The Billionaire’s Hidden Heiress
[Book 2] Chapter 81

lan POV

I study the girl in front of me, even as my hands push the wheels on the wheelchair, bringing it forward until I'm beside my father, scowling at the woman. She looks nervous. My eyes rake over her petite form, taking in the long golden hair that reminds me of sunshine, the big blue eyes that are like clear blue lakes, and her cute little upturned nose covered in freckles. Her skin is tanned, a honey-golden color that only makes her even more attractive. She wears a simple pair of black trousers and a white shirt, but I can see the outline of her bra and it makes my mouth water. I flatten my lips, fighting back the attraction I'm feeling. A woman who looks as gorgeous as that is not going to be taken in by a disabled man like myself, especially one who needs help.

"Hi," the woman says, her pale pink lips curving into a bright smile, that dazzles me as I bite the inside of my lip, "you must be lan. My name is Dawn," she says, standing up and offering her hand to me.

Despite my reluctance, I replace myself taking her hand. It's soft, her skin smooth and unblemished. I hastily shake her hand and then drop it. She sits back down and studies me, cooly. "So lan, how did you end up in a wheelchair?" she asks bluntly.

Whoa. My father looked surprised and somewhat shocked that she asked the question. I appreciate that she's not pussyfooting around though. A smile curves on my lips "I got shot" I said moodily.

"That sucks," she said not even trying to feign sympathy "So you weren't born with this disability then. That can be hard when it comes to both your physical and emotional health. I imagine you are quite angry at the moment and truthfully, if I'd been shot and lost the ability to walk, I'd be pissed off too" she told me as I almost gaped at her.

Was she for real? She wasn't trying to coddle me. She wasn't trying to pretend that my disability was there. She was simply stating facts. It was like a breath of fresh air after everybody had been tiptoeing around me for the last few weeks. I folded my hands across each other, intrigued by this woman, who looked so slight a breeze could tip her over. My father is smiling as he glances between the two of us, but I'm not about to just give in and hire this woman yet.

"What experience do you have with disabled men? Especially those that can't f**k anymore" I said bitterly.

I wanted to shock her and make those eyes of hers widen. Anything to get her to lose some of that composure she was exhibiting.

"lan" my father is scandalized.

Dawn's lower lip twitched "Well I can't say I have much experience. Are you saying that you can't feel anything below the waist in your genital area? Because it doesn't always work that way. A lot of paraplegics are still able to have healthy s*x lives" she said evenly "and just because you can't walk, doesn't mean you can't have a life. Feeling sorry for yourself is only going to extend your recovery rather than shorten it."

My father's face is crimson red. I chuckle. This woman has a lot of nerve, but she stares me right in the face and isn't afraid to address my questions.

"Are you familiar with physical therapy exercises?" my eyes are still on her.

"Yes, and I have a good memory. I can remember them after being shown. I can also prepare meals, although I'm not a nutritionist" she was quick to advise me, running a hand through her hair, even though it was in a ponytail "And I'm stronger than I look as well if you need assistance getting to and from the wheelchair."

"You have a background in nursing I believe" my father quickly interjects, adjusting his tie and looking slightly flushed in the face.

Dawn's eyes slide back to him "I do. It's been a while since I've had to use my skills, but I've kept everything up to date, including my first aid and all my certifications."

"Why did you stop?" I blurt out.

Silence. For a moment I think she's not about to answer and my stomach clenches. When she speaks, her voice is low.

"I had to give up my nursing when I had my daughter Faith a few years ago. It wasn't a decision I made lightly but it's a decision I wouldn't hesitate to make again. My child is my life."

I feel a flash of disappointment. So, she's married then. But a glance at her hands shows no wedding ring on her finger. Widowed?

"How do I know your child is not going to interfere with your care of me?"

I was a bastard for asking but I didn't care. Dawn took a deep breath "My mother is prepared to look after Faith while I work and I'm thankful to have that. While I'm at work, my personal life will not interfere with working, I can assure you." My father looks satisfied with that response. I wonder how old her little girl is. I can't exactly ask without sounding like a creep. A maid comes out and places down a tray with coffee and mugs. To my surprise, Dawn turns to me. "How do you like your coffee?"

I frown and am about to push my chair forward to make my own, when I realize that the chair won't go forward enough to allow me to reach everything. Dawn realized before I did.

"Cream and sugar" I mumbled.

She was quick to make it and then handed it softly to me. I took it feeling annoyed. She made herself a cup and began to sip it while my father drank his black.

"I must say that your resume is impressive" my father comments, scanning the resume Dawn has given him and offering it to me.

I wave a dismissive hand at him. I don't need to see it. I can tell a person's nature just by speaking to them. Dawn is intriguing and more than easy on the eye. But do I want her to be my carer full-time? The thought of having anybody to look after me still rankles and fills me with a sense of unforgiving. "Thank you," Dawn says politely, her eyes on me as she watches me drink the coffee "but a resume is only as good as a piece of paper. It's the person themselves that makes the difference between average and outstanding."

"What a wonderful saying," my father says impressed "I must steal it" he murmurs as Dawn lets out a soft giggle. It's like music to my ears. For the first time since I can remember, a genuine smile stretches across my face. My father looks at me taken aback but is wise enough not to comment on it.

"So what do you do for a living lan?" Dawn asks, blowing on her coffee and taking a tentative sip again.

I glance off to the side, scowling, the lightheartedness of the mood gone. "Nothing," I say tersely, handing the mug of coffee to my father who places it on the table "I don't do anything now."

"Ian was the CEO of the family company until the accident. For now, his fraternal twin Knox and I have taken over until he's ready to take back his position" my father instructs her as she looks at me thoughtfully.

"I imagine that you are quite brilliant if you can manage a company" she comments nonchalantly "have you considered working from home? There's all sorts of assistive technology nowadays that can help with that. We could look into it. I can even drive you or take you into the company if you prefer face-to-face."

I tense. "I don't think so. The last thing I need is for our investors and partners to see me in this wheelchair."

"Why?"

The woman is stubborn. I glare at her "Because how we look reflects on the company. Do you think that they want to see a crippled, weak man in charge? Our stock would plummet, our investors would pull out and we'd be left scrambling to pick up the pieces. It's best if I remain behind the scenes."

"I think you would be surprised by how accepting people would be of it."

I glance away "No. I don't need to see their looks of pity or the sadness on their faces. Knox is doing a fine job" I said bitterly "as is father. They can continue the company without me."

"lan" my father protests but I'm through hearing it.

I go to wheel away, but Dawn is already up and putting her hands on the back of the chair. "Why don't I wheel you back to your house" she says brightly.

I scowl. Does nothing dissuade this woman? I grit my teeth. My father looks delighted. "With all due respect," I begin, putting my hands on the wheels and trying to keep her from moving me "but we have not yet offered you the position and I can..." I trail off as my father gives a chuckle.

"Well, I've seen and heard enough. Dawn, if you're willing to take the position, I would like to offer it to you. I think you would make a good partner to lan and you both seem to be getting along."

Traitor. I glare at him indignantly, letting go of my hands. Dawn begins to wheel me back towards the house.

"I accept" she calls over her shoulder "I'll sign the contract later, if it's okay with you?"

My father waves and nods. I sulk as she reaches the front door of my flat and opens it for me. She pushes me inside, her eyes scanning the surrounds with narrowed eyes. The first thing she does is start to open all the blinds, letting bright sunlight in. "Better," she says approvingly before putting her hands on her hips and regarding me steadily "what would you like me to assist you with?" she asks and suddenly my mouth goes dry as images of all sorts of things she could help me with come to mind.

I lick my lips and suddenly lose the ability to speak as she leans closer, exposing more of her cleavage. My eyes widen and my nostrils flare. How was I supposed to deal with this woman when I was so insanely attracted to her? Suddenly the flat seemed so much smaller than it had been as the air became stifled. I swallowed hard as she stood there, her hands on her hips, waiting for some sort of response from me. This was not at all how I had envisioned meeting my nurse aide. s**t.