Page 54 of Malicious Intentions

I’m in a bad mood as I trudge down the hallway beside Sophia, barely listening to a word she’s saying.

I’m distracted by the three big problems in my life—my stepbrother, a man wearing a Ghostface mask, and Professor Huntley.

I don’t know why Evan has avoided me these past few days. I see him for brief periods, but he’s always running off somewhere. I know he’s a busy man between teaching, his class schedule, and advising students. But he’s always made time for me before.

I wrack my brain, trying to figure out what I did wrong. The last time Evan and I spent time together was after Ghostface stood in the hallway and chased me to Evan’s office. We had that run in with Jessica, so maybe that’s it.

But that doesn’t explain why the two of you have barely been alone together in the apartment.

Dodging a group of students who suddenly stop in the middle of the hallway, I’m momentarily pulled from my thoughts.

“Lexi. Are you okay? You seem distracted.”

I give Sophia a fake smile. “I’m fine. Just dreading Huntley’s class.”

She gives me a sympathetic smile. “No wonder. He’s being a real ass to you. You were correct on those discussion questions, but his comments to elaborate further were bullshit, as was the grade he gave you.”

Picturing Huntley’s dark eyes that alternate between loathing and undressing every stitch of clothing from my body, I shiver.

“He hates me. I don’t get it, though. I haven’t done anything.”

Sophia gives me a look. “You have the last name Whitmore associated with you.”

“Not by choice.”

“Doesn’t matter. The feud began long ago, and Evan and Huntley have had more than a few run-ins, which have kept the fires stoked.” She holds open the door for me, then steps beside me. “Have you told Evan how Huntley’s been treating you?”

“No. I’m terrified he’ll go after him.”

She shoots me a sympathetic look. “Yeah, I’m sure he will.”

Desperate for a change of subject, I nudge her in the side. “How are things with you and Trent? Still having sleepovers?—”

“Shhhh.” She tugs on my arm, her eyes rapidly darting around. “I’m trying to keep this on the down low, remember?”

I laugh. “Ohh, so things have progressed, huh?”

Seeing her panicked look, I grab her arm. “Relax, Sophia. We’re early. No one is?—"

“Professor Huntley,” Sophia shrieks in a syrupy tone, her elbow subtlety digging into my side. “How are you?”

He strides toward us in a preppy suit and tie, his cold eyes moving from her to me.

A shiver runs down my spine. Something about him rubs me the wrong way.

“Sophia. Lexi.” He comes to a stop right in front of us. “What are the two of you doing here so early? Class doesn’t start for another forty-five minutes.”

I stare at my shoes, avoiding eye contact with him. It’s awkward as hell being around him, always wondering if he will embarrass me.

“We’re reviewing the discussion questions. Lexi wasn’t thrilled about her grade, so we?—”

“Why haven’t you come to my office during office hours to discuss this?” His veiled anger makes my eyes snap up to his.

“O-Oh. I-I’ve been b-busy?—”

“Studying with me,” Sophia adds. “And Evan has been helping her out whenever he can.”

Huntley’s entire body tenses, his cheeks red as he silently seethes. His jaw works back and forth before he claps his hands. “It’s always good to see a student working to improve their grade.” He flashes a fake smile before pulling his phone out, his fingers flying over the screen. “You need to possess the foundational skills. Everything builds upon it.” He slides his phone in his pocket. “I have some free time before class.”

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