Carmen sobbed. People passing by the entrance of the alley was peering inside.

Shane: Don’t cry. Come here.

Shane hugged her.

Shane: I’m here. It’s okay. Common, let’s get out of here.

They walked silently back to the car. Carmen held onto Shane’s arm like her life depended on it. Carmen finally opened her mouth when they got to the car.

Carmen: You’re not leaving right?

Shane looked away. Was she ready to throw herself back into this? Would she be able to pull herself away from Carmen when it was really time to move in on Cezar?

Carmen: Shane?

Shane decided that she’d decide what she wanted later. Right now she’ll just go along and make sure Carmen doesn’t worry herself to sick. Shane gave her a little smile.

Shane: No, I’m not leaving.

She felt the grip on her arm loosen a bit. Shane drove back to the white victorian mansion and its black iron gates. She helped Carmen out of the car. Shane could see the dark circles under Carmen’s eyes. She looked relieved though. Her eyes were drooping as they were making their way to the living you.

Shane: Go to bed, you need it.

Carmen: No, I don’t. If I do, you’ll be gone by the time I wake up.

Shane couldn’t help but smile at Carmen. She was cutest when she was acting childish.

Shane: What should I do then to show you I won’t run away? Do you want to lock me up?

Carmen’s eyes lit up.

Shane: You’re really going to lock me up?

Carmen pulled Shane upstairs to her bedroom. She made Shane lie down on the bed. She went and got two metal handcuffs. She cuffed her hands together and her feet together.

Shane: Where’d you get those?

Carmen: From Carlos’s room.

Shane: Carmen, don’t you think you’re going a bit overboard?

Carmen: No. You’re the one who suggested it. I’m just complying to your wishes.

Shane squirmed around like a worm. Carmen laid down next to her.

Carmen: You know, I thought I’d never see you again. I know what I did that night wasn’t right. I hope you’ll forgive me, but I just can’t live without you. Maybe you don’t believe in love at first sight, but I do. Even if it isn’t love at first sight, there’s something here between us. You’re the person I’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re my friend, bodyguard or love, I need you here. Please.

Shane stopped squirming and stayed still. She heard Carmen’s soft snores. Her breath evened out. Shane turned on her side and kissed Carmen on the forehead.

Shane: How are you going to let me do my job if you keep making me fall for you? There’s something here between you and me, I know. But I don’t know if I am brave enough or strong enough to face it.