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

He hadn't considered how his sudden reappearance would affect Alexandra, and it was only when accused of extortion that Richard realised the shock it must have caused, and immediately intuited the source of her anxiety. Why else would he have returned, except to create trouble? Their relationship was over, and long forgotten, it could only be for money. If the images were released in the public domain, Alexandra's name would be dragged through the mud, as would her Father's, and he could only the imagine the price Mr Huntington would force her to pay. However, the fact he understood from where the fear emanated, did nothing to provide Richard solace to the contrary, it only further enraged him. Once he'd believed the girl would have entrusted him with her life, however the ease in with which she'd so quickly assumed him capable of using their previous relationship for personal gain made it appear as if that long-held conviction had been but a mirage. With their bodies touching Alexandra's sweet sandalwood perfume in his nostrils, the soft swell of her breasts pressed to his chest when she moved, her lips almost close enough to kiss, and gorgeous blue eyes meeting his desire rose in Richard, and melded with anger. A desire to punish Alexandra Huntington for his pain, as at the same time, he once again claimed the woman as his. The threat slipped from his mouth without conscious thought, and he immediately wished the words back. Her question reverberated in his mind, and Richard knew that he couldn't answer it with full honesty. Was he really here to say a final goodbye, or had he come in an attempt to rekindle their relationship, or was his presence for another purpose entirely? Whatever his motivations, threatening to take the woman you once loved, by force, was not the way to achieve anything good. However, it was too late for an apology the fire had been lit in Alexandra, and Richard felt the slap before he became aware it was to come. The man gasped in surprise, and his head rocked to the side the suddenness of her strike causing the fingers buried in Alexandra's hair to tighten their grip, and almost tear strands of it from her scalp. Instinctively, he released his hold on her wrist, and swung that arm up, knuckles directed at her cheek. Richard's back-handed slap contained enough force to bring the woman to her knees, however just before it connected, he regained control of his actions, and pulled it a half inch from her face. He laughed without mirth, and his eyes bore into hers. I guess I gave up the fucking right to care, too? Then Richards arm dropped to her shoulder, and he forcefully shoved her body away. A palm lifted to his cheek, which burned from her slap, and rubbed. At least I see Daddy hasn't beaten all the old spirit out of you. Give it time. He will. Richard held her gaze for a few moments, then turned his back he needed to put some distance between them before he committed an act that could never be forgiven. A moment later, he found himself beside the expensive oak desk, fists clenched at his side. He focused his attention on Alexandra, and when he spoke, though his words remained harsh, most of the anger had faded. Why did I scream at you? The man paused to take a deep breath, and closed his eyes. When they reopened, he exhaled, and his tone softened. I never had the chance to tell you what your Father was capable of about the visit I'd received from his thugs. How one held me, arms pinned, as the other beat me with his fists until I threw up, then kicked me in the ribs as I did. Or the phone call afterwards as I lay gasping for air, from the great and respected Mr Huntington himself, where he assured me if I attempted to continue my dalliance with his daughter, the next time his employees were required to visit, I'd be taken away in an ambulance. Or a hearse. My scholarship was summarily withdrawn the next day, and I wasn't allowed on school premises. That night, when finally you answered your phone, you declared it was over, without even offering me a choice. Why did I scream Alexandra, why the hell do you think I screamed? The humiliation of being unable to protect himself from that beating would forever burn in his Richard's soul, and his voice cracked as he remembered it with perfect clarity. However, then he'd been only a boy, and not the man he'd grown into. A man who'd long since vowed to never be made to cower in fear, or bow to anyone, ever again, as long as he drew breath, and it took only a moment for him to regain his composure. I don't know how he persuaded you to end our relationship, or what lies he told, but I guarantee you, Alexandra, they were lies. Your Father's the criminal, not I, and always has been. A lying, scheming, perverted asshole. Richard's hand flew up to motion in the direction of the ballroom, and his voice rose as he walked towards her. I may not have the evidence yet, but I will. He's no different from any of the other hypocrites out there. If you only knew the truth, just being in the same room as any of them would make your skin crawl, and you wouldn't remain in this house another minute. Then suddenly Richard's arm dropped, and his mouth clamped shut. His professional success, and personal safety, relied on anonymity, and he'd just exposed knowledge of her Father's associates activities to the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the State. It was possible Alexandra had never loved him, and was to be forever Daddy's girl, and the man stood less than a hundred feet away, with only two closed doors between them. Richard mentally scolded his carelessness, and quickly changed tack as he again came face-to-face with his former lover, and locked his piercing blue eyes on her own. You're still to answer my questions Alexandra.