When The Heat Comes

Night Duty

He could barely open his eyes as I called him severally. The pain he was experiencing was visible in his face and I was starting to panic more than I should have.

"I'll call an ambulance?"

Why on earth was I asking, that's the only option I've got.

My phone was already in my hand as I started dialing the number but almost immediately, I felt him hold my wrist with his blood-stained hands.

"Please, take me with you." He said frazzled.

Without arguing, I put the phone down. It'll make more sense if I just drive him to the hospital because I don't know how long it'd take for the ambulance to arrive. "Okay, can you get up?"

He nodded and I put my hands around him. He was heavier than I expected and I struggled to get us both to stand firm.

He had his back bent as we walked out of the dark corner. I flinched when a cat ran by and despite his helpless state, he still chuckled at my expense. I wasn't much of an animal lover.

We made it to my car without anyone seeing us. Not that I cared about what would happen if anyone saw us. At least that'll be extra help. But it's 3 in the morning and everywhere is cold and isolated.

Kaz entered the backseat while I was the driver. I started driving with him groaning and grinding his teeth.

"We'll be going to the nearest hospital right now," I said gazing at him from the rearview mirror.

"No!" He bit out. "Don't take me to the hospital..."

"But, Kaz. Look at you. You need a doctor! If you lose too much blood, you might die." I persisted.

He chuckled but instantly regretted it because he felt pain.

"This is not that serious, trust me. It hurts like hell but it's not gonna kill me. Anywhere but the hospital." He pleaded. "Please..."

I sighed, calculating my thoughts. I don't know what I just got myself into.

"Where do I take you, then?" I asked after a block of silence had passed between us.

I waited for his response but none of it was forthcoming. I looked over to witness his eyes closed and his hands still holding his shirt.

My house it is, then.

My car pulled over at my driveway and I alighted from the car first before coming over to his side. I opened the car doors and called his name.

"Kaz, we are here," I stated but he remained silent. Panicking, I checked if he was breathing with my finger, and that blew up in my face as he opened his eyes almost immediately.

His eyes were darker than they used to be. I helped him get out of the car before taking him inside. I formerly noticed the lights to my neighbor's home were turned on but I didn't let that bother me because I'm old enough to have a man over at 3 AM.

Inside the house, I brought him to the kitchen and he sat on one of the long stools. I live alone in a beautiful house which contained a pool.

"Take off your shirt," I instructed heading toward the cupboard to grab my first aid.

When I turned around, the shirt was ripped off his body and lying on the floor like a red-colored rag leaving his chest bare. Yesterday, I only got to see the corners of his breasts through his shirt. I was satisfied to see it open now.

The n*****s distracted me more than they should have. I pulled my s**t together and focused on what was before me.

I saw his wound more closely. It was a stab wound — yikes.

The sight was not so lovely.

"Who did this to you?" I asked as I wore my gloves in preparation to start dressing the injury.

"It's not in your place to know."

"Yeah, it is. I just saved your life for God's sake! I deserve to know what caused this."

"I'd rather not talk about it." He whispered dismissively.

"Why? Is it traumatizing?"

"No...It was expected but I didn't have enough backup."

I arched my brows. "What are you saying? Make it more understandable for me—"

"The other stupid gigolos ganged up to hurt me. I was going to meet a client before those sick f***s cornered me and beat me up." He narrated. His veins popped across his hands as if he was angry but his voice was at bay.

"Why did they do that?"

"It's jealousy." He replied with an eye roll.

"That's wild. They hurt you but luckily, the cut's not too deep." I said after I was done using a warm towel to clean it up. I started the stitching-up process and he was quiet the entire time. After I was done patching up the bruises and cuts, he wasn't looking thankful as I'd hoped.

"What? Why are you staring at me like that?" I asked, uncomfortable.

"I'm just trying to convince myself that you're not the one who set me up with those men."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"You haven't been so pleased with me lately so I can't help but suspect you sent them to tear me down. Why did you even decide to help me after our argument at the office and café?"

I cracked. Wow, this was what I get for helping this asshole. I don't know if I should blame his trust issues or accept the fact that I look like a suspect.

I'm not that cruel to do this to him. Besides, the argument wasn't so serious to throw a fit.

"Get out of my house," I said without even thinking twice.

"Really? That's the best you can say?"

He didn't move an inch which I found very infuriating.

"Tell me, Kaz, is this the first time you're getting assaulted by your fellow s*x workers?"

He was silent for a second and then, his face changed like something had jogged his memory.

"No."

And that was the response I needed.

"Then, why would you think so badly of me? Our disagreement isn't even enough reason to do this to you. Yes, I talked about firing you but if I wanted you gone, I would have given you a sack letter even if my uncle doesn't approve." I was yelling at the top of my voice now — at 3 f*****g AM.

"Guess I was wrong. I'm sorry for accusing you, Ruby. Now, I know who I'm really dealing with." He muttered.

I scoffed. "I forgive you. You'll be sleeping on the couch by the way."

His look softened. "This house is really big. Why can't you just give me a guest room to stay in?"

"The couch is not so bad."

I took the bowl of warm water and emptied it into the sink. I was washing the towels when I felt Kaz's strong scent linger behind me for the first time. It's manly, decent, and smells like something I'd want to keep inhaling for a while.

"Thank you, Ruby." He said and I nodded.

"Just taking care of everyone like my uncle asked me to. What about your client? Do you want to call her?"

"I lost my phone but that's not it. She wanted me an hour ago so it's too late to reach out."

"Oh..."

"It's not a big deal. I'll make it up tomorrow morning."

I was yet to turn around when he was even closer to me. His b***r pressed against the center of my ass. I froze unbridled and frightened at the same time.