Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 12

Hamilton sidled up to Natalia, his large hand casually wrapping around her waist. A smirk. played on his lips, but his eyes were a chilly expanse of ice. “What’s got you so tickled pink? Mind sharing the joke?”

Natalia offered a strained smile. “Mr. Henkel was just saying your old flame’s coming back to town.”

Hamilton chuckled lightly, not bothering to pick up the thread of that conversation. Instead, he prodded, “And do you find this cause for giggles, Ms. Jenkins?”

Natalia felt a heavy knot in her stomach. What was she supposed to do, not smile? It’s not like she could grab Hamilton and wail about why he could pine for a past flame but not give her the time of day. She prided herself on being more self–aware than that.

“I was just happy for Mr. Fowler,” she said.

Hamilton’s expression darkened. “Well, I’m just overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness.”

Victor watched the sparring pair and couldn’t help but laugh. “Hey, Fowler, when your old flame shows up, give me a heads–up. I’ll take Ms. Jenkins off your hands. That way, it’s not like I’m poaching, right?”

The hint of a cold smile flickered across Hamilton’s brooding face.

“What’s this? You two cooking up a scheme?”

“No!” Natalia blurted out, a bit too quickly.

Victor might not care about Hamilton’s opinion, but Natalia had to.

“I’ve already turned Mr. Henkel down.”

But Victor seemed unbothered. “Don’t be so hasty to refuse, Ms. Jenkins. Sometimes you gotta taste a few dishes to know which one really satisfies your cravings,” he said, leaving them with that thought.

Natalia’s face soured. She suspected Victor was just trying to get back at her. “Mr. Fowler, I really don’t have those kinds of feelings for him.”

Hamilton swirled the liquor in his glass, his expression unreadable.

“Isn’t it just about the money for you, Ms. Jenkins? Why isn’t Victor up to snuff?”

Her smile faded, the corners of her mouth turning white with the effort to keep the bitterness at bay.

“Three years with Mr. Fowler, my standards have naturally risen.”

Hamilton was unimpressed, his gaze heavy on Natalia.

up, you can be with

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14:23

Chapter 12

you making eyes at any

her spine

Natalia, his attention demanded elsewhere. Women, one after

the corner, feeling a weariness that seeped into

love did take their toll on her, despite her attempts to rationalize her feelings. It hurt because, after all these years, he was still the one

dragged into

the chauffeur was waiting by the car. Hamilton seldom used a driver; he preferred to be in control,

always thought Hamilton couldn’t possibly have a first love. Yet, she was wrong. Maybe

up at their building, the driver long gone. Inside,

Natalia asked tentatively.

her

sharper pain. “Mr. Fowler, I can make you some coffee to sober up.”

his grip, pulling her close.

tensed. “It

yet you laughed so joyfully with

courtesy,” she replied bitterly.

low chuckle. “Such

his kisses trailed from her shoulder to her chest. The designer dress she wore. didn’t survive the night; it

we not

Because of Victor? Are you saving yourself for

laughable–he didn’t love her, yet he was possessive to a maddening degree. It seemed

just… be gentle? I’m really tired,” she

quirked. “You could

shook with their fervor.

endured Hamilton’s passion, cradling her belly protectively. When it was over,

got home, Hamilton carried her straight into the bathroom. He managed to

in her stomach, but Hamilton didn’t seem satisfied. He resumed his

at him weakly. “Mr. Fowler, I’m truly

his knee between her legs, leaving her no room to resist.

he usually despised. Irritably, he checked it, but to her

alone with her thoughts–empty for a moment, as if she didn’t know what

be calling Hamilton at this hour? What could be so important?