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

Their affair has always been a passionate one, as first love usually is. Despite of or in spite of her stubbornness that often led to arguments, Alexandra would have sworn before a jury that Richard would have never laid a finger on her in anger no matter how heated their fights became. And she would have never dared to strike him either. In the aftermath of this blowup she wouldnt deny that she was shaken up, insecurity and confusion evident on her features. Her blue eyes appraised him across the small room, wondering what had happened in their time apart to make them so volatile together. While they may have argued about petty things when they were younger there had never been such an undercurrent of rage that lurked beneath the surface, just waiting for a spark to ignite. Evidently she had been that spark, and now she had to be careful not to get burned further. To say that Alexandra was shocked by Richards following admission would be a gross understatement. As he explained in stark detail what had been done to him as a result of their relationship she could feel her lips parting in surprise, those blue eyes wide and luminous as she tried to imagine what he had gone through. She thought she had suffered from his betrayal, but in reality it had been her father who had betrayed both of them. Richard neednt have worried that she would not believe him, the socialite had seen up close what her father was capable of and had just chosen to turn a blind eye over the years. Her own life went smoother when she complied with his wishes, but knowing how far he had gone to end her first real relationship made her furious. Alexandra had a lot of practice with suppressing her less pleasant emotions, however, so she tried not to let that anger show. The caution that she had initially felt after being nearly struck by Richard seemed to melt away with his admittance of what had happened to him, and she didnt pull away when he approached her again. The heiress wanted to interject after he cupped her chin, but she knew how important it was for him to tell his side of the story. Now hearing and understanding what the true reason was for his sudden reappearance into her life she began to feel foolish for jumping to such farfetched conclusions, and she felt embarrassed for accusing him of only coming here to blackmail her when he was just trying to clear his conscience. Alexandra found herself leaning into his touch, just that tiny swipe of his fingertip against her rosy lips and the now soft touch of his hand on her neck nearly transporting her back to a happier time when they werent at odds. His words resonated through her, and she wanted so badly to tell him that she didnt care what her father thought anymore. But shed be lying, and there had already been enough of that in their relationship. She let out a shaky breath as she appraised him, her hand rising to gently touch the slightly reddened mark on his cheek where she had struck him. I dont even know what to say, Richard. Would I like us to try and be acquaintances, or perhaps even friends? The socialite paused, her hand sliding lower to brush the lapel of his suit and feel the expensive fabric. It was evident that he was doing well for himself, but there was still a wide divide among those with old money and new. Absolutely, I would. But my father still controls me, no matter how much I wish it was the contrary. It was a painful and embarrassing fact to admit, but it was the truth nonetheless. Im his little puppet, and his grip would tighten even more if he knew youd even stepped foot in this house. Her voice was bitter as she admitted that to him, her hand dropping limply to her side. One particular reason for his visit seemed to stick in her mind, however, drawing a slight smile to her lips. You should also know Im sort of in a relationship right now If hed seen the recent magazines then he would know she had been seen out with James Astor occasionally, the son of one of the oldest families in the city and match highly approved by her father.