lilly.”

My heart’s pounding like crazy. I want to turn around, but at the same time, my legs feel weak.

“You look like you’re about to faint.”

“Because I probably am. That’s the effect he has on me.”

“Now I see I never had a shot. The guy’s got you completely wrapped around his finger. If you want some advice, play it cool. Don’t let him see how much he affects you.”

“You clearly don’t know me anymore. Everything I feel shows on my face.”

Just as I say that, I feel a hand wrap around the back of my neck. My whole body reacts, knows who it is before I even turn.

I’m not the kind of person who jumps off cliffs. I usually calculate the height first, figure out if I’ll get hurt.

But ever since I decided to be with him, I’ve been in free fall—and I’m not scared.

I want more.