Free The Clockwork Heart by Lilliana Rose Page A

my head . Libby wrapped her hand around the glass and took a sip. Coolness flooded through her body, memories clawing at her mind. Libby found it hard to breathe as she struggled to push the past away. She forced herself to swallow the cool water, the memories faded.
    "Same time tomorrow?" asked Helen. "Maybe we can try the sticks?"
    Libby put the empty glass back on the silver tray. "Can't wait, darling." She didn't know how Helen managed to always look so fresh. That's why I've employed her. I can learn from her, and if anything like before happens…
    "You look flushed. Make sure you cool down," Helen said.
    "I will." Libby left the training room, which had once been the old ballroom. It hadn't held any parties since she'd bought the place. Instead of letting the ballroom go to waste, she had converted it to a training room. On the way out Libby hit the punching bag that hung from the ceiling, alleviating some of the frustration that built up inside of her every time she was with Helen.
    Libby unbuttoned her leather vest as she walked down the long hallway, then slipped off her shirt as she stepped out the back door, leaving her clothes on the ground. The memory was still there at the edges of her mind. She kicked off her boots and rushed down the five concrete steps. Her bare feet sunk into the grass as she walked through the Victorian-style garden towards the pond that was big enough to be used as a pool.
    At the edge of the aged concrete rim, she shimmied out of her soft leather pants. Naked, she glided into the water, gasping as the coolness sucked at her body. She sank under the water. Her lungs began to burn and she surfaced, caught her breath and swam frog-style to the other side.
    I'm a downright good explorer . Doubt hung around her, clouding her judgement and breathing life into her own misgivings. She floated on her back, stretching her arms out, moving them in the water like wings. It had been the detective work of exploring that she really enjoyed: all the hours researching in front of books and then the meticulous planning for a trip. But she hadn't been on a trip for three years. A shiver ran through her body. Too late for her to stop, the old memories surfaced.
    She was tied up in the dark. Chains rattled, stirring the fear inside of her. Dampness stole her breath. The sound of a clock ticking echoed loudly.
    Blood.
    The metallic taste stung in her mouth. A hot dribble of moisture slowly ran down the side of her cheek.
    Libby turned, diving under the surface, wanting to drown her thoughts and free herself from the fear. She screamed until her lungs were empty of air. Bubbles holding her frustration bobbed to the surface. Libby shot upward and resurfaced with a large splash. Maybe I should train twice a day? She pushed her dark hair off her face. The thought of training made her think of Helen. Her trainer was the other reason Libby needed to cool down. Helen was still in her mind. Her blonde neat hair tied in a bun, strong body, broad hips, and ample chest. No. A relationship with my trainer would complicate things too much .
    Instead of the thoughts of Helen fading, her trainer's smile, open and inviting, came into her mind. Libby sighed. If Helen kept away the bad memories then she would indulge. She floated on her back looking at the sky. The same colour as Helen's eyes . She began to lose herself in the colour above as if it really was Helen looking down on her. The water became the soft touch of Helen. The gentle ripples licked at her body in a soothing motion.
    "A-um."
    Startled, Libby bopped upright and looked around. "Richie." She relaxed. The automaton stood at the edge of the pond holding a silver tray of neatly folded towels.
    "There's a message for you."
    "Yes, of course." Libby swam to the edge of the pool and lifted herself out of the water near where Richie stood waiting. She grabbed a towel and wrapped it around herself.
    Richie held out a sealed envelope to Libby. Her name, Elizabeth