Page 53 of Malicious Intentions

But I don’t think her worry is for my safety or hers. She’s worried I’ll catch Ghostface, and he’ll confess what she did in the woods.

I don’t give up that information. It’s not time for her to know I’m the man behind the mask. That will come once I’ve thoroughly seduced her and have her under my spell.

My eyes bore into hers. “Why don’t we go together? We’ll retrace your steps and see if we can find him?”

She reluctantly nods, unease on her face. “Okay.”

I grab Lexi’s hand and pull her from my office before digging my keys from my pants pocket. Shutting and locking the door, I wrap my hand around hers, and we move down the hallway, intently searching for a masked man I know won’t be there because I orchestrated this plan.

She points to the spot where she’d previously seen him.

“I’ll keep you safe, Lexi.” I put on my game face, and we stealthily approach the spot. I keep her behind me protectively.

“See. He’s gone, Lexi.” I spin around, wrapping my arms around her. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, my lips are inches from hers as my husky voice rasps, “Why don’t we get outta here, grab a pizza, and then go home?”

Her expression is soft as she nods. “Okay.”

I’ve got her exactly where I want her.

The urge to capture her mouth with mine is so overwhelming that I’m unsure I can fight it. Lexi fighting me is a turn on, but her surrendering and becoming soft and pliable is a heady feeling.

“Don’t you two look cozy?” Jessica Newman’s voice is like nails on a chalkboard.

I stiffen and slowly look at her over my shoulder. She tosses a lock of blonde hair over her shoulder, her narrowed gaze darting from me to Lexi and back.

“Cozy?” I raise my brows, staring at her with disdain. “You’re misinterpreting the situation, Miss Newman. Miss Morgan was frightened by a masked man who chased her after class.”

Jessica’s eyes widen with interest. The wheels in her small-minded head spin as she licks her lips, anticipating what she considers juicy gossip. “What masked man?”

Lexi releases a shaky breath. “He was wearing a Ghostface mask.” She eyes Jessica from head to toe, frowning as she takes in her skimpy outfit. “Better hope he’s gone. You look like?—”

I jerk on Lexi’s arm, cutting her words off so she doesn’t insult Jessica, who will undoubtedly start spreading gossip about Lexi and me in retaliation.

“Are you heading out? I’m going to walk Miss Morgan to her vehicle to ensure her safety.”

Jessica looks disappointed. “No. I’m meeting Brad Morrison in the lounge downstairs.”

Lexi steps forward, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. “Why are you on this floor, then? The lounge is downstairs.”

Jessica crosses her arms over her chest and juts her nose in the air. Her voice is defensive when she snaps, “Are you insinuating it was me in the mask?”

“Was it?” Lexi looks down at Jessica’s skimpy top that reveals a massive amount of cleavage. “Maybe you changed in the bathroom. I assumed it was a man because of the black shirt and sweatpants, but?—”

I grab Lexi’s arm. “Let’s go.” Flashing Jessica a tight smile, I say, “If you’ll excuse us, we have things to do.”

“But Ev, I mean, Professor Whit?—”

“Of course, Professor Whitmore.” She bats her lashes at me. “Have a nice night.” Her gaze drops to Lexi, and she snorts before stomping away.

“Do you honestly think she’s bright enough to orchestrate what happened tonight?” I hiss, dragging Lexi down the hallway.

She bites her lips, her shoulders dropping. “Well… no.”

I squeeze her arm before I reluctantly release her. “Don’t worry, Lexi. We’ll figure out who it is.”

CHAPTER 36

Alexis

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