Wild Heart (The Wild Heart Series)

by Culbreth, Jennifer

  I look through my clothes and realize I have nothing to wear. Since it’s almost a hundred degrees outside I figure I’d just put on a pair of shorts, a tank top, then I’d just hit a store while I’m out and pick up a perfect outfit before we head to a club. I curl my hair into a bun and then sit down at my computer to check my bank account to see how much I’ve got. “Seriously, how could I have gone through that much just coming down here?” I groan.

  “What’s wrong, Sugar?” she inquires as she walks into the room.

  “I was gonna to go and buy an outfit for tonight to go to the club, but I didn’t realize I was this short on cash. Oh well, I’ll just go like this.” I shrug feeling a little depressed.

  “Don’t worry about it; I’ll buy you some outfits as a ‘welcome to Austin’ type of deal, and of course to wish you the best at school,” she winks at me.

  “Thanks girl. Let’s go,” I give her a hug, and then lock my computers.

  We head downstairs to her Jeep Wrangler and take off. Our first stop is to purchase clothes and anything else. In the first store we go into, I spot this beautiful simple black dress with just enough pink to make me fall in love it. Of course those are my favorite two colors then another added plus it’s on sale. I snatch the last one which, thankfully, is my size; I drag Angel towards the dressing room, after changing I step out the door to show her.

  “Sugar, you will make the guys drool. It’s perfect and you can even wear it to school if you wanted.” I smile then go back and change back into my clothes then head back out to shop for shoes and accessories to go along with my perfect dress. After about two hours of shopping for clothes and other novelties, I come out with a minimum of ten bags and Angel comes out with double that. We pitch the bags in the back and then head to drop the stuff off at the apartment. She shuts off the car as I jump out of the Jeep.

  “I’ll take the stuff up,” I tell her as I compile the bags together.

  She nods and I head up to the building and our door man Gus opens the door.

  “Good afternoon, Ms. Tyler, I see you had a wonderful time shopping,” Gus says smiling.

  “Afternoon, Gus, yes I did. Have a wonderful day,” I say as I walk inside and head to the elevator.

  I step into the elevator and hear someone hollers for me to hold the elevator, of course I make sure the elevator doors doesn’t shut. I don’t pay attention to who steps in until I take a deep breath; I smell the scent of woody pine and Axe as it fills the entire elevator. I glance up and find a nicely chiseled body with the most gorgeous face I’ve ever seen, the most beautiful blond hair tops off the perfect look he has. He’s wearing a white undershirt and tight fitting jeans with a pair of cowboy boots. He catches me looking at him and I notice his hypnotizing hazel eyes, he smiles and my heart skips a beat. I take a deep breath, “Thank you for holding the elevator. I’m Luke Matthews.”

  “You’re welcome, I’m Victoria Tyler. I would shake your hand but mine are full of bags.”

  He smiles looking down at my full hands, “It’s very nice to meet you, would you like some help with your bags?” he inquires.

  I accept his offer graciously, “Thank you.” I hand him some of the bags, we still have five floors before we arrive and I always become nervous when I’m around a hot guy.

  “Did you just move here?” he asks

  “Yeah,” I answer as the the elevator doors open and he lets me out. I walk up to the door; he stops and looks at me.

  “This is Angel’s apartment,” he remarks

  “Yeah, I’m her roommate,” I divulge as I open the door.

  “I remember she said something about getting a roommate, she was so excited. She said her new roommate was the sweetest girl she knew,” he smiles as we both walk inside to put the bags down.

  I turn around and smile, “Well thank you, Mr. Matthews for helping me with the bags.”

  “Please call me Luke and no thanks necessary. Anything for a pretty girl, have a great day I hope to see you again sometime,” he says as he walks out.

  I stand there for a minute to regain my thoughts when I received a text message.

  Angel: What’s taking you so long? Did you get lost lol?

  I start laughing, as I text her back.

  Me: Ha ha ha, nope on my way back down now.

  I lock the door and head back down so I can get the rest of my school supplies. When I get back to the Jeep I look at Angel.

  “So I met Luke,” I say as she jerks her head in my direction.

  “Really, so what do you think?” she asks.

  “He’s nice. He helped me with the bags, and he also told me what you said about me,” I add trying not to blush.

  “Is that all, seriously, Sugar? Don’t you think he is incredibly gorgeous?” she asks curiously.

  “He’s good looking, yes. But I’m not going to be getting involved with anyone any time soon. I always pick the assholes remember?”

  “It’s all good,” she smiles as she backs out of the parking lot and we head to the local book store. Once we arrive she parks and we get out.

  “Hey I’m going to head over to the shoe store, ok?” she says.

  I nod as I head into the book store. While looking through the books I feel someone’s eyes on me. I glance over but don’t see anyone, so I shrug off the feeling and go back to looking through the books. Once I have my books for class, I start looking through my favorite section, romance; I love the selection they have here. One after another I pile my hands full with books I walk towards the front of the store to check out. Leaving the aisle someone bumps into me knocking the books from my arms. I huff under my breath as I bend down to pick before noticing the person helping me pick them up. Holy shit, I can’t believe I ran into him twice in one day.

  “I can see you love to read,” he smiles. “You have a great selection of books,” he says. When he comes across one of my erotic romance novels. I blush. I can see the look in his eyes as we stand up at the same time. He offers to help carry some of the books and I kindly oblige, since it was way too many books for me to carry anyways. We get up to the counter and set the books down, I notice that the debit card machine is not working and roll my eyes in frustration.

  “Luke, is there an ATM anywhere around? I only have my debit card with me,” I ask as he looks at the cashier.

  “Hey, James, just put these on my charge account ok.”

  “You don’t have to do that Luke; I can find an ATM and come back,” I say as he shakes his head no, feeling defeated I give in and let him charge the books.

  “It’s ok, I mean we are neighbors after all, it’s the least I can do. Angel trust you, so I know I can trust you too,” he flashes his dashing smile.

  “If you’re free come by our apartment tonight around five and I’ll give you the money back,” I tell him. He nods as the cashier hands me the bags of books. I look at the receipt; Holy shit one hundred and fifty dollars. It’s cool though, I planned for this, now all I have to do is find an ATM and withdraw the money. As we head out the door I come across Angel and she’s grinning from ear to ear.

  “Awe, don’t you two look like a cute couple,” she says as I glare at her. Then turn to Luke, “Thank you for helping me again, I’ll see you at five.”

  “Have a great day ladies,” he turns and walks to his car, Angel looks at me with a sly smirk on her face. She takes a strand of hair that keeps blowing across her face and pushes it behind her ear.

  “So, you want to tell me about that?” she asks. I explain to her that the card machine was down and he’d come to my rescue yet again. “Sugar, it sounds like he has the hot’s for you.”

  I shake my head no. There is no way that is possible, he’s just being nice. We get into the Jeep and stop by the ATM so I can withdraw the money for him. Its four o’clock and I need to get ready so we head home. Once I get into our apartment I run into the bathroom to take a shower. By the time I get dressed it’s almost five and I am startled when I hear a knock at the door, but
as I walk out I hear Angel yell that she’s got it. I laugh as I put on my earrings and, check my hair to make sure it looks fine. I walk out of the bedroom and see Luke standing in the living room, his mouth drops open wide. “If you don’t mind me saying, Victoria, you look amazing,” he says as he diverts his eyes.

  “Thank you,” I giggle.

  I grab my wallet and take out the hundred and fifty dollars then hand it to him. “Thank you again,” I smile as he takes the money and smiles back at me.

  “Not a problem, I hope you have a great night tonight.”

  Angel looks at him then to me. “Hey, Luke, hold on one second, I want to ask you something, but I’ve got to ask Tori a question first,” she says

  “Ok,” he answers as she pulls me into the other room.

  “Why don’t we see if he wants to come with us?” she asks me, her eyes are big and pouty like a puppy’s, making me roll mine at her.

  “What are you up to?” I ask

  “Nothing, I know that he gets into the best clubs,” she says, but I know what she’s doing and I do love her for it. She just wants me to be happy.

  “Sure,” I give into her. We both walk out of the door; Angel is practically skipping towards the living room.

  “Hey, Luke, would you like to join us?” she asks. He raises his eyebrow and then looks at me, so I flash him one of my award-winning smiles.

  “Sure, where were you ladies going?” he asks.

  “Clubbing,” I tell him with a smile.

  “Cool, well I know the best nightclub in town. Why don’t we take my car, It’s a smoother ride than your Jeep,” he insists.

  “Ok, I’ll sit in the back,” Angel smiles

  We walk down stairs and head to the parking garage; stopping in front of a beautiful Audi Q7. My mouth drops, I’ve always wanted to see the Q7 in person.

  “Oh my God, please tell me this is your car. The Audi Q7 with the six-cylinder engine and let me guess 2014 model?” I ask ecstatically as he laughs.

  “Yes it is. You sure know your cars,” he says.

  “Ha, yes I do, what can I say it’s one of my passions since I was ten. My grandpa taught me everything,” I explain.

  “That’s good to know. What do you think of it?” he asks as he opens the passenger door for me to get in and shuts the door. As he climbs in the driver side I answer his question.

  “I love Audi’s, always have. Just out of my price range, especially since I have no job right now,” I sigh. He nods clinging on every word. Angel breaks the silence.

  “Hey, Luke, did you know that she’s going to ITT Tech for Information Systems and Cyber security with a minor in Software development,” she says proudly.

  “Wow that’s amazing. Congratulations, Victoria; we should celebrate you moving to Austin,” he says.

  “Thank you, I actually transferred from Arizona so actually this is my last semester before I graduate. If it wasn’t for Angel being so awesome and letting me stay with her until I graduate and find a job I would still be…” I pause, “I’d still be in Arizona,” I say cautiously.

  “Only for you, Sugar,” she says from the back seat. We arrive at the club, with vampire like moves he’s at my door holding his hand out for me. I smile and take his hand as he helps me out. I’m a little nervous, but I couldn’t refuse prince charming’s offer.

  We walk into the club, I notice people are staring at us. I look at Angel and she just smiles. Something feels off though, we are seated in a VIP room as drinks are being served I noticed everyone calling him Mr. Matthews. Relying on my feelings I start looking him up on the Internet, the first piece of information causes my mouth to drop. When will the youngest multi-billionaire in the United States finally find the right woman? The only words that my eyes are fixed on is multi-billionaire, I grab Angel’s arm and rush to the bathroom. “What the hell, Sugar,” she asks.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about Luke? I started looking him up on the Internet once we sat down, do you know what I found? Not only is he single but rich, I mean Bill Gates rich,” I say in a panic as she starts laughing.

  “Relax, Sugar. He’s just a regular guy, plus he’s into you just let him treat you tonight,” she says wraps her arm around my shoulder.

  “God I don’t want people to think that I’m some two bit gold digging whore,” I say trying to relax.

  “Sugar, no one is going to say that about you, and if they say do I’ll handle them,” She laughs

  I throw my head back laughing. We walk back into the V.I.P room. There are a dozen pink roses sitting in front of my chair. I’m puzzled, Luke flashes his multi-billion dollar smile, and my heart skips a beat. “These are for you, welcome to Austin.”

  “Thank you, they’re my favorite,” I say as I open the card

  Welcome to Austin beautiful, I hope you love it here. The books are another present. L.M.

  Looking inside the envelope I see the money I had given him for the books. It’s a sweet gesture, but he’s being nice because I’m new in town and haven’t found a job yet. He appears beside me with his hand held out. “Dance with me?” he asks.

  I couldn’t refuse, I take his hand. We walk out on the dance floor as they change songs. The DJ starts to play “Beep” by The Pussycat Dolls. I become lost in the song while dancing with him. He leans down and whispers in my ear, “You know your special right?” The song ends and he kisses my cheek, “Why don’t we go get some fresh air, Angel won’t mind.”

  He’s too quiet, I get this feeling he’s about to ask me out. “Thank you again for the roses, they’re lovely,” I say breaking the silence.

  “Not a problem, Pretty Girl, I’m glad you like them.” He stops for a moment taking a deep breath, “All Angel would tell me is that your past is horrible, but I’ll help you anyway possible. Um, I was hoping that you would go on a date with me?” he asks nervously.

  I stop suddenly, my heart flutters as our eyes meet.

  “Luke, I can’t because I don’t want you to get hurt by my past. I’m the kind of damaged that would make someone run for the hills, it’s something I don’t want to involve you with,” I say trying to hold back the tears.

  “Victoria, you don’t have to tell me everything until you’re ready. I like you and I’d like to at least show you one night of fun,” He says.

  He caresses my cheek then passionately kisses me. When he pulls back I’m left with a tingling sensation running through my body. There is something about his eyes that remind me of Jackson. He grins, “Why don’t I show you around Austin sometime?” I smile and nod. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, I look around frantically. “What’s wrong, Tori?” concern fills his voice.

  Luke saying my name jolts me back into reality. “Yeah, I’m fine sorry.” I smile trying to reassure him that I’m fine. I yawn when I look up to see the sun rising. Then I realize I completely forgot about Angel, oh my God I can’t believe I forgot about my best friend! I reach for my phone to text her.

  “I had a friend take her home already,” Luke says as he takes my hand

  “Thank you.” It’s all I can manage to say.

  He smiles as we continue to walk. What is it about Luke that makes me forget everything? It’s too soon though, the only other person that’s made me feel this way was Jackson. I’m scared to let anyone else in, I have so many secrets but none of them would ever bring Luke and me any happiness.

  A cold chill runs throughout my body, I know someone is watching me. I have to get away from Luke to protect him from my past. “What’s wrong? It looks like you’ve just seen a ghost,” he says with concern filled eyes.

  “Um, it’s nothing. I’ve had a great time but I’ve got to go home and get some rest, thanks again,” I say as I give him a kiss on the cheek then I start to walk off. I wrap my arms around my waist as the tears start to fall. I take the side streets that way Luke doesn’t find me. How could they have found me so soon? I see my apartment in front of me and I take the back way into the apartment so I can avoid
running into Luke. Taking my phone out of my pocket I text Angel,

  Me: Have you seen Luke in the last hour?

  I wait for her reply.

  Angel: He called me looking for you. He was worried because you took off like a bat outta hell. What happened? We’ll talk about this when I get home. Love you sugar.

  The tears fall even harder now. I open the door and walk inside. I slide down the door and wrap my arms around my waist. A familiar voice starts to laugh; my head shoots up as I begin to tremble in shock. Jason is standing in front of me with a smirk on his face. “You know this would all go away if you just went back to him,” he says. Something inside me snaps, I will not be a victim any longer.

  “Fuck you! Your best friend is a son of a bitch, and I’m not going to be his punching bag. So just leave me alone.” I pause as his smirk grows into a smile, “Get the fuck out of my house!” I scream to the top of my lungs in hopes that someone will hear me.

  “You little bitch, don’t you get it? He’ll get you back one way or another; it’s only a matter of time. You should have learned your lesson with the last one you started seeing. You don’t want Luke to end up like Jackson do you?” he says laughing.

  I lunge towards him and punch him as hard as I could, it only causes him to stumble then he comes towards me and knocks me unconscious. When I wake up I see Angel sitting next to me holding an ice pack to my face. “Ugh, where am I?” I ask.

  “You’re awake. What the hell happened? Luke came by and saw the door open and when he came in, he saw you lying on the floor. He called me and stayed with you until I got here,” she explained as I sit straight up.

  “Jason happened,” I begin to sob.

  “Sugar, he’s worried about you. Hell he’s asleep on our couch, because he wasn’t going to leave without knowing you’re ok,” Angel puts my hand on my shoulder.

  “I’ll give you some time. I’ll be out in the living room,” She kisses my forehead and walks out. I listen to Luke and Angel’s conversation.

  “Is Jason her ex?” Luke asks.

  “No, he’s her ex-husband’s best friend,” Angel says.