Disclaimer: You'd think you'd have figured it out by now. I don't own anything but the plot.
Chapter 4
Jack and Sierra began to reform the close bond of friendship that had preceded their romance. They began spending more time together as old friends, though Jack carefully steered clear of the flirtation he showed to all other women. and the ship soon began to shine with the happiness it had once known. However, Jack did not get to know Nicholas, Sarah's fiancé. He always had a weird feeling about the new man, though he put that off to jealousy.
One hot summer morning, Jack was awakened by Sarah jumping on his bed.
"Wake up, sleepyhead! What do you say to an early morning swim?"
Jack shook his head groggily. "Ask Flint, he'll swim with you. It's too early, darlin! The rum hasn't worn off!"
"Nick said no. He can be such a bear in the morning. Oh, won't you come? Pretty please?" She gave him her infamous puppy dog pout.
"Ah, no! Not the puppy look!" Jack sighed. "All right, I'll come with ye, providin' ye let me bring my rum, savvy?"
"Savvy," she replied, and flashed him a grin.
He pulled off his shirt, and prepared to jump into the crystal blue waters, but he noticed Sierra was having some trouble. He took a swig of rum, and went over to find out the trouble.
"I can't- unlace this corset- myself," she panted. "Help?"
He agreed, and went to untie the strangling laces. He felt a shiver go up his spine as his calloused fingers touched the smooth warmth of her skin. As the corset fell away, he noticed a bruise on her shoulder. As he brushed it with his fingertips, she winced.
"What happened you ye here, love? This is a right nasty piece of work."
""It was… nothing. I fell." She refused to meet his glance.
"He did it."
She didn't speak.
"That dirty son of a-" He turned to storm towards the cabin Sierra and Nicholas shared.
"No!" She grabbed his arm tightly. "It was an accident, is all. It won't happen again. But tell no one what you've seen!" She looked at him pleadingly.
"All right, lass, you can have your way. But if I ever find out you 'fell' again, I'll be havin' mine."
He paused, then looked down at the item in his hand. "Ye know, mate, this corset must be rather uncomfortable. I'll just throw it into the ocean, do us all a favour."
He made a move towards the railing as if to drop it overboard, but was stopped by a squeal from Sierra. She chased him all over the deck, both of them enjoying the exhilarating sea air.