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

How could he even have even contemplated striking this woman only moments ago? Richard's gaze roamed over Alexandra as she stumbled against the bookcase, and he instinctively perceived the answer. Alexandra was the only woman he'd ever truly loved one of the few people capable of bringing out emotions, and aspects of his character, which normally remained dormant. Through their relationship it had mostly been positive attributes, but within Richard lay a darkness which rarely saw the light of day. If Alexandra hadn't slapped him, he may well have carried through with his threat, and departed the Huntington mansion with more regrets than with which he'd entered. And in handcuffs. As he revealed what had occurred - the first time he'd ever spoken of the incident - Richard was uncertain of the reaction it would engender. Would Alexandra accept her Father capable of such actions, or would her upbringing, and his domineering influence, have led her to believe the entire Huntington family could do no wrong, and it was Richard who lied. Whatever response was to come, a weight lifted from Richard's shoulders with the words. Frustration had been the major source of his anger towards his ex-lover, generated by his inability to relate his side of the story, and the knowledge that Alexandra hadn't all the facts at her disposal. If the Huntington family hadn't been the subject of considerable media exposure, the passage of time may erased Alexandra from his mind, or at least enabled him to view their adolescent tryst through rose-coloured glasses. However, what was, couldn't be changed. With their wealth and fame, they moved in different circles from Richard - circles to which he'd never receive an offer to join -, hidden behind ten-foot high walls, and private telephone lines, unable to be reached, yet still on public display. The constant references to Alexandra in the media meant she'd always remained in the forefront of Richard's mind. As did her great and respected Father, who stared up from the front page of the newspaper, with a smile on his face that appeared to deliberately mock. The man spouted political bullshit, and uttered stances on morals and family values the voters lapped up, which Richard knew from painful experience to be untrue. A leopard never changed its spots. His expression softened as he reached Alexandra, the threat of violence being only one wrong word away no longer a possibility, and when she met his gaze Richard inclined his head to indicate his acceptance of her apology, for whatever reason it was given. He remained silent, even though the pause she took to run her hand through her hair and regain composure, made him want to provide solace, and offer an apology of his own. Richard wasn't the only one to have been hurt, but he'd been too much of a selfish prick to have ever taken the time to comprehend how Alexandra must have felt. Damn Mr Huntington. That the man had lied to his own daughter, and accused her boyfriend of only being interested in their wealth did not surprise Richard in the slightest. When Alexandra finished speaking, he shook his head, and reached up to cup her chin in the palm of one hand. His voice was gentle. It was your Father's doing. We were both young, and I never truly believed you were aware, even if I did apportion blame. Richard took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly before he continued. That's what burned. I was certain you were deceived, and I was never given the opportunity to defend myself. You asked why I came? I came to clear the air, and to know that in the future whenever I see your image, or hear the Huntington name, I won't be wracked with regret and remorse. Or guilt that I didn't protect you from your Father's dominating will, and fight with all of my strength to save what we had. Richard paused as the words caught in his throat. He'd always imagined that he'd let Alexandra down, and should have done more. But in reality, what could he have done? Stormed the gates of the school, and demanded he be allowed to see her. Entered the family mansion, unseen, in the dead of night, and stolen his lover away? Richard quickly re-gathered his thoughts, and the pad of his thumb brushed her lower lip. I've never forgotten you, and I doubt I ever will. It's possible one of the reasons I'm here is to attempt to win you back I can't fully explain my motivations. Maybe too much time has passed, and what initially brought us together no longer exists neither of us are who we used to be. But what I do know, Alexandra, is that I'm no longer a boy, and I refuse to allow my happiness to be dictated by anyone. I make my own choices, and I hope that you're able to make yours. If you wish me to leave you in peace, I will, and you can rest assured that I intend you no harm. Richard continued to glide his thumb across Alexandra's lip as he spoke, then the back of his hand drifted down her graceful neck the touches not designed to influence or arouse, but because it had been so long since he'd had the opportunity to caress her. A good memory to take with him if this were to be their final moment together. Would you prefer that I disappear from your life, or are you willing to take a chance, and allow us to become reacquainted, as adults this time, and risk the wrath of your Father? Richard's eyes held hers, and the softness of his tone belied the surety with which he spoke the next words. He doesn't frighten me Alexandra, not now that I can fight back.