Part 34
The rage that flowed through Max's body was blaringly evident to anyone who could see. A muscle ticked repetitively in his jaw, his teeth were grinding together madly. His long body was tensed and coiled, ready to strike in an instant, and his fists were clenching and unclenching rapidly, almost aching to smash the arrogant lord's face in.
He stood his ground, staring murderously at the man who held the pistol aimed at him. He watched his every move, the confident steps he was taking, the unwavering hand that was extended toward him, the icy blue eyes that flashed with astonishment and disbelief, and the wicked grin that appeared soon after.
Max wanted to smash his fist right through that arrogant face and hear the satisfactory crushing of bones, but he held himself in check, knowing he was in a very dangerous situation that could end up with him dead.
By the hand of his sister's murderer.
" Well well well. What have we here..." Di Galvani started as he approached, taking a very good look at the man standing before him, unable to believe his eyes. " Why hello Maxwell."
Max's teeth gnashed together. " Sean."
Sean lowered the pistol briefly, feeling safe in doing so since there were over a dozen rifles trained at him should he try anything. Max knew that too, so resisted the deep urge to attack.
" This is a...surprise," Sean quirked a brow in question, intrigued.
Max's eyes smoldered. " A surprise," he repeated almost automatically, " Yes."
It was indeed a surprise. Although 'surprise' was hardly the word he would have used. It was definitely more than that. A shock, would have been more appropriate. It still wouldn't register completely in his mind. The fact that the man he had been searching for, for the past months, was standing right infront of him. For a moment he actually thought he was but an illusion.
But then he smiled. And Max knew that smile. He would never forget the countless times it was bestowed upon his love struck sister, and how it took away her life. A smile was all it took. One he would dearly like to wipe from his face, forever.
" Although, I must say. It is rather a shock to know its you." Sean continued and Max's eyes narrowed.
" I was the one what?"
"The one who has been raiding my ships," he informed him matter-of-factly, with angry inflection in his voice.
At that Max finally managed a twisted, satisfied version of a smile. " Believe me." he said with a dangerous gleam in his eyes, " it was my extreme pleasure."
Sean's eyes narrowed at him, as angry red heat stained his cheeks. " You were a great nuisance I must admit."
" I intended to be." Max stated.
"Well you won't be for long." Sean gestured at a few soldiers, " Get to the ship, search it up and down and bring back anything legitimate you find with you," He gave Max a hard measuring stare, " Who knows what, stolen, goods could be hidden there." He emphasized the word 'stolen', as if to make sure that he knew the true reality of the situation.
Max knew. There was no doubt about what his foolhardy recklessness had gotten him into. Right into the scheming hands of the one man with whom the roles should have been reversed. Damn it and Curse it! Was this all he got after months and months of agonizing, and searching, or trying to avenge his innocent sister's death!
Fate was cruel.
As the soldiers hurried to obey Sean gazed at the rest of the crew, that stood motionless, afraid that one move and they would end up with a bullet in them. His eyes alighted on Michael. His eyes widened briefly before he turned his gaze back to Max, where his expression turned bland.
" How predictable. I should have guessed." He glanced back at Michael. " So good to see you Michael. " He looked back and forth between them. " still gullible and weak as always? or has reality blown up in your faces yet?" He bit back a chuckle.
Max snarled, baring his teeth, seconds away from striking hard and fast. " Max no!" Michael called in warning, fearful Max's temper would get the better of him and they'd all end up dead.
"Lord Di Galvani, do you know these men?" an old voice broke though, and the other man stepped forward, looking at Sean questioningly. Then glancing at Max, a bit wary and nervous. His timely intervention effectively stopped Max from making his move.
Sean looked at him. " Ah no my Lord. I do not know them in the slightest. No man of worth would." he said arrogantly, casting a sly look at a simmering Max and Michael.
The lord turned anxiously toward him. " My Lord you said that these men have my daughter."
Max's ears perked up at that suddenly. He peered more closely at the man. He was of medium height, with graying dark hair, his features where regular...yet there was something about his eyes. Something that reminded him very much of-
" Elizabeth!" He shouted and all heads turned to looked out to sea, where the guards were returning in the row boat. Liz and Maria seated near each other, shivering slightly in the cold night air, staring with wide eyes at the scene that was enfolding before them.
Max gazed at her hungrily, in the darkness of the night. The faint moonlight cast a urethral shade to her beauty. The dimness showing off the dazzling brightness of her wide eyes.. His eyes moved down to where her delicate hands were clenched tightly in her lap, the knuckles white from the strain to avoid the trembling. He looked back into her eyes, and they were staring straight at him.
There were so dark, so wide, delving deep inside him, creating sensation he never thought existed within him. Remarkable, how she could make him forget all the chaos around them as soon as their eyes met. The boat approached the shore and the soldiers jumped out and turned to help the women.
Max felt the strongest urge to just rush over there, span her small waist with his hands and let her slide down his body, making sure ever inch of them touched, as he set her down. And then to hold her close and claim her lips with his, drink from her and replenish his soul.
His eyes narrowed and darkened when he saw one man hold her and help her down. No man had the sight to touch but him. He caught himself before he charged over there to plant one right in his face. He shook himself mentally, attempting to even his breathing, which had become quite erratic. He couldn't believe he was thinking such jealous thoughts, and now of all times!
Liz had been staring at him the entire time the soldier had grabbed her and escorted her to the beach. But then they all heard the shout and Liz instinctively turned to where she heard her full name being called out. Her breath caught in her throat. She was frozen to the spot as the man that had stood beside Sean hurried toward her.
And then in the next instant she was in his arms. She still could not believe her eyes. She could only manage a hoarse whisper.
" Father?"
Liz stared in utter amazement at the happiness and relief that was evident on her father's face. Her father! Her father was here. How? When? Where? Why? More questions buzzed around in her head, making her almost dizzy and faint. Everything was happening too fast. What on earth was going on? What's happened?
" Oh Elizabeth darling. I thought I had lost you!" Lord Parker exclaimed hugging her to him once again then pulling away from her to inspect her. She seemed healthy and whole for all the terrible experience she had been through. His little girl was always a brave one. He couldn't believe she was safe and sound here in his arms finally. Thanks to Sean's diligent search and dedication his baby girl was back where she belonged, and the criminals that took would pay for their crimes.
Carefully he tucked Liz beneath his arm and turned slowly to face Sean. " I thank you very much my Di Galvani for saving my daughter. She is precious to me, and I do not think I would have found her had it not been for your help. You have my eternal gratitude."
Liz's eyes were now directed to Sean. he looked at him as if for the first time. It was as if she could hardly remember anything about him. But now as she saw him in the dark light of night, she remembered everything about him. Liz shivered in reaction and Jeffery rubbed up and down her arm, thinking she was cold, when in fact, she was too numb to feel anything right now.
" You do not need to thank me so Jeffery. I would do anything for the sake of my fiancée." He spoke the words deliberately, eyeing Liz with hard eyes that glittered almost maliciously.
Liz wanted to recoil from him, run from here as fast as could, and find safety. And the only place she could manage to think of was in Max's arms. At that she turned to look at him, her eyes begging. Max's face was expressionless, but he was staring so hard at her, like this was the first time he's ever seen her, like he did not know her.
And perhaps it was true. He didn't know here. And now he was finding out, and Liz was absolutely terrified of what he was thinking. On the other hand, Michael was staring at her like he couldn't believe his eyes, or ears. His eyes grew wide and his mouth hung slightly open. He gave a brief stricken glance at Max, who's expression still had not changed.
" Ahh Elizabeth! It is so good to see you so well." Sean walked toward her, and grabbed her stiff form to him. She stared at him, unmoved. " We were all so worried. I could not believe it when I realized you were kidnapped by a bunch of bloodthirsty thieving pirates." He looked at Max, who was giving him a deadly look.
Liz appeared to be discomforted and tried to escape his grasp, but he only held on tighter. " P-please my lord" she murmured weakly. This was all too much on her.
His arm moved intimately around her rib cage, beneath her breasts as he and Max locked eyes. The air was full of tension and hostility. " Remove your arm from around her Di Galvani." Everyone jumped at the sound of his voice. It was soft, dangerous. He wanted to fling Sean from her, so as not to have him taint her. He could see she was in no fit state to be handled by the swine.
Sean raised a brow at that." Oh?" slowly, lingeringly he slid his arm from around her, his fingers caressing her. Liz shuddered at the contact. " And who are you to tell me what to do?" he asked in a dangerous voice. He walked over until they were face to face, staring each other down.
Max leaned forward slightly and hissed to his ears only, " Since you are nothing of what I am."
Sean's eyes darkened and his face flushed at the indirect insult. " That is true." he whispered darkly, " for while I stand, you are a fallen man." and with that sent a fist right into Max's gut. Max grunted in pain.
"You son-of-a-" Michael attempted to attack but was immediately held back by several guards. When he continued to struggle one of them brought his rifle down over his head, knocking him unconscious.
"Michael!" Maria shouted in fear as he collapsed, she tried to rush to his but she was restrained. A cloth was tied around her mouth to stop her yelling and screaming. Wide and fearful eyes began to tear up as she struggled helplessly.
Sean hit him again. Max tried to smother the groan but unfortunately he had aimed exactly where he had hit him at first. He
managed to stay upright however and held his head up to glare at Sean. His eyes were full of contempt, that also clearly stated, 'is that the best you can do you bastard?'
Enraged Sean smashed his fist into his face. Blood spurted from his nose. Liz screamed. "Stop!"
But no one paid any attention to her. Sean hit him again, sending his face from side to side with the power of his blows. Max was swaying on his feet, his vision blurry. He looked away, and glimpsed the hazy figure of whom he knew to be Liz. She was pushing against her father, looking at him with anguished eyes. Max looked his fill, storing in his mind what he could make out.
Sean hit him again. Two soldiers came to grab him. One of them twisted his arm. "Arghhh" Max grunted and moaned in pain.
"Maaaaaxx! Nooo!" She broke away from her father and almost made it to him before she was held back again. " No, let me go. Let him go!" It was just registering with her what was happening. Her father and Sean had figured out who kidnapped her. They found out where Max was headed. They ambushed them. She was safe, home in her father's arms where she should be.
But she only longed for the pirate that was taking a battering on her behalf. And there was nothing she could so about it. "Elizabeth sweetheart, do not be so distressed. You are safe now. You are home." No I am not, she thought desperately.
She turned toward her father, her eyes wild. She gripped him fiercely. " Please father. Make him stop! Please! I beg of you."
Jeffery hesitated for a moment before looking at the pirate who was still, remarkably on his feet, but swaying dangerously. Sean's hand was smeared with blood. Liz shivered and held back a sob at the scene. She couldn't believe this was happening. It couldn't be. Only moments ago they had made sweet passionate love, were arguing like fools...This was a nightmare!
Sean grabbed Max by his shirt collar and hauled him close. " I know why you are Maxwell. I know why you are filthy and dressed up like a common man. But what I want to know, is why you stole my fiancée." Max's blood ran cold at the word.
Black fire burned inside him. " Perhaps. " he hissed, " because you stole mine." Sean brought his breech clad knee up forcefully against his stomach. Max fell to knees from the force. His arms hung over him, still held by the two men.
"Max" Liz whispered, defeated in her father's arms. She couldn't take all of this in. It was so surreal. She looked at Maria, who was looking back and forth between Michael and Max and the rest of the men, unable to believe what was happening either.
" What are you doing here Maxwell? Hmm? Come to get the bad man? Be a hero? " He leaned closer, "absolve yourself of the guilt?"
Max snapped his head up at that. And groaned at the man it caused him."What guilt?"
" Oh come now, you know what guilt. You were the cause of her death."
" No!" Max lunged at him, his muscles and bones making him groan in agony. The soldiers held him back, pulling at his arms forcefully, almost out their sockets. Max growled like a beast. " It was you."
Sean chuckled. "No. You are guilty Maxwell. Guilty of not being there, to protect her, to stop her. And I bet that's just gnawing at you like the very fire of hell." He laughed at Max's stricken expression, then with a final yank at his hair he walked away to Liz.
"Elizabeth, my dear, so sorry you had to witness this terrible scene. Come my love, I will take you away from hi. He will not harm you anymore." He grabbed her arm. Liz resisted, trying to pull away, panicked eyes seeking out Max, who had turned to watch them. Still on his knees, battered and bruised.
Liz glared up at him, still trying to pull away from him. " You are despicable!" she said coldly. " Let me go." she demanded.
Sean's hand tightened around her at the insult. His face flushed. " I'm afraid I can't do that my dear," He looked up at a worried Jeffery. " With your permission I would like to escort my precious future wife back home."
Jeffery hesitated for a moment. He didn't see the pleading look in his daughter's eyes. He only knew that Sean was a strong capable man and he would keep her safe along the journey home. Then reluctantly he released her. " Ofcourse." He sent Liz a loving, relieved look. He still couldn't believe that she was safe and sound, standing before him, with nary a scratch on her and unharmed. He then glanced at Max, who was staring back at him with deep unfathomable eyes that made him nervous.
He turned to Sean. " What is to be done of the culprit?"
Sean hardly spared Max a glance. " The pirate will be sent to jail, where he will be put on trial. Ofcourse, he will be found guilty and most probably hanged for his crimes. One less criminal for the world to suffer from."
No! She screamed the word inside her head. It couldn't be. He couldn't die. Not now! Not when she knew she couldn't live without him. Couldn't possibly marry Di Galvani. Why just days before he was on the brink of death. She had managed to save him though. But now...there was nothing she could do. And she was filled with rage.
Damn the fates that did this to her!
" No" she whimpered. She clutched her father's arm. " Please, papa. No. Do not let him die. He cannot die!" she looked imploringly up into his eyes and then at Max who was groaning as he was made to stand. His hands were being bound tightly together. Scoundrels! The man could hardly stand, how could they think that he would try anything.
"Hush Elizabeth, you do not know what you are saying. That man kidnapped you and ill-treated you." He soothed his daughter. " Heaven knows what else he has done."
Sean walked over and interrupted. " Now now. Your father is right my dear. Come, let me take care of you." His grip was too hard for her to try to resist. Tears stung her eyes as she took in what was happening. Her tear stained face stared at Max. He was slipping away. Inch by inch. He would be gone from her life forever if she did nothing to stop it. And she didn't know what.
"Max" Her lips moved, but no sound came out. But he knew that she said his name. It hit him right in the gut, hurting like the blows hadn't. He was losing her. He was losing her before he even truly had her. Curse it all, it couldn't end this way. He saw Sean grab her arm, Liz's face contorted in slight pain. He began to drag her away, Liz was unwilling. She turned to look at him, tears rolling down her smooth cheeks, eyes glistening brightly. Max saw red.
" Damn it Deluca you bastard!" With a strength he didn't know he had he pulled away from the guards with a primitive growl. His eyes fixated on Liz. He started toward her, ignoring the pain and the agony that was shoot through him. " Let her go! Liz!" He shouted before he was thrown to the ground, three men landing atop him throwing punches made for causing pain. But he never felt any of them.
All he could see was Liz being dragged away. Her beautiful brown eyes engraved in his mind. His last rational thought before darkness claimed him, was that he may never see them staring deeply into him again.
"Elizabeth!" Lady Parker screamed as she saw her daughter cross the threshold of their town house. " Oh my darling girl! You are safe." She lifted her skirts and ran to her, clutching her to her. It felt so good to have her daughter back in her arms. Unharmed and healthy. It was a miracle.
" Mother." Liz murmured, for once in this horrible, horrible night, happy. She was so glad to see her mother again. To hug her and hear her voice, after all this time. But somehow, through all the hustle and bustle, she retreated into a shell. She did not smile, she did not laugh. She hardly spoke. She was pining, and longing. And so terrified of the thoughts running through her head that she stayed up all throughout the night. Staring into the darkness, wishing it could just swallow her up.
The next morning, she could stand it no longer. She had gone one whole night without the presence of Max. It was as if he was in her blood now, as well as her heart. She did not think she could survive, especially knowing that he would be gone forever from her in no time at all.
Dressed in her father's favorite gown she descended the stairs. A main brought her breakfast in the dining room. She barely ate a bite. Quietly she asked about where her family was to their butler, who stood loyally by the dining room door, waiting for any instructions. He had been ordered to stay close at hand, as well as the rest of the stuff. They all knew of what happened to Elizabeth. They liked her and felt sorry for what happened to her. Therefore they are there at her beck and call whenever she wished to make life a little easier for her.
"Stokes?" Liz asked quietly. He bowed and walked forward. " Yes miss?"
Delicately she laid her napkin on the table after wiping her lips. " Where are mother and father today?"
Stokes signaled for a footman to come forward and remove the dishes and cups from the table with a flick of his wrist. " Your mother, the lady Parker is still abed, and Lord Parker is at present occupied in his study. Is there anything else you require miss?"
Liz shook her head and gave him a half hearted smile. Although anyone with eyes could see the dark circles beneath her eyes, her pale skin and the subdued air of sadness around her. The smile did not even reach her eyes. " No thank you Stoke. You may leave." she made it sound like an order more than a request. She knew what was going on, with the servants following her around, everyone treating her like a porcelain doll that is about to break. She did not wish to be followed or overheard when she went to see her father.
Stokes nodded, bowed, and swiftly walked out of the dining room. Liz immediately rose from her chair and started to make her way to her father's study. She geared herself with her best dress, her best smile and hoped her performance would pay off. She needed to see Max and her father was only was she could do that. He had forbidden her to go out at all, afraid for her safety. She just had to convince him that nothing would go wrong and that she would be fine.
Her shoulders back, her head high she stopped at a great oak door, and raising a fist, softly knocked.
" Come in." came her father's muffled voice from the other side. Taking a deep breath she prayed silently that it will work and hesitantly opened the door. When Jeffery saw her, she made tears deliberately come to her eyes as she shut the door behind her.
"Father..."
It worked. It worked, it worked, it worked! Liz was giddy with excitement and relief. He father had bought her act and now, heavily cloaked and hiding her face, she was in a closed carriage, on her way to where Max was. She couldn't wait. Her heart beat like a great drum within her chest. She was nervous and afraid of what she might be met with. Of what she might see. She really didn't know what to expect.
She had told her father that she was too overwrought from her experience. She wished for some peace and solitude. She knew that the entire city would now have known of her return and all the people would be lined up outside the house wanting to take a look. Ask questions, and most probably brand her a fallen woman, be full of pity and false sympathy as they then snub her and fill the gossip trails with the best lies.
Perhaps that..she had been kidnapped and raped by the entire crew. Or that the captain had been bewitched by her and spirited her away to keep her prisoner for his own pleasures. Or maybe, that she had fallen for the pirate and had willingly fled with him to live aboard his ship in sin.Or maybe- Liz's thoughts abruptly stopped and she couldn't help but manage a slight giggle.
Oh what fools they are. If only they knew the truth. She had snuck out in the middle of the night to experience what no lady should even know about. She had walked into a provocative bar, had been grabbed by a man, been declared a thief and taken on board a pirate ship and set to work off whatever debt she was supposed to have owed. Ofcourse...it wasn't as simple as that. Oh noooo...she had to get into trouble, get her life and virginity threatened..and then...the biggest complication of her experience...she had to make love with the captain- a handsome, strong captain- in a burst of passion.
But that wasn't the end of it. She also had to save his life and then- fool that she is- actually fall in love with him. And then he had wanted to get rid of her, and she in her hurt and anger had wished him gone too. What was it that she had heard before? 'Beware of what you wish for'
Liz groaned and leaned her head back against the cushions. She knew that she should be basking in her parent's love and attention now, instead of trying to see the one man that she should not even be thinking of being near to. It was too soon, only the morning after. But she was desperate, and she knew, that in the case of a pirate, there wasn't much time that can be wasted.
He could have even been hanged this morning...Liz closed her eyes and bit her lip hard. No, she would not even let a thought like that enter her head.
The distant gaol loomed in the horizon. The carriage stopped just at the gates. The door opened and the driver helped her down the steps. She shivered as she caught her first sight of the dreadful place. So large and dark it was. And very filthy.
Tearing her eyes away she walked toward the guard that stood at the post. Hoping she sounded confident and anonymous she approached him. She drew the cloak more securely against her. " I am here to see a prisoner." she said.
The guard looked at her with lewd eyes, then turned his head away to spit. " And what 'ere pris'ner would that be?" he asked with a heavy accent.
" He was brought in last night..." she hesitated, about to say his name. But that would have made it look like she was associated with him in an intimate way, and that was not the impression she wanted to give. " The pirate."
He suddenly broke into a grin, showing off his rotten teeth and missing ones. " Aye the 'ol pirate. Came in late last night 'e did." He peered down at her trying to see past the shadow of the hood of her cloak. " What would a lady like you want ta see him fer?"
Liz blushed, not knowing for sure if he was implying anything indecent. " That is non of your business sir. I wish you would allow me entrance."
"Well see 'ere now. I can't jest let you in-" he broke off when Liz dug into her dress pocket and retrieved a jingling sack. She waved it infront of him.
" I will pay you handsomely for your cooperation." she stated confidently, knowing for sure, he would not refuse a bribe like that. And true enough, he didn't. Pretty soon she was walking down filthy, dark halls. She began to breathe through her mouth just so she wouldn't have to endure the awful smell.
A rat scurried past her and she squeaked, jumping out of the way. Male laughter echoed over to her and she raised her head from inspecting the ground for anymore rotten predators to see a man sitting at a table. A jug of drink and a cup, along with a candle on a table beside him. He was leeringly at her. Her gaze moved over him. She caught the keys that were dangling from his pants. He was the jailor. He would lead her to Max.
" I am here to see a prisoner of yours." She started once again to this man,and just as before, money was dangled, taken, and in return she was walking behind him as he led the way to the cell.
"What condition is he in?" she whispered.
" Beaten up an' all. Not too good." he replied with laughter, thinking it amusing the way Max was treated. Liz bristled but said nothing in return.
Down through the dank halls of the gaol she was led. From behind blackened, dingy doors came noxious smells, and the sounds of despair; moaning, sobbing, futile singing, a tin cup clanging against the bars of a window. Liz couldn't bear it.
At last they came to a door at the far end of the building. The jailor unhooked the keys from his belt,inserted one into the lock, and, jiggling it, finally unlocked the door. It swung open to reveal gloom.Silence.
When Liz's eyes adjusted to the darkness she spotted him. He was in the corner, his head back, his eyes closed. He wasn't moving. The door clanged shut behind her. Liz jumped, startled. She was alone with him now.
Nervous, she approached slowly. Briefly she wondered if he was asleep, or perhaps even dead...
"Max" she whispered.
His head snapped down, his eyes flew open. They stared at each other for a long time, not blinking. They were so brilliant, his eyes. So bright and full of a deep smoldering fire that was ready to burst.
" Liz," his voice was hoarse, his throat parched. Liz heard him. Half of her was giddy when her name rolled of his tongue, and another was appalled at the way he sounded. He did not look either. Black and blue everywhere. He looked hardly able to move.
Then she saw that he was attempting to stand. On a gasp she rushed forward,falling on her knees before him, her hands on his knees, stopping him. " No. Do not get up." She could see him much clearly now and her heart constricted at the state he was in. He look terrible.
Tenderly, she lifted a hand to barely graze his throbbing cheek. " Oh Max." she murmured, her throat convulsing at the pain he must be in.
His eyes hypnotized her. " Liz. " he said again." What are you doing here?"
Liz tried to smile, but hardly managed one. " I came to see you." she replied with all sincerity.
"Oh? And why? So you can watch him crumble? so that you may happily see me suffer for what I have done to you?" His eyes blazed, his voice full of fury. Liz leaned back from him, shocked and dismayed at what she was feeling. How could he think she felt this way?...but then..she thought reasonably...how could he think she didn't? She had to prove to him that it was not so.
" No Max. No. That is not how I feel." She implored him to listen. When he said nothing more she continued. " I was so afraid," she whispered, " When I saw you surrounded by guns I could hardly breathe." she leaned close, looking deep into his eyes. " I couldn't bear the thought that you might die."
He said nothing.
" Whatever may have happened between us. I did not want you dead." she said.
His eyes were unreadable. " Then what do you want..Elizabeth?" he said he name with a great emphasis. Liz winced, but she looked at him determinedly. Her chin lifted defiantly.
"What I want, is for you to understand that whoever I am and whoever you are does not matter to me. I-"
But she didn't get to finish, " Does not matter? Ofcourse it damn well matters," he took a deep breath and stared hard at her. " You lied to me."
Liz opened her mouth to protest but he did not let her. " You led me to believe that you had stolen my money and never said anything to contradict my assumption-"
"And would you have believed me if I did?" she burst in impulsively. When he didn't answer she knew the answer was 'no'.
"You are the daughter of a Lord." He said deliberately.
"And you are a thieving, plundering pirate." she threw back. Max's jaw worked, he turned his head away from, so as not to look at her.
" Christ! But fate has been cruel. It was not supposed to happen this way." Liz was confused at what he said.
"What wasn't?" she ventured to ask. He turned back toward her.
"You." he said and Liz still didn't understand. She frowned.
"Max," she began, changing the subject, " What have they said of your fate?" she held her breath for the answer.
"Why do you wish to know? Would you like to be there for my hanging?" he asked sarcastically.
Liz gasped. She wanted to rage at him for his careless words but couldn't find it in her. " Oh how could you say such things! this is your life we are talking of."
Max shrugged. " I shan't have one starting dawn tomorrow."
Liz grew cold inside. "What?" she whispered.
Max looked at her, then something in his expression changed, softened. " I am to be hanged tomorrow at dawn, my crew to be sent to prison for life." he said.
"Max-"
"Why have you come to see me Liz?" He asked abruptly.
Liz hesitated before answering. " Because I," she paused, " because I care for you."
He appeared slightly startled at that. "You care for me?" he asked softly. Liz could only nod.
His hand reached up to gently graze her cheek, then the tendrils that lay beside it. " You are one unique woman." he observed. "I have never met the likes of you before. Many emotions rage within me when you near. I do not know what to make of you." he said, almost talking to himself, wondering to himself.
Liz couldn't believe what she had heard. Her hand trapped his where it lay on her face. She reveled in his touch. She closed her eyes briefly. " Somehow, and I do not know how, I have stopped hating you for what you have put me through captain." she swallowed the lump in her throat. " I wish for you to understand why I had lied. I know it is quite a shock, but please know that it was for my own protection. I was afraid you see. And then when I wasn't," she stopped for a second. He was staring at her quite intently, she knew he was taking in ever word that was coming out of her mouth. " I had completely forgotten who I was." she said softly. " There was only you and me. Not a pirate and a lady."
" What I did was a mistake. I should never have taken you with me when I realized you were a woman. I should have released you." Max said with anger. " I knew something was wrong about you. You did not act like thief. You did not even attempt to steal anything while onboard. I think I knew the truth inside me, but I did not want to admit it to myself, lest I'd have to let you go." there was self disgust in his voice.
He looked at her with stormy eyes. " You have not been wise in coming her lady. I want you to go, and never come back. Never look back. I want you out of my sight. Go back to your precious home and your darling parents. That is where you belong, where you will be safe." He yanked his hand from beneath hers. " I remind you again. You are no longer a prisoner" he said coldly, his eyes dark and chilled.
Liz drew back. She would not allow the tears to fall. Atleast not in his presence. Faintly she heard the jailor's footsteps coming back. She was about to be taken away from him once again. And this time, she thought with utter despair, she will never see him again. Ever.
She looked him over, taking in every feature, every detail. Branding him firmly in her memory. " You are wrong in that captain. I will always be your prisoner." she said softly. The jailor was coming closer.
Max frowned. " Prisoner of what?" he demanded.
She stared at him with tender, love filled eyes. " Of love."
And before the implication of what she had said could sink in-that she loved him- the door flew open and the jailor loomed in the doorway.
"C'mon lady. Yer time's up." and she was taken away. The door of the cell banged shut. Darkness shrouded him once more.