Page 27 of Malicious Intentions

“Don’t play stupid. The stunt you pulled in the woods.”

“What stunt? Lexi, did you hit your head this evening?”

She huffs out a sigh of indignation. “No, I didn’t hit my head. The run in the woods and you in the mask.”

“What run through the woods? And what the fuck mask are you talking about?”I deserve an award for this performance.“I’m here in the coffee shop with my buddy, Trent. And why would I be wearing a mask and running in the damn woods?” Fury is in my voice as I hiss, “What the fuck were you doing out so late? Were you by yourself?”

Her breathing accelerates in my ear. “I-It wasn’t y-you?”

I give Trent a huge smile and a thumbs up, then fake irritation. “Lexi, I have no fucking idea what you’re talking about. This cryptic conversation is getting on my nerves, especially since you haven’t answered my questions.”

She ignores me again. “You’ve been in the coffee shop with your friend, Trent?”

“Yes, that’s what I said. I left while you were in your room. Here, I’ll let you speak to him to prove it.” I hand the phone toTrent, knowing he’ll handle it. We’ve been friends for a long time and have each other’s backs no matter what.

“Hey, Lexi. What’s up? Evan told me a lot about you. Can’t wait to meet you.”

I step closer so I can hear her response. “I’ll bet. So, you’ve been in the coffee shop with Evan?”

“Yeah. We’ve been catching up since we haven’t seen each other in a few weeks.” Trent looks at me and winks. “Why? You wanna join us?”

“Oh. Um, no thanks.” Disappointment rings in her tone. “Can I talk to Evan again, please?”

“Sure thing.” Trent hands the phone to me before heading to the counter to grab his coffee from the barista who has just said his name.

“Told you I was with Trent.”

“Evan, I’m scared. I ran in the woods, and some guy wearing a Ghostface mask chased me.”

“Wait, what?” I boom, my tone full of alarm. “Are you hurt? Tell me what happened?”

“I was running in the woods, and suddenly, he was on the trail. He wore a black T-shirt, sweatpants, black running shoes, and a Ghostface mask. He grabbed the end of my ponytail, but I managed to get away.”

As Trent strolls toward me with the coffee I ordered for Lexi and me, I grab my earbuds from my pockets. Shoving them in my ears, I slip my phone into my pocket before taking the coffee from his outstretched hand. Mouthing a thank you, Trent and I immediately turn, heading for the door.

I take a long drink of mine as Lexi continues talking, heading toward our apartment.

Mmmm. This iced caramel latte with whipped cream, chocolate, and caramel syrup is good. No wonder Lexi likes it so much.

Interrupting her monologue about how scared she was, especially since I witnessed it firsthand, I say, “Where are you now?”

“I’m inside our apartment. The doors are locked… b-but I’m s-scared.”

The tremble of fear in her voice stirs something feral and protective inside me. Feelings I thought were dormant are rising to the surface, even though it was me chasing her earlier.

“I’m on my way. I’ll be there in about ten minutes, okay?”

“Okay. But Evan…” She hesitates, and I hear the embarrassment in her voice when she says, “Can you stay on the phone with me until you get here?”

“Of course, Lexi.” My tone is low, offering reassurance.This is precisely the reaction I was hoping for.“I’ll stay on the line.” I exchange a victorious look with Trent, who shakes his head and lifts his coffee in a salute, respect in his eyes.

“Okay. Thanks.” She heaves out a deep breath. “I’ve peeked out the window a few times since we’ve been on the phone, but I don’t see anyone.”

“You probably won’t. It’s too risky for anyone to lurk around our apartment without being seen. There’s an Alpha Sigma Phi and Gamma Phi Beta party tonight. It’s a pre-semester ritual for them.” Trent and I hurry along the sidewalk, nodding to some students as we pass.

“It’s foolish. But I’m so scared I’m shaking.”

“It’s okay, Lexi. You’re safe.” I hurry up the sidewalk to our apartment, nodding at Trent as he heads toward the door to his apartment, the backpack with my clothing and mask slung over his shoulder. “I’m here now.”

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