Page 1 of Malicious Intentions

CHAPTER 1

Alexis

Itwist the hem of the short navy dress my mom insisted I wear to meet her new billionaire boyfriend, Preston Whitmore, and his son, Evan. Butterflies flap their wings inside my belly as I uncross my legs, shift my weight on the leather seat, and cross them again. My muscles twitch from nervousness, and my heeled foot bounces frantically as we stop at a red light.

My mom’s manicured fingernails stop tapping against her phone screen. Her head lifts and turns toward me, leveling me with a pointed, annoyed glare. “Stop. Fidgeting.”

I roll my eyes. Her irritation doesn’t faze me. I’ve developed a thick skin over the years due to her aggravating bullshit. I deal with it by annoying the hell out of her. “Stop frowning, Mom. You’ll give yourself wrinkles.”

My mom’s eyes bulge. Switching to her camera app, she turns her head from side to side, critically examining herself. I nearly burst out laughing but disguise it as a cough.

“You’re not getting sick, are you? Preston and I have a trip planned and?—”

“No, Mom,” I huff, losing all patience with her. “It’s just allergies.”I’m allergic to Preston’s affluent lifestyle, which I’mconvinced is all smoke and mirrors. He’s an entitled asshole who thinks he rules the world. I’m sure his son is no different.

“Good.” Her eyes narrow as I shift again, my fingers nervously twisting the heart pendant hanging from the delicate gold chain around my neck. My grandmother gave it to me as a birthday present a year before she died, and I cherish it more than anything else I own.

My mom’s lips twist in disgust as she stares at the necklace before her gaze darts to mine, scowling at me. “I thought I told you not to wear that gaudy thing?”

Counting to ten, I exhale and give her a fake smile. “I need something to ease my nervousness. You wouldn’t want me making a fool of myself tonight, would you?”

My mom snorts, looking away. Her forehead is wrinkled, and her lips purse in annoyance. She heaves out an exasperated sigh and turns to me. “Just get it together before dinner with Preston and Evan. I swear, Lexi, you’ll be in trouble if you embarrass me.” She flips a lock of chestnut hair over one shoulder.

Letting out a huff, I fold my arms across my chest, my foot swinging from the irritation coursing through me. I’m about to roll my eyes and bite out a sarcastic reply when I glimpse Preston’s mansion in the distance.

Great. House of horrors straight ahead.

Turning back to my mom, I give her a syrupy, sweet smile. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

She eyes me with suspicion before she finally smiles. “Good.” Patting my knee, she begins barking out reminders. “Remember. Good posture. No elbows on the table…” Her voice drones on, but I tune her out.

Like hell I’m gonna do all the dumb shit she’s asking.

As the car glides closer to my personal hell, my gaze rakes over the lush, sprawling grounds and the vast stone mansion. A shiver rolls through me as I stare at the imposing roof peekingthrough the trees. Despite the beautiful weather, it looms above us, eerie in stature, lending an unwelcome vibe that makes my mouth dry and my heart pound faster.

I wanna go home.

The car stops in front of a massive iron gate. Henry leans out the driver’s side window, punching a code into the keypad. As the gates swing open, an ominous feeling rolls through me.

Nothing good will come from tonight.

As the car rolls through the open gates, my mom nudges me. “Isn’t it amazing? The house is enchanting.” She bounces in her seat like a schoolgirl, clapping her hands together. Disgust fills me as I watch her theatrics.

As we approach the sprawling estate, I notice the contrast between the light gray stone siding and the dark roof, balcony, and windowsills. Perfectly groomed pine trees and shrubs line the front walkway.

The town car slowly creeps around the circular fountain, with cherubs spitting water from their mouths, where it pools into the base. I’m both disgusted and intimidated by the ostentatious display of wealth. You could do so much good in the world with the money Preston Whitmore has.

The car draws to a halt in front of the walkway. My muscles are so tense they ache as I brace myself for the horrific dinner I’m about to attend.

The elaborate front door opens, and an older, dark-haired man steps outside, dressed in a suit and tie. He shoves his hands in his pockets as he heads toward us like a celebrity walking the red carpet.

Imagine that. My mom’s pretentious boyfriend is coming to greet us.

My mom exits the car first, giving me a moment of reprieve. I look down at my blue dress, feeling underdressed and out of my element.

Henry’s polite smile greets me when the door opens. He extends his hand, and I take it, exiting the car. The slight breeze causes my skin to erupt in goosebumps. Or maybe it’s the company surrounding me.

“Ah, Lexi. How wonderful to finally meet you.” Preston greets me with a fake, polite smile.

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