Part 23
The stillness was prominent as the crowd their breath in anxious anticipation. No one expected such rapid recovery. Half the men had unconsciously placed their hands on their lower area as a sympathetic gesture. Liz blinked several times in breathless awe. She looked upon the magnificence of Max standing before her. His feet planted wide apart, strong thighs and calves encased in tight fitting trousers. The billowing, half open shirt showed off the wide muscular expanse of his chest. The fabric was stained with blood but it did not thing to lessen his appeal. When she reached his face she gazed at the beautifully windswept and tousled dark mane, the sensually sculpted mouth that was compressed in a tight unyielding line. The powerful jaw locked with tension and his dark glittering eyes breathing amber fire.
He took her breath away.
Rafe appeared frozen to the spot. His eyes grew wide, his pupils dilated wildly. His lips looked suddenly parched and beads of sweat began to appear on his face. His hand trembled where it stopped, only a hair's breadth away from her arm. His Adam's apple bobbed in convulsive swallowing as he and the rest of them waited for Max's next move.
"Turn around." Max's voice was low and dangerous. His hand on the rapier never moved. Rafe hesitated only a second before complying. Slowly he turned. The rapier never moved, and as it was at the back of his neck when his back was to Max, it now hung in the air before him, the tip right at the center of his throat as he faced Max.
The crowd grew even more hushed if possible. Because they knew, as Max knew, as Rafe knew, and as Liz knew that one slight tremble with a twist in the right direction, the tip would neatly pierce him. So Rafe stood as still as a statue.
Max never wavered. He spared a glance at the people around them and wanted to roar at them and send them scuttling to their houses. This was not entertainment to bring into their useless and boring lives. Rape and death were nothing to so candidly observe in anticipating awe. But then he dismissed them with a blink of an eye. He truly did not care who was there at the moment. All he could think of was that he now had the chance to rid the world, and himself, of one more vermin.
Yet, mused with disgust, he would rather leave that pleasure to the greater power. That scum did not deserve to die at his hand. In Max's eyes, his crime today was too great.
A logical thought, yet even then the fire within him burned and roiled, sparking the devil within him. Seeking gratification. Revenge, for what he'd done to Liz.
Without further thought Max's upper lips curled back in a snarl, his teeth glinting in the sun. His eyes mirrored steel. As if in slow motion his arm began to pull back. Rafe's expression slowly changed from fear to relief. But then it immediately changed back to terror, because as soon as the rapier's tip left its mark at his throat it began to return with a vengeance.
The crowd gasped in anticipation of the killing they were about to witness. Rafe's eyes shut, so he would not watch the sword that would seal his fate. And then it happened, swift as the wind. The rapier ripped through the air and with a hiss of tearing cloth it slashed from above his knee to his inner thigh.
A heartbeat passed. Then the crowd grew confused as they observed Rafe still standing, eyes shut tight. All they could see was the tear in his pants and blood gushing out.
Rafe stood still, wondering if he was dead, or if in his fear the moment simply stretched too long. But then nothing happened. His eyes snapped open and he saw Max standing a little away from him, his sword at his side. He glanced more carefully at the steel that was to sink itself within him. After a closer inspection he noticed a red substance dripping from the tip.
Immediately he looked down at himself, and finally saw the rip from the knee to his inner thigh, where a steady flow of blood seeped out. The painful sting finally registered then and he winced and looked back up at Max's hard expressionless face.
His buddies stood at the dies unsure and in conflict with what to do. They watched their friend face his opponent and they knew there was nothing they could do for now. Their mouths hung open in awe of the fact that Rafe was still alive. They had no idea what to do.
"Next time i do this, make no mistake," Max stated ominously, "my rapier will sink deeper and not stop there."
It took Rafe a moment before he recognized the threat to his lower anatomy. Humiliated and outraged he spied his friends in the crowd.
"Well?What are you waiting for? Get 'im!" He yelled and they jumped a foot in the air, then grasping what he demanded of them, clenched their fists in the air and began to advance on him.
Rafe regained his control and fisted his own meaty palms, ready to bash the bastard's skull for the ordeal he put him through. He was not afraid of him anymore. His rapier was not on guard and he had retaliated quickly enough so as not to give Max enough time to issue more threats or warnings. He doubted he could take him and his friends all on at the same time.
"No!" Liz screamed. Oh god no. This was not the way it was supposed to happen. It was all going to fast. Max beat Rafe. Rafe and his buddies were supposed to slink away into the shadows deeply humiliated and chastised. And then...and then...well she really didn't know 'what' then. Attempt to lose herself in the crowd and escape, and chance facing others like Rafe or even Rafe himself? Or go back to the ship and face Max's wrath?...
It took her only a moment, but she knew she would rather face Max than have him get killed at this moment The thought sent a sense of despair within her that she chose not to question at the moment.
In a moment of impulse she launched herself in Max's direction, suddenly desperate to help him in some way. Only she was held back by one of the spectators.
"Now Lady, don't go doin' nothin' foolish. There ain't nothin' ye can do. Leave 'im be." he said as he tightly grabbed her arm.
"Let me go!" she yelled and struggled against his hold, but knew it was useless. He was right. Max would not benefit from her help. She was weak and puny. Max would have had to worry about her as well as those thugs. It was for the better that she leave him to work it out on his own, as much as that thought pained her. So she stilled. And prayed.
Max perhaps was foolish in what he had done. But somehow he could not regret it. He wanted to make Rafe pay. He wanted to pierce his flesh and watch his face contort with pain, and then become lifeless. He wanted him to never again do what he had tried to do with Liz. Liz. She was the only thing that had broken through his blood-lusted mind. And that was why he had stopped at the last instant from taking a life. Because he couldn't kill a man. Not because it was not honorable to kill a defenceless man. Not because it would torment his soul, because he would gladly face such torment. No, none of those. He didn't do it, because Liz was there. Because he didn't want her to see something like that. Did not want her beautiful wide eyes to gaze at him in fear. Did not want her fair complexion to grow pale and drawn. He would not have her witness him commit a crime such as this. He couldn't stand that, and he chose not to think too closely on why. Today...he would be her hero once again.
As they approached he wondered if he should retain a measure of honour and discard his rapier and fight like a man, then thought better of it. Desperate times required desperate measures, and beggars really couldn't be choosers, especially when their lives were at stake. So he raised his sword and got ready. He might not manage to take them all on, but he'd be damned if he didn't go down before breaking a few noses and draw some blood. Preferably not his own.
As soon as they reached him, there was a sudden commotion and suddenly they were caught by the backs of their necks and flung back onto the ground. Max stared at Michael and his crew as they stood there. Then he smiled and bowed graciously, ignoring the pain in his bruised ribs. Michael smirked and returned the bow. They looked as if they did this every day.
"Trouble Maxwell?" Michael asked casually.
"Now where did you get that idea?" Max replied.
The fight only lasted a few moments. Max and his crew emerged victorious.
Liz breathed a sigh of relief and thanked the Heavens for answering her prayers. As she wished, Rafe and his buddies slinked away into the shadows. Throwing her inhibitions to the wind she sent Max a most dazzling smile, grateful more than she'd like to admit that he was alive and well. Max looked at her, his eyes boring into her with their intensity. Then he scowled darkly and Liz swallowed nervously. Uh-oh she was in for it, she knew.
When he strode over to her and grasped her arm she did not resist. Infact she revelled in his touch no matter how much she tried to deny it. His palm was large, warm and very very much alive. That was all that mattered at the moment. They spoke not a word to each other although Liz had the distinct feeling that he would be saying a hell of a lot in time. She had the urge to grab him and repeat over and over again how sorry she was, but was wise enough to know that she should keep her mouth shut at this particular moment.
Max was glad that she said nothing, because right now he had so many angry things to say he couldn't even say them. And if she started talking then he would surely strangle her and then all those words he wanted to say would go unsaid. That would not do.
All he wanted to do at the moment was head for his cabin, tend to his wounds and lose himself in the oblivion of sleep. Because the pain from his bruised body could not compare to the sudden pain in the suddenly swollen part of his body. He did not understand it. It was incredible. He had just come out of a beating and as soon as he grabbed her arm all he could think about was losing himself in the oblivion of her.
Luckily no one in the crowd decided to call the magistrate so they made a quick escape back to the ship with no mishaps. The crowd of people had cheered and congratulated them on their victory. Max did not spare them a second glance and hurried Liz along with him.
As soon as Michael's feet hit the deck of the ship a whirlwind launched itself at him and had him stumbling back a few steps, almost falling backward over the said. His arms instinctively wrapped around Maria before she could do further damage to any of them. He was immediately attacked with wet yet passionate kisses that endeared him to her.
"Oh Michael Michael Michael i am so glad you're back!" Maria exclaimed. Michael smiled smugly.
"You have to help me find Liz she fell overboard but she didn't drown because i saw her swimming in the opposite direction though god knows why she would be doing that but i'm afraid that something must have happened to her i tried to get the crew to help but they couldn't find her anywhere when they went in the rowboat and i've been waiting for you to get here forever we have to find Liz she could be hurt or dead or...LIZ!" she did not even bother taking a breath before she entangled herself from Michael's arms and rushed to where Liz was getting over the side and hugged her tight. Michael scowled.
Liz felt so guilty as she returned Maria's hug. Maria thought that it was an accident and that Liz never meant to escape. She did not want to lose her friendship and so she decided not to confide in her that her true motive had been to run away.
"I am well Maria, do not worry yourself. I faced some trouble but Max found and saved me. He was hurt but i am quite grateful for his timely help." Liz tried to placate her . Maria gasped at that piece of news. but before she could demand more details a deep voice interrupted her.
"Yes, and because she is so grateful, my dear Liz is going to aid me in tending to myself, are you not?" Liz whirled her head to see Max standing by the rail his hands crossed over his chest as he leaned back. He cocked a brow when she did not answer immediately.
"Y-yes that is so," she replied without thinking, then her eyes widening at what she just implied. Max's lips quirked up, a visible telling of his amusement that she had not even registered what he said before answering. But he was by no means complaining.
Liz could not believe that she just agreed to take care of him. She was outraged. Taking care of him meant undressing him, cleaning his wounds, heck perhaps even tucking him into bed. She watched as he started walking towards her and observed the almost unnoticeable wincing every time he moved, and Liz immediately felt contrite. He had suffered so much because of her and this was how she repaid him? By feeling outraged that she take care of him? she would have to remedy that. She owed him that atleast.
Max neared her and without pausing raised his arm to softly grasp her upper arm. His fingers caressed where he touched and he felt Liz shiver slightly. He looked into her eyes so see them beautiful and wide. Not in fear. And that absurdly, pleased him greatly.
"Let us go" he said softly and she nodded dazedly. As if on a cloud she allowed him to propel her down the steps and across the hall to his cabin. When he opened the door, already there was a steaming tub of water waiting for his aching body. His crew worked fast, he'd credit them that.
Liz snapped herself out of her dream world as soon as she saw the tub. She knew it was for Max but she could not help the sinful thoughts that arose from their last encounter with a tub. She glanced apprehensively at Max and saw his gaze directed at her. He was remembering too. She could see it in the slight darkening of his eyes. Strangely enough it did not frighten her at the moment.
He moved quickly infront of her, and Liz gasped as he loomed, all masculine above her. She craned her neck to look at him. Their eyes caught and held. His golden pools mesmerized her, drew in like never before. They asked questions which her eyes answered. Questions she did not understand, answers she was not aware she was giving. She was drowning and it felt amazing.
"Undress me." He commanded softly. Liz blinked startled at the request. Undress him?...she couldn't possibly...
"You promised to make it up to me...undress me." he commanded again, just as softly yet more forcefully.
She forced herself to relax. She could undress him. He was hurt after all. All he wanted to do was have a bath...and so she slowly reached trembling hands without further protest to his already half open shirt. Nervously she unbuttoned the last two buttons and swallowing hard moved her hands up his chest in a bold move and over his shoulders, sending the fabric to fall to the floor. She heard him moan softly and looked up to see his eyes closed as if in total bliss.
And suddenly, she felt powerful. It was like nothing she ever felt before. The shy good daughter Elizabeth realized that she held a sensual power over a strong and handsome man and it was a heady sensation. Growing bolder she spotted a darkening bruise on his chest and rose on tip toes to run her lips on it very softly. Max hissed his pleasure, his eyes snapping open in surprise. Liz could do nothing but stare back, incredulous that she could do that.
Max raised a hand to gently wisp her silky hair back from her face. Then before she knew it he moved away and started walking to the tub. As he did that he took off his boots and began undoing his trousers. When he got to the edge, Liz watched in horror and fascination as Max, as casual as if he was eating dinner, dropped his trousers over his hips down to his ankles and stepped out of him.
He was wearing no underclothes.
Liz stared in awe at the magnificence he presented to her, in all his naked glory. Her mouth dried and she wet her lips with her tongue. An unconscious gesture as she openly appraised his well sculpted buttocks. The candle light cast a glow over him that made his skin turn golden and his dark brown hair shimmer in dark contrast.
She almost audibly moaned her disappointment when he raised one muscular leg and then the other and settled into the water. He sighed at the same time Liz did, and she was thankful for that cover-up.
It was terrible. It was unthinkable. It was sinful. And Liz did not care, about anything else, when Max turned his handsome face toward her and requested she come bathe him. She could only obey. Picking up the sponge she sat by his back and slowly and nervously moved it over his smooth back. She noticed a few bruises here and there and went over them very gently so as not to hurt him. A she continued to knead his back her mind began to drift, and she could do was feel.
The texture of his skin was so soft yet so hard. It was a delicious combination. It made her dangerously want to keep on touching him. She kept telling herself that she was doing him a favour. That she was repaying him. But when he asked her softly to stop she knew it was not so. She was enjoying it. That made her blush as red as a beetroot and was thankful that she was behind him.
She wondered if she was supposed to move to the front and do his chest. Her heart pounding wildly , her pulse racing she shimmied into his line of view where he gazed at her with fire in his eyes. Liz swallowed. Sponge still in hand she began moving it over his shoulder and down his chest. Her movement automatic, her eyes still gazing into his.
She sucked in her breath when his hand moved to cover hers. She thought he would stop her, but instead he moved it with her. Together they bathed his chest . Then slowly began moving down to his stomach where she felt it jump at the contact of her fingers. They kept looking into each others eyes. Their hands moved lower. And stopped.
Liz's eyes widened. She felt him grow restless, felt his breathing grow faster.Her gaze moved down to his lips. They were parted looking so moist and delicious she wanted to feel them on her own. Suddenly she wanted to kiss him. Needed to kiss him. To feel him like she had felt him before. Intimately. Her mind grew foggy as the palm of is hand underwater caressed her own hand and arm. Her was driving her insane.
She was dizzy. He face was growing flushed. Her breathing more erratic. And that dampness between her legs was there once more. Max's eyes also moved to her lips. She watched his head grow closer, and closer, until their lips were only inches apart.
Suddenly Max's hand underwater gripped her arm fiercely and at the same time yanked them both up. He stood in the tub while she beside it. Things were going crazy. He was supposed to be angry at her, punishing her for her folly, locking her in her room until she learned some sense, shaking her until she learned never to do it again. But instead he had heard what she told Maria. His desire for her was still great then, and he had jumped at an opportunity like a lust-filled stallion on an unsuspecting mare. She was supposed to be helping him with his wounds. She was supposed to be awe struck by her attraction to him, and realize that she wanted him as he had wanted her to do. But, he realized, he was under her spell as much as she was now under his.
He gazed into her eyes for but one more moment. Her deep brown eyes said it all. He pulled her savagely to him and his lips descended on hers.
Everything around them exploded.