Crossing The Devils Path

chap 24

Richa's pov:
I heard a scream and jolted awake. I touched my face and I felt tears flowing down my face endlessly. I was perspiring and I realised I was the one who screamt. I kept crying silently and stared in blank space. One more dream but what did it mean. Was it just a nightmare showing me my insecurity? Or did it mean something else? The last time I saw such a nightmare Sam came back in my life. And this nightmare was even worst. I saw betrayal, I saw my marriage with the one person whose mere sight made me feel disgusted. Most importantly I saw Samaira.
My heart was filled with grief and an ache.
Suddenly I realised someone was shaking me I looked to the side of my bed to see a worried looking Richard next to me.
"Richa baby what's wrong? Another nightmare?" he asked.
I just stared at him in shock and two words came out of my mouth
" Sam...samaira" was all I could say between hiccups.
He looked at me and clenched his jaw but instantly took me in his arms. I couldn't resist his warmth, I needed him and his support. For a woman who never let anyone in, who didn't ever cry even in front of her own parents or family... Me relying on Richard spoke a thousand words. It mean alot but I didn't want to think about it. I melted in his arms as if they were made for me to fit in them. He rubbed his hand up and down my back trying to console me while I cried my heart out.
" Let it all out " He said. That was my breaking point. I cried and cried till I felt my energy drain out.
" I will never let that jerk near you ever again Richa. " he said while gently swaying us together. I wiped my tears and looked up at him
" And Samaira? " I asked
" She will never be a part of my life again. You are my life now Richa."I just stared at him trying to observe every word he said.
" you are my jaan" He said in his bristish accent. I laughed at his accent but secretly thought it was pretty sexy.
That was an assurance I had needed. My crying stopped and I felt a little better. I now knew Richard would trust me. He would be there for me, standing by my side when I need him the most. But a small part of my conscience wasn't satisfied because I hadn't told Richard that sam is sameer. I would tell him just not now. He shushed me up and tucked me in bed again. Almost reading my mind that I didn't want him to leave, he tucked himself in bed beside me.
His arm snaked around my waist and he pulled me close. My back hit his chest and I could feel his breathing on my neck.
Eventually the sound of his breathing lulled me back to sleep.

Richard's pov:
The next morning I opened my eyes to a peaceful Richa sleeping next to me. I plopped myself on one elbow and just stared at Richa's beautiful face. I really love her don't I? I could get used to seeing her sleeping like this everyday.
I sighed thinking even though I knew I loved her I couldn't tell her right now. That douche bag still haunted her dreams. I have to drive him out of her heart and mind. And eventually that is what I would do. I slowly slid out of bed trying not to disturb her sleep. Her screams still echoed in my ear disturbing my peace of mind. I went to my room and changed into business formals. I had work to attend to. I decided to go check up on Richa. I walked into her room and saw Richa was still asleep. So, i went to her side of the bed and sat on my knees. I trailed my finger on her cheeks and she smiled slightly, in her sleep. Seeing her smile brought a smile on my face too. I leaned down to give her a peck on her cheeks. But suddenly Richa moved her face upwards and my kiss landed on her lips. Her eyes flickered open but once I started the kiss i couldn't pull away. I didn't want my lips to leave the warmth and sweetness of her lips. She didn't respond so I was about to pull away but she put her arms around my neck and deepened the kiss. I lost track of time of how long we kept kissing until we heared someone clearing their throat. Unwillingly we pulled away. I glared at Dante who stood near the bed trying hard to control his laugh.
"What the hell Dan" I asked frustrated
" Hey how was I to know you both were having a hot makeout session this morning. When Mr you are the one who called me for the meeting today" Dante said smirking
I just gave him an annoyed look and looked at Richa who had turned all red. She looked so freaking adorable. I looked at Dante and motioned for him to get out along with me.
We went to the terrace to have breakfast which was already setup and ready for us.
We sat down and began to eat. After a while a yawning Richa entered wearing a blue jumpsuit and a high ponytail.
" Stop staring so much. Give your eyes a break bro" Dante said chuckling.
I gave him a look which said keep shut. He chuckled seeing the look I gave him. Richa came and sat next to us. We resumed breakfast. I was about to start saying my plan when Dante spoke " So beautiful how's your day going?"
She smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. She said lookes down trying to ignore our questions. She wasn't in a mood and that was evident enough.
" So the plan is..." I started
" To make Richa Mrs Carlson " Dante said.
Richa literally spat her coffee on the table and choked. Dante's words brought a smile to my face but Richa poor thing was choking endlessly. Suprisingly, both me and Dante where rubbing Richa's back together. Dante had a genuine worried look but for some reason his eyes had a look I couldn't decipher.
Finally Richa was fine and we started our discussion again after Richa gave me a reassuring smile that she was okay.
" The plan is Rachael that is Richa will call Sam saying she wants to meet him. But without sounding desperate. We have to make him believe that Rachael is taking interest in him. So that he puts in more efforts to.win her." I looked at Richa and she nodded for me to continue.
" Then Dante you will make sure you and a bodyguard will always follow Richa at all times."I completed.
" So your saying Richa has to go for a date with Sam. Right?" Dante asked
I clenched my fist and with gritted teeth I said " pretty much"
Seeing my reaction Richa rubbed her hands on my thighs and whispered softly to my ears
" I will be fine Richard I promise"
I smiled at her. From.today I had to be careful about Richa. Make sure my revenge doesn't take a toll on her.

RICHA'S POV
I was pacing the room with the phone in my hand. I knew how to change my voice while talking. But some part of me was scared to talk to him. To tell him something he shouldn't know. I was anxious of losing my temper with him. Two minute on the phone and he would realise I am.Richa and not Rachael.
No Richa you cant back out on Richard he needs you. Come on baby you gotta do this.
Mustering all my courage I called Sam with shaking hands. Within two rings he picked up.
" Hello is it sam?" I asked with the accent I had been practicing for days.
" yes mam. At your service. So i get it, you want to meet me right? Wait for my message. I will text you the day and time. Be ready Miss Rachael we have a date."
He said and hung up.
Rude jerk! What the hell was that. Urgh! A date with this asshole. What have I got myself into?