A Pirate's Ransom (4 page)

The night air was cool and refreshing against the heat of my cheeks. I rushed along the deck until I found myself breathless and standing at the prow of the vessel. Closing my eyes, I allowed the peacefulness of the rise and fall of the ship cutting through the sea to ease my ire.
I refuse to allow that man to bait me or best me. Surely if he were to harm me in any way, it would render me worthless, and he would have no claim to a ransom. Nay, he shall not harm me. I refuse to cow down to his demands. We shall see who really is in control aboard this ship.
Once I came up with this strategy, my temper began to cool.

My hand rested on the smooth wood of the rail while I watched the moonlight dance upon the waves, the sound of the wind in the sails was almost liberating. I don’t know how long he stood behind me in silence but when I sensed his presence, my backbone stiffened.
What was it about this man that riled me so?

He took a few steps closer. “Catherine,” he said in a voice just above a whisper. The deepness of his murmur caused my mind to wander.
Why was I picturing him using this tone with a lover?
My back stiffened further and I chided myself for allowing my thoughts to wander in that direction. Refusing to face him, I kept my gaze upon the water.

“It would give me great pleasure if you would do me the honor of dining with me this evening.” He seemed to purr.

He inched closer and the heat of his body radiated into my rigid back. Placing one hand upon my shoulder and his lips close to my ear he whispered, “Please.”

The heat of his whisper caressed my ear and the tension seemed to melt away from me. I closed my eyes and tried to swallow the lump in my throat.

“You look truly beautiful this evening, Milady.” His hoarse whisper scorched my neck and goose bumps ran up my arms. He stood so close that when I relaxed, my back nestled against his chest. His body was hard and warm and the intoxicating smell of him made me dizzy. Heat spread through me in a sensation I had never experienced before as his soft lips gently brushed my neck, but my heart nearly stopped when he whispered, “but not nearly as lovely as you looked this afternoon in the mirror.”

I tried to pull away from him, but he tightened his hold on my arm. He turned me to face him and the look in his deep green eyes disarmed me. They were still dark, but seemed to soften somehow, almost pleading. I couldn’t draw my gaze from his, and my heart fluttered as he drew me further into his embrace. His arms wrapped around me and despite his size and strength, he held me gently.

The moonlight reflecting off the water gleamed in his hooded eyes and the gentle breeze dancing around us gave me the feeling of being caught up in a hypnotic and magical dream. A warm heat spread through me, seeping into my bones. I was surprised when, almost against my will, I leaned into him. His body was muscular and hard, yet at the same time, warm and inviting. He drew me closer, and I rested my head upon his chest. His heart raced beneath my ear when he buried his face in my hair. A deep, contented sigh came from somewhere, and I was shocked to realize it had come from me. When he drew his lips away from my hair, I instinctively lifted my face to look up at him. Slowly he leaned toward me, his eyes dark and smoldering.

His full lips were soft as he placed them against mine and unable to help myself, I responded to him. A low moan escaped him and seemed to give me the courage not to pull away.
Father would surely disapprove of this, and I certainly should not encourage this inappropriate behavior
. My mind raced, trying hard to grasp onto rational thought.

I wound my arms around his neck and he ran one hand up my back, deepening his kiss. I felt dizzy as a warm tingling feeling rushed through me. His lips parted slightly and when he ran the tip of his tongue over my lips, a bolt of energy surged through me like liquid lightening, and I gasped. When I did, my lips parted slightly and I thought I would burst with the feeling that came over me when his tongue began to slowly explore the depths of my mouth.
How could anything that felt so pleasant be looked upon as inappropriate?

Unsure of what to do, or what my response should be, I followed his lead and as my tongue danced with his, a deep moan escaped him and his breathing became rapid. His slow kiss continued, then he drew one hand up along my ribs to my breast. His fingers caressed me gently and a rush of wet heat flooded the center of my womanhood. This time the moan came from me.

His kiss deepened. He ran his hand down my spine and, cupping my bottom, pressed me against him. I instantly became aware of the hardness of him and alarm suddenly sounded in my mind, yet I was unable to force myself to pull away from him. The feelings he stirred in me were like drinking a deep red wine, and I clung to him, drunk with it and wanting more. My fingers wound through his hair, and the ribbon holding his raven locks fell away.

“Catherine,” he whispered into his kiss.

My hands explored his hard muscular chest. I was eager and addicted to this new excitement he ignited in me. Abruptly, he pulled away from me. He stood there with his eyes closed and body shaking. I was stunned.
Had I done something wrong?

My mouth burned from his kiss, and I raised my fingers to touch my swollen lips. Heat surged through me. Puzzled, I watched him, standing before me, struggling, and clearly fighting with himself.

Finally, he opened his eyes and in a hoarse whisper, he managed to utter, “Milady, please, forgive me.”

“Forgive you?”

“Aye, and kindly excuse me, for if I do not depart from you at this very moment, I fear I shall not be able to drag myself away,” he said and turning, he walked away from me and into the darkness.

He did not come to his cabin that night, as I had feared he would, and for that I was thankful. But the scent of him clung to the bed linens and I tossed and turned with thoughts of our encounter playing over and over in my mind. Finally, the light of dawn filtered into the cabin and unable to tolerate this restlessness a moment longer, I got up and dressed myself. I selected the flower print gown because it laced up the front and I was able to get into it without Mary’s assistance. The sun still hung low on the horizon when I made my way up to the main deck.

“‘Mornin’, yer Ladyship,” Smith said.

“Good morning, Mister Smith. Have you seen Captain Drake?”

“Aye, he be at the wheel, but I’d give him a wide berth today, yer Ladyship. He be in a right foul mood.”

“I see. I shall take heed to your warning.”

“I wasn’t prepared for ye to be up an’ about so early, but I be gettin’ yer breakfast brung to yer cabin directly, yer Ladyship.”

“Thank you, Mister Smith, but would it be possible to take my breakfast up here in the fresh air?”

“Aye, Miss. As ye wish,” he answered and scampered away.

I strolled casually along the deck, fighting the urge to look toward the wheel. The pirate crew moved about with purpose in their work and for the most part, ignored me. I walked mindlessly until I found myself standing again at the prow. Leaning against the rail, I closed my eyes and allowed the sea breeze to wash over me, the salty mist cool upon my face. Standing there, the thoughts of my encounter with Edmund played through my mind and a warm sensation filled me.

I jumped at the sound of a rough voice. “‘Mornin’, yer Ladyship,” the scruffy Mister Taylor said.

A twinge of fear coupled with revulsion gripped me and, swallowing hard, I managed to mutter, “Good day, Mister Taylor.”

“Ye be a picture a loveliness this mornin’, me Lady.”

“Thank you,” I replied, holding myself tall and giving him what I considered to be my most authoritative glare.

“But not nearly the vision ye be last night,” he whispered, drawing up close to me. Shock must have been written on my face, because he saw fit to explain his statement.

“Aye, I saw ye in his arms, allowin’ ‘im liberties.” He grabbed me, pulling me close to his rank body.

“Take your hands off of me!” I demanded and struggled to pull away from him, but his grip was strong as he dragged me back away from the rail.

“Nay, me Lady. I be plannin’ ta enjoy some of what ye seemed ta be givin’ so freely ta the Captain last night.”

“I gave nothing to the Captain nor do I have any intention of allowing you—”

“I takes wot I wants.”

My heart thundered in my ears and my knees shook.

“What do you think Captain Drake would do to you if you bring me to ruin? He would never be able to demand his ransom.”

“I ain’t gunna tell ‘im an wot he don’t know ain’t gunna hurt none.”

He leaned in to kiss me, and I turned away just in time. His slobbering wet kiss landing upon my cheek made my stomach roll. Shoving him away from me, my hand flew up and I slapped him across the face with all my might. He merely laughed.

“Ye li’l minx. So, ye likes it rough now, does ye? I can give it to ye rough,” he hissed, slamming me up against the base of the mast.

He thrust himself against me, and when he pressed his thin lips to mine, bile rose in my throat. I tried to scream, but his disgusting kiss swallowed the sound. Pushing and punching at him did no good and only seemed to increase his vigor. He was like a demon possessed. He pawed roughly at my breast, and as he began to unfasten his britches, panic gripped me. My entire body shook with fear and I closed my eyes as tight as I could, trying to shut the entire scene out.

The next thing I knew, the weight of Mister Taylor’s foul body was no longer against me. My eyes flew opened to see Captain Drake holding Mister Taylor up by the shirtfront. The vile pirate’s feet were raised off the deck by a good measure. The two men were eye-to-eye with mere inches between their faces.

“Mister Taylor, I believe the Lady asked you to take your hands off of her,” Edmund said through gritted teeth. His deep voice dripped with the threat of danger and despite myself, my body tingled with the excitement of that danger.

I smoothed my dress back into place with trembling hands. Dizziness overcame me. Even my legs shook, and I leaned against the mast for fear I might swoon.

“Aye, Captain.”

“I suggest you keep your distance from the Countess, Mister Taylor.”

The filthy ruffian glared at me. “This ain’t over, Missy. Ye best not let me be findin’ ye alone again, lest I finish what be started,” he growled.

“Is that a threat, Mister Taylor?” the Captain bellowed.

Silence.

His eyes grew dark and anger flashed behind them as he continued, “I suggest you spend your energies on your duties and stay away from the Countess, for if I see you even spare her a glance, you will find yourself spending the remainder of this voyage in the brig. Is that clear?”

“Aye, Captain, but she ain’t seen the last o’ this.” Taylor said with hate-filled eyes.

The commotion drew other crew members who now stood around us waiting to see what their Captain’s next move would be.

Edmund’s eyes scanned the crowd. “Mister Smith,” he said, releasing the scruffy Mister Taylor, who fell to the deck with a thud.

“Aye, Captain,” the Quartermaster called out, weaving his way through the crowd.

“Take Mister Taylor to the brig.”

“The brig, but, but I thought ye said ...” Mister Taylor stammered, scrambling to his feet.

“Yes, the brig and that’s where you shall remain until you learn that my orders are to be followed. I will not tolerate insubordination. Is that clear?”

The air grew thick with tension. A low grumble passed through the crew like a wave.

Mister Smith grabbed Taylor by the scruff of the neck and shoved him along the deck ahead him. “Off ye go, Taylor. Ye knows the way.”

“Aye,” Taylor muttered and the scruffy pirate slithered away with Mister Smith following close behind him.

When the Captain turned to me, his eyes still dark and dangerous, my breath caught in my throat.

“Countess, need I remind you of my warning not to venture away from my side. There is danger in wandering about this ship unaccompanied.” A muscle twitched in his lean cheek.

“And what of the danger in staying by your side, Captain?”

“I apologize for my behavior of last night, my dear Countess, and trust me when I say I shall endeavor to do my best to see that it does not happen again.” He abruptly turned and stormed away, nearly bumping into Mary who ran toward me.

“Miss, wot on earth has ye up at such an early hour? Come now, breakfast be waitin’.”

I found I couldn’t speak. I watched Edmund’s retreated back.
We shall see, my good Captain ... we shall see.

The ship was huge, with three masts all boasting great square white sails. It had become a favorite pastime of mine to watch the men sing as they worked together to raise and lower those beautiful sails. The chanteys they sang were quite funny and some I admit a bit saucy. The grand ship was taller than any building I had ever seen, and I was certain anyone who should happen to fall overboard would surely meet his death. Yet men would climb the rigging with no fear. The cabin boy, Jake, was particularly nimble at it, and could climb more quickly than the others, even with a bucket and brush in hand. Often times I watched him walk across the mast beam with the ease of a man walking upon the deck, and once I saw him swing on a rope all the way down to the deck.

Having been aboard the ship for some time now, I was becoming bored and longed for the freedom of being up there like Jake, to be able to scan the horizon for miles. One day I asked him if he would teach me to climb the rigging.

“Oh, me Lady, I would have to seek the permission of the Captain. Aside from that, ye cannot be climbin’ up them ropes in no fancy gown.”

“Jake, we look to be about the same size. If you were to loan me a pair of britches and a shirt, then we could climb together.”

“I don’t be thinkin’ that to be such a good idea, me Lady. The Captain, he be sure to disapprove.”

“You let me worry about the Captain.”

“I suppose then, if it be okay with the Captain, I could.”

“When?”

“Whenever ye like.”

“Now. I want to do it today. Hurry, Jake, and get me something appropriate to wear. I shall meet you outside my cabin.”

“Aye, me Lady. You speak on it with the Captain, and I’ll get ye some britches,” he said. I smiled as he rushed off toward the crews’ quarters.

Before long, I stood upon the deck wearing britches and a man’s shirt, with my hair in a long braid.

“Now, me Lady, first I be tyin’ this here line around ye,” he began.

“Why? Why do I need one when you do not wear one?”

“I been climbin’ the riggin’ all me life. This line will save ye from death should ye fall.”

“All right then, I suppose it is necessary.”

“Now, me Lady, I’ll be right beside ye. Watch what I be doin’ and do the like.”

It was harder than I expected, but since I was fit from caring for the horses and stables, it wasn’t long before I had climbed halfway to the top. The thick ropes of the rigging were rough under my bare feet but the view was amazing. As I gazed out to the horizon, I could see for miles. The sea glistened ahead of us and I thought I spied a scrap of land, but could not be certain.
Was there more beyond the tiny island?
If only I could climb higher, I would know for sure. I could only imagine what the view from the top could be like.

“Jake, I want to climb to the top.”

“Nay, me Lady. The rope ye be wearin’ ain’t secured high enough for ye to climb that far.”

“Then we shall simply do without the rope.”

“Nay, I cannot allow that. The Captain will kill me if ye should meet your death.”

“Jake, who is that up there beside you?” a voice boomed from below.

I peered down to see the Captain standing below us on the deck. But my gaze traveled beyond him to the water so very far below. Dizziness swirled around my head, and everything started to spin. I gasped for breath and grabbed hold of the rigging, holding on as tightly as I could.

“Ye be all right, me Lady?” Jake asked.

I couldn’t answer him ... I could hardly breathe.

“Jake! You best not tell me that is the Countess up there with you,” the Captain yelled.

“Aye, Captain,” Jake yelled back.

The humming in my ears became deafening and my grasp upon the ropes of the rigging tightened to the point my knuckles grew white. My palms began to sweat and I feared I would lose my grip.

“Get her down from there immediately!” the Captain ordered.

“Captain, I don’t be thinkin’ she can move,” Jake called back.

Jake placed his hand softly upon my shoulder and said, “Countess, do ye think ye can climb down?”

I stared straight ahead, seeing nothing, and it took all my strength to whisper, “I don’t know.”

“Try. Try to move yer foot. Bring one foot down to the rope beneath ye.”

But no matter how hard I concentrated, I could not force myself to move.

“I can’t Jake. I-I’m ...” I couldn’t bring myself to say I was afraid.

“Jake, what the devil is going on up there?” the Captain called.

I flinched as the pirate’s ire only added to my anxiety.

“Give me a minute, Captain,” the boy replied. Turning to me, he said, “Me Lady, don’t look down ... look at me ... look to me eyes.”

I forced myself to face him, staring into Jake’s soft brown eyes.

“Good ... now, we be goin’ to climb down the riggin’ ... together. That be all right?”

My breath sounded like thunder, sweat trickled down my back, and my limbs were shaking. I couldn’t even answer him.

“Jake, I’m coming up,” the Captain yelled.

I closed my eyes, trying to gain some courage, but found that to be a mistake for then I couldn’t force myself to open them again. I kept my eyes closed as tight as I could and tried to focus on breathing.
Why did going up not bring so much as a glimmer of fear, while looking down from where I came threatens to send me over the edge of panic?

“Milady.” Edmund’s voice was a whisper against my ear. “I’m here and I’m going to take you down. We’re going to do this together. I vow to you, I shall not allow you to fall.”

It was then I felt the warmth of his body seeping into me as he drew himself up behind me.

“Lean back. We shall move as one.” He put one hand over mine upon the ropes. Still, I couldn’t force myself to move.

“Catherine,” he whispered against my ear, “trust me.” Placing his arm around my waist, he drew my body against his. His arm around me felt like an iron band and from somewhere deep inside, I managed to gather a small measure of courage and loosened my grip upon the rope. My breathing was still raspy, but closer to normal as we slowly began descending, moving together, all the while he whispered soft encouragements in my ear.

Finally, I felt the solid deck beneath my feet. Turning me to face him, he placed his fingers beneath my chin and lifted my face to look at him. “Catherine, you must give me your word that you will never do anything so foolhardy again.”

Shame flooded me, but he held my face between his hands and I could not turn away from him. I looked down at the deck as tears streamed down my cheeks.

“No need to cry,” he whispered, and drew me closer into his embrace.

Still unable to find my voice, my tears soaked into his shirt. He stood there patiently allowing me the time to gather my composure.

When I was able to find my voice, I stepped slightly away from him and said, “Thank you, Captain, for rescuing me.” I still could not meet his gaze.

“Catherine, you gave me quite a fright.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No need for apologies, Milady, but there is a need for you to change your clothes. I shall not be able to rescue you from my crew should they catch sight of your shapely derrière in those britches. I must admit, Madam, I find my own resolve to be sorely tested.”