Page 3 of Watcher

“Ew! No.”

“Is there a window in there?”

“Of course.”

“Then leave the fucking door open.”

“What, are you some kind of pervert?”

He steps to me quicker than I assumed he was capable of. For the first time, I notice something’s off about his gait. Lowering his head, Ethan squares my gaze. “What part of me being hired to watch out for you don’t you understand? I have strict instructions to keep you in my sight at all times.”

“That’s crazy.” I spit. “What about when I have to shower?” A tingle rushes through me, imagining Ethan sitting there and watching me shower. I shake the thought from my brain.

“Door stays open. I’ll be respectful.” I open my mouth to speak, but he interrupts. “End of story.”

A short stare-down ensues.

After a beat and an actual need to pee, I scoff. “Fine, but keep your eyes to yourself, buddy.” Through my bureau mirror, I catch him smiling. I pee as quickly as I can and gather all of my toiletries in one fell swoop. As much as I want to blow Ethan off, it’s clearly going to be harder than I originally assumed. Giving into this situation sucks, that’s for sure, but I’m not sure I have much of a choice. The man’s so fucking headstrong.

Back in the bedroom, Ethan watches me finish packing. “Ready for the trip of a lifetime,” I say, punching up the sarcasm in my voice.

“After you.” He holds the door for me and waits for me to pass. When I do, he grabs my suitcase from my grip. His hand brushes mine, and I look up, meeting his piercing blue eyes. Another wave of tingles dances through my body. Maybe it’s the thought of being overpowered by a man as big and strong as Ethan that’s got my head scrambled, but damn if my body doesn’t respond by sending a wave of wetness to my panties.

“I’ve got it.” He assures me with a sharp nod, then watches me as I walk down the stairs and out the front door. A large black SUV waits for us. Ethan waits until I get into the passenger seat before throwing my suitcase in the back.

For a brief minute, I think about running. About hightailing it as fast as I can for my own freedom. Fuck Ethan, and especially fuck my father. He thinks he’s trying to protect me, but he’s only keeping me chained to him by ordering me around.

I’ve got to get away.

The opportunity slips through my fingers as Ethan slides into the driver’s seat and locks the doors. When I glance at the panel, there isn’t even a handle on my side.

“I really am a prisoner.” Ethan’s seatbelt clicks into place.

“It’s temporary, alright.” His voice softens. “Just ride this out and let me do my job.” His eyes meet mine, and I nearly melt. “Let me protect you, and this’ll all be over before you know it.”

All of the fight rushes out of me. I nod, speechless, reminding myself that there are worse people in the world my father could’ve hired to watch out for me.

ChapterThree

Ethan

The lullof the highway nearly puts me to sleep. Avery hasn’t said a word since we left her father’s estate. I thought her incessant whining about the situation bothered me, but her silence is far more disturbing. She’s not even on her phone. She just stares out the window, leaving me wondering what’s on her mind.

Fifteen minutes later, she speaks.

“I’m hungry.” There’s no missing the defeat in her tone.

“I have snacks in the console.”

“Not for snacks, Ethan. I need food.” Her head swivels in my direction. “Real food.”

“Don’t knock a Slim Jim.” I tease, but she’s having none of it. “Fine.” I sigh, wondering if stopping for food is also part of the no leaving the property deal. “We’ll stop at the next exit and choose from what’s there. They probably don’t have caviar, though, princess.”

“Stop.”

“What?”

“Stop calling me that.”

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