Page 26 of Malicious Intentions

She takes a step back, and I take one forward. Her breathing accelerates, rasping from her lips.

“E-Evan. I-Is that y-you?” Her hands shake as she pushes a lock of hair that slipped free from her ponytail. Her gaze locked on mine behind the mask.

I shake my head.It’s not a total lie. Technically, I’m Ghostface Evan.

Without another word, she whips around, sprinting the way she came.

I take off after her, and she glances over her shoulder once before doubling down, increasing her speed. I don’t run as fast as usual, conserving my energy so I’m not a sweaty mess for the second part of the plan I’ve concocted. The thrill of the chase gives me a high, but I wish I could get rewarded in these woods.

Not yet.

But soon.

Reaching forward, I grab the end of her ponytail, which flies behind her. However, I deliberately let it slide through my fingers, so it appears I tried and failed to grab her.

She shrieks, her legs pumping as she surges forward.

Once she’s out of the woods, she turns around.

I stop, standing at the edge of the woods, the shadows of the trees hiding me from view.

Her gaze darts around, searching the woods. A whimper of fear comes from her lips before she turns and sprints toward our apartment building.

I grin, texting Trent.

ME: Did you get the clothing I requested from my apartment?

TRENT: Yup. But why the hell am I meeting you in the woods?

ME: Lexi. Now get your ass out here with the backpack. Take the route I told you.

A few minutes later, Trent runs up to me, a backpack slung over his shoulders. He cocks a brow when he sees me in the Ghostface mask, then smirks. “Care to explain?”

I pull off the mask, a grin on my face. “I just chased Lexi through the woods. I’m gonna change, and we’re going to the campus coffee shop nearby.” I gesture to the bag. “I’ll get this from you tomorrow.”

Trent slides the backpack from his shoulders and tosses it to me. “You want me to be the lookout while you change?”

“You got it.” I find a large tree and quickly change, then shove my sweats, T-shirt, and mask in the bag. “Here you go.” I toss it to Trent, who easily catches it.

“You owe me one, Whitmore.”

“Collect anytime, Walsh.”

He grins. “Congrats on the switch. Money talks, that’s for sure.”

I chuckle. “What can I say? Dr. Boyles's sabbatical was approved at the last minute, and they were scrambling for a replacement. He’s been itching to travel and conduct research. My family’s name on the building and the large donations my father gave the school helped.” I wink at him. “I can’t wait to see Lexi’s face tomorrow.”

Trent laughs. “I can only imagine. Thanks for the intel on Patterson. I spoke to him, and he willingly agreed to switch. Guess who’s the new TA for Sophia’s Intro to Business Management class?”

“You.” I laugh, giving him a high five. “I love it when plans come together.”

Fifteen minutes later,Trent and I are standing at the pick-up counter, waiting for our coffee, when my phone rings.

“Hey, bellissima,” I drawl, sounding casual. “This is a nice surprise. To what do I owe?—”

“That wasn’t funny, Evan,” she seethes.

I fake being confused. “What wasn’t funny?”

---