Chapter 4

Kate walked down the steps giggling to herself. She found Josh next to one of the empty bunk. Not to mention they were all empty.

"I'm sorry for the way Jack treated you." Josh jumped at Kate's sudden presence. He turned to face her.

"I'm pretty sure he won't be making that mistake again." She whispered her gaze catching his.

"I'm sure he won't." Josh whispered back, taking a step Kate's way and putting an arm around her. He slowly leaned down to kiss her. Everything in Kate screamed not to go through this. She pushed it from her mind. She wanted this; she needed it. Josh was the only decent man on this ship. Before Kate could finish her thoughts and return to Earth; he was there. His mouth met hers. Kate tried to resist it. Finally she gave in and completely melted against him. Kate and Josh stood separated from the world. They were lost in a moment of its own. That's right you filthy whore. Josh thought to himself. They stood like that until pirates flooded the area. Kate jumped knowing she shouldn't have been there.

"I have to go." Kate whispered turning to run. Josh caught her arm.

"Wait. Please meet me tonight on the deck." Josh pleaded. His gaze met hers once again.

"I don't think I'll be able to get away from Jack but I'll try."

"I'll be waiting." Josh whispered letting go of Kate. Kate ran on deck. Not watching where she was going; she ran headlong into Jack. He grabbed a hold of her arms as if to steady her. Kate looked up at Jack, "Oh . . . uh . . . Hi Jack." Kate smiled innocently and tucked a piece of golden hair behind her ear.

"And where have ye been to make ye so uptight?"

"Uh . . . just down below, helping Josh." She wasn't really lying; but it wasn't the whole truth either.

"Ye really expect me to believe a lie like that?"

"It's not a lie!"

"Then why are you so defensive?" Jack smirked a little.

"I-I have to leave." Kate said pulling herself from Jack's grasp. Jack watched her go trying to figure her out. Why was she so defensive? There was only one answer; Josh. Unmentionable thoughts rolled through Jack's mind. They kept coming and coming and getting worse and worse. Finally he stormed below and straight to Josh. His face was red with outrage. "You! Don't ye even lay a finger Kate or I will KILL ye!!" Josh stepped back taking notice that Jack was mad. "Are ye hearing me?!"

"Y-Y-Yes sir." Josh fumbled over the two words.

"Don't 'yes sir' me! Just don't let me see ye with her; ever!" Jack then stomped back on deck. Kate saw him and knew instantly what had happened. The day pressed on and neither Jack, Josh nor Kate spoke to each other. That night Kate climbed into a hammock next to Jack's bed.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"Uh . . . sleeping."

"Why don't you come over here?"

"Because I don't want to."

"Is it cause of what I said?"

"Yes, so therefore I will not be moving." Kate said rolling over.

"Women." Jack muttered.

It didn't take long for Jack to fall asleep. As soon as he was sleeping soundly Kate slowly climbed out of the hammock and slipped out of the cabin. She met Josh on the helm. Josh pulled Kate into his arms and smelled the sweet scent of her. She looked up into Josh's deep brown eyes. Tears threatened to run down Kate's cheek.

"I thought you weren't coming." He said pulling her into another hug.

"Listen I can't stay long."

"I know. It's ok.' Josh looked at Kate and took her chin in his hand. He pulled her into a passionate kiss. When they parted Kate looked back into Josh's eyes. "Tomorrow?" He questioned.

"I'll try." Kate said leaving him to go back to the cabin. Kate crawled back into the hammock and drifted to sleep.