Enjoy.

Chapter 2

"Is she awake yet?" Annabelle could hear a sound in the distance. Her head was pounding and her vision blurry.

"Miss? Are you alright?" Annabelle blinked a few times, sat up and felt the familiar sway of a ship beneath her. She started to panic.

"Mmm…where am I?" She asked swinging her legs over the bed and focusing on what surrounded her.

"The Black Gold, Miss French." Came a voice from the side.

"Captain Gold's ship?" Annabelle asked. She licked her lips and took a look around the quarters. It much nicer than the one she used on her passage to Port Royal.

"Yes, Miss French. Captain Gold asked you remain in his quarters for the time being. For your safety."

Annabelle's focus returned and she noticed the two short men in front of her. The one of the right was heavy, possibly in his forties with no hair and yellow teeth. He smelled awful as so did the man beside him. He was too thin and his right eye was covered with a patch. They were a carbon copy of pirate stories she was told about as a child.

"The Captain requires yer presence in his dinning quarters," The skinny man on the right said.

Annabelle nodded and stood up slowly. She rubbed her eyes and stretched her limps hoping it would help ease her tired muscles. She wasn't used to sparring with a pirate. She thanked the two who woke her and asked she be left alone to freshen up. She immediately went to work smoothing down her tangled hair and splashing cold water on her face to decrease the puffiness.

Oh what she wouldn't do right now for some proper toiletries at this moment. She noticed she was still in the disgusting red dress and decided to change back into her other clothes. Thankfully, Gold brought her bag with him and she found it with ease next to the bed. After changing into the brown trousers and white shirt she grabbed a small blade she found on the wall just to be safe and went to a fine dinning room that one of the men led her to.

It was late evening and the place was filled with candles, tapestries from exotic countries, and paintings that looked to be from Asia and India She had never seen so many exotic things all in one place and wanted to know their stories.

"How are you feeling Miss French?" Annabelle turned to see Captain Gold inspecting the meal in front of them. He seemed unimpressed. He had changed from his previous basic attire and now looked more like a pirate Captain. He was dressed in black slacks tucked in high laced boots, he had on a dark red dress shirt and leather vest with gold trim. His cane was casually placed under his arm as if it was more of an accessory then anything else. If she wasn't freighted of him before, this would have done the trick. Annabelle suddenly felt completely out of her element.

"Tired, a little dizzy." Annabelle responded, her hand resting on the blade under her shirt.

"When was the last time you ate?" He asked as he pulled out her chair. Annabelle slowly stepped forward and sat down saying a quiet thank you.

"I don't remember."

Gold shook his head, "You should take better care of yourself, Miss French. We wouldn't want you dead before we reach your father." He sat down in his own chair and poured them each some wine.

"I can take care of myself, thank you." Annabelle grabbed her glass and took a quick slip. It tasted divine, much like the wine she was used to back home.

"Ah yes, perhaps in some things," He smirked and served Annabelle a portion of roasted pig, boiled potatoes, cabbage and crusty bread.

"Thank you," Annabelle said softly as she fidgeted with her hands. Gold knew she wasn't talking about the meal.

"You're welcome. Just remember the next time you pass out, don't expect me to do it again." Annabelle rolled her eyes, he could be such a gentlemen until he opened his mouth.

"If you don't mind me asking, Miss French. Why go to the trouble of finding your father at all? It seems such a waste for a pretty young thing as you. Especially in these waters."

Annabelle fumed, "My mother passed away in London a few months ago, and my father was taken shortly after. I have no family left but him. Have you ever loved someone that you would do anything for? Risk your own life to save there's...?" She swore she saw something flash across his eyes, but dismissed it immediately when he spoke.

"Don't pretend to assume anything, Miss French. Don't forget, dearie, this is my ship and I have a right to punish those who…loose interest to me." Gold took a bite of his pork and ignored the silent girl across from him as if his statement was normal.

They continued their meal in silence, unsure of what to say to one another. Gold found it increasingly difficult to be in her presences since first seeing her. He had assumed she was a whore sent from Madame Mills, especially in that dress. He wanted nothing more than to take her on his desk that very moment; genuinely attracted to her natural beauty. At first he thought her innocence was just an act, a trick that made men believe they saved themselves for them. Usually Gold never fell for such things, only wanting a quick fuck, but this woman caught his attention.

After she confirmed she was not a whore, Gold understood immediately. Her innocent act was not an act at all and instead of going cold, his body wanted her even more. When she began asking for his help, he was amused at her strength and he knew a thing or two about a desperate soul. He was rarely confronted, and enjoyed her little show about her father. When she drew the sword, Gold nearly took her right then and there; innocence be damned.

There fight had been nothing but Gold testing her ability and enjoying the way her breasts moved and her mouth open. He nearly groaned at the memory as he finished his meal. He wanted nothing more to continue their fight from yesterday and perhaps do a little something more. He didn't know Maurice's daughter could be so tempting...otherwise he would have captured him instead and sent a letter demanding she come to him.

"How long was I asleep for?" Annabelle asked.

Gold cleared his throat, pushing the though of her away, "Only a day, Miss French. I'm glad since I would like to return to my own bed tonight."

Annabelle blushed, "Oh yes, of course. I will find suitable accommodations below deck. Thank you."

Gold shook his head, "Unfortunately, Miss French, we have a full crew and space is limited. Not to mention my men are not educated on how to treat a woman such as yourself. You would safer to remain in my quarters."

"Your quarters! Where will I sleep then?" Annabelle yelled appalled he would even suggest such a thing.

"You may sleep in my bed if you like, I have plenty of room," Gold quipped, but Annabelle didn't see the humor in that.

"I will not be sharing any bed with you! I am a lady after all. I will find my own accommodations," repeating herself.

Gold didn't respond and just looked amused, finished his wine and asking his men to clear the table. Annabelle stood immediately and turned to leave, muttered a thanks and left.

Gold grabbed his cane and went after her, enjoying that fact he could make her so angry. He found her throwing some spare blankets and pillows on the floor, using more force than necessary. Gold watched from the door, staring at her backside while she bent over to grab a few more items. Even in her anger, he still wanted her.

Annabelle felt she was being watched and turned around to see Gold observing her.

"Are you quite done, Miss French?" Gold asked.

Annabelle ignored his question as she removed her boots. She laid down on the floor, careful to move the blade out of sight. Taking her thin blanket she covered herself from his view, her back facing him and ignored him.

"Good night, Miss French." Gold put his cane in a corner on the opposite side of the room. He removed his shirt, his boots, sword and gun. He was nearly naked besides the thin white pants that hardly covered anything at all. Captain Gold knew Annabelle was staring. She had become more silent than usual and he could clearly see the mirror that she was using as her view.

He took more time than necessary getting into bed, thinking about the brunette beauty watching him undress. It took all his strength to remain in bed as he laid down on the pillow. He knew he wouldn't be getting any sleep that evening, not with Annabelle French in his room.

Annabelle woke the next morning, feeling refreshed. The floor had not been a complete disaster and her limbs were not as stiff as she anticipated. It was then she realized why. She was no longer on the floor, but in the Captain's bed. She shot up and looked around; Gold wasn't here. Feeling embarrassed and a little angry, she dressed quickly and grabbed her blade. She opened the double doors that lead to the deck, but it was locked. He had locked her in his quarters.

Annabelle kicked the wooden door trying to get it open. With no luck, she gave up and went to a table on the opposite end of the room, sat down and grabbed some fruit thinking of a way she could get his attention.

"Captain!" A man shouted from below the Captain's deck.

Gold turned and said nothing in response, just nodded his head for the man to continue.

"The lass is asking for you. She nearly destroyed the door." Gold smirked and adjusted his hat. "Seems the lass wants a fight boys!" His crew erupted in laughter.

He quickly went down the stairs and produced a small key. He unlocked the door and was greeted by a rush a brown hair. Annabelle stumbled to the ground and Gold grabbed her wrists, pushing her back inside.

"If you need me, don't call out unless it's an emergency. I'm going to be preoccupied," Gold said as he looked at Annabelle. The crew laughed again and he shut the doors behind them. Annabelle rushed to her feet and went for her blade. Gold stopped her and threw it across the room out of her reach. "If you're going to try and kill me, dearie, don't steal one of my blades." Gold was a neat freak and knew when things were out of place. He knew Miss French took one of his blades from the wall and was more curious on what she planned on doing with it instead of retrieving it.

Annabelle slapped him. Gold tightened his jaw, his patience wearing thin. He grabbed her wrists and pushed her to the nearest wall.

"You bastard!" Annabelle yelled. Gold smirked, aware of why she was angry.

"I didn't touch you, Miss French. I have my honor when it comes to women. I want them willingly," he whispered sending shivers up Annabelle's spine. His grip became tighter, but not enough to really hurt her.

Annabelle didn't look so convinced. "Why was I in your bed?"

Gold let out a frustrated sigh, removed her wrists but still had her pinned to the wall. "I left soon after to assist my first mate with our course of action," Gold knew that was a lie, he was getting drunk and staying far away from Miss French as possible. The woman made it difficult to think clearly. "I decided to let you have my bed as I wouldn't be returning any time soon." Gold ended up passing out on the dinning table later that evening, which in her case, was a good thing.

"Oh. I...I...don't know what to say..." Annabelle mumbled and looked down, embarrassed.

"Next time something happens, Miss French, I suggest you get all the facts rather than make such hasty decisions." Gold grabbed his hat that managed to fall free and replaced it on his head.

"You will remain here for the duration of your stay. My crew needs to know you belong to me, or your virtue may not last long here. That's a guarantee. Good day, Miss French," Gold tipped his hat at her, left through the double doors and locked them in place.

Annabelle grabbed her wrists. They didn't hurt, but they were a little sore. She continued to stare at the double doors looking puzzled, trying to understand the mystery that was Captain Gold.

"Miss French?" Annabelle groaned as she turned over from the Captain's bed later that evening. The crew came by with dinner and informed her that Gold would not be able to join her and asked she use his bed for the evening again.

"Belle…" She opened her eyes to see Gold standing over her.

"What time is it…?" Gold silenced her with his finger. He bent down near her and brushed his hand through her hair.

"Gold, what are you…" She was immediately quiet as he brushed his lips against hers. She responded with more force and as he cupped her head for support.

"You are so very beautiful, my Belle…"

Annabelle opened her eyes and let out a gasp of air. It had been a dream. She calmed her breathing and looked around; Gold didn't return again that night. She checked her head for a fever, finding nothing. Her body was covered in a thin sweat and her hair knotted. Annabelle immediately went to work to look presentable, ignoring the feeling in her stomach when she thought of Captain Gold. She can't like him, not Gold. She knew what kind of pirate he was, no matter how he's been treating her. She couldn't trust him and she certainly can not have feelings for such a ruthless man. But was he as ruthless as they say he is? A man who had to soul, no conscious and would kill for pleasure? Annabelle shuttered at the thought…

Breakfast was eaten alone again and Annabelle had become increasingly bored. Hoping to find something to entertain herself, she was able to find a few books that were tucked away in various languages. There wasn't much to choose from, but settled for one in German that looked to be a fairy tale. Odd, why would Gold have a fairy tale book of all things? The afternoon passed quickly, as she continued to read. Her thoughts were interrupted when the doors were opened and Captain Gold came into view. He was wearing his regular black pants and boots, but this time he was wearing an emerald green shirt and grey vest. Annabelle put down her book and saved her spot.

"Miss French, how are you today?" He asked. Annabelle noticed the dark circles under his eyes, his body looked tired and worn.

"I'm fine thank you. How are you? You don't look so well," Annabelle stood and grabbed a few items left over from lunch, munching away.

"Have you eaten at all today?" She popped a grape in her mouth, enjoying the luxury of having fresh fruit on a ship.

"No." Gold removed his hat and sat down abruptly.

"You should take better care of yourself, Gold." She was mimicking him from the first day on the ship. She handed Gold a plate of food and went back to her spot to read.

He ate in silence as he watched Annabelle return to her book. He was impressed that she could understand it in German and not surprised to managed to find the only book his...no he wouldn't go there. He could tell that she was enjoying herself by the way her eyes moved quickly and her face would change according to what she was reading. Gold found it fascinating that one could be so genuinely interested.

Gold cleared his throat. "Do you like to read, Miss French?"

Annabelle stopped and placed the book in her lap. "I do. My father would read me stories as a child from some of his favorite books. Those are some of my most fond memories of him." Annabelle jumped from the counter she was reading from and placed the book down. "Do you?"

"On occasion." Gold answered.

"Where have you been sleeping?" Annabelle changed the subject quickly.

"I don't believe that's any of you business…"

"It's my business when I'm using your bed," Annabelle crossed her arms waiting for an answer. Gold shifted uncomfortably trying to hide his desire for her.

"I haven't been…." Gold stopped, this was getting too personal.

"Sleeping?" Annabelle sighed and relaxed, her arms at her side now. She left to the other room and grabbed a few things.

"I have over stayed my welcome, it seems. I will stay out here…if that helps." Annabelle dropped the blankets onto the floor in the corner.

"You can continue using my quarters, I don't mind." Gold stated. He grabbed the blankets and pillow balancing it with his bad leg. Annabelle followed him as he placed the items back on the bed in his room.

"Stop being such a gentlemen and take your damn bed back!" Annabelle yelled.

Gold turned and walked out of the room. Annabelle followed. "Gold! I'm not taking no for an answer!"

Gold stopped and turned in her direction, moving towards her with such grace for a man with a lame leg. He grabbed her chin roughly. "I am the Captain of this ship! You will obey my command!" Annabelle backed away and glared at him.

"I'm not sleeping in your bed tonight," Annabelle stated. Gold ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "Damn it! You are one frustrating woman!"

Annabelle approached him with caution and placed a hand against his arm. Gold looked at her, confused by her sudden change in emotion.

"Please, take your bed back. At least for tonight, you need the rest." Then Gold understood, she cared...that's why she was being so damn persistent. It was a foreign feeling to have someone care about you...but then again she was a woman and women had a tendency of being deceiving.