Part 33
She screamed on the inside. Her throat wouldn't work well enough to allow her voice through. All she could was swallow convulsively. Her legs where running before she even took the folds of her dress in her hands and held the up to make her way quickly to him. Her heart had stopped beating for one awful second before it began its endless beating again, fast and irregular. Her breathing grew labored, her eyes never left him. Her steps echoed along the deck. Almost there.
She felt Michael straighten. He was reaching for her, to draw her back and away. Determinedly she pushed past him, hard enough to make him stumble back slightly. No one was going to get in her way. Before she knew it, she was on her knees beside him, her shallow breaths puffing against his lifeless one, her entire body trembling horribly, while his was as still as death.
She sniffed loudly and reached unsteady hands to his face. Her hands cupped his cold cheek,as she turned him towards her. She silently prayed he would open his eyes, and then stare at her, until she drowned within their amber depths. Until she praised and cursed the unmistakable power he had over her. But he didn't and she shook him, trying to draw him awake.
" Max," she whispered hoarsely, she shook harder. " Max." Wake up! Open your eyes and don't leave me like this you beast of a man!
But he didn't. Before she knew it her hands were at his chest, checking to see his wounds. When she looked down she saw her fingers stained with blood. Max's blood. The arrogant brute who was so full of power and confidence, so full of life. Liz sniffed again, trying to keep the treacherous tears at bay. This was no time to cry, no time to face the pain.
The man she loved was dying before her very eyes!
With anger in her eyes and voice, she looked at Michael who was standing beside her, his own eyes asking, pleading, if there was anything she could do. There were no physicians around she knew, or else one would have been brought to them, a sword at his neck threateningly if need be. She herself had to do something, and fast.
" What happened?" she choked out, afraid of the worst.
Michael answered in a wavering voice, " Bullet." was all he said.
" Hurry! I want him stripped, and put in bed. Then I wish for clothes, bandages, hot water and anything else I might need." she almost spat. She was just so afraid. She knew what she was capable of. She just hoped, and prayed, that it would be enough. A bullet, god help us.
No one hesitated to do as she requested. Immediately two men came to carry Max, as gently as they could, down to his cabin, with Michael and Liz hot on their heels. The rest went took care of what she needed.
In the late hours of the night, Liz sat beside him, praying that he would not succumb to the fever. She hoped that she had done well. She taken out the bullet successfully, without taking out her insides. She's bathes it with alcohol, which was abundant, to disinfect it, and then she'd had Michael heat up a knife and place it on the wound as she stood out side, unable to bear the sight. After that she'd cleansed and bandaged the wound. They could only leave it to god now.
They weren't so lucky. When she later checked his temperature, Liz found that it was soaring. Immediately she panicked, calling for Michael. He brought in a bowl of ice cold water and Liz quickly started to bathe him, to keep him cool. It seemed to be doing little good because before long Max started thrashing, and then mumbling incoherent words. It looked like he was having a nightmare.
" Isabel!" Liz jerked when he suddenly called out her name. Isabel? Who was this Isabel? A lover? A wife? It was ridiculous at this times but Liz felt a great jealously ripping through her.
He murmured a few other words as he threw his head from side to side. " Isabel," he whispered. " What do you want the money for honey?" His hands flapped out, as if trying to reach something, or someone. " Don't you have enough clothes?" he sounded exasperated. He thrashed a bit more.
Liz tried her best to soothe him, murmuring unintelligible words, continuing to bathe his forehead, his face. And then suddenly she almost jumped off the bed with the force of his jerk. Liz sat back with a yelp of surprise. And then he began to fight in earnest. Liz choked back a sob as she tried to calm him. Tears threatened to roll down her cheeks as she lay half on top of him, trying to still him.
" Damn you! You bastard, sonofabitch..." Liz wanted to close her ears against the assault but she couldn't because she was doing her best in subduing his flailing fists.
" I'll get you for this! You'll pay! Arghh," he mumbled a few other things that Liz couldn't make out and thrashed around some more.
"Oh Max please. Calm down. Shhh, shhh. It's ok. Shh." she whispered, staring at his fevered face.
As if by miracle, he quieted somewhat, as if he heard her. " Isabel." he whispered, and Liz's heart clenched.
" Isabel?" he asked now, louder. Liz swallowed the lump in her throat.
" I'm here Max. It's alright. I'm here." she sniffed slightly. Her hands caressed his hot cheeks. He shuddered.
"Isabel," and Liz's heart broke at the immense pain she could hear in that one word.
" I'm here, " she whispered.
" I'm sorry.." he mumbled a few other things, " ..should've protected you..." he muttered something. Liz continued to calm him and bathe him. "...my revenge..."
Liz stared at him in the early hours of the morning, wondering, about pirate Max's life. And the pain and anger that seemed to haunt him. But then she briskly covered him and told herself it was none of her business.
4 days later
Liz sighed dreamily as she sat in the tub of warm water. It seemed like a lifetime since she'd had a decent bath. And now that Max was going to be alright she decided to enjoy the sweet luxury. As she bathed she thought of how well he'd recovered those past days. It was as if he had never been shot at all. But he was still slightly weak, and was advised not to do anything too straining for his physical strength. Max stared at her when Michael said that, and Liz's blush was as bright as a beetroot.
After that, Liz tried to stay away from him. He was still confined to the bed, to his immense frustration, but she was still cautious. Now he was asleep and Liz was quietly relaxing, after setting up a screen between them so he couldn't see.
When the water grew cold Liz slowly stepped out, the water sloshing gently. Quickly she went to reach for the towel that was draped on the chair. But she was unavoidably detained when an arm snaked around her and she was brought back against a hard male chest. She knew who it was, before he even spoke.
" A more beautiful sight i have never seen, " he whispered hotly in her ear. Liz shivered.
"Max," she breathed, " I thought you were asleep."
" I was too full of thoughts of you," he murmured, " of wanting you." His hands moved to caress her bare skin.
She shivered and belatedly realized she was naked. She shivered again, and tried to move away, but he held her to him.
" You are cold," he kissed the curve of her shoulder, " Let me help..."
Liz resisted, " But Max-" She got to say no more because he twisted her head around and his lips met hers in a kiss that nearly took her breath way. It was a while before he broke away, his hands bringing her to a state of such wanting that she was ready to burst. And this man had been shot only a few days ago?
He made her begin to ache for him. She almost protested when he left her. She wasn't the only one, because she could feel his growing erection brush her buttocks as he moved away. He was naked too!
Max turned away to take up the towel. He faced her, his lips set in a small smile, murmuring incoherent words. Liz's breasts heaved, begging to be touched. Max gently wrapped the towel around her shoulders, the cotton side against her skin, then began to rub her firm flesh dry. He swelled even more in reaction.
" You're an incredible woman," he murmured. He moved to stand behind her, his hands sliding the towel down her arms. Liz was frozen, but her breathing was heavy. She knew she should, but she just couldn't stop, or make him stop. She was hypnotized, and she wasn't even looking into his eyes!
" Everything about you entices me-excites me," he said low, kneading her strong yet slim arms. Oh heavens! It was a shameless seduction and she was willingly going along.
He paused, looking down over her shoulder, at her petite breasts. Liz was shaking, although he knew it was no longer from the chill. " Your breasts are beautiful, wet and gleaming like this," he said.
She made a slight, strangled sound. No woman should endure this sensual torture.
" He reversed the towel and pulled the silk side over her breasts, drying them at first briskly, then slowly. He watched the hard peaks engorge. Liz began to sway as Max's hands splayed, cupped her. " I love your breasts," he said thickly, kneading them. Then a strange thought occurred to him. It wasn't just her breasts he loved-
" Oh god," Liz gasped, interrupting his disturbing thoughts. He realized that his thumbs had grazed her nipples.
" You are shaking," he whispered in her ear, well aware that his breath was hot and erotic. " You are so wet Liz." He rubbed the towel over her belly languidly. Liz shuddered, whimpered. And as he did so, for the first time, he allowed his erection to brush the cleft between her buttocks. Although he wore his breeches he was so large that the fabric was strained to the breaking point.
" I am going to make you very very warm." he whispered against her neck, watching his hand on the towel as he pushed it lower and lower still. " I love looking at you Liz." And he knew he meant it. He knew he could look at her forever. He knew he could do lots of things with her forever.
Liz stood as straight as an arrow, aware of the amazing feelings of pleasure that were spreading through her and welcoming them with everything she had. She wouldn't think of the consequences now, or that they might part ways soon, or the way they live their lives, or who he is and who she is. Tonight they are simply a man and a woman who-at the way things are progressing- are going to make passionate love. It didn't matter that the 'love' may only be one sided, she wouldn't even worry about that fact right now. All that mattered was that she was going to wrap him around her and make them both lose themselves in the wonder of it all.
"Spread you thighs," he ordered,"so I can dry all of you."
Oh god, the man left her no room to even think! She was too enraptured. Too far gone.
Liz moaned, obeying him. Max molded the silk over her sex, used it to separate her folds, and finally, his own body shuddering, he thrust his thumb up against the silken towel and began to manipulate her clitoris. Liz sagged against him and cried out. He felt her convulsing. Quickly he turned her around to face him, his lips attacking hers with desire and a remarkable tenderness that left her breathless. She wrapped one arm around his neck and the other drifted downward, exploring.
It slid against a hard , smooth chest. Her fingers drifted over his male nipples and stayed there for a bit, toying with them, fascinated by the slight shivers that wracked him. When her palm touched his stomach, the muscles there clenched. Liz dipped her index finger into his navel. Max let out a groan. She knew where that hand was headed, and she knew she wanted it to get there. She needed to touch him, to explore him, find out about the amazing piece of him that could bring her such pleasure. Yet she was hesitant. She had come this far, there was no reason, or will to turn back, but she couldn't manage to do it.
Max seemed to sense her distress and desire. He reached down and opened his breeches, allowing his phallus to spring free. Liz gasped at the sight.He took her hand before she could make a move, and molded it against his naked manhood . Her eyes widened and she stifled a yelp of surprise and instinct made her pull her hand away. Only Max gripped her tightly, making her stroke his huge, hard, slickly swollen length. Liz was fascinated as she watched, the feel of him, like steel encased within a velvet glove, and so gloriously powerful and male. She wondered how it would feel against her lips. Her face burned like fire at the erotic thought.
She looked up and saw his eyes closed, his face strained and rigid. Without thought, her grip tightening, Liz bent down low and kissed the ripe, plumlike tip. Max gasped and arched slightly. She straightened quickly and let go of him, afraid she had done something wrong. But when he opened his eyes and looked down at her, Liz almost choked on the black and potent desire she saw swirling within their depths. He reached for her, the towel dropping from his fingers, and Liz went blissfully into his open arms.
Liz sat on the edge of the bed, watching Max sleep. How boyish and innocent he looked, not like the worldly pirate he was when he was awake. Tenderly, her fingers brushed the hair from his temple. Tears gathered in her eyes. She couldn't believe it yet, still found it hard to conceive, just how much he had come to mean to her. It was unbelievable, it was beyond understanding, but it was so true. She should have known it the first time she looked into his eyes, the first time they touched...but she had been in denial then. For, how could she ever love a pirate? Did she not want an honest and fair and kind gentleman to lay claim to her heart? Max was the complete opposite to what she had envisioned, and she loved him.
It was so wrong, yet it sounded so right. She did not know when hate had turned to love. Was it when he saved her from that villainous group? Was it when he made such tender love to her for the first time? Was it when he cared for her through all the days she was wounded? Or perhaps when he honored her wish and took mercy on the captain of the other ship? The feelings he churned in her were so euphoric and yet to agonizing, it was enough to tear her apart. And she did not know what to do.
Much much later
She didn't know where the man got his stamina from! They had barely left the bed to get dressed before they were in each other's arms again!As she buttoned the last button on her dress, with a little diffuclty she glanced back at Max, who had only his breeches on. He was staring at her.
Liz blushed and looked away. " You should stay in bed. Regain your strength."
The moment it was out of her mouth she knew she'd made a big mistake. No matter that she only said it out of concern for his wound. Max's eyes flared with a strange but familiar light and he walked toward her.
" Regain my strength eh?" he intoned provocatively." Let me show you just how much energy i have left."
And before Liz could protest, she was in his arms, and being taught a most sensual lesson. One, she predicted hazily, that would rival all others.
Max pulled her to him almost savagely and began to really show her. Devour her.Liz dug her nails into his shoulders, lost in the pleasure. He held her hair in his fist like a rope, high up on her nape, close to her scalp, so she could not turn away from him. Not that she felt she had the willpower to. His lips were demanding, Liz parted hers in response. He thrust his tongue between them, just as he thrust himself erotically against her, making her aware of how hot and hard and huge he was against her own swollen sex.
Max jerked on her head once, and pushed her up against the wall. Pinned there Liz felt the last of whatever resistance she felt, ebb away. He nipped at the corner of her lips and he ducked lower,tearing down her bodice as he did so. His mouth claimed her nipple and Liz cried out, and tried to bring him closer. She held him close, gasping as he tugged and sucked, using his teeth so skillfully. When he pressed on her shoulders, urging her to the floor, Liz followed willingly. His name escaped her lips.
Her bodice was down around her waist, torn. Now Max pushed up her skirt, glad she had no drawers of which to dispose of. Liz could not stand the anticipation, not for another instant. Her hands found his breeches, brushing the massive bulge there, fumbling with the tiny buttons. Max laughed hoarsely, thrust her hands away, and freed his erection from its confines. Liz moaned at the sight of him. Unable to resist, she touched him, a long, caressing stroke upon his velvety flesh.
"You're mine Liz," Max said harshly, " always. Do you understand me?"
" Yes," she whimpered, hardly knowing what she was saying. She whispered, " I'm yours Max, always-Ohh!"
Max thrust all the way into her. Liz bucked, meeting him as savagely as he took her. Their cries sounded in unison, their breaths mingled, as he plunged into her repeatedly. Liz's explosion came very quickly. Dazed, shuddering still, Liz felt him withdraw his hardness from her. She protested. He hushed her, lying atop her fully, panting and shaking, kissing her ear, her neck. Liz moaned, and despite the return of partial sanity, she was hardly replete.
"Max," she whispered, stroking his back. Using her nails, letting him know what she wanted yet again.
" You are insatiable," he muttered thickly, " but then, so am I."
He eased his bulk into her again, this time slowly. Liz shifted restlessly, wanting so much more. But he only smiled at her, his eyes dark, gleaming. His withdrawal was so long and slow it was painful. Liz hissed. He laughed huskily, bent to nip her nipple, and began to rub the ripe to bursting head of his penis against the folds of her sex. Liz jerked, crying out, but not in protest, only in need for far more.
" We have hardly had the chance to explore each other Liz," Max murmured, rubbing back and forth so languidly that Liz thought she might day. How could he say that, when he knew every dip and curve in her body and she every muscle and angle in his? They'd spent the better part of the night doing do, and this time was no exception. At that thought she found herself responding, exploding. Her sudden release took them both by surprise.
Max hugged her, panting, still stiff and throbbing between her legs. " Greedy witch," he whispered in her ear. " I can feel you still want more."
" Oh god," Liz whimpered, unable to contain herself, " I do. I want you. Every single inch of you." It was half the truth that she couldn't help but finally blurt.
He laughed the sound arrogant. " You cannot take every inch of him, treasure." Was there a hidden meaning in that?
She gazed up at him, unable to find answers in his eyes and deciding that whether there was or wasn't she would meet that challenge. And hope he knew that she could take him,all of him. For all he was, and with everything she was. Her eyes grew dark, defiant, wicked and challenging. " No?"
He smiled slyly. " I think not." He raised up on his hands and knees. Liz looked at what he displayed. She met his glittering, arrogant gaze. Bold as a snake, she reached for him, and gripped him. Max threw his head back, sliding into her hand, moaning now. The veins stood out on his neck, his biceps rippled and flexed. Liz's pulse quickened as she realized, that she now controlled his power, it now belonged to her, and she had never felt more triumphant-or more female.
Max thrust into her palm, his temples throbbing, his manhood pulsing, his eyes still closed. Liz heard herself laughing softly. Two could truly enjoy this game. But her laughter had hardly died when Max rose up over her, breaking her grip swiftly. Stunning her once again, controlling her once again, he rubbed himself first against one taut nipple, and then the other. Liz lay as still as she could, watching, panting. He was so red and so swollen, larger now, that she thought he might very well explode there between her breasts.
Liz began to whimper, to wriggle her hips, wanting him again. Her loins were on fire. Finally she couldn't contain herself. "Max, please, oh, please!"
With a deep, guttural cry, he thrust between her legs, a place now slick with her body's secretions, slick and pulsing. Liz wrapped her legs around his waist, begging him for more, begging him to go deeper, thrust harder. Max complied, plundering without mercy. Their bodies made slapping, sucking sounds. Liz wept as her peak neared. When she began to keen, Max jerked mightily, collapsing atop her, shuddering with his own release. Her name on his lips.
Then he rolled over and gathered her in his arms as they caught their breaths. No words were spoken as Liz fell asleep within the circle of his embrace.
She opened her eyes and found herself staring at bright amber ones. Immediately images assailed her from the night before. A deep blush stole over her cheeks as she recalled the wanton way in which she had behaved. And how much she enjoyed it. Suddenly she was very shy. Her lids lowered in an effort to avoid his direct gaze.
His finger brought her chin up gently.
" Why so shy sweet?" he asked.
Liz blushed slightly again and looked downward. " It's just that-that I have never" she faltered, unable to maker herself say what she wanted. It felt too embarrassing.
Max just bent to brush his lips with hers briefly, before rolling away from her and getting out of bed. Liz watched him as he moved around the room, stark naked. His magnificent body never ceased to amaze her, or fill her with the most potent desire. She couldn't believe she could want him again so soon. It was as if she could never get enough of him. She didn't know whether to embrace the idea or fear it.
" Worry not, love," Max spoke distractedly as he bent to put his breeches on. " After a while you will stop feeling so. " He raised hot eyes at her. " I plan to make sure of it."
Liz didn't like what his words implied. After a while? Was she to stay with him? And if so...as what? Warily she looked at him, clutching the sheet to her bosom, and repeated the questions verbally. Max stopped and let go of the shirt he just put on. He looked back at her with unreadable eyes.
" Yes," he said, every inch the arrogant pirate now, " I have decided to keep you." He left it at that.
Liz felt anger at his words. " As what?" she asked again, this time in a stronger, more assertive voice.
He took a long time to answer, but Liz could read it in his eyes. " Mistress," she whispered to herself. " You want to keep me as mistress." she faced him with furious, accusing eyes. " You want to make me your whore!" The crude word slipped from between her lips before she could stop it.
Max was at her side in an instant, his strong hand gripping her arm fiercely. Liz struggled but to no avail. " Never," he growled, " refer to yourself as a whore. That is not what you are."
Tears threatened to fall from her eyes. She desperately tried to keep them at bay, but it was no use. First one escaped, then another, and another. She trembled as she stared at him. " You could have fooled me."
For a second they stared at each other, then Max muttered something she did not even want to know and jerked away from her. Furiously he yanked on his boots and made for the door. The moment he left, Liz had to acknowledge to herself, that what she said was only partly true. Because while he wanted her for a mistress, she had had no qualms in obliging him. And taking pleasure in it too. Quickly she got out of bed, the cool air attacking her nude body, and she got dressed, feeling a little more secure. Although she knew that mere scraps of cloth would be no barrier from Max.
After spending half the day agonizing over what to do she decided to atleast go on deck before the closed cabin stifled her to death. Just as she neared the door however it opened and Max walked in, sweating and breathing hard. He stopped when he encountered her. Liz was shocked as she stared at him. Her eyes met his in dismay, completely forgetting what had occurred between them earlier.
" What have you been doing? Do you forget that you were shot?" she demanded. She fisted her hands on her hips tightly, so as not to give into the impulse to run her hands over him and make sure he was still alright.
Max glanced at her irritably. He had spent the better part of the day immersed in physical labor in an effort to forget the woman that haunted him in a way that made a specific organ in his chest ache, who was now standing before him." No I have not forgotten, especially with a hole in my shoulder to remind me," he muttered, and without further ado went directly to the decanter of Brandy. He felt he needed it as he faced her open concern and his own mixed emotions.
Who was she? What made her so special..that he wanted to make love to her for the rest of his days? that he wanted to have her by his side, in his bed?What made her so different from the other women? Her sweet innocence? Stubbornness, courage, spirit? Her beauty?..Nay, he'd met many beautiful women, but none of them could seem to compare to the one with him now, inside or out. It scared him dammit! How could she ensnare him so completely, that,he felt, she even reached his soul? He had doubted before that he even possessed one. Now ,he looked at Liz feeling something powerful tug at his heart, he knew. And he was afraid.
Liz followed him anxious. " You should be resting-"
Max whirled on her, glass in hand. " Don't presume to tell me what to do," he growled menacingly. He couldn't take this now!
Liz was not perturbed. She glared at him. " You foolish man, do you want to die after all?"
Max advanced upon her, leaving the glass on the table. Liz was cursing herself inwardly, but she stood her ground. Her took her in his arms. There was amusement in his eyes that relieved and angered her. Did he take death so lightly?
" Nay," he whispered huskily, and pulled her flush up against him, giving her absolute evidence about just how alive he was. " Life is much much better in my estimation." He wouldn't have thought so before they met, but now, she seemed to be turning things around for him, in a way that amazed him. And they had barely known each other! But perhaps the greatest of things, always happened unexpectedly, and not on a time schedule.
Liz groaned at the desire in his voice, but at the same time flapped her arms in exasperation. " I give up!"
Max's eyes burned into hers. " Do you?"
Liz swallowed hard when she realized how took that last remark. She did not know what to say, and either way, he did not allow her to. Because he silenced whatever words she might have uttered in the most effective way. " Nevermind sweet, you don't have to tell me," he murmured, " just show me." And heaven help her, Liz thought as she wound her arms around his neck and molded their bodies together, she did.
Max held her in his arms, and Liz figured that if she were a cat she would be purring in contentment now. Moaning slightly she raised her head from his solid chest to gaze at him. She realized she might always be catching her breath every time she laid eyes on him.
Max was watching her, with a strange expression on his face. Almost, thoughtful, and determined. Liz frowned slightly at that, wondering what he was thinking of. His hand reached up to cup her cheek.
" Max?" she questioned.
" Liz," he began, but appeared to be hesitating. Liz's heart began to thump wildly. What was he going to say? Somehow she knew it would change her life forever. Her breath caught in her throat as she wondered if that change would be for the better or worse.
" Yes Max." she gazed at him with wide guileless, and warm, eyes. A wild hope fluttered within her breast.
Something of her feelings must have shown in her because Max stiffened and sat up away from her. He had seen the hope alright! A hope she most definitely harbored to be free of him. A hope that he would tell her that she could go home now, her debt was paid! Max cursed savagely, inwardly.
He did not look at her as he spoke, his voice toneless. " I have decided to let you go." He heard her intake of breath. " We are almost back to Italy. Your debt has been officially paid." He glanced briefly at her. " You have gone through much, you are free." He waited expectantly for the delighted smile that would break over her face.
Liz's eyes did not even flicker. " I see," she said with a calm she did not feel, " so now that you have used me and had your fill of me, you are going to toss me away."
"Liz-"
"Like a common whore!" she spat, looking up at him with eyes as cold as ice. Max swore softly.
"Dammit Liz, you are not-" he began furiously.
" But I am! I am! Look at me," she gestured to herself, naked, on his bed, " This was not what I had planned for myself. Only I met you, and somehow you made me forget the kind of woman I am. You made me feel things that I shouldn't even feel till it was legal! And I succumbed, willingly. Because I wanted more. " She paused on a hitched sob. " Because I wanted you."
Max's eyes glazed over and he made to got to her. " Liz-"
"No! Go away! Just go away. Leave me alone. I can't take it anymore. All this, " she exclaimed angrily. " I'll leave captain. Gladly."
A knock sounded on the door before Max could say anything. He stalked over to it and yanked it open. " What?" he snapped.
Michael stood on the other side, and respectfully did not look at Liz who was embarrassingly trying to get adequately clothed. He looked at Max. " We're here captain. The crew await your instructions."
Max stared at the coast of the inlet. Every instinct he had told him not to go ashore. These past months at sea he had learned that he was a hunted man as the pirate Hawk. A few times a few ships came close to gaining on him and foiling him plans and capturing him. All those times he had successfully outsailed, outmaneuvered, and outraced his pursuers, engaging only in the shortest exchange of canon fire.
He was a hunted man now. Wanted for piracy on the high seas. As he had indeed committed his share of piracy, he was not surprised. He had known that the chase would come down to this. He had been prepared to live the life of the hunted for a while. He had been prepared to live that way, and successfully defy all pursuit.
Now, he no longer felt he cared. Everything seemed suddenly too bleak, whether he survived or not. And all because of woman. Max wanted to curse at everything for making him face this. But he couldn't. Because for what it was worth, it meant more to him than anything. And now it was gone. She was gone, or will be, and there was nothing he could do about it. He had given his word. He would never go back on it. Max cursed to himself for a long time at the thoughts in his head.
His instincts warned him strongly not to go ashore, but Max climbed in the long boat anyway and ordered the oarsmen to proceed. His jaw tightened.
Liz's image invaded his mind, but he ruthlessly shoved it away. He stood in the prow, surveying the approaching shoreline. The night was dark, with no moon to lead the way. There was no sign of any life or movement, but his pulse was pounding now with a certain excitement. He could feel the danger. The impending attack.
He spoke mainly to Michael but to the others as well, " Ready yourselves, we are not alone." He figured they had a hell of a fight on their hands, without even knowing with whom.
But they never stood a chance.
As soon as Max had walked a few paces up the shore, a light,so blinding he had to shade his eyes, shone on them. And it seemed to be coming from everywhere. Max blinked a few times, his hand on his sword in preparation. When he could finally see straight, he realized that the light was actually several torches lined in a semi circle around them. And holding those torches where heavily armed soldiers, pointing their weapons determinedly at him and the crew.
Max froze, his eyes narrowing as he looked around him at the ensemble. And he cursed his sudden recklessness that made him ignore his instinct. This was battle they could win. Not in the end. He wondered what they were going to do. If they were here to arrest him and have him hanged with the rest, and be rid of one more pirate, or simply throw him in prison to rot with the rats.
His eyes were suddenly drawn to two men who were on foot. They approached him. From what he could tell from their attire, he knew they where noblemen. One seemed to be an aged gentleman, perhaps less than double his age, and the other one...Max squinted slightly to see him in a better light because the other man was in shadow. Max didn't know why, but something about that man left him cold. Almost freezing. A hammer of a pistol cocked. His ears twitched at the faint sound.
Max glared at him as he stepped forward. And then his eyes reflected shock as they grew wide, that then transformed into a murderous rage that made the pools of amber burn darkly.
The Earl of Di Galvani looked back at him for a long, long moment, before raising one golden brow and curving his cruel mouth. He inclined his head, in mock salute. The pistol he held in his hand aimed right at Max's heart.