16. Sharkie
Date: 5-14-2024
Time: 0601
I can work with this; I can use it to my advantage. Free orgasms and princess treatment for his life. Sounds like a pretty good plan to me. I know I’ll never be able to run. My team isn’t looking, but I can still accomplish what I set out to do. He can try to brainwash me with very skilled tactics all he wants. It’s not going to work. I can’t fail.
The iron grip of an arm is wrapped around my waist, with a soothing scent filling the small room. It’s so calming when matched with the sun slowly peeking through the fogged glass creating soft beams that fight the particle-filled air against the blank walls. I'm almost positive I could fall back to sleep. Well, I mean I would if it wasn’t for the nagging in my head of what the hell is happening.
He’s manipulative, it’s all he and his team are good for. Twisting and turning things into what they’re not. Like a predator pretending to be prey. Camouflaging to its surroundings and mimicking the innocent calls of its victims.
I know the facts: Depth hated having to clean up the mess they created, unwilling to keep putting time and supplies into the countries that turned against them when the Chaos war happened. Instead, they wanted the land and sea to themselves like the selfish humans they are just so they could prove their power. As if losing one war wasn’t enough.
We didn’t sink your fucking ships, siren.
Yes, they did, Dutton witnessed it. He would’ve never created a reason for the peace my parents developed to come crumbling down. Tide doesn’t have a reason… My nose crinkles as I squeeze my eyes tighter, trying to shoo off the thought.
A fucking shark engraved in the knife I cut him with. Why does that make my stomach somersault? He’s psychotic. Maybe I am too though . No, stop. Tide groans tempting me to groan with him, I want to move but I’m stuck. Physically, mentally, emotionally.
Finally, forcing my eyes back open, I glance down, tracing the stretch of every vein bulging in his arm with a feather light touch. Tattoos line the expanse, showcasing a gorgeous abstract design of waves crashing against a boat with... is that another fucking shark? Oh yeah, he’s obsessed with me. I grin, but quickly replace it with a deadpan expression.
I can’t help it. His arm tightens as if he’s trying to hold me tighter but not tight enough, he’d hurt me. Funny . He’s done enough damage that a little more won’t hurt. It’s hard to describe every way he’s fucking up my already twisted head.
I hate how he took care of me, how he asked about scars I’ve always kept hidden. It’s ugly to admit, but with every man I was ever intimate with, I never allowed them to remove my shirt. I didn’t need to be reminded of the times I failed. He didn’t flinch away; he didn’t press too hard for answers. Instead, he clothed me and held me close like he hadn’t just finger fucked a small tidbit of information out of me.
Why can’t he just let me hate him?
Another groan causes me to sync with it. Why can’t I just enjoy my inner monologue in peace? The thought irritates me more than it should. I throw my elbow into his ribcage. Tide pulls away like he has just touched fire, making me scoff in response. This asshole was acting as if he hadn’t cuddled me like I was his property, not just his prisoner.
“Can I leave now?” I pause and glance back at him before sitting up and looking at my exposed legs, I forgot I wasn’t in my clothes anymore, grasping at the hem of the oversized shirt I pull it down trying to ignore the blush that crawls its way into my cheeks.
“You said if I gave you any information, you’d set me free.” If he’s not going to let me wallow, then I’ll just annoy him, “Or was that just another lie?”
He scoffs, shaking his head enough the peppered hair falls over his eyes before he pushes it back again.
I hate him.
“I need to notify my team first, and put precautions in place...” His brows furrow as if he’s deep in thought, “And I didn’t–”
I squint but he doesn’t even give the satisfaction of glancing in my direction, instead he just stops speaking altogether. I let out a heavy breath, steadying my racing heart as I stand, attempting to look through the fogged glass. I knew he wasn’t letting me go. I accepted that fact, but it’s fun seeing him scowl. Irritation is easier to handle than the softness he carries when he looks at me.
“So, you did lie?” I cock my head to the side as I sing the words. This shouldn’t be so fun, but hell, I’m not mad about it. Something washes over his eyes that I can’t put a name to. He stands, yanking up his tactical vest from the floor.
“You knew it was a lie. You even acknowledged it, but–” his words trail off to where all I can hear is soldiers rushing through the halls and base humming with activity.
The world works in such an odd way. It was always a possibility I'd be captured but what I was prepared for wasn't this . He gracefully strides around the room, checking his gear as if I might’ve stolen something while he was asleep. I could’ve, but I didn’t.
He feels safe.
“You sure about this, Cordi? This is your parent’s legacy… your legacy.” Dutton’s eyes gleam, reminding me of game nights where we’d sit around the table with my parents arguing over who was cheating. He always swore it was Mom, which never failed to end with her smacking the back of his head. I haven’t seen him smile like that since then.
The red curtain separates us from the waiting crowd, but the noise is loud—chanting and yelling. Each voice overlaps the other, but nothing is louder than the thumping of my heart.
“Of course. It’s what they would’ve wanted. You’re more fit for it until I can finish my training. Plus, I need a mentor if I’ll ever fulfill their legacy.” I grin and smooth down his tie. I’d already surpassed most ranks in the short time it had been since…
I let out a shaky breath and distract myself with the man in front of me. The world needs a face for its savior. It’s been too long since it’s had one, and I’m in no position to do it yet.
“Yes ma’am. It’s a pleasure, Lieutenant.” Dutton purrs, and I nearly gagged from the sound. I’d take my rightful spot one day, but for now, I want to do what I know how to do. Until then, I know everything is in safe hands.
“You look so much like your mother.” He whispers as he turns away.
The curtain opens, making me sidestep out of the way. I was never one for the spotlight anyway, but the way Dutton walks is as if he’s made for it. I place my hand on my stomach, feeling the bandages wrinkle beneath.
“Drinks on me tonight, Cordelia.” The familiar flaming hair bounces on shoulders that look as if they could hold the weight of the world and not fall. One day I’ll be like Dutton and Karma. One day, I’ll make my parents proud.
Just not today.
“Are you even listening?” Tide snaps nearly causing me to jump, my hand crinkles the fabric against my abdomen.
Date: 5-14-2024
Time: 1452
“No. No. Hell, no .” I shake my head furiously, crossing my arms over my chest as Sam gives me that stupid blank stare like usual.
“Tide said he explained your new arrangement.” He deadpans as if I’m the one who formed this mocking idea. Maybe I should’ve paid attention when Tide was talking—no never mind, I’m not admitting that because he should’ve never plotted this ridiculous scheme. I give him what he wants, and this is the thanks I get? Not a proper room I can have for myself. Not a lack of a babysitter. I am stuck rooming with the person who is the source of all my frustration.
Breathe .
This works. It can work. I just have to get past the idea of being under his surveillance twenty-four-seven. He’s such an idiot, he realizes I can still kill him, right? He should never underestimate his enemies. Especially now that his doing this just intensifies my inner desire to jab a fork in not only his eye but also Sam’s, who’s still looking at me like I’m about to burst.
He tosses the single plastic bag of my things through the door and holds out his hand as if he’s saying ‘Welcome home’ without saying it. Good thing he doesn’t or else we might have a recap of our not-so-happy encounter. I shake my head and tilt my chin into the air.
I debated on apologizing for the incident, but not now. I don’t care if it’s childish. In a defiant act, I stick my tongue out at him and lock my legs in place. I’m not stepping in there, let alone sleeping in there.
I don’t care if I can already see the wall of glass windows with the most beautiful view of the beach. I don’t care if it looks like the most luxurious room I’ve ever seen with its olive interior showcasing tan furniture. It’s his room and I will not be made a fool of being in it.
“I swear, can none of you do your fuckin’ job?” Tide booms, his footsteps following his voice. He’s not having a good day. I smile at the thought. I hope it’s because of me.
“You told me to bring her to the room. It’s not my fault if she refuses.” Sam spits. I raise a brow. So far, the only two people I’ve seen who can get away with anything are Moe and Sam. Even though Tide gives them a look like a father would a child, he never really reprimands them. How are they supposed to learn without punishment?
“Do you want to go back to your cell?” Tide hisses, stepping into my personal space. God no, I don’t. It’s small and I swear the last time I was there I started to hear voices and not just the ones that stay on repeat in my head, not to mention my nightmares are worse. I glance back at his room. No cameras? It’s getting more appealing by the second, but I still don’t want to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“I want my room.”
“The cell was your room. If you want to go back to it, then–”
“No!” My jaw sets after the word falls from my mouth. I storm into his quarters and slam the door behind me. Thankfully, he doesn’t follow. I haven’t found a knife or fork yet, so it’d be another wrestling match.
Their feet retreat from behind the door along with Sam mumbling something like ‘fuckin’ hell’. He’s the one who constantly acts like there’s a stick up his ass. It’s not my fault that his buddy has decided that I’m important.
On the bright side, there’s a real bathroom in here, along with a bed that’s on an actual frame with silk sheets so soft I think I might melt into them when I lay down. I refuse to sleep in the same area as him again, but maybe if I sprawl out enough, he’ll have no choice but to sleep somewhere else. There’s even a spacious kitchen area. Despite the filthy dishes in the sink, it’s elegant. A complete contrast to Tide. The counters are smooth marble with tile backsplash and the steel appliances have a look that just makes the room feel warm, unlike the way Bay makes the color feel.
I let out a huff. If I can’t leave, then I might as well get used to it, right? I have nothing else to do. I have to bide my time, and any misstep can throw me ten spaces back.
I want a shower, a real one where I’m not being watched. It’ll be a good way to wash any reminder of him off my skin. I’ve hated him this long and it can’t change now. Even if he wasn’t the reason for my parents… no. He is apart and I won’t allow my brain or him to convince me otherwise.
By the time I get myself settled in, it’s already pushing eight and the sun is setting. I may hate the ocean, but I do adore the way it looks as orange and red hues cast over the water. It’s magical to the point it makes me want to live the fantasy I always had of the world without fighting. Where everyone was safe and happy. That childish dream seems so far from the truth now more than ever.
I gnaw at the inside of my cheek as I flip through the cabinets, holding a fluffy towel tight around my body, looking for anything remotely easy and edible, but all I can find is actual ingredients. Who the hell doesn’t keep snacks? Even on a military diet, he should have granola bars. Like most people my age, I hate cooking. It’s not that I don’t know how my mom... well, I know how and I’m half decent at it so that’s not the problem either. It’s just that I don’t want to.
I walk around the room to my bag. A small duffle with a note perched in a lounging chair catches my attention. It has my birth name on it in surprisingly neat writing. Unzipping it, I find an array of new clothing with tags still attached. Each piece of fabric smells fresh from the store, carrying a clean factory scent. It’s similar to the first assortment I received with olive green shirts, now included with a few sweaters, tank tops, and black shorts, along with athletic leggings and even some tan cargo pants. I continue to rummage around, finding the socks and undergarments.
I’m going to fucking kill him . My blood pressure rises with my finger that holds a skimpy, blue-laced set. He’s lost his fucking mind if he thinks I’ll ever wear that for him. Throwing it back into the bag, I decide on some shorts and a sweater.
It’s odd leaving the room on my own accord, I don’t know where I’m at, but nothing is going to stop me from finding a vending machine or at least the mess hall where I can have something remotely digestible that I don’t have to put effort into.
This side of the base feels calmer and a lot quieter. Granted, it is night and I’m sure most of the soldiers are on a schedule, but it’s still serine-like. It’s not like Bay, where you get an eerie feeling around every corner. I’m starting to recognize a lot more differences in our task forces than I originally thought.
I wonder where Tide is lurking. It doesn’t matter, last night was just a tactic he used to get information. We don’t care. Great, now I’m arguing with myself. Can you die from a mental breakdown?
Here lies Cordelia, taken so early from us due to insanity.
“What do you mean, it was planted?” My head turns towards the deep voice rolling down the hall. My stomach rumbles, but just like a fish to the bait, he draws me in without even knowing it.
Rounding the corner, I find a cracked door casting a blue light onto the concrete floors at my feet. Lo and behold, Tide is on the other side with what sounds like Sam mumbling under his breath–
“We found the pieces from the explosive. They match the ones from last time.” A feminine voice hesitates as she speaks. I step closer, hovering my ear over the crack, the position gives me a small view of numerous monitors lining the walls and desk. Showing surveillance of multiple cells and all aspects of the base ranging from the tops of guard towers to a parking lot and even the training grounds.
“They have Bay numbers on it.” She continues and I’m about two-point five seconds busting in.
“So that means–” Sam’s words cut off and I hold my breath, I don’t even know why I do. It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong. They’re lying. Tide read my mind and knew I would be here at this exact moment to overhear the conversation. It’s a plan to trick me, that’s all.
Just as I’m about to turn away because the anxiety in my chest is too much, the door rips the rest of the way open and I’m face to face with Tide himself.