Erikson took her to his room, but left her there without speaking to her. She heard the door being locked after he closed it. Confused and bitter, she crossed to the bed, and sat on it.
What was Erikson going to do to her when he returned? She was so scared. She thought about Jack. That was all her fault. She should confess that she had killed Muse, not Jack. She didn't think she could stand it if Jack got hurt some more... maybe that was where Erikson was now.
"Stop it," she told herself firmly.
She crossed to the bookshelf and looked through the books. Maps, books about ships, piracy, smuggling... she selected a thick book about famous pirates, and sat down in the chair to read it. Time passed quickly as she thumbed through the large volume, and when she heard the door open, she was surprised that night had fallen.
Erikson entered, wearing his cold grin. He closed and locked the door, then turned to face Tara.
"Reading, are we?" he sneered.
"I can read, I'm an educated woman," she said in a snobbish voice, not worried about upsetting him, as she believed she was in for torture anyway.
"I had gathered that from yer accent," he replied sleekly. "Not a cheap Tortuga wench like I had imagined Jack with. I really underestimated his pulling power."
Tara glared at him. He smirked and crossed to the bed, where he collapsed, kicking off his boots. He watched Tara, who shifted her weight uncomfortably in the chair, then tried to continue reading. It was hard with his eyes on her, and she felt her nerves and fear grow.
"You're a good-looking girl, Tara," Erikson said in a lighter, more pleasant tone.
"So are you," she muttered to herself through clenched teeth.
Erikson seemed to have good ears. "I'm all man, Tara.""Are you going to rape me or not?" she asked suddenly. "Because I'd really rather get it over and done with than have to listen to your drivel all night."
He frowned slightly. "Don't flatter yerself," he said coldly.
He slipped his feet into his boots and stood up. He walked to the door.
"I..." Tara began.
"Ye may as well go ter bed," Erikson said. "I won't be back until later."
With that, he walked out.