Louis Coughed Up Blood

Ginevra looked startled. "Mr. Martinez, did I mess up?" she asked.

Louis wouldn't meet her gaze. He was staring straight ahead, his face without emotion. "We're just working together," he said clearly. "If you're starting to like me more than that, I'll have to walk away."

Ginevra let out a sigh of relief and put the thermos on the bedside table. 

She shrugged, her smile wide. "Oh, is that what's worrying you? You're thinking too much. We're just colleagues. Yeah, Uncle Henry might want us to be more, but you're like a friend to me. Isn't it better to just make money together? Why bother with all the romance? It's too much trouble. I like to keep things simple."

Louis didn't say anything for a moment. "I'm tired," he said at last. "I need some sleep."

Ginevra noticed how tired he looked and the white bandage on his arm. She spoke softly, "Does it still hurt?"

"No," said Louis.