All Chapters of Love under Lock: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Not spending another second with the intern, I held the files and knocked on the door to the CEO’s office. Tia had an open-door policy. She was the type to respond quickly when there was a knock on her door. This time was an exception. Not only did I hear nothing back, but Tia seemed engrossed in scribbling, her expression dark. I stared at her face, my heart skipping a beat. She was gorgeous. It was next-level crazy on my part. I was dying to kiss her.Before I could dwell in my fantasy any longer, Tia noticed a presence in her office. She looked up in annoyance. The tension running along her features softened when she spotted me. “Yes, Levi?” I kept my eyes on her thin lips. Fighting back my inappropriate thoughts, I answered in a businesslike manner, “Ms. Hart, the meeting is about to start.” She nodded and crumpled the paper she had been writing on before rising to her feet to leave. Once she was gone, I glanced at Tasha through the blinds. Since she was knee-d

Never one to keep quiet, the driver teased, "Levi must’ve heard how decent our business client’s assistant looks. Can't blame him for being in such a good mood.”I had no words. It was utter nonsense. I only had eyes for Tia. Guilty as I was, I knew better than to answer that. Playing it cool, I steered the conversation elsewhere and went over the day’s itinerary with Tia. As I spoke, a chill settled over the car. I looked up and met Tia’s gaze, her eyes dark and grim. Surely, she wasn’t onto me. Despite the guilt gnawing at me, I kept a straight face and carried on as usual.At the business dinner, the organizer initially seated me next to the beautiful assistant to make coordinating work easier for us. However, once everyone had taken their seats, Tia said, her voice flat but commanding, “Levi will sit with me.” Everyone else wisely kept their eyes to themselves, simply laughing it off as if they hadn’t heard a thing. I was over the moon. Still, I kept a straight

Tia looked gentle as the soft sunlight spilled over her shoulders. Only the obsession lurking in her eyes was predatory. Before I could milk the performance, Tia came closer and leaned in to pull me into her arms. Her warm breath brushed across my hair as her hand fluttered on my back. She offered me comfort. “Don’t be scared, baby. I’m not going to hurt you.” While I greedily savored her scent, I flinched on purpose, as if fear had gotten the best of me. “I’ve been in love with you for ages.” She rested her chin on top of my head, her voice morbidly sweet. “The moment you held the finance magazine with me as the cover and told me earnestly that I was your role model, I was hooked. “You were distant with everyone else, but endlessly attentive to me. Still, I was terrified that your affection was fleeting, and you might just take it away one day.“I can’t stand anyone else in your life. I won’t have you smiling at anyone else. Even if it was just a glance, it makes me lose

Tia’s eyes reflect amusement at my plea. “You finally came to me and asked for something.” Then, her brows furrowed as she said unhappily, “You can take a shower, but don’t go formal on me.” I pretended to feel uneasy. In truth, I spoke the name I’d whispered many times in my head. “Tia.” Tia’s eyes sparkled. “That’s my good boy.” She reached out and unbuckled the shackles around my ankle. With the cold metal sliding off, I regained my freedom. As her fingertips traced along the red marks on my skin, she urged, “You can shower, but don’t even try to run. I’m not letting you go.” I nodded in compliance. Run? I had no plans on leaving. I stepped into the bathroom and took my time in the shower. Once I figured the timing was right, I turned off the showerhead and grabbed a bath towel to wrap loosely around my hips, the lines of my abdomen visible. I looked in the mirror and took a deep breath before putting on my most helpless expression. I raised my voice slightly.

Once the initial shock washed away, Tia closed her eyes and surrendered to the moment. I only pulled back and released her when the air was drained from our lungs. Tia heaved heavily, her eyes misting over. Yet, she kept her eyes on me, her voice raspy. “Are you doing this out of pity?” For her father to deny her so publicly, any affection shown to her seemed like charity. It broke my heart to see her so dejected and vulnerable. “No.” My response was brief but firm. Tia nodded, clearly unconvinced. She apologized to me. “It was wrong of me to lock you up and put you through this. I’m sorry. I won’t stop you from leaving. “Should you decide to quit over this, I’ll approve a hefty severance package and a fully-paid property downtown.” She sank into the couch and closed her eyes in resignation. To watch her put on a brave act, I felt hurt and angry for her. I lifted my arm, grabbed her by the collar, and pulled her closer to me. We were suddenly so close that the