Lyfers OLD VERSION

Chapter 7 - Cross Me

 She opened her eyes, surprised at the deep, unknown voice that growled this phrase behind her assailants: another man was standing there, rolling up his white shirt's sleeves. Leto watched him attentively: he was tall and noticeably muscular, undeniably, but his formal clothing made him appear more like a business man than a basic street thug. However, the scars on his clean-shaved face said otherwise, as well as the bandage on his neck, and his dark red, middle-long hair shaved on the sides tagged along. Yet the young woman could not help but think that this random, handsome stranger did not fit here. The three bullies turned to face him, annoyed by his sudden intrusion.

– Ya better run away if you don't want your-... started one of them.

– Shut the fuck up. I'm in no way interested in whatev' bullshit ya might say.

– The nerves y'all rich boys have!

The older man threw a punch at him, but he dodged it easily and violently kicked him in the back, sending him into the wall, before looking at the two left with a daring look.

– Who's next?

After some seconds of hesitation, they rushed at him, and suffered the same fate as the previous one. In no time, they tasted the dust, without being able to hit the newcomer at least once, their pained screams resonating inside the dead end. He gave them a quick look, to be sure they would not get up too quickly, then came towards Leto, who still had her eyes locked on him.

– Are ya okay, Miss? He asked, in a soft voice.

– Y-yeah, I guess so, she answered, weakly.

He noticed blood profusely dripping from her shoulder: her wound re-opened.

– They didn't go easy on ya, he remarked. I'll drive you to a doctor.

She shook her head, doing her best to stay up on her feet.

– No, I'm... I'm fine, you did enough, already, she whispered.

– I can't let you there bleeding out.

– I'm not... I'm not so far from my place, it's okay, I'll just-...

She tried to take a step forwards, but her legs suddenly abandoned her, and he caught her in a swift move.

– Yer not okay at all, he murmured, helping her wake up. At least, lemme walk you to somewhere safe.

She nodded, silently, clenching on him to avoid falling again as they left this place. She led the way between the small alleys of Downtown until they arrived in front of her place. The old, grayish building, was lightened by neon signs the same color as her hair, but when they pushed the door, the darkness inside surprised the young man, who tried to discern, in the obscurity, a light switch.

– The lamps are broken, she told him. There's no light.

He did not add a thing, helping her climb the stairs. They stopped at the second floor, which, fortunately, was brightened. Finally, they got at her door, and she searched into her jean pockets for her keys, opening it. As soon as he got in, the stranger leaded her to the only seat available: an old couch. There was not much else in her apartment: a small kitchen, a floor lamp, a bed, and some cardboard boxes.

Leto let herself fall on the sofa, pushing some of her pink hair away with her stained hand.

– Thank you, she said, leaning against the backrest.

– You're welcome. Do ya want me to call someone?

– No...

– Can I at least treat your injuries, if you don't want to see a doctor?

She looked at him, staring into his green eyes, in an attempt to know whether or not she could trust him. He probably saved her life, but she was so used to doubt, to protect herself from everyone that it was nothing easy letting an unknown man coming close to her. However, something inside her was telling her he was not a threat, and the thought that he would not heal her if he wanted to kill her was coming along.

– Okay... she finally said.

– Do ya have a first aid kid?

She pointed to the cupboard next to the kitchen. He opened it, and found, with the canned foods stocked there, the kit. He went back, and while he was about to crouch, she gestured for him to sit next to her. He did, taking some sterile gauze and a disinfectant spray he applied on these before watching her.

– I'll treat the wounds on your face, is that okay? He questioned her, in a gentle tone.

– Yes.

She turned to face him, and, softly, he pressed the tissue against her bruised face, delicately washing off the blood. The few inches left between them made the young woman unable to look him in the eyes, embarrassed.

– So, hm, what's yer name? He asked, without stopping what he was doing.

– Leto... What about you?

– I'm Rhy. I'd say nice to meet you, but considering the circumstances...

He let out a small laugh, rolling up the gauze and putting it away.

– I should get a look at your shoulder, but I'd understand if ya do not want me to.

– That's... That's okay.

Leto gave him a shy smile, still unable to make eye contact. She took off her sweat-shirt, then her tank top's strap to reveal the lesion.

– Don't be too shocked, I've got shot this morning, so... she started.

– No worries.

He took a closer look, and his proximity made her blush. She watched him during this time: he was probably in his thirties, even if he seemed quite young. She detailed his long eyelashes, his high cheekbones, his thin fingers: this man was truly beautiful, no matter the scars. He cleaned the bullet impact, thoroughly, then smiled at her.

– Here ya go. You're quite lucky, you won't need more stitches, that should heal by itself. Just clean it daily.

– Th-thank you... Are you a doctor?

The pink-haired woman put back on her sweater.

– Not at all, I'm some basic businessman, he chuckled.

She raised her face to look at him, surprised.

– You didn't fight like someone basic, though...