Part 27

Max stalked up the steps and onto the deck. Immediately he was assaulted by the early morning winds, blowing across his face and threading wildly into his hair.His shirt billowed away from his body, leaving his chest almost bare. He had not taken the time to dress accordingly. Infact he had not taken the time to do anything else but make himself decent and get out of his cabin.

Just to get away from the bewitching little beauty encased beneath his bedcovers. Just to distance himself sufficiently away from temptation. A very powerful temptation that was a strain on his control. He was still aching. His manhood still throbbing for further release. It seemed that once...or even twice, just wasn't enough where she was concerned.

And for Max this was a definite first. He had never felt this way about another woman before. It was confusing. Bewildering. Exhilarating. And most definitely satisfying. She had made him feel things that have never affected him before. He didn't know what they were exactly but he knew that she could inflame him to masterfully, whether angrily or passionately, by just a look, a touch and the promise of absolute fulfilment in her eyes.

He could avidly remember the feel of her skin as he traced his fingers over her body. The taste of her lips as he drank her sweet nectar. The silken falls of her hair as he thread his hands through them. And he could also recall the way she had so passionately responded to his lovemaking. It had driven him to new heights of pleasure that had sent them both spiralling into something just like heaven.

And they would come together again.

Max smiled slightly at the thought of Liz refusing to give in to the passion she had shown she was capable of feeling. Not all women had her spirit, he knew from vast experience. Some were cold, or hesitant, or too rough, or ignorant. But Liz...she was a complete definition of passionate. And he'd be damned if he was going to allow it all to go to waste. And what amazed and stunned him the most...was that she was a virgin. Untouched. Pure. And now, his.

He would have her in his bed again.

"Maxwell." Max was shaken out of his thoughts by Michael's voice as he called to him from across the deck. Quickly he strode toward him.

"Morning friend. How goes the Cruella this morning?" he asked immediately, dismissing all thoughts of his sprite for the moment. He was captain first and foremost and his duties preceded his pleasure.

Michael answered amicably, "Still sailing captain. The weathers been kind, it's going to be a smooth journey..."he paused, then gave Max a slow and deliberate look," for wherever it is we're going."

Max ignored the hint for the moment and look toward where they still docked at the French port. They most definitely had to get out of here soon. It would do no good to stick around. Already they had caused trouble and it will not take long to connect his ship and crew to the Hawk's, even though the telling flag was nowhere in sight. He had a certain reputation that followed him through certain circles and Max had learned it was never good idea to stay around one place too long.

But first...business.

" I spoke to One-eared John." he finally spoke abruptly. He didn't like remembering just how little he had managed to learn from him. And he didn't like it even more to remember the reason why. No matter that the day had ended in a more likable atmosphere. He had had his chance to get vital information for his mission but inexorably failed and was left with bits that hardly come up to anything but is all he has to work with.

Michael knew what and whom he was talking about and asked, "What happened?"

Max sighed slightly and said,"I couldn't get enough out of him.." he paused and looked at Michael before saying dryly, "we sort of got..interrupted." And Michael immediately knew just how that happened as he recalled the events of yesterday.

He nodded, "Yes, I'd call that an interruption," he agreed, "So what were you able to find out?"

Max sighed again and moved away to pace the deck next to Michael. His black boots clicked on the hard wood, while his hands raked restlessly through his hair as he began," all I could figure out from what he told me was that he left England about a year ago, came here for a few days and then was going to go home to his own country."

There was a silence. When no more words were forthcoming Michael exclaimed," That's it?"

Max stopped his pacing and looked impatiently at Michael, "I told you I couldn't get enough out of him." he snapped, gesturing with his hand .

"Damn." Michael muttered and raked a hand through his hair, then moved farther away and started pacing himself, then stopped abruptly and looked seriously at Max."So..?"

Max didn't say anything as he walked to the wooden rail and looked out to the sea. A frown marred his forehead. "So..what?" he turned and leaned back staring at Michael without expression. "We go to England."

Michael looked at him for a second, as if trying to judge if Max was joking or has lost his senses. "What!"

Max continued to look at him with an unreadable expression on his face. "You heard me."

"Aye I heard you alright and you better be joking or out of your mind because I refuse to believe you!" He slashed his hand in the air and shook his head.

Max pushed off and walked toward his friend. They stood inches apart and just looked at each other. Conflicting emotions passed between them. Then Max slowly raised his arm and placed his hand gently on Michael's shoulder.

"It doesn't matter whether you believe me or not. I'm going to go back."

Michael pushed away from him and whirled around, "But Christ Max. England!" he exclaimed as if that should explain it all. And it did. It explained so many things. Things that have driven them to what they are now. Things that have taken them from what they used to be. Things that destroyed a part of them.

Max exhaled a deep breath. He too knew what Michael was referring to. But right now it seemed so insignificant to the fact that going back there would bring him one step closer to his objective and he would face anything. Even his own demons to achieve it.

"I know." was all he said, quietly.

But Michael was not finished yet, "And why England anyway Maxwell? He's not even there anymore. One-eared John said that he's gone to his own country...that's-"

"Enough Michael!" Max interrupted. He was starting to get angry and annoyed. His temper rising with Michael's objections, he silenced him and watched him proceed to fume silently.

"I know what he said," he finally began, gently, " and I will follow him, but this is something inside me that is telling me to go back." He paced away and threw his hands in the air. "Who knows what might have happened since we've been gone. It is necessary that I return and sort out my affairs and get some more information." He turned to Michael, "What we couldn't find here must be figured out in England..." he paused, his face suddenly a mask of unreadable emotion.

He turned to look out to sea once again, watching the sun hover gloriously above the reflective clear sea. "Where it all began."

And so they stood, in silence and contemplation. Each in their own hidden torment.

"I hope that One-eared John was telling the truth." Michael finally conceded with a slight shake of his head.

Max's lips quirked up in a dry smile and he looked toward Michael. "Parting with 6 gold coins was no small feat." and then, " I hope so too."

Liz sat there on the bed, naked, for a quite a long time. Her feelings in utter turmoil. Her mind replayed over and over again the events of the past night. Her face grew hotter and redder with every repeat. Her skin still tingled where he had touched. Her lips still ached where he had kissed. And her body still throbbed where he had possessed her. Taken her. Consummated with her. Made love to her.

Made love?...no. It couldn't have been. To make love, there had to be love. And Liz knew there was no such thing with the two of them. If she wanted to give it an emotion she would have to say it was lust. It couldn't have been anything else. Well atleast on his part. As for her...well she really did not know.

Lust as well? something completely different? but if so...what? But as she sat there she thought about her morals. She remembered how she promised herself that she would only ever give herself to the man she loved and married. She had told herself she would never feel the..desire to if she did not love him or want him. That she had to if she was to make love with him.

So what did it mean now? She did not love him. Ofcourse not! She was not going to marry him...that idea was absolutely hysterically laughable. So what then? She 'wanted' him?...Liz paused for a moment in her thoughts to experiment with that idea. Want him? oh aye, that could be said. Certainly every time she even thought about him she would picture him once again, bare and reclining beside on the bed..doing inexplicable things...

Liz shook her head to clear her impure thoughts. So she wanted him. Yes, that was the answer. Nice and simple. And very explanatory. And straightforward. But somehow, even she had to admit that the whole idea seemed...lacking.

Diverting herself from her contemplations at the moment she got up off the bed and, with the sheet still around her, hunted for her discarded dress. She found it pooled on the floor, by the still full tub. She forced herself to block out further images of the night. Dressing silently and hurriedly she then rushed toward the bed and looked down at the evidence that was unavoidable.

Without a second thought she grabbed the sheet and pulled with all her might. Quickly she balled it up and made sure the red mark was hidden within the folds. She stood with it for a moment, not sure what she should do with it, looking around the room. She couldn't stuff it in the chest at the end of the bed or in any of the drawers or cupboards. And then her gaze landed on the tub. Slowly she walked to it. Looking into it she saw her reflection in the water, holding the bundle.Without a second thought she dropped the linen into the water. She watched it soak and start to sink.

And suddenly there was a knock at the door.

Liz jumped away. Her face heated and her eyes widened as if in guilt on what she had done. She wondered apprehensively who it was. First and foremost in her mind she thought it was Max. But then she quickly dismissed it as absurd. The man wouldn't knock. He'd break the door down before he had to perform that courtesy she thought disdainfully. Then she thought it might be one of the crew bringing breakfast.

Very possible, and so she walked to it and slowly turned the handle. The door flung open and a very bright Maria stood on the other side. with a tray of some delicious looking breakfast.

"Morning Liz." she said and without waiting for a response entered the room. Liz watched her walk to the table and place the tray there, then turn around and put her hands on her hips, giving her a pointed look.

Liz started and realized that she was still holding the door open. She quickly shut it and whirled around to greet her in turn. "Good morning Maria. How do you do?" she walked slowly to her and past her to sit on one of the chairs. Maria took the hint and deposited herself on the other side.

"Lovely morning isn't it. I'm good and how're you? here have some breakfast," she pushed the tray toward her and stated, " I already had mine and I just thought I'd come over for a little chat." She leaned her head on her hand on the table as Liz started to dig into her food.

She was feeling very very hungry this morning.

"Whew Liz, you're mighty hungry today. What were you up to last night?" she raised her brow and exclaimed in a teasing tone that told Liz she was not being serious. But ofcourse joking or otherwise, Liz blushed the most furious red and sat very very still in a silent panic. Was it possible they were heard last night?

Maria's eyes rounded in shock. Then she gasped and placed a hand to her mouth to stifle the sound. Her eye brows rose even further. "Oh Liz, dear, don't look so mortified please," she jumped up from her seat and hurried toward her, " I was only teasing you Liz. Honestly I know that all you did last night was sleep. Forgive me please" she pleaded.

Liz's colour slowly began to fade back as comprehension slowly dawned on her. Maria was only joking. She thought she was asleep in her own bed last night. She was just innocent Liz Valenti, prisoner on a pirate ship for stealing. But in reality, she was not innocent-not anymore-, she was not a Valenti and she was a captive of her own stupid folly. Definitely not the same impression she has left Maria. But better.

"Oh Maria, " Liz forced a gay laugh out, "Stop, I beg of you. There is nothing to forgive." she shook her head.

"But I insulted you." Maria countered and frowned at her.

Liz reached up and patted her hand and smiled a small smile as she shook her head again. "No you didn't. I was simply surprised and a little embarrassed to be eating alot. " She laughed again and looked towards her plate. "I didn't even realize i had so much."

Maria seemed to relax finally and grin with her. " You certainly are hungry." she agreed.

And the next half hour was spent in companionable silence as Liz dove into her food and ate with apparent relish. When she was done Maria was talking about Michael and how sometimes he makes her feel on top of the world and then the next make her wish to throw a delicate vase at his head, at the same time. Somehow they always ended up with Maria discussing Michael. Just like last time, Liz thought ruefully. It was as if he lived in her system. But she was only half listening as she herself thought about a certain pirate that affected her in whole different way. Except for throwing a vase at his head. That, she would not mind doing.

"Ofcourse, he doesn't mean to do it you know." Maria was saying. Liz finally turned to her.

"Why do you say that?" she inquired.

"Well tis just his character and who he is, I suppose. He tries mind you and when he does he can be so wonderful," Maria leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes dreamily, her voice trailing off.

" It sounds as if you find him very agreeable." Liz commented with a tilt of her head and a slight smile. Maria opened her eyes and beamed at Liz.

"Oh aye!" she exclaimed, and they both burst into laughter.

When they quieted down, Maria was suddenly looking very serious as she stared at Liz and Liz was beginning to get very disconcerted. Maria looked on gravely and Liz was about to ask what the matter was when Maria finally spoke.

"And what about you Liz?" she asked. Liz's brow furrowed in confusion.

"What about me?" she asked.

"What about you and your captain?" she asked patiently, her expression kind and inquiring at the same time. Liz stilled at the question and swallowed painfully.

"Nothing."was all she said and then after a moment of silence, "and he's not my captain."

It pained Liz to deny all that has happened to her last night but she found that she just could not tell anybody. Not even Maria. Maria was her friend, and she was experienced. Ofcourse she could tell her. Maria would know what to do. How to act. She could solve Liz's conflicting problem. She could help her. She could save her.

But she didn't say anything. She just couldn't. What happened was too soon, too recent. Too fresh. Too raw. If she told Maria she would probably congratulate her and give her tips. Liz didn't want that, and while she knew Maria was a wonderful ally in her current predicament, that problem she was facing now was not one for Maria to solve. She would just give her all the wrong solutions. She would help her alright. Right back into Max's bed.

And it was not a place she wanted to be. Not at all.No,no,no. Perhaps is she said it long enough her body would finally start believing her. It was just not possible. It cannot happen again. The consequences would be too great.

She just has to save herself.

Maria laughed. "Whatever you say Liz." she said humorously.

"That's what I say." Liz said firmly,with a nod.

Maria got up from her seat and wandered over to the porthole as Liz sat there lost in her own thoughts. "Oh!"

Liz turned around at the sound of Maria's surprised exclamation. She saw her looking out the porthole, her eyes wide, her hand to her cheek. "What? What is it?" Liz jumped up and asked her anxiously. What could have happened? Was there something wrong?

"We've set sail." Maria said.

"Oh!" Now Liz was surprised. They've set sail? Pray tell WHERE! what on earth was going on around her. Was she bound on this ship until she has travelled the world before being set free? Would she ever see home again? Is this goodbye for freedom and family forever? She didn't even know when or where or why they sail! She began to feel her heart beat faster, her pulse quicken and her breathing grow uneven, as she realized that she knew absolutely nothing about anything right now. And it was starting to get frightening. Questions swarmed in her head. Unanswered questions. Suddenly she was feeling not too well.

"Liz?Liz!" Maria was quick to come to her side, her expression concerned and worried. She gripped her shoulders and steadied her as Liz began to stumble."Liz, what is the matter? you look awfully pale!"

"I-I.." her voice was too soft, too breathy "I'm fine"

"No, you are not!" Maria admonished " you look like you're about to faint." She clutched Liz closer to her. She looked around the room for a wild moment as if unsure what to do. The she spotted the door. At that moment Liz started gasping slightly and her eyes started rolling back into her head.

"Oh no Liz, come do not faint. I will take you up to the deck. The fresh air will do you good." and with that she started to drag Liz out of the room and up to the deck. Liz followed her step by step without really comprehending where she was going. She had not heard clearly what Maria suggested. And then her eyes were assaulted by a bright light that flashed and made her raise her arm and shield her eyes from the intense glare.

She could feel wind in her hair and on her skin. Warm wind that wrapped around her. Slowly her eyes began to adjust and she suddenly realized that she was up on deck. The salty smell of the sea immediately refreshed her and sobered her. She thanked heaven she did not faint. She really should not have panicked so. It was too nauseating and daunting. So she forcefully shoved any ideas about drifting off forever away from home firmly from her mind. It would not happen she told herself.

It was then that she began to notice things around her. Maria was beside her, asking if she was alright and holding on to her. The deck was swaying beneath her wobbly feet. The sky was a clear bright blue. The warm wind was sweeping around her in an embracing manner. Slowly, she turned her gaze upward and looked in the general direction of the bright fireball. And the sun, well...its fires could not compare now to the sudden heat she felt from Max's gaze behind her.