Page 11 of Conquered

Luckily, I've not suffered from any morning sickness, although I've had a couple of episodes of vomiting that I managed to easily explain away. What I can't do anything about is the tightness of my high-waisted uniform skirt around my middle. It's becoming more obvious that I'm getting bigger, and I’ve finally gotten my curvy figure back. Although I have put on weight by eating properly for the first time in years, it can't explain the roundness of my stomach.

One evening, just before I'm due to start, Sami tells me that Grey would like a word with me in his office. I can't stop the nervous butterflies that flutter in my stomach as I climb thestairs to the top floor. Or they could be my baby, I’m sure I’ve started feeling it move a bit.

Reaching the upper landing, I stop outside his door, knocking lightly.

“Come in, Laura,” his deep voice invites me in from the other side, and I open the door to find Grey sitting behind his desk smiling warmly at me. Lexi is also in the room, and I feel myself hesitate as my flight mode kicks in.

“Please take a seat, Laura,” Grey gestures to the other empty chair next to Lexi, taking away my decision to flee with the kind way he makes the order almost a request.

I can feel my chest rising and falling with shallow pants as I sit on the edge of the chair, looking down at my hands which are wringing in my lap. Lexi’s hand reaches over to grab one of mine, stilling the movement and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“You're not in any trouble, gorgeous, no one is angry,” she assures me softly, ducking her head and catching my gaze, giving me a smile.

“Lexi is right, Laura, please don't worry. You're not in any kind of trouble. We just want to help,” Grey says kindly, making me look up at him.

“O-okay,” I stammer out, trying to calm my racing heart by taking deeper breaths.

“Am I correct in assuming that there will be a happy occasion in a few months' time?” he asks gently. There's genuine warmth in his eyes, and it gives me the courage to nod my head in confirmation. “Congratulations my dear, what wonderful news.” He beams at me, his handsome face becoming even more devastating than before.

Tears prick my eyes as my breath rushes out of me in relief. Lexi squeezes my hand again, and I look into her green eyes only to see a touch of excitement there as well as happiness.

“Do you know how far along you are, babe?” she asks me.

“Um, maybe about three months, I think. I've just started feeling flutterings.”

“Well, may I suggest we get you seen by someone as soon as possible to check you and baby over and get a scan?” Grey proposes in his business-like manner. “I know an excellent consultant and midwife on Harley Street who I can call in the morning.”

“Oh, um, I'm sure I can see a local doctor. I don't want to be a bother.”

“Nonsense.” he assures me. “I told you before that I look after my girls, and I meant it.”

“Your girls? I thought once you…” I trail off when I see him shake his head grinning, like I'm amusing him.

“You thought that when I found out, I would terminate your employment?” he asks kindheartedly.

“You're not?” I'm so confused.Why wouldn't he?

“No, Laura. I'm not going to terminate your contract. Although, I can't have you serving drinks in your condition, especially with the stairs,” he tells me, and I nod, still a little puzzled as to what exactly I'll be doing.

“Have you ever considered dancing, Laura?” he asks, fingers steepled.

“Dancing?” I repeat, still none the wiser.

“Like Lexi and the others do,” he prompts me, and I just sit and stare at him.

“But...I'm pregnant! Surely no one would want to see a pregnant stripper?” I question.He can't be serious, can he?

“On the contrary, my dear. A great many men find pregnant women incredibly attractive. It's a primal urge. You see, many men will seek out women who are fertile, it’s an evolutionary tactic, and none are more so than a woman who is already carrying a child,” he informs me, and I must confess I'm inshock. I had no idea this was even a thing men would find so attractive.

“You don't need to decide right now, take time to think about it. And be assured that I'm having a maternity package drawn up as we speak so that you can have plenty of time off to prepare before and after the baby arrives,” he says, and my head reels.

I'm lost for words. I can’t find any to express my delighted surprise at this turn of events.

“Excellent. Now, take the night off. I'll have Ryan drive you back so you have time to think. Let me know what you decide, say in a week, but Laura,” he looks at me seriously, “there's no pressure if you don't want to dance. We will find something else for you to do.”

“Th-thank you,” I say around the lump in my throat. Getting up, I head towards the door with Lexi by my side.

My mind swirls with questions.Would I want to dance like Lexi and the others? Take my clothes off for men to admire my body. My changing body? I’m not sure I would want that. Yet, why am I a little excited by the thought?