Feigning pretence?

Richard's POV

I stood by the side, as I listened for the tapping of her legs on the checkered marble tiles.

Jackson had left earlier, to make preparations. I could just about guess that, he looked so happy as he skidded away, like he had won the lottery.

He would have enough time to do whatever he had in mind, but that doesn't involve him taking her away from me. I was going to make sure of that.

“ Reina” I stepped out of the shadows, wrapping my hands around her wrist. Startling her in the process.

“ I never meant to” I quickly apologized, taking in how she had flinched as though she was irritated by my touch. I gnashed my teeth. At a loss at what to do, but still, I ambled further.

“ Don't! Richard! Don't!” Her fingers were pointed at me, letting me know that I wasn't supposed to come any closer.

I sighed deeply, rattled by how she looked so serious, and I didn't know what to do. “Reina, please, you have to understand”

She let out a chuckle before snapping back, as though sh