Page 88 of Malicious Intentions

I can’t help the giggle that escapes me. “I’m sorry. It’s just that Evan stalks me while wearing a Ghostface mask.”

Devyn laughs. “I’m not surprised. They will do anything to get what they want.” She analyzes me momentarily before saying, “Ryker’s crazy antics eventually won me over. He proved how much he loved me when he went to extreme lengths to get me. Our relationship is unconventional, but I’ve never been happier.”

Devyn tucks a strand of hair behind her ear before glancing at Ryker. He’s so in tune with her that his gaze immediately moves from Evan to her, a wide smile spreading over his lips. They stare at one another as if they are the only two people in the world.

My gaze moves to Evan. His eyes lift to mine, and the smile curling his lips makes my heart pound faster inside my chest. The noise of the crowd and all the people surrounding us fade away as our eyes lock and hold.

I force my gaze back to Devyn. She’s staring at me, a small smile on her lips.

“What happened when others found out? I mean, how did your family react to the news?”

“Not well. They disowned us.” The sincerity in the depths of her sparkling eyes makes me pause. “It isn’t a loss. I’d rather have him over them. I’d always choose him.”

“Besides your family, was there anything else you risked when you chose him?”

A brittle laugh comes from Devyn. “Everything, Lexi. I had taken a semester off from college because of my grandfather’s death, but my stepfather was paying for my education. My clothes, the house, and living expenses were all paid by him.”

“Did you give up your education?”

“Hell, no. I’m back in college, courtesy of Ryker, who’s paying for it. I changed colleges, and now I enrolled at Stone Ridge.” She grins at me. “Not only does he financially support me, but he helps me study for exams, proofreads my papers, and other things.”

“Wow. That’s amazing.”

“He still chases me while wearing the mask. That will never change, which I’m grateful for. Beneath the unhinged behavior is a man who loves me so much he’d do anything for me. My safety is his top priority.”

Her words hit me hard.

She squeezes my arm. “I’m always here to talk whenever you need.”

I give her a bright smile. “Thanks, Devyn. You’re right. We’re gonna be good friends.”

CHAPTER 56

Alexis

“Did you have a good conversation with Devyn?” Evan’s raspy voice rumbles against the shell of my ear, wrapping his arms around me.

The way this man affects me is something I’ve yet to adjust to. My brain goes on the fritz every time he touches me and speaks in that low, sexier-than-hell tone.

A wide smile curls my lips as I nod. Happiness lights up my insides as I stare into his knowing charcoal eyes. “We had a great conversation.”

“I’m glad.” He plants a soul-searing kiss on my lips.

“She and I have a lot in common.”

Evan chuckles. “I’m not the first one to use a mask…” He eyes Ryker, Luca, Zayne, and Jaxson. “I won’t be the last.”

I roll my eyes. “I should be pissed at you for that stunt.”

He smirks. “But you’re not.”

“I’m not.” I stand on my tiptoes, pressing my lips against his. “As unhinged as it is, I’ve never felt so seen. Even if your methods are unconventional, I know you do it because you care.”

He squeezes my ass, his eyes twinkling. “About time you come around to my way of thinking.”

“Does that mean I can chase you around while wearing a mask?”

“That’s fucking hot. Anytime, bellissima.”

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