Author's Note: I'm a few chapters ahead writing this, so I shouldn't run out of stuff to post even if I get a block. Which is good. Remember to review!

Chapter Twelve: The Fight

Lainey stared into Jack Sparrow's dark, threatening face and knew she had gone too far. She didn't know what to say. She couldn't hold his intense gaze any longer, and looked down to the deck.

"I don' know what ter say to you," Sparrow said suddenly.

She just blinked. She didn't know why, but she felt... guilty.

Sparrow didn't say anything else. He just grabbed her suddenly, roughly, and tossed her over his shoulder. She didn't dare protest; there was something firm and angry in his grip. He carried her back to his cabin, closing the door behind them with his foot, then dropped her on the bed. She watched him nervously as he sat down on the desk.

"Are yer ready to listen yet?" he asked, a strange figure in a white shirt and loose trousers. She noticed his appearance properly for the first time; he was handsome, his face lighter without his hat on. He wore a red scarf wrapped around his head. There were various trinkets tied into his long hair. And then there were those eyes...

Lainey concentrated on answering. "Do I have a choice?"

"I'm not goin' ter make you do anythin' yer don' want to do," he replied, and for a moment he sounded so sincere, looked so caring and warm.

"Please leave me alone."

Jack's eyes flashed. "Alrigh'," he said, rising, "but yer need to know one thing, Carmen... the Poelles lied to you."

Her face darkened. "What on earth are you on about?" she snapped.

"They lied to you, darling." Jack headed for the door.

Lainey felt her temper rising. He had done this just to provoke her. She stood up. "You liar! You bloody pirate!"

"Me, luv?" Jack turned to her, a sparkle in his eyes. "Me? I'm dishonest. And a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest, honestly-"

"What you are is scum," Lainey cried angrily.

"I may be many things," Jack said, more serious now, "but I never took in a child and lied to her about where she came from, like your friends the Poelles-"

"You're lying!" she shouted.

Then he had grabbed her shoulders firmly, shaking them hard, glaring at her. His closeness made her feel scared, nervous... and weak. "Carmen, for God's sake, I am not lying! It is Edward Poelle, your dear friend, who is lying to you!"

She tried to fight out of his grip but he was too strong. "Let go of me!" When he didn't, she kicked him hard in the shin. They fell to the floor, Lainey scratching, biting, desperate to hurt Jack Sparrow. He moved his head suddenly as she scratched his neck, and his forehead collided with her lip. She felt it break and screamed.

He quickly overpowered her, pinning her hands above her head. She looked at him. Three scratches on his right cheek, and a big bloody bite on his neck. She hadn't done so badly. Her lip was throbbing, though.

"Stand up." Sparrow was back in control, radiating a power she did not dare contest.

They stood up, and Lainey sank onto the bed, clutching her lip. Sparrow sat down beside her.

"Your lip... is it alright?" he asked suddenly.

She was surprised at his sudden show of emotion but hid it. "Fine."

"You should wash it or something, luv-"

"Leave me alone!" she begged, turning away, still clutching it. She needed to be away from this pirate.

"Fine." He rose again, heading for the door. "We will be docking in Moia for supplies this evening. You're going to be left here. Tobias will be on duty to make sure you behave."

"Fine," she repeated. "I really don't care."

Jack glared at her before leaving. "Well that's good, luv."

The door slammed shut behind him.