Only to run straight into Tally.
Her small stature barely moves from the slight impact, yet my hands still land on her hips to keep her from falling.
Although, the only thing falling is my tears.
She looks up at me with a gentle smile. Her thumb moves to brush the stray tear from my cheek. The movement has me flinching before succumbing to the warmth radiating from her palm.
I’m too tired– both physically and emotionally– to stop my withered emotions from playing across my face.
For some reason, in front of Tally, I don’t feel the need to hide behind a stone facade. Not like with everyone else. There’s no need to hide with her.
“Want to get out of here?” Her voice is gentle, low and musical. Almost like a siren's song.
“Don’t think I’m in the mood for a tryst right now, Tally.”
She chuckles, low and deep in her throat. The gesture making her slender throat flex. How can one little muscle movement have me pulling her closer?
“I’m not suggesting a tryst, more of a distraction.”
To me that sounded no different, but as I hear the cries of an unknown pirate ring out from behind me, I knew I couldn’t stay in this building. Every sound could be her.Washer. I can’t listen to the pained sounds she made repeated over and over.
I nodded and that was all the approval she needed.
Clasping my hand, she drags me out a back door. Something her small body shouldn't be able to do, yet her strength rivals Henri’s. Her body, although only just five feet, is corded with lithe muscle. Nimble and agile, but raw strength lies underneath it all.
Once outside, I take a deep breath of fresh air letting the scent of blood and decay fade away. Which only reminds me that we are both still very much covered in said blood and decay.
Tally doesn’t seem to care as she continues to drag me along.
“Come on, Cyrus. I promise it’ll be worth it.”
Dutifully, I follow.
Tally drags me for about half an hour through tight tree lined paths, before we get to a small clearing that's intersected by a small stream that leads to an open pool with a waterfall.
The space is tranquil, only the rush of water and the swaying of leaves filling the air.
Finally the tension leaves my shoulders and my lungs fill with the sweet scent of nature.
It’s beautiful.
“It sure is a sight, isn’t it?” Tally’s voice is low, refusing to break the quiet that surrounds us.
All I do is nod, it’s all I can do, as I take in all the details.
My eyes catching on the pool. The water looks cool and deep enough to soak in. The longer I stare at the water themore the caked on blood itches and dries across my skin. My clothes feel heavy, weighing me down with every breath.
“Want to go for a swim? The water is usually cool and it’s deep enough to submerge yourself.” Tally whispers, closer than she was a moment ago.
“Deep enough for you, or deep enough for me?” Standing nearly a foot taller than her, this close the height difference is glaringly obvious.
She rolls her eyes. “Smart arse.”
Then she strolls off– no longer dragging me along– and shedding off her clothes as she goes. Various weapons dropping alongside the garments. Until her smooth tan skin is visible.
It takes my breath away.Again.
Her skin tone is lighter than mine, but her tone is richer and the stray flecks of sunlight reflect off her skin like magic. Her hips are wide with a thin waist, her arse gently shaking with each step she takes.
