Heartless (Enemies to Lovers 1)

to make sure we’re talking about the same Charlotte.

She nods and taking a step closer to me, her voice cracks when she says, “Please, Carter. I don’t want anything from you. Just let us be. I’m begging you.”

I frown down at her, not understanding a word she’s saying. Fuck, she might as well be speaking a different language.

“Why did you write to me? Why didn’t you come see me or try to phone me?”

She throws her hands in the air, a look of frustration clouding her features. “I couldn’t travel to New York with a newborn. Besides, I didn’t have that kind of money. My truck would never make the trip. Every time I tried to call you, they would tell me that you’re not accepting any calls. It’s hard to phone such a huge company and to demand they put me through to their CEO.”

“You just left, Della. Why did you try to contact me anyway?”

For a moment she just stares at me but then all the blood drains from her face. I move forward when it looks like she’s going to faint.

“You really don’t know,” she whispers hauntingly.

“Sit down,” I snap. Luckily she listens and she takes a seat on the couch. I sit down beside her and place the glass on the table.

“I don’t know what?” I ask, hoping that the next thing out of her mouth will actually make sense.

“Daniele,” she whispers.

“Your daughter? What does she have to do with …” It hits me like a lightning bolt.

I stand up and move away from her as shock ripples over me.

“Daniele Hayes,” she says as tears spill over her cheeks.

I have a child.

The shock is quickly joined by anger.

I have a beautiful little girl and she’s been kept from me.

CHAPTER 11

DELLA

“I have a child and you didn’t tell me?” he spits the words out like they taste bitter.

“What?” I hiss, not believing what I’m hearing right now. “Why didn’t I tell you? Are you being serious right now? Haven’t you heard a word I’ve been saying?”

He stares darkly at me. Suddenly he moves, and he throws the glass against the wall. The shattering sound echoes through the room along with my thundering heart.

I forgot how cruel Carter can be. He stalks up and down, every moment he makes is filled with rage.

Fear slithers down my spine as I slowly get up. When he doesn’t make a move for me, I run for the door. I yank it open, but Carter is right behind me. His arms darts past me and he slams the door shut. I press up against the wood closing my eyes. Why did I think I would actually be able to have a normal conversation with him?

Keeping his hand against the door, he presses his chest against my back. I can feel every hard muscle and I flatten my body against the door. I feel his hot breath on my neck and it sends shivers racing through my body.

Even after all these years, my body has a mind of its own when it comes to Carter Hayes.

“I’m not going to hurt you. Let’s both just calm down, okay,” he whispers.

I nod quickly. He moves back and I turn around so I can at least see him.

“I’m sorry I threw the glass. I’m just so fucking upset right now.” He looks at me and I nod again. “Don’t look at me like that, Della. I’ve never hit a woman and I won’t start now. I just want clarity on what the hell happened four years ago.”

“Okay,” I say but I don’t move away from the door. He has done nothing to earn my trust.