“Hey, chill.  I was only asking.  Don’t need to be so defensive!  I just don’t want any husband or boyfriend to bust in suddenly.” She is calm as person on the run, something tells me that this is not unusual for her. 

“Sorry.  I will get the things ready.” I don’t know what came over me.  She seems to be touching all the sensitive subjects.  I let out a sigh and bring back the sterilized knife, some cotton wools and some plasters to the bathroom.  

She is sitting in the bath tub, leaning back resting her head against the wall.  I suck in a breath of air to calm my nerves.  I could do this procedure with my eyes close.  I remind myself that I am the best in Los Angeles.

I touch her hurt shoulder gently, smooth pale skin with strong muscles. Bad thoughts…bad me.  I slap myself out of it.

She opens her eyes slowly and smiles at me. 

“I thought you left and called the police.”  She jokes.

“I nearly did.” I smile back.

“You have a nice smile.”

“Thanks.”  I am shy like a school girl.

“This is going to hurt a lot, bite on this.”  I hand her a twisted hand towel. 

“I am ready. Just be quick.” She takes it and closes her eyes again.

“OK.  One more thing, your blood type?”

“AB negative.” 

“Ok. Here I go.”  I push the knife down to open the wound. 

She does make a noise.  I work as quickly as possible.

I clean her wound, find the bullet and stitch her up in record time.  She is barely conscience when I am done.  She definitely is not as talkative as before.

I helped her to my room.

“Thank you.  What’s your name?”  She says weakly. 

“Carmen.”

“Thank you Carmen.  I am Shane.” God, she can still smile.  This woman is stronger than she looks.   I tell her to rest.

I stay until she fell asleep.  After making a necessary phone call, I drift off to dreamland on the sofa myself too.

””””””””””””””

what do you think? ;P