Apologies times a million my lovely readers. I know, this chapter took absolutely forever to post. You see I just started University and things are a little intense over here and I could hardly handle everything happening! BUT, the good news is now I have sorted everything I can start writing again yaaaaay ^_^ Sadly I cannot promise I will upload super regularly, the best I can do is once a week. But, if you want to give me some motivation leave a review and I'll PM you a teaser of the next chapter :D Good trade? Awesome c: Enjoy le chapter xoxo

"You have to understand I don't usually do this type of thing."

Jack leaned against his dark, mahogany desk inspecting Freya. She twisted a lock of her hair nervously before letting it drop back into her mane of crimson.

"You see I find that the men become a little uneasy when there's a woman on board. Some believe its bad luck to have your kind on the ship. Others really love it, which is never a good thing for a young lady's," Jack paused, his expression cold, "virtue."

Freya became a little taken back by his comment. That thought hadn't even crossed her mind. Her father's tales were all very PG rated as such, about pirates and the 18th century. But then again, thinking back to all the books she had read, pirates were never put in a good light.

"Rest assure though lass, if you do decide to stay on my ship you have my word that no man will touch you. I like to think my crew are respectable, for pirates anyway. Very loyal. Good men in my eyes, especially Will."

The mention of Will's name brought a smile to Freya's lips. "He does seem a good man."

Jack quickly changed the subject, noticing Freya's obvious admiration for Will. "Shall we discuss terms then?"

"Um, yes of course."

Taking a deep breath Jack proceeded, hastily.

"As you can tell I do not have a very large crew. My men are efficient and effective. They listen to and follow my orders without hesitation. If someone steps out of line, there is punishment. I will not change the rules for you. You may be a woman, but I don't want to play favourites. I will give you a few days rest, to recover from your head injury. After however, I will work you just as hard as I do any of my men. Think of this as an exchange, one we both gain from. You get my protection and I get your skills. Savvy?"

Freya nodded slowly. Jack had spoken so quickly the information had hardly enough time to sink in.

"Also, you may take the cabin boys quarters until you're recovered. They're far more comfortable then the crew's quarters below deck." Jack added, "He was the one who almost knocked you out with part of my sail, so I think it's only a fair deal."

"Ah, Christopher." Freya laughed, remembering the boys concern. "I could tell he felt awful about that."

Jack stood up from his desk and strolled over to the window across from Freya. Lost in thought he stood there for a moment, his hand resting upon the charcoal coloured wall.

"He was lucky we can fix the sail, my poor Pearl."

Noting the affection in his voice Freya giggled to herself.

"What's so funny?" Jack demanded turning back to Freya, the loving expression wiped from his face.

"Oh nothing really, it's just that you speak with such admiration for you ship."

Jack looked at Freya with a horrified expression.

"I'm sorry, have I offended you?"

Straightening himself up Jack readjusted his coat before looking back out the window. "The Pearl is the thing I care most about in this world. It would be best if you did not question that."

Freya, unsure of how to reply remained silent.

"You may go now."

Awkwardly Freya stood up from the armchair and began to leave. She kicked herself mentally; offending the man giving her sanctuary was not the best way to leave a good first impression. In the doorway she placed her hands on the double doors, about to push them open when Jack's voice traveled from across the room.

"Wait."

Freya stopped mid-push and turned towards him.

"I need that shift that you're wearing back."

Jack's expression remained serious as Freya looked between him and the dress that covered her.

"You're not serious right?"

Jack remained silent.

"What else will I wear?"

"You can borrow some of the crew member's clothes until we land at Tortuga."

After a few moments of silence Freya nervously began to remove the shift, pulling it over her head and throwing it at Jack's face. He caught it with ease before rolling it up and dropping it into an open chest. A sly smile tugged at his lips as Freya tried to cover herself with her arms, even though she still wore her bathing suit.

"Is this my punishment for laughing, having to face your crew like this?"

Jack strolled over to his desk and sat behind it. Kicking his feet up he relaxed back into his chair, his face completely neutral.

"Don't let the door hit you on the way out."