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A few of the surrounding men chuckle while others chant their agreement.
“Aye!”
“Ain’t that the truth.”
“I broke my nose last month.”
“Hebrokemynose the month before.”
More laughter echoes around the mess hall, and then chatter fills the room as everyone shares stories of breaking bones and bar brawls.
It’s just as well. Everyone is distracted or sleeping, so they don’t see me slip off the ship into a waiting speedboat. They don’t notice when I take off toward shore in the early morning light, and they’re none the wiser when I anchor the boat and go in search of the love of my life.
Hang on, Cora, I tell her, as if she can somehow hear me.I’m sorry I didn’t figure it out sooner. I’m sorry I didn’t fight for you, but I’m coming now. Get ready, princess. I’m about to steal you away and lock you up so you never leave me again…
12
CORA
“Cora? Cora!” my new boss snaps at me.
“Yes, sorry. What’s up?”
The portly man with an impressive mustache narrows his eyes at me, and I paste on my best smile. Mr. Thomas is not pleased. Then again, he’s rarely pleased, especially around me.
“What’s up?” He sighs and shakes his head. “Can you at least try to be a bit more professional? How aboutwhat can I help you with, Mr. Thomas?That’s more appropriate for the workplace.”
I nod, groaning internally. Everything about this new job sucks, and my new boss is at the top of the list. He’s somehow even more insufferable than my father, which is saying something.
Giving Mr. Thomas my best smile, I try again to get it right. “Hello, what can I help you with, Mr. Thomas?” I ask in a saccharine voice.
He grunts and tosses a stack of folders at me, most of which end up strewn about my desk. “Organize these alphabetically by the client’s last name.” Before I can ask any follow-up questions, he turns abruptly and walks away. Well, more like waddles, but still.
So much for professionalism,I think to myself.
I hate everything about this job, from my coworkers to the hour-long commute both ways. Between learning the ropes and trying to find an apartment so I can finally move out of my father’s house, I’ve been burning the candle at both ends for almost two weeks. I’m exhausted, and it shows.
The stress has my stomach tied in knots, so much so that I’ve thrown up every morning for the last week. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think I was…
Oh god. Oh no. Oh shit. Am I…?
I can’t even think the word. How is that possible? I know how babies are made, and yes, I now realize Titan and I never used protection, but… this can’t be happening. I’ve always wanted a family, a chance to give my kids the kind of love and acceptance I never had growing up. But not like this.
Racing thoughts take over my mind, and it feels like I’m breathing through a straw. Before the panic attack can fully set in, I push myself away from my desk and rush down the hall to the bathroom.
I’m so focused on getting to my destination before bursting into tears that I don’t notice the man standing in front of me until I crash into his chest.
I must be delusional. This man smells like Titan. When he wraps his arms around me, I know I’m losing it.
“I’m s-sorry, sir,” I stutter out, the first of my tears falling down my cheeks.
“Cora?” comes the familiar, deep voice of the man I love.
“Titan?” I squeak, taking a step back and looking him in the eye. “Titan!” I gasp once I realize it’s him. “What are you doing–”
I’m up in his arms before I can finish my sentence.
“What I should have done the second I discovered you left,” he says, carrying me through the office and back to my desk. “You have a purse? Jacket? Anything you want to keep?”
