Under His Skin

Under His Skin

hetwaterrrrrr · Ongoing · 100.0k Words

757
Hot
757
Views
227
Added
Add to Shelf
Start Reading
Share:facebooktwitterpinterestwhatsappreddit

Introduction

In the midst of a scandal that threatens one of Europe's most prominent banks, the stakes are high, and the truth is elusive. William JB De la Roche, a sharp and ambitious lawyer, is brought in to lead the legal defense. With his tall frame, blue eyes that seem to pierce through lies, and a reputation for winning against all odds, William is confident that he can untangle the case’s web of deceit. But when the situation proves more intricate than anticipated, a new ally is brought on board—Dr. Margaux Hawthorne.

Margaux is no ordinary consultant. A young, alluring psychiatrist with green eyes and an uncanny ability to read people, she specializes in digging beneath the surface of the human mind. Her task goes beyond typical psychological analysis: she’s there to help William and his team understand the motivations and vulnerabilities of everyone involved. From judges and witnesses to the accused bank executives themselves, Margaux provides strategic insight on how to manipulate perceptions, anticipate reactions, and exploit psychological weaknesses.

At first, Margaux and William clash. Her methods seem unorthodox, her insights unsettlingly deep. But as she slowly peels back the layers of the case, exposing not only the flaws in their opposition but also hidden truths about those they’re defending, William starts to see the brilliance in her approach.

As they strategize, pulling strings from behind the scenes and setting traps for the unwitting, their partnership becomes more than just professional. Late nights turn into moments of unspoken understanding, and the boundaries between lawyer and psychiatrist blur in ways they never anticipated.

Yet, as the case reaches its resolution, something shifts between them, leaving them to confront the possibility that what has grown between them might be more than just camaraderie.

Chapter 1

The storm had come swiftly and without warning. London, caught in the midst of the first autumn deluge, lay drenched and cold under a canopy of steel-grey clouds. Wind howled through the streets, carrying with it the bitter sting of rain. In the early morning hush, only the sound of hurried footsteps and the rhythmic patter of raindrops filled the air. Pedestrians shuffled along, eager to escape the weather’s wrath as water splashed up from the streets, forming tiny ripples in scattered puddles.

One such puddle was abruptly disturbed by the step of a polished black shoe, connected to a man in a tailored suit, flanked by two others dressed in a similar fashion. Jean-Baptiste De la Roche, known as William to his colleagues, was on his phone, his voice clipped and precise despite the backdrop of the storm.

“It’s not going to take that long, Alice,” he said, his tone betraying a hint of impatience. “I told Cillian myself that I’d be there. Don’t do this to me.” His dark hair, disheveled by the wind, only added to the sternness of his expression as he listened to Alice’s response, irritation flaring momentarily in his eyes.

"Why would you schedule that?" William interrupted, his jaw tightening. "I don't need a psychology test. I don’t care if it’s common practice, Alice." He walked briskly, his companions following in silence, not daring to interrupt their leader's conversation. "Then tell them to do it another day," he added before ending the call, his features hardening into a mask of focus as they approached the entrance of the office building.

The trio stepped into the lobby of the Sterling Harrington Bank, shaking off the chill of the morning storm. The vast space greeted them with a stark contrast to the weather outside—warmth, bright lights, and the quiet hum of activity. A young receptionist rose from behind a sleek desk, her appearance immaculate, her smile bright and welcoming.

“Good morning, gentlemen. How can I help you?” she asked.

“Good morning,” said one of William’s companions, Archibald Radcliffe, a hint of practiced charm in his voice. “We’re from De la Roche & Kingsley LLP.”

“Of course,” the receptionist replied, her tone cordial. “Welcome to the Sterling Harrington Bank. I’m Alisha, and I’ll be showing you to Mr. Harrington’s office. Please, follow me.”

Alisha led the way to the elevator, her every step composed, her heels clicking lightly against the polished floor. William’s gaze flickered briefly towards her, taking in the carefully maintained appearance and practiced smile. Her enthusiasm for her role was apparent, even if it bordered on overzealousness. She proceeded to explain the building layout as they rode up, her voice breaking the silence with details about various floors and amenities. Yet, William’s attention wandered in and out, his thoughts drifting towards the meeting ahead.

“Which floor is the one with the psychologist, Mrs. Hawthorne?” William interrupted, almost as an afterthought.

The receptionist’s brows furrowed for a moment before recognition lit her features. “Dr. Hawthorne, you mean,” she corrected, her tone firm yet polite. “She’s on floor thirty-six.”

William nodded, barely acknowledging her clarification as the elevator reached its destination. They emerged into a bustling open-plan office, where yet another young and striking woman, Olivia, awaited them. She introduced herself as Mr. Harrington’s provisional secretary and led the men down a corridor lined with glass-walled offices. The tap of her heels on the floor echoed softly in the space as she knocked on a large wooden door.

“Come in,” a voice called from within.

Olivia pushed the door open, and the men stepped inside. Mr. Harrington rose from his seat, his face breaking into a broad smile as he approached William, his hand extended in greeting.

“Mr. De la Roche, how are you?” he said, his voice booming with the practiced warmth of a man accustomed to taking charge. “Just like your father, aren’t you?”

For a fraction of a second, a flicker of something crossed WIlliam’s face—perhaps annoyance, or a trace of unease—but it vanished just as quickly. “Of course,” he replied, his voice steady and polite, offering no hint of what lay beneath the calm exterior.

After a brief exchange of introductions, the men settled into leather chairs arranged around a small cluster of couches. Mr. Harrington, his expression shifting to a more serious tone, leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing.

“I’m going to be honest here and cut away from all the bullshit,” he began. “We’re in a fucked-up position. I’m sure you’ve all done your research and know what I’m talking about, but in case there’s any doubt—this case is not easy.”

The room fell silent as William and his colleagues, Archie and Harry Wharton, nodded in unison. They had prepared for this, each of them steeled for the gravity of the situation.

“Can you win it?” Harrington asked, his voice laced with a mixture of doubt and challenge. He let out a dry chuckle before delivering his punchline with the practiced flair of a man who relished his own theatrics. “I don’t give a fuck because you guys fucking have to.”

Harry, the youngest of the trio, visibly stiffened at the bluntness, while William remained impassive, his gaze fixed on the older man with unwavering calm. He had worked with Harrington before and knew well the kind of environment that came with it.

Harrington continued, outlining the grim details of the case, the stakes, and his expectations. As he paced the room, a map of the building was laid out on the table, displaying the relevant departments where they would be working—the psychology floor and the legal offices. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed Harry and Olivia to familiarize themselves with the legal team while keeping William and Archie back for a more private discussion.

As the door clicked shut behind them, Harrington’s demeanor changed. His gaze sharpened, and he dropped his voice, making it clear that now they would speak plainly. “How fucked are we?” he asked, a grim smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Massively,” William answered without hesitation, meeting Harrington’s eyes with a calm yet piercing intensity.

“But,” William continued, “it’s not an impossible case.”

Harrington raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

Archie leaned forward, taking his cue from William. “They don’t want to take this to court,” he explained. “They might say they do, but it’s just an intimidation tactic. They want to settle, and that’s to our advantage. The negotiations will be smoother if we play our cards right.”

Harrington crossed his arms, nodding slowly. “I’m not willing to pay more than a million dollars,” he said flatly.

“You won’t pay more than that,” William replied, his voice firm and confident.

Archie glanced at William, surprise flickering across his face. It was a bold statement, and William knew it. But his confidence didn’t waver; he was already calculating the angles, the weaknesses to exploit. This was what he did best—crafting a strategy out of chaos.

As Harrington leaned back in his chair, his eyes gleaming with a mix of respect and challenge, William could feel the weight of expectation settling over him. It was the first day of what would undoubtedly be a grueling few months, and there was no room for failure.

And somewhere, a lingering thought tugged at the edges of William’s mind—a psychologist he needed to speak to. Dr. Hawthorne, on the thirty-sixth floor. Her name carried a certain gravity, a kind of curiosity that he hadn’t been able to shake since it was first mentioned.

But for now, his focus was on the case. There would be time for distractions later, if at all. For William Jean-Baptiste De la Roche, winning was the only thing that mattered.

Last Chapters

You Might Like 😍

The Badass Mafia Princess and Family

The Badass Mafia Princess and Family

199.4k Views · Ongoing · Tonje Unosen
Betty have been living a lie for as long as she can remember. She have been abused by her parents her whole life, even though she is a broken and abused girl in her own home. Outside of those four walls she is a force to be reckoned with! She is not afraid to do what she need to stay alive!
Mr. Ryan

Mr. Ryan

147.6k Views · Completed · Mary D. Sant
"What things are not under your control tonight?" I gave my best smile, leaning against the wall.
He came closer with a dark and hungry expression,
so close,
his hands reached for my face, and he pressed his body against mine.
His mouth took mine eagerly, a little rudely.
His tongue left me breathless.
“If you don't go with me, I'll fuck you right here.” He whispered.


Katherine kept her virginity for years even after she turned 18. But one day, she met an extremely sexual man Nathan Ryan in the club. He had the most seductive blue eyes she has ever seen, a well-defined chin, almost golden blonde hair, full lips, perfectly drawn, and the most amazing smile, with perfect teeth and those damn dimples. Incredibly sexy.

She and he had a beautiful and hot one-night stand...
Katherine thought she might not meet the man again.
But fate has another plan

Katherine is about to take on the job of assistant to a billionaire who owns one of the biggest companies in the country and is known to be a conquering, authoritative and completely irresistible man. He is Nathan Ryan!

Will Kate be able to resist the charms of this attractive, powerful and seductive man?
Read to know a relationship torn between anger and the uncontrollable desire for pleasure.

Warning: R18+, Only for mature readers.
His Mission

His Mission

240.7k Views · Completed · Sakz Hussain
Meet Emily Wentworth. Since the death of her father, she's been living a home life full of abuse. It's remained a secret for years until she meets the town's bad boy, Jake Melvin. It doesn't take long for him to figure out her secret.

Emily is suddenly thrown from one world of danger and uncertainty into another. The two teens ride the rollercoaster of love, unbelievable betrayal and heartache.
Surrendering to Destiny

Surrendering to Destiny

345.8k Views · Completed · Allison Franklin
Catherine is not only a rogue half-breed, she is also the result of mate-bond infidelity, was abandoned as a baby and, to top it off, she can only shift during the full moon. When Catherine left the only pack she'd ever known in order to escape the new alpha, the last thing she expected was to find her mate... let alone for him to be the mouth-watering, heavily tattooed, lead warrior of the most feared lycan pack on the continent.

Graham MacTavish wasn't prepared to find his mate in the small town of Sterling that borders the Blackmoore Packlands. He certainly didn't expect her to be a rogue, half-breed who smelled of Alpha blood. With her multi-colored eyes, there was no stopping him from falling hard the moment their mate bond snapped into place. He would do anything to claim her, protect her and cherish her no matter the cost.

From vengeful ex-lovers, pack politics, species prejudice, hidden plots, magic, kidnapping, poisoning, rogue attacks, and a mountain of secrets including Catherine's true parentage there is no shortage of things trying to tear the two apart.

Despite the hardships, a burning desire and willingness to trust will help forge a strong bond between the two... but no bond is unbreakable. When the secrets kept close to heart are slowly revealed, will the two be able to weather the storm? Or will the gift bestowed upon Catherine by the moon goddess be too insurmountable to overcome?
Omega Bound

Omega Bound

330.6k Views · Ongoing · Veronica White
Ayla Frost is a beautiful, rare omega. Kidnapped, tortured, and trafficked to rogue clans and corrupt alphas to do with as they pleased.  Kept alive in her cage, broken and abandoned by her wolf, she becomes mute and has given up on hope for a better life until one explosion changes everything. 

Thane Knight is the alpha of the Midnight Pack of the La Plata Mountain Range, the largest wolf shifter pack in the world. He is an alpha by day and hunts the shifter trafficking ring with his group of mercenaries by night. His hunt for vengeance leads to one raid that changes his life. 

Tropes:
Touch her and die/Slow burn romance/Fated Mates/Found family twist/Close circle betrayal/Cinnamon roll for only her/Traumatized heroine/Rare wolf/Hidden powers/Knotting/Nesting/Heats/Luna/Attempted assassination
“Burn those who burned me!”

“Burn those who burned me!”

122.4k Views · Ongoing · Toddria Holiday
Follow several different stories of betrayal and revenge as the main characters finally seek justice and payback of those who betrayed them!

Burn those who burned me is an anthology book circulated on truth; justice; and REVENGE!

Story #1 The Ballad of Rabena Price.
Story #2 The rebirth of Clara Granger
Story #3 The violin of Graceland Teague
Story #4 The list for Josie Taylor

Story #5 COMING SOON!
Letting Go

Letting Go

372.6k Views · Completed · Becky j
Molly's life was perfect. She was married to her high school sweetheart, surrounded by her friends and family and she was looking forward to the future. But that all ends one tragic night when her whole world is turned upside down.
That fateful night leads to Molly and her best friend Tom holding a secret close to their hearts but keeping this secret could also mean destroying any chance of a new future for Molly.
When Tom's oldest brother Christian meets Molly his dislike for her is instant and he puts little effort into hiding it. The problem is he's attracted to her just as much as he dislikes her and staying away from her starts to become a battle, a battle that he's not sure he can win.
When Molly's secret is revealed and she’s forced to face the pain from her past can she find the strength to stay and work through the pain or will she run away from everything she knows including the one man who gives her hope for a happy future? Hope that she never thought she would feel again.
Off Limits, Brother's Best Friend

Off Limits, Brother's Best Friend

236.6k Views · Ongoing · Oguike Queeneth
“You are so fucking wet.” He nipped my skin and pulled me up to sink me down his length.

“You are going to take every inch of me.” He whispered as he thrusted up.

“Fuck, you feel so fucking good. Is this what you wanted, my dick inside you?” He asked, knowing I have benticing him since the beginning.

“Y..yes,” I breathed.


Brianna Fletcher had been running from dangerous men all her life but when she got an opportunity to stay with his elder brother after graduation, there she met the most dangerous of them all. Her brother's best friend, a mafia Don. He radiated danger but she couldn't stay away.

He knows his best friend's little sister is off limits and yet, he couldn't stop thinking of her.

Will they be able to break all rules and find closure in each other's arms?
I Am His Wolfless Luna

I Am His Wolfless Luna

353.1k Views · Completed · Heidi Judith
Ethan's fingers kept rubbing back and forth on my clitoris, while his penis kept jumping inside my body. Every joint on my body is sore and screaming for the next orgasm. All too quickly, I feel that electric tension winding tighter, a mounting pressure that threatens to shatter me. My hips lift involuntarily, urging him to continue his exploration, silently pleading for the release I’m so close to tasting.

Ethan also kept emitting deep roars in my ear, 'Damn... I'm going to cum... !!!' His impact became more intense and our bodies kept making slapping sounds.

"Please!! Ethan!!"


As the strongest female warrior in my pack, I was betrayed by those I trusted most, my sister and my best friend. I was drugged, raped, and banished from my family and my pack. I lost my wolf, my honor, and became an outcast—carrying a child I never asked for.

Six years of hard-won survival turned me into a professional fighter, fueled by rage and grief. A summons arrives from the formidable Alpha heir, Ethan, asking me to return as a wolfless combat instructor for the very pack that once banished me.

I thought I could ignore their whispers and stares, but when I see Ethan's emerald-green eyes—the same as my son’s—my world tilts.
Healing His Broken Luna....

Healing His Broken Luna....

108.6k Views · Completed · Jcsn 168
Do you believe in Myths? Just when she thinks it can't get any worse, it does. Lucy lost everything four years ago in a rogue attack. She's been abused, starved, rejected, and broken. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, strange things start to happen, things that only happen once every century. She finds friendship in the most unlikely place and escapes to find her true self with the help of the most dangerous Alpha. Warning: This werewolf trilogy is not intended for anyone under the age of 18 or anyone who doesn't enjoy a good spanking. It will take you on adventures around the world, make you laugh, fall in love, crush your heart and possibly leave you drooling.
The Wrong Alpha  - A Twist of Fate?

The Wrong Alpha - A Twist of Fate?

91.6k Views · Completed · Beth Jackson
Delilah can’t wait for her boyfriend to turn 17, for him to meet his Alpha wolf, and finally sense his fated mate. She has long since been predicted as his fated mate by all in their pack having been childhood sweethearts. They make a perfect couple so this would be the perfect love story for them. Surely fate couldn’t take an unexpected twist sending her on a painful path she didn’t expect? That painful path could change the person she once was but may bring an unexpected ally……could it be in a bitter twist of fate Delilah all along had held her hopes on the wrong Alpha?
Heartsong

Heartsong

363.6k Views · Completed · DizzyIzzyN
The LCD screen in the arena showed pictures of the seven fighters in the Alpha Class. There I was, with my new name.
I looked strong, and my wolf was absolutely gorgeous.
I looked to where my sister is sitting and her and the rest of her posse have jealous fury on their faces. I then look up to where my parents are and they're glaring at my picture, if looks alone could set shit on fire.
I smirk at them then I turn away to face my opponent, everything else falling away but what was here on this platform. I take my skirt and cardigan off. Standing in just my tank and capris, I move into a fighting position and wait for the signal to start -- To fight, to prove, and not hide myself anymore.
This was going to be fun. I thought, a grin on my face.
This book ”Heartsong” contains two books “Werewolf’s Heartsong” and “Witch’s Heartsong”
Mature Audience Only: Contains mature luangege, sex, abuse and violence