Chapter Three

Will's fingers found their way to her silken hair and entwined themselves there. He sighed against her lips, pleasantly shocked, but shocked nonetheless, when her tongue took advantage and slipped between his parted lips, touching his tentatively before steadily increasing her pressure and then sucking on it. His heart pounded within him with a ferocity that he'd never experienced before, and he let out a low guttural groan of pure pleasure. Never had he guessed that a kiss could be like this. Hoped, but not really dared believe it. Lorelei pressed close to the blacksmith as his hands clasped her waist she ripped his shirt open and ran a hand over his chest. With the other she grabbed his hand and moved it under her shirt, giving him permission to touch her how she wanted, desperately to be touched by him.

Will groaned again as his hands came in contact with the skin of her stomach. "You are so soft." He murmured against her lips as his hand began to move of its own accord, exploring ever so slowly every inch of her abdomen, slowly moving up toward the heaven that he craved more than anything else, and yet couldn't quite bring himself to reach. She attacked his neck fiercely, bruising the tender skin. She trailed her nails over the skin of his back, one finger tracing his spine.

"Oh MY" Will gasped for air. She had him breathless and completely at her mercy, and he'd never felt so alive in all his days. His hand was cupping her breast before his thoughts could catch up, and he squeezed lightly, licking his lips and smiling when she moaned her own pleasure. Her nipple hardened against his palm and he was overwhelmed at the waves of desire that overtook him. She was heavy in his hand, and her skin was as delicate as a rose petal. He was nearly overwhelmed by the need to know how that skin tasted, how it would feel against his lips. He lowered his head and raised her chin, attacking her mouth in desperation.

Ruby tangled her hands in his hair, and fell back against the pillows, drawing him down with her. She sucked languidly on his tongue, and then lavished kisses over his jaw and down his neck, her hands ripping at the bindings of his trews. Will was mindless with passion as his hands moved to her shirt and ripped it over her head. He was desperate to see her again. "Exquisite" He whispered in awe, and then lowered his lips to kiss first one nipple, and then the other, their perfection outstripping his imagination by far. He closed his mouth over her and suckled her like a babe, releasing her long enough to peer up at her, eyes shimmering with his need and wonderment. "Delectable as well"

Lorelei moaned and arched into his hands but she managed to slide his pants down his hips, she brushed her hand over his hardness, gasping slightly as it responded instantly, with soft caresses she grasped it and began to stroke.

Will screamed and jerked within her hand, his head reeling and his heart trying to beat through his chest. What was he doing? He was about to ravish her, wanted nothing more than to do precisely that, which was why he had to stop, and now. He could not do that to her. She deserved better. And yet her hand was bringing him a euphoria that he could easily become addicted to. "We... can't... Lorelei."

He gasped out even as he thrust into her hand, finally managing to open his eyes. The sight of her swollen lips and tousled hair called out to him. He closed his eyes again and an image of his mother came to him. She had taught him to respect women as a precious gift and never less. He jerked himself away and sat straight up before he lost himself completely, raking his hand roughly through his hair. "I am so sorry Lorelei. I lost myself. Please, forgive me."

It took Lorelei a few moments to realise what had happened. She lay there panting and trying to get her emotions under control. She squeezed her eyes shut taking deep gulps of airs and then anger hit. It rose in a scorching flush and her eyes flared open and she sat up, her hand flying out to slap him sharply across the face. How dare he treat her as if she had no mind or will of her own.

Will stared at her in stunned silence a moment before finding his tongue. "I apologise again Lorelei. I accept full responsibility and I do not blame you for being angry. I meant no harm; I do not know what overcame me."

Those words inflamed Lorelei's rage more with perfect accuracy she threw the nearest object, which happened to be a goblet. "Ye Bastard." She picked up another inanimate weapon and launched that at him. "T'was me choice."

Will stared at her incredulously as he dodged the precise missiles. She wasn't angry at him for ravishing her, she was angry because he had stopped. He'd never seen the like. "I'm a bastard for not using you to slake my lust?"

"What about me own lust?" Lorelei's eyes flashed with fury. "Is it considered any less then yers?"

Will shook his head. He had not just heard that. "You are saying that you would honestly be happy with a loveless union? Forgive me for treating you like a lady, I will be certain not to repeat the offence."

Lorelei gathered up the shredded remains of her shirt and her confidence then stalked past him, fighting the shame and anger .She was no lady; it was obvious to both of them. So the only other answer was that he found her unattractive and hadn't been able to complete the lie he'd been murmuring into her ear. Her body shook with silent sobs at the fact she was so obviously undesirable. She felt fury rise again at this sign of weakness. She slammed the door open and strode out towards the first mates cabin. She would never share a room let alone a bed with that good for nothing virgin, never again.

Will rushed after her, his pants still about his ankles, and grabbed her arm. She could not go out in front of the crew like that. No man had a right to see her like this. i 'None but you' /i he ignored the jealous voice in his head. He pulled her back into her cabin despite her struggling, and slammed the door shut. "I will rid you of my presence. You stay here and right yourself. This is your cabin, I will not impress upon your hospitality any longer. If need be, I will make my bed on the deck beneath the stars."

She glared and calmly removed his hand from her arm, squeezing the fingers harder then necessary as she bent them back. Without another word she slipped out of the door and into the privacy of the mates' cabin. She paced the length and breadth of the room, muttering bitterly. She'd show him when they got to Haven, by all the gods she would show him.

Will pulled up his trews and fastened them, screaming through his tightly clenched teeth and lips to muffle it. That woman was going to be the death of him. Never in all his days had he imagined a woman that would be angry at being treated with respect. He picked up his sword and began to spar the thin air with a vengeance. Curse her for being so stubborn, and so beautiful. And curse him for wanting even now to chase her down and take her up on it, to finish what he started. Perhaps that would make her happy. No, there was no such thing as contented woman. It was the only thing he could honestly say he believed about women at this moment, that they were as inconstant as the wind and their minds changed as often as their shoes. Why was it that every woman he met wanted a rogue as opposed to a man who respected them.

"I GIVE UP!" He called out and threw his sword into the wall. "No woman is worth this anguish."

Will let loose a string of every curse he'd ever heard, then made up a few of his own, before pulling out his sword and throwing it into the wall all over again. He could only pray that Haven was near, or he might just kill her before they reached his father safely. "Damn fool woman." He gritted his teeth and began to pace. He could still feel and taste her skin on his lips, and his hands itched to explore the parts of her that he had yet to discover. Damn his weakness. He was seriously beginning to wonder why he bothered to be upstanding. So far being a gentleman had brought him nothing but sorrow. Perhaps he should just do whatever he pleased, and worry only about himself. Maybe then he would find some peace. They seemed to think less of him because he did not do just that, so why bother? Because it was how he'd been raised. Because he was who he was, and the truth was that if they did not want him as he was, then they were not for him anyway.

"Why couldn't you love me Elizabeth?" he whispered miserably. "And why must you now torture me so Ruby?"

Lorelei rummaged through Jonas' bags and found his cleanest shirt. She screwed up her face in disgust as she slipped it over her head. She dropped the tattered remains of her own and marched out of the cabin and headed up on deck, screaming orders as she stalked towards the figure head. She was fighting the urge to grab William Turner and throwing him over board. She clambered onto the railing, balancing finely and threw back her head and shrieked into the wind. Why did she always have to want the ones who never wanted her? Was it any wonder she never believe any compliments thrown her way.

Lorelei stood with her eyes closed and arms stretched out over her head, it felt good to have the sun's rays on her skin and the wind in her hair. The combination helped to draw out her temper. She opened her eyes and took a deep breath of sea fresh air, in time to let out a squawk as the ship tossed over a rip, with arms flailing, trying to catch herself from over balancing she toppled over the side, hitting her head on the railing as she fell.

Will cursed again and strode toward the door. He needed some air and he didn't give a damn if she was there or not. He could ignore her just as well as she could ignore him. He emerged topside just in time to see her arms flailing and hear her screech as she toppled over the edge and into the water. He did not hesitate, merely ran across the deck and dove into the water, hoping beyond hope that she had managed to clear the front of the ship. He opened his eyes and struggled to see through the murk, his heart thudding wildly as he caught sight of something moving. He could not see it clearly, but it was the best chance he had. He swam toward it, his chest beginning to ache with the lack of oxygen. He looked skyward as his hands closed around her, and he thrust up with more strength than he was sure he had.

He took in a desperate gulp of air the moment his head cleared, and he moved her into his arms and swam them toward the boat. She wasn't struggling, but she wasn't screaming either, and that worried him. He could not take the time yet to check on her though. He reached out for the buoy and tied the rope round her, nodding for the men to pull her in, then climbing the rope they threw down. Once on deck he rushed to her, relief rushing through him to find her unconscious but breathing. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to her quarters before anyone could protest, laying her in the middle of the bed and easing down beside her to stroke the hair back from her eyes.

Pain was the first sensation that came to her clouded mind. Pain and the taste of salt. She opened her mouth to purge herself of the taste and a giant cough sent her gasping for breath from burning lungs. It felt like she was dry retching, the only difference was half the Caribbean Sea. Will held her head over the side of the bed, stroking her hair softly. He waited until she collapsed back onto the bed and then he caressed her forehead as he whispered. "Where are you hurt?"

"Right where yer hand be." Lorelei gasped breathlessly, her lungs still felt like they were being crushed.

Will smiled a bit. She was as feisty as ever, that was a good sign. He moved his hand slightly and could see the bump forming, the skin turning swiftly to a bright purple. He tucked his hair behind his ear and shivered a bit as the breeze ran across him. At least, that was the most comfortable way to explain it. "Nowhere else?"

"Me lungs be burning." She gave him a weak smile as she shivered violently." I be relatively hale after such an untimely an' ungraceful entrance."

"That's good to hear." he returned her smile and shook his head against his thoughts as she began to shiver. He cursed against his conscience. No matter what should be done, there was no way he was going to suggest stripping her and getting her into dry clothing.

Lorelei was conscious of his nearness, but she wouldn't fall into that trap again. She had once, had thought it was mutual but she had been mistaken and her pride had taken a beating. With a polite nod she sat up, ignoring the pain from ribs that had also glanced the railing. She rose from the bed with effort, slipping behind her dressing screen. She stripped off her clothing, not caring that he was still in the room, or that the sunlight shone onto the screen. A corner of her mouth quirked, at least Jonas' shirt had managed a wash. She winced as she stretched the muscles over her rib cage, and fingered the tender spot, where an already purplish bruise was forming.

Will watched her, helpless to turn away despite the voice in his head that screamed that she was tormenting him intentionally. She might tempt him to throw himself overboard with her woman's temperament, but her body brought him to life in a way that defied all reason. She was quite simply perfect. He'd always thought that of Elizabeth, but now he knew he'd never see her curves, or lack thereof, the same way. That thought made him cringe and curse his masculinity, but it remained the truth just the same. Ruby had a body that made him long to sin.

Lorelei emerged from behind the screen and to the door, immediately calling for some ale and food, which was brought instantaneously, almost as if the cook had been awaiting her call. She seated herself and tore off strips of bread hungrily, motioning to Will to join her after she had the first mouthful. As he sat opposite her she ducked away from his regard. She would not allow herself to become overly friendly with him again. After all once they were at Haven she would make herself scarce. It would mean moving out of Bill's home. But there were plenty of rooms at the Tavern. He'd made it clear that he disdained her.

Will watched her for a moment, then an imp of unknown origin seized him and he decided he could dish out as well as take it. "Where can I find extra clothing? I have need to change as well."

" I'm be sure one of the crew will be happy ta lend ye some." Lorelei didn't look up from her food.

Will strode to the door and opened it, smiling as the first mate handed him a clean set of clothing. He turned back to her and closed the door. "Seems your crew do not miss a beat."

"It be foolish to let tha' one thing Bill be wanting to see die o' a fever."

Will nodded and moved for the screen himself, barely resisting the urge to shock her and just forget trying to be modest. He stripped once he was behind it, making sure that she got as good a show as he got. Part of him wondered what she thought, but the other kicked himself. She wouldn't care. He was just an inconvenience and a prude to her. Lorelei sucked in a sharp breath as his silhouette was projected on the screen. She swallowed and stared at the breadth of his shoulders, the narrowness of his hips. She had to force herself to look away as he reached up to ruffle his hair, the silhouette showing the ripple of muscle. He stepped out from behind the screen and reached around to squeeze some of the water from his hair. She buried her nose in her goblet and pretended to take a large scull as he walked back to the table.

He took his seat and made himself a plate, trying to gauge from her reaction whether or not he should take his meal above deck. She didn't seem to be adverse to his presence, and so he raised the bread to his lips and took a large bite. His stomach was strangely hollow, and he wondered if it was food that he hungered at all. Lorelei finished her mouthful and cleared her throat, trying to purge her mind of the image of him naked. "We be two days out from Haven." She waited for his exclamation, cause according to all nautical maps they were no where near land and in the middle of the ocean.

Will smiled at her. "That's good. I am anxious to see father."

Lorelei raised an eyebrow at that reaction but she said nothing. "I have no doubt he be eager to see you. Ye'll be wanting yer privacy for yer reunion with yer da."

Will shook his head vehemently at that thought. "No. He is your father as well Ru... Lorelei. He will want to have us both there, and I would not have it otherwise." He could see she had expected him to protest her assertion that they were near land, but she had obviously forgotten that he had been to both Tarturga and The Isla De Muerta, both of which were not supposed to exist.

Lorelei shook her head insistently. "Ye be his natural son. He will want time with ye. It not be me place." She didn't want to say that a happy reunion between father and son would blacken her mood with envy, sorrow and regret. It would bring all the grief in her heart to the fore front.

Will sighed softly. "Lorelei, whoever may be his birth child, you are the child he has raised as his own. The one he had loved and watched grow. You are as much, if not more, entitled to be called his child. He barely knew me. The last time I saw him I was seven years old. You have been with him most every moment since then. As much as I desire to see my father, I have no intention, nor could I ever, take your place."

"Ye be the child o'his heart. Ever ye have been on his mind." Lorelei smiled softly. "I jest helped keep his grief at bay when he thought ye lost."

Will looked at her and shook his head sadly. "If that is true, then he is not the father I remember. The father I remember had more than enough love for two children. He may have missed me, but I can bet that if he is who you believe him to be, then he loves you as much as he could ever love a child of his loins."

'I'ave no doubt that he does. Ye should still be granted some time in which ta know him again. Ten years not be erased so lightly." She reached out and grasped his work roughened hand. "Take the opportunity while ye can. Ye can never tell what be around the corner. He deserves tha' chance ta know ye properly."

Will closed his eyes and smiled, more from the feel of her hands on his than from her words. He opened them again and stared into her eyes feeling himself slipping away again. "I will have the time with him, but please do not feel the need to stay away. I want you there as will he." His stomach fluttered with the truth of that statement. As crazy as she made him, he still did not want to be free of her. What was wrong with him?

Lorelei ducked her head. She had no intention of being around I 'happy families' /I so the tavern would be the place for her. If she was lucky, Jack Sparrow would still be in Haven and she could beg another tale. Ever since the man had rescued her from the burning shell of her father's ship, she'd had a fondness for the vagrant despite her constant complaints about his character. "We'll see how tha wind blows once we be in Port."

Will could see it clearly. She did not believe that she now had a place with her father, and it wounded him to think of causing her that pain. If he'd known he would hurt someone by being united with his father... No... He was just selfish enough that he would go to his father anyway, and that caused him to inwardly curse himself, but it was the truth just the same. "Yes, I suppose we will." He ate quietly, lost in his thoughts and feeling strangely uncomfortable around her. He almost wished that he was still angry at her. At least then he knew how to act.

Lorelei winced as her head began thumping and an almost numbing lethargy sank over her. She yawned widely and cursed her luck. She knew that she would have to stay awake. She rubbed the tender bump on her temple absently; her luck on this voyage had not been in. First the slash on her arm and now a concussion and broken ribs. She shrugged it off, that was the life she chose.

Will saw her look and shook his head. "What say you to a hand of cards Lorelei?"

Lorelei nodded, and managed to keep a straight face. She'd learned poker from Jack Sparrow. She wasn't even sure if the rules she'd learned were the real ones. Will was terrible at cards, but it would keep her occupied and maybe amuse her enough to lift her spirits a bit. "Lovely. Where do we find a deck?" He hadn't even thought to ask her if she had any before suggesting it.

"In me trunk. Same place as tha rest o' me life."

Will nodded and strode to the trunk, opening it and daring yet again to finger the velvet of the dress for a brief moment. Why did that dress inspire such a rush of feeling in him? It made no sense whatsoever. Elizabeth had worn gowns that cost more than his entire years' wages, but never had any of them captured his imagination the way this one did. Perhaps it had more to do with the lady. He shook his head against that thought and smiled up at her, making his way to the table swiftly. "Here we are." He set the deck of cards before her. Ruby grinned and named the stakes reaching for the cards; she shuffled them and then cut the deck. "Ye deal."

Lorelei spread her cards between her hands. "Hit." she, murmured no committed. She allowed Will to win the next few hands. She frowned up at him, and then untied the leather that held a ring around her neck. She handed it over to Will as payment. She hesitated as she placed it in his hand, it had been her mother's wedding ring, and the only thing that stopped her panic was that she knew she'd win her back. After all she played the way Jack taught her, the cards that could mean something were stashed carefully. Will knew it was too good to be true; he had no luck with the cards. He had not expected to actually place bets, but he would not turn back now. He looked down at the ring and sighed. This was obviously a piece of great value, and he was surprised again. It was perhaps a good thing that he had brought with him some gems in case he needed them. He had a feeling he would lose a few to her tonight, or perhaps she truly had less luck than even he did, but he doubted it. Lorelei made sure she lost every couple of hands, losing other pieces of jewelry. What surprised her is that he did beat her fair and square the last few times. He still had ownership of her mother's ring.

Will was amazed that he was faring this well. She was still winning more hands, but somehow she had yet to win back all her bets. The ring was still in the pot, and he couldn't help but hope that she won it back. He certainly did not need it, and though she tried to hide it, her eyes strayed to the object when she thought he was not looking. It was obvious that it held sentimental value with her. Part of him screamed that it was only fair after she had cheated to best him at swords, that perhaps he could win at b something /b , but still, he had no need of the trinket, and he knew her to be much too proud to take it back if he won. "Your hand Lorelei."

She played her hand, the one they had deemed to be the last, and her heart sank as she read Will's face the moment they were spread on the table. He'd won, and he redeemed possession of her mother's ring. The only thing Jack had been able to save. She swallowed and placed the last piece of jewelry, a bracelet into his hand. She rose and walked to the side board and poured herself a stiff glass of rum and sculled it in one shot. She braced her hands on it and took a deep breath. Will swallowed hard and knew what he was in for, but he had to do it anyway. He stood and moved to her side, reaching around her and placing the jewels in her hand. "Thank you for the game Lorelei, but I had no intention of placing bets, and no intention of keeping any."

Lorelei turned and placed the winnings back in his hand gently. She closed his fingers over them, "Risk be the nature o' tha game. Ye won em fair'n'square."

"Then they are mine to do with as I choose, and I have no use for them. Take them Lorelei, please."

Lorelei shook her head and stepped back from him. "They be yers now. Give them away, throw them overboard but they be yers."

Will cursed inwardly at her stubbornness. He would have to find a way to give them back to her. He would not keep them, but she would never cave. He placed them into his pocket carefully until such time as he could find his opening. "Very well. It seems I have no choice but to keep them."

Lorelei gave him a pained smile. Parting with the ring hurt more then she could ever have imagined. It was like the last tangible link with her blood was dissolving, but she had too much honour to take it or ask for it back. "Are ye tired William?"

Will nodded. "As are you I am sure."

Lorelei nodded, she did not have the heart to ask what she'd been about to. "Rest then Mr. Turner. I have a shift at the helm. If you need anything pull tha rope by the bed head. Me mate, or cook will see ta ye needs."

Lorelei shrugged. "It be me job. Me men expect me to pull me weight. It is no less that I'd be asking o' them."

Will nodded, eyes filled with respect. "I understand." He nearly asked her if she would like some company, but her actions earlier in the day stilled him. She was probably taking the shift so she did not have to share a bed with him, and she was probably onto the right idea. "Then I suppose I will see you sometime tomorrow."

Lorelei gave him a small smile, "Since the ship be in the middle o' tha ocean there is no where else I be likely to be."

Will returned her smile and laughed softly. "Just be certain to stay away from the railings."

Her smile widened. "I usually make me dives a lil more controlled."

"I am certain you do. When will your shift end?" He asked, intentionally not thinking about the part of him that hoped she would find her way to the bed with him again.

"At midnight, only a couple o' hours more."

Will smiled at that. "Good."

Lorelei cocked her head as she looked at him. "Good?"

"Yes, you have had a long day and you need your rest." He tried to ignore the part of him that screamed what a liar he was. He bit his tongue but had to ask. "Would you like me to find other lodgings?"

"There be none. The crew's quarters be full." She raised an eyebrow. "I believe I can keep me hands to meself if that what be worrying ye."

Will bit his tongue. Wench. "I was not concerned at all, but considering your anger earlier, I just wanted to offer, since this is your quarters."

"Anger passes as passion fades." Lorelei stated calmly, she had to keep reminding herself of the fool he'd shown her to be and that he was in love with this Elizabeth and not slightly attracted to her. Why would he be? She was rough and inelegant. She'd never had the benefit of a Ladies' education, had no clue how to hold herself with grace or poise. Her speech was common and inarticulate, it was what she was and everything he'd left behind.

Will nodded, though he wondered if some wounds ever truly healed, or some things could ever truly be forgiven. "Then I will see you in a few hours."

Lorelei nodded and left the room, trying her best to mask the limp the agony from her broken ribs caused as she minced her step to ease the fire in her side. Will watched her walk away and knew she must be in pain, but he was not stupid enough to mention it and impugned her sense of pride again. If he could understand anything, it was having your pride stomped on and feeling the fool. He closed the door and moved to the bed, stripping this night down to his under things and slipping beneath the coverlet. He could not help but take a deep breath as he smelled her upon the sheets, and his mind again wandered to the feel and taste of her. He allowed himself to revel in it for a moment, shaking away the part of his conscience that told him it was wrong. Damn it all, he'd spent his life doing what was right, and it had gotten him nowhere. For the moment he just wanted to allow himself to let go and enjoy.

The night passed, long and slowly. Nothing of any excitement happened and Lorelei spent the remaining hours of her watch at the helm, turning the wheel absently, listening to the various watchers calling out reports. She tried not to think of Will, and cursed herself soundly for not succeeding, almost wishing that something would happen to take her mind off that track. She was almost asleep on her feet when she staggered below deck, she murmured quiet orders to the next watch and slipped into her cabin. Shadows created by the one candle left burning flickered into corner of the rooms, she stripped slowly, too exhausted and hurting to much to remember her guest. She collapsed into her bed, and scrabbled under the covers. Will blushed beet red as he faced away from her. He was thankful that she couldn't see him. He had been unable to sleep, and he'd gotten a bit carried away in his imagination. His body still shook with the force of his release, and that at the moment; the embarrassment was the least of his worries. Of greater concern was the way he was frantic to finish what they had started earlier. He closed his eyes tightly and pretended to be asleep, holding himself under tight control until he heard her breathing ease into a steady cadence.

"Sweet dreams Lorelei." He whispered.

Will stared at the shadows on the wall for hours, his mind racing and his body more alive than he'd ever felt before. Just having her near was killing him, and he couldn't understand it. It simply made no sense. He'd never felt anything like it, always being in complete control of his mind and body. Ruby began to toss and turn, muttering incoherently in her sleep, though the panic in her tone was all too clear. The more he watched her, the clearer it became to him that this was no dream, she was reliving something. He did not know, all he knew was that every fibre of his being longed to comfort her, to protect her. He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her lightly, amazed when she actually calmed and curled into him with a sigh of relief. He kissed her again, unable to help himself, and yet careful not to wake her, and then breathed deeply of her, her scent mixed with the smell of the salt water. It fit her so very well.

"I'm right here Ruby." He whispered in her ear, surprised at how right the name felt on his lips. He wasn't sure why he kept slipping into using it, but it was something he could not seem to control. As he watched her sleep and felt her breath upon his cheek, he could no longer deny it. Somehow he knew that their futures were entwined irreconcilably, and he had a feeling it was more than just their father. He could not explain it; it was something he simply knew. She had come as a whirlwind into his life, and she would not be leaving it anytime soon, or was he just wishful thinking?