Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
CYRUS
My body is exhausted.
Sweat coats my skin in thin layers, and the bags under my eyes are probably big enough to hold the treasures I store in chests within my quarters.
Dragging my feet below deck, I gather up a bowl, clean rags and water.
I should go back to the inn. But I’m not ready to face anything else today.
Not with Amara still unconscious in her bed.
I had Mary gather updates for me earlier, I know she’s not awake yet but she’s still breathing.
I need one more night before I can gather the bravery I need to go back to see her.
I’m also not ready to face her.
Those glittering caramel eyes and deep grin.
I’ll look forward to the moment you come crawling to me.
Nope. Not tonight.
Tonight I’m sleeping on this ship. Keeping to my routine. Then once the first light hits I can get back to work before going to see Amara finally.
Hopefully by that point I’ll be too late to see Tally lurking around.
Haphazardly dumping the bowl of water and the rags on my dresser, before stripping. A proper bath would have been better for how filthy I currently am, but fuck it. I’m too exhausted. With little energy, I scrub myself clean before falling into bed naked.
Closing my eyes and settling in, I expect sleep to take me quickly.
Except an hour later I’m still tossing and turning.
My limbs heavy and eyes gritty, I roll over attempting to find another comfortable position. Yet nothing gets me to sleep.
Another hour passes, before I get up and pace the room.
My feet stomping with the weight of exhaustion weighing down my steps.
Slumping into bed once again, I try once more. Only to be met with another hour of staring into the void that refuses to consume me.
With a groan I sit up. My heart racing in my chest from annoyance. And something else I can’t name. For some reason, my body is demanding that I can’t sleep here. The bed I’ve slept in for years with no problem.
Instead, my body is drawing me back to the inn.
The place I slept for only one night.
With someone.
Looking out the window, the moon rides high in the sky. I can guarantee that the tavern is shut now. Perfect, I shouldn't have to see anyone as I make my way over there.
Wait… is that what I’m doing? Heading to the inn?
Before I can even get the thought to fully process in my sleep deprived brain, I’m up and pulling on a pair of linen trousers.
After throwing on a shirt and light boots, I’m out of my quarters and leaving the ship. The island is dark with only the occasional torch light leading the way. The silence is welcoming, calm and soothing. Something my tired body is grateful for.
The walk down the centre of the village isn’t long, but when your limbs feel like lead and Tally Ho Inn is right at the end, it feels like the walk takes all night.
I’m halfway up the street when someone exits the tavern, huffing and puffing, kicking at loose rocks along the path.
A deep scowl burrowed into his cheeks. Anger and resentment radiates from him and it instantly puts me on edge.
Wishing I’d stashed more weapons on me than the small blade hidden in my boot.
I recognise him as one of Tally’s people, maybe his mood was just from a bad shift working behind the bar.
Yes, that must be it.
Still I keep my distance as he walks my way, sticking closer to the shadows. Watching him angrily swish his cloak with each exaggerated hand movement. My body is more alert than it's been since Tally left the deck earlier today after her crawling comment.
My heart throbbed. For some reason, the idea appeals to the deepest, depraved part of me. It’s not something I’ve ever done before and now I almost want to.
We pass one another, he doesn’t even register that I walk by. Then I make haste to the shadows in front of the tavern, watching and waiting.
Other than muttering to himself and kicking some stones, he does nothing but walk down the road until he's swallowed by the horizon and shadows.
Just a bad shift, Cyrus, nothing more.
Dragging in deep breaths, I head inside.
Only to come face to face with Tally, as she stands behind the bar opposite me. Her eyes snap up to meet mine. Her expression once filled with displeasure breaks into a cheeky grin.
I’ll look forward to the moment you come crawling to me.
Suddenly my muscles remember how tired I am. It becomes a very real possibility that I will be crawling towards her.
Not for sex.
But for comfort, so I can finally relax and sleep.