Crossing The Devils Path

Chap 47-Getting her

Richard's Pov:
Maya kept asking questions about how I would pursue Richa. The elevator ride had been pure torture. Maya happened to be one of my most trusted friends. I had met her back in university when she had come to UK to pursue her masters degree in business. With her happy go lucky attitude and sharp mind I found myself attracted to her. We would have been a couple by now. But the fact was I had proposed to her and she turned me down. The very next day she came up to my apartment in a drunken stupor and kissed me . That was when we realised there were no sparks.
Crazy woman kissed me to prove that we don't like each other more than buddies.
Soon after university got over we went separate ways in life. Occasionally we kept in touch through facebook. But now that I was here I had to meet her . If I didn't she would have my head on a platter. I knew that she was the only woman I could trust in pursuing Richa. Though she was single we knew we weren't attracted to each other still. So she would keep her distance and I wouldn't have to worry.
"I must say your acting skills are still flawless. " I commented mentioning about what happened at the charity gala.
"Obviously duh. Have you forgotten I was the best actor on and off stage since college babe."
she said proudly with a smirk.
I laughed she was still full of herself.
"Ok so what next?" Maya asked excitedly.
"We have to behave like a couple for a while. Richa will not give anything away so easily. One thing is for sure, she's changed." I sighed.
" Of course she would have. Have you ever thought how much she might have gone through when Sameer kidnapped her and then she had to hesistantly leave you. Running away from your love on your wedding day and being forced to hide your identity...that's a pretty tough life." Maya stated.
"My woman is tough ." I smiled with guilt clawing at my heart. I should have paid more attention to her and her moves.
The elevator dinged and we got out smoothly. We decided to check in in the same hotel so no one would be suspicious. Her room would be right next to mine with a connecting door so she could come and go whenever needed.
This facade better work out . Richa is smart ,if I have to outdo her I need to be smarter and always a step ahead.

Richa's Pov:
I was furious after Richard left. I just wanted to be back home in my comfortable bed. But Ray insisted that we needed to meet some business heads so I was tagging along. My mind kept replaying the image of Richard.
My my! He looked handsome as ever tonight. That Maya! I am going to wring her neck or murder her with my bare hands.How dare she come even a mile near my hus..
I forcefully stopped my line of thoughts. I had to remind myself that everything back in London was a plot , a plan; he wouldn't believe in this sham of a marriage. Even though I do.
"Having a problem ?" Ray asked nudging my elbow.
"Ahem...No not at all." I glared back at him.
"You are jealous aren't you?" he smirked.
How on earth and heaven did he figure that out? How did he know I was jealous of Maya being so close to Rich..
"You didn't like me calling Maya gorgeous, right?" he winked.
Oh God! he is entirely on the wrong track.
"What? Oh No I wasn.."I began but Ray being Ray cut me off.
"Oh don't deny it. I saw it in your eyes." he said .
yes but not for you!!! I wanted to scream at him.
"Oh don't get ahead of yourself boss!" I smirked.
He bent his head lower and seductively whispered in my hear
"Baby if she looked gorgeous ..you are looking stunning." he licked my hear which made me gasp.
I am sure I am must have turned a deep crimson. I excused myself and went to have a drink.
After a few minutes Ray came to me asking if I was ready to go home.
"Oh believe me I am more than ready." I said.
At my words his eyes darkened and I think I saw lust and some other emotion swirling in them.
"Lets go then." he said almost immediately; offering me his arm.
I took it gladly and we headed towards the elevator. This time I was praying that nothing out of the ordinary would take place in the elevator..and hopefully it didn't.
Infact the ride to my house was pretty silent too. I was lost in my thoughts and Ray didn't seem to mind. Only when the car screeched to a halt did I realise that we were home. Sighing, I took off the seat belt and started leaving the car. Ray extended his hand blocking me from opening the car door. I gave him a puzzled look at his actions.
"Reena I hope you know my flirting and attitude towards you is just for helping you have a good time. I know you have had a tough past your eyes speak alot . They have this pain constantly swirling through them. I want to take what we have forward but not by rushing you. We will take it slow but first I will wait for your answer . " he smiled brightly.
He really had this heartwarming way of getting his words across. But I was kind of numb to react. Somewhere, I knew this was coming but I was trying to ignore the idea. Now that it happened, I was in a dilemma. It certainly felt like my life was a movie with constant twists in the plot.
With Richard back in the scene, should I move with Ray? Or is this fate's idea of telling me to give Richard a second chance?