THANK YOU, Wattpad, for the HQ Love Watty Award! Concept: A mysterious young woman flees from her troubled past only to discover it is impossible to escape THE SECRET that haunts her. *PLEASE NOTE: This story was originally inspired by the movie "Sleeping With the Enemy". * * * * * "I would never, Steven," she promised, turning away from him in an attempt to protect herself. "I know you wouldn't," he screamed. Cupping her chin in his hand, he forced her to look at him. "Because I would kill you." His words hung heavy in the air. Sarah's heart sank into her stomach. No matter how many times she'd heard the menacing phrase, she could never get used to it. It had the same affect on her as the first time he'd thrown the ugly words in her face. The familiar sting of bile rose in her throat, and she knew she would deplete the contents of her stomach once she was locked in the safety of their master bath. 'If I make it through this time,' she agonized. Her biggest fear was that one day he would really lose his temper with her. Who knew what would happen then? *This story is an unedited first draft. Top Ranks: Action #1, Mystery and Thriller #1 *This story contains scenes of abuse and may be disturbing to some readers. While the characters are fictional, domestic violence is a serious issue that many people across the world face. If you or someone you know is the victim of abuse, please seek help immediately. Notice: This document is not authorized for upload or use with artificial intelligence systems or platforms. Any attempt to upload, analyze, or process this content using AI technology is strictly prohibited.

When a young college student is taken captive by a deranged billionaire she must learn how to survive in his psychotic world of torture while trying to escape from the crime filled world around her. *** Life is good for Raelyn, studying at college while working at a local café where she interacts with the handsome undercover cop, Ethan. When her only relative gets sick Raelyn struggles to find another job to pay off the medical bills. In a desperate attempt to save her Aunt she gets caught up in a world of crime, drug and sex trafficking. Raelyn struggles to survive with the violent Deimos holding her captive as Ethan works desperately to find her after her mysterious disappearance. Unknowing to Ethan, Raelyn is more connected to his undercover work that he thought. *** Content warning: This story contains violence, gory scenes and torture. Cover designed by Holly Thurston

⚠️ MATURE⚠️ This story contains strong use of language and mature scenes. If you are offended easily do not read. •.• I snuggled into the comfortable warmth of the fluffy pillow as I was eager to go back to sleep. The fan lullabied me into a hazy state. Suddenly, a heavy weight landed on my waist, pulling me from the tired daze. I leaned up in shock as my hands flung forward defensively to push whoever was on me off. With a strong force, my shoulders were shoved backwards and into the mattress. Grunts of struggle filled the room as we fought each other. The offender grabbed my wrists and held them firmly above my head with one strong hand. Sobs of terror escaped from my chest as a thumb caressed my cheek to wipe away the spilled tears. "P-please let go of me," I begged, trembling. "You are so beautiful." A man's voice spoke, his large hand leaving my face and traveling down my body to squeeze my pelvic region. "Stop." I screeched, my demand ricocheting between the four bedroom walls. The man growled darkly. "If you scream again, I will kill you." I nodded keenly in response to show that I would not challenge his threat. His hand slowly freed my mouth, testing if I would disobey him. He reached into his pocket. A knife, zip tie, and a rag were all revealed. The view made me realize that this could be my last chance to get help. If I did not call out right now, he would take me. I would not make it out alive either way. I let out a bloodcurdling scream loud enough to wake up the whole neighborhood.

" "Ple-ase" I choked out, tears drenching my face. He laughed looking down on me and I felt sick as his breath made its way to my nostrils and I was hit with the strong scent of alcohol. He wrapped one of his hands around my neck and raised my chin up with his index finger, forcing me to look into his eyes. His cold , emotionless eyes. It was at that moment when any sign of naive optimism I had vanished. This man was barely human, how could he sympathise with anyone? His fingers tightened around my throat making me squirm and shriek in pain, pain that he took pleasure in watching. " She was kidnapped then sold to the highest bidder... she's only been dipping her toes in the water.... what happens when she's thrown into the deep with waves crashing down on her every time she tries to breathe? Follow her journey and find out.

As a young child, Ashlyn was abducted from a local park whilst playing with her twin and older brother. For 10 years, Ashlyn survived with no more than a roof over her head. She dealt with the repercussions of living with alcoholics and drug addicts for carers, until the police show up at her doorstep. A few days of research was all it took to find Ashlyn's mother, helping her to be reunited with her family. Only, she wasn't going back home to live with her mum, her five brothers and stepfather are there too. Ashlyn has to learn to live her life in a new environment, whilst dealing with the anxiety and trauma consequent of years of abuse. Her family, which were once not a part of her life, quickly become her everything. Number 1 in the Rising out of the Abyss Series Sequel: Rising to the Surface

Riley's two older brothers do everything they can to protect her from their violent step-father. But what happens when they realise she wasn't as protected as they thought. Will her brother's find out the dark secrets she has been hiding? And can she break free from her inner demons? This is Riley's story. *** "Pl..Please..." cried Riley as she stumbled on the steps. "I love it when you beg," laughed Vincent as he dragged Riley to her bedroom. Shoving her into the bedroom he closed the door behind him, turning the lock. "How long do I have?" asked Vincent as he sauntered up to Riley who backed herself against the wall. "Not long, Jason will be back any minute now," lied Riley, her heart beating hard in her chest. Vincent placed his arms on either side of Riley's body, trapping her in while dipping his head to her eye level. "I think my little birdy is lying to me," he smirked. "Now tell me, how long do I have," he asked again, pulling out a knife from his pocket and sliding it up Riley's back underneath her hoodie. He pressed the knife into the flesh of her back and started to press down, cutting slowly into her skin. "Tell me," he repeated. "Thr..ee h..hours," sobbed out Riley. // WARNING: This story contains themes of self harm, rape and violence. If these trigger you in anyway please don't continue as there will be no warning before any of these scenes.

Young, innocent and always well-organized Hailie Monet under sad circumstances finds out about the existence of her five older, disgustingly rich, possessive and spoiled brothers. When she's forced to live with them, she discovers that their life is full of dangerous secrets which they are going to do their best to hide, especially from their little sister.

Victoria, a girl who has become a rebel after her mom passed away, has trouble transitioning with having a new mom at home when her dad remarries. Maybe her new mom can help turn her life around with some discipline and consequences.

Adoptive parents Robert and Maya Novak are firm but fair with fourteen-year-old Anne. Due to a past of unstable homes and abusive guardians, she is reluctant to accept the unconditional love the Novaks give. Between the walls of their New England cape cod, she is given patience, the freedom to be herself. and discipline as she needs it. Unwittingly, she softens under their guidance and learns to let down the walls she's kept for a lifetime. Perhaps she's even learning to love Robert and Maya. A/N: I started this series when I was 16 years old in 2018. The quality of writing improves as the chapters go on, especially as I got my bearings in my own relationships and learned how people really interact. I will not edit or revise these older chapters because I'd like my readers to know that it does get better! (But only with practice) This series is not in chronological order.

In small town Hendersonville, North Carolina, there's a time and a place for women to open their mouths. Lydia Grace Abney doesn't care to wait on that time or that place. She walks through life without any shoes on, dirt on her skin, and wind-blown hair. Some might say she gets her classless qualities from being raised with all boys. Others say the devil is doing work in her life and holding her tongue hostage. But Lydia doesn't see anything wrong with her inability to keep her mouth shut. Especially when it comes to the ever-growing racism flooding her small, southern town. She's willing to fight tooth and nail to stand up for what she believes is right-and this particular act catches the eye of someone rather unexpected. Wattpad Editor's Choice February 26th, 2021 - April 1st, 2021 Featured by Wattpad Historical Fiction under "Decade Fiction." Winner of the Cappuccino Awards 2020 (historical) 2nd Place - Historical Fiction - The Writer's Choice Awards 2nd Place - Historical Fiction - The insidious Awards #1 in greatdepression #1 in sexism # 1 in 1930