Page 7 of Malicious Intentions

Lexi will be completely under my thumb. Once I gain her trust, I’ll break her into tiny little pieces.

Cynthia beams at Lexi. “You’ll be in the best hands with Evan mentoring you.”

My grin is sardonic. “The best hands.” Lexi’s horrified eyes meet mine. I wink at her, a wolfish grin on my face.

Her face is pale as she stares at me like she’s in a terrible nightmare she can’t wake from.

Oh, you have no idea, sweetheart. Your nightmares have only begun.

“It’s settled, then.” My dad lifts his glass of champagne. “Let’s toast to beautiful new beginnings.”

A frown mars Lexi’s face and her brows furrow. I can practically taste the fear radiating from her tanned skin as her shaky hand lifts her glass, tapping it against mine before turning away and doing the same to her mother’s and my father’s glasses of champagne.

A flutter rolls through my chest.My little prey has just fallen into the predator’s trap, and she can’t do a fucking thing about it.

My predatory gaze locks on her. When her eyes meet mine, she shivers.

That’s right, Alexis Renee. You’re mine.

All fucking mine to do as I please.

And once you spill whatever plan you and your mother have concocted, I’ll expose you to my father, and he’ll kick the two of you out without a penny to your name.

Two birds with one stone.

Three, if you count the workout my dick is about to receive from my plans for Lexi.

Cynthia smiles at her daughter. Lexi’s smile appears forced, but I don’t trust her.

Enjoy it now, bitches. The two of you are about to be ruined.

CHAPTER 4

Alexis

Ashudder runs through me as I sit behind the wheel of the brand-new Porsche Preston bought me. The car idles behind the oversized wrought iron gates, waiting in line with the others to be ushered onto campus.

My gaze focuses on the enormous arched sign above the gates. Stone Ridge University is engraved in elaborate font.

As I inch closer to the security guard checking IDs and parking passes, my heart pounds like a drum inside my chest.I don’t belong here.

Nervous sweat runs in long rivulets down the back of my neck and under my shirt as I watch him wave the car ahead of mine through the gates.

My white knuckles grip the steering wheel as I look in the rearview mirror. It’s not like I can turn around now. There’s a long line of cars behind me on the narrow road.

Breathe, Lexi.Just breathe.

I swallow hard, put my car in drive, and accelerate.

My eyes lock with the stern-faced guard as I press the button, rolling the window down. I hold up my ID, fear coursing through my body. He looks at it, immediately tips his hat at me, and says, “Enjoy your day, Ms. Morgan-Whitmore.”

“My last name isn’t Whitmore,” I mutter before accelerating, knowing it’s useless. Preston and Evan ensured Whitmore was attached to my legal name on all university records.

When I made a fuss about it, my mom started her bullshit, and it was easier to throw my hands in the air and surrender.

As I slowly traverse the winding roads through SRU, I can’t help but admire the historic architecture of the formable buildings I pass. I had one tour of the campus with my stepfather and mom while Evan played tour guide. But I could barely focus on the beauty of the campus when Evan kept making perverted gestures and whispering disgusting comments to me. I gave him the middle finger, and he mouthed, “Anytime, bellissima.”

My phone rings, and I roll my eyes when I see Evan’s name.Speak of the devil.“What do you want, pain in my ass?”

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