Page 72 of Redeeming the Villain
My head swivels as I look for any familiar, cute boys. But the hallway’s empty. Making my way into the elevator, I’m shocked as a hint of sadness slithers into my chest, making my heart ache from not seeing Malik.
But what did I expect? For him to just be waiting outside of my room twenty-four/seven?
No hockey players are spotted when I step off the elevator and head outside. The chilly air flutters my dress, and I hold it down as I spot Phillip and his Rolls-Royce waiting along the curb for me.
All done up in a suit and tie, he leans back against his car. If I were any other girl and we had any other relationship, I might swoon. But it’s just Phillip, and I’m just Alora.
We already tried testing that dynamic out years ago, and we quickly learned we aredefinitely notromantically compatible.
His face lights up when he sees me. “Well, look atyou.” His voice is musical, humming through the air with whimsy. “You look gorgeous, Lore.”
My heels click on the pavement as a smile stretches across my face. “So do you. And you’resotan.”
“Well, I did just spend the last like week in the Bahamas so …” He trails off as his gaze darts to my right.
I follow his stare, and my stomach flips.
Asher, Dean, Elias, and Malik are walking side by side. An intimidating image—four ripped, over six-feet-tall guys walking toward me. I swallow any lingering fear.
Asher, of course, is the first one to speak. “Alora, my God, you look hot!”
But I’m not looking at him. My eyes are glued to the dark-haired man staring at me so intensely that I think I might catch on fire.
He wets his lips as the group approaches, not deviating his gaze for a second.
My breathing shallows, and I force myself to look over at Asher. “Thank you.”
“You are …” Asher asks Phillip, his tone indiscernible.
“Phillip Stephens.” He sticks out his hand, polite, as always.
Asher shakes it. “And what might your intentions be with our Alora tonight?”
My gaze finds Malik again, but he’s no longer looking at me. Those breathtaking purple orbs are stabbing into Phillip like daggers.
“Friends of yours?” Phillip glances over at me with a smirk on his lips, and I nod. “Alora and I go way back. We’ve known each other since we were kids. We’re going to grab some food and catch up.”
“I love food.” Malik smiles, but there’s no friendliness in his pearly, sharp grin. “What do you guys think? I, for one, could eat.”
I can practically see the steam rolling off of him in waves. I wonder how far I can push this and get under his skin before he snaps. It’s only fair after all …
Closing the distance between Phillip and me, I hook my arm in his. “We only have a reservation for two.”
Malik’s nostrils flare, and his jaw tics. “Is that so?”
I nod firmly. “Yes. Maybe you guys can join next time.”
He steps toward me. “Next time, huh?” Licking his lips like a predator about to pounce, he takes another step toward me without blinking. “Next time, make sure to add another seat to your reservation. I’d love to come.”
Phillip interjects, “Of course. The more, the merrier, right?”
Malik’s gaze flashes his way in a tight squint, and a breathy chuckle chills the air. “Right.”
Asher and Dean step up to Malik’s side.
“Well, we’d better let you guys get going before you’re late,” Asher says, lightly patting Malik’s chest.
Malik works his jaw before his lips part. But he doesn’t say anything.
