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.

silent until they pulled up to the apartment complex, where Natalia felt a sharp throb

"I have to go."

one, parked the car and

was just Natalia and Hamilton

Hamilton grabbed her wrist again and locked the

sorry about the past. I promise it won't happen

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

her up? If she dares to touch me again, what can you really do?

please, no more of that

saying her piece,

want to talk anymore. There

clenched her wrist tightly, silent for what felt like an eternity before he spoke again. "I will take care of Eveleen. Natalia, you've made

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

don't want you to

eyed him curiously. "Do

deeply but

Natalia exhaled softly.

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 he couldn't

Tell me, and I will

throbbed violently, his grip

I've never been this desperate over anyone before. Why do you think you can just walk away?

feared something might truly happen to

he were to really put his foot down, Natalia's schemes wouldn't stand a chance

couldn't bring himself

now, she had the gall

was able to walk away because Hamilton cared, even if it was

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

the seat with a tranquility that belied the turmoil within,

he forced her to meet his gaze, and that's when

a pang in

had been all smiles with Ronin, so why was she in such

her distress only made him

up over the past few

from her and free

time the thought surfaced, his heart ached

the end, he had to face

her into

his dark gaze fixated

Ronin, Natalia. Believe me, I can make sure any company you sign with never do business

you really think they'd throw the company under

rough with a tinge of drunken

realizing that the man before her

frustration bringing a flush of red to the corners of her