Hollow Hearts (The Harkwright Trilogy)

My door sounds and I groan as I get back to my feet and pad over to it, my mouth dropping open when I open it to reveal Caitlyn standing on the other side. She looks sheepish and I’m not sure I even want to speak to her right now, but mom didn’t raise herself any petty daughters. I step back, holding the door open and she looks around before stepping inside.

“Hey Luna,” she looks so fucking awkward but I didn’t slam the door in her face so that’s my good girl quota met for the day, thank you very much.

I go over to my breakfast area and pour myself a cup of coffee and because I have manners, I’ll make her one too.

“Oh sweet nectar gods,” she inhales the coffee as I pass it over and I have to hold back the snigger that her words are causing in me.

“What do you want Caitlyn?”

“Straight to the point, I admire that. I’m sorry Luna, you were the only person who was nice to me when we first got here and such a good friend until I was ordered to ignore you at every opportunity,” there are tears streaming down her face and she puts her cup down and buries her face in her hands.

Well… fuck.

“What do you mean?”

L

“Shane came up to me and ordered me to ignore you, I wasn’t allowed to talk to you, look at you or even smile your way. I wanted to say no Luna, but I couldn’t. I shouldn’t even be here now, but I couldn’t stand you going around and not knowing why. Please don’t hate me,” her sobs are getting louder now and I’m beyond uncomfortable but I can’t just let her cry… can I?

No of course not. Stepping closer, I awkwardly start patting her on the back saying “there, there,” repeatedly and she soon starts laughing through her tears before throwing her arms around me and she doesn’t let go until I return the damn hug.

“I don’t hate you, but it was touch and go for a while there,” I say with a laugh as we pull away and I pick up my coffee to keep her from hugging me anymore.

“I really am sorry, but unless I’m claimed, or he revokes his orders, I’m stuck,” she says as she sips at her drink and her words don’t make sense to me until I remember the one sided conversation I listened to from Tucker.

Finding the new list of rules sitting by the door, I bring them over to the coffee table and sit down on the love seat.

“I better go, enjoy your reading. I almost got gray hair reading that shit,” she says before heading over to the door. “Luna, I’m still your friend, I’m sorry it can’t feel that way at the moment,” she gives me a lame wave before leaving my room and I’m left alone to peruse the new rules.

Rules for a Harkwright Girl

No authority is higher than the Harkwright men - other than SIR HARKWRIGHT HIMSELF.

No unauthorized violence - self defense is permitted as long as it is not toward a Harkwright man.

Refusals of any orders issued by the Harkwrights will be grounds for dismissal - the offended party will make this decision.

No entry to non-permitted areas - unless invited by a Harkwright - these areas will be the North wing and the garden areas after 8pm.

Clothing within your room is only your choice when a Harkwright is not in attendance

You must always make yourself available to a Harkwright.

Your door will never be locked to a Harkwright.

You can not refuse if your attendance is called upon by one of the men and another girl or a number of girls are already present.

Always be prepared, always be courteous and always show them the respect they deserve.

Remember the Dossier - no Harkwright should have to introduce themselves and you should never confuse them.

If a gift is purchased for you that is then yours and cannot be taken away - however said gift should remain between you and the Harkwright/s who gifted it to you.

If you are offered a gift by one of the men, you are not allowed to refuse it.

Personal items must be kept within your room.

No unauthorized attire is permitted to be worn outside of your room.