Page 28 of Malicious Intentions

The door whips open, revealing a pale-faced, disheveled Lexi. She falls against me, and I lift the two coffees in the air so they don’t spill. “Thank God you’re here.”

“Let me inside.”

“Oh, yeah.” Her cheeks are pink as she steps back and ends the call. I hurry inside and set the coffee on the entryway table before shutting and locking the door behind me.

Removing my earbuds, I shove them inside my pocket before grabbing her in a bear hug. Burying my face in her hair, I murmur, “I’m glad you’re okay.”

She wraps her arms around me and clings to me. “I’m glad you’re here. I’m s-scared.”

“It’s okay, bellissima. I promise nothing will happen. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” I mean those words more than I’ve meant anything in my life.

A malicious smile curls my lips.No harm will come to Lexi unless I’m the one doing it.

CHAPTER 18

Alexis

Rolling over in my bed, I pick up my phone, squinting at the time and groaning.

It’s 7:30 a.m. Why the hell am I awake?

With a long sigh, I roll onto my back, staring at the ceiling.

Go back to sleep.

But I can’t.

I heave out a sigh, haunted by the dream I had last night.

I should be ashamed for dreaming about a hot man wearing a Ghostface mask chasing me through the woods. Especially since that actually happened to me yesterday.

My dream rolls through my head. I picture the way his tight tee strained against his muscular torso. When he ran, his defined quad muscles strained against the material of his sweatpants as he chased after me. It was so hot that my body was on fire. Although I was putting on a good show, I wanted to be caught.

Somehow, I knew he wasn’t going to kill me.

Even through the mask, the desire burning from his irises told me he had something else in mind entirely.

Ugh. Stop it. It’s a sick fantasy. You need to get it out of your head.

Frustrated by my thoughts, I climb out of bed. Maybe a run in the woods will unscramble my brain. I made the mistake of going at twilight, but surely it’ll be safer during the day.

Besides, Evan mentioned a party last night, so most students will probably still be passed out. It should be safe.

My eyes go to the gloomy gray landscape blanketing our apartment. For a minute, doubt rolls through my head as I shiver.

I shake it off. I can’t let fear control me. I’ve done that enough in my life.

I pull on a pair of running tights and a short-sleeved tee before grabbing my running shoes.

Moving to my bedroom door, I quietly open it, peering across the hallway to Evan’s bedroom. The door is closed, so I assume he’s still sleeping.

I tiptoe to the bathroom and go through my regular morning routine. After putting my hair in a ponytail, I quietly exit and move to the kitchen. Grabbing a bottle of water, I open it and drink the entire thing before heading to the front door and entering the outside world.

I ease into the run, warming up my tired muscles as I head to the same trail I ran yesterday.

Evan is going to be so pissed when he finds out.

The thought makes me smile. Even though we had a good night together, I feel foolish in the harsh light of day. I willingly flung myself into my enemy’s arms, seeking comfort.

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