Locked Hearts

Chapter One

RAELYNN POV

I closed my laptop after finishing up some inventory. I puffed out my cheeks and stretched my hands over my head. It's been a long week and all I wanted to do was sleep. I loved my club but sometimes it really got to me. I liked being present just to know how things are going, which meant a lot of late nights. My eyes caught the picture on my desk, bringing a small smile to my face.

A lot of people saw me as cold and distant. To be fair, I was to those I didn't know. There were only a select few that knew the real me, the weird nerd who wore glasses. The girl who told jokes when she was uncomfortable and loved to geek out on Harry Potter, the books not the movies. Who knew the girl that loved hiking and nature, the girl that preferred staying in rather than partying. The people in that picture were the majority of them.

I picked up the picture frame, staring at the smiling faces of people I haven't seen in a while. I really should give them a call. Work kept me busy, it was the only way I knew how to care for them. Besides, I knew they were fine, but a visit was necessary.

I heard a knock on the door and I yelled a 'come in'.

Danny peeked his head in just as I placed the frame back down.

"Hit me."

He sat across from me, his suit fit him perfectly on his muscular body. At first glance or even second or third, you couldn't tell he was gay. He was a built man, in his early thirties who looked as straight as a pole. One look and he had people shrinking in fear.

"Bar's restocked, shifts are covered and security has double after last night's fight. Also, I fired Trish." He looked me dead in the eye.

A smirk formed on my lips. "Good boy."

He rolled his eyes. "Don't start. How was your night?"

Smirk still in place, I shrugged. "Not bad. Had some fun with a blonde then went home."

Danny groaned. "Seriously, Rae?"

"What?" I asked innocently.

"Why can't you just find one girl? One girl. You can fuck her as much as you want in a committed relationship." He threw his hands up.

Danny was in a long term relationship with his partner Clay. He was always the romantic type though he never looked it. I couldn't understand why he kept trying to change me. Some people just weren't meant for relationships and I was one of them.

"I told you, I'm not into that shit." I said exasperated.

"Why not? I don't get it. You're a good person. You're smart, sweet when you want to be, you and I both know there's more to you than this club." He looked me up and down. "And you're hot, the fact that you're decent on the inside is added points."

I raised a brow. "Decent?"

"Yeah, you could do with some touch ups here and there." He deadpanned.

I couldn't help but laugh, but I knew Danny was blunt.

"Look Dan, I know you mean well but I'm not interested in being committed. I like my freedom. I barely have time for myself, much less for another human being. A human being who is going to need attention, time and," I struggled to say the other word. "You know. They're going to be needy and all that. I just...it's not me."

Danny studied me for a moment. He nodded his head but didn't say anything more about it.

"There's one more thing." I waited for him to continue. "Buzz Desire wants to do a story on you."

"No." I immediately said.

He sighed, running his hands through his hair. "Its good exposure for us. The club is doing great but we can still do better." He said. "Besides it could put an end to the drug rumors."

Apparently a young girl at the age of twenty one, couldn't build a business from the ground up without dealing drugs. Rumors about how I got start up money varied from, drugs to being in the mafia. People were really stupid. My tattoos didn't help my case either. It wasn't much but still enough to draw attention.

I got up and grabbed my leather jacket, "I'll think about it." I threw over my shoulder as I left.

●●●

I tilted my head to the side, trying to figure out what I wanted. I was a pretty good cook, but I really did not feel like it tonight. I was never a fan of fast food either. I could buy those soups in a cup that you just put in the microwave or box Mac and cheese. Maybe cereal for dinner? I puffed out my cheeks, thinking.

This shouldn't be this hard.

I heard a thud on the aisle over and curiosity overtook me. Putting back the soup, I walked to where the sound came from. My eyes slightly widen at the sight before me.

Now, I've slept with my fair share of women and I am one to appreciate beauty in all sizes, shapes and colours. But, never have I ever seen someone as ethereal as her. She was dressed casual, her red hair that went down to her waist and from where I stood, I could see some freckles on her cheeks. My eyes automatically travelled to her chest, she had a nice pair. I smirked to myself, letting my eyes linger on her perfectly rounded ass.

Hmm, squats are paying off.

I had to have her.

I strolled up to the woman who was currently trying to reach the top shelf. I noted she was probably about 5'6, decent height to my 5'11.

I reached for the box of cereal and gave a flirtatious smile when she turned around. Instantly, her ocean blues made my stomach churn but I shook it off.

"Hey there, Ariel." I said, handing her the cereal.

She took it with a frown. "Thank you, but I think you have the wrong person."

"Nah, you just remind me of the little mermaid." I grinned.

She stared blankly at me. "Right. Well, thank you for this." She raised the box and went to walk pass me.

I blocked her and spoke again. "I'm Rae, and you are?" I stuck out my hand.

"Not interested." She turned the other way.

Two long strides and I was in front of her. "Name?" I gave my best smile.

She squinted her eyes at me. "Does that usually work for you?"

I frowned. "Does what work?"

She gestured to my face. "The charming smile and those eyes you got there."

My eyes?

"Usually yes. So?" I pressed on.

"Yeah, no. Keep moving. Preferably in the opposite direction of me." She bumped my shoulder as she left.

Okay, so this is new.

I wasn't conceited but women never said no to me, especially when I barely did anything yet. I almost felt hurt, but then I remembered who the fuck I was. I shook it off and walked back to the other aisle.

What Danny said just before I left, briefly passed through my mind. I curled my lips up in distaste and shook my head.

Commitment, ew.

I grabbed what I wanted and went to the register. Ariel was there at another register. I was about to approach her again, but stopped.

I paid for my stuff and walked to my Lamborghini, hopping in and starting the car. Just before I pulled off, I saw the red headed beauty walk out. I checked her out one last time. I sighed in disappointment before driving off.

-E