Page 5 of Malicious Intentions

As our parents approach, I point at the picture on the wall and drone on about the history behind my father’s favorite painting.

I step back, giving our parents my golden boy smile. “Time for dinner?” My voice is jovial as I easily slip back into the perfect son role that I hate but play so damn well.

“Yes.” My dad beams at me, then Lexi, oblivious to her shocked expression and pale face.

“Wonderful. Shall we?” I hold out my arm for Lexi to take, enjoying the seething rage that rolls from her like a volcano. She looks from her mom to my dad before reluctantly wrapping her arm around mine. They give her pleased smiles before turning and walking away.

As we head toward the dining room, my chest puffs out victoriously. Leaning into her ear, I whisper, “You have no idea who you’re dealing with. I’m the perfect son, and you’re the trouble-making girlfriend’s daughter. Say one word to either of our parents, and I’ll fucking destroy you.”

She fumes beside me but lets me lead her to the table and pull her chair out. As she drops into it, her jaw is clenched from anger.

Oh, goodie. The lil golddigger is pissed and gearing up for a fight.

As I push her chair in, her mother beams at us. “Isn’t Evan such a gentleman?” She turns to my father. “You’ve done such a wonderful job raising him.”

Inwardly snorting, I don’t let my true thoughts show as I slide into the seat beside Lexi.

Leaning over, I whisper to Lexi, “You’re welcome.” I smirk as she scowls at me. “Manners are necessary in this world.”

My dad takes a drink of champagne, flashing Cynthia a smile before turning his cold gray eyes on me, his warning clear. “I couldn’t be prouder of Evan. He spent much of the summer in Italy, immersing himself in Italian culture. Considering he did so well last year, I have high hopes for this academic year at Stone Ridge University.”

He sets the glass on the table, his gaze boring into mine even as he speaks words meant for Cynthia. “He maintained a 4.0 GPA and was a teaching assistant to one of the finest Psychology professors on campus. Plus, he tutored the football team.”

“Incredible accomplishments, Evan.” Cynthia turns her frozen smile to Lexi, a warning in her eyes. “Isn’t it, Lexi?”

Lexi opens her mouth, and I wait, knowing she’s about to say something snarky. But her eyes skip to mine, and when she sees the look on my face, she thinks better of it. “Oh, yes. Wonderful.” Her words are laced with sarcasm.

Reaching for her water glass, she tosses it back like she wishes it were something stronger.

Cynthia’s tone is pleased as she claps her hands together. “It’s so wonderful to see the two of you getting along so well.”

My father and Cynthia exchange a look that makes my spine stiffen.Something’s up, and I know damn well I’m not going to like it.

CHAPTER 3

Evan

My father beckons to one of the servants, who immediately hurries over with a tray of champagne. Lexi doesn’t bother protesting this time. She simply grabs a glass and takes a drink.

My father clears his throat before speaking. “Yesterday, Cynthia and I returned from a two-week trip to Vegas. While there, we got married.”

Lexi chokes on her champagne while I stare at him in disbelief.

My father pulls a blue box from his jacket pocket. He turns to Cynthia and opens it, revealing a gleaming wedding band set. He stares into her eyes, one of his infamous smiles curling his lips, telling me he’s found yet another toy to play with.

Unbelievable.

I look over at Lexi. She has a horrified expression on her face as her mouth opens and closes, no sound coming out.

My father pulls another box out and hands it to Cynthia. She opens it, pulls the ring free, and slides it over my father’s knuckle.

I’m gonna puke.

I lift the glass of champagne to my lips and drain it. Wiping the back of my hand over my mouth, I slam it on the table, my blood boiling.What the actual fuck? He married Cynthia in Vegas. Of all the infuriatingly stupid things he could’ve done?—

My thoughts are interrupted by Lexi’s screech. “What the hell?” Her face is red from fury as her breaths rasp between her parted lips. “You can’t be fucking serious.”

Fuck. I wonder if she turns all red like that when she’s about to come.My dick is instantly hard, throbbing against my zipper.

---