Even though her family was nowhere to be seen, there was still someone who cared for her well-being and valued her as an individual. She didn't know how else to show how grateful she felt, so she moved closer and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"You are just the sweetest." Victoria whispered in his ear.
Richard breathed in the delicate scent coming from her neck, making the hairs on his skin rise. It felt soothing yet prickled at the same time as a hint of desire overtook his senses for a second, reminding him of his suppressed feelings toward the woman embracing him right now.
"Victoria, are you alright?" Richard asked as he noticed her shoulders tensing up when she hugged him, pulling her away at arms' length to look into her eyes with a worried gaze.
She thought about avoiding his eyes but didn't, knowing that lying wouldn't hide anything from him anymore. "You see right through me, as always."
