Page 49 of Lightning Angel

She hated that he had such an affect on her even after learning he was just an empty threat.

Brandon: I don’t know what game you are playing, pretty doll, but don’t forget what’s at stake if you do the wrong thing.

“Are you alright?” Tristan’s voice pulled her out of hertrepidation.

Alexa sighed and looked at him wearily. “Brandon just texted me.”

All the warmth left Tristan’s eyes. “What does he say?”

Alexa read the message aloud, cringing as she pronounced his disgusting nickname.

“Are you going to reply to him?” Tristan barely succeeded to hide his displeasure of the nickname, too.

“I don’t know. Should I?” Alexa glanced at him for his opinion. “I didn’t respond to his previous texts because I was defenseless then, but now that I know the truth, how should I respond? Should I keep up the act?”

Tristan gave her a surprised look before he slowed the car and parked it to the side of the road. As Alexa began wondering what that look meant and came up with several interpretations in her mind, what he said next proved her wrong.

“You’re asking my opinion?”

Now,shewas surprised. “Of course,” she said.

Tristan looked away to the windshield and composed himself before turning back to her. “If you trust me, may I?” He extended a hand, gesturing for her phone.

Alexa passed her phone to him wordlessly, not looking away from his face. What had been that expression on his face when she confirmed she was asking his opinion? What had been going on in his mind—and whatwasgoing on in his mind now? He was so confusing, hard to read, intriguing, mysterious…

And she couldn’t wait to know more about him.

Alexa dropped her gaze to the phone in his hand and leaned over to read the response he was typing out toBrandon.

Alexa: You wanna release the pictures? Do it. I do not and I will never bow to your threats.

Don’t worry, he’s got this.Alexa told herself as her heart gave a jump.

In that precise moment, more than last night, Alexa realized she trusted him—with her life. The realization washed over her like warmth and made her steal a glimpse at his face.

There was fire in his eyes, blazing like a fiery furnace, flaring with intensity. He was focused, and his determination was etched on his features. He looked dangerous. Dangerous and beautiful.

The admission made her heart flip. Terrified at the feeling, she quickly dropped her eyes back to the phone and steeled her heart against the fatal blow. The last thing she wanted was a romantic feeling blossoming toward him.

Brandon: Jeez, Lex. I’m not stupid to believe you actually mean this. I know you love your sister so much to make one wrong move.

Alexa: So you’re trying to take advantage of my love for my sister.

Brandon: Ouch. You don’t realize I’m doing this because I love you, do you?

Alexa: What do you know about love? You’re not capable of it.

Brandon: I can prove it to you.

Alexa: Just release the pics and be done with it.

Brandon: You’re not serious.

Alexa: I am. And that was the part of your so-called deal, wasn’t it? If I refuse you, you’ll release the pics. I’m refusing you now.

Brandon: I’m allowing you time until Cassie arrives. Don’t jump to conclusions yet.

Alexa: Get lost.