Chapter 33 - Who's In More Pain?

Halia immediately pulled off her jacket and wrapped it around Jackson's arm and shoulder to stop the bleeding. "Let me get you to the hospital," she said.

"No, not this time," Jackson said as he quickly held onto Halia's wrist.

Halia looked down at her wrist. "Why not?" she asked.

"Please...just trust me," he pleaded.

Halia looked into Jackson's eyes. They were hopeful and gentle. She didn't know why and how he got hurt, but she just wanted him to be OK. So, Halia ended up nodding her head.

"My car keys are in my pocket," Jackson said weakly.

Halia immediately stuck her hand in Jackson's pocket and rummaged around for his keys. Jackson saw the worried expression on Halia's face as she moved in closer. He had originally considered not meeting her, but he couldn't bear to leave her all alone so late at night. The sky was dark and their only light source was a dim street lamp, but Jackson could clearly see Halia's trembling hands and feel her shaky breaths. This was the reason why he ignored her earlier; he didn't want her to be a part of this world.

"Are you in a lot of pain?" she asked as she finally pulled out the car key. "Where did you park?"

"I'm fine," Jackson reassured with a gentle smile as he started to lead the way. "Do you mind coming to my place?" he asked.

Halia was too worried to think about anything else at that moment, so she simply replied, "Just show me the way."

...

Eventually, the two arrived at an expensive luxury apartment block. Halia had driven past this place a few times before and admired the grand exterior, but she had never imagined stepping foot inside since it was way above what she could afford.

"Do you live in Hopson Estate?" Halia asked.

Jackson did not answer as he covered himself with a coat and walked in through the front door. The guards at the entrance seemed to recognize him as they bowed. "Welcome back, Mr. Wu," they said in unison.

Halia scurried in behind him and tried to hold back her amazement. "He must be a very successful arms dealer," she thought to herself. No wonder the SPU were after him.

Halia followed Jackson into an elevator and they soon arrived at his apartment on the 26th floor. As soon as they stepped in, Halia immediately noticed the floor-to-ceiling window that looked over the city. The view was stunning.

But, she didn't allow herself to be distracted for too long.

"Where's your first-aid kit," she asked.

Jackson sat down on his black leather sofa and pointed to the bathroom, "It's in the medicine cabinet."

Halia rushed into the bathroom to find the kit, but froze in amazement again when she saw how luxurious the bathroom was. "Wow, your bathroom is bigger than my bedroom," Halia exclaimed as she walked back out holding the first-aid kit.

Jackson did not respond as he stared at Halia. This was the first time he had invited anyone into his home since he moved in three months ago.

"Errr, I'm going to remove your coat and untie my jacket. After that, I need you to take off your shirt, so I can clean your wound," Halia said.

Although she had only spent a few days as a nurse, she did learn the basics of treating a wound and had watched the head nurse stitch up some cuts. She was nervous, but she knew what had to be done.

Jackson stood up and did as told. As he removed his coat, Halia quickly walked closer to help him. By now, her jacket was already soaked in blood, but Jackson's wounds appeared like they were no longer bleeding.

Finally, Jackson started unbuttoning his white collared shirt. Halia remembered glancing over at him earlier at the club and thinking he looked quite smart in it. But, it was now dirty and torn. What did this guy get up to after he left the club? And why wouldn't he go to the hospital?

Halia dazed off a little in her own thoughts until Jackson's voice brought her back to reality. "Can you help me with my left arm," his deep voice asked gently.

Halia quickly returned her gaze to the man in front of her. With one arm out of his shirt already, his bare chest and right arm was now exposed. His body was muscly and toned and his skin was a healthy bronze. Halia felt her cheeks burn up as she leaned forward to help the man take off the rest of his shirt. She was so nervous, she almost forgot to breathe...

Jackson looked down at Halia as she slowly and careful pulled off his sleeve, trying her best not to brush up against the cuts on his arm. She was so close he could smell the floral scent of her hair and he could hear her gentle breathing.

She had her hair out today and he could see a pair of rose gold earrings just peering out between her dangling strands of hair. He gently helped her tuck some hair behind her ear and she jolted a little in surprise, but quickly returned her focus to the sleeve.

Her skin was smooth, her nose was small and cute and her eyelashes fluttered like butterflies; everything about this woman was so alluring for Jackson that he forgot he was meant to be in pain.

Soon, his eyes fell on her lips. They were a rosy shade of pink today, like candy. Less than a week ago, these lips were pressed up against his. He could still remember how soft they were and how sweet they tasted. Just the thought of it sent tingles down his spine.

Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his arm. Some blood had dried and his shirt was stuck to it, so it hurt a little when Halia removed it. She looked up worriedly and her eyes met Jackson's.

Jackson was surprised to find that she looked like she was in more pain than he was...