Chapter Seven: Too Much Nakedness for One Day

Cordelia was barely awake. She didn't feel horrible, she knew that much. She was warm and comfortable, her head was moving slightly but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was calming, like waves on the ocean. Wait, her head shouldn't be moving at all. There was something very wrong with wrong with her head moving. She cracked her eyes open, hoping that it wouldn't ruin her morning. Oh God. Her head was lying on Jack's chest, his slow breathing making it move. Furthermore his arm was around her waist and he was in some state of undress, though thankfully she was not. She slowly shifted to get out from under his arm but her movement woke him.

"Good morning, luv. Glad to see you changed your mind," he said sleepily.

"Before you jump to conclusions please hear me out."

"Fire away, luv."

"Last night when everyone left I was overwrought and decided to drink until I forgot everything. I found some rum when I was cleaning; I think I drank four or five bottles. I felt horrible and vomited; I couldn't tell which way was up. I must have taken a wrong turn and gone into the wrong cabin—Keep your hands off me!"

"Sorry luv."

"As I was saying, I was very drunk and that's why I ended up here, I don't want anything from you. I don't want you to get the wrong idea either. Sorry to disappoint you."

"Well if that's your excuse and you don't want to stay in bed, I'd say it's about time to get up and seize the day."

He threw her off him and got out of bed. Completely naked. He stood and stretched as if she wasn't there anymore. Cordelia stared at him open-mouthed. He had a beautifully tanned and muscled body. If she had been looking at his face she would have seen his trademark grin. But she wasn't looking at his face. Living a sheltered young lady's life she had never seen a naked man before, never even thought about one before now. Jack was gorgeous. She was called to her senses by a comment from Jack.

"If you want to reconsider my original offer luv, we can postpone seizing the day for a while."

"What? You...I...I just...I was just caught off guard, that's all. Really Jack, don't you have any decency!"

"Well it is my cabin and you're the one sitting and staring. I haven't got all day to sit and chat."

"Okay then. If it's not too much trouble I would like to take a bath today. Is there anywhere I might do that?"

"There may be a bath house in Tortuga but I don't go looking for baths so that's not much help. There is a beautiful little spot west of town. A little lake with crystal clear water. How's that sound?"

"It sounds wonderful, how do I get there?"

"There's an alley that leads to a forest path, follow that to the lake."

"But Tortuga is dangerous."

"Yes, you probably shouldn't make the trip alone. I can take you."

"How do I know you won't watch me?"

"Well I can't guarantee anything, but I probably will watch you."

"Fine, then you wouldn't mind waiting for me so you can take me back."

"Sure, I might even fancy a swim myself, and you'd certainly enjoy that, wouldn't you?"

"Of course not. Do you have any soap?"

He led her through Tortuga. No one seemed to have slept at all. Last night when they arrived it had been wide awake. Cordelia concentrated on avoiding all the drunks. A number of them grabbed at her. Jack smiled to himself as she clung to him like a baby learning to walk. Cordelia was terrified, Jack was right at home. The alley they entered wasn't as crowded but it was twice as unnerving. She breathed a sigh of relief and let go of Jack's arm to walk ahead as they entered the sunlight.

"You know luv, you shouldn't get so worked up while you're here. I'll keep you safe. Don't you worry."

"Thanks, where do we go from here?"

They continued down the path. Cordelia was thoroughly enjoying herself in the beautiful weather. She saw many colorful birds and even a monkey. Jack interrupted her, not liking the silence.

"You seem to be enjoying Tortuga."

"Yes. It's beautiful. I've never been farther south than Virginia before."

They walked in silence again. Jack smiled to himself for a while before he spoke again.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I got you something last night."

"Really?"

"Aye, would you like it now?"

"Yes, if you have it with you."

He grabbed her and kissed her. Cordelia was speechless. Jack tasted of rum and spices. Exotic and sensuous. He was gentle, not rough like she had expected. When she realized what he was doing she pulled away. Cordelia blushed and turned away from him.

"What the hell was that? You said you had something to give me."

"A kiss is something," he said innocently.

"You should have told me what it was. Now, can we please continue? It can't be much farther."

"You're right, it's not."

They walked a little farther until the path opened onto the most beautiful place she'd ever seen. It was paradise. There was a little lake, just like Jack said. The water was crystal clear and there was a waterfall on the far side. A large rock sat just next to the shoreline, perfect for her to hide behind. Jack passed her the soap and she hurried over to the rock, undressing behind it and slipping into the water. The water was perfect. She washed herself and then swam around for a while. Cordelia didn't know where Jack was but she didn't care. It was the best she had felt for a long time, since before her father's terrible promise. But she didn't want to think about that. It was over. She was here, in Tortuga, swimming in warm waters, surrounded by a rainforest and sharing the company of a much kinder, not to mention much more handsome man. Jack. Yes, he needed the soap too, probably more than her. She took it from the rock and peered around it. He was sitting naked and wet in the shallows. She swam over to him.

"Jack, here's the soap if you want."

He dove towards her and she swam for the rock. Cordelia peered out, looking for ripples in the water. He couldn't stay under forever. When she was satisfied he was not out in the water lurking she turned to get out, having had enough. He was standing behind her. He pulled her into another kiss. She had been secretly hoping he would kiss her again, but not like this. Not wet and naked. It was very hard to keep her body away from his. She was about to struggle when he pulled away, grinning at her.

"I see you didn't try to resist this time."

"I've had bad past experience with overeager men. Resisting has only gotten me hurt. I hope you understand that I was trying to save myself from more pain."

He looked concerned for a moment then asked, "Can I have the soap luv?"

Cordelia handed him the soap she had been holding the entire time. She leaned against the rock as he swam away, catching her breathe. She wanted him to kiss her again. Surely she would be safe if he only kissed her. She'd never consent to anything else. She compromised with herself and watched him washing from behind the rock. He was doing his best to entice her but it did no good. She felt incredibly frustrated. She was stuck with pirates, bad enough, but now she was stuck with a gorgeous pirate doing a very good job of cracking her resolve. He didn't respect her and he didn't heed her warnings. But why would he be afraid of her anyway?

She saw him finish and called to him: "If you've finished washing may we leave? The sun is getting lower in the sky."

He looks towards the sun, "Aye, that it is. Well, go on and get dressed, then we can make our way back."

Cordelia climbed out, wrung out her hair and let the water run of her body. Her clothes were slightly damp and her long hair only added to that but she could change on the ship, maybe she could borrow a spare shirt and pants. Jack would probably love the thought of her in his clothes.

She walked through the trees and met Jack on the beach. He was wearing minimal clothes, his vest and coat over his arm.

"Shall we?" he extended an arm.

"Thank you," she said, taking his outstretched arm.