Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 27

“I’m not.” Natalia said, her gaze unwavering, her eyes reddened from the strain. “I never thought: about sleeping with anyone else.”

“Then why the hell did you even show up?”

Natalia took a deep breath, trying to compose herself and not look as disheveled as she felt.

“Mr. Fowler. Ms. Schafer has been uncooperative with my work, and her agent has been unreachable. I had no choice but to ask Gideon for help.”

Hamilton’s grip was tight on her chin. “Really? Just for work? Or is he the next sugar daddy you’ve picked out?”

Despite the pain, Natalia didn’t let it show. She laughed mockingly at Hamilton. “I have a long list of potential sugar daddies, and trust me, I wouldn’t pick someone like him unless I were blind.”

Fire blazed in Hamilton’s eyes. He grabbed her wrist with such force it seemed he might break it. Then, he dragged her out of the restaurant and shoved her into the car.

The car sped off like an arrow released from its bow.

Hamilton didn’t speak again, and neither did Natalia. She didn’t even ask if Hamilton had done anything to Gideon.

What could he have done? Gideon was Eveleen’s boss. Hamilton wouldn’t risk trouble with

Gideon for her.

The car screeched to a halt in front of the building.

Hamilton got out, pulling at his tie as he strode toward the entrance, leaving her with a curt, “Go home.”

With trembling fingers, Natalia buttoned up her blouse and stepped out of the car.

Once home, Hamilton went straight into the bathroom. Shortly after, he came out and advanced toward Natalia.

Instinctively, she stepped back. But Hamilton didn’t give her room to escape. He yanked at the collar of her blouse. The freshly buttoned blouse gave way once again, buttons scattering everywhere. There was no gentleness in his actions, almost a brutality as he stripped her of all her clothes.

Natalia realized then just how furious he was. Afraid for the child she carried, finally, she yielded. “I never intended to look for another benefactor. Our contract lasts for two years more.” I wouldn’t think of anything else until then,” she whispered.

Hamilton’s touch remained uncompromising. After ripping off her clothes, he picked her up and threw her

Chapter 27

you’re done!”

choked on the water, biting her lip as she glared at Hamilton. “Why can you flirt and cuddle with Eveleen, but I can’t even have dinner with someone else

issue!”

his imposing figure, methodically rolled up his sleeves, his gaze on Natalia

on you every month! Clean yourself, or shall

at him. “I didn’t let him touch

to go as far as a kiss or a night together?

betrayed her, falling despite

watched the tears fall, utterly unmoved. “Just cry it out,” he said coldly. “Don’t think tears will make me go easy

ever been soft on me?” Natalia turned her head away, refusing to look at him.

the bathroom, closing

fell uncontrollably. Silent sobs racked

of a man who didn’t love you,

a cigarette. After a deep

Alden’s voice came through.

photos of Gideon with the

understanding the implication.

the edges of the law to build their empire. Gideon’s brother–in–law was the current head of the Brown family. Gideon’s wife had been pampered from birth, a darling of her brothers. Though the Browns were initially reluctant about her marriage to Gideon, they supported him for her sake. Gideon had been well–behaved at first, but as his business grew, so did his true nature. He played the field, careful never to cause too much of a stir, usually with minor starlets who, after he slept with them, would keep silent for a payoff. But if those photos reached Gideon’s brother–in–law, it would spell

“Did he cross you? Or did he make

Alden considered, it seemed more likely. Eveleen worked under Gideon, and aside from her, there was

2/4

Chapter 27

As for Natalia…

seemed to care, and yet he was so harsh with her. But to say he didn’t

elaborate, simply stating. “Just

Hamilton glanced at the closed bathroom door before making another call. “Send up some food, something

his

eyed the woman inside. “Are you clean

Natalia didn’t answer.

a faint trace of impatience in his voice. “If you’re done, come back.”