Sorry if this chapter confuses some people... for those of you who have never been stuck in love quadrilaterals (as opposed to triangles!) just go with it and don't question people's motives. Yes, I know it seems far-fetched, but these things happen.
A lot.
***
Bart Roberts sat upon the deck of the Renegade, ale in hand, watching the crew as they worked. Watching Meryl particularly. He paused to take a sip from the cool liquid in his tall glass bottle, staring at Meryl's shoulder-length raven hair as it blew disobediently in the ocean breeze, it's crinkly waves catching the light, making her even more memorizing to look at. That red dress... something about it... The way it sat tight at the waist and loose at the lacing, the way the red damask shone in the sunlight, the way it highlighted her ochre complexion...
He took another sip of his ale and noticed her glancing at him. He let his gaze drift nonchalantly towards the mast, as if his eyes had never been mentally sweeping her scarlet-clothed body. She narrowed her eyes, drilling through him with a look of utter loathing that was not entirely real.
Bart stood up and made his way down to the deck beside her. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
"Yes." Meryl breathed, still eyeing him strangely. "The ocean is so grand. It's breathtaking..."
"I meant you." He smiled warmly at her.
"Oh." She blushed.
Meryl felt a hand slide around her waist. She recoiled, taking a few choppy strides away from him. It didn't matter. He stepped with her, keeping his hand on her waist. He spun her to face him, leaning into her slowly.
"Don't make me draw the dagger again." She warned.
Bart sighed. "Ah, I see. Maiden modesty." He pulled his face away from hers but kept his arms around her. "Very becoming. You're fetching, Meryl. You really are."
"Miss Volleys!" She corrected through gritted teeth.
"Miss Volleys." He conceded. "I must have you, m'lady. And as we all know, pirates are used to getting whatever they desire..."
She pulled out of his clutched frantically. He had gone too far. "Roberts, I swear, if you ever try to do me wrong you will wake up one day in a pool of your own blood! Mark my words, if you want to live to the end of your rightful days I'd be advised you restrain yourself." She paused dramatically, waiting for the effect of her threat to sink in. "Don't cross me if you love your life!"
He glanced at her oddly, trying to make head or tail of her threats, finally deciding he should leave her be. She was too feisty. "I still maintain that you're beautiful."
"Perhaps you should find a pair of glasses." She retorted, gripping the hilt of her dagger tightly.
He smiled, suddenly having an idea of how he could get her below decks. "Your dependance upon your sword is very entertaining. 'Tis a shame I could never fight you fair."
"What?"
"Well," He paused, knowing exactly what to say to spite her into following him. "You're a woman."
She glared at him, but he simply turned and disappeared below decks, Meryl nipping at his heels. "What do you mean, Roberts?" He ignored her, striding into the cabin that Liam had temporarily granted him. "What does being a woman have to do with anything?"
Bart spun around, slamming the door and grabbing Meryl's wrists all in one swift movement. Meryl suddenly realized that perhaps following him into hid bedroom had not been her brightest idea yet. He brought his face close to hers, his body pressing against her, sandwiching her between himself and the wall.
"Pirates get what they want." He whispered. "Always."
She struggled against him fruitlessly, feeling his free hand slide to her chest. A grimace flickered across her face. "You disgust me."
"And you drive me wild." His lips crashed down on hers, sending cold chills racing up and down her spine. She tried to remind herself that this wasn't what she wanted, but her body surged with a desperate desire for him so that it was all she could do to keep her own lips from answering his. She had never felt this before... not even Jack made this happen to her. Her hips were crying out to be closer to his, but she did not listen to them. She froze her body, trying not to do anything stupid. He pulled back. "You're not fighting me anymore."
His grip loosened on her. She stared at him, dark eyes wide with disbelief. He took his hands off her completely and stepped back, giving her room to breathe. "You just kissed me." She stammered stupidly.
"Aye." He smiled, reminding her strangely of Jack. His hand brushed over her cheek and he kissed her again. Her lips quivered and she drew her body up against his, her hips pushing against him needily. She could feel his surprise as her lips began to answer his, as her tongue slid into his mouth and massaged his own. He wrapped his arms around her, the kiss going from soft to almost violent.
Meryl slid her fingers around his neck and found that she was once again sandwiched between his body and the wall. His kiss was so different from Jack's... Jack. She felt her lust replaced with confusion. Meryl broke off from him suddenly.
"Is something wrong?" His hands caressed the small of her back.
She shook her head and brushed past him. "It's Miss Volleys."
***
Review Replies:
Erin Richards-
Oh wow, I love The Princess Bride, but I never made that connection… *smacks head* How could I achieve such an oversight? INCONCIEVABLE! Oh well… still weird. Yeah, this was an odd chapter. Let me know what you think… INSULTS ARE WELCOME!
PLEASE REVIEW! *mutters* Are there rocks ahead? If there are we all be dead!
Stop rhyming now, I mean it! Anybody want a peanut?
