Raider of the Lost Heart

Chapter 10:

A/N: Thank you all so sooooo much for reading and reviewing and for all of the alerts and favorites! I really love, and very much appreciate, getting all of your feedback! I really can't thank you all enough =D

OH! And btw a special thanx goes out to Mollik! Who inspired the drowning chapters and was a fabulous help plot-wise! Thanks sooo much luv!

Disclaimer: These characters are not mine; I didn't write the Twilight books, Stephenie Meyer did. Nether am I Shakespeare; his words are his own.

Warning: Lemons ahead! And corporal punishment/spanking will ensue; ye be warned

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Bella's world was dark. She felt as though her eyelids had been glued shut and no matter how many times she struggled to open them all she could see was the perpetual darkness that surrounded her. Darkness and sticky heat engulfed her. The trickling of sweat running down her feverish body caused her to tremble uncontrollably with nearly unbearable chills. And what was worse, even worse than the aches, pains and nausea, was the constant exhaustion. No matter how long she slept she always felt horribly fatigued. The situation vexed her to say the least; she was restless. But then again, she was also too weary to object to her state.

Day after day she teetered somewhere between comatose slumber and consciousness, perhaps even somewhere between life and death, but exactly where she did not know. All she did know was that she wanted it to stop and she didn't care in the least how it ended.

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"Do not be stubborn, Little One." A voice somewhere above her cooed. The cool metal of a goblet was pressing insistently against her lips. "Drink up; it shall help you feel better."

'Help her feel better indeed' she thought resentfully as she bit her lip in silent protest. She did not believe them. She no longer cared to get better. She just wanted them all to leave her to her misery; let her curl up in the fetal position and die. It would be so much easier that way; she hated all of their fussing when it was clear to her that she would never feel well again.

When the goblet's persistence failed to cease Bella turned her head away from the cup. A few droplets of startlingly cold water trickled onto her searing hot skin; she let out a resounding moan of annoyance.

"Isabella," the voice warned, "do not be childish. You need to keep your fluids up." Bella grunted once more.

The voice sighed.

The goblet was set aside, and then a damp cloth was placed over her eyes. It was warm and smelled of lavender oils; resulting in an instant easing of her throbbing headache. Bella sighed in relief.

"There now," the voice said, "doesn't that feel better?"

Bella felt herself nodding her head, but it was as though she were nodding in slow motion; the extreme comfort of the lavender oils sending her into a peaceful delirium.

"Now sip." The voice demanded softly.

She cautiously opened her mouth allowing the cool liquid to run down her parched throat, tickling it slightly, stinging it a little bit more, but Bella knew that the voice would not tolerate her giving up.

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"I dinna know how much longer she'll last, Captain. Not with her fever shooting up like this every few hours or so…" Billy's deep voice trailed off. He didn't know what else he could say. After all, he knew little about healing, and even if he had with what little supplies they had on the nameless ship, there still would not be much more that he could do to help Isabella.

Billy moved his mortar and pestle to the nightstand before gently peeling the cloth from Isabella's forehead. He then dipped the cloth back into the dish of warm essence of lavender and wrung it out before replacing it on the sleeping mademoiselle's face.

Edward's knuckles turned white as he gripped his footboard, watching as Billy tended to his Isabella. Every time he looked down at her his stomach would give an uncomfortable lurch. He could not imagine what his life would be like without this beautiful creature; certainly it would hardly be worth living. Isabella needed him and he needed her; they were both lost souls, outcasts. He didn't quite know why or how he knew this, but something inside of him was certain that this was so. That must have been why he was so determined to get her well again. After all, he was her newly appointed protector. She needed him, and surely any life where one is not needed is no life at all.

"Erm…Captain?" Billy inquired of his superior who was now frozen at the foot of the bed.

Edward rallied his thoughts. "Yes, of course… But, you are needed back in the kitchens, Mr. Black; I shall oversee the young miss. And believe me when I say this, friend, for I mean these words with the utmost sincerity―your efforts have been greatly appreciated." Edward nodded grimly to his crewman as Billy laid a comforting hand on Edward's shoulder before making his leave of the Captain's bedchamber.

Edward let out one small sigh of overwhelmed distress, but aside from that he would show no weakness, no sign of surrender. He would be with his Isabella till the end, should it come to that. And with that, the Captain, yet again, took up his position at Bella's bedside; offering her water and broth, and keeping her fever from inflaming further. He did not care what it would take, he would not, could not let the illness run its course. The Lord above may have wanted her now, but he was not yet finished with her. Edward would not let her be taken from him. Not by anyone.

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"It's been three whole days, Emmett!" Edward plunged his dagger into the tabletop.

Emmett sighed; he had been trying to reassure his comrade for the past hour to no avail. "Yes, I know Captain. I know as well as you how long she's been bedridden. But you heard Billy; we're doing all that can be done."

"Well that's not enough!" Edward sprang from his seat and continued his determined pacing.

"Edward, I know that this is difficult, but we cannot simply make port and rush her to a physician. We're pirates for Christ's sake! We'd all be hanged in an instant!"

Edward glared over at Emmett, "may God curse the blackened day I made that mistake. No good can come of piracy."

"But Edward," Emmett retorted; a doleful frown upon his face, "had it not been for that 'mistake' you'd never have met Isabella in the first place. Surely, she is the good that came of it."

Edward crossed his arms defensively, he hated to admit it, but he knew that his First Mate was right. Isabella had been the good that came of it. She was all he thought about day and night.

He had fallen in love with her beautiful figure of course, but he had also fallen in love with her captivating personality; with the feisty way she answered him back, the cunning of her retorts, the endearing manner in which she pouted. She had such strength, and spirit; her vitality utterly beguiled him. She was just so…enticing, there was just something so fabulously rare, so exotic, about her. And that little 'something' excited him to no end for he had never seen nor heard of a maiden quite like her. That she was impudent and horribly naughty was true, but he was certain that underneath that saucy exterior, was a sweet, sincere, young woman who was simply begging for the proper care.

Edward exhaled sharply. Thinking of Isabella only was causing him duress. He simply could not stand to be helpless; sitting around and waiting for three days was driving him mad; especially because Isabella's health had made little to no improvement. Her fever was raging, her body flushed and drenched in cold sweat. All she did was sleep, she refused to eat, and seldom would she drink, save for when water was forced upon her. Edward was beside himself and there was nothing that anyone could say or do to help.

"Come now, Edward, sit ye down and here―have another drink." Emmett poured his companion another glass of red wine knowing full well that he would need a whole lot more than one more glass of wine to put Edward's mind at ease; t'was a good thing that the wine was stocked plentifully.

Edward ignored his friend, but ceased his pacing, if only for a moment. He pinched the bridge oh his nose with his thumb and forefinger, his eyes closed tightly against the glare of the flickering candlelight's in his study. He turned his head towards his bedchamber door which was fixed across the room beside his well-worn, lump of an armchair. Isabella was lying, deathly ill, on the other side of that threshold; it was in that longing glance that he knew that he had to be by her side once more. He couldn't believe that he had left her for even a moment.

"Emmett, old chap, you finish the wine, but first ask Rosalie to bring me forth a cup of strong black tea. I'm in for quite a night." And with that final word, Edward stalked back into his bedchamber, intent on remaining at his Isabella's bedside, aiding her every need for not only the remainder of the night, but for the remainder of her illness.

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Glorious golden sunshine flooded the room dancing in through the dusty portholes and reflecting off of every surface it touched. Bella could feel its warmth embrace her as if it were an old friend. Its aura seemed to shimmy its way along her skin, caressing her cheeks before dancing down the length of her body and gently tickling her toes. She smiled, stretching her limbs out just for the pure pleasure of feeling her fingers and toes pop and crackle in delight.

She let out a contented sigh, rolling over onto her stomach and letting her lower back pop in a most agreeable manner as her legs explored the cool softness of her linen bedding. But something was amiss. Her foot had grazed against something rather unexpected. There was some strange, heavy lump at the foot of her bed. Bella's eyes flew open and she sat bolt upright, "what on Earth―?"

Lying at the foot of her bed was a scruffy hillock of fur; Jacob. But more startling still, was the scruffy, unshaven Captain that was slumped over in his chair, his arms resting next to her on the bed, his face in his hands.

Bella struggled to restrain a giggle. He looked so peaceful when he slept; the sunlight casting shadows on his stubbled cheeks, his lips curved up, ever so slightly, in a serene expression―the smallest hint of a grin. This image was so different from the Captain's customary exhibition. But of course, Bella supposed that this must be so because one was quite incapable of appearing domineering when one slept.

Bella stroked Jake's fur, watching the Captain sleep. She had never before observed anyone while they were sleeping; it was an odd thing and what t'was more, she really wished that she could sweep back the tousled locks of golden hair that fell over the Captain's eyes.

She continued to stroke Jacob's fur, musing to herself and after a moment's thought, she decided that the practice of observing other's while they slept was a tad creepy. Accordingly, she swiftly repositioning herself back under the covers, with her eyes averted from the Captain's visage. This maneuver however proved to be a somewhat difficult undertaking as the man's face was laying so closely to hers. She revised this oversight by covering her own face with the bedding's white coverlet. However, this too proved challenging due to the fact that her mischievous eyes paid her no mind and kept flitting over the edge of the blankets; fixing their gaze on the sleeping man before them.

But then, Bella's stomach made an embarrassingly loud grumbling noise. Bella's eyes widened. She had not realized how very hungry she was. But she was not about to move, considering that she was so cozy, and the view was oh so pleasant.

A fraction of a moment later, Bella's stomach betrayed her again; giving an encore of the unladylike rumble. She rolled her eyes, clutching her disruptive tummy, "stop that growling. I'll feed you later." She scolded in a voice just above a whispered.

"Talking to oneself is never a good sign, Little One."

"Huh?" Bella gasped, startled by the Captain's abrupt revival.

The Captain sat up straight, giving Bella a crooked grin. "Are we feeling better this morning, Isabella?"

Bella smirked, "yes 'we' are. Save for the fact that we are simply ravenous."

"Yes, I heard."

Bella made a sardonic expression, wrinkling her small nose, as she sat upright again, her legs crisscrossed beneath her. "Yes, well―"

"―Never mind, Little One, you shall not be hard-pressed to find yourself breakfast. That growling belly of yours will no doubt have woken the entire ship," his lip twitched into a wry expression. "I'm quite certain that we will be able to sort out some sustenance for you."

"Humph," she remarked in mock annoyance.

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A cream tea breakfast-in-bed was then served, as the Captain had ordered. The two chewed and sipped in a hungry silence; neither had eaten much in days and besides, neither knew what to say. There was a strong tension in the room. It was as if they both hungered for something more than what their breakfast could supply―as if they had an appetite that could only be satisfied by pleasures of the flesh.

Rosalie came back into the room twenty minutes later to clear away their tray and to take Jake out. The two still had not utter much more than a 'please, pass the jam'.

Bella cleared her throat with a slight cough before brushing an unruly strand of hair from her face. She turned to look at the Captain, who had just returned to his chair, having held open the door to let the scowling Rosalie out of the chamber. Bella gave an awkward smile, still not knowing what to say. She bit her lip in forced self-restraint. She had to stop looking at his sculpted shoulders, just the sight of them were making her overly lustful.

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Edward ran a hand slowly through his disheveled hair, watching his Isabella's chest rise and fall rapidly; nervously perhaps? Did her body ache with anticipation as his did?

He gulped as he felt his saber stiffen and begin to press, uncomfortably, against his breeches. He looked his Isabella in the face. Her beautiful brown eyes were sparkling, surrounded by her dark, feathered lashes. Her dappled cheeks were rosy again, no longer pale and sickly, but blushing in a warm, healthy glow. Her lips were so plump and soft, so―Oh, Christ! There was minuscule dollop of clotted cream poised at the corner of her mouth, right where her full lips came to a insatiable curve. He really wanted to kiss Isabella; to then lick that dollop of sweetness from her soft skin. "Heaven help me," Edward prayed.

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The Captain seated himself on the edge of the bed. Bella bit her lip coyly this time. She wanted him so horribly; she could actually see her chest heaving enthusiastically beneath her shift. More than anything she wanted to have him ravish her body. She knew that she desired him and now, well…now she knew that he wanted her as well. He had rescued her from certain death, and then nursed her back to health when she had fallen ill. And of course, he had confessed his affection for her when he had last…well, when he had last spanked her; performing yet another act of compassion.

He was sitting so closely to her now, his golden eyes smoldering in the brilliant morning sun. Bella had to tell herself to breathe, for she had nearly forgotten to do so, being lost in his gaze.

But she ought to kick herself for letting herself be toyed with by this man whom she hardly even knew; her father would have called her a brazen hussy for being so easily allured. But then again, what did that matter. As far as she was concerned, she would never have to face her father again; his opinion was superfluous.

Nevertheless, she had to think: how did his actions make her feel? She knew little about the Captain, and still he had not told her his name!

Then the Captain's eyes locked with hers, and suddenly nothing in the world mattered; it was just she and her Captain.

Leaning in towards Bella he took hold of her chin, raising it slightly, before gently pressing his lips to hers― kissing her precisely where the dollop of cream had been. "So sweet." He appraised with a crooked smile; a hint of restraint evident in his expression.

Bella did not want him to stop. She gave him a pleading, innocent look. The Captain grinned wickedly, and advanced upon her.

She could not deny that she was aroused by the man's ensuing conquest, her body quivering as he embraced her, but still she could not ignore her uneasy feelings.

"Captain?"

He was distracted with his toying, and therefore did not respond to her. Instead, he swiftly yanked his rumpled, white shirt off, throwing it aside before flipping Bella onto her back; allowing his hands to venture beneath her nightshift.

Bella marveled at the Captain's chest and then at the way his hands felt as they softly stroked her skin. So much so in fact, that she had to close her eyes in order to properly focus on her task ahead. "You know, you never answered my question, Sir" she stated determinedly.

"And what question was that, my coquette?" the Captain, asked as he ripped open her shift, allowing her ample breasts to spring free from their bindings, before he continued to plant kisses all along her neck.

"I don't even know your Christian name," Bella moaned softly, trying halfheartedly to stay level headed as the Captain caressed her bare skin.

"And of what importance is that?" he replied as he made his way down from her neck to her breasts; kissing each swelling mound ravenously. "After all," he explained, giving Bella's pink nipples a teasing swirl with his tongue, "'what's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet'," he recited.

Bella arched her body in complete ecstasy, moaning euphorically as the Captain bit her breast. She was fading fast; she would not be able to hold out much longer.

The Captain then peeled her shift down past her waist, briefly allowing his hands to cup her pert breasts before trailing down her slender torso and promptly pulling the nightie from her body, leaving her completely nude on the bed beneath him.

Bella blushed as he knelt over her body, his firm legs straddling her as he pulled the fabric from her. She had never been entirely nude with a man before, in fact, she had never been with a man before period. She was slightly frightened; she did not know if she would like it. Would it hurt? However, the Captain's touch made her body quiver in anticipation and adamant arousal. How could something that felt so good be bad?

The Captain flung her shift aside, letting it land on the wooden floorboards. He then resumed kissing Bella's body, but this time, as he kissed her, he began his trail at her navel; heading south.

Bella's eyes widened. "―But," she began breathlessly as she interrupted the Captain's enterprise, "it seems hardly fair; I should at least know the name of my RESCUER―!" Her voice raised an octave as the Captain's mouth made contact with her Venus mound. His hands were now fervently pressing on either side of her pelvis keeping her hips from bucking as he continued to tease her nether region with his tongue; licking along her clit and slipping his tongue in and out of her warm, sticky hollow.

"Hush, woman, and letith me kiss thee." The Captain commanded as he nibbled gently at her sensitive flesh.

"Ohh…ahh…OH GOD!" Bella moaned; she was beside herself in ecstasy. But on the other hand, she was downright determined to have her question answered, so she came up with a ploy clever enough to trick the Devil himself, "Well…if you will tell me not the name of my rescuer…OOOHHH…oh my!" She began slowly, her exclamations of pleasure abating her speech, "then, pray…tell me the name of the man I LOVE!"

The Captain stopped in his tracks, leaving Bella's unattended pussy pulsating with wanted desire. He was delighted by Bella's admitted love for him. Delighted and somewhat shocked, but also relieved, and repudiated; what was more he was overwhelmed with unattainable desire.

He smirked knowingly at Bella, who's expression was one of a pouting child whom had not been gifted a treat that she had been promised, and unfastened the top of his breeches, letting his stiff cock spring free, standing at attention. He then crawling up, over her, so that his face was mere inches from hers; he was straddling her naked body, holding himself up by leaning on his forearms. The Captain's beautifully sculpted chest and shoulders were captivating her, his engorged member hard against her bare thigh.

"The name of the man you love?" he asked wryly before kissing her full lips; nibbling at her bottom one. Her body responded to him with the utmost submission; her lips parting, at his request, allowing his tongue entry.

She savored his taste just as he was savoring hers; the lingering taste of her Venus mound's sticky sweetness still dancing in his mouth. The Captain pulled out of their kiss, much to Bella's displeasure, but before she could protest him leaving her so unsatisfied again, he began caressing her neck once more; kissing and nibbling at her most endogenous zones "And would that man, your lover, be me, Isabella?"

Bella nodded, completely under his control, his words alone sending renewed chills down her body; making her loins ache with amplified wanting. "Answer me aloud, Little One." He demanded, as he forcefully bit her earlobe.

Bella squirmed with delight―oh, when would he allow her her release? Surely she could not hold out much longer.

"Am I he? Is it me who you love?" The Captain ran his hand down her chest, cupping her right breast in his hand, twisting her erect nipple.

"Yes, OOOHHH…YES, SIR! Oh…oh GOD! Please…Captain!"

He kissed her neck once, softly, in praise, and then whispered "Your lover's name is Edward," as he thrust his swollen saber into her.

He pumped his manhood in and out of her flaxen quim fast and then faster; Bella's hips rocking madly against him.

"Say it. Out loud."

"EDWARD!" She screamed as he came inside of her; his warmth triggering her own release.

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