Part 28
Liz looked away from the morning sky. Her eyes riveted away from the bright light. Her body stilled, against the beating heat. Her skin tingled and her breathing grew scarce. The wind blew across her features and attempted to cool her suddenly hot skin. But she noticed none of these. All she felt were his eyes. On her. Roaming over her body. Sending signals of fiery intensity that made her tremble. She could feel them. Moving up and down. Taking it in. Taking her in.
Unbidden, came the will to turn around. It gripped her and sensually persuaded her. Her body moved on its own volition. She turned. And was met head on with pure, and hot amber. Golden slits that slashed over her. Enveloping her with their heat. The emotion was sucking her in. Drowning her. She was helpless to resist the burning.
And then he blinked.
And Liz was shaken back to reality. She avoided his eyes, instead taking the rest of him in. He was magnificent. White shirt billowing against a wide smooth chest. Black breeches that fit against tapered waist and lean hips. And shining black boots, that moulded snugly to a pair of well muscled legs. A sight that any woman would dream of. A character out of the most seductive books. He was a man. A real man, standing right before her. In the flesh.
A force greater than her will made her glance upward to his ruggedly handsome face. His soft dark hair was wind blown. A tantalizing lock hung over his forehead. The sensual mouth tight. And then it curved, and Liz was startled enough to jump slightly. Her eyes widened and she shook her head at the thought of staring at his mouth.
She chanced a glance at his eyes from beneath her lashes. The devil was amused. Sniffing indelicately she whirled around and tried to ignore him. But ofcourse to no avail. She heard the click of his boots before he even took a step. And they were coming straight at her.
" To what do I owe the great pleasure?" was breathed huskily from behind her, right against her ear. She couldn't suppress the shiver that ran through her. Her throat grew suddenly dry.
" Good morning to you captain. We just came up for some fresh air." Maria spoke up. Whether she was oblivious of Liz's inability to speak at the moment and she just happened to speak first or she knew of her trouble and stepped in for her, she didn't show.
The hot breath left her ear as she heard him straighten up. " ..Maria...is it not?" he asked sounding faintly amused. Maria simply acknowledged him with a nod and a smile. And after that Liz knew he had dismissed her from his mind. For the heat from behind her grew closer and she was sure, should she move an inch backward she would be pressed right up against him. Somehow she didn't know how she made her body resist the urge.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" the last word was purred, as he repeated his question to her. Liz glanced helplessly at Maria, who was watching the display between the two of them. Maria was looking up at Max, and appeared to read something in his eyes because she backed away with a muttered excuse about Michael waiting for her. Hardly daring to glance at Liz.
Liz panicked for a moment, then came to the realization that they were in everyone's view and he was deliberately unnerving her. Steeling herself to be calm, cool and collected-or so she made it appear on the outside-, she stepped forward, and away from him. The heat immediately left her and Liz could not suppress a shiver as the wind beat against her heated back. Grabbing her swishing skirts with trembling hands, she swung around to meet his direct gaze.
" You owe nothing," she began, then turned cowardly, and shifted her eyes from his penetrating ones. " I simply wished for some fresh air a-and a walk." she spoke lightly and tried to sound dismissive.
He nevertheless took a step toward her. Until she was once again flush up against him, but now from her front. Even more dangerous to her senses. Her eyes remained riveted to the blue horizon that stretched out forever. She dared not look at him again. His very presence played havoc with her soul. But should she drown within the depths of his brandy liquid eyes...
She couldn't withhold a gasp when he leaned into her, pressing their chests closer together. Her breasts fit against his hard chest. She could feel them involuntarily tingle and harden at the intimate contact. But before she could protest or even think to push him away, he further assaulted her senses.
His large warm hand was suddenly enveloping hers. The fingers held on tightly, when she would have attempted to break away. Slowly. Ever so slowly, he raised it. Liz stifled a shocked gasp when he started to drag it up, all the while keeping it in full contact with his side. She could feel the hard texture of his muscles as they bunched and flexed. The tight fabric of his breeches appeared to offer no barrier to the flesh she could feel beneath. Her protesting words hitched in her throat, and all she could do was feel.
And then he brought her hand to his front, and Liz jerked. Her startled gaze swung to his and she stared, open-mouthed,into his face. The amber eyes held controlled fire and a gleaming amusement. The beautifully sculptured lips curved in a lazy, yet sensual smile, that took her breath away. Their hands moved farther up, and when she would have though he would do continue as they reached the most crucial part...He leaned away and swiftly brought her hand up to his lips.
He held it there as he stared at her. The fire had appeared to spread and the gleaming pools were suspiciously glowing now. Liz held her breath, her fuzzy thoughts unable to take anything in clearly. And then he brushed a feathery light kiss to her knuckles. And Liz almost swooned. Max leaned in close once again, but this time not only his chest, but his face was inches from hers. Their noses touched. Their lips barely apart. Liz was frozen in her place.
"It's a pleasure nevertheless." he whispered huskily. Liz tried to resist, truly she did. But then he was weaving such a hypnotic spell around her , she was powerless to resist. And he wasn't even making an effort. His mere presence rendered her weak with a sudden longing she did not understand. One inch. That was all that was needed for their lips to touch. Their eyes drank each other. Max's dark and intense and hers melting with surrender. He looked about to lean closer. Her lashes fluttered and then closed softly. She waited.
She could feel his hot breath fanning her lips. " Enjoy your walk."
And then he was gone. Striding purposefully, with all the predatory grace and litheness. Away from her. Leaving her standing on the deck, her eyes wide and her mouth hanging open in utter astonishment. She shook herself out her stupor. What on earth just happened? Had she just went against all her present convictions and almost begged for his embrace? Liz did not like the answer. She liked his rejection of her offering even less. If she was not at the moment immersed in purely feminine piqu¨¦, she would have noticed the perverseness of it all.
In no time Maria was back by her side and stating that Michael was busy after all so she was going to spend the rest of her time with her. Liz believed that, except for the part of her going to look for him in the first. Somehow she knew a certain dark-haired devil prompted her to excuse herself and leave them in solitude. But she did not press her or demand an explanation. She didn't blame her in the first place. Who wouldn't be intimidated by that-that...man! She resisted the urge to take another look at him, now standing farther away and expertly guiding the ship.
It was amazing the things she had gone through the moment she had been deposited like a sack of grains in his cabin. What fate had brought her here?She gazed at the bright blue sky, seeking answers from the unknown. And when will it end?
When will she be free?
"Why are you here Maria?"
Maria looked startled at her question and gave her a quizzical look. "What ever do you mean Liz?", she questioned as they sat in a far off corner of the ship, where they would not be disturbed or gazed at.
"Why are you here," Liz repeated, she frowned and looked around the ship," on this ship?" then looked back at her, "What brought you here?"
Liz was taken by surprise when Maria burst out laughing." I brought me here Liz." and at
Liz's bewildered look Maria chuckled and shook her head. "I came here on my own free will."
Liz's eyebrows rose. "But why! And how was it permitted?"
Maria shrugged. "It was not." and when Liz once again looked lost, she elaborated further, " They did not I was onboard when they set sail. I swam."
Liz's eyes widened. Her mouth opened and shut several times. Indeed, she was not sure what should come out of her mouth. She looked at Maria closely. Really looked at her. She realized that she was not some crazy, talkative person that is always complaining about her man. She saw determination, courage and an 'if you want it go get it' motto clearly stated around her. Her aura was loving.
"Why?" Liz asked. "Why go through all that?"
Maria just looked at her and smiled, a secret smile."Because of him." she answered.
Liz had a fair idea who she was talking about, but she still didn't understand. Why sacrifice everything you are, your life, for a pirate? What made her want this? What made her take the chance on a man who would never live a normal life? It was too fantastical and so improbable. What could posses a woman to abandon everything she had ever known for a risk?
And when she voiced her question allowed, she saw Maria's eyes glaze over and then take on such a glow that left the green in them sparkling like emeralds. " I have asked myself this many times believe me but every time it always comes back one thing. Him. It was just him. From the moment I've met him it was like an explosion and when I looked into his eyes I positively melted, and I knew that this man was something special." She gave a soft smile. " So I took a chance. Haven't you ever met a man that made all your senses explode with just a glance? Made you heart beat faster and you stomach feel all fluttery inside?" she looked intently at Liz, "Have you ever felt this...magic feeling that made anything possible? Made you want to do anything just for another taste?"
Liz knew she was trying to tell her that Michael made her feel this way and that she had given up her life for another taste. She just wondered how long it would last. Maria seemed confident and Michael...well she hadn't really met the fellow yet but she hoped he deserved Maria. Because it was clear of her feelings for him.
As for her...Yes to everything. Her senses came apart because of his very presence even. Her pulse still raced from their recent encounter and every time she thought of him her heart missed a curious beat. His eyes held such delicious mysteries that where ever so hypnotic. They drew her in and held her captive. She wondered if it was magic, this feeling that consumed her entire being and almost made her burst with endless possibilities. Whatever they were, she knew one thing. She must resist another taste, because somehow she knew, the fire that he burned within her, could rise to consume her. And so she resolved to stay away from him. It was the only way and the only solution. She would do her best ignore him and keep her distance.
But that resolution did not last long.
"Maxwell!"
Max turned from his position and gazed at Michael as he made his way hurriedly to him.
He sensed it already. It was in the air. Swirling around him. The wind blew in all directions, teasing him. Enticing him. The scent filled his nostrils, the dampness clinging to him like a second skin. He could feel it. Coming toward him. In all his experience as a Captain his instincts never faltered. And he knew what was coming.
"I thought you said it was going to be smooth sailing." Max blew out an exasperated breath.
"Yeah well, my instincts back then needed some tuning." Michael muttered and refused to meet his eye.
"You got distracted." Max was clearly not amused. He had just cost them valuable information that could be a danger to their lives. And the ship.
"Whatever." It was as close to an apology tone that he was going to get at the time, and then sobered immediately, " What do we do?" They could deal with his stupidity later.
"What else can we do Michael." Max shrugged then turned his gaze up to the clear blue sky. " We ride it."
"It feels like a bad one." Michael predicted and he too cast a glance skywards. "How long?"
Max thought for a moment. And felt. " About an hour at the most."
"Christ! we don't need this now." Michael raked a hand through his hair and paced a few steps before Max caught his arm to halt him.
"Calm down Michael. We have time to prepare." he assured. "Inform the crew. Get them to bolt every single object that needs it. We can't take any chances on having something hitting someone or falling off. Make sure the crew are tied down. I don't want to lose any men over this." he stated before consulting the sky again.
"It's going to be one hell of a storm."
Liz watched warily as Max made his approach. She didn't like the look on his face. It was intent. And grim. Something was wrong. She could tell the moment he came within view. His strides were abrupt, tense and clipped. He was not happy. And from the way she observed the crew running about bolting things to the deck, and tying things down, she wasn't feeling very happy either. She wondered why she had allowed Maria to go search for Michael. She suddenly needed her her.
She tried not to let the sudden fear and apprehension show on her face as he came to a stand before her. He was frowning as he eyed her, and Liz felt he did not appreciate her being here at the moment. For some inane reason she didn't like it that he felt that way. Shoving that thought from her mind she faced him bravely. She waited for him to speak.
"Go down into the cabin." He demanded.
Liz leaned back in surprise. This was it? He was demanding she go down there. Was he at the end of his patience and was now going to use brute strength to force her! Her stomach lurched at the thought. Well she won't go down without a fight.
"Go down to your cabin? I think not." she raised her chin and eyed him defiantly.
At first he gave her a blank look, that made her start for a moment. And then his handsome face contorted with anger as he looked her up and down. " I do not want you in my bed!"
Liz bit back a stunned gasp. Did she just hear him right? He didn't want her? He didn't want her. He posture relaxed slightly. He wouldn't be talking her to his bed again, not today. He was not going to force his will on her. They were not going to make love. She didn't like it that she had felt a slight of disappointment at his declaration. She should well be relieved!
"At least...not now." he added with a wicked grin. He must have seen her betraying expression. She turned sour at the thought and crossed her arms over her chest, as a tiny measure of defence against him. She did not want him knowing that despite all, she had enjoyed the experience. Both times.
"Why should I?" she asked, changing the subject and referring to the demand he had issued her.
" Look there is no time for me to argue with you. Time is critical now and you are going to the cabin." and before she knew it he was grasping her arm and dragging across the deck toward the stairs.
After the initial shock she regained her composure and stubbornly dug her heels and yanked her arm. She stumbled, as his own surprise caused him to release he abruptly. She set herself upright and glared at him.
"You have no manners at all you know that?"
Max was taken aback for a moment before raising a brow at her. " I didn't think so. I believe I behaved just as supposed."
Liz's mouth opened wide at his answer. "By being rude and a brute?"
Max shrugged. "I use whatever manners that befit the situation."
Liz bristled. "This situation did not warrant such an uncivilized act."
"Ahh but you forget sprite, I'm not civilized." he displayed upon her a lazy smirk, and then he was grabbing her and dragging her toward him. Flush up against him.
Liz struggled to get free. When his iron band hands closed even more tightly around her she knew she had no way of getting out of them. She huffed and glared up at him. "Let me go!"
"Tut tut now who's being rude." he admonished teasingly.
Liz's eyes narrowed, " I use whatever manners that befit the man" she sniffed haughtily. To her chagrin he craned his neck back and let out a loud bellow of rich laughter that filled her ears to the brim.
But still he didn't let her go, "I said let me go." she said between clenched teeth.
Max leaned down and smiled teasingly at her. "Say please." he whispered. Liz felt her ire rise once again. Why of all the-
"Say it."
The arrogant, selfish barbari-
"Please." she hissed out.
He gave her an innocent look. "Please what?"
And before she could roar her rage like a lioness and tear is head off he moved away with another bellow of laughter. He kept his hand around her waist and carried her and her outrage down the steps and into his room. Once he set her down she moved away from him and took in her surroundings before turning back to face him. A glare in her eyes.
"What am I doing here?" she asked icily.
Max disregarded her coldness with a shrug. "This is the only place that is safest for you."
Liz just had to raise her eyebrows. " I don't think the word 'safe' is an appropriate adjective." She refused, refused to even glance at the bed. Max must have caught her meaning because he chuckled and looked meaningfully there.
When his gaze returned to hers it was dark and full of banked fires. "Aye. Definitely not safe." he growled and almost started for her before checking himself. He muttered something under his breath before forcing himself to wall over to the chest.
She watched as he rummaged through it and wondered what it was he was doing, or looking for. When he produced a length of rope Liz's heart leaped to her chest. She attempted to swallow the lump in her throat. What did he intend to do with that?
But her frantic had hardly any time to make up horrid scenes of him tying her up and doing inexplicable things to her-she would hardly admit that half of them were no tortures that included pain-, before he was throwing it at her and shutting the chest.
Liz stared dumbly down at the rope in her hands then looked up to see him striding toward her.
"I want you to tie yourself up to something." Oh Lord, images flashed through her mind. Erotic images. She did not need this right now.
"Why?" she demanded. Tie herself up? Most certainly not! What on earth was he thinking.
He muttered underneath his breath something she was sure was a curse. "You ask too many questions you know that?"
Liz gripped the rope more tightly and held back an unladylike snort. "I think I'm entitled to, considering the circumstances. "She jiggled the rope for emphasis.
"It's for your safety." he was annoyed and answered shortly.
"I gathered that captain." she answered patiently and then raised a brow. "But safety from what?"
Max sighed and raked a hand through his hair and gave her a look. " From a storm."
"A storm? A storm?"
"You heard right."
"There is absolutely nothing wrong with my hearing. I'm just shocked. When? How? Why?" She really should try not to panic.
She tried even more when she saw his look gentle. " In less than a hour. Mother nature, and I really don't know the reason. Just tie yourself to the bed and stay on it. Or else you'll be rolling around." That was not comforting.
"Is it that bad? Is Maria safe? I can't stay here I have to go to her." She didn't want to admit but even in the prospect of a storm the idea of being on that bed unnerved her greatly. But he seemed oblivious.
"Yes, Maria's taken care of and you're staying here." he ordered and moved to cross to the door. Liz was a little slow and he was already at the door before she could think of anything else to protest to. "And don't forget to tie yourself up." Without another second's miss he was gone, door slamming behind him.
In a fit of nervous temper she burst out, "Well you could have said please!" and it was the most ridiculous thing to say. Ofcourse he wouldn't say please. It wasn't in him. He was a pirate after all. No manners. No manners at all.
At the moment she dismissed him slightly- because for some reason she never could fully- and looked back down at the rope. A storm was coming. There was going to be rain, and wind and large waves. The ship could be flooded. They could even sink! That thought terrified Liz and made her quickly tie the rope around her and walk determinedly to the bed. This was no time to have an aversion to it. She climbed atop it and crawled to the headboard. She tied the other end there securely.
Liz sat there for a few moments, not sure what to do. The room was quiet. To quiet. She couldn't even hear any movement above her. And then a low rumble sounded from far away. Instinctively she turned her gaze to the porthole. She could see the dark black clouds approaching. The wind was already howling. She shivered. And suddenly realized that she forgot to close the porthole.
15 minutes later she was clutching in terror at the head board, as the ship began the powerful swaying. At first it was barely noticeable but was growing more and more forceful. The first drops of rain started to cascade from the sky. And soon it was absolutely pouring. The swaying became violent bucking and Liz huddled more closely and clutched the rope with a death grip.
None of the other furniture moved because they were bolted to the floor. For that she was thankful. Although a chair toppled and started to slide from side to side. She could barely hear the stomping and shoutings of the men up on deck. She wondered how they were doing up there. It must be really horrible. She closed her eyes and buried her face in the pillow trying to dismiss the terrible images that arose within her mind.
And then she heard quick footsteps coming down, and approaching her door. She sat up just as the door smashed open. The terrified scream got stuck in her throat. Max stood there. His clothes plastered against his body. He was absolutely drenched. His boots squished as he crossed the room, with scant regard to her, to the chest and began to go through it once more.
She stared open mouthed as he discarded his shirt and donned another one. It was then she realized how torn it was and wondered in fear what happened to him. He glanced at her then hurried to a cupboard and retrieved from it a slicker that he immediately donned as protection from the rain. He spared her no other looks and went back to the door.
"Wait! What's going on? Is everything alright?" her nervousness and panic made her stammer slightly and her voice came out hysterical over the roar of the thunder. He paused and looked back at her. He gazed from her to the rope.
"Just stay like you are!" he shouted and completely ignored her other questions. He was out the door before she could form a thought. She guessed he didn't have the time. She looked up and wondered once again what was going on up there.
Suddenly the wind blew murderously and rain and cold splattered over the room. She had not found the courage to go close it yet. She was too scared. But now she realized that if she was ever going to survive the night she had to shut it. Carefully she untied the rope from the headboard as the ship gave another heave. Unfortunately she could not manage a grip in time so she went sliding off the bed and onto the floor with a loud thud.
She groaned at the slight pain but shook it off. This was not the time. Determinedly she crawled to the closest piece of furniture which was a chair and hung on to its leg as the ship rolled beneath her. When it quieted for a moment she pushed herself up and stumbled onto wobbly legs.
The floor moved beneath her once again and she fell back and hit her side with the arm. Liz gritted her teeth at the pain. She looked toward the porthole and found she only had to walk a few feet before reaching it. She gripped the chair strongly as she suffered another heave and then the instance it stopped she leaped for it.
Liz slammed against the wall and her head pounded achingly. She almost slid to the floor if not for the panic that swept through her and kept her alert and oblivious to the pain. Reaching an aching hand she clutched the porthole and slammed it shut with all her might. That done she breathed a sigh of relief and started to make her way back to the bed and safety.
She was halfway there before lightning struck, thunder rumbled, rain splattered more sharply, and the ship lunged mightily and then rolled back aggressively. A scream form her lips came out mute, as she toppled over and slammed her head against the edge of the bed. Pain flooded through her. And then blackness consumed her.