A Hearts Slave

Chapter 1

The rumble of the engines grew louder, resonating through the serene afternoon. Lindsay Michael stood by her bedroom window, her heart quickening with anticipation. The sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over the room, and she couldn't help but smile at the thought of her afternoon picnic. It was meant to be a perfect day with the one person who made her heart race with excitement.

Through the large glass panes of her bedroom, she watched as the sleek BMW i8 glided into the front yard of the grand estate. The car came to a halt with a smooth, sophisticated purr right in front of the sprawling porch. Jack emerged from the driver's seat, his presence accentuated by the sun's golden touch on his face. The light illuminated his chiseled features, making him appear almost angelic. The slight smirk playing on his lips hinted at his rebellious nature-the quintessential bad boy.

Excitement bubbled within Lindsay as she dashed down the grand staircase, her heart pounding with each step. She flung open the door to meet Jack, her Prince Charming. She was instantly enveloped in his strong arms, and she buried her face against his chest, savoring the warmth and safety she always felt with him. This was her happy place-the moment she yearned for.

"I've missed you, boo," she whispered, her voice filled with longing.

Before she could say more, Jack's minty lips met hers in a kiss that stole her breath away. The sensation of his lips on hers, the heat of his breath against her skin, sent shivers through her. His right hand glided down her back, while his left gently cradled her face. He pulled her closer, his breath hot against her ear. She felt her body quiver as he nibbled on her earlobe, a touch that always drove her wild. Her heart raced, her body responding to his every movement.

"We can go now or stay here forever," he murmured into her ear, his voice a seductive whisper. Lindsay wanted nothing more than to stay lost in this moment forever, but the day ahead was planned and awaited them.

...

The day took a turn for the worse. Lindsay sat alone in her lavish bedroom, her world unraveling before her eyes. The warm tear drops streaked down her pale cheeks, her eyes red and puffy from hours of crying. Her once vibrant life now felt like a vast, empty void. She had believed Jack was "the one," the one to stay. But he was just another illusion, like the others who came for her fortune and vanished when they realized she wasn't ready to share it fully.

She hated the repetitive cycle of heartbreak but felt powerless to change it. The truth of her situation gnawed at her-having everything but love from the right person. She had it all: beauty, intelligence, wealth. Yet, she found herself on the brink of giving up on love entirely. What more could she want when she seemingly had it all?

Sitting at her dressing table, Lindsay examined her reflection, searching for answers in the mirror. She scrutinized her flawless complexion, save for a small black spot from a zit long past. How could someone not appreciate all this?

"Are you just going to sit and mourn, or will you move on?" a voice broke through her reverie.

"Oh my God, Chris! You startled me," Lindsay gasped as she looked up.

Christopher Riley, her childhood friend, stood at the door, his goth demeanor contrasting sharply with the opulence of her room. The numerous piercings and his rebellious appearance often led his devout Christian family to worry about his soul, but Chris was unapologetically himself. Their deep friendship had weathered many storms, including his relationships with insecure girlfriends. Despite their infrequent hangouts, Chris was the one person Lindsay could always count on, the one who never left her side. His wild sense of humor and unwavering support were exactly what she needed now.

"Jack was a bastard. You don't deserve that. Fate had to separate you," Chris said, trying to console her. "I mean, just let him go. The only thing he will do is hurt you over and over."

"But I loved him. I still do. It really hurts, and I hate myself for it. I should have just said yes, and Jack would be with me," Lindsay choked on her words, her voice quivering.

Chris locked the door and moved closer to her. "Did he propose, and you said no?"

"He just wanted cash," Lindsay admitted. "Ten million."

"Ten million? For what?"

"He said he wanted to buy a new racecar."

"And pay you back later?" Chris asked incredulously.

"No, he just wanted me to help him. I should have just agreed to give him the money."

Chris's laugh was sharp and incredulous. "What kind of ATM machine do you think you are? He saw a chance to siphon cash from you, just like Elton and Dan did."

"This is different," Lindsay said, her voice trembling.

"How? Elton asked for three million, Dan for seven. The amount doesn't change the fact that they were all after your money."

Tears welled up in Lindsay's eyes again. The harsh truth was unbearable. Chris placed his hand on her head, offering a semblance of comfort. He recalled the first time Lindsay introduced Jack to him-two weeks into their relationship, Jack was already bossing her around. Chris had tried to get along with him for Lindsay's sake, but Jack's arrogance was undeniable. Now, seeing Lindsay so devastated, he wished he could change the world for her.

As Lindsay sobbed into Chris's chest, he leaned in and kissed her forehead, a gesture of tenderness that highlighted the size of her forehead-a feature that had always been noticeable. He lifted her chin gently, looking into her eyes with reassuring intent. Suddenly, Lindsay pressed her lips against his, their kiss growing deeper and more passionate. Her tongue sought his, and he responded eagerly. His body reacted instinctively, and he pulled her closer, their bodies melding together.

He wanted to erase her pain, to make her forget the heartbreak, to make her his in every way. He had always wanted to make her happy, to make her his.

But as their kiss ended, Lindsay pulled back, tears still glistening in her eyes. "I'm sorry... I just can't do this right now," she said, her voice breaking.

Chris's heart sank as he watched her retreat. He turned to leave but couldn't bear to leave her in such despair. He returned to her side, pulling her into a comforting embrace.

"I'm a mess," Lindsay sobbed, her voice muffled against his chest.