Chapter 41

Chapter 41 : Title: The Blame

Chapter Theme Song: Tornado by Little Big Town

[Iris’s POV]

As I sat there quietly, I hoped that the ground would suddenly open up and swallow me whole. We were on our way back to Silverstone City and I couldn’t help but look back on the last few days. If it was possible to die from embarrassment, I would have been six feet under hours ago. Of course the president acted completely normal, as if nothing had happened between us. Honestly, I was extremely jealous of his ability to do that. I mentally slapped myself as bits and pieces of last night came back to me. He had actually went out and got me medicine for my fucking cycle! Not only that, he—heat rushed to my face as I remembered the amazing massage he had given me. Unconsciously, I glanced over to his hands. My body tingled as I remembered those hands on my skin. Lord, this was awful.

As if feeling my stare, he asked, “What?”

I snapped my eyes back to the front of the car. “Nothing.”

Why was he so handsome? It should be a crime against nature. I could feel his brow rise in question, but he just shook his head slightly and went back to reading the papers that were in his lap.

“Stupid Daniel!” I muttered under my breath.

If it wasn’t for him asking me to switch seats, I wouldn’t be sitting back here with Xavier. I should have just refused. I focused my attention to the front of the car. I was not going to embarrass myself further by looking at my boss like one of his lovesick fans.

A few hours later, we arrived at the presidential office. A guard pulled open Xavier’s door and, as I moved to exit the car, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I sat back in my seat and accepted the call.

“Sista! I thought you should know that Wolf is extremely impressed with you. Good work. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gives you a bonus after this.”

My door opened and I quickly disconnected the call as I stepped out. I couldn’t help but feel somewhat proud. Wolf was pleased with my work. It was what I have always longed to hear. But as I walked behind Xavier and stared at his strong back, the stirrings of guilt pricked at my conscious. My heart began to feel heavy and by the time we reached the office, I began to rub my chest to try and help ease the pain. I had betrayed him. He had been there for me at my lowest point and I this was how I had repaid his kindness. My palms started to sweat. Mentally shaking myself, I rubbed my hands against my skirt and reminded myself that I had a debt to Wolf. I belonged to Wolf. Not to Xavier Gray. I was only doing my job. Pushing down the horrendous urge to throw up, I went to my desk and flopped into the chair. This was exhausting. Sighing deeply, I switched on my computer and began to go through emails.

***

Before I knew it, a whole week had passed. Everything in the office had been going smoothly. Mr. Scott had assigned me some lighter tasks to complete to try and ease me back into our vigorous schedule. I was grateful for that. With everything that had happened, I needed a break. I was typing up the remaining memos for the day, when Daniel came into the office. His lips formed a sly grin and with an extremely dramatic flair, he said, “Oh my god! Iris, you look just like Xavier—cold and distant. How is it that you have survived so long in this horrible place? Isn’t there anybody fun here to hang out with?”

I pressed my lips together in an attempt to hold back a laugh. Glancing over to the president, I noted his scowl. I coughed lightly in an attempt to regain composure. Looking up at Daniel, I shrugged.

“I really don’t have a choice. It’s not like I can make the people here talk to me.”

He thought about this for a moment and then nodded while exhaling a deep breath. “Well, can’t argue with that.”

The president glared at us. I guess he didn’t like my answer. Chuckling softly, I went back to the memos. What did he expect me to say? All of the employees here were just as stoic and unsociable as their boss. Thankfully, his phone starting ringing and he removed his irritated gaze from me to answer the call.

“What?!”

I jumped out of my chair as his booming voice echoed in the office. He was on his feet as well and his face held an expression of absolute horror. My brows furrowed in confusion. What the hell was going on? He began pacing back and forth in front of his desk.

“How did this happen? I told you to not breathe a word to anyone,” he said in a low menacing voice. He looked positively wild with rage as he continued, “Well, if it wasn’t you then find the person who did this. I’m going to kill the bastard who leaked that information.”

He all but threw his phone onto the desk and began to rub his temples. Daniel quickly walked over to him and carefully asked, “What has happened, Xavier?”

He snapped his eyes up to Daniel and threw gritted teeth ground out, “Someone leaked our plans.”

Silence. Daniel looked as if he had been punched in the gut.

“What?” he breathed.

“A fire took place at the construction site. We don’t know if there have been any casualties yet, but a fair amount of people were hurt. The press is currently blaming me for the situation since they discovered that I was the one who authorized the project.”

My stomach dropped. The construction site? Project? Wolf. I had sent those plans to Wolf. Surely, this had nothing to do with him. He wouldn’t hurt innocent people, right? I felt sick.

Daniel grabbed Xavier’s shoulder and said, “We will face this together, Xavier. We will find the leak. I promise. But right now, we need to go and do some damage control.”

This is what held a relationship together—loyalty and trust. Daniel was a pillar of support for not only his business partner but for his friend. I suddenly felt cold and like an outcast. What did I know about friendship or loyalty? I clenched my fists tightly at my side. If my involvement led to those people losing their lives, I would never be able to forgive myself.

They were both walking towards the door and I snapped to attention. Within three long strides I reached them and declared in a firm voice, “I’m going too.”

The president turned and looked down at me with a grim expression. “No, Miss Young. I’m not going to risk your safety. No doubt the place will be swarming with reporters and protestors right about now and I am not going to put you in harm’s way. Stay here and I will keep you informed of our progress.”

Planting my hands on my hips, I looked at him with fierce determination and said, “I’m sorry. I can’t do that, sir. I am your secretary and we are in this together.”

That much was true but it wasn’t the only reason I wanted to go with him. He had been there for me, now it was my chance to return the favor. Xavier stared at me for a moment, gave me a curt nod and then we all left the office to face this disaster together.

***

East Coala City wasn’t too far from Silverstone so it didn’t take us long to reach our destination. Conveying the seriousness of the matter to the driver, we made it there within two hours. We hopped out of the car and I instantly clasped a hand over my mouth. A black cloud of smoke blew in our direction. The fire must have been just put out. As Xavier predicated, reporters swarmed the area and as soon as they saw the president they started to crowd around him.

They fired all sorts of questions and accusations as he stood there frozen. He was looking at the wreckage. All of his carefully laid plans to help these people were now a burning heap of rubble. Xavier’s jaw was clamped shut and a vain was protruding from his forehead. He was absolutely furious. But, there was also something else. The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. It was remorse. He felt and wholeheartedly believed that he was the cause for this mess. That was when I knew that this man was born to be a leader. There was more to him than just his overbearing nature. Xavier Gray not only cared his people but felt responsible for them. It was a lot more than I could say for a certain someone. I gritted my teeth and closed my eyes. I sincerely prayed that I had nothing to do with this.

A woman from the crowd started to push past the reporters. “Y-you murderer!” she screamed while pointing her finger at Xavier. “You killed my child. The fire—my baby died in that fire. Why would you do this to us?”

I started to panic as I watched in horror as the reporters went crazy upon hearing the woman’s ravings. They began to move even closer toward Xavier. Looking at his face, I realized that he wasn’t going to move. He was in complete shock. As we left in a hurry, we didn’t wait for the bodyguards to catch up with us. I swore viciously under my breath. After seeing that expression on his face, something within me snapped and I couldn’t stand it anymore. I ran over to him and blocked their path to him with my body, bringing them all to a staggering halt. They all stared at me with surprise and my heart thudded in my chest.

“Fuck, now what?” I asked myself while trying to gather my thoughts.

Clearing my throat, I practically yelled, “As you all can imagine this has come as a shock to all of us, the president included. We ask for your patience as we investigate the issue. We are all devastated by this tragedy and you have our assurance that we are doing our upmost to resolve the situation. We will hold a press conference soon, but for the time being you must excuse us. Thank you again for your patience.”

At that moment, Daniel drove up. I couldn’t help but admire that man for his wonderful timing. I grabbed Xavier’s hand and all but dragged him into the car.

Twisting to face us, Daniel said, “The state patrol is on the way. Do not get out of the car until they come. It’s not safe for you, Xavier.”

The president nodded and we sat in silence. He was so quiet and he looked like his world was coming to an end. From the time I was hired on as his secretary till this morning, he always seemed so untouchable and aloof. But now, he looked so raw and exposed. I knew that feeling well and my gut churned with shame. He was blaming himself for something that was more than likely my fault.

“What’s the total?” he said quietly.

Daniel didn’t even look up as he replied, “Twenty-three injured. A child around seven is in critical condition. Other than that, these people are also facing financial loss as well as the loss of their homes.”

“Damn it!” he said, hitting the door with his fist.

I flinched and then asked quietly, “How did the fire start?”

Daniel's face hardened and said, “We are still investigating it. But, I have no doubts that it was intentional.”

There was a knock on Daniel’s window. “The minister is here. I’ll get out and talk to him. Xavier, stay here. Iris, take care of him and make sure that he doesn’t come out.”

I nodded and Daniel quickly exited the car.

After a minute passed, I looked over to Xavier. He looked so despondent that I could help but put my hand on his and ask, “Are you alright, sir?”

“I—” his voice cracked. Clearing his throat, he looked at me with desperation and said, “I have failed them, Iris. The loss of their homes, their injuries—it’s all my fault. I should have been more careful. I should have helped them in some other way. Now…” his voice trailed off as he looked out the window.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I slid over to him. Entwining my fingers into his, I tried to think of what to say that would comfort him. I wasn’t good at this.

“This is not your fault, Mr. President. There must be some mistake. You need to be strong for yourself and for your people. They need you.”

He looked at me and a faint smile formed on his lips. I felt him squeeze my hand in response and my stomach flipped.

“You know, you were really brave a moment ago. Why did you throw yourself in front of those reporters? You could have gotten hurt.”

He was gazing down at me with such tenderness that I almost forgot that he had asked me a question. I felt lost and it was wonderful.