Page 4 of Devious Bastard

Cynthia’s tone is pleased as she claps her hands together. “It’s so wonderful to see the two of you getting along so well.”

My spine stiffens, bracing myself when I see the look she and my father exchange.Something’s up.

My father beckons to one of the servants, who immediately hurries over with a tray of champagne. Lexi doesn’t bother protesting this time.

My father clears his throat when we each have a glass. “As you know, Cynthia and I returned from a two-week trip to Vegas yesterday. We had an amazing time, and while there…” He pauses, leaning back and pulling a gleaming diamond wedding band set from the pocket of his suit jacket. Sliding the rings on Cynthia’s finger, he stares into her eyes, resembling a young man about to embark on a bright future. “We got married.”

Then he pulls a matching band from a box and hands it to her. Cynthia’s smile is huge, eyes shining, as she slides the ring over my father’s knuckle.

What the actual fuck? Did he say he married Cynthia in Vegas?

“What?” Lexi screeches, her eyes wide from shock, breaths rasping in and out of her parted lips. “Are you serious?”

“Very,” Cynthia answers, giving her daughter a placating smile. “We married in Vegas.” She gives an excited clap before putting her hand on my father’s leg, giving him a huge smile. Turning to Lexi, she says, “Preston is your stepfather, and Evan is your stepbrother.”

Lexi’s whole body shakes uncontrollably beside me as she stares at her mother in complete disbelief.

“There’s more,” My father’s loud voice commands the room. “Lexi, I have a special surprise for you. I was going to wait until after dinner, but your mom and I are too excited.” My dad puts his elbows on the table, which he abhors, his eyes trained on Lexi. “I know this is a lot for you to take in. Your mom told me your father has never been in your life, and I hope you will come to view me as the father figure you never had.”

I nearly snort aloud but control it, just like I do with my expression. My father hasn’t even been a father figure to me, and I’m his biological son. But I keep my mouth shut.

My dad exchanges a look with Cynthia before reaching into his jacket pocket and retrieving an envelope that he slides to Lexi. “I know it’s short notice since the semester begins in two weeks, but I pulled some strings so they’d offer you late admission. My first gift to you, to welcome you as my stepdaughter, is an all-expenses paid ride to Groveton College.” He chuckles as Lexi’s eyes widen, her mouth dropping open, gaping at him like a fish.

What the fuck? He can’t be serious.

My eyes narrow, my mind working furiously.He’s up to something.

Lexi stares at it, unmoving, like it will bite her.

My dad chuckles. “Go ahead. Open it, Lexi.”

Her trembling fingers grip the envelope, and it takes her two tries before she can pull out the familiar stationery with the Groveton College name and logo.

“O-Oh m-my.” Her hand lifts, swiping at the tears beneath her eyes before she looks at my father. “Thank you so much. This is a d-dream.” She hiccups, then blushes.

“I’m afraid this offer comes with strings. I require you to achieve and maintain a 3.0 GPA, or I will no longer fund your education and expenses. Is that understood?” The familiar hardness on my dad’s face gives me a thrill. I knew there would be conditions, although he’s going easy on her compared to me. Preston Whitmore doesn’t do anything for free. Hell, I’m his son and must maintain a 3.5 GPA, or he will refuse to fund my education.

That’s one of the reasons I’m going to school for my master’s—to keep draining money from the tyrannical bastard.

I eye Lexi with suspicion as I reach for my glass of champagne. Catching my father’s hard stare, I reach for the water glass instead.

Is this just a game?What if Cynthia and Lexi are playing us because my father has more money than he knows what to do with?

I down the glass of water, leaning back in my chair, my thoughts spinning wildly.

Things just got interesting. I can capitalize on this and expose Lexi and her mother for the gold-digging tramps they are.

An idea forms inside my head, and I lean forward, my face the picture of innocence as I lock eyes with Cynthia. “I know this is a huge adjustment for Lexi, and I’m happy to assist. Father…” I cut my eyes toward him, turning on the charm. “Move Lexi into my apartment. I have plenty of room, and it’ll give us time to bond and get to know one another better.”

From the corner of my eye, I see Lexi staring at me wide-eyed, her mouth hanging open in horror. My dick thickens and hardens, and I desperately want to shove it between her glossy red lips.

“That’s a fantastic idea.” Cynthia beams at me.

“Yes, that does seem ideal. You can help her adjust to college life and ensure she’s displaying proper etiquette.” My father gives me a look. The one that conveys he doesn’t want Lexi embarrassing him and I better keep a leash on her.

Oh, I’ll keep an eye on her, father. You have no fucking idea how closely I intend to watch her. Lexi will be completely under my thumb.

“You’ll be in the best hands with Evan mentoring you, Lexi.” Cynthia beams at me before her gaze moves to her daughter.

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