Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 148

Natalia didn't really know Ronin all that well, b

ut even with her limited knowledge, she was certain of one thing: Ronin was a safer bet than Hamilton right now.

And, frankly, she hadn't intended for Ronin to escort her home in the first place.

He had been drinking, for heaven's sake. He couldn't even drive, let alone take her home safely!

She had planned to hail a cab after stepping out anyway.

But trying to explain that to Hamilton? It seemed pointless.

Their relationship, if you could call it that, was so strained that explanations felt redundant.

She chuckled dryly. "What kind of guy is he? At worst, like you said, Mr. Fowler, he's just trying to sleep with me."

"You know he's after you, and yet you're okay with him taking you home?" Hamilton gritted his teeth.

Natalia met his gaze head-on.

"Aren't you the same, Hamilton? How much better are you than anyone else?"

With a sardonic smile, she added, "Actually, that's not right. You're leagues behind Ronin. At the very least, he's not a fair-weather friend always looking to stab me in the back. You know, Hamilton, every time I think about how you knew Eveleen was out to get me but still shielded her, it feels like I'm being torn apart. It hurts like hell."

Hamilton's face turned an array of stormy shades.

He gripped Natalia's wrist tightly, at a loss for words.

The elevator dinged open, and he pulled her out with him.

Natalia tried to break free but couldn't, drawing the attention of everyone around them.

Fed up, Hamilton simply scooped her up and shoved her into the car.

Alden had been waiting in the car.

He was a tad surprised to see Hamilton carrying Natalia, but mostly, he seemed pleased.

"Bro, Ms. Jenkins, where to?"

"Back to the apartment." Hamilton meant the apartment they used to share.

"Lotus Estates."

Natalia had named Scarlett's place.

Without further questions, Alden started the car.

up to the apartment complex, where Natalia felt

"I have to go."

the car and

it was just Natalia and Hamilton

but Hamilton grabbed

the past. I promise it won't happen

the cheapest word in the world, and don't talk to me about

second? Or lock her up? If she dares to touch me again, what can you really do? Nothing, because she's your

no more

her piece, she

to talk anymore. There was nothing left

tightly, silent for what felt like an eternity before he spoke again. "I

part of me looks like I'm playing games with you, Hamilton? I'm serious about leaving

don't want you to

eyed him curiously. "Do you even like me,

deeply

Natalia exhaled softly.

go because you can't stand the thought of not having what you want. You've always had everything your way, and the idea of a woman leaving you makes you furious, doesn't it? That's all this is about." Hamilton's frown deepened as he watched her, neither agreeing nor denying her accusation. Even

"So, what will make you satisfied? Tell me, and I will do it just as long as you promise to

temples throbbed violently, his grip

this really how you see me? Fine, I'll admit I'm not willing to give up, but I've never been this desperate over anyone before. Why do you think you can just walk away? Because you're relying on me actually caring about you?" Because he cared,

feared something might truly

put his foot down, Natalia's schemes wouldn't

couldn't bring himself to be that

had the gall to accuse him of such

Hamilton cared, even if it was just a fraction of how much he cared

Can't we just make up?" Hamilton's fingers tenderly traced her rosy

with a tranquility that belied the turmoil

brow twitched as he forced her to meet his gaze, and that's when he noticed the anguish in

was a pang in his

so why was she in such pain

her distress only made him

had considered giving up over the past few days, trying

on from her and free

each time the thought surfaced,

end, he had to face it-he couldn't

her

warmed her neck, his dark

with Ronin, Natalia. Believe me, I can

they'd throw the

voice was rough with a tinge of

that the man before

bringing a flush