Page 1 of Stalked By the Intern

CHAPTER

ONE

Andy

I'm Andy Holt,and I'm a twenty-six-year-old law student with short, dark hair and an athletic build. I'm intelligent and driven, and my strong work ethic sets me apart from my peers.

That's the face I show to the world.

But there's an obsessive side of me that comes out when it comes to Willow Hartley.

She's all I think about, all I dream about. I can't get enough of her. I stalk her every move from afar, tracking her every step on social media, waiting for the perfect moment to make her mine.

Mine. She'smine.

She just doesn't know it yet.

Tonight, I'm at Richard Hartley's prestigious law firm. The opulence hits me like a wave. It's like a clubhouse for the elite, where power and success ooze from every corner. It's what I signed up for when I studied to be a lawyer. It almost makes me sick to my stomach, but I have to be here for another reason—a more important reason than just a career.

I have to get close to Willow.

This place reeks of money and control, and I can almost taste the power.

The elevator dings, and there she is—Willow Hartley, the object of my obsession. Her long brown hair cascades down her back, and those captivating blue eyes lock onto mine. My breath hitches as she steps forward, unknowingly walking right into my trap. I follow her into Richard Hartley's office, my heart thumping wildly in my chest. The air between us crackles with tension, and I struggle to stay composed as she explains why she's here.

"I need your help, Father," she says softly.

Her voice sends shivers down my spine. I lean against the wall, trying to control my breathing as I watch her beg her father for help. It's like watching a lamb ask a lion for protection. It's intoxicating.

Richard listens intently before leaning back in his chair, his brow furrowed in thought. "What can I do for you, Willow?" he asks sternly.

His tone makes me want to push him out of the way and take his place. To have that power, that control over Willow... Have her come tomefor her every need.

She explains her art show and how she needs funds to get it off the ground. I listen intently, my mind spinning with thoughts of ways to twist this situation to my advantage. My tongue darts out to lick my bottom lip nervously as I watch her plead with her father.

"I'll see what I can do," he says finally, running a hand through his short gray hair.

Willow beams at him gratefully before turning to leave the room. The door clicks shut behind her, leaving us alone.

"Good morning, Andy," Mr. Hartley greets with a warm smile. "We're glad to have you here."

"Thank you, sir," I reply, shaking his hand firmly. His grip is strong and reassuring, making me feel welcome already.

I'm introduced to my new teammates—all sharp minds with years of experience under their belts. They eye me warily at first, not sure what to make of the new guy, but I don't let that bother me. I know I have to earn their respect and trust, and I'm more than ready for the challenge.

Throughout the day, I immerse myself in my work, solving complex cases and researching obscure laws until my eyes hurt from staring at the computer screen so long. My colleagues are impressed by my dedication, and so is my boss. I feel a sense of pride swelling inside me as they compliment my work ethic and intelligence. This is it. This is where I belong.

At the end of the day, Willow's father approaches me. "Mr. Holt," Richard starts, his voice deep and commanding. "What can I do for you?"

I snap back to reality and clear my throat. "Sir, I was hoping to discuss my internship extension with you. I've been working diligently on your cases, and I believe I could be an asset to the firm." I force a smile, hoping it doesn't look as fake as it feels.

Richard studies me for a moment before nodding slowly. "I'll speak to my associates about it. So far, you've done exemplary. You're hardworking and intelligent." He raises an eyebrow at me, assessing me. "But remember, this is a cutthroat world we're in. You'll need more than just ambition to succeed."

Ambition. That's all he sees. Not the dark desires consuming me or the way I'd do anything to have his daughter wrapped around my finger. I nod earnestly, promising myself that I'll do whatever it takes to get closer to her.

Outside, the rain falls harder, the drops pounding against the window like a symphony of desire. I can't stop thinking about her soft curves under my touch, her gasps of pleasure in my ear. My hand clenches into a fist at my side, nails digging into my palm as I try to contain myself.

I watch as Richard leaves the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. And they're allof Willow. Her scent lingers in the air, a mix of jasmine and rain. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down before following him out.

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