Locked Hearts

Locked Hearts LOCKED SOULS SOCIETY BOOK ONE AMBER NICOLE JENN BULLARD All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used to be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations for articles or reviews. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials. Nicole, Amber & Bullard, Jenn Locked Hearts Editing: Emma Luna at Moonlight Author Services Cover Design: Cat Imb, TRC DESIGNS Maps: Belle Ames Designs Formatting: November Sweets Created with Vellum We dedicate this book to Elizabeth Kate. You know we couldn’t have done this without you and we’re so blessed to have you by our sides every step of the way. We love you. Contents Blurb Authors’ Note Prologue 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 Epilogue Do you want more? Trigger Warnings Acknowledgments More From Amber Nicole About the Author More From Jenn Bullard About the Author Blurb One night changed the course of my life. My world as I had known it was damaged beyond repair. My friends, gone. My family, gone. My reputation, gone. Banished from everything I knew, I find myself seeking redemption. I’ve been gifted one more chance, to save myself and the life of someone else. Little do I know that this place is full of secrets, some harmless, others deadly. I escaped one hell only to be dropped into another. The only protection I have is to keep my heart locked away from those who are determined to own it. But will that be enough? Temptation is strong here at Holy Cross Academy. Authors’ Note So here we are in 2023 and I’m writing my fourteenth book. It’s so crazy, but I’m excited to introduce you to this new world we’ve created. As you know by now my books are dark and triggering and Locked Hearts is not the exemption. Chastity goes through a lot of personal trauma as well as depression and PTSD. I will have a detailed trigger list located in the back. Please check it if you’re wary at all. This book also has MM in it and FF scenes. There is no cheating as her harem isn’t completed in book one. Certain practices within this religious organization referenced might be exaggerated or no longer in use. This is a work of fiction. I would also like to disclose that we are not liable for any broken husbands, electronics, or therapy bills. We are however available for yelling and emotional support from far away. We hope you love this and come back for more! XOXO Amber & Jenn 18+ preferred. “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.” Bob Marley Prologue Pain. So much pain. My insides twist and turn as something I never knew I wanted is ripped from my body. Tears stream down my face under the blindfold as the gag muffles my screams. How could they do this to me? My own family! “Hold her down, Jacob. She has sinned. Don’t let your love for her cloud your judgment,” my stepmother, Isabella, barks. Trembling fingers grip my arms and restrain me. A warm breath hits my ear and I jolt, whimpering at the pain between my thighs. “I'm so sorry, Chas. Please forgive me,” my brother whispers, and I die a little more inside. “Such a whore. Couldn’t just keep your legs closed, like a good little preacher’s daughter, could you?” Isabella rants, as I fight to end this suffering. Soft cries pierce the room and my heart races. They told me it was too early. There was zero chance of survival. But through it all, she made it. My little Angel. Chapter 1 A nondescript black car drops me off outside the terrifying, dark iron gates. I shuffle over to the intercom and press down on the number one. Static sounds before the cruel, harsh voice of my grandmother snaps, “You’re late.” I sigh and nod my head. It’s not my fault we hit traffic, but pleading my case isn’t worth it. I’m thankful enough to be standing here right now. I can’t risk upsetting her and having her send me back. I glance up at the security camera and bow my head, knowing she's watching. “I’m sorry, Grandmother. It won’t happen again,” I say in a soft submissive tone. A huff sounds through the intercom, then the gates buzz as they slowly open. “Hurry up, Chastity. We can’t be late for Mass.” I lift the two suitcases I was allowed to bring and start the half mile hike up to Holy Cross Academy. My new home. I know I was told to hurry, but this is the most fresh air I’ve had in a long time. That place where they left me didn’t believe we deserved to be outside. Too many obstacles and chances to escape. Not that we could with how drugged up they kept us. Stopping, I drop my bags and lift my head up, letting the rays of the sun touch my face. I bite my lip to contain my large grin and do a spin. I stop, a little dizzy, and glance up to the sky, closing my eyes and saying a silent prayer. “God, if you can hear me. Please keep us safe.” I make the sign of the cross with my hands, say a quick,