Chapter 4. Caramel

"Sir? My goodness, where did they go?" An advanced man shouted as he ran toward us. I lifted Blaze to my laps and pressed a hand on his wounded side. My hands were covered in blood. Tears rolled down my eyes and I called his name over and over again. All the alcohol in my system seeped away. As each of his answers became more faint than the last.

"We need to get him to the hospital," I told the man. 

"Wait, here." He ran back and returned with a yellow Rolls-Royce. Together, we took Blaze to a nearby hospital. The ER personals dashed out with their trollers and carried him off. I ran by his side, holding his hand, until one of the nurses pulled me off.

"Stay here, ma'am. You can't go in there."

I stood motionless, distraught from the world around me as the only sound I could hear were my loud breaths. He was taken into a room with double grey doors and two round transparent glasses. A 'don't disturb' sign hung in red. I paced from one end to another. Hoping and praying that he would be fine. 

My mind ran back to the incident. I got out of the club but my phone had died and I couldn't book a ride. The only way to get home, was to walk down the street and flag a taxi. I didn't know I was been followed. They cornered me to a dark alley and before I could blink Blaze came to my rescue.

A doctor bolted out of the room, beads of sweat trickled down his face and his gloves were covered in blood. I cringed at the sight. His eyes met mine. "Excuse me. Please can you call me a nurse?" Requested in a calm tone.

"Will he be all right?" I asked.

He gave me a warm smile. "Mr Nightingale has been stabilised and the bullet didn't cause any major damage. Please, I need a nurse." He went back into the room and I heard whispers amongst them.

Quickly, I fetched the nurse and sat on the waiting bench. His driver returned with some takeouts and inquired how he was doing. Right then, a nurse approached us. "Mr Nightingale is awake now," she announced. 

I leaped on my feet and followed her into his room. Our eyes met, he tried to sit up but groaned. "Hey, how are you doing?" I walked up to him and helped him, using the pillows to support his back.

"Thank you," he replied. "Did they hurt you?"

My lips twitched upward. Even on the hospital bed, he was still caring. Maybe I would enjoy working with him. "No, you saved me. Thank you too."

He grunted as he adjusted his sitting position. "So you owe me, pretty lady." I laughed.

"I sure do. What would you like?"

"Let's start with your name," he said.

"It's Caramel. Caramel Lot."

"That's a fucking hot name—"

"Sir, I'm glad you're fine," the driver exclaimed, still carrying bags of fast food. "You must be hungry. I've got food from your favourite restaurant." Blaze smiled. "When will I be discharged? I'm sure the media have gotten news of my attack."

I was clueless but the driver nodded. "Then, I must leave before nosey reporters flood this place."

"Blaze—I mean Mr Nightingale. The doctor hasn't discharged you yet," I pointed out. My gaze skittered to the bottles of medicine, a couple of tablets and syringes on the table.

"That's fine. I'll get my home doctor." His phone rang and I assisted him to get it. "Nate, I'm in a hospital, man." He jumped down from the bed and hissed, his hand on his side. "You saw it on the news. Yeah. I'm about leaving this place. What? Okay, I'll wait for you. Be quick, the hospital smell makes me want to puke." 

"You should really rest. I'm sure they won't let the press in without your permission," I said.

"Andrew, get me my clothes," he ordered. "Baby girl. I know the press. They are little demons," he scoffed.

"All right then. I'm glad you're fine," I replied. Andrew handed him his clothes. 

"Don't go. I'll drop you off. I don't want any guy harassing you."

I was about to respond when my phone rang. Lucas flashed on my screen. My little brother. "Excuse me," I said to Blaze while I answered the call. "Hey, I know I'm running late tonight."

"My gosh, you're all right," he squeaked while letting out a sigh.

"Yeah, I am."

"I heard there was an attack downtown, where you said you'll be going to meet your agent."

"Oh yeah. I'm good. Blaze Nightingale was shot. I'm currently in the hospital with him right now." I whirled to see Blaze fully dressed in his clothes and Andrew neatly folded the hospital dress. A doctor walked in and they discussed.

"OMG. You are with Blaze. The super celebrity tennis player. " I laughed. "Okay, kill me. Better take a picture and let him sign something."

Another man walked into the room and shook hands with Blaze. Then he pointed at me and strode toward me. "Caramel Lot. It's a pleasant surprise to see you here."

I stood gaping at him in confusion, unable to hear what my brother was saying over the phone.  If not that he called my name, I'd think he confused me for someone else because I had never seen the man before.

"Nate, you know her?" Blaze asked, leaping.

"Yes. This is your new coach. I haven't met her till now, only chatted with her agent," Nate explained.

My eyes shone and my heart sank. I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out. "What the fuck, bro?" Blaze chuckled, assuming it was a joke. "Wait, you're serious."

"Aren't you Caramel Lot?" Nate inquired.

I cleared my throat, recalling the club, Blaze's lips on mine. I let him. Shit, I'm going to lose my job. "Yes—I am," I answered.

"Perfect. This is Blaze Nigthingale. Your client," he announced. Blaze sucked in a harsh breath and I bit my lower lip.