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31|Lead You Nowhere Good
Last Updated:
2024-12-03 03:17:00
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Reckless Hearts 32|Intervention
While Andrei went about his morning, making his grand plans, across town in Green Point, Holly lay in bed, staring at the digital clock on her nightstand. It was just after 8:00 AM, and if it was any other Tuesday, she'd be at the Institute by now, where she'd spend six, sometimes seven hours drifting between classes, rehearsals and dress fittings. But now that her knee had fucked out on her, there'd be none of that today. Wracked by an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and grief, Holly wanted nothing more than to stay in bed and hide under the covers until her life made sense again. But she couldn't bring herself to do it; she wouldn't get a second opinion by wallowing in self-pity. So she dragged herself to the en suite bathroom to start her day. She flipped the switch, gasping at her reflection when the overhead light flickered to life. She didn't need anyone to tell her she looked like death warmed over. Her pasty complexion and gigantic panda eyes were doing an excellent job
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Reckless Hearts 33|Out Of Character
"Great! Just great!" Liam shook his head at Willow, glaring at her. "This is not the right way to approach an intervention! Linda said we should ease her into it!" "Whoa!" Holly shrieked, bursting into horrified laughter as she sprung from her seat, pain racking her body at the abrupt movement. "Who exactly asked for this intervention?" Sure, she'd gone on a bender two nights ago, ended up in Andrei's bed and kissed Cooper in full view of the paparazzi. But they were all minor incidents. Nothing as scandalous as half the shit Willow had done. Like that one time she lied to everyone about holidaying in Clifton Bay when, in fact, she was in Belize at some nudist beach with an oil tycoon twice her age she'd met on Hot Connexions, and whose only saving grace, in Holly's humble opinion, was his bank balance— "Oh, you poor thing, come here!" Willow opened her arms again. But Holly pushed her away. As close as they were, she didn't want her coddling, especially when Willow had just admitt
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Reckless Hearts 34|The Sound Of Her Shame
A stunned silence descended over the room following Liam's announcement. Seconds stretched into a minute and then two before he spoke again, "That's why I called you here today. So we can help Holly." "When—" Willow stammered, but quickly shut her mouth, seemingly at a loss for words. "Why? How?" Eden asked in a small voice. Lois brought her up to speed on Holly's condition, as if she wasn't in the room or able to speak for herself. But at that moment, Holly honestly couldn't. The only thing she could do was to sit in silence and listen to the sound of her shame echoing all around her. Two years ago, before she made prima, she promised everyone it was the last time she'd cut herself. Of course, she hadn't kept her promise, and her condition worsened somewhat after her fallout with Lola. But she'd hoped and prayed her parents and siblings would never find out— "Is it true?" Clarke asked, breaking through her thoughts. "Is it true you've been self-harming?" Holly could only nod,
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Reckless Hearts 35|Never Got Over Him
"About earlier," Holly said, taking Eden's hands. "I'm sorry for what I said about you and Liam." "It was the truth," Eden smiled, her warm brown eyes twinkling behind her dark-rimmed glasses. "It's just that Liam and Andrei were once close, and I hate how everyone always vilifies him. He's not a terrible man." "Oh God, are you in love with him?" Holly shook her head, but denying it was kind of pointless. Eden could see right through her. Sighing, she asked, "Does he know?" "I told him last night. I never would have, though. I mean, it's not something I thought about until I woke up in his bed and touched his scars—" "You touched his scars?" Eden gasped, drawing curious stares from Willow and Lois in the kitchen. But she was too caught up in their juicy chat to notice. "Oh, wait, does that mean you saw him naked?" "Keep your voice down!" "Fine, but answer my question. Did you see Andrei naked or what? You must have if you touched his scars. He had to be naked!" "Seriously, y
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Reckless Hearts 36|Worth Chasing
Alone at last, the mask of false calm and cheerfulness Holly had worn throughout the intervention finally slipped off, the emptiness hitting her as hard as the sudden fatigue washing over her. She sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her phone from the charger, her heart squeezing in her chest when she saw the time. 11:15 AM. If it was any other day, she'd be at the Institute, warming up at the barre. But it wasn't any other day, and she was in her brother's guest room, contemplating her bleak future. If it weren't for her sheer stubbornness about getting a second opinion, she'd have nothing to do— The phone buzzing in her hand startled Holly out of her gloomy thoughts. She stared at Cooper's name flashing on the screen, debating whether to answer his call. Her heart said no. But her head said yes. She might need servicing soon. Since her social life sucked, and her list of potential bedmates was equally dismal, she'd best not burn that bridge. So she quickly hit 'answer' before
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Reckless Hearts 37|An Andrei Simp
Downstairs, they found James waiting with Aaron, Jace, and another man Holly didn't recognise. James introduced him as Eric, her new driver. Since Willow was playing chauffeur for the day, Holly didn't need Eric's services. She dismissed him, assuring him she'd reach out soon enough. She was about to jump into Willow's car when James stopped her. He scanned the boot of his car and pulled out her crutches. "Your parents forgot to give you these earlier," he said, holding them out to her. Holly wasn't a fan of the crutches, but understood they were necessary. So she took them, thanking James before hobbling off. "Ready to go?" Willow asked when Holly slipped in beside her in the front. "Yeah," she nodded, and within moments, they were on the road, with Eden's security detail following behind them. Holly turned around briefly, glancing at Eden and Riley in the back, "What's up with Aaron and Jace? I thought you dismissed them." "I did." "So why are they tailing us?" "Liam'
Last Updated : 2024-12-19Reckless Hearts 38|Bloody Snake
"Oh goodness. Did I really fall asleep?" Holly mumbled as she yawned in her hand. "You sure did," Willow nodded. "Come on, let's do this!" "You guys go ahead; it's time for a diaper change," Eden said, turning her attention to Riley as she blew raspberries on her belly to distract her so she could remove her pants. "Please, no leaving poop diapers in my car," Willow warned her as they exited the car and approached the Orthopedic wing, each step they took filling Holly with dread. She had liked the idea of a second opinion a lot more when she was contemplating her day in Liam's guest room. Now that she was here, with the cold, harsh smell of sterility only found in hospitals hitting her from every angle, she didn't think she could go through with her mission. She was suddenly terrified that the doctors here would tell her the same things Dr Evans had, that she could still dance, but not professionally, and that it would take nine months, maybe longer, to get her knee to fully functio
Last Updated : 2024-12-19Reckless Hearts 39|Thoroughly Beaten
"What a nosey-ass bitch," Willow seethed when they were alone. "Why did you put up with her nonsense?" Before Holly could reply, Willow's phone rang. It was Eden, and she wanted to know where they were since she couldn't find them in the waiting room. "Go to her," Holly sent her off. "I'll be fine." "Are you sure?" "Dead sure," she insisted with a bright smile. "Call if you need me," Willow said, squeezing her hand before dashing out of the room. Holly sat there for some time, staring at the clock on the wall, growing restless the longer the minutes ticked away. She was about to go and find a nurse and check where the hold-up was when the door burst open, and a tall silver fox she assumed was Dr Erasmus stepped into the room. Her assumptions were proven correct when he introduced himself. "I'm sorry for the long wait," said Dr Erasmus as he sat down. "Glen Eagles was struggling to send us your records—" Holly didn't like the look in his eyes as he perused her file. Like she
Last Updated : 2024-12-19
Latest chapter
Reckless Hearts 66|Wounded Her
After their call earlier, Andrei wasn't expecting to hear from Holly again, but when Helga ran upstairs and crashed his meeting with his lieutenants, excitedly announcing Holly's arrival, he'd left his study faster than the Flash, eager to see her. So her cold reception—no, her rage simmering just below the surface—was the last thing he'd hoped for. "You are upset," he said, unsure if he should approach her. Holly followed his lead, staying put on her end of the room, her hands curled into fists, shaking at her sides. It was clear as day she was trying her damnedest to hold her anger in, and he wanted so much to take her in his arms, if only just to make her feel better. But her sharp intake of breath, followed by a fierce look, told him to stay the hell away from her. "What exactly do you think of me?" Holly asked just when Andrei began to think they'd spend the entire night staring at each other. "What do you mean?" "Do I look like some damsel in distress to you?" "Of course n
Reckless Hearts 65|Blindsided
"No," Holly whispered, gasping for air as the walls of her chest moved closer, squeezing her lungs. "He wouldn't do that." "He did, and right in front of Sabrina," Cooper said in a hauntingly calm voice. "I didn't realise you have a thing for psychopaths." "What the hell is he saying? He's not making any sense!" Liam said, glancing at Holly, annoyance and confusion flitting on his face. "Yeah, what does Andrei have to do with this?" Willow chimed in. "I'm so confused!" "For God's sake, Holly, tell me you are not involved with Andrei!" Liam said softly, disappointment and anger burning brightly in his eyes. "Oh, they are involved, alright. He was with her at The Castle the other night, threw his weight around like some hotshot," Cooper added fuel to the fire, fanning the flames of Liam's rage. "Is it true?" He demanded, turning all his anger on her. "Were you with Andrei a few nights back?" "I was," Holly admitted, nodding her head. "But it's not like that. He agreed to sell the
Reckless Hearts 64|Off The Rails
For once, the family dinner was going well, despite Holly being almost two hours late. They were all minding their own business and enjoying Nanette's four-course meal. They were all happy. Until Liam addressed the elephant in the room, asking about the marks on Holly's neck. When she made it clear the subject was not up for discussion, he doubled down, demanding to know if Cooper was responsible. Soon, Willow jumped on the bandwagon, and Holly knew she didn't stand a chance. So, after much badgering from the brother-sister tag team, she caved and filled everyone in on her encounter with Cooper and her subsequent protection order. As expected, her parents were furious, threatening all kinds of legal action against Cooper. Liam and Willow were equally enraged, but happy to settle the score with violence. "Honestly, you guys have nothing to worry about; I've handled it. The hearing is in three weeks, and I'm pretty sure the judge will rule in my favour and grant me a permanent o
Reckless Hearts 63|Ultimatum
Holly woke up feeling happier than she had in a while. How could she not be when she'd shared not one but several kisses with Andrei? She sprung out of bed and belted into song as she went about her morning, preparing for her visit with her parents. But, like all good things, her joy came to an abrupt end when Katherine pounced on her as soon as she stepped into the lobby hours later, as she headed to Glen Eagles to meet her folks and siblings. "What the hell is wrong with your phone?" Katherine demanded, grabbing Holly by the arm and pushing her towards the revolving doors. "I called you numerous times, and the imbeciles at the front desk refused to give me your room number. You have got to put the brakes on all this madness. The Institute can't afford any more negative press—" Katherine's wild appearance—from her uncombed hair to her mismatched outfit and the poorly done makeup—made her look as frazzled and agitated as she sounded. A complete opposite of the woman Holly had known
Reckless Hearts 62|Unravelling
"Earlier, in the elevator, you mentioned you had something to tell me," Andrei said, well aware he was trying to delay his departure by making meaningless small talk. "Right! I did!" Holly leaned on the doorjamb and crossed her arms. "I saw your father today. No. I mean, Pavel." "Where?" "At the Mediclinic in Linksfield." "Are you sure?" "Dead sure." She nodded. "He was in the neurology wing, and I chatted to a nurse…" She paused mid-sentence, shaking her head slightly, like she was trying to convince herself that whatever she saw was unimportant. But she'd certainly piqued his interest, especially since neither his father nor Pavel had mentioned any hospital visit. "What did the nurse say?" "Honestly, maybe it's nothing—" "What did she say, Holly?" He asked, his voice cracking with worry. "What did the nurse say? Is Pavel sick? Does my father know?" "It's not Pavel who's sick, Drei," she replied quietly. It took him a moment to make sense of her announcement, and when he
Reckless Hearts 61|Thin Line
Unable to look away, Andrei watched her vigorously dry her lush hair with a hand towel, the thin fabric of her nightie stretching over her barely-there chest, the exposed skin on her arms gently calling out to him, seducing him into breaking all his self-imposed rules. Andrei stood up, grabbed the throw blanket and draped it around her shoulders, averting danger and temptation, for the moment at least. "What is wrong with you?" Holly snapped, a stormy look in her eyes as she tried to shrug off the throw. "You'll catch a cold in that skimpy thing," he replied. But it wasn't her wellbeing he was concerned about. It was his own sanity and peace of mind. He didn't trust himself to behave in her presence, and if their heated encounter in the elevator was anything to go by, surely keeping his hands to himself was a challenge he was destined to fail. "You must be starving," he said, redirecting his thoughts to something banal, like food. Still focused on her hair, Holly shrugged, "Not
Reckless Hearts 60|Playing A Dangerous Game
On the other side of the door, in the living area, Andrei was battling his own struggles. The only difference, though, was that his were totally self-made. Levi had pounced on him as soon as Holly and Colleen locked themselves in the bedroom, demanding to know what he was playing at. But no matter how many times Andrei told him to calm down and let go of his not-so-farfetched suspicions, Levi wouldn't back down. "What the hell do you think Liam will say to this?" He asked for the gazillionth time, and Andrei closed his eyes in frustration, replying for the gazillionth time that he couldn't care less what Liam thought because nothing was going on between him and Holly. "How many times do I need to say it? There is nothing shady going on here. It's just business!" "What kind of business?" Levi pressed, following him onto the patio. Andrei shoved a cigarette in his mouth and lit it up, taking a long, angry drag as he weighed all his options. "So, what kind of business do you have
Reckless Hearts 59|A Constant Hunger
"Well, well! What do we have here?" Colleen, winking slyly at the two of them, was the first to pick her jaw up off the floor. Levi, on the other hand, opened and shut his mouth several times, clearly struggling for something to say. "Don't just stand there; grab her crutches and handbag!" Andrei instructed them as he scooped Holly up in his arms and stepped out of the elevator car. He paused mid-step, calling over his shoulder at Levi, to lead the way. "Excuse me?" Levi dashed after them, easily keeping up with Andrei's momentum by matching his long strides. "You heard me! Lead the way to your private elevator. We are not getting in that one again—" Andrei stopped and indicated at the lift they'd just vacated by extending his thumb behind him. "How the hell do we know it won't malfunction again?" He asked, glaring at Colleen and Levi. "Not to mention Holly banged up her knee badly because of your old, barely-maintained elevator!" "Drei, stop it," Holly whispered, wishing the grou
Reckless Hearts 58|Like Drinking Poison
Holly gulped at the intensity of Andrei's gaze, flicking her tongue over her suddenly parched lips as she rubbed her clammy hands on her pants. "You have got to stop doing that," he groaned, holding his head in his hands. Wide-eyed, she asked, "What? What did I do?" "That thing you do with your tongue!" "What thing?" "Forget it!" Andrei replied. "Just don't do it!" "Fine then!" Holly laughed, returning to the dull, throbbing pain in her knee. She'd banged it up pretty badly when they were thrown around the elevator earlier, and now Dawid's hard work had gone to waste. "So?" Andrei prompted her, jerking his head at her knee. "It's a little sore," she admitted. "But I'll live." "You should sue Van Holt Industries," he ranted, the ghostly torchlight on his phone illuminating his chiselled face. If 'golden ratio' was a person, it was definitely Andrei. His sculpted features created a perfect sense of balance and harmony— "—So you're okay with this? With being stuck here for hou
