Chapter Eleven

Ruby Lorelei stood at the helm, hands behind her back and watched the horizon. The days at sea had chapped her lips and bronzed her skin, her nose was peeling slightly. She gave her dry lips a moistening lick and swallowed. She listened to her first mate, Jonas and Jack Sparrow talking behind her, absently. Her mind was on Will, as it mostly was in the three days since they'd first made love. She smiled smugly to herself; he was like a dam that had burst. An insatiable tide and it was all to her liking. Not a minute of her limited spare time was not spent with him now. Even this morning she had been late on deck because of her new lover, who now was lounging in bed, as content as the cat with the canary. She jumped when Jack screamed her name loudly in her ear. She'd been a million leagues away and hadn't even heard him approach. She glared at him as she bid for time to calm her rapidly beating heart.

"What?" She asked dumbly, she'd been aware of them speaking about possible places to pick up fresh supplies but her attention had waned in the interim.

"That good ey?"

"What's good?" Lorelei shook her head to clear away the cobwebs.

"Aye. Damn... I suppose I have just lost one of me best taunts."

Lorelei looked at Jack intently, an eyebrow raised questioningly. " I donnae have tha faintest clue as ta what ye are on about."

Jack looked out at the horizon, his face drawn up in an irritated scowl. "Well I can't bloody well accuse him of being a eunuch when he's got you all googly eyed and tongue tied and glowing like the north star now can I?"

Lorelei chuckled, "I be sure ye'll find somethin' else ta stir him about."

Jack grinned. "Aye. I'm sure I will. Though at the moment, he's defied just about all me tauntings. He's even managed to finally get himself a girl. And he's keepin' one mor'n satisfied, that I didn't know t'was possible for a man to satisfy. Ye've always been the insatiable one before."

Lorelei blushed bright crimson, but she refused to let Jack get the better of her, "I find I be likin' bein a teacher."

Jack chuckled heartily. "Just wait till he finds his wings and ye find yourself the pupil."

Lorelei giggled, "I be lookin' forward ta it." Her giggled turned into a snicker, "Mayhap I shoud take him ta tha Ottomans."

Jack quirked an eyebrow at her quizzically. "Take him to the Ottomans huh? Planning on raising a good price for him love?"

"Nah, gettin him some extra trainin."

Jack threw back his head and laughed. "From the way you are acting love, I'd say he's already surpassed them. They certainly don't please their women the way he is doin' you. After all, I've not ever seen anything else manage ta cause me little Ruby ta be... less than downright nosy... in her duties."

"Down right nosy," Lorelei repeated indignantly, She swatted Jack, "Ye be tha' one that taught me ta captain a ship. A' I just be havin a' off day."

Jack chuckled. "So why don't ye choose where we shall make port for supplies, and let me relieve ye of your watch so ye can be where ye really would rather today?"

Lorelei snorted, "I know ye Jack, ye've already chosen where we be makin' port. An' I be fine enough ta take me watch. I need ta let him rest awhile. His mornin' sword work was ...enthusiastic."

Jack sighed. "I can't believe I'm about te say this, but now it's i me /i that needs te find myself a girl."

"What? An' ye havenae left half a dozen behind ye at Tortuga."

Jack scoffed. "Tortuga was a long time ago love. And with the two of ye walking about the ship in a constant state of euphoria, the whole crew is fair to bursting in need of release. So yes, I have decided on a port. We need companionship love. Ye aren't the only one with an insatiable thirst. I might be gettin' old, but I ain't i that /i old."

" Donnae think euphoria is tha state I be in." Lorelei muttered cheekily, "Just donnae be mixing with a doxy who'll come back ta haunt ye Jack, in more ways then one."

Jack scoffed. "Ye fall in love and suddenly ye decide it be time te give me advice on whoring? A sport I have been active in for much longer than you've been alive I might add. Ye suggesting I fall in love and get all gooey eyed too love?"

"Ye got tha gooey eyes down pat. But ye in love? Donnae make me laugh." Lorelei shook her head. "Is there any lass alive tha' could match ye Jack, or at least nae kill ye fer all yer vile habits?"

Jack puffed up indignantly. "If YE can find a man willin' te accept ye warts and all, are ye really sayin' ye don't think I could?" Wait... did he actually just ask that question? Jack's stomach knotted up and he felt as if he was going to be sick. Damn Will Turner and his curse.

"I nae be saying ye couldnae Jack, but are ye truly willin' ta compromise yer life. Tha' freedom of sailin' fer a life ashore an only glancin at tha sea occasionally."

"What makes ye be so sure that I won't find someone like William? Willin te let me live me life too?" Jack could not believe that they were actually having this conversation. He had definitely lost his mind.

"Ye be wantin' a man now Jack?" Lorelei ripped back at him. Taking pleasure as his eyes widened. It would have had to have been the first time in her life she had gotten one up verbally on the famous Jack Sparrow. "Well ye cannae have Will. He be mine!"

Jack's jaw swung open and he opened and closed it helplessly several times before finally finding his voice. "I be thinkin' ye should go te your man whether he needs a rest or not, otherwise it just might be ye that's goin' fer a little dip in the ocean. Wantin' a man! Ye've lost ye're marbles!"

Lorelei tried her hardest to keep a lid on her laughter, but she couldn't manage it. It burst from her, echoing around the ship, her happiness and joy evident. "Ye be keepin' yer hands ta yerself. Ye'll be needin tha energy if ye wanna have some time ashore."

Jack scowled at her while still muttering "Wantin' a man." under his breath. He turned to Bill, who'd just emerged on deck and grinned. "I think we can handle this don't ye Bill? Don't ye think it'd be i jest /i fine if our little Ruby went and spent some time... practicing her swordwork... with little William? I'd say she still has some excess energy she needs te work off."

Lorelei waggled her finger under Jack's nose, "This be my ship. Now scram ye old reprobate. Get off me decks."

Bill laughed at the two of them. "I'm nae be getting in the middle of the discussion. You two can hash it out yourselves."

"I will give up me shift when it be time ta dock. Since I know we nae be near tha Pearl yet an'I know we nae be dockin' just yet. Go relax Jack; I'm quite capable of sailin' tha ship."

Bill laughed even harder and clapped Jack on the shoulder. "Come along Jack. Let's go find the boy and bring him up for some air."

"Da, ye leave him be." snapped Lorelei, "He worked tha graveyard shift."

center hr width300 size1 /center

Will turned over onto his side and groaned softly as his muscles complained, but it quickly turned to a smug smile as he remembered why he was so sore. He wondered how much sorer she must be than he. Not that she'd ever show it to anyone. He heard the knock on the door, but ignored it, instead burying his face further into the pillow, breathing deeply of her scent and wishing that her shift was over already. He had no idea what was happening to him, all he knew was that he wanted her every second of the day. Jack kept telling him that it would wear off eventually, but he hoped that Jack was wrong. Nothing had ever felt as right as it did when he was joined with Ruby, and he would happily spend the rest of his life immersed in that feeling, that peace.

Will ran a hand through his tangled hair, and stretched, flopping onto his back. He'd never thought that love would feel like this, or that a relationship could be so giving. Ruby had been so patient and open with him. Telling him precisely what she wanted, and asking him to do the same. Together they had explored every inch of their lover's body and needs, had made love more ways than he'd ever imagined. He couldn't help but feel pride every time that he heard that delicious little catch in her voice, that noise of surprise she made when he'd discovered a new hot spot, gave her pleasure she'd never experienced before. He'd quickly lost his inhibitions, and her reassurances and talent for seeking out his pleasure spots whenever she felt him becoming unsure again, had him feeling like a seasoned lover before their first night was over. It was amazing to him just what an aphrodisiac that was, what an aphrodisiac i she /i was.

He was tempted to wonder why he'd waited so long to have sex, but the truth was that he might be inexperienced, but he was smart enough to know that this wasn't normal. Making love to Ruby was an entirely precious experience, because he loved her, and she loved him. It, she, had been so much more than worth the wait. He grinned again as he remembered her screams this morning as he'd brought her to climax over and over. It had been one of his last true goals, to make her finally lose control. She was always so careful because of the proximity to the crew, and while he didn't really want everyone hearing them either, at the same time, seeing her lose control like that had filled him with pride, even as it had made his heart clench tightly. He just loved her so much.

How could he have ever mistaken what he felt for Elizabeth as true love? It had only taken him that first time of making love to Ruby to realise beyond doubt that he owed Elizabeth. She had done him a favour by walking away. Had he married her, he'd have missed out on so much. With this realisation a wonderful thing had happened. He'd completely let go of the anger, the hurt, the infatuation, the dreams, everything. He was even able to care about her as a friend again. It was a welcome epiphany, and one that he had certainly never expected so soon. He'd thought when she left that he would grieve her forever.

Will groaned when the knock sounded again. He muttered an obscenity and sat up. When his stomach gave a growl it gave him incentive to move. Will scrambled around the room until her found his trousers, and jumped into them as he hopped to the door. He flung it open, surprised to see Jack standing in the doorway "I will only be glad to see you if you brought breakfast."

Jack chuckled as his good humour was miraculously restored seeing the kid so cocky. Yes, sex most definitely had done wonders in loosening him up, at the same time as it made him even easier to tease. He turned to Bill and shook his head. "How do ye like that Bill? The boy gets himself a girl and suddenly he's too good te spend time with his family."

Will yawned and grimaced as he stretched again, ironing out the kinks a night spent on the deck and in the rigging had pressed into his muscles. "Jack, don't you have anything better to do than annoy me? I've not had any sleep."

Jack laughed. "Surely you jest? There's anything better te do than annoy ye? Hmmm... nope. There's naught more fulfilling I can assure ye."

Will muttered a choice expletive, "What did you want anyway?"

"I was bored. Bill and I decided it was time te get ye out in the fresh air and sunshine for a bit. Ye've been tucked away in the cabin so much that ye're starting to look peaked."

"Jack, I just finished a shift on deck."

"A night shift. Ye haven't had the sun on yer face in days. Come on lazy bones."

"Jack, just let me get some sleep! Please."

Jack laughed at the surly man and turned to Bill with a smirk. "Yep. Get him a girl and he's gone soft on us."

Will looked from Jack to his father and promptly shut the door in their faces. He sank back onto the bed and closed his eyes. Determined to be ready for that small moment between when Ruby came in from her shift on deck to when he left for his. He was going to give her another good show.

Jack turned to Bill and grinned wickedly. "How bout we give him just long enough te fall back asleep before barging in?"

Bill sighed and rolled his eyes heavenward. "Jack, let's not be irritating him ta much. Look why don't ye go and find Will something ta eat."

Jack shook his head. "Now why would I want te do that? I'm havin fun here."

"Cause I'd like ta be chattin with me son without ye disruptin'."

Jack pouted. "All right, fine. I'll leave ye to him. Ye're no fun though."

"YE really need ta get on dry so ye can drink an' wench your restless energy away. Ye will drive Ruby crazy like this, and then she will be irritated. Go get some food fer William. An' then we can help Ruby bring tha ship inta Port."

Jack scowled as the conversation about finding a soul mate rose back up to haunt him. How the hell had she tricked him into that conversation anyway? It was disgusting watching those two together. Why would he want that? "Aye, I most definitely need a good old fashioned Strumpet. And I'll return with the food then."

Bill knocked softly, opening the door a crack and slipping in, once Jack had sauntered off to the galley. "It's safe now. He has gone ta get ye breakfast."

Will looked up and had to smile. Thanks Da. But did you have to send him on a task that would bring him back here?"

"He is like a bad penny Lad, he would have just cropped up again anyways." Bill sat himself in a nearby chair.

Will burst out laughing. "That is most definitely the truth. So what is it you are wanting to talk about da?"

"I was just wantin ta see how ye be. Everythin' be all right?"

Will grinned. "I'm wonderful da. She's... wonderful. It's... wonderful. I just... well... it's just..."

Bill looked at his son gravely, "It is wonderful ta see ye happy. I worry about this choice of path."

Will's face fell and he furrowed his brow. "What choice of path?"

"It makes me glad ta see ye an' Ruby findin' love but..."He swallowed. "I be concerned about wha' will happen if ye seperate an' all tha' heartbreak. Will I lose both me children? Will I lose one?"

Will stared at him. "What makes you think it won't last?"

"Life is nev'r predictable William. The future is not clear and anything can happen."

Will couldn't stop the surge of anger that welled up within him. "Right. So you and mum can be in love forever, but there's no way that this could be forever right? I couldn't possibly succeed like you did. Especially since I've already had one woman desert me right?"

"I didn't say that William. Even yer mother an I might not have survived. Look at what happened ta me. I'm saying that in me heart I worry fer ye both as much as it be making me happy ye be together."

Will shrugged. "What precisely do you want me to do about it Da? Do you want me to expect the worst and make some sort of plan so that it doesn't hurt i you /i if I manage to lose another one?"

Bill rose from his chair, "All I was tellin' ye was my fears. Since it seems I can not express my concerns to my son I will leave ye in peace." He strode towards the door.

Will sighed. "Come back da please?"

"Why? To be told that' I don't have faith in me son?" Bill opened the door, "I won't bother ye no more with me foolish chatter."

Will stood and moved to him and grasped his arm. "I'm sorry da. But you are talking about it failing when we've only just begun. What do you want me to say? I promise you that no matter what happens it's not going to change how much I love you, and nothing could ever make you lose me, but I don't want to think about losing Ruby da. I don't know if I could heal from it."

Bill was interrupted from answering by Jack's return. He stepped back to allow the Pirate Captain entrance to the room. His eyes were blazing with anger. All he'd felt was a parents unnamed fear for their children. Maybe he hadn't verbalised it as well as he could have but all he'd wanted was the reassurance that he wouldn't lose his son again.

Will gave Jack a weary look and then turned to collapse cross legged on the bed, his elbows on his knees and his chin resting on his hands. "The two of you should eat it. I'm not hungry."

"We've eaten, " muttered Bill.

Will shrugged. "Well that's good then." What was he supposed to say? He'd tried to apologise and had been rebuffed. Why was he surprised that his father was worried about their relationship ending. It was painfully public that he hadn't been enough for Elizabeth, how could he have been so stupid to believe that he could hold onto Ruby? Even Bill was worried enough to try to make sure he didn't lose his kids when it happened. How could he have managed to fool himself again?

Bill clapped Jack on the shoulder and exited the cabin. He had nothing else to say to Will if that was going to be the reaction he garnered every time he opened his mouth on sensitive subjects. He headed stonily above deck. Jack turned around and raised both his eyebrows as he set the tray of food in front of Will. He opened his mouth to speak, but thought better of it when he noticed the scowl on William's face.

Will shrugged. "Go ahead and say it. Can't get any worse."

Jack shrugged, "What was tha' all about?"

Will sighed. "Da asked what would happen if Ruby and I didn't make it."

"An' ye took that te mean he had no faith in you and Ruby, instead of some valid worries. He love ye Will and he hope ye and Ruby have found love eternal, but tha' don't stop some doubting thoughts creeping in. After all yer new woman is dashin' across the Caribbean te rescue yer old woman. Bill is just concerned the he will lose ye in the process if thing become a bit…tangled."

Will's head drooped to his chest and he shuddered, wrapping his arms around himself, feeling suddenly cold and very alone. "I tried to apologise, but he ignored it."

"He just be upset. He will cool down. I'll get some ale inta him while we're ashore."

Will looked up at him curiously. "Ashore?"

"We be pulling te port to resupply. A bit' o' R & R always goes down a treat before a fight."

"Sounds great. I'm sure the crew will be thankful. I'm sure you are more than ready for a break as well."

"An' what about ye son?"

Will sighed. His heart not really in anything right then. "Who knows. We'll see what Ruby has planned I suppose."

"It'd be a way fer ye both te get some privacy."

Will mustered up the most convincing smile he could. "So they have decent accommodations then? Sounds lovely."

"Tha port we are sailin' to is where most of the respectable merchants dock so they have some nice little taverns. They also have some nice lil hay lofts if ye get me drift."

"Sounds perfect." He hoped he was convincing Jack, because the truth was that it was the first time since he'd first made love to Ruby that he wasn't thinking about sex at all.

Jack stared at him intently, "Indeed. An' ye sound just so thrilled." He stood up, "I'll be goin then, since yer such joyful company. Better get outta yer funk before Ruby comes back."

Will shrugged and let his face fall. "It's a wee bit hard to think of sex when my father is angry at me and I am feeling like it's all going to fall apart again."

Jack sighed and shook his head, "Then go fix it William, don't just wallow in self pity, or stick yerself into a loop of self doubts which will make ye worse in the end. Cause if ye do, mark my words ye will make yer own nightmares come true."

"I asked him to stay and talk, and I apologised. If he needs time there's nothing I can do about it."

"William, don't be stubborn. There are times te hold yer ground and times te give in, this not be one of the times to be hard headed. Ye need te go an' tell him you understand that he only needed reassurance about his children being all right. In the end that's what it boiled down to. "

Will sighed and stood, pulling on a shirt and walking to the door. "Where do you think he'll be?"

"Most likely by the figure head."

Will nodded without turning back to look at Jack, already on his way to the stairs and above deck. He flinched at the bright sun and had to stop for a moment to allow his eyes to adjust, then opened them and made his way for the figurehead. Thankfully Ruby was preoccupied and not looking his way. He wasn't sure he could face her right now. He slowed to a stop just behind his father and stared out at the horizon, trying to find his voice, not sure what to say. So he decided to keep it simple. "I truly am sorry da."

"Tis I who should be sorry son. I should know better than ta stick me nose in other's lives." Bill patted the spot next to him, "Lori says we be a few minutes from our destination, an hopefully tha' Pearl."

Will leaned against the railing and reached out to place his hand over his father's and squeeze gently. "No da, I got so caught up in my fears that I didn't see yours. You aren't going to lose me da. No matter what. I promise you. I spent my whole life grieving you. Sailed from England to find you. Only gave up hope when they told me you had been murdered by Barbossa, and having seen them myself, watching first hand how they murdered indiscriminately and with no compassion, I have spent my life lost in nightmares of your death. Seeing it as if I were there. But now you are here, and you are alive. I'm not going anywhere Da. Finding you alive again... I never... it's... it's a dream come true. I love you so much da. Please don't doubt that."

Bill squeezed his son's hand back, "Ah son, it is my biggest dread ta loose ye again. I just want ta know that ye are happy and that ye truly love Ruby."

"More than anything Da. I never expected it, I never realised that love could be like this. I... I actually believed that Elizabeth loved me... that I loved her... but it was nothing like this. She never once looked at me like Ruby does. Never made me feel safe. Never made me feel special. She just... she didn't. She didn't love me. I know what that feels like now."

"Ye don't know how happy it makes me to hear you say that. Ruby needs someone to think she is the world."

"She is the world." Will grinned.

Bill returned the grin with one of his own, "Well then, aren't ye gonna show her how much of the world she is while you are on shore?"

Will had to laugh. "Absolutely. Do you have any suggestions? Have you been to this port before?"

"I've heard tha best meal can be bought from the Governor's Arms just near Smith's St. It be clean and neat, nothing fancy mind. Decent Ale. An' it not be too expensive."

Will sighed. "That wouldn't be a problem. I have money da. I just want to make it special for her. Whatever she would enjoy."

"Treat her to a fine dinner an' a relaxin night and it will be special."

"Then dinner and a... relaxing night, it will be." Will's breath caught in his throat when he felt hands on his hips, sliding around to rest on his abdomen. His head fell back to rest on her shoulder and he turned his face to kiss her just beneath her chin. "Good morning love."

Lorelei kissed him soundly, sighing against his lips. "Should ye nae be asleep? I told them nae ta bother ye."

Will chuckled softly. "Since when do they do as they are told love?"

"I should confine em ta tha ship tonight." She kissed William again. She knew that she shouldn't make such public displays in front of the crew but she couldn't help it. Those pouty lips just begged for it. "Tha'll punish tha' ole reprobate."

Will laughed happily. "No love. Please let them go. You'll only be punishing us if you don't let Jack find a suitable companion for the night."

Lorelei grimaced, "We will have ta de flea him on his return. Now ye are ta go an' rest. I will wake ye when we dock."

Will sighed and turned to her, lifting his hand and curling her hair around his index finger. He leaned in to whisper in her ear. "I'd sleep so much better wrapped around you love.

"Donnae lie William Turner, ye'd nae sleep at all." Lorelei threw back her head and laughed.

Will gave a real yawn and shook his head. "Actually, I think I honestly would this time."

"I'll come ta tuck ye in, but I am still needed on deck."

Will pouted playfully though his eyes gleamed and he turned to wink at Bill. "If she doesn't come back up shortly, just take over and tell them I've kidnapped her."

Lorelei gasped as Will took her by the arm and headed towards the cabin. She had to walk two steps for his everyone, "Ye shouldnae say that. They willnae take me seriously if they think I'm abandoning me duties ta play nookies with ye."

Will pulled her into the room and shut the door before pulling her into his arms. "I won't do anything to jeapordise your leadership love. I was just teasing, mostly. Though, I meant it about sleeping better when you are in my arms."

"Well ye haven't proved tha' since ye've not slept." Lorelei slid her arms around his waist, belaying her words of disgruntlement.

Will grinned. "It wasn't my choice to be burst in upon this morning, or to have a row with da. I would have much rather been sleeping and storing up energy, I assure you love."

"Ye argued with Da? What about?"

Will kissed the tip of her nose. "Just a misunderstanding. I overreacted. We've worked it out now though."

"Are ye sure? Is Da all right?"

"Da's fine. He was just... worried bout us. Afraid of losing us." Will took her hand and moved to the bed, shedding his clothes swiftly and easing down beneath the covers before reaching out for her to join him.

Lorelei wrapped her arms around him tightly. She rested her head on his shoulder and hummed a lullaby as she stroked his hair back. "Sleep William."

Will looked up at her and smiled lovingly. "You are such a surprise Ruby. There is so much more to you than most people could ever guess, and I'm lucky enough to get to see it."

"Nae many people ever will see it. Ye make me feel at ease and love. Tis easy ta be meself with ye."

Will puffed up with pride and his eyes sparkled. "Thank you love. That is the best compliment I've ever been paid."

"Now close yer eyes William." She put a finger over his lips when he started to speak." Sleep or I'll leave."

Will wrapped her up tightly in his arms and closed his eyes as he breathed in deeply of her hair. "Okay."

Lorelei lay quietly until Will's breathing evened out and then she untangled herself from his octopus tight embrace and headed back onto the deck, just in time for their entrance into the shallower water that took them in the channel for the Port. IT took them a fair while to bring the ship to the dock, then there was tying the ship up and clean up procedures. All in all it was an hour after docking before Lorelei was satisfied and allowed the crew ashore. She went below to wake William, he looked all too gorgeous and innocent to disturb so she readied herself, washing and pulling out the green dress that had been her mother's, along with all the undergarments that went with being a lady. She'd been playing dress ups on the night of the fire and had been wearing the dress when Jack had rescued her. She'd not worn it since but had kept it as a reminder. She fought with her hair, and managed to get it into the twisted creation the highborn ladies preferred. She lightly dusted her face with powder and gave her lips a light layer of gloss. She smiled, as she surveyed the effect. She'd pass though she owed a favour to one of the whores who resided at the Haven's Gate tavern, for showing her how to apply make up without looking the clown. Once done she sat down on the bed and waited for William to wake.

Will turned to his side and reached out to Ruby's side of the bed, moaning his displeasure when he didn't find her there. He buried his face in his pillow and sighed. She must have left to go back to the deck. Damn it. He gasped and a smile crossed his face when he felt her cool hand move to rest on his though. He reached out to pull her to his side, and gasped again at the feel of smooth velvet beneath his fingers. His heart began to race and he licked his lips as he realised that he was finally going to see her in the green gown that he'd dreamed of so often.

"Wake up William," Lorelei murmured, laughter threading through her voice. Not so long ago she'd been telling him to sleep. He mumbled something and turned over again, burrowing under the blankets.

He swallowed hard and then turned to her, opening his eyes slowly. No matter how he'd tried to prepare himself, there was simply no way to prepare for the vision that she made. His pulse raced and his jaw fell open. "Dear God!"

Lorelei's hand subconsciously flew to her hair, "Does it look hideous?" She swallowed and went on quickly, "I'll change." She stood up, almost tripping over the hem.

"NO!" Will very nearly shouted, then swallowed again as his voice went husky. "You look... resplendent."

She ran her hand over the velvet covering her abdomen nervously, "Be ye sure? I feel...strange like this."

Will sat up, all vestiges of drowsiness long gone. He reached for her hand and pulled her towards him when she placed it in his nervously, then raised it to his lips and kissed each knuckle before turning it over and kissing her palm. He looked up into her face and reached up his free hand to tenderly caress her cheek. "I'm sure that I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you in all my days."

Lorelei gave him a nervous smile, blushing slightly at the compliment, "Ye are a charmer aren't ye. Come my love it's time ta head ashore."

Will pulled her between his legs and moved his hand to the back of her head, easing it forward and pressing his lips to hers. "It's only the truth love."

Lorelei gasped slightly as she felt his reaction. It startled her and frightened her. She was dressed like a lady, was her worst thought correct, was it the noble woman they set out to rescue that he truly pined for? She forced that thought away; it was too dealt with when the time came. For now, he was in her bed, even if that changed, he would always be in her heart. She ran a hand over his stomach, "If ye keep this up William, we will nae make it ta shore."

Will looked up at her and nodded. "How did you know that I was going to take you out for a special evening?"

"I didnae know." Lorelei grinned, "I just wanted ta surprise ye. Plus this be a respectable place. Pirates be looked down on."

Will smiled. "You will have half the island buzzing and begging to get to know who you are and if you are free."

"I donnae know about tha'. This place be a haven fer merchants. Most a their mistresses are dressed better, in fashions not a decade outta date."

Will laughed and shook his head. "It's not as out of date as you might think. It is an elegantly made gown, and while it might not be the height of fashion, and you might not be wearing a corset, the truth is that most men despise that particular fashion. We would much rather see a woman's body as it is meant to be seen. Soft and supple and free of painful restraints that restrict the natural movement."

Lorelei gave him a wicked look, "Donnae ye mean so ye can get at it faster, an' easier?"

Will threw back his head and laughed. "Well, with all those under things, I don't know about faster. But I mean the way your body sways and bounces a bit in that dress, is driving me out of my mind."

"But nae outta bed." Lorelei growled and stood up. She walked to the porthole and looked out, a subtle hint for him to get moving and get dressed.

Will chuckled and stood, moving up behind her and kissing her neck tenderly. "What should I wear love? I didn't bring anything nice with me. Just my basic clothing."

"Yer cleanest set?" Lorelei grinned, "We can buy ye some fine clothing there if ye like."

Will kissed her neck again and nodded. "That will work I suppose. I don't want them getting any ideas that you aren't mine because I am not dressed as elegantly as you."

Lorelei turned to face him, "What are ye worried about William?"

Will shook his head and kissed the tip of her nose. "Nothing. I just feel like the luckiest man in the world that you are mine, and I don't want anyone to doubt it."

"I donnae think anyone will." Lorelei pushed him towards the basin. "Tha' way we be going they willnae get ta see us."

Will laughed and started washing himself, grinning wickedly as he heard her indrawn breath. "You know, it might go faster if you helped me love."

"William!' Lorelei knew what would happen if she did. She'd have to remove her dress, and from there they would tumble into bed. But if she helped him without taking it off she'd ruin it and her carefully sculptured hair and make up. "Yer quicker doing it yerself. An' ye have five minutes or I'm leavin ye here."

Will pouted and continued to sponge off his body. "Fine."

"Ye know we'd never get anywhere if I helped ye." Lorelei started pacing impatiently, she wouldn't admit it but she needed to go ashore to stretch her legs, and to relax after days in a confined space.

Will laughed as he finished up and moved to his trunk. "I know love, I was only teasing you." He pulled on his clothing and ran a hand through his hair, thankful they had just taken a bath together that morning after his shift had ended. He had to smile at the remembrance of just where that had led. "All done."

Lorelei turned to face him, taking his hand. 'Ye look just fine ta me. Handsome an' romantic."

Will smiled. "Handsome huh?"

Lorelei stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. "Aye."

"And you are stunning my love." Will reveled within the kiss for a moment, then pulled away and held out his arm for her. "Shall we?"

Lorelei slid her arm around his and they walked off the ship laughing together. A thrill of anticipation shuddered down Lorelei's spine. William was a romantic soul and she knew that tonight she was going to be properly courted, and it left her in wonder. No one else had ever thought to treat her like a lady, despite her so obviously not being one. It made her appreciate and love him more.