She walked into a bar in Tortuga warily, scabbard hanging at her hip. Her brown hair was pulled up under a hat that hid her eyes. Sweat from the humid Caribbean climate ran down her back. She was being chased. She had to get out of Tortuga as soon as possible.

Hearing yelling from the streets, she dashed out a door and into an alley. She ran to the docks, seeing a familiar black ship disembarking from port.

'Perfect!' she thought to herself, running for the gangplank and making it on with the last group of men loading the ship. Going unnoticed, she slipped beneath the shadows and completely out of sight beneath the stairs leading up to the bridge.

The captain began to shout orders from above her. His voice was stern… and somewhat familiar to her.

Footsteps descended the stairs and right over the top of her came the captain. He was retiring to his cabin.

'Oh no. No, no, no, no, no.' she thought to herself, sliding further into the corner and hoping to God that she wouldn't be seen. Alas, she was found.

The captain turned his dark eyes on her and a small smile graced his lips. "Ah, what do we have here?" he grinned, sauntering further into the small out cove. His gold teeth caught the light from the lantern hanging on the wall. The woman cowered into the shadows. "I see you. No need to hide." The captain paused for a moment, cocking his head. "I won't hurt you." He held out a hand with rings on each finger to her. She hesitated, but took it. His hand was rough and calloused, she noticed, as he pulled her to her feet. His face, though half covered by shadow, was very handsome. His dark brown eyes became wide as he looked at her.

"Cap'n, it's frightful bad luck-" Gibbs started.

"Stow it, Mr. Gibbs." The captain ordered. "What brings you to me ship, darling?" The woman stayed silent, narrowing her eyes. "Mmm, a silent one." He murmured, turning to Gibbs. "I like 'em silent."

"Aye, sir." Gibbs grinned, "Don't we all."

"Well, missy, why don't you come with me?" the Captain said, taking her elbow. She didn't protest. "So, I'll ask again. What brings you aboard?" Holly watched him closely.

"What does it matter?" she asked.

"She speaks." The captain grinned, leaning against the table. The keepsakes dangling from his hair flashed in the candlelight as he turned to grab a plump glass bottle. "Are you going to answer?" She stayed silent. Jack watched her closely, stepping towards her. Holly didn't move, just kept her eyes on his. "Well, if you won't answer… then it's to the brig with you, darling." Narrowing her eyes, she held out her hands to be shackled. He lifted his chin in challenge and reached for the shackles on the table. He carefully clasped them around her wrists and called Gibbs. He unclipped her scabbard. With what looked liked hesitation on his features, Jack spoke again, "Take 'er to the brig, Mister Gibbs." Holly let her eyes linger on his for a moment, then followed Gibbs out of the captain's quarters.

Jack watched her leave, her hips swaying back and forth seductively. He could feel his groin tighten at the sight of the beautiful girl's body. He'd never had a woman that dressed in breeches and a shirt similar to his own. Oh, were those breeches tight across her arse and thighs. It'd been months since he bedded a woman.

How could he effectively captain his ship when there was a beautiful woman sitting in his brig?

Holly pulled her coat as tight as she could around her. The brig of the Black Pearl was cold and wet. All she wanted was warmth and maybe a bit of food; her stomach screamed in protest.

Footsteps from above alerted her that someone was coming. The first mate came down the stairs, holding a lantern. "Miss Holly, the captain would like to speak with ye." Nodding, she waited for him to unlock the door and lead her back to Jack's cabin.

"The shackles won't be necessary, Mister Gibbs." Jack spoke once the door was closed. His low, smooth voice sent shivers down Holly's spine. He was across the cabin from her, staring intently out the window.

"You sent for me?" she spoke quietly. The Captain smiled a small smirk, his gold teeth glinting off the candlelight just like before.

"I assumed that maybe now you would give up and tell me what it is you are planning to do by stowing away on this ship." Jack said, looking over at her. She was quiet for a moment.

"Just as I stated before… What is this information to you, Captain Sparrow?" she said quietly. He walked towards her and stopped just a few feet from her.

"What are you hiding?" he said bluntly. "I'm sure as hell not going to guess it." Holly pursed her lips for a moment in thought.

"What is in it for me if I give up this information?"

"We won't kill you. How does that sound?" Jack answered, stepping closer. In one movement he took her hat off her head to reveal long, red hair that flowed down to her mid-back. "Ahhh," he grinned. "It must have been difficult for you to pretend a man." Holly set her plump, pink lips in a thin line and raised an eyebrow.

"Am I supposed to take this as a compliment?"

"Take it as you want, love." He grinned, taking a swig of rum. She would allow the pet names for now. She didn't know how long she would be able to stand them. "Are you going to tell me why you're on my ship? Or do you suppose we'll have to whip it out of you?" Holly stared stubbornly at him.

"How can I be sure that you won't turn on me?" she countered, watching him closely as he moved around her.

"We're pirates, love. We cheat and we lie. You cannot be sure." There was the glint in the teeth again.

"I suppose you would turn me in for a handsome amount of money, would you not?" she asked, looking over her shoulder at him.

"I think not. Why would I give up something as pretty as you?" he asked, grinning.

"However, you have had a tussle with the Company, have you not?" At the mention of the East India Trading Company, Jack shuddered.

"So, you have heard of me."

"Who hasn't, Captain Sparrow?" she replied.

"At least someone gets the title correct." He grinned. Holding back an eye roll, Holly watched him "What about you, love?"

"What about me?"

"What is your title?" he clarified, sipping his rum.

"Captain." She answered. He almost choked on it, swallowing quickly.

"And your name?" he asked.

"Holly." she said, giving him as little information about her as possible.

"Captain Holly…?" he trailed off in question.

"Killigrew." She answered. His eyebrows rose.

"And your ship?"

"Gone to Davy Jones' locker." She answered, no emotion in her voice whatsoever. Clucking his tongue, Jack sat in a chair at his table.

"Shame." He paused, clearing the chair next to him of some of his clothes. "Sit," The female captain did as told. "So, what are you running from?"

"Same thing you used to." She said, looking at him through her dark lashes.

"The Trading Company, eh?" Once she nodded, he spoke again, "That wasn't so hard. Was it, love?"

"Don't call me "love"." She warned.

"You're quiet and feisty." Jack grinned. "I like it." Holly couldn't resist rolling her eyes this time.

"Don't try to court me, Sparrow." Holly warned again, standing. "You cannot bed me as easily as you bed your "salty wenches" in port."

"What makes you think I intend to bed you?" he smirked.

"You just implied it." She reminded him. "I know about you. I-"

"What do you know about me? Do tell, dearie."

"I choose not." She said.

"Not a wise choice." He stated, setting his rum down. Holly watched him closely, brown eyes surveying his every move. Jack crossed his arms over his chest and watched her as well.

"Mark my words, Captain Sparrow." She paused, leaning so that her lips were next to his ear. "I have my ways. You may not like them, but I do not give a damn what you want." With that, she stood and walked back out onto the deck.