Thread: The Heiress and the Hacker [[Silva & Quix]]

After he'd recovered from the initial shock of Alexandra's strike, and resisted his impulse to retaliate, Richard had found himself almost pleased that she'd slapped him. He'd been concerned that Mr Huntington's influence over the preceding years would have taken all the fight out of her, particularly when it came to men, but it appeared his ex-lover hadn't lost all of her fire and passion, or become completely subservient. Richard felt a brief flare at hope that it hadn't been just the threat which had brought about her reaction, but that somewhere buried deep inside Alexandra lay the same emotions and memories of what they'd had, and lost, that had caused him to issue it. His decision to move away appeared to ease the tension, and as he'd relayed the details of his past, Richard could see that Alexandra was affected by the revelations. His caresses when the distance closed between them, emanated from a desire to console, without words, as much as they did from his need for physical contact with his ex-lover. Richard couldn't recall ever having opened himself up before to anyone in the manner he'd just done with Alexandra. His head tilted to press more firmly against the palm of her hand, and he lifted his arm to take hold of her slender wrist, and keep her touch against his face. However, before he could, Richard was distracted by her words, and his palm came to rest on her shoulder. A half-smile formed on his lips when she acknowledged that she'd like for them to become re-acquainted, but it soon disappeared when the conversation turned to her Father, then James Astor. The room seemed to shrink and become eerily silent as a knot formed in his stomach. Richard had read about the relationship, and that may well have been the trigger for his decision to sneak into the Huntington residence and finally confront her, but to have it confirmed by Alexandra herself took his breath away, and he had to avert his gaze. I know. The words were issued through gritted teeth, and he bit his tongue before anything further could spill from his lips. Richard's first instinct had been to mock James Astor - in his mind, anyone approved of by Mr Huntington was not a worthy suitor for his daughter - however to deride her choice of partner and it could be Alexandra's choice would serve no purpose. Richard had no intentions of forcing himself, unwanted, back in to her life, and if anything were to come of the night, it would be Alexandra's decision. Any obvious display of bitterness and jealousy would just make it easier for her to not decide in his favour, and although he'd been caught off-guard with his ex-lover's admission of the relationship, her initial response still provided a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. James Astor was a subject best avoided, at least for the time being, and Richard attempted to not let his true feelings show as he stepped away, and changed the subject. What I will never comprehend is that you continue to you allow your father to control you, even though you freely admit that you wish it were different. Richard spoke over his shoulder as walked to the desk, and rifled through the drawers. There was a brief pause as he located a pen and note-pad, deposited the pad on the desk and began to write. Yet, you do nothing to change the status quo. I have no concept of what it's like to be in your shoes, or what you're forced to endure, but you'll never be free just by wishing it were so. Then his eyes lifted and bored into Alexandra's. If you truly want something bad enough, you need to take action. The declaration unsoken just as he had that night. Richard's focus remained on Alexandra as, finished writing, he ripped the top page from the pad, dropped the implements in to the drawer from which they'd been removed, and approached her with arm extended. My cell number, and address. As he awaited to see if she'd accept, his free hand lifted to brush Alexandra's cheek. I'm not going to reveal my profession. Not here, not yet. The yet, uttered in the optimistic hope that this wouldn't be the final occasion on which they spoke. But trust me when I say that if you ever do decide that claiming your independence is worth the risk of angering your Father, I can help, and keep you safe. Every man has his weakness Blair Huntington is not God, and he's not omnipotent no matter what you've been raised to believe. You can either spend the next sixty years dancing to another's tune, whether it be his, or your future husband's, or you can control your own destiny. Richard paused, and his fingers moved to play with the hair at the nape of her neck, the gesture matched by a more gentle tone of voice. However, I didn't come in an attempt to bend you to my will, or force you to acquiesce to my demands that'd make me no better than the man I despise. But I wonder? The statements he was about to make were purely guesswork, based on intuition, and the questions not so much ones to be answered, but instead, hopefully contemplated in his absence. When's the last time you dared be yourself the intelligent, bright, and opinionated woman, whose independence and spontaneity I fell in love with? Is she still there Alexandra, or have you left her behind? Was she not worth fighting to save? He raised a questioning eyebrow, then his gaze lifted to the exit. Richard had given it his best shot, and regardless of what lay ahead between them, he'd no longer need be wracked with guilt, or blame himself for not having tried. His hand dropped from her face to his side. Only you can decide what makes you content. If it's your Family, James Astor, and continuing on as you are, I'll need to accept that, and move on. If not, call, come visit, even if only to talk. His eyes returned to his ex-lover, and he pressed his contact details more firmly against her fingers, and motioned to the door with a nod his head. You'd best return to the function before they send a search party. I'll find my own way out.