The Billionaire’s Hidden Heiress
Chapter 102

Grayson

POV

"It's affected her more than I thought it would lan," I said, glad that Flair was out and not able to hear this conversation "She's having nightmares, she's struggling to eat, she's flinching when I try to touch her. I don't know what to do?" I asked, standing in the

bedroom and peering out the window.

"Give it time," lan said gruffly "She went through something that none of us can really relate to. Knox and I have been taken before but we've never been touched against our will the way she was. This was the first time she realized how vulnerable she was. It's not easy to get over something like this Grayson. Heck, the first time Knox and I went through this, it took months of counseling."

"I just want to help her," I said exhaling "I just want her to know that I'm not going to hurt her. Do you have any idea how much it hurts when she flinches as I go to touch her? It's like she's comparing me to that bastard" I seethed.

"It's a reflex, it's not something to be offended by. Her trust has been broken. Grayson, she loves you" lan repeated "She's just having a hard time."

"How can I make it better?" I pleaded "How can I show her that I genuinely care? I've already told her I love her, but I don't know how to show her."

"All you can do is be there for her," lan said softly "Stay by her side at the party, give her affection when she accepts it. Show her your love in various different ways. Flair has always been more sensitive than the rest of us, more caring, more feeling. She has a heart of gold. It's killing her to know that she took the life of someone, even if that somebody deserved to go to hell for what he did." "How are the security details going for the party?" I asked, needing to change the subject.

lan gave a sarcastic laugh "We've been all over them the last few days. There are no blind spots, and no entry or exit unaccounted for. Knox has been ensuring that there are surveillance cameras everywhere except for private areas such as the bathrooms. We'll have bodyguards with us as well as some that will be dressed as guests to blend in. We're taking no chances with ours or Flair's safety. Nobody will be able to lay a hand on her this time. Even the parking lot has been taken into account."

I closed my eyes in relief. "She went out today. Rachel managed to persuade her to get her hair cut."

"I know. I have two men on their tails as we speak" lan said unapologetically "I probably should have mentioned your house is also under surveillance. Flair doesn't leave without somebody on her tail from now on. Father isn't going to have a repeat of the incident that happened."

"Maybe you should come and visit?" I suggested, "It might make Flair happy to see her family?"

lan exhaled. "The party is in two days and we're busy undertaking the preparations. I suspect if we visited it could also go in the opposite direction and remind Flair of what she's gone through. It's a double-edged sword" he explained tersely. "What is the plan when Flair announces herself? What happens then? Is she expected to continually go to events?" "Not necessarily. We want her to live as normal a life as possible with you. She has her interests. I'm aware of your desire to start a family" lan continued as I blanched "and the necessity of why you need an heir."

His tone was mildly condescending. I gripped the phone tighter "lan about that" I burst out as he listened "I'm not sure that's such a great idea. Not with the way that Flair is at the moment."

"If you don't then won't you basically be forfeiting the company?" lan's voice was cool.

"Yes, but the price is too high," I said, staring down at my cell phone "If it means losing Flair in the end, then the cost is too much to pay."

Silence. "You would willingly give up the company in order to keep Flair as your wife?" his voice was surprised.

"Yes. It's killing me. The employees don't deserve to just lose their jobs which will happen with Charlotte and Johnathon but I don't see any other option. I didn't foresee this happening when I chose to marry Flair, but the thought of bringing a child into this world simply for the sake of getting my hands on the company is repugnant to me now."

lan chuckled. "Well wonders never cease," he said with a low whistle "It seems like you've matured Grayson, from the boy I used to know. But your grandfather will hardly be pleased with your decision, will he?" he demanded shrewdly.

"No he won't be" I admitted "but he's going to have to live with it."

"I suggest you wait before you tell him. Don't say anything until after the party" lan said calmly "but if this is the course of action you want to take, you have my full support, Grayson. As it is, I believe Flair has put something into action that will make you happy" he said mysteriously. "What would that be?"

He chuckled "Where would the fun in that be if I told you?" he asked "No, I'm certain that Johnathon is about to replace out what she's done any minute now," he said gleefully "and it couldn't have happened to a nicer person."

Beep, beep, beep. He hung up before I could demand any more answers. I scowled and then put the phone away. I glanced out the window again and sighed. Where was Flair? How long did it take to get your hair done? I was uneasy as the time passed. I was nervous about Flair being out, even though I knew she was with Rachel. When the limousine began to pull into the driveway, I breathed a sigh of relief. She was back and she was safe. I could relax now. Breathe a little easier.

I turned away from the window, listening to the sound of Roscoe barking excitedly as he began to jump in front of the front door, waiting for Flair to enter the house. I laughed and patted him on the head as he wagged his tail and looked up at me with his big doggy grin. "Easy boy" I smirked, as I began to open the door, only to stop in my tracks, my mouth gaping open in awe.

Was that Flair? That angelic woman walking towards me? It was Flair and yet, she was different. Soft layers were feathered around her face, making her look more mature and her hair color was different, a light brown that slowly transitioned to a darker brown. To access the complete chapters for free, visit Jo b ni b.com. She was stunning. She wore a simple black maxi dress that reached her ankles and strappy sandals. She was smiling. A genuine smile as she thanked the driver for helping her out of the limousine. The sunlight shone on her face, causing the shadows to disappear and her complexion to gleam.

My heart skipped a beat. The driver shut the door and Flair turned towards me. She walked hesitantly towards the door, a look of uncertainty on her face. She lightly touched her hair with her hand, her eyes narrowing slightly. Roscoe bounded out before I could stop him, his paws reaching up to touch her as he bounded around her playfully, making her laugh, the sound like music to my ears. I would give anything to have her laugh like that, instead of the constant shadows or fear I saw on her face these days. She moved forward, the dog playfully wagging his tail and walking beside her. She paused in front of me, her eyes almost beseeching. I saw her finger her hair, a look of worry appearing on her face. "It's not too much is it?" she whispered. Was she kidding? She was beautiful. The woman could be bald and still be gorgeous to me. "You look perfect. Beautiful, stunning, gorgeous" The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could so much as blink, let alone think properly. She laughed, her eyes sparkling. My hand reached out, tentatively touching the strands, surprised to feel how soft and silky they were.

"Jean Luc says thank you" she murmured.

"Jean Luc?" I raised a brow "Hairdresser?"

She nodded giggling "he's a character."

"He is certainly that" I smirked remembering the man I had defended in court.

He was also incredibly nice and talented, judging by what he had created with Flair's hair. Roscoe whined, upset at not being the center of attention and I patted him on the head, instantly appeasing him.

"I was worried you wouldn't like it," she said, as I motioned her inside.

"Honey, you don't need my approval to do something to your hair but it looks stunning," I said in disbelief.

Gods, my hand was trembling. I was overwhelmed with the desire to touch her. To show her just how much her appearance was affecting me. But part of me was afraid. If I did, if I showed her how I was feeling, how much I was lusting after her, would she turn away from me or flinch in reaction? Did I dare take the chance or would it make the distance between us that was slowly increasing by the day, even worse than it had ever been? I swallowed hard. She was looking at me, her eyes a mixture of shining and hopeful. All I had to do was take that first step. I hesitated. Could see her face begin to fall and then I was there, stepping past the invisible boundary I imagined was there, cupping her cheek with tender hands and pressing my lips against hers in a desperate attempt to show her that I was still here for her and that I wanted her. I wanted her so bad that it ached inside of me. She stiffened and just as I was about to pull away in resignation, I felt her begin to respond, causing me to growl as I deepened the kiss.