55. Alexis
CHAPTER 55
Alexis
E van had me change into dark jeans and a black top in case blood splattered on my clothing. When I inquired, Evan said, “Trent has a score to settle. Owen has been a thorn in his side.”
Sophia told me Trent can be a very violent fighter. I’m shocked because he seems calm and laid back whenever I’ve been around him.
I know he doesn’t need the money, so when I asked Evan why Trent fights, he looked at me and said, “Trent is obsessed with Sophia, and he’s had enough of Owen standing in their way.” He winks at me. “Some things are worth fighting for.”
My heart stuttered into my chest. I’m an unhinged, hopeless romantic.
Evan holds my hand, leading me down the narrow hallway of an underground tunnel. I can’t help but admire him as he confidentially walks beside me. I feel like royalty in his presence.
He glances down at me and winks. “You can’t have my cock now. Later, baby.”
I grin, a laugh bubbling out of me. “I was just admiring how damn attractive and confident you are. It’s sinful.”
Evan gives me that grin he reserves solely for me. “I’m hotter with you on my arm.” He gives me a peck on the lips, and when he pulls away, I can’t help but notice the envious looks on some of the women’s faces.
That’s right, bitches. He’s mine.
Evan leads me to a group of people who erupt in smiles and greetings. He places a protective arm around me, ushering me into the center of it all. I lean against him, overwhelmed by the faces and voices surrounding me.
“Lexi. This is Ryker and his wife, Devyn James.”
Ryker’s smile is friendly, and his dark eyes show approval. He nods at Evan and then returns his attention to me. “Nice to meet you, Lexi.” He holds out his hand, and I shake it.
“Lexi. I’m so glad to meet you.” Devyn wraps me in her arms, and a surprised laugh bubbles from me. “I’ve heard a lot about you,” she whispers. “I think we’re gonna be good friends. We have a lot in common.”
Her comment puzzles me, especially since I know nothing about her. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“This is Luca Federico.” Evan gestures to a dark-haired guy wearing a Fedora hat. When he turns his head to me, I see scars on one side of his face, as though he’d been burned. The other side is perfection—smooth olive skin, brown eyes that crinkle in the corners when he smiles, and blindingly white teeth.
“It’s nice to meet you finally. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Luca smirks at Evan, then winks at me before extending his hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, Luca.”
“Well, well, well. We finally get to meet your feisty bombshell.” A loud voice booms to my right.
I turn my head, my eyes landing on an older, dark-haired guy with piercing eyes that probe into mine. If I met him in a dark alley, I’d be scared.
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.”
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.”