Chapter Four
A Pirate's Heart.
As Killian hugged Aurora close to him the princess leaned more into him. He had spoken so gently to her just now, the words making her heart beat rather rapidly. She glanced up at the pirate, a smile appearing on her face. "Thank you Killian, for saying that." Aurora said quietly. Killian inclined his head to her "You're welcome luv." He replied, almost pouting as Aurora moved away from him. She was so warm and she fit so perfectly in his arms. "Luv, what is it?" He asked. Aurora sighed a little bit, shifting from foot to foot. "Why did you do it?" She asked "Save me I mean?" Killian looked taken aback and he thought about it. He had actually done it because he couldn't stand seeing a woman alone and in a state like that. He was a gentleman at heart, despite his pirating life and his gentlemanly ways wouldn't allow a woman, much less a princess to be in danger like that. "Because luv, I'm a gentleman and seeing a beautiful rose like you so lifeless and wilting twinged at my heartstrings and I had to save you."
Aurora felt heat rise to her face, staining it a soft pink hue. How could someone like a pirate be so romantic and charming? It made no sense at all, unless they were all like this. "Are all pirates like you?" She asked and Killian gave a crooked smirk "No luv, I'm one of a kind, you'll never meet any other pirate like me." He replied. Aurora looked rather relieved at that news. "Well, that's good because I'm not sure the world could handle two of you." Was her response, which in turn made Killian laugh. "Luv, if there were two of me the world would explode from too much Killian and too much arrogance." He shook his head and blinked as Aurora started walking away. "Where are you going?" He asked and Aurora smiled "We still have to get to your ship you know." Killian sighed; he'd been enjoying the cuddles quite a bit.
He stood "Well luv, I can tell you right now you're going the wrong way. Jolly Roger is that way." He pointed towards the north of the forest. "But at least this way there's no trees for bandits to hide in." Aurora motioned towards where she had been heading. "Luv, this way is quicker." Killian frowned. Aurora crossed her arms "This way is safer." She argued. Killian's eyes narrowed "Luv, I'm not spending another day's journey in this forest, if we go this way we'll be there by sunset and no one is going to mess with us, not when I have a sword." He unsheathed it and Aurora shifted. Well, he was a pirate and Aurora had heard tales that they could be quite vicious in a fight. Giving a resigned sigh she shook her head and walked over to him "Fine but you had better keep me safe."
She frowned at him, blushing deeply as his lips made contact with hers. She stepped back glaring reproachfully at him "Don't ever do that again unless I give you permission." Aurora huffed and started storming away. How dare he kiss her like that?!She wasn't some common bar slut! Killian smirked a bit, he was trying to get under Aurora's skin to annoy and make her realize she wasn't some delicate flower. There was a method to what he was doing, and he hoped it would work. She was far too passive, and she needed fire. Killian, despite his gentlemanly way of talking and acting around the ladies liked a woman with fire. Like Milah. His eyes closed, thinking of their first meeting, he'd saved her from a few roughnecks and things had gone off from there.
"Hook, snap out of it." Aurora's voice came into his thoughts and he opened his eyes, a grin appearing on his face "Sorry luv." He started walking. Aurora tilted her head to the left like a curious puppy. There were layers to Killian it seemed, and he had barriers up just like her. She couldn't help but admire how strong he was and how things seemed to just roll off him with no adverse effects. She could also see the good in him, or at least the good that was attempting to come out in the way he was helping her. "Killian do you still love her?" Aurora had to ask.
Killian stopped walking almost immediately. "I will always have a soft spot for her love but I know I need to move on." He glanced over his shoulder, giving her a smile though it was a sad one. Aurora nodded. She knew there was more to Jones than he let on, with the slight glint of sadness in his eyes despite him trying to hide it all the time. She felt her heart go out to him. "You know, I think if you're able to move on, I might be able to as well. You saved me, not Phillip." She said, and felt her heart hurt at speaking his name. She placed a hand to her chest, feeling it flutter. Aurora jumped as she felt the warm leather-covered arms embrace her and his scent washed over her. The scent of the sea, mixed with the scent of man. She inhaled deeply, revelling in his warmth and scent.
She was falling for Killian Jones.
Finally, by sunset they were back at the Jolly Roger. Aurora looked up at the massive and proud ship that was the Jolly Roger noting a repaired hull on the port side. "Is that where it was run aground?" she asked. Killian nodded and stepped away from her, heading towards his home on the sea. Aurora stifled a sound of protest as his warmth left her. Her heart palpitating wildly she took a couple of steps towards the retreating figure of Killian Jones, lifting up her skirts so she wouldn't trip over them she ran after him at full-speed, a sound of surprise coming from her as she tripped, however she was caught by Killian. "Easy luv, you need to be careful, there's rocks you can trip on." His voice was gruff, though quite gentle.
Aurora looked up at him, her gaze gentle and filled with gratitude. "Thank you for saving me yet again." Her voice came out in little more than a whisper. She could see him hesitating "Kiss me, Killian." She said quietly. Killian smiled "With pleasure m'lady." His head lowered, and he kissed her on her soft lips. Aurora melted right then and there, clinging to him.
"Don't ever leave me." She whispered.
"I'll only stay as long as you want me to." Killian promised.