Forever Watching

Chapter 3: Beneath the Surface

Will Moore sat at the small café table, his eyes fixed on Elena as she stirred her coffee. It had been her idea to meet here—a small, cozy place tucked away from the busy streets. Will liked that about her. She didn't crave attention. She was quiet, reserved, and careful with her words.

But there was more to her than that. Will could sense it. She was guarded, like someone who had been hurt before, and that made him want her even more. He wanted to be the one to protect her, to fix whatever was broken inside her.

"So," she said, breaking the silence. "How are you liking the city so far?"

Will smiled, careful to make it seem natural. "It's nice. A little overwhelming at first, but I think I'm starting to feel at home."

"That's good." She sipped her coffee, her eyes meeting his briefly before looking away.

Will leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "And what about you? You said you moved here recently too, right?"

"Yeah. A few months ago." Her voice softened. "I needed a fresh start."

Will's heart skipped. A fresh start. Just like him.

"Sometimes that's the best thing," he said, letting his voice drop slightly. "Leaving the past behind."

Elena nodded but didn't elaborate. She changed the subject quickly, asking him about his job and his plans for the future. Will played along, weaving lies into truths so seamlessly that even he almost believed them.

But all the while, he was studying her—her expressions, the way she fidgeted with her bracelet when she was nervous, the way her lips curved into a hesitant smile. She was opening up, little by little, and Will could feel it.

When the conversation finally wound down, Elena checked her phone and apologized for having to leave early.

"I have to close the store tonight," she said, gathering her things. "But this was nice."

Will stood as she did, his pulse quickening. "Can I walk you back?"

She hesitated, and for a brief moment, Will saw something flicker in her eyes. Uncertainty. Fear.

But then it was gone.

"Sure," she said with a smile.

---

The walk to her apartment was quiet, but Will didn't mind. He liked the silence. It gave him time to think, to plan. He asked her about her favorite books, her dreams of opening her own shop, and by the time they reached her building, she seemed more at ease.

"Thanks for the coffee," she said, pausing at the door.

"Anytime." Will smiled. "I'd like to do it again."

"Maybe." She gave a small laugh. "Goodnight, Will."

"Goodnight, Elena."

He waited until she disappeared inside before turning to leave. But instead of heading home, Will circled back to the alley behind her building. He had noticed the fire escape earlier—an old, rusted ladder that led up to the second-floor windows.

Her windows.

Will's heart pounded as he climbed the ladder, his footsteps careful, silent. When he reached her window, he saw her sitting on the couch, her legs tucked beneath her as she flipped through a book.

She looked peaceful, and for a moment, Will let himself believe it was real—that this was their life, that she wanted him there as much as he wanted to be there.

But then the hunger returned.

He wanted more. He needed more.

Will stayed there for almost an hour, watching her. Studying her. He noted the layout of the apartment, the locks on the doors, the placement of the furniture. Every detail mattered.

When Elena finally turned off the lights and disappeared into her bedroom, Will climbed down and disappeared into the night.

But he wasn't going home.

Not yet.

He needed to know everything about her—where she went, who she talked to, what she feared.

And he wouldn't stop until Elena was his.

Completely.