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.

her up and threw her into the bathtub. “Wherever

Chapter 27

you’re done!”

she glared at Hamilton. “Why can you flirt and cuddle with Eveleen, but I can’t

issue!”

now dampened but not diminishing his imposing figure, methodically rolled up his sleeves, his gaze

you every month! Clean yourself, or shall I

him. “I

count? Does it have to go as far

falling

fall, utterly unmoved. “Just cry it out,” he said

been soft on me?” Natalia turned her head away, refusing

the bathroom, closing the

fell uncontrollably. Silent sobs racked her

a man who didn’t love you, they were superfluous.

cigarette. After a deep drag, he made

Alden’s voice

those photos of Gideon with the starlets to

paused, understanding

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

did he make a

it seemed more likely. Eveleen worked under Gideon, and aside from her, there was no one else who could

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Chapter 27

As for Natalia…

of Hamilton’s true feelings for her. To all appearances, Hamilton seemed to care, and yet he was so harsh with her. But to

stating. “Just a lesson.”

glanced at the closed bathroom door before making another call. “Send

his instructions, he put out his cigarette and headed back to

the woman inside. “Are you clean

Natalia didn’t answer.

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