Page 65 of Malicious Intentions

“Oh.” I grin, seeing precisely what the issue is. There’s a hurt look on his face before he masks it, gesturing for me to head into the kitchen first.

He likes Londyn.

I head to the punch, but Bentley stops me with a hand on my arm. “Don’t trust that. It’s too easy to spike it.” He glares at the guys in the kitchen as they leer at me. I’m surprised when they immediately look away.

Bentley moves to the refrigerator and pulls out a wine cooler. He removes the lid and hands it to me. “Don’t set that down anywhere. If you wanna dance, drink it or give it to me.”

“Seagram’s Strawberry Daiquiri. My favorite.” I take a drink, relishing the cool liquid sliding down my throat. “Thank you.”

Bentley nods. “You’re welcome.” His expression is wistful as he steers me from the kitchen. “They’re Londyn’s favorites, too.”

“If you like her, why don’t you go after her?”

He scratches the back of his neck. “I’d like to, but she has a boyfriend.” His eyes move across the room. I follow his murderous gaze, knowing instantly the guy he’s glaring at is Londyn’s boyfriend. “Zac Newman. Fucking asshole,” he mutters.

The cocky, dark-haired guy throws his head back, draining the shot glass. He slams it down before releasing a war cry, throwing his arms in the air.

“Not to sound critical, but why the hell is she with him and not you? I’ve watched him for thirty seconds and got an arrogant asshole vibe from him. You’re clearly the superior choice.”

Bentley’s expression softens. “Thanks, Lexi. I appreciate it.” Putting his arm around me, he steers me through the exuberant partygoers, who have gotten louder and drunker since he and I went to the kitchen.

He leans into my ear. “I hate that fucker. He’s not good enough for her.” His gaze drops to the floor, his jaw ticking as we move toward our friends.

“If you don’t wanna talk about it, that’s okay. I won’t press it.”

His expression softens. “Thanks, Lexi. I wanna avoid it tonight.” He wiggles his brows. “How are things with Evan?”

It’s my turn to bristle. “I’m not gonna answer that.”

Bentley laughs. “Listen, I know Evan can come off as an arrogant asshole. But, at his core, he’s a decent person. He’s had a rough life.”

“Oh, yes. Being rich as hell, traveling the world, and getting everything he wants is such a tough life.” I roll my eyes, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

“That’s the persona he presents to the world. Dig deeper, Lexi.” He nods toward Nyx. “I thought Nyx was an overbearing, obsessive asshole who only cared about football when we were assigned as roommates my freshman year. But there’s a lot more depth to him. You can’t take what you see on the surface and think you know someone based on that. You have to peel back the layers. Otherwise, you never know what you’ll miss out on.”

I blink at him in surprise, shocked at his wisdom. “Holy hell, Bentley. That was deep.” I give him a teasing smile before getting serious. “You’re right about most things. Although Evan… I’m afraid I have to disagree with you.”

“When I first came here as a freshman and had some asshole football players giving me shit, Evan was the one who intervened.” He stares at me for a moment. “I’m three years younger than him. Most of the older guys on the team treated me like shit. Not him.”

I snort. “Maybe he’s nice to you, but he’s a controlling asshole to me.” I pat his shoulder. “You’re too naïve. He’s nice to you because you’re a man. Not a woman he wants to control.”

“Sometimes, perceptions are wrong.” As we approach our group, Bentley starts to move his arm, but I grab his hand and hang onto it, keeping it over my shoulder. Jealousy flares in Londyn’s eyes before she quickly looks away.

Bentley stares down at me, brows raised. I lean up on my tiptoes and whisper in his ear, “Flirt with me a little bit. Londyn is burning up from jealousy.”

Bentley’s smile when I pull back is adorable. He leans into my ear and says, “You think she’s jealous?”

“Yes. She’s glaring daggers at me now. Play it cool.”

He nods, tipping his head back and laughing, squeezing me against him. Then he looks around, his eyes briefly locking with hers before he takes a drink. Her cheeks flush, and her lips purse. Her gaze moves to me and back to him.

“You’re right,” he whispers into my ear. “Sheisjealous.”

“Uh huh. She likes you.”

Sophia’s brows furrow when she notices Bentley has his arm around me. “Come on, Lexi. Let’s dance.”

I shove my drink into Bentley’s hand as Sophia drags me away. “What the hell are you doing? Evan will freak out if he sees you and Bentley all over one another.”

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