Chapter 27
Feel Protective
[Xavier’s POV]
These idiots were falling into my trap perfectly. I held my smiling expression as I swept my eyes around the conference room. Naturally, they started to sing my praises at the generous gift I have given them. However, I saw that Iris wasn’t pleased. In fact, her expression seemed to say that she would rather be sucked out of an airplane window than to join me and my party for this brief holiday. Well, she wasn’t going to lock herself up in her apartment this weekend, I’d make damn sure.
Just when I was about to lean over and tease her a bit, my gaze caught sight of that old leech, Mr. Brighton. He was eyeing her like a primitive animal. I watched him take in every inch of her flawless skin until his eyes rested on her exposed legs. It was surprising to me that, even after becoming an old wrinkled man, he still hadn’t tamed his perversion towards women. He was probably still fucking girl’s that were the same age as his daughter. This rat bastard had been the chief member of my party for almost a decade and I hated that I couldn’t get rid of him. He had a secured position and even the younger members looked up to him.
However, watching his behavior towards my secretary, I started thinking of a few ways of how I could expedite his retirement. Scowling at the man, anger coursed through my veins which made my body tense. I felt a thousand times better as I spotted the letter opener on the table. I gingerly picked it up and twirled it in my hand. No one was paying any attention to me as they were still discussing their plans for the trip. I shifted my eyes to Mr. Brighton as the opener danced gracefully between my fingers. Growing up with above average eyesight, I excelled in my studies of weaponry. While I was proficient with many weapons, I always savored the feeling of having a blade in my hand.
“For now, gentlemen, we should remain focused on the target and be ready to strike instantly. Let me show you what I mean.” Without warning, I flicked the opener towards Brighton’s right eye.
I cursed under my breath as he leaned back in the last second. The opener zipped past him and thudded into the wall. The room fell into an oppressive silence and Brighton glared at me while everyone else stared at me in confusion. Being older, he had taken it upon himself to lecture me and interfere in my daily life whenever he saw fit. I guess he saw himself as a father figure, which made me want to laugh. However, I respected him as my elder and as an established member of my party. But, watching his behavior toward Iris… I lost all reason. If it wasn’t for the fact that he was on good terms with my father I would have aimed for his neck instead. It was possible that I overreacted, but I didn’t fucking care. I wanted to protect her.
[Iris’s POV]
“Holy shit! He almost skewered his eye!” I thought while starring at the opener.
I never expected him to act so violently. Nonetheless, I appreciated his skill. He demonstrated grace and downright precision when he threw that thing. This man was definitely not normal. Looking between the two men, I saw that they were both glaring at each other. Furrowing my eyebrows, I wondered what had happened between the two of them. To try and lighten the heavy atmosphere in the room, the minister laughed nervously and tried to brush it off as a joke. I schooled back my satisfied expression. To be frank, I thought the old man deserved it for his lack of manners.
Suddenly, my cell phone started ringing in my purse and, excusing myself, I took the call in the hallway. Aggravated, I glared at the caller id. What the hell was he calling me for? Pressing the answer button, I heard the familiar wind and surf in the background.
“So, did you like the dress sista?” Jason drawled.
“What are you talking about? What dress?”
He chuckled at my flustered response. “The dress that you are wearing now… Wolf prepared it.”
I clutched the phone and whispered in disbelief, “H-how is that possible? The president bought this for me just this morning.”
“Nope! It was switched out before it was brought to you,” he replied, letting out a yawn.
This lazy person was still in bed! However, my heart warmed at learning of Wolf’s gesture. Maybe… just maybe…
“Why? Why would he do something like that?”
“Oh, he said that it was to make sure that he didn’t owe Xavier Gray anything.”
My heart plummeted to my stomach. I knew it. Why do I do this to myself? He is never going to change. Hearing my lack of response, Jason tried to cover it up as best he could. But, the damage was already done.
“Sista, you know him? He is just so wrapped up in his hatred toward Xavier Gray. He definitely cares—”
“Jason. I was in a meeting and it’s getting late. I’ll call you back later, okay?”
Not waiting for him to respond, I disconnected the call. My heart clenched in pain as I felt the fresh rejection. Forcing myself, I stuffed down my emotions. After a few deep breaths, I collected myself and hastily turned around.
My nose hit something hard and I staggered backwards as I mumbled an apology. Rubbing my nose, I stepped back and looked up. My heart stilled as I met his arctic blue eyes. How long had he been standing there!?