Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

Hamilton's fist hovered just inches from Natalia's face. There was an unmistakable shade of pain in his eyes that refused to dissipate. "Natalia, you're protecting him like this? Aren't you afraid I'll hit you too?" His voice was a low growl, barely concealing the threat behind it.

Of course, Natalia was scared. She knew all too well how hard Hamilton could hit; she had seen it firsthand. Yet, she couldn't stand by and watch him beat up Ryan again. The guy had already taken enough flak for her sake, and she refused to be the cause of his pain once more. It would only deepen her guilt.

After a moment of tense silence, Natalia scoffed at Hamilton. "Hamilton, he's my boyfriend. Am I supposed to protect you instead?"

That hit Hamilton like a punch to the gut. He stared at the scene before him, and after what felt like an eternity, he let out a bitter chuckle and withdrew his fist. Without another word, he turned and followed a staff member inside.

Once he was gone, Natalia finally allowed herself a sigh of relief. After exchanging a few comforting words with Ryan, she followed the staff member into the building.

The routine interrogation lasted nearly three hours. After it ended, Natalia was escorted to a holding cell.

Hamilton emerged from the interrogation room to find Caspian already waiting for him. Throughout the questioning, Hamilton's mood had been as stormy as a rough sea, causing the interrogators to tread on eggshells.

Caspian nodded to the pale-faced staff, signaling they could leave, before turning to Hamilton. "I checked into Graham's accounts like you said. Lots of suspicious transactions, the biggest one from three years ago. I've started spreading the word; now we wait to see who slips up first."

Hamilton, lighting a cigarette, grunted noncommittally.

Caspian studied him. "You look like hell. Regretting your decision to come here?"

Hamilton's face was a mask of stoicism. "Who said I have any regrets?"

With a chuckle, Caspian teased, "Most guys wine and dine the girl they like, take them to the movies. You? You bring her to the station."

Hamilton snorted, the image of a movie date with Natalia flashing in his mind. But would she ever give him the chance? Right now, she wouldn't even spare him a second glance.

The more he thought about it, the more his heart ached. After a long silence, he finally spoke again. "She let Ryan hold her."

Caspian paused, then burst into laughter, rife with schadenfreude. "Hamilton, they're in love. What's so strange about a hug? You can't handle that? Who knows what more they do in private!"

Hamilton's expression darkened even further, and Caspian knew he had hit a nerve.

"Shut up, Caspian. Nobody's mistaking you for a mute."

Caspian's laughter subsided as he lit a cigarette of his own a rare indulgence, as Bianca hated the smell. He only smoked when the nights grew long and arduous, and now, seeing Hamilton like this, he felt the urge to join him.

The smoke curled between them, Hamilton's features obscured in its haze. Caspian took a drag and then spoke up. "Hamilton, do you even know what you want?"

Hamilton's brow furrowed, but he remained silent.

Caspian continued softly, "I've seen the contract you two have. Even without breaking it, there's only a little over a year left. Once it's up, you'll have to let her go. Why put yourself through all this? As a businessman, you understand better than anyone that this is a losing deal."

"You're going through all this trouble just to be with her for one more year? The cost-to-benefit ratio is way off. Is it worth it?"

Hamilton leaned back against the wall, tilting his head back, his expression unreadable through the smoke. He knew the answer. It wasn't worth it. Yet, he couldn't let go. His pride wouldn't allow the woman who should've been his to simply walk away, especially not into another man's arms.

"She's supposed to be mine, at least during this time."

Caspian watched his friend, a wry smile on his face. "That contract of yours was an exploitation of her vulnerability, and you know it. If you're just feeling possessive, then I'm telling you, forget it. A year flies by, and there are plenty of other women to distract you." "Unless, of course, you actually want to win her back, to treat her right, to truly be with her. But remember, Hamilton, your past with Eveleen is an obstacle you'll never overcome. If you can't get your act together, Natalia will never turn back. Eveleen's trial is coming up; you better think this through."

With a pat on Hamilton's shoulder, Caspian left to speak with Natalia before heading out.

Natalia had been in the holding room for a while before Hamilton finally came to see her. He walked in with a pocketed hand and a dark, brooding look-not the face of a man being interrogated, but of one ready to cause a scene. Natalia glanced at him and quickly looked away.

Hamilton sat next to her, and despite the words that had been exchanged earlier, he couldn't let go of his thoughts, or his stubborn pride. Who said he had to let her go when the contract ended? As long as she was here, he'd find a way to keep her, contract or not. He was determined not to let go, and as for Eveleen, let the chips fall where they may. If Natalia needed Eveleen to pay a price, then he'd make it happen.

Feeling Hamilton's presence close, Natalia shifted away. He, undeterred and shameless, moved closer still.

Natalia shot Hamilton a glare over her shoulder. "Hamilton, are you like cling film or something?"

Hamilton snorted, "It's chilly, let's huddle for warmth."

What a lame excuse. But she didn't move away. The room was tiny, and once Hamilton, that shameless hound, decided to invade her space, there was nowhere to escape to. Plus, she had lost a lot of blood the night before, and the wound on her neck hadn't healed properly. Right now, she just felt uncomfortable all over, her stomach cramping in waves.

Her periods were always erratic. Sometimes they came every few months. It had been two months since Natalia's last one. The pain was fierce.

"Natalia," Hamilton suddenly spoke up.

"Spit it out!" she snapped without a hint of politeness.

Hamilton didn't take offense. "How about we make a deal?"

Natalia, fighting through the pain, looked at him as if he were insane. "I refuse."

Hamilton's face was stern. "You're refusing without even hearing it?"

Natalia didn't want to argue. The pain was becoming unbearable. A cold sweat broke out across her skin. This bout of menstrual cramps was exceptionally brutal.

Unaware of Natalia's distress, Hamilton continued, "Natalia, I'll stop bothering Eveleen, and you break up with Ryan, deal?"

As soon as Hamilton finished speaking, Natalia suddenly grabbed his wrist.