But also because he’s just a fucking arsehole, even if he is one of my fathers trusted men.
Containing the venom I want to release, I walk to the safe, pluck out the pouch with his wage already in and make a show of adding asinglesilver coin in addition.
He huffs again, but doesn’t complain as he stretches his hand out further to take the coins. Throwing them into his palm, I raise mine to give an over the top wave as he grabs his things from behind the bar and leaves, throwing on his dark cloak as he goes.
When the door shuts behind him I sigh. Cyrus has still yet to come in and it's officially the middle of the night.
Shaking her from my thoughts, I get back to cleaning.
If she hasn’t arrived by the time I’m finished then it's tough shit. I can be patient. She might not be ready yet but she will be.
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 faceher.
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.
