Page 102 of Malicious Intentions

“I love every part of you. Man and beast.” She gives me a soft smile, love shining in her eyes. It washes over me, brighter than the stars in the sky.

“I’m not afraid of you. You’d never hurt me.” Her lips curl into a smirk. “Not in any way I wouldn’t like.”

A growl rumbles through my chest as I grab her, planting my lips on hers in a deep, soul-searing kiss.

Even though the darkness consumes me, she shines her light into me, guiding me home.

Pulling back, I give her a soft smile. “Carve him. I need to end his life to ensure he’ll never fucking hurt you again.”

CHAPTER 64

Evan

My heart rate is astronomical as I stab Huntley again. “This is what happens when you touch what’s mine.” I plunge the blade into his chest. “This is where it all ends.” I grab his head, twisting it hard until I hear the snap of his neck.

Releasing him, I step back, my eyes on Lexi. I pull my sweatshirt overhead before pulling her into my arms.

My heaving breaths instantly change, slowing to match hers. She’s the soothing balm to my chaos, the calm to my storm.

“I love you so damn much, bellissima.” I crush her against my chest, the metallic scent of blood filling my nostrils. “I’m so fucking sorry I let him hurt you.”

Lexi frantically shakes her head, clinging to me. “No, Evan. You didn’t allow him to hurt me. You stopped him from doing much worse.” She pulls back slightly, staring deep into my eyes. “You saved me.”

“I should’ve never let it get this far. I put you in danger.”

Her finger on my lips silences me. “Stop. You’ve never put me in danger.”

Her gaze moves to Huntley’s mangled body. “Put the blame where it belongs. It’s his fault. He tricked me into thinking it wasyou.” She shivers, and I hug her tighter. “Look at the way he’s dressed. He lured me here.”

I nod, disgust and rage warring inside me as I glance over my shoulder at his dead body. “Fucking asshole.”

I turn back to her. “He’ll never hurt you again. I made damn sure of it.”

Devyn and Sophia come up behind us. “I have Lexi’s sweater,” Sophia says.

“She can wear that after we get her cleaned up.” I step back and put my sweatshirt on her. “I know it’s bloody, but it’ll hide your wounds until we get you to the bathroom.”

Sophia gives me a gentle smile. “Why don’t you let Devyn and I take Lexi to the restroom, and you and the guys?—”

“No need. I called Jaxson and Zayne. They’re on their way.” Ryker’s dark eyes meet mine. “Trent and I will stay here. Ladies, why don’t you follow Lexi and Evan and guard the maze? Make sure no one tries to come back this far.”

I meet Lexi’s scared eyes. “I’m not leaving you, bellissima. I’ll take you to the bathroom and clean you up.”

She sags against me in relief.

Stooping down, I lift her into my arms, knowing all the adrenaline is dissipating and she’s about to collapse. “I’ve got you, love. Hold onto me.”

She wraps her arms around my neck and rests her head against my shoulder. Her body shakes as I turn around, getting her away from the chaos before she breaks.

“Let it out, bellissima.” I hold her tighter against my chest. “Pour it on me. I’m your shelter during the storm.”

Tears soak my shoulder as she sobs, clinging to my neck. My heart cracks and shatters, agony slicing through me. I fucking hate the trauma he caused her, but I can’t erase it.

All I can do is provide support and help her through it.

Her sobs turn to whimpers, and she hiccups against me as she rains kisses along my neck as we exit the corn maze. “Thank you, Evan. Y-You always know exactly what I need.”

I turn my head, kissing the top of hers. “No one knows you like I do. And no one loves you more.”

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