Recruiting Leah

The sun streamed through Jack’s apartment windows, casting long morning shadows as he sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the innocuous little black box on his desk with a mixture of satisfaction and excitement. Last night had been a triumph. Rachel’s compliance was everything he’d hoped for—everything he’d planned. He couldn’t stop replaying her calm acceptance of the subliminals, the subtle shifts in her demeanor. It had worked. And now, he could think bigger.

Moving to his kitchen table, Jack pulled out his notebook, scribbling down thoughts. The excitement thrummed in his veins. If Rachel could be influenced this easily, there was no reason others couldn't be too. He’d just need the right approach. His eyes flickered to a new name on the page: Leah.

Leah was the shy, gorgeous barista at his favorite coffee place, just a short walk away. Early twenties, wavy blonde hair, always a soft, almost apologetic smile. She had that cute, quintessential “girl next door” look—lips that seemed to pout naturally, big, innocent blue eyes—but there was something even more magnetic in the contrast between her stunning beauty and her timid demeanor. She had no idea how much attention she drew, or how many eyes lingered on her when she wasn't looking.

Jack had always noticed her, of course. He had fantasized more than once about what it would be like if she weren't so reserved, if she knew how attractive she really was and acted on it. The way her uniform clung to her curves only made it more frustrating. He’d seen the way she blushed when their eyes met, the way her hand would tremble slightly when she handed him his coffee. It was endearing, but Jack had often imagined what it would be like if she were to show him the kind of charisma he knew she was capable of.

He felt a surge of something close to hunger. Leah was practically begging to be his next project, whether she knew it or not. She was as pretty as a picture, but she didn’t act like she knew it. Not yet, anyway.

Jack shut his notebook with a sharp snap. Time to head out.

The bell above the door chimed as Jack entered his usual spot, the rich smell of roasted beans and warm pastries enveloping him. He spotted Leah immediately—her blonde hair pulled into a loose ponytail, her apron snug around her slim waist. She was behind the counter, coyly smiling at the line of customers.

As always, she barely looked up when Jack approached, too shy to make prolonged eye contact.

"Morning, Leah," he said smoothly, giving her a smile that he knew would fluster her.

"Morning," she replied, her voice soft as she keyed in his usual order.

He leaned casually against the counter. "I’ve been working on something I think you'd find interesting. Something that could help you relax a bit more—maybe boost your confidence."

The magic word. Her eyes flickered up to him for just a second before darting back down to the register. "Oh? What’s that?"

"It’s a new type of sound therapy. I’ve been testing it with friends, and it's been pretty effective. Helps with focus, anxiety, even self-confidence. Would you be interested in trying it?"

Leah bit her lip, clearly unsure. Jack could see the doubt flicker across her face, but he pressed on, his tone light, nonchalant. “I think it could really help. You seem like you’ve got a lot on your plate, you know? I see you always working hard here, never getting much time for yourself.”

Her blush deepened. “I guess… I don’t know. Maybe.”

He smiled, pushing a little further. "It’s nothing invasive. You just listen to some tracks while you’re doing stuff—reading, cleaning, whatever. It's designed to work in the background. You wouldn’t even notice."

Leah hesitated, glancing at the other customers before nodding slowly. “I could try, I guess. If it’s not too weird.”

Jack’s grin widened. “Perfect. I'll hook you up with a playlist later today. What's your number?”

As he took his coffee and left the shop, Jack could feel the rush of adrenaline again. Leah was already halfway under his influence, even if she didn’t know it yet.

The idea of Sophie came to him as he walked home, the cool autumn breeze rustling through the trees. Sophie Hargrove, the yoga instructor who lived across the street from him. She was the polar opposite of Rachel and Leah. Free-spirited, uninhibited, always prancing around her apartment in nothing but panties and crop tops, seemingly unaware that Jack had a clear view into her living room through his window.

He’d watched her on more than one occasion—stretching, dancing, completely at ease with herself. She was full of life, full of confidence, yet somehow oblivious to the influence she had on men.

Jack smirked to himself. If he could get inside Sophie’s head the way he planned to with Leah, there would be no limits. He could build on that carefree attitude, mold her into someone more attentive to his desires. Someone who wouldn't just flit around like a bird, unaware of his watching eyes.

Sophie’s openness was her weakness. She was always talking about mindfulness, about being open to new experiences. It would make his job easier. All he had to do was find the right time—next time they crossed paths, he’d make his move. Casual, friendly, planting the seed. He already had the perfect angle in mind.

Jack sipped his coffee, smiling as the pieces aligned in his mind. One by one, they’d all start falling under his influence. Rachel had been the first. Leah would be next. And Sophie? Well, her turn was coming soon enough.