Part 18
The first thing that Liz noticed when she woke up was that the swaying that hse had gotten used to was not there. The ship has docked.
She stumbled out of the cot and made her way to the porthole. The world came alive before her eyes. The sun was barely over the horizon and already it was shining with stark clarity on the happenings of the french dock. It was littered with people;sailors, drunks, soldiers-Liz's eyes widened-women like the ones she saw in that club. After about two weeks of being imprisoned on a ship with nothing but the vast sea as her view, she felt more that relief to see land and any kind of human being.
Suddenly a thought came to her. What is going to happen now? Max had spoken nothing of his business to her, not that he should, and she does not even know what is to become of her. Surely he would not keep her with him. That small sack of gold could not have meant so much to him. He's a pirate, he'll get more.
She'd worked for him as he'd told her she would and he had to let her go. She could reach an inn and request to send an urgent message to Florence. Her would have, without qualm, she suspected sent word far and wide to countries about her diappearance. Someone was bound to know something here in France. Now if only she could get the chance to question them.
Turning from the porthole she made her way to the door determindly and opened it. She walked straight into a brick wall. A solid breathing wall. With a warm scent and flexing muscles. Automatically Liz placed her hands on Max's chest, first to steady herself, then to ward him off but his arms, like bands of steel, stole around her and drew her fully to him.
"I should come more often if this is the greeting i shall recieve." His voice laced with amusement. Liz huffed and struggled.
"Let-go of-me" She ordered but her voice came out muffled when he pressed her face into his chest. His scent intoxicated her and she promptly forgot her request.
"Much better" he said with satisfaction. Max could suddenly smell wildflowers in her hair. Must have been the soap. He inhaled deeply.
Liz felt like she was enveloped in a blanket of warmth and security. She was so content it never occured to her to question her choice of words when she said like an irritated child trying to get comfortable " Will you move your sword out of the way if you insist on crushing me so? it is piercing me sorely."
There was a moment's silence then she felt the low rumble of laughter emanate from his chest and he moved his hips against her. Heat shot through her. "My sword would pierce you wench, but not sorely...most pleasurably in truth." Liz's eyes widened considerably at the implication and what it meant. Now without the drugged senses she could feel it more accurately and clearly. Not irritating or sore. But hot and hard.
Liz sucked in her breath on a sharp gasp. Immediately she tried to pull away. She only managed to push at his chest as far as being able to move her head away. She looked up to demand he release her, but never got the chance. His mind-drugging mouth was already working wonders on her. Like magic. He tilted her back and arched her neck to gain deeper access to her mouth. His tongue delved in and out, first in hot quick strokes and slowed considerably to sweet leisurely thrusts that sent heat pooling down there.
Liz gave in to the feeling. All of a sudden there were no pirates and prisoners, and it was only Max and Liz. Kissing passionately. His hands pulled her closer. Crushing her. They moved up and down her back sending delicious shivers down her spine. It was a heady feeling. This kissing. No man had ignited this burning fire within her and no man other than the one who started it can sate it.
Liz's virtue was her pride. She had decided long before learning it was a neccessity, that she would save it for her husband. It is a precious gift that she would present him and indeed he would cherish it . Yet right here. Right now, Liz felt she would lay down on a bed and offer herself to this man, who is not her husband,and send them both spiralling into fulfillment.
Max pulled back abruptly and they both gasped for air. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment before he extended a hand and softly trailed a finger down her cheek. She didn't know why,but this show of tenderness made her want to burst into tears.
"You will come to me before this night ends. You may depend upon it." He stated softly with a voice oozing confidence.
Liz recoiled, as if struck. The significance of his words hit deep. Could it be? Was she truly wanting to bed this man? Her body responded pasionately to his, her senses ignited when he touched, kissed or caressed her. Her attraction seemed to have grown to passion. And Liz knew one result of that. Bed. She knew that if he increased his efforts she would not even lift a finger to protest. And that unsettled her greatly.
She was capable of losing control to her passion and he was capable of sating it. Damned if that idea was not appealing. Liz licked her suddenly dry lips. Max watched her pink tognue dart out in fascination. He hardened to the point of pain at the mere thought of what that tongue could do to him. On him.
He scolded himself on his lack of control on the inside and mentally shook himself to clear his head. This was not the time for this. He had business to take care of and He had to figure out what to do with this delectable prisoner of his. Leaving her on hte ship seemed the most logical thing to do if he did not want to risk losing her yet he wondered what she would have to say about that. His lips twitched in amusement. Yes, he could well imagine what she would have to say.
In that moment he made up his mind. His business would not take the whole day. If there was time enough, he would indulge her. When he came back he'd take her out. Perhaps enojoy some french food and music or look around the shops. He would buy her some new dresses he thought with a mental nod. She needed clothes. The image of dressing her up in silks and laces and pretty gowns filled him with a strange feeling. He smiled.
Liz was still in a half state of shock at her own thoughts and inner revelations of her feelings and desires. A minute of silence passed then a shout sounded from the dock and they both snapped back into reality.
Max stepped back to in an attempt to place some distance between. He gazed intently at her. Liz shifted uncomfortably.
"What is going to happen now?" she blurted in an attempt to break the silence. Max eyes her for a second before answering.
"I have business to conduct in town. Me and half my crew will be gone for half the day. You will stay here and when i return you may step off the ship with myself as your escort" he said in a that-is-final voice.
Liz's lips thinned in displeasure. Max wanted to kiss that anger away and turn it into so much more.
"I did not think that would be neccessary" she said slowly, trying to comprehend the situation. Max eyed her curiously and a slight frown marred his forehead.
"Why would you think that?" he finally asked.
Liz spread her hands around the room in emphasis. "I have worked off my debt. I have a right to go free now."
Max raised an eyebrow. "You may believe that yet i see differently" he replied crypticlly.
Dread washed over her suddenly. "What do you mean?" she was afraid of the answer.
Max's hand reached up and gently gripped her hair. Their eyes locked and Liz refused to let his touch distract her.
"That was my gold sweet theif-"
"Gold you can easily replace" she interrupted furiously. then bit back her tongue. Had she just said that? But Max only gave a wry chuckle.
"So my little enchantress has a temper." He leaned forward. Their lips a mere breath away. "I look forward to channeling that energy to something more...pleasurable"
That was the second time he'd he'd countered her reactions into sexual implications. She didn't know if she felt excited or appalled. She willed herself to be strong.
"Stop it. Just stop it. We had a deal. I demand that you let me go." she said forcefully attempting to push him away but only succeeding in gaining a few inches. Max was through arguing. He didn't have the time at the moment. No matter how glorious she was in her anger. Too glorious to miss.
"No" was all he said before he released her abruptly and made for the door. Liz stumbled back a bit then regained her footing.
"You can't do this Max. Dammit" she cried in frustration. He turned at that. "Tut tut ladies shouldn't swear my dear."
"I thought you did not consider me a lady" she countered angrily. Max just grinned.
"Let us just say your origins are still a matter of question" he replied leaving her stunned for a moment. Before he was out the door he looked back and fixed her with a warning glare.
"Do not attempt to leave this ship until i return. I will find you and if i don't" his voice lowered omniously, "someone else will" Liz did not pretend not to understand what he meant. If she tried to escape he wold either find her or a stranger, or strangers, would prey on her and then God knows what would become of her.
She swallowed nervously. Could she do that? Could she risk her life for the sake of her freedom? She still had something to live for. Finding her parents. Getting back to her friends and old life. Being safe...saving her virtue. Max had made no more advances on her excpet with heated looks and lingering touches, and stolen kisses. She shook her head in amazement.
Only two weeks at sea and already she was being lured by the magic of the sea, the beauty of the ship and...it's captain. A pirate. Oh dear.
"My lord there is no sign of a petite brunette with your description"
That was all they had been hearing for the past two weeks. With each day their desperation and desolation grew. Where was Elizabeth? It was as if she had disappeared from the world.
Then came the next day. With renewed hope.
"You have information for us?" Jeff asked the voluptuous blond seated before him.
She nodded. "I'd like the money first though"
Jeff retrieved a stack of bills from his desk drawer and placed them before her. She ws his only hope and he would do anything if she had information about his daughter.
A red nailed slender hand shot out and grapped them stuffing them unceremoniously into the front of her low necked dress.
"Saw a small brown haired woman two weeks ago. It was about midnight. At the club. Wearin' some fancy heavy cloack to cover herself. Not a bad looker if you ask me. There was a chase and she got snagged by a man and 'is crew"
Jeff felt his heart pound. His daughter. With a strange man. No. Men. Oh god. He clutched at his chest, silently praying she was alright, because he knew without a doubt that it was Elizabeth.
"Did you regonise the man?" he struggled to ask. The woman smiled saucily.
"Sure did. Captain. Named Max. Is what i heard his friend call him. His friend was with one of the other girls. She'd run off with him. Good for nothin.." she drifted off, mumbling to herself.
"Is there anything else you can tell me" he interrupted anxiously.
The woman eyed him intently then grinned wickedly, "Don't worry bout nothing. Your daughter'd be in good hands. MMhhmm." and with that she was gone.
Jeff all but panicked. He kept his head. He couldn't find this man alone. He needed help. Reluctantly, he ordered a carriage to be brought around then made his way to Deluca House.