/I don't own anything you recognize in this story. /

Chapter Twenty Three

The ship cut through the water silently. I was standing at the bow of the ship watching the stars and thinking about everything that had happened. I shivered and pulled the coat that Will had given me around me tighter. It was so cold out here. It was funny how even in the hottest climates it could plummet into freezing temperatures.

As I huddled in my coat, I felt a hand coil around my waist. Somehow I knew that it was Will. There was no one else who could make me safe with their presence. I didn't know how I could become as stupid as to throw Will away, as I constantly reminded myself.

"Why are you standing out here in the cold?" Will asked, whispering in my ear, making it tickle.

I snuggled back against Will, allowing my head to rest against his chest. "I was thinking about you."

"I hope it was good thoughts," Will answered, allowing to drape his other arm across my shoulders, keeping me warm.

"How could I have any other thoughts than good ones about you?" I asked, enjoying the outdoorsy smell of him.

"You didn't seem to think too highly of me not too long ago," Will reminded me gently.

I sighed. "Maybe I'm having too many adventures. I'm not used to running around saving people."

"Maybe that's why we have women stay at home," Will teased, "because they are too delicate."

"Do you think of me as delicate, then?" I asked. "Because you have fallen in love with the wrong woman to be chasing around the world for."

Will hugged me close. "I would have loved you anyway even if you were delicate. But I am afraid that you have the stuff of a true adventurer. And I couldn't ask for anything less."

"I know you wouldn't. For I am a seductress, a goddess from another realm," I said in a mysterious voice.

Will chuckled. "I wouldn't be surprised if you were."

I smiled softly and turned around to face Will. I rubbed my hand gently against the side of his face. He needed a shave, his face was getting rougher by the day, but at the same time it was a comforting feeling, one that tickled gently against my hand. He looked better the way he was, anyway.

"I love you so much," I whispered. "I don't know how I could live without you."

Will said nothing, just kissed my lips gently, allowing himself to linger. I felt fluttery sensation in my stomach. I had kissed Will many times before, yet it gave me the thrills every time I kissed him, as if this was our very first kiss together. Whoever he was with before had taught him well.

I felt Will drop his kiss from my lips and began kissing me gently on my cheek, my neck, and finally my shoulders. I gasped and pulled him closer. I didn't want him to stop, this was a sensation I had never experienced before and I wanted to keep going.

Will suddenly pulled away from me and in the darkness I could see his cheeks reddening in embarrassment. I knew that this was his first time as well in doing anything so bold.

"I, I'm so sorry," Will stammered. "Forgive me for being so foreword. I was too bold."

I placed a gentle finger on his lips and kissed him tenderly on the cheek. "Nothing can be too bold now."

Without another word, Will gently picked me off my feet and swept downstairs into my stateroom. It became the best night of my night. He was so gentle in every move he made and as he kissed me, I couldn't help but think that our lives would be forever different.

Several hours later, Will finally pulled away and collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. I moved closer to him and put an arm around him, giving him one last, tender kiss before he fell asleep. I sighed happily. Nothing could have been more perfect.

Unable to sleep, I got out of bed as quietly as I could and dawned my clothes and a heavy coat. Silently, I crept out of the room and headed towards the top deck. As I made my way down the deck, I could feel someone watching me.

Turning around, I found that it was Jack. I gave him a small smile, wondering what he was doing up at this hour.

"Did you have a lovely night?" he asked and it was then that I realized that Jack had seen Will and I on deck and then watched in desperation as Will carried me downstairs.

"I had a lovely night, thank you," I answered. "But Jack, there was never anything between us, truly. I love you as a brother, as a friend. Please don't take it seriously. I have loved far longer and deeper than you and I will ever know."

"You're right, I won't," Jack said bitterly. "I hope you two will enjoy your time together and will be happy together for as long as you live."

I touched Jack's shoulder gently. "Please, Jack, don't do this to yourself. You'll only make it worse for yourself."

"No, it's ok. I will be quite alright by morning."

Without another word, Jack walked away before entering the captain's quarters. I felt my heart tear apart. I hated to see Jack so heartbroken, but I loved Will more than anyone could know.

Turning back around, I headed back to where Will was sound asleep. Right now I needed the calming presence of the man I loved deeply. Nothing else could help me more.

--

Author's Note: Chapter Twenty Three for everybody, I hope you all enjoyed it. I know many of you were asking for a little more romance with Will and Elizabeth and there you have it. I hope it satisfies you.

Thanks to everybody who's reviewed, your reviews really do help me keep my stories going. I'll update as soon as I can and in the meantime, don't forget to review!