I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
April and Gabby, thank you for pre-reading, and Fran, thank you for editing. Any mistakes left are my own.
Ch. 4
BPOV
The hour was getting late, and I started to wonder what I should do. If I was going to services, I needed to leave now, or I would be late. Father was still asleep, not that he ever attended anyway. I knew he did not want me to go out by myself; however, this was church, so that had to be different.
Surely, Father will be okay with me going if I was sitting with Reverend Webber's family like I always have. The Reverend's daughter, Angela, and I have been friends since I could remember. Mrs. Webber used to mind me for my father and helped teach me life lessons he wasn't able to.
I'll just ask Angela if she and her new husband would walk me back after the mass. Father could not think unkindly to Benjamin since he was a married man.
I grabbed my bonnet and tied it securely under my chin. Hopefully, it would hide the mark, so it was not as visible. The sun was shining brightly, and there was not a cloud in the sky as I made my way. The bells started ringing as I reached the square.
The Webber family had the front pew, and Benjamin stood to let me in as I approached them. I sat on Angela's other side and gave her a smile.
"Good day, Angela, you are glowing. How are you feeling this morning?" I asked.
She smiled shyly, and her hand rested on the small bulge. "I am feeling well, I believe the sickness has passed."
Angela looked at me, and her eyes narrowed. "Isabella…"
She was cut off by the organ and her father walking up to the altar. Benjamin placed his hand under her elbow and helped her stand. Service was long, and shamefully my mind wandered to the green-eyed pirate. It was sinful to think of the kiss he gave me last night when I should be listening to the sermon.
An hour later the service was over, and I walked out arm in arm with Angela with Benjamin right behind us. We stood together not too far from her mother, who was greeting other parishioners.
Angela looked at me with eyes full of concern. "Isabella, what happened to…"
"Isabella…Angela…I have the most glorious news." Jessica Stanley came running towards us, looking positively beaming.
"Miss Stanley, need I remind you where you are and what day this is?" Mrs. Webber scolded her.
"I beg your pardon, ma'am, I forgot myself." Jessica looked mortified.
"Jessica, you seem very cheerful today." Angela's lips twitched.
"I have…" She glanced at Mrs. Webber then lowered her voice. "The most glorious news. Michael came to my father this morning and asked for my hand. We are to be wed, this Saturday."
"So soon?" I wondered if Jessica had gotten herself in the family way.
"Yes, he said he could not wait for us to be wed a moment longer. Is that not the most romantic notion?" She sighed.
"It is, congratulations." I felt relieved—I was free of Michael Newton.
"The both of you will be there, of course." Jessica's eyes sparkled.
"We will be there, I am sure," Angela said kindly.
"Jessica." Michael approached, he did not look as happy as his betrothed, in fact, he looked sickly. "My parents are waiting for us to join them."
"Yes, of course." She grabbed his elbow with glee. "Please excuse us."
They walked away, and I could sense Angela was stifling her laughter beside me. I shook my head in amusement. My father would be highly disappointed when I told him.
"Angela, if it is not too much to ask, can you and your husband escort me back to the tavern. I am afraid my father has suddenly become concerned about me going unchaperoned," I asked.
"I am sure it will be no trouble." Her eyes fell upon my bruise, she then turned to find Benjamin, who was speaking with a few men from town.
"Pardon me, gentleman. Mr. Cheney, would you please walk with us back to Miss Swan's home?" she inquired sweetly.
"Yes, de…Mrs. Cheney." He glanced quickly at her mother then back to his companions "Excuse me, gentleman, we will have to continue this conversation later."
Angela and I walked through the center of the square with her husband two steps behind us. I could tell by the way Angela kept looking back at her mother she was waiting until we were out of earshot.
"Do you think Jessica is with child?" she whispered shamefully into my ear.
"Angela, you know we must not gossip on the Lord's day," I playfully scolded her.
"You sound like my mother. Why else would the wedding be in less than a week?" She smirked.
"You did not hear from me, but Jessica had all but admitted they have had trysts. So she may very well be," I said.
"I wish I could say I am surprised. Speaking of surprises, Isabella, what has happened to your face, it looks painful," she asked.
"You know me, Angela, I lack grace. I was opening a cupboard and smacked myself in the face," I lied to her.
"Good heavens. You shoul…" She stopped mid-sentence, and her eyes grew wide.
Edward was blocking our path, and he was not looking pleased.
"May I help you, sir?" Benjamin pushed his way in front of us.
Edward stared at him appraisingly. "Aye. I have something for Miss Swan. It is a poultice made by a wi…healer. It will do wonders for yer mark." He held up a small ceramic jar.
"Thank you, that was very kind of you to think of me." Angela tugged hard on my arm. "Pardon me, I don't mean to be rude. Mr. Cullen, this my childhood friend and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Cheney. Mr. and Mrs. Cheney, please allow me to introduce, Mr. Cullen, he is a sailor who is in port for a few days. Our fathers are old friends."
"Pleasure to meet ye both. Ma'am." Edward tilted his towards Angela.
"To you as well, sir. Welcome to St. Aro." Benjamin held out his hand.
Edward hesitated before shaking it firmly. He then handed me the jar and stood awkwardly in front of us. It looked as if he wanted to say more to us.
"What type of ship do you sail on?" Angela asked innocently.
"We sail here and there, deliverin' goods. Never same things twice— always an adventure," Edward responded smoothly.
"I could not imagine being at sea for that long. However, someone needs to do it," Benjamin said.
"Tis true. I must be on me way, ladies and Mr. Cheney, good day." He nodded his head.
"You have been holding out on me. He is very handsome," Angela said.
"He is just a friend of the family and only arrived the day before last," I responded.
"You must come over for dinner one night this week," Angela insisted.
"I am afraid that is not possible. It has been very busy at the tavern the past few nights, and my father cannot spare me," I explained, relieved because I knew my friend would have a ton of questions.
"Well then, I must insist on the noonday meal, this week," Angela maintained.
"I will see what I can do," I told her.
"Angela, dear, we must be on our way. Your mother will be expecting us, and she is sure to be cross if we dally." Benjamin offered his arm to her.
FP
We parted ways, and I went inside the front. I was shocked to see some of the last night's patrons still passed out at the tables, including my own father with Captain Cullen. I quietly made my way into the kitchen.
I placed a few sticks on the fire to heat up the chicken stew I made from the leftovers, then sat by the window, staring out at the ocean. A short time later, my father entered.
"Good afternoon, Father," I greeted him.
"Daughter, how were services?" He yawned and checked the kettle for water.
I rose and retrieved two cups and bowls from the cupboard. "The sermon was good today. Jessica Stanley had some news to share afterward. She and Michael Newton are to be married."
He glanced at me quickly and furrowed his brows. "I find that hard to believe. Michael was just inquiring about you, yesterday."
"I speak the truth, Father. They are going to be married Saturday. Michael was with her today," I told him.
He paused for a moment. "Well, this very disappointing. Have you been walking around unescorted?"
"No, Father, Angela and her husband walked with me," I told him.
He nodded. "This does not change anything. I will find you a suitable husband sooner than later."
"Yes, Father," I responded in a subdued tone. I was afraid arguing with him would only bring out his angry side once more.
"Isabella, what were you going to tell me about Edward Cullen before I stopped you," he asked, taking a seat at the table.
I brought over his bowl of soup with a shaky hand, some of it spilling onto the table. "I had some trouble coming back from the market, and he helped me."
"Sit down, Isabella, you are looking pale. Are you feeling well?" He looked concerned.
I nodded, sitting on the edge of the chair.
Father sighed and wiped a hand over his face. "Captain Cullen told me an interesting tale last night. He claims Edward saved you from an attack by another man. Was this the trouble?" he asked.
I nodded again and then explained my version of the story.
"And the man who attacked you, have you seen him before in town?" Father questioned.
"No, he was a stranger. I owe my gratitude to Edward, which is why I felt I needed to defend him to you. My intention was not to defy you," I explained.
Father seemed deep in thought before he spoke. "I understand; young Cullen's intentions may have been good this time, but I still stand by what I said. I do not want you around him unchaperoned, am I clear? Pirates are skillful liars, and I still do not trust him. Pirates also use women, then cast them aside. I will not allow that happen to you."
"Yes, Father," I agreed even though I thought he was being unfair.
FP
The next day was as sunny as the last. My father left early in the morning to go fishing with his old friend. I was relieved to have some quiet time to myself. Before I could decide what to do there was a knock on the kitchen door.
I answered and found Edward, standing on the stoop with a picnic basket in one hand.
"Good day, Isabella, I was hoping you would join me for a bit of adventure." He smiled at me.
"I am not to leave the kitchen," I told him.
"Yer father will be gone all day with mine. I promise he'll be none the wiser," he said. "I thought ye always wanted adventure, here's your chance."
"What kind of adventure," I asked.
"I found a secret spot I'd like to share with ye." He held his hand to me.
I grabbed my bonnet off the hook and took his hand. "Lead the way."
He led us on a path out of town and into the forest. A few miles in, we turned on to one that was less traveled—the branches were thicker, and it was rougher with rock and roots. I was starting to wonder if I should've followed him. I tripped on a stone, and Edward caught me before I fell.
"It's just a bit further. I promise ye." He encouraged me to keep going.
A few minutes later, we stepped into a clearing in the woods. Hidden away from the rest of the world was a small waterfall cascading into a pool of water surrounded by moss and a few rocks. It was the most beautiful spot I had ever seen on the island.
Edward placed the basket and jacket down on a patch of grass then pulled his shirt off his head, tossing it next to the basket. I starred shamefully at his naked chest and felt my cheeks heat.
"What are you doing?" I asked incredulously, turning my head.
"I thought before we had a bite to eat we could go for a swim?" he said.
"I do not know how," I told him.
"Yer father was a sailor, he never taught ye?" Edward sounded surprised. "Well, I'll teach ye."
"I do not have anything appropriate in which to swim. My dress will be ruined." I shook my head.
"Then take it off," Edward said.
"I beg your pardon." I gasped.
There was a splash, and I peeked over my shoulders at the ripples in the water. Edward's head popped out, and he shook it, sending water droplets everywhere.
"Come, Isabella. Ye wanted adventure, don't get timid on me now. Take off yer dress and swim in yer shift. I promised to be on my best behavior," he suggested.
"That would not be proper." I bit my lip.
"We're already bendin' those rules. Comin' with me was not proper either." He snickered. "Turn around, Isabella."
I slowly turned to face him. He swam to the edge and beckoned me closer. "Come on, the water is dark, so you'll be covered."
"All right but do not watch," I asked.
He smirked and turned and faced the waterfall. I began to undress and took off my dress and then my stay, and hung them on a lower branch. Next, I placed my stockings and shoes on the grass underneath them.
Edward's back was still facing me when I got to the edge. I took a deep breath and stepped into the water. The ground dropped out from beneath me, and I suddenly went under. I was gently grabbed around the waist by strong arms and hauled above water as I sputtered and coughed, and wiped my eyes.
"Isabella, what were ye thinkin', lass?" Edward kept his hold on me.
"I…did not realize it was going to be so deep," I said sheepishly.
He looked at me in concern. "I guess I should'a warned ye. Are ye all right?"
"I think so. Do not let go of me." I clutched his shoulder.
"I won't. Ye look like a drowned rat." He snickered, pushed my hair away from my face.
"That's not a very nice thing to say, filthy pirate," I muttered.
He laughed only harder, and I tightened my grip around his neck. It was then that I realized how my body was pressed up against his. My shift clung to me like a second skin.
What have I gotten myself into—this was highly inappropriate. However, I couldn't bring myself to move away.
His eyes settled on mine and darkened, his fingers gently stroked my cheek. "Yer face tis lookin' better. Ye used the poulice." He seemed pleased.
I nodded wordlessly and felt a fluttering in my chest. His gaze intensified, and I thought for sure he was about to steal another kiss. He closed his eyes and cursed under his breath. When he reopened them his eyes cooled, and his face was blank.
"First things, first, I'm goin' to teach ye to float." He loosened his hold on me and tried to position me on my back. "Look up at the clouds and relax."
I did what was asked and for a few moments was enjoying the feeling of floating. I could sense Edward near in case I got into trouble. I turned my head slightly to find him and noticed he was staring intently at my bosom. I started to panic, realizing that he could see more than he should without us being married. My head went underwater, and his arms came around me once more.
"Easy, Isabella, you've got to calm yerself or ye'll drown," he scolded.
"This was a bad idea, I was not thinking properly. We should go back." I crossed my arms in front of me.
"Ye not givin' up without really tryin' are ye, lass. One more try." He started to lift my legs.
"Stop. You should not be holding me close or staring at me in such a manner." I tried to squirm out of his arms.
"If I let ye go, ye'll surely drown, panickin' like ye are. And how exactly am I starin' at ye?" He only held me tighter.
"Like the men at the tavern stare at the whores," I spat.
His eyes narrowed. "Isabella, ye shouldn't use such language and yer, not one, ye hear me."
"Then stop staring at me like that, filthy pirate." I glared back.
He clenched his eyes shut. "This was a bad idea," he muttered under his breath.
"Then bring me home…please," I whispered.
His eyes opened, and he sighed. "I promised to teach ye to swim and I will. I'll be on me best behavior. Are ye ready to try once more?"
"No more floating, show me something else, please," I agreed warily.
"Aye, that is probably for the best. I want ye to kick yer legs and move yer arm like this. I'm right here if ye get into trouble." He loosened his hold on me to show me.
He held on until I got the hang of it then stayed within arm's reach. We may have had a rough start, but soon I was able to swim on my own. Edward was smiling again, and the tension between us was gone.
"Do you think there is a cave hidden behind the waterfall?" I bobbed in the water near him.
He chuckled and shook his head. "I would doubt it."
"I think we should explore it." I felt adventurous and started to swim closer.
"Isabella, stop," Edward ordered.
Being strong headed I kept going and soon felt the spray of the water, and it felt like rain. Without warning, the water falling down on me became harder and started to push me under—I struggled to remain above water. Edward's arm wrapped around me and hauled me away.
"Are you daft, lass? The force of a waterfall tis powerful enough to drown a strong swimmer if yer not careful," Edward snapped at me.
"I am sorry, I thought it would be another adventure…I did not know." I was gasping to catch my breath.
He chuckled. "I can see I'm goin' to have me hands full with ye."
I blushed, and now that I caught my breath, I realized I was back in his arms and pressed up against his body rather intimately. My arms looped around his neck and his around my waist.
"Thank you, for saving me," I told him.
"Tis going to cost ye, this time." His eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Cost me? I do no…" I was cut off when he kissed me.
I gasped in surprise as I felt a tingling sensation straight down to my toes. I lost all train of thought, and my body seemed to move on its own accord. When I felt his tongue in my mouth I jumped back in surprise.
He chuckled and placed a kiss on my cheek. "I keep forgettin' how innocent ye are."
"This is not your best behavior," I responded breathlessly.
Edward smirked. "I'm a pirate, I lied. Beside ye don't seem to mind."
I realized I had wrapped my legs around him and was clinging to him like a common whore. Mortified, I detangled myself as he laughed.
"Come, love, I'm famished. Let's eat and then I'll bring ye back before yer father notices ye were gone or before we get carried away."
The term love left me speechless, and my heart fluttered. Surely, he did not mean it the way I had hoped. We quietly swam to shore side by side. He got out first then helped me. He draped his coat around me before he slipped on his shirt.
"Ye can borrow that until ye are dry. I don't want ye to catch a cold." He sat by the basket and started pulling out some food. "Come along, Isabella, and join me. After all that, ye can't be shy with me now."
Once I was seated on a patch of soft moss, he handed me an apple and a slice of bread. His hand brushed mine, and he winked.
FP
I hummed to myself as I fried the fish in the skillet. Father and Captain Cullen were kind to gut them for me, and there was enough to feed the whole tavern. I was in a good mood after my adventure today. After our swim, the conversation seemed comfortable with Edward, and we walked hand in hand until we reached the town.
Father did not seem to suspect that I had left for the day. I knew I was a terrible daughter for sneaking around. However, Edward brought out a side of me I liked and I did not want to keep hidden away. I knew I was falling in love with him. I wondered if I could get him to stay and change his ways.
"I need five orders, Isabella." Tanya came into the kitchen, looking a bit harried. "I love that we are busy but hopefully these sailors ship out soon. There is something about them that makes me feel nervous."
I fought to keep the smile on my face, I did not want to think of Edward leaving. "Coming right up, Tanya. I can give you four now, but it will take a few minutes for the last one."
"I am sure they are too drunk to notice. Can you bring it out to the bar and I'll grab it," Tanya asked.
"Yes, I can." I wanted to see if Edward was out there. I was hoping he would come by tonight, but I haven't seen him yet.
When I had finished the last plate, I made my way to the front. Father looked up and gave me a frown, I placed the dish on the bar. Before I turned around, I quickly scanned the room. Towards the back was a patron with a wench sitting on his lap, her breasts nearly spilling out of her dress—the man seemed to be enjoying himself. The site was not as shocking as I have seen it once or twice before.
But what made this particular instance, so appalling was the fact that it was a familiar, filthy pirate I thought I knew quite well ...
I felt as if I had been slapped all over again and my eyes started to well. He chose that moment to look up and catch my eyes, and then he smirked.
I turned on my heel, went back into the kitchen, letting the door shut hard behind me.
A/N:
Many of you will be pleased that Michael is running scared from Edward so he is going to stay away from Isabella. Our couple had some fun before well…he is a filthy pirate lol. His POV is next so you'll know more.
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