Forever Watching

Chapter 2: First Encounters

Will Moore stood outside the apartment building, his shadow blending into the dimly lit street. The night air was cool, but he didn't feel it. His focus was sharp, his senses heightened. The hunger inside him had grown stronger since seeing her for the first time. It was no longer just curiosity—it was need.

He watched as her apartment light flickered on through the second-floor window. She was home. Safe. Alone.

Perfect.

Will stepped back into the shadows, memorizing the details of the building—the security cameras, the doors, the windows. He needed to know every angle, every entrance and exit. He wasn't going to make any mistakes this time. This time, it had to be perfect.

Her name was Elena.

He had learned it the day after he first saw her. She worked at a local bookstore, a quiet little shop tucked away from the busy streets. He had watched her shelve books, her fingers trailing over the spines as if each one held a secret she wanted to uncover.

Will had entered the store, pretending to browse, but every movement was calculated. He stayed close enough to hear her voice as she greeted customers, her words soft and melodic.

When it was finally his turn at the counter, Will felt his pulse quicken.

"Hi," she said, offering a polite smile. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

Will smiled back, rehearsing the expression in his mind to make sure it seemed natural. "Not yet. Maybe you can help me?"

"Of course." She seemed eager to assist, and that only made him want her more.

"I just moved to the area," he said, letting a trace of vulnerability seep into his voice. "I don't know many people yet, and I thought a good book might keep me company."

Her smile softened. "Welcome to the neighborhood. Do you like thrillers or something more romantic?"

Will tilted his head, pretending to think. "Maybe something with both."

She laughed—a light, musical sound that sent a shiver through him. "I think I have just the thing."

As she led him through the shelves, Will memorized the way she moved, the subtle scent of her perfume, the warmth in her voice. Everything about her drew him in. She was perfect, and he couldn't let her slip away.

They talked for a few more minutes, and by the time he left the store, Will knew she was his.

Now, he just had to make her see it too.

---

The next day, Will returned to the bookstore. He bought another book he didn't need, just to see her again. This time, he asked more questions—about the city, about her favorite places to visit. She was polite, even a little shy, but she answered his questions without hesitation.

By the end of the week, Will had established a routine. Every day, he stopped by the bookstore, always finding an excuse to talk to Elena. He learned that she had recently moved here too, chasing a dream of opening her own business someday. She lived alone, had no boyfriend, and seemed to enjoy the quiet life.

It was everything he wanted to hear.

But Will knew better than to rush. He couldn't scare her. Not like before. This time, he had to be patient, careful. He had to make her trust him.

He started small—casual conversations, compliments that didn't feel forced. And Elena responded. She began to smile more when she saw him, her eyes lighting up in a way that made Will's heart pound.

One evening, as Elena was closing the store, Will made his move.

"You work too hard," he said, leaning casually against the counter.

She laughed. "Tell me about it."

"You deserve a break. Let me buy you a coffee sometime."

For a moment, she hesitated, and Will felt his stomach twist. But then she smiled.

"Sure. Why not?"

It was all he needed.

---

Later that night, Will stood outside her apartment building again, watching her silhouette through the window. She was sitting on the couch, flipping through a book.

His book.

The thought made his breath quicken. She was already letting him in, already beginning to see him the way he saw her.

But he couldn't let his guard down. He had to stay in control. He wouldn't make the same mistakes as before.

This time, there would be no running.

Because this time, Elena wouldn't want to run.

She would fall in love with him. She had to.

And Will Moore was ready to do whatever it took to make that happen.