All Chapters of Under His Watch: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

I woke with a pounding headache.The first thing I did was swallow a hangover pill before dragging myself into the shower. The almost freezing water shocked my senses awake, but it couldn't wash away the fragments of yesterday that kept replaying in my mind.Some conversations were missing.Others were painfully clear.By the time I finished getting ready, I'd pinned my hair back with a clip and slipped into a charcoal pencil skirt with a loose baby-blue satin blouse.Today was going to be a long day.Surprisingly, I was the first person to arrive at Parker Wines. Traffic had been unusually light, and there hadn't even been a queue at my favorite café.I balanced my coffee beside my laptop, switched it on and absentmindedly scrolled through social media while waiting for the office to come alive.The elevator chimed.Without looking up, I smiled faintly."Morning, Laila.""Good morning."The d

For a long moment, Leonard simply looked at me.His expression was unreadable.Then, without the slightest hint of hesitation, he asked,"Are you single, Blair?"The question caught me completely off guard."What?""I think that's a little too personal... and highly inappropriate, Mr. Parker."A faint smile touched his lips."So was what happened in those showers."Heat instantly rushed to my cheeks."You're right," I admitted quietly. "And I already apologized for that. I assured you it wouldn't happen again.""You did."Silence settled between us.He watched me for another moment before speaking again."I woke up thinking about something."Against my better judgment, curiosity won."What?""If you had a boyfriend..." he said evenly, "would what happened between us have been considered cheating?"I blinked."I suppose it would.""So..." His blue eyes searched mine. "Did you cheat on your boyfriend?""No."The answer escaped before I could think."Of course not."A satisfied smile app

I’m in the office, lying on the floor. There’s a weight on top of me.I want to scream, but I can’t.I have no voice.I taste blood in my mouth.I look up and see that face laughing at me, that evil look in his eyes. He’s panting like a dog on top of me, his alcohol-scented breath filling my nostrils. I try to move, but I can’t.I hear him unzipping his pants and telling me not to move.I’m scared.So scared.I wake up screaming.My entire body is drenched in sweat, and tears are streaming down my face. I look around frantically, but I don’t see anything. For a moment, the panic completely blinds me.Then I hear a soft voice.“Shhh… Calm down. It was just a nightmare. I’m here.”The words slowly bring me back to reality.Leonard is sitting on the floor beside the bed, while Claire is standing nearby, lookin

The Hidden Wardrobe“Even so, you have to admit that this is too much for someone who doesn’t want anything to do with you.”I don’t answer.Because I have no answer.The truth is, I don’t know if this is the kind of treatment he gives his conquests.“I don’t think you’re seeing how much care he’s taking with you.”Claire gets up and walks toward the wall beside the bed, near the bathroom.Just when I start wondering if she’s hallucinating, she presses her hand against the wall.It opens. A door!I stare at it. Then I get up and follow her, and suddenly, I’m standing face-to-face with every woman’s dream.A huge walk-in closet.We step inside, I look around in amazement. Coats shirts, skirts, all organized by color. High heels. loafers. Even running shoes! Silk nightgowns ranging from beige and red to pure black. Jeans and black leggings neatly arranged in the drawers.I open one of them.Several lace bras in different colors.My face immediately heats up.I open the drawer underneath

wake up with a start from another nightmare.I’m sweaty, and my heart is racing. I try to control my breathing and calm myself as the nightlight comes on. I look around.I’m alone.But I don’t want to be alone.I get up and leave the room. The only sounds I hear are coming from outside.I look down a long, dimly lit hallway, illuminated by ambient lights along the walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the vineyards. On the opposite side, I notice three more doors.I remember Claire saying she was right next door, so I take a chance and open the first door.Empty.It’s smaller than my room, decorated in shades of beige with hints of green. I realize Claire has already left and close the door. I take a few more steps and stop between the last two doors.Which one is his room?He must be asleep.I turn to go back to my room, but stop. I don’t want to be alone, and I don’t feel like sleeping So I summon the courage to find him behind one of these doors.I place my hand on the doorknob