Author's note: A huge thank you to everyone who had favorited, reviewed, etc. This might be the best response I've ever gotten for something I've written. I hope you continue to enjoy this, as it's a blast to write!
Disclaimer: Nope. Not mine.
Chapter 2
"Gods, love, just like that."
Killian's head sank into the pillow as his hips rocked gently into Emma's warm wet mouth. This was her first time doing this, and he didn't want to overwhelm her. But gods, he needed to move. His balls ached like he hadn't had sex in a year and Emma's sweet mouth was the greatest thing he'd ever felt.
He wove his fingers into her hair, guiding her movement, urging her to move a bit faster. She was so beautiful like this, perfect pink lips wrapped around his cock, her green eyes sparkling. She was his own personal goddess and he intended to spend the rest of his life worshipping her.
"That's it," he praised, wanting to make sure she knew exactly how good she made him feel. "I always knew you'd be a natural at this, love." Emma hummed around him, as she couldn't speak, and Killian groaned. "Fuck. Do that again, Emma. Gods."
She repeated the sound, her lips quirking around his cock, tongue swirling around it. Briefly, he wondered where she'd learned such a thing, but he was too far gone for words. In moments, his hips were bucking into her mouth as he emptied himself inside her.
Killian woke up sticky and drenched in sweat. Again. "Bloody hell," he muttered, wincing as he rolled over. That was the tenth time he'd woken up like this. Or was it the twelfth? Killian had lost count—had even taken the drastic step of not sleeping—but nothing seemed to help. His mind simply could not let the vision of the gorgeous princess doing dirty amazing things to him go. It was slowly driving him mad.
He reached for the cloth he'd taken to leaving by his bed, and dousing it in the nearby basin. Carefully, he wrung it out and used it to clean himself up. What the hell was the matter with him? Why couldn't he seem to let her go? She had chosen not to meet him at the gate. He would have risked everything to free her from the bondage she found herself in, but she had chosen to spurn him. She was no longer his concern. And yet, every time Killian closed his eyes...there she was, all soft curves and sunny hair and eyes like emeralds.
In one night, that lass had gotten under his skin and he didn't like it. Not anymore.
Stop being a fool, Jones. What would Liam think, losing your head over lass? A princess, no less. Thinking of his brother hurt, but it also reminded him why he was there, why he was a pirate in the first place. A king—much like Emma's father—had taken his brother from him. It was his duty to make them all pay.
"How goes it, Mr. Smee?" Killian asked when he got out on deck. The sun was high, the crimson flag of the Jolly Roger bright against the cloudless sky.
"Ship shape, Capt'n," Smee replied jovially. "Do we have a heading today?"
"Aye, I think the crew could use a little rest and relaxation. How does an evening at the Star Fall sound?"
Smee looked like Killian had flashed a hundred gold coins under his nose. "The men would be most grateful for the indulgence, Captain."
Killian didn't divulge the real reason why he was changing their heading. No one knew about his tryst with the princess, had no idea about the strain it was causing him. The Star Fall was a busy tavern in a no name village, one of his crew's favorite haunts. If he could find a...distraction, then it would certainly be there.
By sunset, the Jolly Roger was docked, and the unlucky crewmen designated to keep watch over her manned their posts. Killian led the rest into the Star Fall, where he ordered a round for all, mindful of the gold in his purse. He drank and caroused, just like he always did, eying the lasses hoping one of them would strike his fancy. He desperately needed to get the princess out of his system before he went completely mad.
"Would you and your men like another round?" a female voice asked.
Killian turned in his seat and looked up. A raven haired beauty stared back at him, tray on her hip, waiting for his answer expectantly. You, my dear, will do nicely. He gave the woman his brightest, most seductive grin. "Only if you agree to join me..."
"Diana."
"Come, Diana, have a drink with me," he invited, gesturing toward the seat across from him. "Surely, that old coot will let you have brief break with his favorite patron?" Old Ed ran the tavern; Killian had gotten him out of a sticky spot some years back. The old man was so grateful, he allowed Killian and his crew to drink for half price, as often as they wished.
Diana frowned, considering. "I don't know...I haven't been here that long..."
Than explained why he hadn't seen her before. Killian was certain he'd remember a lass as pretty as her. "Ask anyone, Old Ed and me go way back. It'll be fine, love." He ignored the voice in his head telling that this wasn't what he wanted. No, he didn't want this, he needed it.
"One drink should be alright, I suppose."
"That's the spirit!"
One drink soon turned into three and Killian guided Diana out the back door of the tavern. The dark alley was the perfect cover; he didn't want to waste time taking her back to his quarters. One quick fuck against the wall and he'd be free.
Diana fumbled for him in the dark, wrapping her arms clumsily around his neck. She was a little bit tipsy, but not unduly so. She started nuzzling his neck, presses kisses against his skin. Then he dragged her lips back to his, kissing her with abandon.
Killian tried. He really did. But everything felt wrong. Diana was soft where Emma was firm, forward where the princess was fresh faced and earnest. How could he feel like this after only one night with the princess? When Diana reached for the laces of his pants, he stopped her, placing his good hand over hers.
"I think it's time you went back to work, lass."
Diana's brow creased in confusion; the rest of her expression was difficult to make out in the dark. "But I thought..."
"Well, looks like we both thought wrong," Killian snapped, harsher than he intended. But he was frustrated and angry. Had that bloody princess bewitched him somehow? Why couldn't he get her out of his head? He didn't bother with the niceties, too upset with his traitorous body and mind to usher Diana back inside like a gentleman should. Instead, Killian stomped back to the Jolly Roger, his murderous glare sending the crew scurrying.
When he got back to his quarters, he took out his maps. If meaningless sex couldn't help him regain his equilibrium, then perhaps a spot of violence could.
"There she is, mates!" Killian yelled to his assembled crew. "Our quarry! Looks like some fine plunder today!"
He lowered the spyglass amidst cheers. He collapsed it with his hook, then slid it into his pocket. Finally, after two days of searching, they had found a prize worth taking. Even better to Killian's thinking, the vessel in question carried the colors of the kingdom that he so desperately needed to get out of his head. He would relish burning it to the waterline and stealing all that was worth taking.
It took some time, but they managed to run the vessel down. Not for nothing was the Jolly Roger the fastest ship in all the realms. Given enough time, she could run anyone down. Whoever the captain of the enemy vessel was they were a good sailor; Killian almost felt sorry for them. But that didn't stop him from firing a warning shot as soon as the enemy was in range.
When the ship failed to surrender, Killian got frustrated. Usually when a skipper got sight of the crimson flag, they were all too ready to cooperate. Contrary to popular belief, most ships didn't resist all that much once they knew it was pirates. Far easier for a good merchant captain to surrender his cargo and go on his way. But whoever this was, they seemed on intent on resisting. Killian ordered his crew to start taking shots at the sails and rigging, intent on disabling the enemy vessel before trying to board.
At length, a shot from the port side smashed into one of the masts of the enemy ship, sending her crew skittering in all directions. Killian's crew, well trained from years of piracy, took the opportunity to throw out the grappling hooks as his first mate maneuvered the Jolly alongside. Those not pulling on the ropes fired on the crew of the enemy vessel to keep their heads down and away from the grappling hooks. In minutes, the two vessels were aligned, Killian leading the boarding party.
Unlike some vessels, this ship's crew knew how to fight. It took more time than usual for them to subdue the crew. Swords clashed and clanged as they went down one by one. Killian loved the rush that he got when he was fighting; it was almost as good as sex. Almost. He didn't have time to dwell on the nuances as he fought his way up to the helm, where it appeared the ship's captain waited.
Unable to resist a bit of theater, Killian lept onto the quarterdeck, brandishing his cutlass. Eying the captain and his small cadre of sailors around him, he laughed. "Now which of you fine fellows would like to grapple with the famous Captain Hook?"
"I would."
Killian whirled around, and he could have sworn his heart stopped.
There, standing in front of him, was Emma.
She looked thinner than the last time he'd seen her, sleeping peacefully in her bed. Her yellow hair was pulled up under a hat; she wore a puffy white shirt, a blue vest complete with tan breeches and riding boots. Her face was drawn and pale; there were dirty smudges on her cheeks. But the green eyes were as vibrant as they ever were. And there was a sword in her hand. She was still the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.
"No," the ship's captain said. "Princess, you must flee. Go!"
Emma kept her eyes on Killian. "No, it's me he wants. I don't want your crew to suffer anymore on my account."
"But Princess..."
Emma finally tore her eyes from Killian's; he felt the loss instantly. It was like the sun had gone out. "You've risked enough for me already. Someday I'll find a way to repay you. It's going to be alright, Captain. I promise." She looked back at Killian, her eyes pleading now. And suddenly, he understood.
Emma had run away. She'd dressed like a man and stowed away on a ship rather than marry the imp's offspring. And she'd done it in the hope of finding him. She hadn't chosen the safety of home. She'd chosen him. Killian cleared his throat. He needed to talk to her. Now.
"Aye, a princess to ransom is quite the haul," Killian said, playing along, hoping to get her alone as soon as possible. "As I am a gentleman, I'll allow you collect whatever valuables you've brought with you. My crew will see to the rest."
"Very well, pirate," Emma said in her most imperious tone.
Killian laughed. "We just may have to teach you some manners, princess. Come." He sheathed his sword and took hers. He'd give it back as soon as they were back on board the Jolly. Somehow he wasn't surprised that his princess was handy with a sword. Killian gave her a little nudge for show, urging her to lead him to her quarters.
As soon as they were away from prying eyes, Killian dropped her sword and hauled her into his arms. He knew they needed to talk, needed to find out exactly what had happened that night they'd missed each other, but right now, he needed her. Emma was of like mind, her fingers curling around the collar of his coat and dragging his lips down hers in a bruising kiss. And for the first time in weeks, Killian felt right.
"Emma," he breathed, his lips moving over her jaw and down her neck. "Gods, love, is it really you?"
Emma groaned as he nipped at her pulse point. "I'm here. I'm so...sorry."
Killian raised his head, shaking it. "Later, lass. Right now I just need to feel you." He captured her lips again, so soft and pliant against his, opening for him eagerly. Killian managed to have the presence of mind to drag them toward a shadowy corner near the crew quarters; he knew they'd never make it back to her quarters. Their abrupt reunion had caught them both by surprise, and their bodies were merely reacting, having spent far too much time apart. Passion swelled up like an unstoppable wave and they were simply caught up in the undertow.
Killian pressed Emma against the wall, his hand sliding over her clothes, feeling her soft curves underneath. How could anyone have seen her for anything but the stunning woman she was? He pulled the hat off her head, letting her golden tresses spill over her shoulders. "Gods, I missed you," he whispered, threading his fingers through the silken strands. He let Emma push his coat off his shoulders as he shook his left arm so that it didn't get caught on his hook.
"We'll have to be quick, lass," he mumbled against her skin. "Before this crew of yours gets ideas. You're coming with me." Now that he had her back in his arms, he didn't think he could let her go.
Emma nodded, already fumbling for his laces. "I was hoping it was you," she replied, a soft moan escaping as his hand finally found the bare skin of her stomach. He pulled her shirt free, loosening the buttons on the vest. He wasn't used to fumbling with shirts and trousers; it was more frustrating than he thought. Killian groaned when Emma snaked her hand into his now loose pants, her fingers wrapping around his cock.
"Fuck, Emma.." He let out a shuddering breath, then went back to work on her breeches. In moments, he had them shoved down her hips, exposing her slick flesh to his questing fingers. He teased her clit with his thumb, making her shiver. "Take one of your boots off, love."
Emma did as he asked, releasing him and yanking off her right boot and pulling her leg from her pants. As soon as she was upright, Killian hauled her up against the wall, his cock pressing against her slick heat. "Hold on to me," he warned, just before sliding his good hand out from under her to guide him inside her. They both groaned as he pushed in, her wet walls just as tight as he remembered. It felt amazing having her wrapped around him like this again. Finally.
Killian only got to savor it for a moment before he started moving, setting a quick, almost brutal rhythm, knowing they didn't have long before they were missed. The time for drawn out gentleness and dizzying pleasure would be later, after he got her back on board the Jolly and they were far from here. It occurred to him that he might be hurting her, but Emma made no protest. In fact, she was hanging onto him for dear life, her face contorted in pleasure, little whimpers and moans escaping her perfect pink lips.
"Like this, do you?" he growled in her ear. "Being fucked against the wall by a pirate?"
"Oh gods, Killian," Emma moaned softly, tightening her legs around him. "More. Please."
He could feel her getting wetter, her walls just beginning to flutter. He was going to enjoy having her on board his ship, all to himself. There were so many things he wanted to do to her, things he wanted to show her. He wanted to hear those little sounds she made, the way she said his name in the throes of passion. Killian captured her lips again, his tongue mimicking the movements of his cock as he moved faster, harder, trying to drag them both over the edge.
They came together, their kiss muffling their cries of completion. His hips rutted lightly against hers until they were both spent. Killian broke their kiss, panting, leaning his forehead against hers. His body shook with the effort of holding her up. Slowly, he urged her to unwind her legs, setting her down with a dull thud. Emma instantly leaned against the wall for support, her legs shaking.
"You alright, love?" Killian asked, brushing his thumb over the rise of her cheek. He hoped in his need to have her that he hadn't been too rough.
Emma nodded, her movements sleepy. "'M fine," she mumbled. She raised those haunting green eyes to his. "You're here."
Killian smiled softly, completely disarmed by her look of relief and happiness. "Aye, lass. I'll not leave you again."
The Jolly Roger cast off, leaving the merchant vessel to drift. Her crew was mostly unharmed; the others would be fine in a few days. Killian's crew had relieved them of all the valuables they could find, of course. But the plunder didn't even matter to the Jolly Roger's captain; as far as he was concerned he had the most valuable prize of all.
"It's not much," he said, pushing open the door to the captain's quarters. "But you can stay here with me, if you like." If Emma wanted her own space, he would give it to her, but he hoped she'd stay with him.
Emma's eyes widened as she took in the room. "You sleep in here?"
Killian shut the door with a soft click. "Aye. And just me. The crew's quarters are on the deck below." Now that she was here in his space, he felt oddly nervous. Almost as if he were afraid she'd disappear.
Emma laid her small rucksack on his desk. "The bed's not very big."
Killian let out a hollow chuckle. "No special treatment for the captain, I'm afraid. But I think we can make it work."
"I'd like that."
Killian smiled, as he let out a sigh of relief, knowing that his quarters were decidedly less than she was accustomed to. This was completely unchartered territory for him. He'd never taken to the practice of having a mistress on board. But Emma was different. He couldn't put his finger on why, but she already felt like much more than a way to relieve the tension for him, or a passing fancy. Right now, all he knew what that he wanted her with him and he wasn't sharing her with anyone else. He reached out and cupped her cheek with his good hand.
"I know you must have a million questions," Emma said softly, covering his hand with hers. "And I promise I can explain. Just...could I have some time?"
Killian frowned, studying her face. Now that the initial shock of finding her had worn off, he could see her exhaustion. He had no idea how long she'd been away from home, how long she'd been on that ship. There were the beginnings of dark circles under her eyes. He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I'll leave you to rest. We can talk later, love."
"Okay." Emma got up on her toes and kissed his lips tenderly. "I missed you too."
His crew noticed his decidedly better mood when he got back up on deck. They knew better than to say anything though. If any of them showed any disrespect to Emma, Killian wouldn't hesitate to make them pay dearly for it. And they knew it.
"Mr. Smee, is our cargo squared away?"
"Aye, Capt'n. Awaiting your orders, sir."
"Take us out. As far as we can get. The wind is favorable. I think we need some new hunting ground." He wanted to get Emma as far from her kingdom as possible. If she did indeed run away, they would be looking for her. Killian wasn't giving her up without a fight.
Smee shifted his weight, his fingers twisting his red knit cap. "We're not going to ransom the princess?"
Killian rounded on the small man, his nostrils flaring. "Are you questioning my orders, Mr. Smee?"
"N-n-no, Captain. It's just...well, the men were talking..."
"And what were they talking about?" His voice was deathly quiet. Slowly, he could hear the sounds of work die away, everyone within earshot riveted to his conversation.
"That we could get enough for the princess to retire," Smee said in a terrified voice.
Anger bubbled in his chest. How dare these men question him? Killian thunked his hook into the nearest piece of wood he could find. He looked out over his crew, hellfire burning in his blue eyes. "The princess is under my protection," he shouted. "If anyone has a problem with that, they can either meet me in single combat or get the bloody hell off my ship. Is that clear?"
The men grumbled their agreement and gradually got back to work. Killian put them on their new heading himself, keeping a close eye on them. Once they were far enough away, they could get back to pirating, with bigger and better prizes, he was sure of it. But no one was getting near Emma. Not if he had anything to say about it.
Just after sunset, Killian headed back to his quarters, lighting the lantern by his bunk. Emma was fast asleep in his bed, wearing only her white shirt. Killian brushed a stray lock of her back from her face as he stared at her sleeping form. She was so beautiful, he could hardly believe she was real. He remembered the first time their eyes met across her parent's hall.
He'd been transfixed, every thought simply leaving his head. He'd never been so dazzled by a woman before, but that truly was the only word he had for her. To him, she was perfect. And naturally, wildly out of his league. He was a pirate, not a fool. But he didn't let that stop him; Killian was never one to back down from a challenge. He'd told her when she'd smuggled him to her room that he'd hoped to see her and that was the truth. He wanted to see her up close, to see if her allure really was genuine. And the night they'd had together had left him with no doubt. Seeing her here now, Killian knew she'd ruined him for anyone else. He had a strong desire to protect her, to make her his, even though he knew she never truly could be. They were from wildly different worlds. But that didn't stop him from wanting. And Emma, it seemed, felt the same. Because she was here with him and not off marrying the Dark One's fool of a son.
He was roused from his thoughts when Emma stirred. She groaned softly and blinked her eyes open, the green almost orange in the low light. "Morning?" she said, her voice heavy with sleep.
"It's just after dusk, love. You slept the afternoon away."
"Oh. Guess I was more tired than I thought." She moved to sit up, curling her legs underneath her. "The ship's rocking put me to sleep."
"Comforting, isn't it? The gentle sway of the sea." Killian climbed into the bed next to her, holding his arm out for her to join him. Emma instantly curled into his side, resting her head on his shoulder. "Of course, the sea has its moments of being less than forgiving."
"Trying to scare me off, Captain?"
"Love, if I were trying to scare you off, you would know it. I prefer you right here. With me."
Emma raised her head, chewing her lip. "Still?" she asked hesitantly. "I'm so sorry I didn't come to the gate. I wanted to. I had my rucksack packed. But then Rumplestiltskin's carriage arrived and I couldn't get away. I did try."
She looked so afraid that he wouldn't believe her—that he'd reject her—it made his heart clench. "I believe you, lass. I won't say it didn't sting, but that's in the past. You're here now."
"As soon as I knew I would miss you, I decided to run away. Even if I couldn't find you...I couldn't marry him, Killian. I just couldn't. Not after we..." She trailed off, her face adorably flushed.
Hearing her confession brought a swell of shame over him. He'd thought she'd rejected him. Had tried to forget her. Tried to replace her with someone else. Killian tightened his arm around her. "I have a confession, lass." He swallowed hoping she wouldn't hate him for his faithlessness. "I tried to...well, I tried to forget you. I thought you'd chosen him. But I couldn't go through with it." She was the only person he would ever admit such a thing to. She was the only person whose opinion even mattered to him. Now he waited with baited breath to see if she'd still want him.
"I didn't give you any reason not to think that. By the time I was ready to go, it was too late. You have nothing to be sorry for." Emma leaned up and kissed him. "I'm here now. We found each other."
"I still have trouble believing that you're really here, love," Killian admitted. "Sometimes I think I'm gonna wake up and find this to be another dream."
"You dreamed about me?"
"Nearly drove me mad. I couldn't get you out of my head."
"Me too. The whole time I was on that ship, I checked for the pirate flag every time we saw a mast. Hoping that it would be you."
Killian looked down at her one brow raised. "And if it hadn't been?"
Emma raised her chin defiantly. "I don't know if you noticed but I'm the daughter of Prince Charming. I know how to use that sword."
Killian laughed, a genuine, happy sound. He couldn't remember the last time he was truly happy. "I've no doubt of that, lass. I think you'll make a hell of a pirate."
"Is that what you want me to be? A pirate?"
Killian traced the line of her jaw with his curved edge of his hook. "I'll not lie to you, Emma. This isn't a glamorous life. It can be dangerous as well. It's a far cry from what you're used to. And now that you've run away, they'll be after you. But I'd protect you. With my life, if necessary. If you want to stay, that is."
"I want to be with you, Killian. Wherever that is." Her eyes were every bit as earnest as they were their first night together, when she'd taken him into her bed. And he knew then that he'd never be able to deny this woman anything.
"As you wish, princess."
He didn't know what their future would bring. But he never doubted it would be an adventure.
