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. 10
BPOV
I woke up to sunlight filling the cabin. My head was pounding, and my stomach felt unsettled. I was also unbearably hot. I tried to push the blankets off only to find they were pinned down by Edward's arms as he had himself wrapped around me.
I hated to wake him after he had a long night, but I had to move.
"Let me go." I tried to push myself free from his arm.
He grumbled then pulled me tighter. He buried his face in my hair, and I felt his hot breath on my neck. "Never, love, yer mine."
"Now, filthy pirate, I need to get up," I pleaded.
His eyes blinked open, and he looked dazed. I seized the opportunity to wiggle out of his arms and get out from under the covers. Once I slid out of bed, I looked around frantically for a bucket or something. Not seeing one, I ran for the balcony.
"Lass, where ye goin'? I promise the boat and cat will be on their best behavior, and ye don't need to jump ship," Edward called out behind me and began snickering.
Before I could figure out what he was talking about my stomach lurched and I made it to the rail in time. Before I could heave a second time, I felt Edward beside me, gently rubbing my back and holding my hair away from my face.
"Easy, love, take some deep breaths," he encouraged.
I closed my eyes and leaned against him. My head still hurt, but my stomach wasn't that bad anymore. The gentle bobbing of the boat and the rise and fall of Edward's chest calmed me.
"I guess that will teach ye to take it easy on the rum." He kissed the back of my head.
"I am never drinking that foul tasting, devil's drink, again," I mumbled.
He chuckled. "My poor lass; how's yer head? Ye knocked it a few times, and I was concerned, especially when ye told me Petey stole yer treasure, and the boat was violent with ye."
"I didn't see him steal anything. I had my mother's necklace and my emerald after he brought me my dinner. They were in my…" I reached down automatically for my pockets and realized I was naked.
"Where are my clothes?" I asked.
"I had to take them off ye. Ye claimed the boat threw the rum at ye." Edward smirked.
"I did? I don't remember that." I shook my head.
"What do ye remember?" Edward asked.
"I remember looking for my emerald, and I found it under the bed. There was a cat under there, and it surprised me. I took off my mother's necklace not wanting to wear both and I was going to ask you to put it somewhere safe for me. Petey came in with the food, and you'll be pleased he didn't say a word or look at me. I remember the meal being salty and needing a drink. The only thing I could find was rum. While I was standing, the boat became rocky from the storm, and I was having trouble keeping my balance. I was going to sit when I slipped and…I hit my head." I touched the tender bump. "After that, it gets blurry…did you come back?"
"Aye. I must apologize again to ye. It was foolish to leave ye by yerself during the storm with ye not used to being on a boat. I should've asked me father to stay with ye or perhaps even the boy could have been useful."
"That would mean you would have to let Petey talk to me." The corner of my mouth lifted in a small smile.
"I'm afraid Petey wouldn't have been much help unless ye speak cat," Edward teased.
"If the cat is Petey, what is the young boy's name?" I was feeling confused.
"His name is Seth," Edward told me.
"I blamed the cat for stealing my things? Where are my things…and the poor cat? You didn't keel-haul him did you?" I touched my chest and felt my wedding necklace; my skin also felt a bit sticky.
Edward's head fell back as he started to laugh so hard tears sprang to his eyes. "No, love. I didn't keel-haul the bloody pirate cat as ye so affectionately named Petey. He's back in the cargo holds of the ship, hunting for vermin. Yer treasure is locked safely in the small trunk Alice sent with things for ye. Ye did manage to ask me to keep them safe for ye before ye succumbed to the rum."
I shivered as the breeze picked up, and Edward swept me into his arms a carried me into the cabin. He placed me in a chair by the table then grabbed a blanket from the bed and wrapped it around me.
"I'll be back in a moment. I'll grab ye something to eat and drink. Alice has provided powders that will help any pain ye are in." He pulled on his pants.
I did not have to wait long for him to come back balancing large plate and a jug. He placed the food on the table and unplugged the container. I was relieved when I saw water poured into the mugs.
"I will not be able to eat all that." I looked at all the eggs and fruit.
Edward picked me up and sat on the chair, settling me onto his lap. "I was hopin' ye'd share." He winked at me.
I ate my fill, leaving the lion size portion for Edward. He hungrily shoveled his food into his mouth with one hand while keeping the other around my waist. When he was done, he downed the water then licked his lips.
He nuzzled my cheek, and one hand slipped under the blankets, and he cupped my breast. Just as his lips pressed against my neck, there was a knock on the door. I expected Edward to be angry for the interruption, but instead, he smiled.
"That should be the boy, keep yerself covered." He left me in the chair as he went to the door.
I adjusted the blankets before it was open. However, I didn't catch sight of Seth before Edward quickly took a bucket with steam rising out of it and closed the door. He brought the bucket over to the table and placed it on top. He then went to the wardrobe and pulled a smaller trunk out from the bottom. He unlocked it and pulled out two dark bottles and a rag.
He placed the bigger bottle down in front of me. "The healin' powders are in here. Add a pinch or two to yer water."
I did as he said as I watched him unplug the second bottle. He tipped it over the bucket until a couple of drops fell into the water below.
"What is that one for?" I asked.
He looked at me with a large smile. "This is perfume oil. Unfortunately, the boat doesn't have bathing tubs. However, I can offer to wash ye with heated rainwater, oil and bit of soap." He snapped his fingers and went back to the trunk.
He came back with a small paper package, nimbly unwrapping a small brick of soap that looked like dried flowers had been pressed into it.
"Are you saying I am the filthy one, filthy pirate?" I teased, taking a sip of the water.
"I believe ye complained of being sticky, cause me ship threw the rum at ye." He smirked, dipping the rag in the water then lathering it with the soap.
He placed the bucket next to the chair and then knelt in front of me. "How about I wash ye then ye can return the favor." He winked.
Edward gently opened the blanket, exposing my body. He started with my right leg and ran the cloth slowly up and down before moving on to the second. He smirked when I began to squirm under his touch. The cloth lightly ran over my center, but Edward's fingers teasingly dipped inside. I sat up straighter, and Edward grinned wickedly.
"Problem, love?" he asked.
I shook my head, unable to answer him. His eyes darkened as he swirled the cloth around each breast. My breath hitched, and my thighs rubbed together, and I tried to stop the throbbing. Edward tossed the fabric over his shoulder, and the picked me up, placing me on top of the table.
I had to stop him before I became a wanton wench, so I grabbed the cloth off his shoulder. "My turn; can you lift the bucket up here for me, please."
He grabbed it wordlessly and plunked it down behind me, giving a hungry stare that would've made me weak in the knees if I wasn't sitting. He stepped between my legs, and I started with his chest. My fingers brushed his scar, and I fought not to frown. He caught my hand and lightly kissed the back of it.
The tension was thick between us, I made no move to remove his trousers since it upset him the last time.
"Turn." I cleared my throat roughly, my voice suddenly thick.
He turned robotically, and I soaked the cloth again and started on the muscles of his back. I was pleased to see the scars did not extend there. After a moment, he startled me by turning fast and catching my hand. He grabbed the rag and tossed it aside.
"Enough, with the washin'. I need ye, wife, ye better hold on tight because I'm afraid I may not be able to restrain myself." He pulled me closer to the edge of the table.
I wrapped my arms around his neck expecting him to carry me to the bed, but he lifted me only enough to thrust inside. He barely gave me time to adjust before he picked up the pace and the table underneath us creaked.
My core tightened, and I felt my release as my fingers lost their grip on his slick skin, and I started to fall backward. He caught me just before my head hit the wood, but in the process, he hit the bucket, spilling the water. It gushed over us as it ran down the table soaking us.
He remained hovering, with his chest over me and kissed me tenderly before slipping out of me. He helped me sit and grabbed the blanket wrapping it around me.
"How was that adventure?" He smiled.
"Almost better than the waterfall," I answered.
"Almost?" His eyebrows furrowed.
"Mmm, is there a waterfall on the new island?" I asked.
"No, but there is a spot perfect for swimming." He lifted me down from the table and kept his arms around me. "I need to go the upper deck."
"I'll come with you, you promised I could explore the ship today," I reminded him.
"Aye, I did." He gave me a genuine smile. "Ye can't wear one of ye pretty dresses, but men's clothing."
"Of course, filthy pirate." I nodded.
"And, as much I enjoy yer callin' me that, I prefer ye don't in front of me crew," he told me as he pulled clothes out of the wardrobe.
"Yes, Captain," I answered. It felt a bit strange to call him that.
"Edward tis fine unless we are amongst strangers, then it would be Captain. Me crew has been told to be respectful of ye, so it should be Mrs. Cullen, except for me father, then it would be Isabella," he explained and held out clothing to me.
"Mrs. Cullen…" I murmured, it was the first time I was referred to as such, and it made me smile.
"Aye. And as much as I hate to do it, we should bind these beauties so me crew doesn't get a gander." He started to wrap my chest.
FP
Edward kept me tucked into his side as he escorted me to the different levels of the ship. His family was friendly, and his crew was courteous, but not over friendly, which Edward seemed to approve of. Perhaps my favorite spot was the bow.
We stayed there the longest staring out at the sea in front of us. The sun was shining brightly with a few puffy clouds scattered through the deep blue sky.
"Is that a shark?" I pointed to a fin as it broke through the water and I gripped Edward's arm tighter.
"That tis a dolphin. They like to race us and are very friendly," he informed me.
I turned my head and shielded my eyes to look up at the crow's nest, where Jasper stood.
"Can I go up there too?" I asked.
"No," Edward said sharply. "It's too dangerous."
"Then go up with me. You promised me adventures, fil…Edward." I pouted.
"Aye, but why does yer adventures have to be dangerous." He scowled.
"What is an adventure without any danger?" His brother, Emmett, approached us.
"I don't recall, askin' ye opinion. Why aren't ye at the helm?" Edward glared at him.
"'Cause, Marcus has taken over so I can get some sleep," Emmett answered.
"Then on with ye." Edward gestured to officer's quarters.
"I'll be happy to take ye up, little sister, or I am sure Jasper wouldn't mind helping ye." Emmett smirked.
Edward leveled him with a glare. "Neither of ye will do nothin' of the sort. Come along, Isabella, if ye goin' to insist on endangering yeself, then I'm going up there with ye." Edward placed his hand on my back and led me to the mast.
"Ahoy, Jasper," he yelled, when Jasper looked down, Edward waved at him. "Get ye self down here."
I stood back as he slowly made his way to the deck.
"Aye, Captain?" Jasper spared me half-a-glance before looking at Edward.
"Go get yerself a quick meal. Isabella wants to see the crow's nest," he told him.
"Ye're goin' to let the lass up there?" Jasper seemed surprised.
"Are ye questioning me orders?" Edward's eyes narrowed.
"No, Captain, just surprised tis all. Enjoy, yerself, Mrs. Cullen, the view is clear today, ye should be able to see for miles." Jasper nodded his head at me then handed Edward a spyglass.
"Ye go first, and I'll be right behind ye," Edward directed.
Although my foot slipped twice, I found the climb fairly easy. Unfortunately, I made the unwise decision to look down, when were halfway up the mast.
"I changed my mind. I want to get down." I shut my eyes and tightly gripped the rope.
"We are closer up than down, love. Yer doing well, don't look down; focus on the top," Edward encouraged.
I took a deep breath and continued. Once we reached the bucket. Edward helped me inside. The boat rocked more up here, but the view was spectacular.
"Hold on to me," I asked, feeling nervous.
"Always, love." Edward kissed the side of my head. "Here, use this if ye'd like." He handed me the spyglass.
I looked around and spun in the small circle. "There is nothing but water."
"Aye, it will be awhile before we see land again," Edward told me.
"How long will it take to get there?" I asked.
"We are looking at about a month or so, depending on weather," he answered.
"Is that why you were late. You were gone more than a year, filthy pirate. I was starting to think you weren't coming. My father almost married me off to a man who wanted nothing but a servant." I frowned.
"I still would have taken ye, married or not." Edward shrugged. "Me father's quest took longer than we thought. By then, it was best to stay hidden on the island for a bit. I took the time to build ye a house. Then I came as quickly as the sea would bring me."
He cupped my face and lightly kissed my lips. "I will always come back to ye, no matter how long it takes, love. I promise ye."
"Will there be a storm every day," I asked, looking around the sky.
"No, however, rain is always welcomed—it gives us fresh water to drink," he explained.
I nodded and looked out once again, using the spyglass. I spotted something on the horizon.
"There is a ship out there. Should we be worried?" I glanced up at him.
He took the glass and looked for himself. "No, love, it's going in a different direction. Are ye ready to go back down?"
"Yes. But can we come up again, soon?"
"We shall see." He chuckled then helped me with my descent.
The climb down was harder than going up. I was relieved when my feet hit the deck. Jasper was waiting nearby with his arms across his chest. Edward took him aside, and I heard him quietly mention about watching the port side of the ship.
My eyes wandered and landed on the man at the helm of the ship. He looked familiar, and I couldn't place why. He glanced up and smirked at me and instantly I knew. It was the man that tried to attack me.
I gasped, and Edward was at my side quickly. "Isabella, what is wrong?"
I glanced at him then back at the older man. Edward followed my train of sight and let out a curse. He knew, and he was the Captain, yet he hired the man who tried to hurt me.
"Isabella, let's go back to our cabin, and I can explain," Edward said sternly as if I was a member of his crew.
"Explain how you have the man who tried to hurt me as one of your crew members?" I took a step back from him.
"He wouldn't have hurt ye, he was paid only to scare ye." Jasper snickered.
"What?" I blinked in surprise.
Edward's face became murderous, and I knew it was true. He turned, and his fist flew, catching Jasper in the jaw. I screamed, and then fled towards the cabin to escape. By the grace of God, I made it before Edward caught up with me.
I closed the door and locked it just as he arrived. He pounded on it and it shook from the force.
"Isabella, open this door, right now," he ordered.
"I am not a member of your crew. I do not have to follow your orders," I yelled.
"I am warning ye. Open this door or I'll…"
"Or you'll what? Keel-haul me?" I snapped. "Just leave me alone, filthy pirate!"
A/N: A bit of confusion last chapter, the cat is real, as you found out in this chapter, and no the cat isn't Alice. Edward may have seemed confused because he didn't understand why the cat was being accused of stealing jewelry. (Also, the cat isn't usually in his quarters.)
Edward is learning to take better care of her, remember having a female around and taking care of her is brand new to him. He's going to make mistakes. Bella got out of the cabin for awhile in the chapter. It went well until the end.
Thank you for all the reviews and love you have given my story.