"Welcome to the team, Your Highness. Although I must say, your selection of your partner is interesting," Mr. Walters said eyes observant.
With a blank look and a polite smile, Richard turned towards him, "Thank you for your welcome. It'll be an interesting experience for sure."
"Yes, especially with Ms. Khan there. Dare I say, I feel a bit jealous of how closely the two of you will be working together," Mr. Walters said teasingly, but his eyes held a vicious glint.
"Well, I'm sure we'll be able to find some project to work on together," Richard evaded smoothly.
"Yes...," Mr. Walters said noncommittally. "I'll take your leave now. Do let me know how Ms. Khan performs, yes," Mr. Walters nodded as he walked away leaving Richard frozen in shock at the loaded statement. Recovering quickly, he looked over at George and watched him frown.
"Apologies Your Highness, but just between the two of us; that man is a slimy piece of shit," George muttered softly, shaking his head. "Come on, lets meet the others on the floor."
Once again, Richard had to force himself to walk past Farrah barely acknowledging her. He knew that this is what she wanted. She had pleaded to him to be formal with her and he tried his best. He refrained from talking to her much other than asking the necessary questions and even then, he choose his words carefully. He already had an idea of the rumours that might be flying around her after the announcement of her segment. But good God, he was overwhelmed by the viciousness he had overheard in the words that were spoken about her.
That man, Chris-or-whatever, not only was he insulting his mother he proceeded to coolly call Farrah a whore and no one batted an eyelid around here. He wanted to turn and break that man's face, similarly how he was itching to break Mr. Walters nose right now. He schooled his features into a polite expression and tried to be engaging in whatever George was saying.
"You're fucking red in the face, mate. You need to calm down," Ben whispered in his ears.
Nodding understandingly, he spied some flowers and offhandedly said, "Someone's Valentine's started early."
"Aah, that is Khan's desk. She's got an admirer. Been getting flowers almost weekly," George said with a chuckle. George then guided Richard towards the next person and repeated the introductions. Richard tried his best but he just could not pay attention to what was being said. The sound of his heart thundered in his ears, and Richard started fearing in earnest that Farrah might not be a part of his life.
Once done with meeting every one of the floor, Richard excused himself and headed towards the car. He felt as though the open space was closing in on him and he needed an out. He barely remembered what he said and did, and he knew when he was in a better state he would have to ask Ben what exactly had happened. He vaguely registered Ben talking to someone in a quiet tone on the phone as he leaned back in the lift. The cool steel gave him some relief but he needed to be outside, to breathe better.
They had made their way to the car when Ben said, "Sir, just a minute." Pausing Richard stood facing the car looking up when he felt two arms wrap around his torso.
"Another panic attack?" Farrah murmured in his ear.
Clenching his jaw, Richard squeezed his eyes shut. He wanted to tell her yes, just to keep her there with him. To have her wrap her arms around him; to feel like he was finally home. But he knew that if she finds out that he lied, she will be beyond angry with him. And he respected her too much to lie for his own selfish reasons.
"No," he said gruffly. "Just angry. Furious, really." He thought that her arms would retract but instead the grip tightened around his torso. And terrified, he thought to himself, terrified of losing you.
"At me?" she asked quietly.
"Never at you," he said his voice still gruff. The tight grip started loosening from his around his body and he quickly put his hand on Farrah's hand stopping her movements. "Don't, don't move. I need a minute." Gripping her hand, he gently tugged her to face him and wrapped his arms around her, "Just one minute, please."
He felt Farrah nod her head against his chest, and they both stood there in the quiet, curtained by Richard's security detail and hidden by the beams in the basement parking. Richard knew that Farrah could hear the pounding of his heart, but he didn't care. It didn't matter that she knew how his heart raced when she was next to him. In fact, she ought to know, just so that she will believe him when he finally tells her that he is unequivocally in love with her. And there was nothing that would change that.
Richard heard Ben his throat, discreetly signalling that it was time for Richard to let go. Clenching his jaw again, he caught Ben's gaze and nodded. Inhaling deeply, he let the warmth of Farrah's scent settle deep in his chest. It felt like he was finally taking something of hers with him, a piece of her was staying with him. "I'm leaving for New York, tomorrow. This is the last leg of the literacy campaign," he said softly into her hair.
"How long will you be gone?" she muttered into his chest.
"Four weeks. You will need to schedule Paris with Stacey," he said, his hold tightening again.
Again, they stood in silence, the only sound between them was the sound of the engine from Richard's Range Rover. He felt Farrah's chest expand as she took a deep breathe, "Richard, it's time to let go now."
Both at loosened their hold as their arms dropped to their sides. Farrah kept her face away from Richard. He had an idea of what was going on in her head. He knew that she was probably scolding herself for hugging him, for giving in to him. He only wished that she knew that this was the only liberty that he allowed himself with her. He wanted to desperately touch her, kiss her...but he controlled those desperations with an iron clad will. And he will do everything in his power to hold on to it.
To stop himself from reaching out for her again, he shoved his hands into his coat pockets, "What would you like from New York?" he asked smiling down at her.
Farrah rolled her eyes, "The Statue of Liberty would be nice."
Richard chuckled, "Well, that's an easy one. Give me something harder, love."
Farrah exhaled harshly, as she looked up at him and the warmth of her breath fanned his face. He watched her study him. He waited for her to answer him.
"I don't want anything Richard. Just come back safely to..." Farrah trailed, as she looked away. To her, she wanted him to come back safely to her and the happiness that exploded in his heart at that realization was unrivaled by anything in his life.
"...to...to shoot the segment," Farrah continued haltingly, still not meeting his eyes.
Richard took a step closer towards, as he clenched his hands into fists in the pockets, "I'll be safe, love." He saw her nod and he walked backwards. As he was about to sit, he called out to her. He wanted her eyes on him before he left, "Farrah..." she looked up from the floor and met his gaze, a small smile on her lips, "I'll see you soon love, yeah."
He sat in his car and shut the door as he watched her stand a few feet away. As they drove away, he threw his back against the headrest with a soft thump. "What now?" he heard Ben ask. Shaking his head, Richard answered, "Nothing."
He forgot to address all the sexual innuendos that were flying around in that office of hers. He forgot to explain to her the reason that he was furious in the first place.
"Ben, I need you to go over who will be part of the team for both the segments. I need you to make sure, that blonde bloke Farrah was glaring at is not in the team," he rapped out.
"Would you like a background check as well, Your Highness," Ben said sarcastically.
Raising an eyebrow at Ben, "Yes, while you're at it; a background check will do." He heard Ben groan, but he easily ignored as he went back to the moments that Farrah was in his arms.
***
Well, well, well...a new chapter guys. TBH, I am desperately trying to get this story finished by the end of the year. Trying - being the key word here.
But seriously though, Richard is pretty damn swoon-worthy. Big sighs.
As usual, show me the love guys: vote, comment and shareeeee.
Also, a big thank you to @Aisha_Yaz for all the votes!! Sending you hugs and kisses xoxo