Then all of a sudden it got loud. Mrs Sanders, Emilia and Florence
screamed; George`s hand moved to draw his sword, but of course it wasn`t
there; Jocelyn Sanders allowed no weapons on her parties. Kate made a step
towards the kneeling man, but was held back by Thomas. "Don`t."
At that moment the man began to stammer huskily. "We pillage, we plunder, we rifle, we loot. Drink up, me ` earties, yo ho. We kidnap and ravage and don`t give a hoot, drink up me ` earties, yo ho. Yo ho, Yo ho, a pirate`s life for me." Then he fell flat onto his face, where he remained motionless, while his hat slid across the floor.
"A pirate." Emilia breathed weakly, and let herself sink into George`s arms, receiving a murderous glance of Florence, who hadn`t reacted quick enough.
"A pirate." Kate`s eyes gleamed. But as she made another step towards him, Thomas gripped her arm.
"Kathryn, it`s too dangerous."
Kate snorted. "Dangerous? Can`t you see he`s completely helpless?" Since she had turned to Thomas, she didn`t notice, that the pirate had opened one eye a slit, watching her interested. "Let me see, if he`s alright." She shook off Thomas` arm and knelt down beside him.
George, who had finally disentangled from Emilia`s embrace, got up and quickly stepped towards her. "Kate, stay away from this creature."
Kate sighed enerved, never turning her attention from the man on the floor. She softly shook his shoulder. "Are you okay, Mister? Do you need a doctor?"
Like lightening the pirate jumped to his feet, pulling her up with him. Before Kate even knew what had happened, she found herself leaning against his sinewy body. While one hand was wrapped around her waist to keep her close, the other pressed a cool blade against her throat. Not so tight to cause her pain, but tight enough to make her realize the sincerity of her situation. The pirates in their books never behad this way.
"Thank ye, luv." He said in a low, amused voice. "I ´ave ev`rything I need."
Her books also didn`t mention, that pirates smelled penetratively of rum. Kate began to feel dizzy and a feeling clasped her heart, she had never expected to feel: fear. But the moment she realized, she was beginning to get scared, hot rage boiled up inside her. Who was he to hold her hostage? She wasn`t one of those fearful ladies, fainting at the mere sight of him. Instead she was the only one in this room who had wanted to help him. The rage rose up inside her throat and exploded in a sharp hiss.
"Let go of me!" she demanded loudly.
The pirate tilted his head, a slightly confused expression on his face. "What `d be the sense in that, luv?" He straightened up again and pressed harder on her throat, making it almost impossible for her to breathe. "Better stay there!" he shouted and George, who had tried to sneak up to him, froze in his tracks. The pirate loosened the pressure on Kate`s throat, but didn`t take the dagger away. He drew her backwards with him, until he had a broad overlook over the whole room; then he nodded towards Thomas, who was still standing beside the table, apparently paralysed by the last events.
"Ye go over there!" He motioned Thomas to join the other four persons on the couch and Thomas obeyed without further hesitation.
Boring little whimp, Kate thought contemptuously. George had at least tried to free her, and he didn`t even have the prospects of marrying her and receiving her fortune.
"Good, an` now dare to move and doll `ere will regret it."
Immediately Kate felt her temper rise and the smouldering rage finally overpowered her fear. "I am no doll." She spat.
"Bit sensitive, are we, luv?" He chuckled quietly. Then he sheathed his dagger and turned her round to him, never letting go of her waist. When Kate saw his face for the first time, she drew in a sharp breath. He was a pirate, but definitely not one of those, she knew from her books. His hair, even though long and black as it was supposed to be, was tangled and various weird things were braided into; His eyes, sparkling in a beatuiful chocolate colour, were dark-framed, making him look somehow strange. And she had never read about a pirate, who wore a moustache, even though she had to admit, the beard gave him a mischievous daring look. He raised his free hand and ran it through her curly hair. When Kate tried to shy away from the sudden touch, he gripped the back of her head, forcing her to keep eyecontact.
"Long flowing locks," he said and let his callous hand travel down the sides of her face.
Suddenly Kate longed to hide her face in his hand to inhale his masculine scent. But when she became aware of her indecent thoughts, her eyes widened in shock and she stared panic-stricken at him, praying he wasn`t able to read her thoughts.
"Soft ivory skin, big green eyes." His hand deserted her burning face and travelled down her side, until it rested flat on her belly. Kate gave a choked scream, as she felt the warmth of his skin sip through her dress, sending a tingling sensation through her body.
"A silken gown, matching the color of yer eyes - ye are a doll." He concluded.
Kate simply stared at him, gathering all her strength to master these unfamiliar feelings, that were rushing through her body all at once. When she didn`t reply, he leant in and whispered in a low voice. "Ye `ave control yerself better, luv, I can see the fire in yer eyes."
His words brought her to her senses again and she struggled against his hands, but to no avail. When she realized, she didn`t have the touch of a chance against his strong grip, she paused and flashed at him.
"Take your hands off me!" she shouted with a lot more determination than she actually felt.
A grin illuminated his face. "Say the magic word."
"Now!" Kate shot back without thinking.
He laughed heartily. "Ye`re not the pleading one, aye? If I let go of ye, will ye behave and stay by me side?"
Kate nodded eagerly, seeing her chance to get free.
"Good," a smirk formed on his lips. "I`d be faster and stronger as ye anyways."
He hardly had let go of her, as Kate started to run, but she didn`t make any headway. He gripped her hand again and drew her vehemently back, swinging her round to him once more, so she crashed against his body. He put both arms firmly around her middle and grinned down on her, golden teeth flashing in the candlelight.
"Told ye before, luv."
Kate stared up at him, mesmerized by the way dark flames were dancing in his eyes, and so she didn`t flinch, when he brought his mouth down to hers and captured her lips in a short kiss. His lips were rough and salty like the wind, that blew across the oceans, wild, untamed and free. Subconsciously Kate licked her lips to consume every drop of this enticing taste of freedom. When her gaze met his again, she jerked at the sight of the knowing smirk, that had crept onto his face. He had watched her all the time, had seen how she had humiliated herself, had felt her resistance crumble to dust under his gaze, his touch, his kiss. Oh God, now she really felt humiliated. If she only could hide somewhere! Hide from this disgrace, hide from these eyes, that seemed to know all the things about her, she didn`t even know herself. Feeling the shame setting her cheeks on fire she lowered her eyes. Maybe if she broke the eyecontact, his ability of reading her mind would be broken as well. But this strange man obviously didn`t thought of letting her save the scarce remains of her dignity; he brought his hand under her chin and raised her face up to him. Kate felt the tears of humiliation prick at the back of her eyes, afraid she`d start to cry every moment, but when she saw his warm smile, the burden that had plagued her a moment before, was lifted and she couldn`t surpress a grin, that was rising from the depth of her stomach up to her face.
Suddenly her stepmother shrieked. "Take your filthy hands off my daughter, you scum!"
"Yer daughter?" The pirate raised an eyebrow and looked questioningly at Kate, who returned the look equally puzzled. Her stepmother had never called her daughter before. He let go of Kate and swayed towards her stepmother, raising a finger thoughtfully to his lips. "Then I s`pose ye must be Mrs Jocelyn Sanders?" He stooped, picked up his hat and put it on his head again, as he gave a mocked bow towards her. "I am Capt`n Jack Sparrow."
"Sparrow!" Thomas hissed, his face contorted to a mask of disgust. Everyone turned to him in surprise and even Jack eyed him curiously.
"We met before, mate?"
Thomas lips were a thin line, when he answered. "You`re quite known for your insolence and luck." His eyes gazed coldly at the pirate. "But this time you`ve annoyed the wrong people."
Jack narrowd his eyes and a threatening undertone vibrated in his voice, when he spoke. "Believe me, I`m only annoying right people."
"Sparrow?" Kate said incredulously. "Sparrow?" She let herself sink down to the ground, shaken by a fit of laughter.
Everyone turned their looks on her again and jack walked back to her, looking at her, as if she had gone crazy. "Are ye sober, lass?" he asked worried.
Kate dried her tears of laughter and got up again. "What? Oh yes, your name just reminded me of something."
"Ye heard me name before?" Jack eyed her suspiciously.
"Not exactly "heard"." Kate replied, still smiling.
"Kathryn Mary Sanders." Her stepmother cut in sharply. "A lady doesn`t talk to scum."
"Ye`re a lady?" Jack looked at Kate, his eyebrows raised high into his forehead.
Kate shrugged. "Some people think I am. And you? Are you really scum?"
He grinned broadly. "Many people think I am. So lady Kathryn," he waved his hand, let it linger in the air for a moment, as if he had forgotten about its existence, and then stretched it out to her. "prepare yerself to get starting."
"Starting where?" George asked, an alarmed tone in his voice.
"To me ship."
"You won`t take her anywhere, you bastard." Thomas hissed through gritted teeth, but noone took notice of him.
"You have a ship?" Kate looked at Jack, her eyes gleaming.
"Cause I ` have, luv. What`s a capt`n without `is ship?" He smiled to himself, obviously highly amused about her question. "But before we go, I need some things."
"What?" Kate`s face was an image of confused naivete.
"Gold, silver, jewels, whatever." He grinned and nodded towards the group of people, that gathered round the couch. Florence shrieked and hid behind George.
"You mean?" Kate looked from Jack to the little group and back to Jack.
He nodded. "Aye."
"But you can`t, I mean, you mustn`t." Kate stammered. The pirates in her book never stole like common thieves; they didn`t rob honest, if spoiled people. They fought and robbed bad people, and only, if they had a noble reason in doing so, but not because of simple greed. She stared at Jack, disapproval showing in her eyes.
"No, you won`t rob these people. They are my ....guests." Not even now she brought herself to call them her friends.
Jack seemed to think about it for a moment, then waved his hand carelessly. "Don`t mind." When he saw the incredulous expression on Kates face, he gave a hoarse laugh. "What, luv? I`m a pirate after all."
Kate shook her head. "I won`t let you do that."
Jack, who had made a step towards the group, stopped; he stared at her with open mouth, before he blurted out with roaring laughter. "Ye wanna hold me back?"
"Yes." Kate raised her chin. "I will hold you back."
She had just finished her sentence, when she found herself in a familiar position again: leaning against his body, one of his arms wrapped around her waist, while the other pressed a blade against her throat.
"Listen, luv," he breathed into her ear. "Ye`re still me hostage, savvy?"
When she didn`t reply, he intesified the pressure of the blade. "Savvy?" he repeated more sharply.
Kate swallowed hard. "Savvy," she said unwillingly, trying to surpress the tremble in her voice.
"Good doll." Jack smiled and put the dagger away.
Kate raised her foot and stamped with all her might onto his boot. Even though the thick leather saved him from a major injury, the surprise was enough to make him losen his grip.
Blocking out the obscene curses he sent after her, Kate tore herself away from him and ran towards the couch, where she stopped to catch her breath.
When the swearing apruptly stopped, she turned anxiously around. But what she saw, was even worse, than what she had expected. Jack was holding her scarf in his hands and let it glide through his fingers.
"Give it to me!" Kate screamed, feeling tears shoot to her eyes.
"This is.interesting." He raised his head and looked straight at her, his eyes challenging hers. "I think I`m gonna keep it."
Kate heard the rush of blood in her ears. He wouldn`t take that away from her! Not her scarf! It was hers, a gift of her father, and she would never let him take it. Never! A curtain of red rage sank down before her eyes and with a furious scream she darted towards him.
Jack held the scarf up into the air, just out of reach for Kate.
"I knew ye`d come back." Jack grinned. Apparently he enjoyed this situation immensely.
Kate stopped her attempts to reach the scarf and glared at him. "Give it to me!" she stamped her foot in helpless fury; an action, that only made Jack grin wider.
"Why should I do that, luv?"
"It`s mine!" Kate howled with angry frustration.
He tilted his head and regarded her attentively, as if to say: "And where`s the point?"
Kate stared back, speechless, defeated; How much she hated him now! How much she hated her own powerless condition! She knew there was no way to overpower him; no way to reason with him; and there was definitely no way, she would ever beg and plead. She drove back the tears, that urged to flow widely. He might take the only thing of value, she ever owned; He might take away the only visible memory, that was left of her father, but he would never see her cry. She curled her fists, bitterness rose inside her throat and filled every inch of her being. Pirate or not, there was not much of a difference between him and other men. He was just a man, who loved to see the defeat in her eyes, who loved to show her, how weak she was. He would regret this! She didn`t know, how, but she would make him pay for this!
Her eyes shot daggers at him, and for a moment it seemed, that Jack had noticed the power of her inner turmoil, for his grin faded slightly, but just a second later it was back again. Without taking his eyes from her, he raised the scarf to his face and sniffed, inhaling its scent deeply.
"It still smells of ye."
That was all it took to break Kate`s toilsomely maintained selfcontrol; blinded by fury she rushed at him, throwing her body against his to make him fall.
Taken aback by her attack he swayed and quickly put his arms around her waist, pressing her even closer to him, to balance her swing with his own body. His attempt of keeping on his feet worked, for even though he staggered dangerously he didn`t fall, but it took all his concentration to keep the balance and so he was distracted from the group around the sofa.
George nodded towards Thomas. "Now!" Simultanously they ran towards the swaying pair, that looked as if it was united in a breathless dance.
Jack noticed the blonde and redhaired man literally in the last moment and hurled Kate towards both, causing the three of them to collide. He didn`t even took the time to watch them go down onto the floor in a muddle of arms and legs; instead he swang round quickly and escaped through the broken window into the dark night.
At that moment the man began to stammer huskily. "We pillage, we plunder, we rifle, we loot. Drink up, me ` earties, yo ho. We kidnap and ravage and don`t give a hoot, drink up me ` earties, yo ho. Yo ho, Yo ho, a pirate`s life for me." Then he fell flat onto his face, where he remained motionless, while his hat slid across the floor.
"A pirate." Emilia breathed weakly, and let herself sink into George`s arms, receiving a murderous glance of Florence, who hadn`t reacted quick enough.
"A pirate." Kate`s eyes gleamed. But as she made another step towards him, Thomas gripped her arm.
"Kathryn, it`s too dangerous."
Kate snorted. "Dangerous? Can`t you see he`s completely helpless?" Since she had turned to Thomas, she didn`t notice, that the pirate had opened one eye a slit, watching her interested. "Let me see, if he`s alright." She shook off Thomas` arm and knelt down beside him.
George, who had finally disentangled from Emilia`s embrace, got up and quickly stepped towards her. "Kate, stay away from this creature."
Kate sighed enerved, never turning her attention from the man on the floor. She softly shook his shoulder. "Are you okay, Mister? Do you need a doctor?"
Like lightening the pirate jumped to his feet, pulling her up with him. Before Kate even knew what had happened, she found herself leaning against his sinewy body. While one hand was wrapped around her waist to keep her close, the other pressed a cool blade against her throat. Not so tight to cause her pain, but tight enough to make her realize the sincerity of her situation. The pirates in their books never behad this way.
"Thank ye, luv." He said in a low, amused voice. "I ´ave ev`rything I need."
Her books also didn`t mention, that pirates smelled penetratively of rum. Kate began to feel dizzy and a feeling clasped her heart, she had never expected to feel: fear. But the moment she realized, she was beginning to get scared, hot rage boiled up inside her. Who was he to hold her hostage? She wasn`t one of those fearful ladies, fainting at the mere sight of him. Instead she was the only one in this room who had wanted to help him. The rage rose up inside her throat and exploded in a sharp hiss.
"Let go of me!" she demanded loudly.
The pirate tilted his head, a slightly confused expression on his face. "What `d be the sense in that, luv?" He straightened up again and pressed harder on her throat, making it almost impossible for her to breathe. "Better stay there!" he shouted and George, who had tried to sneak up to him, froze in his tracks. The pirate loosened the pressure on Kate`s throat, but didn`t take the dagger away. He drew her backwards with him, until he had a broad overlook over the whole room; then he nodded towards Thomas, who was still standing beside the table, apparently paralysed by the last events.
"Ye go over there!" He motioned Thomas to join the other four persons on the couch and Thomas obeyed without further hesitation.
Boring little whimp, Kate thought contemptuously. George had at least tried to free her, and he didn`t even have the prospects of marrying her and receiving her fortune.
"Good, an` now dare to move and doll `ere will regret it."
Immediately Kate felt her temper rise and the smouldering rage finally overpowered her fear. "I am no doll." She spat.
"Bit sensitive, are we, luv?" He chuckled quietly. Then he sheathed his dagger and turned her round to him, never letting go of her waist. When Kate saw his face for the first time, she drew in a sharp breath. He was a pirate, but definitely not one of those, she knew from her books. His hair, even though long and black as it was supposed to be, was tangled and various weird things were braided into; His eyes, sparkling in a beatuiful chocolate colour, were dark-framed, making him look somehow strange. And she had never read about a pirate, who wore a moustache, even though she had to admit, the beard gave him a mischievous daring look. He raised his free hand and ran it through her curly hair. When Kate tried to shy away from the sudden touch, he gripped the back of her head, forcing her to keep eyecontact.
"Long flowing locks," he said and let his callous hand travel down the sides of her face.
Suddenly Kate longed to hide her face in his hand to inhale his masculine scent. But when she became aware of her indecent thoughts, her eyes widened in shock and she stared panic-stricken at him, praying he wasn`t able to read her thoughts.
"Soft ivory skin, big green eyes." His hand deserted her burning face and travelled down her side, until it rested flat on her belly. Kate gave a choked scream, as she felt the warmth of his skin sip through her dress, sending a tingling sensation through her body.
"A silken gown, matching the color of yer eyes - ye are a doll." He concluded.
Kate simply stared at him, gathering all her strength to master these unfamiliar feelings, that were rushing through her body all at once. When she didn`t reply, he leant in and whispered in a low voice. "Ye `ave control yerself better, luv, I can see the fire in yer eyes."
His words brought her to her senses again and she struggled against his hands, but to no avail. When she realized, she didn`t have the touch of a chance against his strong grip, she paused and flashed at him.
"Take your hands off me!" she shouted with a lot more determination than she actually felt.
A grin illuminated his face. "Say the magic word."
"Now!" Kate shot back without thinking.
He laughed heartily. "Ye`re not the pleading one, aye? If I let go of ye, will ye behave and stay by me side?"
Kate nodded eagerly, seeing her chance to get free.
"Good," a smirk formed on his lips. "I`d be faster and stronger as ye anyways."
He hardly had let go of her, as Kate started to run, but she didn`t make any headway. He gripped her hand again and drew her vehemently back, swinging her round to him once more, so she crashed against his body. He put both arms firmly around her middle and grinned down on her, golden teeth flashing in the candlelight.
"Told ye before, luv."
Kate stared up at him, mesmerized by the way dark flames were dancing in his eyes, and so she didn`t flinch, when he brought his mouth down to hers and captured her lips in a short kiss. His lips were rough and salty like the wind, that blew across the oceans, wild, untamed and free. Subconsciously Kate licked her lips to consume every drop of this enticing taste of freedom. When her gaze met his again, she jerked at the sight of the knowing smirk, that had crept onto his face. He had watched her all the time, had seen how she had humiliated herself, had felt her resistance crumble to dust under his gaze, his touch, his kiss. Oh God, now she really felt humiliated. If she only could hide somewhere! Hide from this disgrace, hide from these eyes, that seemed to know all the things about her, she didn`t even know herself. Feeling the shame setting her cheeks on fire she lowered her eyes. Maybe if she broke the eyecontact, his ability of reading her mind would be broken as well. But this strange man obviously didn`t thought of letting her save the scarce remains of her dignity; he brought his hand under her chin and raised her face up to him. Kate felt the tears of humiliation prick at the back of her eyes, afraid she`d start to cry every moment, but when she saw his warm smile, the burden that had plagued her a moment before, was lifted and she couldn`t surpress a grin, that was rising from the depth of her stomach up to her face.
Suddenly her stepmother shrieked. "Take your filthy hands off my daughter, you scum!"
"Yer daughter?" The pirate raised an eyebrow and looked questioningly at Kate, who returned the look equally puzzled. Her stepmother had never called her daughter before. He let go of Kate and swayed towards her stepmother, raising a finger thoughtfully to his lips. "Then I s`pose ye must be Mrs Jocelyn Sanders?" He stooped, picked up his hat and put it on his head again, as he gave a mocked bow towards her. "I am Capt`n Jack Sparrow."
"Sparrow!" Thomas hissed, his face contorted to a mask of disgust. Everyone turned to him in surprise and even Jack eyed him curiously.
"We met before, mate?"
Thomas lips were a thin line, when he answered. "You`re quite known for your insolence and luck." His eyes gazed coldly at the pirate. "But this time you`ve annoyed the wrong people."
Jack narrowd his eyes and a threatening undertone vibrated in his voice, when he spoke. "Believe me, I`m only annoying right people."
"Sparrow?" Kate said incredulously. "Sparrow?" She let herself sink down to the ground, shaken by a fit of laughter.
Everyone turned their looks on her again and jack walked back to her, looking at her, as if she had gone crazy. "Are ye sober, lass?" he asked worried.
Kate dried her tears of laughter and got up again. "What? Oh yes, your name just reminded me of something."
"Ye heard me name before?" Jack eyed her suspiciously.
"Not exactly "heard"." Kate replied, still smiling.
"Kathryn Mary Sanders." Her stepmother cut in sharply. "A lady doesn`t talk to scum."
"Ye`re a lady?" Jack looked at Kate, his eyebrows raised high into his forehead.
Kate shrugged. "Some people think I am. And you? Are you really scum?"
He grinned broadly. "Many people think I am. So lady Kathryn," he waved his hand, let it linger in the air for a moment, as if he had forgotten about its existence, and then stretched it out to her. "prepare yerself to get starting."
"Starting where?" George asked, an alarmed tone in his voice.
"To me ship."
"You won`t take her anywhere, you bastard." Thomas hissed through gritted teeth, but noone took notice of him.
"You have a ship?" Kate looked at Jack, her eyes gleaming.
"Cause I ` have, luv. What`s a capt`n without `is ship?" He smiled to himself, obviously highly amused about her question. "But before we go, I need some things."
"What?" Kate`s face was an image of confused naivete.
"Gold, silver, jewels, whatever." He grinned and nodded towards the group of people, that gathered round the couch. Florence shrieked and hid behind George.
"You mean?" Kate looked from Jack to the little group and back to Jack.
He nodded. "Aye."
"But you can`t, I mean, you mustn`t." Kate stammered. The pirates in her book never stole like common thieves; they didn`t rob honest, if spoiled people. They fought and robbed bad people, and only, if they had a noble reason in doing so, but not because of simple greed. She stared at Jack, disapproval showing in her eyes.
"No, you won`t rob these people. They are my ....guests." Not even now she brought herself to call them her friends.
Jack seemed to think about it for a moment, then waved his hand carelessly. "Don`t mind." When he saw the incredulous expression on Kates face, he gave a hoarse laugh. "What, luv? I`m a pirate after all."
Kate shook her head. "I won`t let you do that."
Jack, who had made a step towards the group, stopped; he stared at her with open mouth, before he blurted out with roaring laughter. "Ye wanna hold me back?"
"Yes." Kate raised her chin. "I will hold you back."
She had just finished her sentence, when she found herself in a familiar position again: leaning against his body, one of his arms wrapped around her waist, while the other pressed a blade against her throat.
"Listen, luv," he breathed into her ear. "Ye`re still me hostage, savvy?"
When she didn`t reply, he intesified the pressure of the blade. "Savvy?" he repeated more sharply.
Kate swallowed hard. "Savvy," she said unwillingly, trying to surpress the tremble in her voice.
"Good doll." Jack smiled and put the dagger away.
Kate raised her foot and stamped with all her might onto his boot. Even though the thick leather saved him from a major injury, the surprise was enough to make him losen his grip.
Blocking out the obscene curses he sent after her, Kate tore herself away from him and ran towards the couch, where she stopped to catch her breath.
When the swearing apruptly stopped, she turned anxiously around. But what she saw, was even worse, than what she had expected. Jack was holding her scarf in his hands and let it glide through his fingers.
"Give it to me!" Kate screamed, feeling tears shoot to her eyes.
"This is.interesting." He raised his head and looked straight at her, his eyes challenging hers. "I think I`m gonna keep it."
Kate heard the rush of blood in her ears. He wouldn`t take that away from her! Not her scarf! It was hers, a gift of her father, and she would never let him take it. Never! A curtain of red rage sank down before her eyes and with a furious scream she darted towards him.
Jack held the scarf up into the air, just out of reach for Kate.
"I knew ye`d come back." Jack grinned. Apparently he enjoyed this situation immensely.
Kate stopped her attempts to reach the scarf and glared at him. "Give it to me!" she stamped her foot in helpless fury; an action, that only made Jack grin wider.
"Why should I do that, luv?"
"It`s mine!" Kate howled with angry frustration.
He tilted his head and regarded her attentively, as if to say: "And where`s the point?"
Kate stared back, speechless, defeated; How much she hated him now! How much she hated her own powerless condition! She knew there was no way to overpower him; no way to reason with him; and there was definitely no way, she would ever beg and plead. She drove back the tears, that urged to flow widely. He might take the only thing of value, she ever owned; He might take away the only visible memory, that was left of her father, but he would never see her cry. She curled her fists, bitterness rose inside her throat and filled every inch of her being. Pirate or not, there was not much of a difference between him and other men. He was just a man, who loved to see the defeat in her eyes, who loved to show her, how weak she was. He would regret this! She didn`t know, how, but she would make him pay for this!
Her eyes shot daggers at him, and for a moment it seemed, that Jack had noticed the power of her inner turmoil, for his grin faded slightly, but just a second later it was back again. Without taking his eyes from her, he raised the scarf to his face and sniffed, inhaling its scent deeply.
"It still smells of ye."
That was all it took to break Kate`s toilsomely maintained selfcontrol; blinded by fury she rushed at him, throwing her body against his to make him fall.
Taken aback by her attack he swayed and quickly put his arms around her waist, pressing her even closer to him, to balance her swing with his own body. His attempt of keeping on his feet worked, for even though he staggered dangerously he didn`t fall, but it took all his concentration to keep the balance and so he was distracted from the group around the sofa.
George nodded towards Thomas. "Now!" Simultanously they ran towards the swaying pair, that looked as if it was united in a breathless dance.
Jack noticed the blonde and redhaired man literally in the last moment and hurled Kate towards both, causing the three of them to collide. He didn`t even took the time to watch them go down onto the floor in a muddle of arms and legs; instead he swang round quickly and escaped through the broken window into the dark night.
