Disclaimer: Same as in the first chapter. Captain Jack's not mine (more's the pity) and neither is Elizabeth or anyone else you recognize from the movies. Sadly the only thing I can claim as my own is this plot.

Authors Note: Thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews of my story. I wasn't expecting to get a response so quickly. Your reviews made me so happy that I wrote two whole chapters last night. I give you all the gift of a Jack Sparrow wobbly head doll!

...And now on with the story!

Elizabeth could say nothing. Thoughts were flying through her head so fast that she couldn't comprehend any of them. She could do nothing but stare at the man she had dreamt of for the last three months, longer if she was being honest. In the back of her mind she realized they were in the same position they'd been in the last time she'd seen him. Only this time she was pressed against the mast and he had the secret agenda.

His kohl-lined eyes seemed to burn into her skin and they promised something. Only she was not sure of what. The feel of him so close to her was making her body respond in ways that she knew it shouldn't be. She felt hot and breathless and a bit like she might faint.

"What exactly do you need to discuss with Elizabeth?" demanded Will, standing a lot closer than she thought he had been. There was something in his voice that made her want to look at him but the Captain was still staring at her and she found herself unable to break away from it. She prayed he wouldn't mention what she had done to him. She didn't want her sweet Will to know of her crime.

"Nothing to worry your little head about, dear William," Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief, "Your lovely bird and I have a little unresolved business is all. I'll return her to you shortly."

With that he grabbed Elizabeth's hand and all but dragged her to his quarters. William blocked his path after only a few steps, sword drawn. Clearly that had not been a good enough explanation. The crew rushed forward, eager to protect their newly rescued captain but he stopped them with a shake of his head. The Captain didn't bother to pull his own sword. He simply cocked an eyebrow at Will and flicked his sword away. Will swung it back up immediately, much closer to Jack's neck this time, and Elizabeth had to physically stop herself from flinching.

"Now William, it would be a pity to kill me after spending all that time trying to rescue me. Kind of makes all that effort a bit of a waste really, wouldn't you say?"

"It's alright Will," Elizabeth said, finally finding her voice again, now that the Captain's eyes were no longer on her.

Will seemed unsure but, as usual, bowed to Elizabeth's wishes and stepped aside.

"Ta, darling."

He resumed the path to his quarters and shut the door forcefully behind them as William and the crew stared on curiously. Now that they were in private he seemed to lose his train of thought, wandering in his typical drunken stagger around his cabin, running his fingers across the surface of his possessions in reverence. She watched him for a moment, a smile forming unbidden on her lips at the man's actions.

'God but I've missed you...'

That thought startled her out of her observation and she cleared her throat, suddenly remembering that there was a rather large group of pirates outside the door, speculating on what their Captain and Will's fiancé could have to discuss. She opened her mouth to speak but the sound of her throat clearing had shaken him from his exploration. His eyes fixed on her again and he moved toward her.

"Now that we have our privacy we can pick up where we left off. Where was that now?"

The Captain was no more than a few inches from her, and she froze again, cursing herself for being unable to think up a clever return.

'At least move you silly girl.' But she couldn't.

"Ah yes..." he leaned in even closer, until she could feel his breath wash against her face, "We were here. Does this feel familiar Elizabeth?" His voice caressed her name and sent a shudder through her.

"Of course," he smiled strangely, "There aren't any shackles this time. Good for me, eh?"

She managed not to flinch at that comment but only barely. They stared at each other for a moment before his eyes flickered downward to her lips. And then he leaned in even further and for one devastating moment she felt sure he was going to kiss her. Her heart was pounding so loud she was sure he could hear it.

'Oh Lord what am I doing? He's going to kiss me. He's going to kiss me and I'm...I'm going to let him.'

TBC...push the button and leave me a review! Please, please!