The Billionaire’s Hidden Heiress
[Book 2] Chapter 52

Lorelai POV

I'm living a nightmare. That's what it feels like as Knox holds onto my hand tightly, gripping it and almost dragging me through what feels like an endless sea of reporters and photographers, the lights blinding and the sounds of their voices deafening. It's all I can do to force a smile on my face and turn to face them, while Knox partially shields my body with his own, a look of fierce anger on his face as he stares the reporters down. Suddenly the reporters don't look so arrogant or cocky.

"Mr Knox, what do you have to say about the sensational scandal that your girlfriend Miss Lorelai Mathews used to work as a stripper for a club?"

I tremble. Ian and Mr Grant merely look towards Knox who gives the reporters a chilling smile. "There is nothing to say" Knox's voice is bland, giving nothing away in regards to his own feelings as the reporters stare at him in dismay "I have been aware of Miss Mathew's previous occupation this entire time and do not replace it necessary to bring up what was her past in an attempt to embarrass or humiliate her as others have done."

His voice is sharp now. The reporters give each other an uneasy glance. This interview is not going as they anticipated. Knox puts his arm around me in a blatant show of protectiveness. causing the reporters to shuffle awkwardly on their feet. "Mr. Grant" a reporter turns towards Knox and lan's father, a smile appearing on his face "Given Miss Mathews's previous occupation, can you say with absolute sincerity that she is somebody you would want your son dating, let alone becoming engaged to?"

The question is blunt. Rude. Knox draws a breath but Mr Grant's eyes narrow and he stares the reporter down. "I have never judged a woman's worth by her status or her occupation but on her personality and her dedication and commitment to my sons. Lorelai Mathews is not only worthy of being Knox's girlfriend but I would welcome her with open arms as my daughter-in-law."

I widen my eyes in surprise at the fierceness of Mr Grant's voice and the sincerity dripping from it. He glances at me and gives a subtle nod. lan not to be outdone steps forward "Lorelai Mathews is a woman who has shown me on numerous occasions how much she genuinely loves and cares for my brother and that's good enough for me. To judge her based on her past would be an injustice that seeks to destroy what I feel is a loving relationship between two consenting adults who are still learning about the other." The reporters are silent. The cameras continue to snap their photos but some of the reporters look shame-faced now.

"Miss Mathews, can you comment on the video that was leaked at the fundraiser you just attended? What are your thoughts?"

Knox goes to shake his head but I gather my composure. "I am beyond saddened that somebody went to such great lengths to ruin not only my own reputation but that of Knox's as well. My past is not something to be embarrassed about and I feel sorry for the woman who chose to leak the video. She was clearly desperate for the attention she felt was being denied her. I am thankful for Mr Grant and lan Grant's support along with the support of Knox. I am grateful to have them all by my side in this."

I swallowed hard. My body was trembling but some of the fear had faded away. Knox's finger lightly stroked my side, comforting me.

"Is it true that you are both engaged?" a reporter asked "Mr Knox himself made the declaration at the fundraiser while he was squaring off with Mr Hunter Mathias."

I open my mouth and then close it while Knox merely eyes the reporters with hooded eyes. Mr Grant looks surprised for a moment and then schools his expression and lan merely looks bored.

"That is correct" Knox speaks out and my mouth almost drops open in shock "I have asked Lorelai to marry me and she has been gracious enough to agree. So you can see how something of this nature might prove to be so upsetting to me and my family personally." Gasps and excited murmurs from the reporters. I'm flabbergasted. Is Knox lying to the reporters? I steal a glance at him but his expression is difficult to read. I can feel my hands going clammy. I just want this to end. This is nothing short of a nightmare and even though the Grants are smoothing it over, that doesn't mean it's going to end in a happily ever after for Knox and myself once the reporters are gone.

"Sir, why is there no engagement ring?" a reporter ventured to ask.

Knox smiles lazily.

"I don't believe in buying an engagement ring that a woman dislikes. Women can be so particular about what they like and the design. Therefore, Lorelai and I will go and pick her ring together so that she has something she is proud to show off on her finger." He explains it away smoothly and the reporters eat it all up. I even believed him for a moment. They nod excitedly and scribble away.

"Sir, sir" a woman called out, her cheeks flushed "Will there be repercussions for the unknown source who dared to leak the video of your fiance? Will the Grants be taking any actions against her or him?"

Knox slowly shakes his head "In this instance my fiance Lorelai has pleaded on behalf of this person and asked that we show them compassion. Since I respect Lorelai and she is the victim in this case, I adhere to her wishes in this matter."

"Lorelai Mathews is very compassionate indeed" a reporter nodded scribbling away, the rest of them nodding in agreement "to show the enemy such a kind gesture instead of retaliating."

I just didn't want the situation to escalate, I wanted to yell at them, but instead, I bit my lip and kept my mouth firmly zipped shut. My body was slowly beginning to relax. The cameras were slowing down with their photographs. I felt Knox's hand behind me and then felt my hair come loose, cascading down my shoulders. I glanced at him but he slid his eyes away.

"Are you planning on having a family soon?"

I blush. Knox's jaw clenches "Something as important as that has not been discussed yet."

The reporter looks disappointed. Ian merely chuckles to himself. Mr Grant is glancing pointedly towards the front door.

"Miss Mathews, what is your family's opinion on the Grant's? Have they met your fiance yet or have you yet to introduce each other?"

I stiffen. The smile slips from my lips. The question I had been dreading had been asked. I fight to keep myself upright instead of swaying unsteadily on my feet. The media could not know. But if they looked into my background...I hesitated. What did I say? I chose to tread a fine line between the truth and keeping them in the dark. "Unfortunately my family and I are not close which is why it's so nice to have the Grants be so supportive of me," I said with a tight smile "And I can only thank them for the kindness they have extended towards me."

"Miss Mathews what caused the rift between you and your family?" a reporter began to ask and Knox stepped in. "I'm afraid that's all we are willing to answer right now," he said with a raised brow "You've got your exclusive. Please prepare your submissions and have them ready in one hour to be approved by my father. I have already contacted all of your editors. Trust me when I tell you that you want the story to be sympathetic and positive towards my fiance" he said stiffly.

The reporters nod as Mr Grant and his bodyguards begin to move them away. I notice a bodyguard is holding onto Mr Grant's puppy and fight back a smile of amusement. Knox gently tugs my hand and leads me inside. I feel slightly panicked now. He continues towards the stairs. I flinch. "Knox, where are we going?" I ask.

He blinks "to bed."

To bed? Just like that? Wasn't he angry? Furious? Mad? I blink. He slows down and looks at me confused. "Why?" "Knox, you can't just be so accepting of the situation," I said a little perplexed.

Mr Grant and lan come in looking nonchalant. Mr Grant notices us and raises a brow as he takes in the situation. "Going to bed son?" he says calmly.

Knox nods. lan merely grins and walks away. I'm bemused. "I just want to get some rest and yes, I'm a little angry," Knox says as I walk towards him "But that's why I need you" he blurts out, taking my hand as Mr Grant merely walks towards the kitchen. "Need me?" I repeat blankly as he tugs me into the room and begins to violently pull his jacket off and his bowtie "For what?"

Surely not for... He sees the look on my face and shakes his head. "Not that" he growls and I try not to look relieved "I just need you. I need to hold you, you calm me" he grunts.

What? I take my shoes off slowly and then pull the zipper down while Knox wrestles out of his pants and shirt, leaving him in boxers. I step out of the dress and Knox's arm reaches out and grabs me. He climbs onto the bed, lying down, and pulls me into him, snuggling against me.

"Better" he mutters, nuzzling my neck while I lay there in surprise "Just feeling you like this next to me calms me down" he admits.

It does? His hand is gently stroking my side again and he's quiet. I don't dare move. But we have to talk. He's just declared our engagement without talking to me about it.

"Knox," I say and he wraps his arm tighter around me "I'm not angry at you" he mutters, putting his legs between mine, "I just need you right now."

I gather it's not a good time to discuss anything with him while he's in this state and my body relaxes against him as he holds me. The room is silent. His hand gently roams up and down my arm, relaxing me further.

"I wanted to kill them all for what they did" he murmured, while I listened "if you hadn't begged me not to..."he exhaled and tightened his grip.

"Knox" I whisper "we have to talk."

"Not now" he mutters, his head in the crook of my neck, his breath in my ear as I feel my body pressing against his "sleep" he murmurs "it's easier to sleep when you're with me."

He falls asleep holding me tight, his soft snores filling the room. I'm amazed. Everytime I try to move away, his hands tighten automatically. Eventually I give up and snuggle against him. What I had to say could wait until the morning, I decided and closed my eyes. Within minutes I was asleep, clutched securely in the arms of the man I was in love with and wondering how I was going to refuse this engagement. Or even if I wanted to.