He pulls away and holds me at arms length. I'm panting heavily and leaning back against the wall for extra support. Giving a salacious grin he hangs over me like a big black rain cloud but it won't dampen my spirits. That kiss was just enough to drag me from reality. Swooping down he places a fresh kiss upon my slightly swollen lips and his hand fumbles for mine hanging idly by my side. Finding it he interweaves his fingers with mine and pushes his tongue back past my lips and I give a deep groan as the sensation spreads throughout my body.

I welcome him as he pushes against me, pinning me tighter than before between his body and the slightly grubby, yellowing hospital wall. His stray hand finds its way into my tangled hair and locks a tight grip on it at the back and pulls gently forcing my head up and lips further into his.

We are interrupted by a loud cough. I pull away from Jim, his saliva covering my lips like I've over done the gloss and peer over his shoulder. He turns his head to see the doctor standing half in half out the door. He gives another cough to excuse himself and clear his throat. "We need to take Mr Barlow for operation" he advises as he enters the room quietly shutting the door behind him.

Jim steps back from me and in a gentlemanly manner and stands to one side so I can address the doctor. "Operation?" I ask confused my voice wavering. The doctor gives a nod and goes to Peter checking him over and taking a good look at his records. I look to Jim for an offering of any information that nurse had given but he stands silent staring at his feet.

"What operation?" I ask the doctor really trying to keep my cool.

"Damage inside to fix" says the doctor giving me an apologetic shrug.

Tears stream from my eyes at the thought. The doctor hasn't said what the damage is. Is it serious? "Damage?" I choke out through my tears. The doctor just gives me a shrug. "I sorry, not good with the English" he says.

"Jim!" I call over to him looking for some assistance. Maybe he can talk to the doctor and get me some answers. He looks up instantly as he hears my voice. "Can you…please?" I ask desperate for his help, my eyes wide and teary as I feel all sorts of emotion brewing deep inside.

Walking over he scoots around me and lightly touches my shoulder as he does. He reaches the doctor and in hushed tones speaks to him. The Doctor gives an enthusiastic nod and then when he speaks the words race from his tongue and Jim gives a few polite nods. Holding a stethoscope to Peter's chest the doctor listens to his heart and then gives me a smile as he notices me watching.

From the end of the bed I watch him unclip all Peter's drips and incoming fluids, then he removes his oxygen mask and this makes Peter cough and his eyelids twitch. Jim has now appeared behind me, both of his hands placed strategically on my shoulders. I've tensed and wait impatiently to see Peter wake up. Leaning down Jim whispers in my ear.

"He'll take a few minutes to come round, he'll be a little drowsy and confused. The Doctor explained his operation is where he had an internal bleed, they thought it had stopped but it has started again. He'll be in here for a few days but he is lucky not to have any worse injuries" he says in a silky, seductive low voice.

Peter opens his eyes just in time to catch Jim's lips leaving my cheek where he has just placed a light kiss. He blinks across at us and I notice Jim's hands have found there way down my body and are now clasped in front of me holding me tight.

"Carla" he chokes as I stare at him swallowing hard to keep the tears down. I brush Jim's hands away and hurry to his side clasping his hand with both of mine and squeezing it affectionately. I reach across him and place a light kiss on his lips. I feel guilty kissing him knowing that only minutes ago I was oblivious to his presence, lost in Jim's. He stares at me his eyes glazed and unwelcoming but the doctor commands his attention and tries to explain but his English fails him and Jim has to step in and explain to Peter where he is about to be taken.

The Doctor gives Jim a thankful nod as he leaves the room as Peter stares Jim down coldly. I look at him and he mouths something inaudible. I lean in closer across him and he whispers into my ear. "What the hell Carla? He doesn't care about you, trust me this is some sick game" I pull my head back up and stare at him alarmed by his revelation. No it can't be Jim assures me he was fired. Peter coughs as the sentence has taken what little breaths he had managed to regulate.

"Come Mr Barlow" says the doctor as he enters with a team of nurses to move him. They gently pull me away from his side and I find Jim placing his arms back around my middle and pulling me back close to him. We stand quietly and watch as they lay Peter back and secure the sides of his trolley to take him away. As he disappears through the door the last thing I see is him mouthing 'I LOVE YOU' and giving me that look to say believe me Carla you are not safe. But he must be mistaken Jim is taking good care of me.

The perky nurse from earlier is back, she comes straight to Jim and whispers something to him in Russian. I give a small snarl hoping none of them see. She makes me jealous, just the way she behaves with him its not professional. "One minute" he says touching my arm gently as he exits the room following that woman.

He's not gone long and is back before I know it. "She advised we can wait in a waiting room down the hall but Peter won't be able to have visitors till the morning," he advises. Before I can say anything he has opened his mouth and continued. "But, I think we should leave, get you a good nights sleep. There's a tiny motel around the corner and we could get you cleaned up, fresh clothes and a shower."

I put my hand up to silence him. I don't care what he thinks is best I can't leave Peter, what if something happens? "No, I want to stay" I protest.

"Sweetheart I know you think you need to stay but you can't do anything or see him till the morning and well you want to look your best don't you" he says.

I huff but I suppose he is right and who wants to spend a night in a grotty Russian waiting room, I can't think of anything nicer right now than a bath.

He takes my hand as we leave the hospital and head out to the car park. The car bleeps open as he presses the remote sensor. Jim opens the passenger door for me to climb in. The leather seat is freezing against my patches of bare skin and I can't wait for Jim to get the car running and warm it up a little. A thin layer of ice has formed on the windscreen and as the wipers start they break it up and brush it away piece by piece. Once our windows are clear and the car has slight warmth to it Jim locks the doors and pulls away.

Halfway down the main road out of the little town the streetlights have become few and far in-between. In the distance I can see a small neon sign flashing and take a deep relaxing breath and dream of the lovely warm bath water lapping away at my skin as I enjoy a soak. As we grow closer Jim's speed decreases but as we arrive at the turning he pushes down hard on the accelerator and speeds off.