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

Throughout he and Alexandra's relationship, one that lasted a number of months, Richard had never stepped foot in the family manor. A few times, when her parents were away for business, or off on one of their international jaunts, he'd requested Alexandra provide him a tour, so he could see how the 'other half' lived, but she'd never dared allow him inside. Consequently, he had no idea where the door led, and hoped that it wasn't into trouble. If he were be to be spotted by anyone who recognised him from years earlier, Richard had no doubt that he'd be thrown out. Most likely after being beaten to a pulp by Mr Huntington's henchman the man didn't perform the dirty work himself. Richard had found that out the hard way when he and Alexandra's relationship had been exposed. After ignoring several not so subtle warnings from her Father's personal assistant, he received an unexpected visit one afternoon when his parents were at work, from two exceptionally large and muscular men. They'd been professionals, and no permanent damage was rendered the only marks left on his body were deep bruises, not visible under clothing, and which faded after a few weeks. Richard never had the opportunity to mention the beating to Alexandra, nor the call afterwards. From the man himself. The Huntington's did not associate with poor, white trash, and Richard was to cease all communication with Alexandra immediately. If his employees were required to play Richard a second visit, they wouldn't be as lenient as on the first. Richard had told him to fuck off, however the subsequent day he'd seen what Huntington was capable of, and the influence he held. On his arrival at school, Richard was advised that his scholarship had been withdrawn, and was then escorted from the premises. His parents said it 'was for the best'. Huntington had gotten to them as well. That didn't stop the young man from attempting to contact Alexandra. He spoke to her one last time, and it wasn't a pleasant exchange. Richard had continued to scream into the phone long after she'd ended the call. The next time he dialed her cell-phone, the number had been disconnected. Richard despised her Father for what had occurred, and as often as he'd thought of Alexandra, he'd contemplated revenge. However, Huntington was good. Richard had learned that all men had secrets, and usually the more power and wealth they possessed, the more debauched those secrets were, however as deep as he'd dug, Richard had been unable to unearth Mr Huntington's. Yet. Richard would need take the risk of approaching Alexandra without the security of any intelligence to be used against her Father if things went awry. All of that ran through his mind as he slipped through the doorway, and his gaze landed on the slim figure of the woman who stood in the hall. Richard's heart skipped a beat when she turned, and for the first time in years, he laid eyes on Alexandra Huntington. With his vision adjusted to the dimmer light, he saw that his comment had been correct she'd matured, and appeared to him even more beautiful than she'd ever been. He took a step forward, as if to touch her - to see if she were real - but before he could, her response stopped him in his tracks. Did she really not recognise him? As her eyes roamed his body, his remained on her face in an attempt to read her expression. Something in Alexandra's demeanour had his nerves on edge. The distant tone of her response didn't ring true, and was not how he'd have expected her to greet one of her Father's important guests, if she truly did not know who he was. The anger which had consumed Richard during their last conversation came flooding back as he perceived a deception, and it boiled over when she moved to exit. Although he'd mostly blamed her Father, he'd also been angry at Alexandra for her acquiescence to the man's wishes, and the termination of their relationship, and that had anger had turned to bitterness over time. Richard hadn't comprehended the pressure she must have been under, and he didn't think about that now. All he could recall, as she attempted to ignore him, was how he'd been made to feel that night, and determined that he was not to be dismissed again. Not until he'd said his piece. As Alexandra reached for the door, a hand flashed out to to grab her wrist. 'Someone like me, what does that mean? Did your Father finally manage to poison your mind, or did he steal your memory at the same time he took your independence? Richard's voice was harsh as he tightened his grip on her wrist, and dragged her away from the exit. With more force than intended, he shoved her against the side wall, and pinned Alexandra's body with his own. How long since they'd been this close? He could feel her warmth through the fabric of the dress, but that was just a brief thought - a flashback to their good times together - and quickly forgotten as his eyes bore into hers. Because that's what he always wanted, wasn't it? Richard almost spat the words out as the fingers of his free hand cupped either side of her jaw, and he twisted her head to face the doorway outside of which mingled stuffy old hypocrites, and boring politicians, whose only concerns were power, money and reputation. Not a daughter to love, but a servant he doesn't have to pay one who makes him look good, and enhances his reputation by pandering to rich, influential friends, and faking interest in tedious conversations. One who wouldn't dare display independence, or to express any thoughts or desires not first explicitly approved by him that could upset the applecart, and derail his political aspirations. It's a small price to pay though, isn't it Alexandra? Richard pulled her head back around to face him, and leaned in closer. Because we both know what you receive as a reward. One eyebrow cocked, and he paused for effect. Your doting Father will find you a husband one he deems worthy of entry to the great Huntington family, and who can help further his ambitions. Then you get to spend the rest of your life serving your husband, just as you've been taught. Without question. Exactly like all those other pathetic wives out there. No wonder the men take mistresses. Richard's anger abated as his tirade - one which had been on his mind for years, and whilst harsh, and possibly incorrect, was what he truly thought - came to an end, and his tone became one of resignation. He released his hold on Alexandra, took a step back, and motioned to the exit. You remember me alright. I've never blamed you for what happened we were young, but now we're both adults. If you still haven't found the courage to stand up to your parents, how could I expect you to have enough to own up to your past. Richard motioned towards the door a second time.Leave, if that's what you want Alexandra, and pretend I never existed. Go make Daddy happy, and fulfill the purpose for which you were born.