Hollow Hearts (The Harkwright Trilogy Book 1)

by B C Morgan

  “Hey D, yeah it’s my favorite from the breakfast selection.”

  “I have to ask, why do you serve yourself?” I hate this question, as if I should expect people to wait on me but I guess I may as well answer her.

  “Because I can get my own food, if they set the station up and a mere few feet away, why shouldn’t I serve myself? I’ve gone this long without having people waiting on my every desire, I’m not going to start here.”

  “Fair enough girl, I get it. So, what do you want to do before classes start?” She looks so earnest but I feel like a charity case right now.

  “Look, I appreciate you sitting with me but you don’t need to make plans for outside the mess hall. You’re here because Bradley ordered you to and I get it, but you don’t have to pretend that you desire a friendship out of this,” I get to my feet, discard my plate and walk out of the mess hall, feeling like a piece of shit for saying that but I always try to speak the truth.

  “Hey, you can’t say something like that and not let me get my own piece in,” she shouts out and I come up short, I wasn’t expecting a scene to break out.

  Already, people are filtering out of the mess hall to see what is going on. Carly is front and center with One and Two and there’s actual glee written all over their faces.

  “Will you lot fuck off, this is between me and her. Go on, run along,” she shoos her hand at them, before grabbing my arm and leading me outside and down into the garden.

  My eyes fall on the maze and my skin heats just thinking about being in there with Aeron, and again I need to remind myself to stop thinking of those stolen moments with fondness. A business transaction would be better suited, and although it makes me feel dirty, it’s not a fallacy.

  “Okay little miss woe is me, no one ordered me to sit with you. Bradley asked if I would and I said yes, because I liked how you spoke your mind in the waiting room and that you didn’t avoid me like every single one of those fucking idiotic girls. If you open your eyes, you may see that we’re in the same boat. Girls hate me because I’ve been claimed and Bradley won’t look twice at any of them and they hate you because they think you’re the Prince’s favorite and those who aren’t jealous… well they’re scared shitless about what Shane will do to them if they so much as look twice at you. So yeah, we may be unlikely friends but I’m sick of only having two people to talk too. Boys are dumb,” she shakes her head and I can’t hold in the snort and she’s right, boys are so fucking dumb.

  “So, want to conquer the maze?” I look at her and she narrows her eyes before hooking her arm through mine.

  “Yes homegirl, let’s conquer this motherfucker,” she has the biggest smile on her face and I can’t believe how much she cusses, she may as well be a sailor.

  “Do you ever not cuss?”

  “I could ask you if you ever cuss in your life, like seriously after everything you’ve been through already and yet you are the epitome of meek and polite,” she looks at me as we walk through the maze, “yeah girl, I’m not buying it. I just can’t work out who you’re trying to fool, yourself or everyone here.”

  I don’t like the route this conversation is taking, I feel like I’m being put under the microscope and honestly, I’m scared of what she may discover.

  “I cuss, just in my… head, don’t laugh at me Daria. My mom raised herself a polite child and I own that. Although sometimes I wish I was someone else, more confident, less scared of the spotlight. I don’t know, it’s hard; she never made me feel as though I had to be the perfect daughter. I think it’s because I’m adopted and I’ve never wanted her to regret choosing to bring me home that day.”

  “Damn girl, that got deep quick. I’m sorry but at least you have a mom who loves you enough to care, honestly half of those guys wouldn’t recognize a loving parent if they jumped up in front of them and spanked them for being so damn rude to the girls here,” I think she cares for the guys and that surprises me. I knew she cared for Bradley, but it isn’t just him and I think I’m going to be pondering on this for a while.

  “Come on, less chatter and more making this maze our bitch. Then we’ll go to lessons and then we can find some extras to sign up for, you’re going to love having me for a girlfriend,” she slides her arm around my shoulder and I laugh as I push her away but it feels a little forced. I have no idea how to do this, what if I’m a terrible friend?

  It’s been nice teaming up with Maddox during our class today, he was even happy to base our business plan on my dream bakery. It was fun and I’m glad we have this class together. I have no idea what he hopes to gain from getting a MBA and although I want to ask, I keep talking myself out of it.

  “I think we make a great team,” I say with a soft smile and his cheeks are going red already, so damn cute.

  “Agreed, but it’s almost over for classes, just three months and then it will be a waiting game until the next school year starts up.”

  “What’s the Academy like during the breaks? I avoided Halloween and then missed Christmas because of what happened with Candice and I wasn’t really in the mood for celebrating anyway,” I say although Halloween was my own fault, for hiding out in my room while everyone else was dressing up and getting ready for what probably ended up being a spooky themed orgy.

  “This is my first time being a part of all this, I have no idea what it’s like. You could ask Craig this will be his third time here but Sir has declared it will be his final stint. If he doesn’t find a bride this way, then he’ll have to go the more conventional method of finding one,” I can’t get over how forthcoming Maddox is and seeing as we’re the only ones in the small library I think he feels a false sense of security.

  “Is Craig the only returner?” I ask trying to recall which one Craig is, maybe I should have another look through the dossier so I don’t forget anything that could end up being important.

  “Well…” he looks around before bringing his head in closer and starts talking in whispers. “Emmet, Shane, Dillon and Tucker are repeaters as well. Although…”

  “Don’t you two look cozy,” Maddox doesn’t jump but I sure as hell do.

  “What do you want Aeron?” He asks and I can tell just by the way he says it that Aeron really isn’t a part of the bullying he has to face. That makes me feel easier about the dirty dreams he keeps putting in my mind. Yep, just going to blame him, that seems fair to me.

  “I’ve decided to take up the cooking class and it was suggested that Little Zero would be the best one to help me to not feel too far behind,” he’s smirking at us, what a surprise. Is there a consensus that every Harkwright has to smirk?

  “The class starts in thirty minutes,” I point out, closing my text book already knowing that I can’t say no to him.

  “Exactly, come along Little Zero, you’re giving me a crash course,” he holds his hand out for me to take and I just shake my head with a small smile tugging at my lips.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say to Maddox with a big smile before slipping my bag onto my shoulder and following Aeron to the classroom. This guy gives me such a headache and I think it will be safer if we do this in a classroom than the kitchens.

  “You know, I have a little kitchen in my room. You could always teach me a few things in there,” he says with a wink.

  “I doubt I’d be the one doing the teaching,” I retort before my cheeks heat and I realize what I just said to Aeron of all people.

  “Oh I’m sure we could both learn something and have fun while we’re doing it,” he traces his finger down my neck and I move a little further away.

  “Keep your mind in the kitchen, I’m not going to bat my lashes and let you get away with fooling around. I’m going to take this seriously, so you better be prepared to do the same,” I say as I put my apron on and tie my hair back in a tight ponytail before washing my hands.

  “Oh, I like what I’m hearing. You can boss me around any day.”

  “I mean it,” and it’s true, I’m in my element in a kitchen
and nerves and stammering will not get in my way here.

  He comes to stand behind me, pushing himself flush against me as he starts to wash his hands.

  “Aeron.”

  “I’m just washing my hands, keep your mind out of the gutter Little Zero.”

  Ducking under his arms, I move over to the counter with the row of built-in ovens, and once he’s made his way to me, it’s time to begin.

  I have the funny feeling that the tutors don’t like the Harkwright men, at least mine don’t seem too. Chef Robert has no time for Aeron’s antics and threatened to have him removed if he didn’t start taking it more seriously. My English tutor has already served Scott with a warning and I heard from Caitlyn in passing that Dillon got sent out of their science lab when he started goofing off.

  I guess even the men aren’t entirely safe, at least where the tutors are concerned and I won’t lie to myself and pretend that it doesn’t make me a little giddy knowing that they are getting in trouble as well.

  Although all my giddiness has gone out of the window now that I’m sitting in Daria’s room and looking over the extras.

  “We could go horseback riding?”

  “You can, but I’m not comfortable being that high off the ground with a beast between my legs,” she’s as bad as the guys with the way she’s rolling around the floor at my words.

  “Photography?”

  “I’m not really into taking pictures, I’d rather live in the moment than strike a pose.”

  “Well you start suggesting some then, come on Lu, you have got to start making the most of this place. You can’t only eat and study, that’s surviving, not living.”

  I hate it when she makes sense and I know it isn’t fair that she’s going to all this effort to be my friend and I’m not returning the favor. That doesn’t mean I don’t huff a little as I grab the list and start going through it.

  Extra-Curricular Activities

  Horseback riding

  Baking for beginners

  Music lessons

  Archery

  Firing range

  Running club

  Swimming

  Fitness classes - various, inquire for more details

  Sugar craft

  Pottery

  Art - Painting/sketching/charcoal

  Photography

  Drama

  Dance

  “Okay, archery sounds fun and I guess a fitness class wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Plus I’d never turn down sugar craft, may learn something new or maybe dance. Although knowing our luck it will be full of all the mean girls that come here,” I start biting on my thumb nail until Daria slaps my hand away.

  “Okay let’s do it.”

  “Which one?” I ask, absolutely terrified of the twinkle that is now in her eyes.

  “Oh my girl, all of them of course. Let’s try them all.”

  Oh fuck my life. Why did I want a friend again?

  “We can’t do them all, surely Bradley will want to have some time with you,” yep, use the man to get her to see sense. Low move but I will do it, nonetheless.

  “Bradley gets all the time he needs, we both do, but seriously I need some girl time. Besides, sugar craft is only every other week. Archery is every Saturday morning at the ass crack of dawn, so Bradley won’t even notice I’ve disappeared on him and dancing will be fun and I can show him my new moves,” she wiggles her hips and I can’t help but laugh at her antics.

  “What about the fitness classes?”

  “How about we just agree to go swimming twice a week, that way you aren’t stretching yourself too thin dear,” she takes on the mother persona so well, I think she should forget dance and go for drama instead.

  Not that I’ll suggest it, knowing my luck she’ll decide to do both and drag me along with her.

  I start playing with my necklace when she grabs the pendant and looks at me with wide eyes. “You got a personalized one too, damn girl who gave this to you?”

  I swear people enjoy confusing me. “Actually, I was in the kitchen when the guys were away and Emmet came in and slid it around my neck. He wouldn’t let me look at him but I knew who he was instantly. I can remember that day so clearly, not only did he give me this, but he also bit my shoulder, you know like a h-hickey.”

  “Shit girl, I thought it was just bitches being jealous but I think they may be on to something, be careful with Emmet. I knew him as a kid and to this day I don’t think I ever saw the true Emmet. He has so many versions of himself but he comes with a warning for a reason. I’d advise you to get the attention of someone else, but god only knows how that would turn out. Shane and Emmet, fuck,” her worry is only filling me with more anxiety and dread.

  “What do you mean by personalized pendant, what is it supposed to look like?” I ask, looking at the crescent moon dangling between my breasts.

  “Well, I got a rose. It’s my favorite flower and Bradley made sure I would always have one with me while I’m here,” her tone turns wistful as she pulls hers out and it’s definitely pretty. “The others got the crest of the Academy, only the favorites get one like us, I think only four have been issued. Me, you, number one and number nine. One likes to claim that hers came from Emmet and I believed her up until today, I find it hard to believe that Mr. Closed off will claim two girls, but then again… I don’t know him. I don’t think anyone does. Sometimes I wonder if he even knows himself.”

  Well damn, so I am a favorite or is this just another way to throw me off. I don’t even know why the Prince would want me so bad, he thought my first and only relationship was pathetic and that’s the only time he’s ever met me. But then again, he did have photos of me that were taken outside of the Academy and he sounded angry when he confronted Aeron in the kitchen over what Shane did to me in the mess hall. Am I ever going to figure this out?

  “How are you swimming right now, I can’t even feel my legs,” I complain as I rest my arms on the edge of the pool and just float in place.

  “Come on, it wasn’t that bad. You’re just not used to using all of your muscles,” D replies as she swims yet another lap.

  “No, you’re just an alien that has way too much energy. That seems more realistic to me.”

  “You are so funny Lu, you should show this side of yourself more often,” this isn’t the first time she’s said that over the last few days. The thing is, I feel comfortable around her and I am really enjoying spending time with this insane girl.

  Archery is the only one we haven’t tried so far and I’m looking forward to it. The sugar craft is more of a basics class but Daria enjoys it and I know if I bow out then she will as well. The dance class is a killer but we’ve only tried the street dancing one so far and although I am beyond dead right now, I’m determined to stick with it, at least for another class.

  “It’s crazy right, we’ll be shooting our arrows like the goddess warriors we are and then we’ll be dressing up and going to a ball in the evening. Come on, this is living right here,” she swims back to me finally and she’s not even a little winded. Jealous, too fucking right I am.

  “You can put a positive spin on anything, can’t you?”

  “Too right, it’s my gift. Besides, after all the resentment my father held towards this damn town I had to find a way to look on the bright side. I didn’t want to grow up bitter and resentful. It’s like you I guess, you want to be polite and kind because you want to be a credit to your mother, and I want a happy life free from negativity.”

  “You’ve definitely picked the wrong friend then D, I’m a whole ball of negativity,” again with honesty, sometimes I should just say nothing at all.

  “Don’t worry girl I’ve got you, by the time we leave this place behind you’ll finally see all the things you have to be proud of. Not money or materialistic crap, but in yourself. And come on, when you’re out there making all your food, just know that I’ll be your first customer and expecting to find a dish dedicated to my awesome self,” she gives me a wi
nk and a smile all her own.

  “Okay, you come to my bakery before I open and I’ll let you put your favorite dish on the menu, the one dish that will never change,” I guess I should have expected the squeal and hug from her by now, but she still manages to surprise me and I’m not tense this time. Maybe good things really can come from this place.

  Daria is with me as I wait to be seen by the Doctor and I hope they have more than one because I don’t know if I can keep my feelings hidden from Daria or if I even want too. There lies the danger, because I want to tell her everything, even though I know I can’t.

  We have the damn Ball in two days and our first archery course and I’ve gone and busted up my ankle, I can barely put any weight on it. I knew that dance class was evil and I think this proves it.

  “Stop grumbling under your breath, you are fine and you are not quitting the class so don’t even start thinking about it,” damn woman, knows me so well already.

  “Hey, you don’t know that’s what I’m thinking. I mean it was, but you couldn’t know that, we’ve only been friends for less than a week,” I point out and she just laughs and ruffles my hair like I’m a child.

  “Hon, some friendships are destined to happen and ours is that kind of friendship, you can’t deny that it takes next to no work for us to get along. So yes, I feel safe in assuming I know exactly what is going on in that pretty little head of yours.”

  She’s got me there and I’m even more terrified of her seeing me with Cole, because she really does seem to know me too well for comfort. What if she figures out other things that I’m not ready to confront just yet?

  A nurse comes out to get me and helps me to get to the treatment room, Daria is bouncing around on the balls of her feet.

  “D, calm down. Look go and find Bradley and I’ll find a way to get a message to you once I’m back in my room,” her eyes narrow and she stops bouncing as she comes over to my seat and crosses her arms over her chest.