Chapter 15
Treating Her Injuries
Chapter Theme Song – Vibez by Zayn
[Iris’s POV]
My left elbow smashed against the asphalt and I knew I was going to get quite a few bruises from this “little” fall. Groaning, I tried to sit up. But, something was pressing firmly against my chest making it impossible for me to move. A little annoyed, I partially opened my eyes and saw what was enabling me. Startled, I let out a sharp gasp.
“M-Mr. President… what are you–”
Staring into his handsome face, I became aware that we were lying on the street with my head resting against his right shoulder. His right arm was snuggly wrapped around my body which supported my back. Turning his head to me, his eyes snapped open and I heard him let out a frustrated groan.
“Are you stupid Miss Young? You put your life in danger because of this little shit,” he said while glaring down at the puppy that was shivering in my arms.
Gathering myself, I quickly slipped out of his hold, stood up and offered my hand to help him. Getting up off the ground, without taking my hand, he started brushing the dirt off of his suit. Rage was written all over his face as he looked down at me. I could tell he was about to go off on one of his rants about safety when, thankfully, I heard a tiny voice coming from the opposite side of the street.
“Tommy! Tommy, you are such a bad boy!”
A little girl, around eight years old, came running towards us with an anxious expression plastered all over her face. Upon hearing the little girl’s voice, the puppy started wiggling around excitedly in my arms. I chuckled softly at the puppy’s reaction as his little owner came forward. She wore a pink floral dress that swished back and forth as she ran. Stopping just in front of me, she bowed slightly.
“Thank you so much for saving my Tommy! I went to my room to get his leash to go for a walk and when I came back into the kitchen he had gotten outside!”
I smiled as my heart filled with warmth at the sight of the little girl.
Handing her puppy over, I said softly, “It's fine, sweetie. Make sure you keep your eyes on him. He is still too young to be out on his own and could easily get hurt.”
The girl nodded and then shifted her eyes over to the grumpy man that was next me, still obsessively dusting himself off. Her eyes instantly grew round with shock.
“Aaaah! I-is that President Xavier Gray!?”
He completely ignored her presence and I shot him a pleading look to at least attempt to be kind to the little girl. He sighed, as he understood my hint, and stretched out his hand like a gentleman towards her.
“Hello, it’s nice to meet you, miss.”
The girl quickly grabbed his hand like a life line and firmly shook it.
“H-Hello! Oh my gosh! I can’t wait to tell my friends that I have actually met our president! Wow… so much more handsome than on television.”
I chuckled lightly as her cheeks turned apple red. It was really impressive how he was able to attract fans of all ages. At the little girl’s cried of delight, I noticed how a few people started to look our way. Luckily, he had put back on his sunglasses so that no one could immediately recognized him.
Meanwhile, the presidential guards quickly rushed over to us.
“Mr. President, are you alright?”
Wriggling his hand out of the little girl’s hard grip, he replied, “I'm fine.”
Glancing around the street, I noticed the crowd that started to gather.
“We should leave,” I said.
Nodding in agreement, he turned to head towards the car under the protection of the guards. After saying goodbye, the little girl waved at us as I quickly followed after him.
“I am so getting fired for today,” I mumbled to myself.
Taking my usual seat in front, I unconsciously hissed as I sat down. There was a burning pain coming from my left knee. With the adrenaline wearing off, my body started to register the fall. I clenched my teeth so as to not cry out from how badly I ached. Trying to make sure that I wasn’t heard, I glanced at the rearview mirror. He just sat there, staring at me. Meeting his gaze, his expression seemed to convey concern and I felt my heart quicken at the sight. Grimacing as I settled into my seat, I averted my eyes and stared out the window.
I couldn’t blame him for being upset. My rash behavior had displayed a horrible lack in judgment. But, I couldn’t help it! When I saw that the puppy was about to get smushed, I could only think about saving him. Maybe my childhood was to blame? But, who cares? I didn’t need a reason to try to prevent a tragedy. Darkness and disappointment was an essential part of my life and I didn’t want anyone else to experience it.
Interrupting my train of thought, I heard the president clear his throat.
“Drive to the nearby hospital,” he ordered the driver.
My body froze. Did he get hurt? A rush of concern struck the core of my heart.
Instantly, the chauffeur looked back at him.“Mr. President, did you get hurt? Should I call an ambulance?”
Annoyed, the president rolled his eyes and pressed his lips into a thin line as he said, “You talk too much, Ace. Just concentrate on the road and drive faster.”
Deciding to keep quiet, I gently rubbed my bruised knee to try and make sure that I didn’t twist it or anything.
After a few minutes, the car parked in front of the city hospital. The guards quickly got out to ensure there wasn’t a crowd of people around. After all, they didn't want another outlandish headline about their president to make the morning papers. We both exited the car and I spotted the handful of doctors standing at the entrance. The president walked forward and gestured for me to follow him inside. I took a second to scan his figure for any obvious injuries. If he got hurt anywhere because of me it would add to my “guilty conscience” list.
I followed his footsteps and saw the chairman of hospital greet him. After having a brief conversation, the chairman led us into a VIP room decorated with an expensive king size bed, a TV and a sectional couch. Entering the room, the president turned to face me.
“Lie Down, Miss Young. The doctor will be here soon.”
“Uhhh, what?” I blurted out.
What the hell? What was this sadist up to now?
Walking towards me, he stated, “Your knee is hurt and it should be quickly treated.”
Trying to register his words, I blinked in confusion. Wait a minute. Did we come all the way here just to treat my injuries!? I felt my face flush.
“Mr. President, it's just some minor cuts and bruises. You shouldn’t have bothered bringing me here. I can just apply some ointment to them.”
He narrowed his gaze down at me and said, “If you’re so worried about the inconvenience, you should have reconsidered jumping in front of that fucking truck, Miss Young. I don't want any one accusing me that I don’t know how to take care of my employees. Don’t you know what that could do to my reputation?”
For a second, I thought that I saw guilt flicker across his features after speaking so roughly towards me. However, I just brushed it off. As the president, of course he had an image to uphold and I sure as hell didn’t want to be the one to disillusion people. With a frustrated sigh, I nodded my head and walked towards the bed.
Taking off my high heels, I plopped down on the bed. With my eyes fixated on the ceiling, I felt him observing me. Satisfied that I was going to stay put, he sat down on the sofa and crossed he legs in a kingly fashion. The silence was super awkward and having the president stare at me didn’t help in the slightest.
My phone beeped beside my pillow and I almost gasped aloud as I saw the notification. I sat up to reread the message.
Darling, I didn't like the way he was holding you.
What the actual fuck!
Gritting my teeth, I replied, Asshole, I nearly died!
Pfft! Sure… I would still run a DNA test just to make sure that it was you. We couldn’t have some fucking stranger pretending to be you now, could we?
Well shit…