Heartstrings

By Madaline Clifton

"Sabrina ""Sia"" Waters unleashes a whole new world she didn't know existed in all her years of living in Savannah, Georgia. A mystery begins to unravel as her romantic life takes a few hits. She'll stumble upon the Silver Cupid's Club to learn cupid exists, but there isn't just one. There are several different variants of cupid from the popular

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing
• Release date: Dec 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9789360497378

Book preview

Heartstrings

Madaline Clifton

Ukiyoto Publishing

All global publishing rights are held by

Ukiyoto Publishing

Published in 2022

Content Copyright © Madaline Clifton

ISBN

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

The moral rights of the author have been asserted.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated, without the publisher’s prior consent, in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.

www.ukiyoto.com

Acknowledgements

Let me start out by thanking; Nancy. My adopted, older sister who's been more like the mother I never got yet should have. I love you & thank you for never not believing in me. This book is dedicated to you.

Frederick William, you annoy me greatly. You may get on my nerves, but I love you, bro. No matter how annoying you will always and forevermore be. This book is also dedicated to you.

Liz P! You are a good family friend who's like a family member. You always tend to want to see the best in people– always believing in them. I wish I could be more like you, but I can't. Thank you for everything you do for us & keeping our belief alive that not all people are bad. Dedicated to you as well.

This book is dedicated to those who write, read, and need romance. Life is too short to be weeping around and obsessing over the harsh reality of the universe. We're all gonna die so let's enjoy life a little more together. Don't ever give up on what you believe in…it may just come true. ;)

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

About the Author

Chapter 1

H

is lips were a delightful sensation. A chill of a tingle came with his touch.

          My hands were fumbling in short, messy, sleek, auburn brown hair– usually parted to the sides.

          He maintained tan skin, standing at about five foot ten with slender shoulders, and a lean physique. He was handsome, compared to my petite, tiny stature.

          My legs are wrapped around his waist with his hands keeping me in place. I'm exactly where he wants me– on the verge of moaning with pleasure.

          He's already got me excited; nice and juicy. The smirk on his full, pouty, soft pink lips confirms as much as he keeps his lips glued to mine.

        I told myself this would end, but it's been an ongoing affair. It couldn't keep happening– I don't know how it has. I met him two years ago when I was twenty five– I'm a twenty seven year old who still hasn't figured her life out. I went to visit my sister in the nursing home where he worked.

        "W-w-we can't." I exasperatedly speak, forcing my lips away from his. I'm cold and he's hot. I see the hurt slide into his beautiful, comforting– deep blue eyes.

        His shoulders are covered by a dark blue denim jean jacket with beige, false fur inside. He looks cozy like coming home. He frowns, shaking his head, Why can't we? Are we not two consenting adults?

        I'm shaky as I force myself to unwrap my legs from his waist. I'm so in the wrong for getting entangled with the handsome lad. I grew up with morals as well as tradition– my own tradition grew at some point. I had yet to let anything more transpire between me and the boy hovering above me. I'm five foot two, olive skinned, and hold candy apple green eyes.

        I've got short, chestnut brown curls that are thick and frizzy when rain threatens to pour in. My curls are shoulder length, brushing the tops of my bony shoulder blades. I've got scoliosis in an 'S' shape which I kept between my family and I. I'm more than unwilling to show the boy before me my fugly, deformed body. I had known him for two years during a rough patch in my life.

          I feel like I've known him forever. I find my voice to muster up an answer to give him, We are two consenting adults.

          There. He calmly says, about to place his large palms to my face.

        I bite the inside of my cheek, vigorously shaking my head. I won't do this with him. I scoffed, turning cold as I folded my arms to my bosom. I watch his eyes briefly jump to my breasts before returning to the cold in my green eyes, We can't be together.

        Sabrina Waters! He scolds, not believing me. His deep blue; arctic like eyes darken. His mood seems to have soured, It's not impossible for us to be together. I think I l–

        NO! I roared, startling the boy. I shatter him with just those few seconds. I didn't mean to, but you can't love someone you just met. I scramble to find the proper way to cut him down, "It's not possible, October."

          His name is October Blake. He comes from a wealthy family. His father is an inventor and his mother is dead. His brother is off doing who knows what. He was someone I could never see myself happy with.

        "Sia, we can be together. Why keep insisting we can't?" He softly mumbles as silent tears seem to escape his ocean eyes.

          I can't be close to him. I don't deserve to be happy. I'm not a good person and never was. I nonchalantly shrug, "I…like girls, now?"

          Judging by the unamused gleam of a twinkle in his eyes– he didn't buy my sentiment. He was more annoyed than anything, The biggest lie I've ever known you to try to sell, Sia.

        I had been with him in the janitor's closet of his workplace. The light bulb overhead, gave a twinge of orange to see in the dark– that's it. I know he won't ever forgive me, "I don't want to be tied down."

          Fine. Have a good life, Sabrina. October coldly replies, moving towards the door. He leaves me where we had snuck off together. His nonchalance didn't bother me.

          I never got an answer as to why the blue eyed boy worked when his family was wealthy. I didn't bother to pry since I'm sure he had his own reasons. I did feel a slither of guilt for breaking his heart. If I even did, hurt him. The way he took it was different from his sweet nothings prior.

          I shake my head, leaving the dim closet. I eye the canary wallpaper with tiny daisies in a pattern scattered all throughout. I liked the cobblestone of the outside of Mims nursing home.

          The grass was dark, kept clean, and pristine for folk to get some exercise. There was a fountain in the middle as one drove up– the place was miles out from the city. It was isolated, peaceful, and a good place for those in need of care to come.

          Mims Nursing Home was a play on words– named after Memorial Hospital. The owner thought it a brilliant idea.

        As did I, after the folk after Memorial Hospital helped save my sister's life. I was grateful to the hospital and those in Savannah who pitched in to help. However, a lot can change in two years. My life has changed ever since, but for the best. I'm currently so deep in thought– a slither of a chill barks at me.

          I had been living in Savannah, Georgia for three years going on four. I live with my sister and youngest brother. Our house is located on the outskirts of the city– away from all the mayhem. The place is a southern city that can get crazy. I don't drive as I feel around the pockets of my black leggings.

        I constantly check to make sure I'm not missing anything. I release a sigh of relief– nothing's missing, but how am I getting home? As my mind buffers, my candy apple green eyes feel eyes piercing into me. I search the area as my eyes land on a pair of hazel brown eyes belonging to a boy, standing beside October Blake. I know the boy seems familiar, but where do I know him from?

        The boy with hazel brown eyes has short, bunched together, peach cream colored curls with a slim, lean stature. He's got a tan with furrowed, dark eyebrows. His roots to his peach curls didn't seem to show which made no sense. He wore a turtleneck in the same shade as his hair with black, snug fitting, and ripped jeans. He looked about as good as October.

        I raise an eyebrow at the boy with a silver, cross dangling from his left ear. I see a flicker of a smirk before he scowls at me. I'm confused. What did I do to his cat? My view is soon blocked by a dude who reminds me of a pirate.

        This dude is thirty seven with muscles, broad shoulders, and is six foot one. His eyes are a hazel brown with short, slick, black hair. He's got a white muscle tee shirt on with a black leather jacket. He's in cuffed blue jeans and black pirate boots. His skin is the color of caramel since my old family friend descends from the Cherokee tribe.

        "Sabrina, do you need a ride?" The calm, gentle, deep voice of Sage Long asks.

        I quickly agree. Again, I don't drive. Reasons that will appear later down the road, I do need a ride.

        Cool. Sage comments, giving me a slight nod of the head.

        I followed the man from the nursing home. I don't bother to glance over my shoulder. What good would feeding the dragon do anyway?

        Sage leads me to a sleek, black truck he owns. He gets in as I follow his lead. He had worked as a teacher for what felt like a thousand years ago.

        "Did you really have an affair with a student at Savange High School?" I inquire, shuddering at the name.

        The school had once been named after Savannah, but thanks to an idiot– it ended up with a rebrand that makes no sense.

        Sage grips the steering wheel tightly, "I did, but it's mutual. That was back when I was your age."

        Woah, wait! I half shout as I process his words, "Do you mean to tell me; y'all are still together?"

        "We went through a brief rough patch, but things worked out in our favor. When it's meant to be, it will be." Sage continues to shock me.

        I could never sleep with a student– of age or not. I could never be a teacher, because I don't like children. Even if I were a teacher, I still couldn't do it. Even if it were a college professor and an adult student– I don't see the moral high ground.

        Teachers have an authority over students, regardless of age, that they can use to manipulate.

        I don't ever want to support the idea. I keep my disgust to myself since I partially agree with him. I have to poke the bear, "Didn't you mistreat the student you were seeing though?"

        "I'm only human, Brina. We all go through things. I wish I could take it back, but I can't. I vow to make it up to him for the rest of his life." Sage softly remarks as I have high doubts.

        I keep my opinion to myself. I had never met the mystery student who put up with Sage Long. I'm glad my crush on him had long died. I open my mouth to tell him my address, "It's 913 Voorhees Avenue. Our address."

        "Got it, Brina. I think I know the place." Sage replies, preparing for the hour drive to a one story, violet purple house.

          The house was made of sturdy brick with a nice yard of grass. The cats we have enjoy the space, but it's a bit eerie– having no neighbors.

          I don't want to upset or enrage Sage Long. I feel it was kind of him to give me a ride. There were some kind people in the universe then some not so kind people. That's how life is– believe it or not.

Chapter 2

W

e arrive in front of the violet purple house.

        Sage is waiting as the sun is beginning to sink behind the conflicting colors of the day.

        I bite the inside of my cheek once more. I unbuckle my seatbelt, shooting him a quick glance, Thank you for the ride, Sage.

        Anything for a family friend, Brina. Have a good night. Sage happily replies, making me want to be open and warm.

          I grow sickened by the absurd notion. I thrust open the truck door, You too, Sage!

        Oh, hey, Brina!?! Sage calls– a little too loud before I can slam the truck door. His voice made me jump. There was no need for his voice to come booming at me.

        Sí? I ask, often asking 'yes' in Spanish. I can only refresh my memory upon using the word. I had trouble keeping up with fast and slow paced things. My mind was more of an enigma than the Riddler in Gotham.

        My fiancé wanted to meet some of my friends. We agreed on a date for dinner. Would you care to join us? You can bring your siblings… Sage cooly remarks, letting himself trail off.

        I don't like the way he mentions my sister and brother. I hear the malice in his tone. I don't pester him about it, I can check with them. They may be busy though.

        You can tag along with or without them. Sage adds in an attempt to back me into a corner.

        When's this dinner? I inquire, furrowing my eyebrows.

      Friday. I can pick you up. Sage reveals as I give a slight nod of the head.

        Sure. I'll get back to you on an answer for the others. I explain to Sage, unsure of going to dinner with him and his fiancé.

        Sage perks up, beaming as he nods, Alright. Have a good night.

      I stand in the vicinity of the yard as I watch Sage drive off. There's a pit of dread building in my stomach. Why did he want me to have dinner with him and his beau? I'm not even that close with Sage; haven't been since the allegations. I didn't think he was a bad dude either, but you never know someone.

        Even if you think you do…

        I have things I have to do– rather than just dwell on thoughts. I live in my own universe in my mind so it isn't hard for me to remain lost. I tear my eyes from where Sage had just driven off from. I let my eyes scan the yard, searching for the tiny, ferocious beasts that had their own personalities.

        Milky Way! Shady! Stripes! I shout calling for the very, three different cats. I had originally owned Shady, but gave him to my brother. I could only deal with taking care of one cat.

        The oldest of three I gave the nickname Stripes when he migrated towards us. He's a multi-colored striped tiger cat with yellow eyes and white paws.

          Milky Way is coated black and white with more black on him. His