Liz was robbed of speech. The sudden force where she found herself beneath that pirate for the second time was shocking. For a moment she could only stare up at him with a degree of amazement. For a moment he appeared the handsome rogue she would have thought him had they met under different circumstances.

What also left her bedazzled was his comment on his lack of soap to polish that wicked tongue of his. How could he possibly have heard her? That didn't matter now because he had just opened his shapely lips to speak again.

"Your talents must be fading my little thief" he said softly. His eyes traced the features of her face. Liz was confused for a moment, but him calling her a thief brought her back from her haze and she gasped in chagrin.

"I am not your thief!" she cried out squirming restlessly to get out of his grasp. She felt too intoxicated. Max chuckled with little humor and pinned her with an intent gaze.

"Ah but you are my sweet Liz. You are mine, and i must confess you deem more valuable than that sack of gold you stole." he told her, his voice turning husky. Liz sucked in her breath. His proximity was both alarming and reassuring. She did not enjoy the reassuring part. He practically kidnapped her, charged her with theft and made her a prisoner on his own ship. It was outrageous! Now on top of it all, here he was intending to do more than assign her chores. Liz did not know for sure. Being kept under her father's suffocating wing, she had hardly any time to be taught the pleasantries, or lack there of, of the intimate bonds that occur between a man and a woman. They call it the age old dance of love. Yet as she looked up at her captor's dark eyes, and felt the rock hard object pressing into her thigh, it became clear to her that sometimes such an act was not always based on love. For she did not love that pirate and neither did he her.

"I am not yours and i never will be" she exclaimed in a hoarse whisper. Max seemed unheeded by her declaration. That fire in his eyes did not diminish and they only seemed darker.

"That's a challenge" he said and leaned in until his face was mere inches from hers. Liz stopped breathing. She was afraid. No. She was terrified.

"God damn it!!!you don't have to hold me so tight! for god's sakes you're going to dislocate my arm!"

"Well if you'd just speed up a little instead of tripping all over the place then such an unfortunate event would not occur" a deep voice that Max immediately recognized as Michael's had him off the bed in a blur and running towards the door.

He fished for the keys in his pocket then pulled them out, unlocked the door and yanked it open.

"What the hell....," Max started to exclaim but it died in his throat at the sight that greeted him.

The woman that had caught Michael's attention back at the club had the heels of her feet implanted on the wooden floor of the hall. Her menacing gaze was locked on Michael's glowering one. Her whole body was leaning back due to the fact that Michael had grabbed her by the wrist and was pulling her arm to the breaking point. The only reason that's the case was because, the wench was being too stubborn to move and the only reason her arm hasn't broken was because Michael had been distracted from the final tug by Max's appearance.

Michael immediately let go of her and Maria tumbled backward onto her backside with a thud. He immediately turned to Max's still speechless form.

"Max-" he started but was cut off.

"What the hell is in the matter with you?! you couldn't break my arm so you decided to break another bone in my body!" Maria yelled and Michael turned to her angrily.

"Hold your tongue wench. Damn it-" he hissed.

"Michael" Max's voice was soft, yet no one could mistake the warning, or the angry venom in his tone. Everyone turned to stare at Max. Maria who had not noticed him before sucked in her breath and immediately quieted.

"What is going on here?" his voice turned quiet yet no less furious.

"Max please, let me explain" Michael pleaded. Max crossed his hands over his chest and leaned against the door jam.

"I'm waiting" he prompted.

"She followed me here Maxwell" Michael defended. Max raised a skeptical eyebrow and spared Maria a glance. Suddenly Maria felt angry that he would not believe such a thing, and she most definitely knew it was because she was a woman. She rose ungracefully from the floor and brushed the dirt from her outfit then gave Max a steady stare.

"I assure you, he is not lying" she jutted her chin out with as much dignity as she could muster.

"I couldn't just throw her overboard. The ship had already sailed. She would've died from the shock" Michael went on to explain.

"I see" was all the Max said. His eyes moving over Michael and the blonde woman... contemplating. His gaze finally came to rest over Maria. The way she was staring him down suddenly reminded him of another woman. Except the color was more chocolate brown than a forest green in those intense eyes. The thought had him turning around to look back into the room and towards his bed. She wasn't on it. His eyes moved to the other end of the room where she was standing staring wide-eyed at him and then glancing at the two people behind him. He turned back around to see them looking into his room and right at Liz. Maria was the first to break the silence.

"Who's that?" she asked loudly pointing her thumb towards Liz. Michael grabbed her arm and started propelling her away.

"None of your business" he stated, but apparently Maria was not satisfied with that answer. She yanked her arms free of his grasp and turned to look over Max's shoulder at the strange woman. She appeared to be absolutely terrified. Maria could only guess what the situation was when she glanced at the rumpled sheets on the bed.

"Are you alright?" she spoke with concern etched in her voice. The other woman visibly relaxed but did not have time to answer before Max cut in.

"Michael please escort your blonde little spitfire to your chambers, we will discuss things further tomorrow" his tone was authoritative and stern and Michael had no qualms about obeying the command. He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her flush against his side. For a moment Maria forgot where she was and what she had gotten herself into by following the rugged pirate. Memories of the night they spent together, no matter how brief, assailed her and filled her with the wondrous images of being locked in his embrace, passion erupting for both their bodies like fire; setting ablaze their skins everywhere they touched each other. The way they burned wherever their limbs collided and the way their kisses scorched their lips with an intensity that left them breathless. Oh when she felt that hard.......

Maria blushed profusely at the direction her thoughts had taken her and tried very hard to place them in the back of her mind for the moment because she just noticed that the man she had come to know as Michael was looking down at her with a smirk on his lips and his, what she concluded was his captain was trying very hard not to chuckle, turning red in his attempt. For a moment she was confused until her body finally regained full focus and she began to understand. Her body was pressed completely into Michael's side. One leg was intertwined with the back of his. Her hands she noticed most embarrassingly were worse. One was gripping his shoulder for support and the other.....Maria immediately let go of her hold on his manhood from his breeches. She did not know what got into her but humiliating herself in front of the two men was not on her agenda. Her embarrassment suddenly turned into simmering anger when Michael finally spoke, the laughter in his voice very apparent.

"You proved to be one wild woman by swimming over here, but even wild women have their limits. I on one hand would have preferred to wait until we got to my bed" he bent down as if to whisper but it was loud enough for Max to hear " but on the other I always consider, and sometimes even welcome suggestions to spice things up".

At the moment a tomato couldn't even compare to Maria's face. Max burst out chuckling.

"Faith, Michael you've embarrassed her beyond repair" he said shaking his head. Michael only smirked arrogantly in return.

"Let's go my little spitfire" he said adopting the nickname Max had used on her a few moments ago. It suited her he reckoned. He looked up to Max and gave a curt nod which Max returned. They were to speak of matters at a later date. For now sleep was required.....or perhaps other entertainments. As Max started turning to walk back into his room he had concluded that he shall have his little thief. He would seduce her, reassure her, and make her come willingly to his bed. His sudden want for her was simply too demanding to ignore. Before he was interrupted by the distraction outside in the hall he knew he was about to kiss her. The closeness already prompted his arousal to grow and he knew then that he would not have stopped at a kiss. She was afraid though, he could sense it. He wanted her willing. The fact that she was a thief didn't seem to bother him as much as it did when he first captured her, and that was only a few hours ago. Amazing. He was attracted to his little thief and the fact that she was in his custody gave him the advantage. All he had to do now was win her over with the age old art of, seduction. He entered and shut the door behind him, slowly turning to face Liz.

"What will you do with me now?" Liz cried, no longer trying to hide the panic she was feeling. He crossed his arms and leaned against the door. "I am going to seduce you Liz". Liz gasped at his blunt declaration. The lightning speed turn of events left her absolutely speechless. First he was calling her a thief and setting about chores for her and the next he was planning on-she swallowed convulsively- seducing her.

"Are you insane?! What's the meaning of this?" Liz asked incredulous, as she instinctively wrapped her arms around herself. Max just smiled slightly in return " i have come to...liking you my sweet Liz. It comes to a shock for me as well, but" he pushed himself off the door and started making his way towards her "I tend to get over shocks rather quickly."

Liz tensed in expectation as he suddenly moved towards her. He took his time. He was in to hurry, but then, he was confident of his ultimate victory. Liz detested his arrogance as much as she detested everything about him. She clenched her fists at her sides. It crossed her mind that when she struck his handsome face, she would be deeply satisfied, even though she would also be in a lot of dangerous trouble.

"I am not going to murder you" he murmured, his tone spun silk.

"No you think to destroy me and make me a slave instead."

"He smiled at her, reached out to touch her face. Liz raised her fist and punched at his cheek and jaw.

He ducked, his reflexes so fast that her knuckles did not even scrape his skin. A second later he had caught both her wrists in his hands, immobilizing her. Amazement showed in his eyes. She did not move, did not speak, and did not dare even to breathe. Her chest heaved. She watched his face trying to guess what he would do next. She knew he was considering his options carefully.

But he took her by surprise. As quick as a snake he, he lifted her under her knees, into his arms. Liz began to struggle wildly when she saw that he strode to the bed. This was happening too fast!
He sank down on the plush mattress, Liz still in his arms.

"Sssh" he said. "Be still. I am only going to kiss you."

He lied of course and even if he didn't, Liz had no intention of obeying him. She jerked her head back, so his lips found the soft underside of her throat instead of her mouth. Instantly she knew it was a grave mistake.

Unruly sensations that were hardly pleasant swept her as he nibbled and kissed the sensitive skin on her neck. Liz fought back a gasp. She heard him chuckle, and then froze as his hand swept over her breast. Liz cried out trying to pull his wrist away.

He ignored her efforts to dislodge him much as he might ignore a buzzing fly, and shifted her onto her back upon the bed, leaning over her, his mouth claiming hers before she could move or protest. Liz struggled even more, digging her fingernails into his collarbone to keep him away. He did not seem to notice. He was vastly patient. His mouth was exceedingly soft and undemanding, stroking her lips lightly, feathering them, and teasing them. How expert he was. Unbeknownst to Liz, her gyrations slowed, then ceased. Her fingers uncurled, her body becoming increasingly pliant. His mouth firmed taking advantage instantly, the tip of his tongue darting against hers. Unwittingly Liz's lips parted.

Max growled low in his throat, the sound distinctly erotic. Liz heard a funny mewling sound escape her as he shifted his heavy male weight on top of her, while deepening his kiss. Liz was aflame, the fire spreading from her heavy limbs to her throbbing loins. Her body was aching now, her blood pounding, insistent, while her mind did not want to function. He understood. He laughed against her mouth, the sound sensual, thick, raw. He pressed himself far more urgently, far more dangerously.

"Liz," he whispered. "My sweet little thief." His hand had insinuated itself under her skirts and petticoats, caressing her thigh through the thin linen of her crotchless drawers. And then his palm swept upward dangerously high. Liz was dazed, but his caress was shocking her back to her senses. Dear God.

One coherent thought seized her. She must resist. If she did not resist now, he would do far more than stroke her where no one had ever trespassed before- he would steal her virtue before she even knew what he was about, and it wouldn't even be rape! because she would be willing. Dear god help her, she would be. What was wrong with her? What one earth was happening to her? what was she doing?!

He tore his mouth from hers, gasping her name again. " Liz."

Liz inhaled, forced herself to action. She pounded both fists against his broad shoulders. "No!" Startled he froze. His dark chocolate gaze was somewhat unfocused and puzzled as it met hers.

Liz heaved at his body, and when that failed to dislodge him, she aimed her knee at his bulging groin. He understood her intention at that precise instant, shifting his hips just in time for the attack. In doing so he was off-balance. Liz pushed against him hard and rolled and then scrambled away from him, sliding off the side of the bed to the floor.

She herself was dazed and out of breath. She paused only for a moment, but it was a moment too long. As she crouched, about to lunge to her feet, he reached down and gripped a chuck of hair at her nape. Liz cried out. He leaned over the bed, his face close to hers, using her hair like a leash. His eyes were wide, incredulous, and furious. His mouth was set in a tight, angry scowl. Liz's lips curled in an answering snarl- but tears filled her gaze.

And as the tears began to fall, unwanted, an affront to her pride, his grip eased. His expression changed. He cursed savagely and released her. Liz sagged to the floor. She heard him get to his feet. She fought for her self-control and finally found it. She looked up. Big mistake. It was impossible not to notice how enlarged he was. Liz flushed and tried to look everywhere but at him, wishing she could forget the excitement he somehow engendered in her own body, wishing she could ignore the rapid pounding of her pulse. " Damn you" she said raggedly.

"You didn't seem to be damning me a few moments ago" he said harshly. The anger and tension in his tone forced her to meet his gaze. The brown fire in his eyes frightened her. Liz had never witnessed such stark hunger before. She shrank back against the leg of the bed. For a moment she couldn't look away. The fact that she had just been manhandled in the most passionate and seductive way nearly caused her to choke. How could she allow this to happen? He's a pirate for goodness sakes.

"I wasn't thinking clearly" she objected in her defense. His mouth formed an unpleasant smile.

"I don't believe that is the intention when performing a seduction" he answered dryly. Liz gasped and glared at him " Damn you, you savage pirate" she hissed.

"You seem to be turning a pleasant seduction into something worse"

"pleasant seduction?"

"Aye, a seduction pleasant for both of us" his gaze darkened" don't try to deny it."

Fear engulfed her as she suddenly replayed the last part in her head " what do you mean something worse? Are you threatening to rape me?"

His nostrils flared "Some ladies prefer it on the more forceful side. Perhaps you are in that category."

Liz's eyes widened.

"Oh don't look so surprised. You should know. Especially since i caught you in that club where that kind of handling was most popular. However before you succumb to hysterics I can assure you that I am no rapist. Not before, not now, not ever. Not even if provoked." He said the last part with a pointed look.

Liz wanted to laugh scornfully, having not believed him. Instead a choked pitiful sound escaped her. "You just said that you...were happy to...oblige the women who..." she couldn't finish. She was still shocked to find out that some women actually enjoyed it when a man was forceful, brutal. Images assaulted her, images of her dark haired pirate ravishing faceless women who were very eager.

"I can be rough or I can be gentle. You just tell me what you want" he held her gaze.

"I-I want you to..leave me alone."

He laughed harshly. "You want me inside you my sweet thief".

His graphic words stunned her for a moment. "You are a savage, a pirate who preys on those weaker than himself. You are preying on me like you preyed on countless other women. In fact you probably most likely lied when you said you didn't do this often, most probably kidnapped each and everyone charging them of different crimes just so you can have them in your hands" she accused with renowned vigor.

"Other women have welcomed me into their embrace" he replied calmly. Liz laughed. "Then they are sluts and whores."

He bent over her, angry. "I do not lie with whores. That only happened once and my last mistress was a dowager countess."

Liz was unwilling to believe him though he was so angry she thought he actually spoke the truth. How could a pirate seduce a countess? No matter that he was so strikingly attractive.

"Some women are not afraid of passion. But then they aren't little pathetic thieves who obviously are virgins."

Liz cried out and leaped to her feet not listening to the inner voice telling her to retreat. "I am not afraid of passion" she shouted. "I want to be with a man- a good man- a man who is my husband"
He stared at her, unmoving, his shoulders rigid. Finally he said "and who is this paragon?"
Liz lifted her chin "i haven't found him yet".

His laughter was cold and cruel. "and who would want to marry a thief?" he asked his tone tight, his eyes twinkled with humorless laughter.

"You just know this. Whatever and whoever I am I shall not give myself to an ungodly, thieving pirate."

Fire leapt in his eyes. He was holding a bottle of a brandy now and he took a swig from it, never once taking his eyes off of her. Liz regretted her words, knowing she had pushed him too far. She feared he might snap and become the savage beast again, and force his will on her. He stared coldly at her.

"I must be mad" he said "to have embroiled myself with one such as you."

"then release me"

No hesitation. " No."

"Please."

He did not respond. Liz's breasts heaved. "Then rape me and be done with it."
His glance was menacing. His face contorted. The bottle went flying. Liz flinched and cried out as the brandy smashed against the wall. Then to her utter horror, he was upon her.

How she regretted her rash, stupid words! She screamed as he bent down to her. He lifted her and tossed her onto the bed. Liz bounced and came up scrambling away from him. He caught her foot and tugged on it harshly bringing her down beneath him. He was on top of her pinning her in place. Liz froze. He was as still as she except for pulsing of their bodies and the labored breathing coming from his chest. "Shall I rape you and be done with it?" he asked her in her ear.

His breath licked her flesh. Liz shook her head, absolutely terrified and acutely aware of how easy it would be for him to lift her skirts and do the deed. Fear did not override the heavy, throbbing sensation of his flesh wedged against hers.

"Shall I rape you and be done with it?" he demanded.

"No!"

He rolled off and left the bed.
Liz jerked into a sitting position and hurled herself into the farthest corner away from him. Pressing her back into the wood-paneled wall. He stared at her, unblinking. Steel glinted, flashed. Liz sucked in her breath, her eyes frozen upon the long, lethal dagger that appeared in his hand. Neither moved or spoke. Suddenly the dagger was flying from his hand. It landed only inches from her cheek. Liz stared at the quivering blade, fear coursing through her with maddening speed. Then she blinked and their gazes clashed. His eyes were savage.

He whirled. With long booted strides he crossed the room and opened the door. A moment later it was slammed shut and the lock turning informed her that she was locked inside once again. She covered her face with her hands after a glance back t the dagger imbedded in the wall. His promise was clear. Suddenly the prospect of a marriage to Lord Deluca didn't seem as constricting as the terrible situation she had found herself in.

((Maria's and Micheal's lovemaking censored out...but just imagine it was great D))

From her position on deck, it appeared even the horizon had no limits. The beautiful dawn, with the sun rising briskly creating violet and orange colors to paint the sky, the air was filled with the saltiness of the sea and the freshness Florence would find lacking. They seemed so insignificant against the vastness of the waters. Liz stood at the rail admiring the view, and suddenly wondering.

"Where are we going?" she asked herself, aloud.

"That is hardly a thing you should worry yourself with miss" a voice answered behind her. For a moment she actually feared who it was, but the voice....oh that voice she found she could recognize anywhere, and so she knew it was not he that stood behind her. She turned and was greeted with the sight of a young man, seemingly twenty or so. He was a huge man though, broad shouldered, long powerful legged. His hair was gold, cropped short. He had one hand on his sheathed sword and the other seemed to be holding a bucket. Liz glanced up at his face, not quite handsome yet very pleasant on the eyes. The bucket dropped. The force brought forth a splash of water from it to land on the floor and what appeared to be a scrub fly in the air and plop back into it.

It dawned on her like a force and she stared, incredulous. The sailor shifted his feet, obviously nervous about ordering a woman about. He tried to be as pleasant as he could...but it was not to be.

"No! no no and no! I will not go down on my knees and scrub your bedamned deck and that is the last of it!" Liz shouted vehemently making the sailor jump back in surprise. Liz too took a moment. She had never sworn in her life! It was all that damned pirate's fault....Liz grimaced. 'Once it begins......it never stops' she thought with a tiny shake of her head.

"Miss please, I suggest you do as the captain orders or-" he tried to persuade but Liz would have none of it.

"I will do nothing your captain says do you hear me!? I am not his slave!" she almost shrieked, to her dismay. She hated raising her voice like a mad ninny, but this was too much. Scrub the deck? Like a maid?! She was a lady for goodness sake's! ahh...but he didn't know that did he. That angered Liz even more. Why on earth did she not tell him so? Because he would decide to ransom you and rob your family of their wealth, she answered herself bitterly. 'Oh papa' she thought longingly.

"What is that trouble here?" it was him. She knew it. Sensed it before he even approached. The sailor turned to his captain, looking helpless and a little bit fearful. Liz felt a moment's sympathy for the chap.

"Captain, sir no trouble, er no trouble at all uh here" the sailor hardly stuttered. Of course Max did not believe him but he too seemed to have noticed the poor boy's fright that he merely smiled and nodded. That did not go unnoticed by Liz, and it unnerved her greatly. Just a savage pirate, she reminded herself. Only loyal to himself, ship and crew, she concluded.

"Right Sam it's alright now. You may leave" he addressed the young sailor now known as Sam who looked greatly relieved , yet hid it well behind his acquiescence to the order and left hurriedly, disappearing amidst the crowd of sailors going about their chores.
Max had now turned to regard her. His eyes intense, his face rigid. Suddenly she remembered last night as clearly as it had left her awake most of the night. The cool air this morning had been refreshing and made it easy to forget it for a while. But now, facing her nightmare, it all came rushing back. Her cheeks bloomed with color.
His momentarily left hers to gaze down at the bucket.

"I see your chores have been set for you" he remarked, his voice neutral. Liz felt chagrined that he'd make light of such a thing, as if it did not even matter. Scrub his deck indeed! She thought indignantly.

"I will not clean your ship" she hissed between clenched teeth, barely keeping her wits about her. He stepped towards her. She recoiled, fear driving her back. That dagger that still hung at the bed was a sole reminder of his threat and arrogance.

"You will do as I say wench" he bit out, irritated by her defiance, yet nevertheless amused. Liz stood to her full height, no matter that she was but a petite child compared to his size, and jutted out her chin.

"You may have....imprisoned me aboard your ship pirate but you shall not dictate me your liking, i will have none of it" ever nerve in her body was trembling, every voice inside her head was telling her to shut up yet she was too stubborn and instead pinned him with a steady glare.

Max bent down, frustrated, picked up the bucket and strode towards her depositing it at her feet. Then before she could even think to move away he reached out to grab her above the elbows bringing their faces closer, until she could feel his hot breath on her mouth, drying her lips, forcing her tongue to sneak out and wet them. His gaze drifted to her lips, to that pink tongue moving seductively over first the top lips then the lower one. It was more than he could bear. Abruptly he bent his head and slanted his mouth across hers, immediately plowing his tongue into her mouth , dominating her own tongue with his, but that only lasted a mere few seconds, because two tiny hands had placed themselves on the expanse of his chest, yet when he thought the movement seductive, and alluring, he was sadly wronged when those hands forcefully shoved him away. It was only the surprise that actually allowed her to move him away from her.

Breathing heavily he looked at her angrily " That is the second time you have done that, both times succeeding in surprising me". Liz could have laughed at his bitter tone but she was too caught up in that kiss. One more second to spare and she knew that she could not have had her wits about her to actually resist...again.

"And it shan't be the last time" she regained her own breathing to a natural level before stating that vow. Max stared at her for a moment then chuckled, treating what she said with nothing but humor. Liz did not appreciate that. She did not have time to voice it though because he had moved in again, this time though she found herself pushed onto her knees to the floor. Shocked she craned her neck to look up. His face suddenly seemed serious, even angry.

"Do your work wench, and i suggest you make an exception to never scrubbing other people's decks this time" he said that so seriously, no humor that even Liz could not find the will to argue. She did manage a glare though, which gained her nothing but his retreating back.

Brown eyes narrowed with loathing and contempt Lady Parker dipped her slender hands into the bucket, lifted the scrub, squeezed it once, trying to vent some of her frustration from doing do, and set it to the wooden deck. She pushed once, twice, the scrub scalding the wood, almost burning it. For a crazy moment she actually thought of brushing so furiously that she would be able to burn the whole ship down and escape!

An appealing thought....yet how would she be able to escape the great sea itself, after escaping her pirate's clutches. After a few moments of mulling over the same spot she noticed that the activity around her had suddenly become quiet silent. She raised her head and groaned inwardly. They were all watching her, either in horror or curiosity or amazement. Too many expressions to count. Some where even looking her up and down appreciatively. Had they not noticed her before? was it possible the pirate captain had not told his crew that he had imprisoned what he believed was a thief. The chagrin of being branded a thief was still there yet not so obvious. It didn't really matter, for nobody would even believe her.

The were all still regarding her closely even though they set about they set about their work once again, not wanting to be distracted too long ere their captain be displeased.

"A pretty hefty lot aren't they" a voice. But what's this?! a woman's voice! Liz sprung around only to be greeted by that blonde woman she had noticed last night. The one who in concern had asked if she was alright, and Liz did not even have the chance to answer before she was bustled away by the captain's mate....Michael..yes Michael was his name.

"Yes" Liz agreed absently still gazing at the woman. She was petite just like her, only with golden hair and forest green eyes with lush red lips. A complete opposite of Liz. She just continued to stare wondrously before the woman burst out, shocking Liz.

"Oh forgive me! where are my manners! I'm Maria. Maria Deluca" she extended her hand. Liz hesitated only a second before taking her hand in hers. Not because she was afraid but because it took her a moment to think and come up with...

"Liz. Liz Valenti" and they shook hands.

"Valenti....hmmm I can't say I've ever heard that surname before" Maria commented.

'I should think bloody not' Liz thought then silently scolded herself for her sudden predictability for swearing. It was not appreciated.

"No, I can't say it is well known" Liz only said aloud. Maria nodded then she looked to what Liz was doing, her eyes widening.

"What the hell..." she started but trailed off suddenly lost in thought then as if lightning struck she whirled around to face her.

"Oh! What have you done to displease him?" she exclaimed almost as if the question pained her to ask. Liz was utterly confused at the question and stared at her blankly, trying to discern if she was crazy. Maria caught on and tried to further explain.

"You know...for him to make you work. And it appears clear now since when i saw you yesterday it was not a pretty sight. You did not please him well?" she asked.

It took Liz a few silent moments to contemplate what was just said before she gasped loudly and she stood up dropping the scrub.

"No!" she denied with a shout, and then it occurred to her that she thought she just said not to not pleasing him so amended. " I mean no, it is not what you think..." she paused wondering is she should tell her, then knowing that she needed someone by her side, and Maria was better than Liz had expected. For a moment she was actually amused by her conclusion " I am a prisoner here" she ended.

Maria looked at her for a few seconds before letting her jaw drop and then form an 'O'.

"What did you do?" she asked.

"Apparently I stole some gold from the captain" Liz replied nonchalantly. Maria said nothing " what about you?" Liz then asked. At that Maria smirked.

"I have come to reclaim my stolen heart" she stated. Liz knew who she meant, for she saw them out in the hall. She shook her head and stared ahead.

"Pirates have a knack for stealing" Liz remarked. Maria laughed. Liz turned to her "and kidnapping" she added. Maria stopped and looked at her.

"Pirates have very different ways of obtaining their treasures" she commented softly.

"Different, savage, whatever you want to call it" Liz shrugged.

"When a treasure is so precious.....does it matter to the pirate the way he obtains it, as long as in the end....it is his?"

Liz did not fully understand her meaning but when she sank back down to her knees and got hold of the scrub once again, she thought ' Yet when that pirate obtains that treasure, is it not what he does with it that matters most in such end?'