Malicious Intentions (The Altered Perception Duet #1)

1. Alexis

CHAPTER 1

Alexis

I twist the hem of the short navy dress my mom insisted I wear to meet her new billionaire boyfriend, Preston Whitmore, and his son, Evan. Butterflies flap their wings inside my belly as I uncross my legs, shift my weight on the leather seat, and cross them again. My muscles twitch from nervousness, and my heeled foot bounces frantically as we stop at a red light.

My mom’s manicured fingernails stop tapping against her phone screen. Her head lifts and turns toward me, leveling me with a pointed, annoyed glare. “Stop. Fidgeting.”

I roll my eyes. Her irritation doesn’t faze me. I’ve developed a thick skin over the years due to her aggravating bullshit. I deal with it by annoying the hell out of her. “Stop frowning, Mom. You’ll give yourself wrinkles.”

My mom’s eyes bulge. Switching to her camera app, she turns her head from side to side, critically examining herself. I nearly burst out laughing but disguise it as a cough.

“You’re not getting sick, are you? Preston and I have a trip planned and?—”

“No, Mom,” I huff, losing all patience with her. “It’s just allergies.” I’m allergic to Preston’s affluent lifestyle, which I’m convinced is all smoke and mirrors. He’s an entitled asshole who thinks he rules the world. I’m sure his son is no different.

“Good.” Her eyes narrow as I shift again, my fingers nervously twisting the heart pendant hanging from the delicate gold chain around my neck. My grandmother gave it to me as a birthday present a year before she died, and I cherish it more than anything else I own.

My mom’s lips twist in disgust as she stares at the necklace before her gaze darts to mine, scowling at me. “I thought I told you not to wear that gaudy thing?”

Counting to ten, I exhale and give her a fake smile. “I need something to ease my nervousness. You wouldn’t want me making a fool of myself tonight, would you?”

My mom snorts, looking away. Her forehead is wrinkled, and her lips purse in annoyance. She heaves out an exasperated sigh and turns to me. “Just get it together before dinner with Preston and Evan. I swear, Lexi, you’ll be in trouble if you embarrass me.” She flips a lock of chestnut hair over one shoulder.

Letting out a huff, I fold my arms across my chest, my foot swinging from the irritation coursing through me. I’m about to roll my eyes and bite out a sarcastic reply when I glimpse Preston’s mansion in the distance.

Great. House of horrors straight ahead.

Turning back to my mom, I give her a syrupy, sweet smile. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

She eyes me with suspicion before she finally smiles. “Good.” Patting my knee, she begins barking out reminders. “Remember. Good posture. No elbows on the table…” Her voice drones on, but I tune her out.

Like hell I’m gonna do all the dumb shit she’s asking.

As the car glides closer to my personal hell, my gaze rakes over the lush, sprawling grounds and the vast stone mansion. A shiver rolls through me as I stare at the imposing roof peeking through the trees. Despite the beautiful weather, it looms above us, eerie in stature, lending an unwelcome vibe that makes my mouth dry and my heart pound faster.

I wanna go home.

The car stops in front of a massive iron gate. Henry leans out the driver’s side window, punching a code into the keypad. As the gates swing open, an ominous feeling rolls through me.

Nothing good will come from tonight.

As the car rolls through the open gates, my mom nudges me. “Isn’t it amazing? The house is enchanting.” She bounces in her seat like a schoolgirl, clapping her hands together. Disgust fills me as I watch her theatrics.

As we approach the sprawling estate, I notice the contrast between the light gray stone siding and the dark roof, balcony, and windowsills. Perfectly groomed pine trees and shrubs line the front walkway.

The town car slowly creeps around the circular fountain, with cherubs spitting water from their mouths, where it pools into the base. I’m both disgusted and intimidated by the ostentatious display of wealth. You could do so much good in the world with the money Preston Whitmore has.

The car draws to a halt in front of the walkway. My muscles are so tense they ache as I brace myself for the horrific dinner I’m about to attend.

The elaborate front door opens, and an older, dark-haired man steps outside, dressed in a suit and tie. He shoves his hands in his pockets as he heads toward us like a celebrity walking the red carpet.

Imagine that. My mom’s pretentious boyfriend is coming to greet us.

My mom exits the car first, giving me a moment of reprieve. I look down at my blue dress, feeling underdressed and out of my element.

Henry’s polite smile greets me when the door opens. He extends his hand, and I take it, exiting the car. The slight breeze causes my skin to erupt in goosebumps. Or maybe it’s the company surrounding me.

“Ah, Lexi. How wonderful to finally meet you.” Preston greets me with a fake, polite smile.

“Hello. Nice to meet you,” I choke out, feeling uneasy from the contemptuous look in his eyes.

My mom appears beside him, arching a brow in warning, her lips pressed together. Her expression transforms when Preston turns his attention to her and offers his arm.

“Allow me to show you my home,” he says without looking at me.

I follow behind them, my heels clicking up the stairs, my eyes downcast so I don’t trip. When I reach the front door, a servant stands on my right. He flashes me a tight smile before looking away. Even he knows I don’t belong here.

When I step inside the house, dread settles over me like a steel curtain. My gaze roams over the opulent foyer with marble floors, large paintings on the walls, and a giant chandelier overhead.

The lavish house impresses and intimidates me. It’s a far cry from the middle-class home and neighborhood I grew up in.

Footsteps draw my attention to a younger version of Preston as he strides toward us. His piercing, smoky eyes lock with mine, a scowl on his face before his gaze skips to my mom. A fake smile transforms his chiseled features.

While he greets my mom, I take the opportunity to study him. His skin is the color of light toffee, and reddish highlights are on display as he stands beneath the chandelier. His smile is blinding, revealing perfect white, straight teeth.

He leans in, kissing my mom on the cheek, then steps back and puts his hands in his pockets. As he shifts his weight, his silky black button-down shirt hugs his muscular torso, and his custom-made black trousers cling to his thighs.

Goddamn. The arrogant asshole is sculpted like a Greek God.

A swell of desire races through my chest as my eyes linger on his thighs before moving to the expensive dress shoes on his feet that probably cost more than my outfit.

He’s attractive as hell, but the smugness cloaking him makes me bristle.

He turns to me, his eyes darkening as he slowly peruses every inch of my body as though he’s undressing me with his eyes. My skin burns beneath the weight of his gaze, and I fight the urge to remain still. It’s a losing battle as I fidget and squirm, earning a pointed glare from my mother.

I swallow hard, my mouth dry, as his sinister charcoal eyes return to mine. He arches a brow, a predatory smile curling his lips. His shrewd look resembles a snake analyzing its prey, searching for a weakness before striking.

My mother’s shrill voice is like nails on a chalkboard as she introduces us. “Evan, this is my daughter, Alexis. Lexi, this is Evan.”

I reluctantly extend my hand, plastering a fake smile on my lips. Evan steps closer, grasping my outstretched hand and squeezing my fingers, exerting his dominance over me. The scent of warm amber cologne infiltrates my senses, suffocating me.“It’s a pleasure.”

My muscles and spine are rigid as my voice shakes slightly. “Likewise.” Come on, Lexi. Pull your shit together. Where the hell is your confident, take-no-shit attitude?

I try to pull my hand away, but Evan’s grip tightens. He holds onto my fingers longer than necessary as his gaze bores into mine, his expression indecipherable, before finally releasing my fingers.

Dropping my gaze to the floor, I resist the urge to wipe my sweaty hand on my dress. Evan’s scrutiny is wearing me down, and I’ve only been in the devil’s presence for a few minutes.

Preston’s deep voice commands my attention. “Your mother tells me your dream is to attend Stone Ridge University.”

Shooting my mom an annoyed look, irritation blooms through every facet of me. “Yes, but it’s only a dream. In reality, it’s unaffordable and unattainable.”

Preston makes a noise that causes Evan to jerk his head toward him. He stiffens, his gaze narrowing as he studies his father, seeing something he doesn’t like.

Preston nods, his smile conveying he knows something I don’t. “Welcome to my home, Lexi. After dinner, I’ll give you a tour.” He pulls the cuff of his shirt back, revealing his expensive watch. “Let’s head to the dining room. I’ve asked the staff to prepare a special dinner tonight. Your mother assured me you’ll be pleased with our selections.”

“Yes, I’m sure,” I lie, my eyes narrowing on my mother. She shoots me a warning look, but I don’t give a rat’s ass. The woman barely knows me.

I’ve always been last on her priority list. Gram raised me while she spent much of her time in college and law school before she climbed the ladder at the law firm where she works.

Since Gram passed away, I’ve been drifting in a sea of loneliness and abandonment.

Dismissing me, my mom links her arm through Preston’s before they lead the way down the foyer.

I watch them go, sadness welling inside me at my mom’s refusal to focus on my needs in any meaningful way.

I’m stunned when an arm appears in my line of sight. My eyes drop to it, studying the silky black material before slowly moving to Evan’s face.

I scoff and step forward to follow them, but Evan grabs my arm and wraps it through his. I tug against his grip, trying to pull away. His eyes narrow on mine, and his smile fades. “Stop fighting me,” he hisses. “Don’t you want to make a good impression on my father and please your mother?”

“Not really,” I quip, trying to pull away.

Evan raises his brows, looking impressed for a few seconds before he glares at me. “Act the part of the dutiful, respectful woman. It’ll get you much further than your defiance will.” Tugging me into his side, he pulls me along with him.

I can’t prevent the shiver that rolls through my body. Although I despise his cockiness, there’s no denying Evan is sexy as hell. My spine stiffens, hoping he doesn’t notice my reaction to his nearness.

He smirks down at me before his lips graze my ear. “Do I make you shiver, Lexi?”

Fuck. Why does his voice and the warm puff of breath against my ear affect me like this?

“You make me wanna vomit.” I give him a fake smile even as lust races through every inch of me. Damn traitorous body.

Evan chuckles, but there’s a menacing tone in his voice when he speaks. “You’re a beautiful liar.”

I stare up at him in stunned surprise before I school my features. My voice is syrupy sweet as I clap back at him. “It takes one to know one.”

Hatred swirls in his irises, burning into mine.“Make no mistake, Alexis. You don’t know a damn thing about me. And you never will.”

My smile is smug. “We finally have something in common.”