Page 98 of Malicious Intentions

I giggle, my arms around his neck. “Later. We need to have some fall fun first.”

He sighs, pretending to look heartbroken. “At least give me a kiss?—”

My lips slam down on his. He instantly responds, his hands pushing my hair away from my face before he slides them to my ass and squeezes. I move my hips, grinding over his erection.

He pulls back, breathless. “You need to stop before I lose control.”

I tap his nose with my finger. “I promise I’ll make it up to you later.”

He tilts his head so my finger slides to his lips. “I’m holding you to that,” he murmurs before sucking on my index finger, his heated eyes full of promise.

“Sophia.”I throw my arms around her, twirling her around the pumpkin patch. “I’m so glad you’re here.” I look over her shoulder, watching Evan and Trent do some weird handshake. “And I’m glad you came with Trent.”

When she pulls back, her cheeks are scarlet. “He asked, and I couldn’t resist.” She glances over her shoulder at him. “Things have been strained since the fight.”

“Bet your stepfather was pissed when he saw Owen’s face.”

She rolls her eyes. “Understatement of the year. He raged and said I was no longer welcome in his house.” Her gaze drops to her boots. “Then he threw my mom out of the house.”

“Nooo.” My hand slaps over my mouth as I stare at her in horror. “Is she okay?”

Sophia nods. “She’s staying at a friend’s house. My stepfather is cutting my funding. It won’t affect this semester since it’s already been paid for, but I don’t know what will happen in the spring.”

“Don’t give up.” I squeeze her hand. “There has to be something—scholarships or a job on campus. We’ll figure it out.”

Sophia looks up at me, tears in her eyes. She gives me a watery smile. “I’m sure you’re right. Mom is filing for divorce. She said she’ll give me any money she gets from him for my education.”

I rub her arm. “Sophia, it’ll all work out. I have a feeling.”

Trent wraps his arms around her waist, nuzzling his nose into her hair. “She can move in with me.”

“It’s an option, Sophia. You need to consider it.”

“Can we not talk about this here? I don’t wanna dwell on this tonight.”

I smile at her. “Sure. There’s plenty of time.”

Sophia pulls away from Trent, marching toward the pumpkin patch. “Come on. Let’s get on the wagon.”

I give Trent a sympathetic smile. “She’s stubborn as hell. Plus, she’s terrified. Her mom married her stepfather because she saw no other option.” My gaze moves to Sophia’s retreating back, her body coiled with tension. “Don’t give up on her. She’s afraid of ending up like her mom—trapped in a situation she’s unsure how to escape.”

Trent nods, anger warring with something that looks like sympathy. “I know, Lexi. But there’s a big difference. I care about her a lot, and my offer has no strings. I want her to pursue her dreams. I have money, but she refuses to take it.”

“I know. She’s stubborn. But we’ll keep working on her until she sees the difference between you and her stepfather.”

Trent gives me a warm smile. “Thanks, Lexi. I appreciate you.” His gaze slides to Evan’s. “Are you gonna marry this amazing girl, or what?”

Evan chuckles, his chin resting on my shoulder. “Hell, yes. She’s mine, and I’m never letting her go.”

I melt from his words until my gaze locks on Sophia, who is growing further away. “Let’s catch up with her.”

“I need to pee,”I whisper in Evan’s ear. “But I want a Pumpkin-Spiced Latte in the worst way.”

He laughs, pressing a kiss on my cheek. “Go to the restroom with Sophia. Trent and I will get you coffee.” His arms slide around my waist. “Are you hungry?”

I shoot him a flirtatious smile. “Later. Are you planning on chasing me through the corn maze?”

He smirks, pulling the Ghostface mask from the pocket of his hoodie. “You know it, bellissima.”

---