Page 87 of Malicious Intentions

Evan laughs and leans into my ear, his voice loud enough for the guy to hear. “This is the old man of the group, Zayne Morine. He’s one of the owners of the tech and security company, King Morine.” Evan’s voice lowers. “His company manufactures cameras and tracking devices.”

“Oh, the spy devices.”

Zayne snorts, his arms folded over his chest. “Feisty. I like her.” He winks at me. “I’m the mature, better half of this crazy group.” Unfolding his arms, he holds out his hand. “It’s a pleasure, Lexi. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Funny. Everyone has heard about me, but I haven’t been told much about you.”

Zayne rolls his eyes. “Evan’s a possessive freak who doesn’t like to share your attention with anyone unless he has to.” He winks at Evan. “Tonight he is… so it’s go big or go home, baby!” Zayne pumps his fist in the air, making me giggle.

Evan glares at him. “I will fight your fucking ass on the mat if you annoy or piss her off.”

I sink against Evan, his warm, amber cologne swirling through my nose. “Stop. I like your friends.”

“Relax, Whitmore. Your girl likes me.” Zayne winks at me before he rolls his eyes as another guy bumps into him and pushes him aside. The attractive man, who I estimate is in his late thirties to early forties, extends a large hand. “They saved the best for last.”

He scowls at Zayne before winking at me, a smile on his chiseled face. “I’m Jaxson King. The other—and far superior—half of King Morine.” Bowing slightly as he shakes it, he gives me a shit-eating grin. “These ruffians aren’t well-mannered, but they mean you no harm.”

I laugh at Jaxson, instantly warming to him.

As he releases my hand, he gestures to the men surrounding me. “If any of them give you any problems, let me know. I’ll take care of them.” He gestures toward Devyn. “Unless it’s this one. In which case, I’ll let Ryker deal with her.”

We dissolve into laughter, and Devyn grabs my hand. “Jaxson’s scared of me. As he should be.”

Before I can say a word, a recognizable squeal comes from behind me. Sophia pushes through the crowd, throwing herself against me despite Evan’s arms around my waist. “Lexi. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Hey, stranger. It seems like it’s been forever.” Pulling back, I search her face. “Are you nervous about tonight?"

She shakes her head. “Nah. Trent will kick Owen’s ass.” Her smile fades, and her eyes turn stormy from anger. “That fucker deserves it. Owen told my stepfather that I’ve been fucking Trent. It didn’t go over well.”

I gasp. “Oh, God. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It was a recent occurrence and pure chaos. Trent was in Owen’s face, screaming at him to stop being a pussy and fight him.” She gestures toward the mats in the center of the room. “This is the result.” She gestures toward a door that must lead to the locker room. “We’ll talk soon, okay?”

I nod. “Definitely.”

She hugs me once more. “I’m gonna go see Trent before the fight.”

“Tell him good luck from me,” I yell at her retreating back.

She grins at me over her shoulder. “Will do.”

Jaxson and Zayne exchange a look, following behind her. I glance up at Evan, who grins down at me. “We take care of our own. You will forever be protected by everyone you just met, including Trent, of course.”

“Even though I’m certain your friends are as unhinged as you, that’s kinda nice.”

Evan chuckles. “Why do you think we get along so well?”

Luca taps Evan’s shoulder, and he reluctantly releases me. “Stay here with Devyn. I need to talk to Luca and Ryker for a moment.”

I nod, watching Evan’s broad shoulders weave through the crowd behind his friends. They stop a short distance away so they’re close enough to ensure our safety without being overheard.

“Lexi?” Devyn’s hand is on my arm, drawing my attention. “My comment earlier probably sounded weird. Since we have a moment alone…” Her eyes lift to Ryker, and when I glance over, he locks eyes with her and winks. It’s obvious they adore each other.

Her gaze drops to mine, her joy fading. “Things haven’t been easy for us.” She leans closer so I can hear her better over the noise of the crowd. “Ryker’s my stepbrother.”

My brows raise as I stare at her in shock. “What?”

“He stalked me at a campground wearing a hockey mask.”

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