Page 39 of Sink With Me

“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.

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