The Billionaire’s Hidden Heiress
[Book 2] Chapter 45

Knox

POV

She's nervous. I can tell. I can feel her body trembling beside me, even as she forces a smile onto that beautiful face of hers. She wears heels, teetering on them, my arm helping to keep her stable, her little black dress gently swaying slightly in the breeze, her makeup subtly applied and designed to give her more of a natural beautiful look. Not that I thought she needed it. She always looked beautiful to me, with or without makeup. That luscious hair of hers was in a messy chignon and my hand itched to take it out and let it cascade naturally down her back in waves, the way I preferred it. Instead, I kept my arm wrapped around her waist and faced the expectant crowd in front of the mansion, lan and Father keeping a careful watch to the side in case they needed to intervene due to my lack of social skills, but I was determined to prove I was as capable as they were when it came to the media.

"I know that you are all curious as to who this woman is and what her relationship with myself is" I faced them gravely, the reporters instantly quietening so that they could hear my voice, the photographers snapping photograph after photograph, "and I ask that you please listen carefully, as I have no desire to repeat myself. This woman" I turn to Lorelai and smile, watching as she begins to relax slightly "is the woman I am currently dating. Lorelai Mathews and is to be granted the same manner of respect as I would be given by any one of you."

Silence. The reporters muttered amongst themselves. Lorelai stays silent, looking as though she'd like to do nothing more than dart back inside. I wish I could do the same. But part of this is to ensure that nothing scandalous goes up on the news. As our relationship progresses, we will be seeing more of the media, so we must get comfortable being in the public eye.

"Is Lorelai Mathews part of your wealthy circle of friends?"

"She is not," I speak the truth with sincerity.

They would replace it out themselves. It was far better, to be honest now.

"Miss Mathews, how did you manage to steal the heart of the infamous playboy?" a reporter asked in a teasing tone.

Lorelai looked a little dumbstruck. I saw her lick her lips and glance towards me. I c****d a grin at her. She swallowed hard. I could help her, but part of me wanted to hear what she had to say. I was an a*****e, I gleefully acknowledged, even as she glared at me. I smirked at her and playfully raised a brow.

"I'm not sure" she finally answered, and the reporter turned to me.

"Her loving nature and kindness towards others is what drew me to her" I answered promptly, watching Lorelai's eyes widen in surprise.

"Miss Mathews, what made you interested in Mr Knox?"

"His ability to look beyond a person's worth and see their true value underneath," she said cryptically while I smirked at her. Wise words, I thought, silently agreeing. The reporters looked a bit mystified.

"How long have you been dating?"

"Not long, this is a new relationship and I for one, am looking forward to learning more about Miss Mathews as time progresses." I didn't even have to think about that answer.

"Miss Mathews, you were seen leaving the hospital earlier today. How did you receive the injuries on your person?"

Lorelai looks slightly panicked. "Miss Mathews's injuries are not up for discussion at present or how she received them" I cut in.

The reporter scribbles on his clipboard and nods at me as I narrow my eyes in warning.

My father looks pleased at how well I and Lorelai are dealing with the press. "Miss Mathews, it's said that Miss Abigail Stevens was devastated to learn of your relationship today when we spoke to her. She has been openly pursuing Mr Knox for some time now in the hopes of snaring him. What do you have to say to her?"

Lorelai blinked. "I'm sorry that Miss Stevens is upset, but Mr Knox is his own man, and it's his decision who he chooses to date. He did not desire to date Miss Stevens and that is not my fault nor his. I hope that she can replace somebody in the future like I have." More rapid scribbling and gasps. I rubbed Lorelai's hip, and she stiffened as I fought the urge to grin at her. She was doing better than I expected. As for Abigail, I could not care one whit if she was upset that I was dating another woman. Finally, she would realize that I did not want her in my life, or my business, and I had done it in a way that publicly showed her that I was not playing her games.

"Will you both be attending the upcoming Animal Haven Fundraising event together?" one reporter dared to ask.

Lorelai looks confused. I gave a slow smile. The Animal Haven fundraiser event is organized by none other than Flair, who regularly donates to animal shelters and rescues. This one is her project, and she's been organizing it for months. There was no chance I would miss it, but I hadn't anticipated having anyone to go with until now either.

"Yes," Lorelai stammers before I can say anything, my own mouth parting in surprise " I do adore animals and this sounds like a very worthy cause to attend."

"Are you an animal lover then, Miss Mathews?"

"Very much so" Lorelai confirmed, to the reporter's delight. "I love all creatures, big or small."

"Mr Knox, do you see wedding bells in your future?"

I gave a dry chuckle "Right now I want to see how the future progresses with Lorelai by my side. She is someone I want to get to know, and she is somebody that I admire greatly. Let's leave it at that."

My father begins to move forward, gesturing towards the reporters. "That's enough of a press conference for now", he instructs them as they begin to droop and their bodies slump.

"Good work Lorelai". lan congratulates her warmly.

"That wasn't so bad" she murmured, looking relieved.

"Ah, but the fundraiser event," lan says consideringly, and Loralai gasps and puts her hands to her cheeks.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry. I didn't even think, I just answered it. Of course, you don't have to take me but..."

I snorted. "I would love to take you, that's not a problem, but the choice of outfit might be a bit difficult." She looks bewildered "How so?"

"You have to dress up as an animal," I told her lightly.

She frowns "You're joking, right?"

I shake my head.

"Nope. It was Flair's personal fundraising event. You need to think outside the box", I tell her smugly.

"Like a onesie" she suggests, her eyes lighting up.

My father choked "Heavens no. That's not appropriate" he said weakly, while lan snorted with laughter, "What my son is trying to say is that you might need a dress that's in tiger stripes or zebra or..." he trailed off, and I saw Lorelai's eyes light up with understanding. "I see" she muses "How long do I have?"

"You have three weeks" I commented, and she groaned.

"That's not nearly long enough" she protests. "Maybe I shouldn't go."

I kissed her on the lips. "You just told them you were going. The press are going to expect you now."

"What are you going as?" she asked desperately.

I grin "I'm going as a red panda. One of my favorite animals," I told her smugly.

Her jaw drops open "How is that going to work?"

"Easy. The suit is red and black and white. I have a black eye mask, and my hair will be red for the event. It's both distinguished and clever."

"Neat" she mutters as Father and lan begin to walk away, and I squeeze her arm reassuringly.

"What am I going to do?" she pouts.

I gazed at her lips longingly, wanting to kiss them again, and becoming distracted by her voice. "Huh?"

"Knox" she practically wails, looking frustrated with me.

"Well, what's your favorite animal?" I asked as we turned towards the house.

She looks lost in thought. "I have a few" she murmurs as I listen "I like horses and I like peacocks," she said with a shrug. The horses did not surprise me. It seemed like every girl I knew loved horses. The peacock thing was intriguing. "So work with that," I said as we entered the house.

"Work with what?"

"The peacock part. Get a dress in the different blues etc. You could probably get peacock feathers and things", I added, thinking it over.

"But who would make something of that caliber so close to the fundraising event? Not to mention it would cost a fortune," she added helplessly.

I grinned "I think I know someone. They owe me a favor" She cast me a sidelong glance at that as we began to head slowly up the stairs, her hand clutching her side hand. "And I happen to know that they are quite good at designing gowns." Better than good if I was being honest with myself.

"It's not your sister is it?" she asks suspiciously.

I pretend to be offended "What kind of person would I be, asking my own sister to do something so tedious and difficult just before her fundraising event? She's far too busy for the likes of that" I murmured, opening the bedroom door and ushering her inside. "Well, who then?" she asks, intrigued.

"A friend of Flair's" I amend sheepishly as she narrows her eyes "who also happens to be a designer. Her name's Rachel. I'll contact her shortly" I tell her, maneuvering her so that she is forced to sit on the bed. "But right now I think I want to make good on a promise I made earlier" I breathe into her ear as she stiffens, and her cheeks turn a delicate pink color that only adds to her prettiness.

"Knox" she began to protest, and I smoothly cut her off, kissing her on the mouth, my hand gripping the back of her neck, my mouth tasting the sweetness of her lips, relishing in the feel of her mouth as it submitted to me, a small moan emitting from her. "Knox" she moans and my c**k clenches at the sound.

"I love it when you call out my name" I whisper as she trembles and I begin to kiss the nape of her neck while she slowly falls onto the bed. "Let's see if I can make you do it again."