If anyone three weeks ago could have predicted that Captain O'Shae - The Black Scourge of the Sea and his entire crew- would be catering to a properly bred genteel young lady, he would have cut them down for the preposterous foresight.
However.
The idea of being in the company of said young lady was less preposterous as the days with her on the ship prolonged. They swore to never bring a woman aboard the Floating Vengeance. But circumstances had set aside that rule.
Having Tempest aboard the ship was beginning to feel as normal as the need for the ship's sails billowing in the wind. Her presence was good. He got accustomed to seeing her on deck free as a wood sprite, quiet and observant watching the men work. Petite and full of life from one end of the ship to the other and as odd as it seemed her presence did not bother his men.
He smirked to himself as his warnings were barely heeded.
"Stay here in the cabin."
"Stay off the deck."
The stubborn jut in her jaw and cute angry face she made with his orders promised nothing short of disobedience. He deep down admired her stubborness.
It was sort of an adventure not knowing what she may say or do next. She kept him on his toes like an inquisitive child walking headlong into danger just to quench their thirst for knowledge of the unknown.
Where she was concerned she was fearless. He never thought he would see the day his men would sit and actually hold a decent conversation with anyone. Much less something as tempting as she.
"Like this?" she asked, watching and imitating Justin press his knife into the sides of his Oyster, she did the same. The dusky evening sun was setting in the distance as they sat; legs crossed facing eachother with two large Oyster shells caught in the ships fishing net.
"Ay lass, press the blade into the shell indentation on the right side of the Oyster with a slight downward motion." he said. "It is easy," he continued prying his open.
"Easy!" she muttered in frustration. Her difficulty in prying it open was evident. His lips quirked watching her. He leaned forward a bit plucking her small knife gently from her fingers. She watched as he quickly held it in deft large hands seamlessly slid the knife into it and opened it slowly for her to see.
Quietly she sat with her eyes focused on the pulpy flesh that wiggled as he slowly pressed the tip of the knife over it until three beautiful pearls came up. With a gasp she watched him pick one up to show it to her then placed it gently in her hand.
"It is beautiful," she whispered.
Not as beautiful as you. He gazed at her as her dainty fingers touched it.
They remained silent in eachothers company exchanging soft glances at one another as they continued opening the remaining Oysters.
After some time had passed, cook sought them out to announce supper was ready and would be brought to his cabin.
In the quiet space, they dined and spoke of their day. The moment they finished, he stood and removed their tray and placed it outside the door.
She stood slowly and disappeared behind a makeshift screen made of a long sheet.
"How long before we arrive at Tortuga? she asked, breaking the silence.
He slid into a chair and relaxed; listening to water slosh and tinkle in the washbasin. He saw her silhouette behind the thin opaque curtain. Her hands slowly passed a washcloth over her body. He swallowed hard following the outline of where her hands went.
"In a day or two. Three at the most." he breathed.
She exited slowly after putting on one of his clean linen shirts.
"Three?" she frowned.
YOU ARE READING
Tempest's Embrace
Historical Fiction"Free me and I will save you," he promised. ~*~*~*~*~ A Pirate in peril... Pirate Justin O'Shea is finally captured by his enemy, he had no choice but to sit and wait for his men to come to his aid. But, when his captor decides to bring aboard cap...
