Chapter 38

Chapter 38 Title: Permission

Chapter Theme Song: Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paloma Faith

[Iris’s POV]

Well, this is awkward, I thought as I gingerly sipped my hot coffee. Currently, I was sitting on the leather couch in the president’s room and I let my gaze travel across the expansive room. If I thought my room was nice, which I did, it was nothing compared to this. As I took in the obscenely large bed and bar area, I heard the clicking of the president’s laptop keys. Xavier was working on his ongoing project and, after reassuring me that there was nothing for me to assist him with, I sat back and tried to let myself relax. I took a moment to glance over at the president. His brows were knitted together in concentration and I found myself smiling at the sight.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and when I looked at the screen, I drew in a sharp breath. That’s right—I still had a job to do. Clicking the screen off, I looked over at Xavier one more time. Clenching my fists in my lap, I pressed my lips together in determination. I could do this. No, I had to do this.

***

The time was nearing six in the evening as I tried to figure out how I was going to complete my task. I had been sent on many missions in the past. But, not a single target had ever filled me with the depth of apprehension that I felt towards Xavier Gray. It was difficult in distinguishing if it was actual fear or just mere mutual respect from one fighter to another. He had a way of dealing with people that I couldn’t help but admire.

A sharp pain shot threw my lower abdomen, making me double over in pain. God, this time was worse than last month. All I wanted to do was to go over to that huge bed, crawl under the soft covers and never come out. The clicking of the laptop keys abruptly stopped and I looked up.

Xavier was observing me with a concerned expression. “Are you alright, Miss Young?”

I immediately straightened, gritting my teeth against the pain and gave him a curt nod.

“Uh, yes. Just fine, sir,” I reassured while trying to smile.

He just sat there studying me for a few seconds and then resumed working. As soon as he lowered he eyes, I bit my lower lip hard in an attempt to divert some of the pain. I wasn’t about to tell the president that I was on my period. Not a chance in hell! Another pain shot through me and I inhaled sharply as I began to feel light headed. I dug my fingers into the sofa as I felt tears prick my eyes. This was ridiculous. I was not going to pass out here.

You’ve been through worse Iris, I repeated to myself. My body felt heavy and my abdomen was throbbing. Another stab of pain hit, and I blacked out. When I was able to focus again, I heard a cold and distant voice.

“Miss Young, which pain reliever do you prefer?”

My eyes snapped open, making me slightly dizzy. Looking up, I saw that he had set his laptop aside and was watching me intently.

“Uh, it’s nothing Mr. President. I’m just—”

“You must have forgotten that I have a sister, Miss Young. I might be a man, but I’m not ignorant.”

I looked at him in disbelief for a moment. He knew. He had known what my problem was and he was offering his help. It was rather sweet actually and I was stunned that I wasn’t more embarrassed at his statement. I suppose that I was too taken aback with the fact that he had been paying such close attention to me. After a hard swallow, I told him of two medications that I had worked like a dream in the past. He nodded and then reached for his phone while saying that he would get Scott to make a trip to the nearest pharmacy.

I jerked to attention and all but yelled, “No! Please, don’t!”

He frowned and looked affronted by my outburst. Crossing his arms, he glared at me awaiting an explanation. I squirmed in my seat.

“I’m sorry for raising my voice, sir. It’s just… It’s embarrassing. I would prefer it if no one else knew.”

He arched an arrogant brow and asked flatly, “So, you want me to go get the medicine for you?”

Another wave of pain hit. I groaned and absentmindedly nodded. Then, as I had just realized what I had done, I vigorously shook my head.

“I didn’t mean that. I mean, I don’t want anything.” I stopped and looked over at him. He smirked. “Oh for the love of—what I meant was, is that I don’t need any medications. I will be just fine. Thank you for your concern.”

I sat back, trying to sink even further into the leather couch. Slightly opening my eyes, I saw him staring at me. Lord, those eyes. I could drown in those eyes. Letting out a shaky breath, I saw his jaw tick and then he shot to his feet. Grumbling something under his breath, he walked over to his desk and grabbed his wallet.

“I’ll be right back. Don’t move,” he hissed.

Shrugging on his coat, he left the room.

As I sat there staring at the door, I tried to think of what the hell just happened. Did Xavier Gray just leave to get his secretary medicine for her menstrual cycle?

“Oh shit!” I yelled while burying my face in my hands.

This was unbelievable. Still reeling with the revelation of the president’s actions, my phone dinged with a notification. Right, I needed an opportunity and one had practically just landed in my lap. Sitting up slowly, I took in a fortifying breath. I did a quick scan of the room, looking for signs of hidden cameras. It wouldn’t be surprising to find a camera in his room. He was the president and as such he probably had eyes on him around the clock. Satisfied that there were no cameras, my eyes drifted back to where Xavier had been sitting. The files were left on the table next to his laptop and from my seat I could see the one that I needed. My heart sped up as I made way over and grabbed the folder that read Resona Land Project in bright red letters. Taking out my phone, I quickly took some pictures of the documents. Most of them outlined the intricate details of the project. After I got what I needed, I hastily put the papers back and made sure everything was in its original place before going back to the couch.

I sank into the couch, my body screaming in pain. I just wanted to lie down. My eyes looked longingly at the bed.

“Oh, screw it,” I grumbled.

I hobbled over and got onto the extremely soft bed. After curling up on my side, I sighed in relief. This was much better. I laid there and drifted in and out of sleep. Rousing myself so that I wouldn’t fall completely asleep, I looked out the window. It was getting dark. The president had been gone for awhile. I sincerely hope that he hadn’t been spotted by a reporter. Well, wouldn’t that be wonderful. I could just see the headlines now. President Xavier Gray Goes to Pharmacy for Secretary’s Menstruation Needs!

“Charming,” I muttered.

Burying my face further into the pillow and inhaled a deep breath. The scent of his shampoo infiltrated my senses and I relaxed into the mattress. It wasn’t a strong scent, but it was his and I could almost imagine that I was lying on his chest. I felt a rush of butterflies erupt in my stomach. What the fuck? I was fantasizing about my boss! I grunted as I rolled over and brushed the thoughts of him away.

At that moment, I heard the door open. I looked over my shoulder and our eyes met. His blue eyes never left mine as he crossed the room in four long strides. He laid the bag next to me and looked at me with concern as I slowly came up into a sitting position.

“You should go ahead and take those,” he said.

I nodded and uttered a small, “Thank you.”

After taking the pills, I laid back against the pillow. I began to wonder just how many girls would be crying in pure jealousy if they could witness this moment. A small chuckle escaped my lips and I closed my eyes, waiting for the medicine to take effect. I heard the sound of shifting papers and I slowly opened my eyes. Xavier was back over to where he had been working. He looked at the stack of files for a moment and I held my breath. Finally, his moved over to the laptop and I was able to breathe again.

A wave of pain hit and I scrunched myself into a ball. By the time thirty minutes had come and gone, I was still in pain. What the hell? Why wasn’t the medicine working? It had worked just fine last month. A sharp ache twisted in my gut and a loud groan escaped my lips. Inwardly cursing myself, I stole a glance over to the president. He was heading towards me. I clenched my teeth as I heard him approach the bed. I hated to be seen like this, especially by him. Shutting my eyes tightly, I felt the side of the bed dip as he carefully sat down.

“Miss Young, I have heard that the pain can be soothed with gentle massage.”

I shot him a wary look. “So?”

He coughed lightly and then looked down at me with worry marring his face.

“Will you give me your permission?” he asked so quietly that I wasn’t quite sure if I heard him right.

Not fully comprehending his meaning, I asked, “What for?”

He exhaled a pent up breath and then said, “To touch you. Will you please give me your permission?”