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.

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

"I have to go."

parked the car and

just Natalia and

reached for the door, but Hamilton grabbed her wrist

sorry about the past. I promise

was fuming. "Save it, Hamilton. 'Sorry' is 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

please, no more of that disgusting

her piece, she

didn't want to talk anymore.

for what felt like an eternity before he spoke again. "I will take care

of me looks like I'm

I don't want you

him curiously. "Do you even like me,

frowned deeply

Natalia exhaled softly.

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

and I will do it just as

his grip on her

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

something might

really put his foot down, Natalia's schemes wouldn't stand a chance against him,

couldn't bring himself to be that

had the gall to accuse him of such

walk away because Hamilton cared, even if it was just a fraction of how

we just make

respond, sinking into the seat with a tranquility that belied the turmoil within, not even glancing his

to meet his gaze, and that's when

pang in his

so

distress only

giving up over the past few days, trying to let

move on from

each time the thought surfaced, his heart

to face it-he couldn't let her

her into his

breath warmed her neck, his dark gaze fixated on her

dare sign with Ronin, Natalia. Believe me, I can make sure

the

with a tinge of

snapped to attention, realizing that the man before

struggled fiercely but couldn't break free, her frustration bringing a flush of red to the corners