The Bully's Obsession novel Chapter 63

　　GRACIE

　　A huge mahogany desk separated us from the middle aged man who bore a striking resemblance to Hayden, though his eyes were not as deep as Hayden's, by what I presumed was due to age, the sides of his hair were streaked with grey, he stood tall , just about a few inches below Hayden. His presence demanding power despite his advanced age.

　　His gaze followed us as we made our way further inside the huge study .

　　My stomach tightened with just a hint of nervousness as he completed the distance between us, his gaze focused on all three of us

　　"Father " he acknowledged with a slight nod of his head .

　　I don't think he realized Hayden had spoken , his attention was solely fixed on Hazel who stared right back at him in open curiosity .

　　I saw a hint of softness in his gaze which slowly transformed into a small smile ,that alone set me a little at ease.

　　"Hello dear child " He spoke for the first time since we entered.

　　"Hello" she replied in the sweetest voice

　　"Come over here child " He beckoned extending his arms, Hazel looked up at me in that moment, her gaze seeking for approval, I reluctantly let go of her arms as she slowly made her way over to him.

　　He scrunched down a little to her level, his gaze flickered with something I knew to be wonder ,amazement and....... compassion even.

　　His palms cupped her features affectionately , Hazel didn't seem to mind the contact as she spoke.

　　"Are you my grandpa? daddy said we were coming to visit you "

　　"For sure I am and I've been wanting to see you very much child "The corners of his eyes cracked merrily as he spoke..

　　My gaze met Hayden's in that moment and lingered, he'd been right after all that his father was very eager to meet Hazel, they both seemed to be getting along well, but I still couldn't say the same about me as of yet.

　　As if on cue he straightened up back to full height, this time his attention was sorely fixated on me , his gaze wasn't friendly, but it wasn't hostile either. It was a relief when his gaze directed to Hayden, that was until he spoke.

　　"Can you leave us both for a moment , I want to speak to her....in private " he dragged out the last part.

　　They stared at each other , it looked as if they were conveying some secret silent information with each other.

　　He gave his dad one last lingering look the made his way out with Hazel, but not before casting me a last reassuring look

　　The door shut close and a tight feeling of nervousness took over me , I felt exposed and alone without him by my side .

　　My attention snapped when I realized he was speaking to me.

　　"She's really adorable.....reminds me deeply of old happy times " he stated , his voice sounded dazed like he was lost in some distant memories.

　　I had no doubt as to what he was thinking about, although he didn't appear accusing , I still couldn't help the feeling of unease that over took me.

　　"I'm sorry " I mumbled so low and was surprised that he actually heard me. He blinked, seeming surprised by my statement.

　　"Why are you sorry? It wasn't your fault, besides it's already been such a long time ago, It's high time we left the past behind us" he spoke quietly, his gaze deep with meaning .

　　I stared at him suddenly at loss for words, his gaze mirrored his quietly spoken words, I didn't know why I was so shocked, perhaps because I didn't expect him to be so accepting.

　　We stayed quiet for a while, I was just beginning to wonder if it was my cue to leave when he broke the silence, his sharp gaze fixed on mine .

　　"Why are you with my son? "

　　I wasn't expecting his direct question, it took just about a moment when I began to form up with a response.

　　"Well I... "

　　"After everything I didn't think you'll end up back with him, Do you think you can change him..or handle him? Have you forgotten everything all those years when he made your life a living hel.. "

　　"You don't know anything about us! " I spoke aloud, my voice defensive surprising even me, was I trying to defend Hayden against his own father?

　　"I think I know well enough "