Virgin And Broken Daddy

Evelyn

Like the echoes of my broken heart still embedded deep within me, I recall the night Damon Hawke destroyed me as it seemed yesterday. That was the night I discovered his true nature and learned about his actual capabilities. Still, I have spent the years since persuading myself; it makes no difference. Yet it does.

Once upon a time, though, I loved him more than anything. He was all I could have wanted-a man with ambition, might, and a passionate passion capable of igniting a woman. He was everything I could have possibly needed.

He then betrayed me as well.

At first, it was minor-small lies, petty deceptions-until it all came down. He stole the wealth of my family, wrecked everything I had ever worked for, and left without even a cursory glance in my direction. I was simply yet another victim of his merciless quest for supremacy and riches.

But I'm back now, after years of brokenness and at last rebuilding myself from the ashes.

Returning to the scene from whence it began. The spot I promised him to pay for what he did to me. And I would do everything to cause him the suffering he put me through. Even if it means sliding back into his arms.

Though it means loving him once more.

Before the glass doors stands me, the striking Hawke Enterprises emblem shining in the sunlight. From the girl I once was-innocent, hopeful, trusting-the reflection peering back at me is alien. No, the woman staring at me now is scared, tough, and a survivor. Too much effort has gone toward being anything else.

The doors open automatically, and with every stride, my heels click across the marble floor, resonating across the building's magnificent foyer. Though I rarely notice, the glass walls give a clear view of the vast city. Already, my thoughts are on him-the man who destroyed my life-the one whose every breath reminds me of my downfall.

I am here primarily for one thing-revenge.

That will be more difficult than I had anticipated, though. I sense the weight of the past slamming down as soon as I enter the elevator. The familiar smell of his office-leather, expensive cologne, and power-fills my senses, quickens my pulse, and twists my stomach. I am not breathing.

I close my eyes, straighten myself, and will my hands stop shaking. I know the right thing to do. Not this time; I cannot allow my feelings to dictate to me. I'm in command this time.

The elevator doors slide open, and as I step out, my breath freezes in my throat.

Then I started to see him.

Damian Hawke.

Sitting behind a large desk, he is a flawless silhouette in a custom suit. For a moment, my body betrays me-his broad shoulders and dark, penetrating eyes precisely as I recall them. My pulse beats and my heart pauses as a tsunami of memories floods my brain. I drove them all away, though. I'm not here to once more get lost in him. Here I am to demolish him.

Unspoken anxiety buzzes in the air between us. His vision narrows, and for the first time in years I see the familiar flutter of recognition-the knowledge he recognizes me. And in spite of this, I get a tiny surge of something I despise myself for-desire.

"Evelyn," he says, his voice low and commanding, exactly as I recall. "I expected nothing from you."

I try to hide the bitter edge of my voice and say, "No one ever does." But right now I am here.

His eyes darted over me to evaluate. Though it still burns between us, the years of wrath, treachery, and pain that have molded us both smother the flames. I will keep myself from letting him see the way my heart is betraying me. I will myself hold his stare.

He moves toward the chair in front of his desk, "Have a seat." "What can I do for Evelyn?"

I inhale deeply and settle, not looking back. "I want a job," I say straightforwardly. "Here. at Hawke Enterprises.

Clearly startled, he arches an eyebrow. You really are serious?

"I'm quite serious."