UNHOLY PASSION

CHAPTER TWO: THE PRINCE OF HARRINGTON

Harrington had never understood the meaning of the word struggle.

He was twenty-two years old and had lived his entire life surrounded by wealth.

His father, Richard Harrington, was the chairman of Harrington Holdings, a construction empire with offices across the country.

His mother, Evelyn, owned luxury fashion stores.

Daniel grew up in a mansion with marble floors, fountains, private security, and servants who knew his preferences better than he knew theirs.

If he wanted something, he bought it.

If someone disappointed him, he replaced them.

If he didn't like a professor, he complained.

His family had enough influence to make most problems disappear.

Daniel was handsome, intelligent, confident—and arrogant.

Especially arrogant.

Girls followed him around campus.

Some wanted his attention.

Others wanted his money.

Daniel knew the difference.

At least, he thought he did.

That Monday morning, he arrived at university in a black sports car.

His friend Marcus was waiting near the library.

"You are late."

Daniel removed his sunglasses.

"I know."

"You've missed half the lecture."

"Then the lecturer should have started later."

Marcus laughed.

"One day your arrogance will kill you."

Daniel smiled.

"I'll buy death when that day comes."

They entered the library.

Daniel carried a book under one arm.

He was distracted by a message on his phone and didn't notice a student approaching.

He turned suddenly.

The book flew from his hand.

It hit the young woman directly in the shoulder.

Her papers scattered across the floor.

Daniel stared.

She stared back.

"Seriously?"

Daniel frowned.

"You walked into me."

"I was standing still."

Marcus looked down, trying not to laugh.

The girl bent down to collect her papers.

Daniel watched her.

She wore a simple blue dress.

Her shoes were old.

Her backpack had clearly been repaired several times.

But her face was beautiful.

Not in the artificial way of the girls he knew.

There was something sincere about her.

He picked up one of her papers.

"Here."

She took it.

"Thank you."

Then she looked at him.

"You should apologize."

Daniel raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me?"

"You hit me."

"I didn't mean to."

"That doesn't mean you shouldn't apologize."

Daniel wasn't accustomed to being corrected.

Especially not by strangers.

"You know who I am?"

She stared at him.

"No."

"I'm Daniel Harrington."

She smiled.

"Should that mean something to me?"

Marcus laughed loudly.

Daniel glared at him.

The girl gathered the last of her papers.

"I'm Amara."

Then she walked away.

Daniel watched her.

Marcus approached.

"You're finished."

"What?"

"You've met your match."

Daniel scoffed.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Marcus smiled.

"You like her."

"I don't."

"You absolutely do."

Daniel looked in the direction she had gone.

He said nothing.