Barbossa walked down the hallway to the end bedroom. He paused at the doorway and peered in. There, lying on the bed, was Elizabeth.

He crept into the room and silently took off his boots. The wood floor was cool beneath his bare feet. He removed his hat and set it on the floor by the door. He stripped himself of his clothes until he was left with just his shirt and trousers on. Closing the door and locking it, he then made his way swiftly over to the bed and laid beneath the sheets. His heart was racing, he could feel it pounding within his chest. The room seemed to be incredibly quiet, making the beating of his heart sound like the beating of a drum. He did have slight feelings for Elizabeth that was more than casual, making him second guess himself. Elizabeth moved onto her side to face him, her eyes still closed. She sighed, placed her arm across his chest, and rested her head against him. He smiled to himself, placed a hand on her cheek and gently brushed it with his fingertips.

"Will," she whispered, "go to sleep."

"'Tis not Will you be holding, Miss Turner," he said quietly.

Elizabeth's eyes quickly opened. The unforgettable voice, the unforgettable way she was addressed could be only one man. She pulled away from him and sat up.

"Barbossa!" she said with a smile. Her expression was happiness, not any trace of fear.

"Elizabeth," he replied with a small grin.

"What are you doing here? When did you get here?"

"I'm here on business. I've already had an insightful conversation with your stiff husband."

Elizabeth gave him a scowl, but a smile returned to her face.

"How have you been? Your son is looking very well."

"I'm good. And he is doing mighty well if he just wouldn't wake up so many times during the night. And you? How have you been doing?"

"Fair. I've been better."

There was a small pause.

"Will went to get reinforcements," Barbossa stated. "He didn't enjoy my company here, so he's headed to get soldiers." He looked at her with a devil's grin.

Elizabeth's expression became very serious. "You should be getting out of here quickly then. If they catch you…….who knows what they will do with you now. I don't want you to be tortured again." For some reason, she was the only one who had completely overcome the events of the past and forgave him.

"I know how to look out for myself, missy. I won't get caught, I promise."

He moved close to her until his body was merely touching hers. She watched his eyes, trying to divulge any sort of emotion or motive. She could only see a mix of lust, love, and surprisingly a glint of uncertainty. He ran his fingers through her hair and continued to stare at her. She placed her hands on his cheeks, cupping his face in her hands. It was a decision on both his and her part. Their lips touched, barely, but soon became a very passionate kiss. Elizabeth finally pulled away. They were both breathing more heavily.

"I shouldn't," she whispered. "I can't. And you have-"

He cut her short by pressing his lips against hers once more. She silently told herself not to give in, but her body betrayed her. She laid down, taking him with her. She wrapped her arm around his neck, trying to get his body as close to hers as possible. He put his hand beneath her gown and slowly began to slide it up the inside of her leg. He moved his lips to her neck and sucked gently. Never before had she felt like this. He brought incredible rapture upon her with just his touch and kiss.

She ran her fingers through his hair. He kissed her powerfully, making her tremble in ecstasy.

Suddenly, voices could be heard coming from the living room. Barbossa could distinctly hear Norrington's and Will's. He pulled away from Elizabeth and gazed down at her.

"You have to go, quickly," she said quietly.

"I could-"

"I don't want dead people in my house," she said with a smile, but was very serious. "I don't want you in more trouble than you already are."

"Why, Elizabeth, you underestimate me. I wouldn't have to kill them-"

"Barbossa," she said sternly.

He gave a clever smile, indicating he was one step ahead of everyone again. "Alright."

He got up from the bed, Elizabeth following, and began to put on his effects and coat. Elizabeth helped him, lastly placing his hat on his head. Footsteps were heard coming down the hallway towards the bedroom.

"You have to hide," she told him with a hint of fear in her voice.

She unlocked the door and moved out of the way just in time as Will opened the door. Barbossa hid behind it, feeling unexpectedly calm. Several soldiers filed into the room, muskets out, prepared to take their prisoner.

"Elizabeth, what are you doing up?" Will asked.

"Just getting ready to see where you were. What are all these soldiers doing here?"

"Will reported an unwelcome person here, and we came to investigate," Norrington replied.

Barbossa waited for his opportune moment. All of the soldiers were standing with their backs to him, including Will and Norrington. Careful not to make a sound, he slithered out from behind the door and side-stepped past the door into the hallway. He quickly made it to the front door and left the house, seemingly undetected.

"I'll be right back," Norrington said.

He went out of the bedroom and out the door. He saw a dark figure cautiously making his way through the streets. Norrington ran to catch up. He would cut him off in the next alley. And as he hoped, he entered the alley from the opposite way and pressed himself against the wall, as Barbossa was covertly coming his way. Once Barbossa was passed him, he stepped away from the wall, took out his pistol and cocked it. Barbossa stopped at the sound.

"Hands in the air," Norrington commanded.

Barbossa did, grinding his teeth in frustration.

"Turn around."

Barbossa obeyed to be met face to face with Norrington.

"Captain," Norrington said coldly.

"Commodore," Barbossa replied, equally as cold, but with a small smile formed by his lips.