Obligatory disclaimer: The Mouse owns all, save my own original characters.

"Whatcha doing?"

Julia closed the book she was reading and set it aside before looking over to the doorway. Leaning against the open door to her cabin was none other than First Mate Thaddeus Cobb. His shirtsleeves were rolled up, showing heavily furred arms that were folded across his chest. A smirk twisted his full lips as he looked down at Julia as she lay in her bed. Julia surmised that he thought himself quite dashing as he peered at her down the length of his nose.

Her left brow arched in curiosity, but she found the weight of his stare overpowering and dropped her gaze from his. Instead, she looked down at the coverlet she lay upon, her fingers instinctively finding a loose thread to worry. Julia then smiled to herself as she pushed herself upright and swung her legs off her berth. Sighing, Julia shook her head, trying not to laugh at the man before her. He looked so earnest and resolved. Julia had been quite caught up in her novel that she had to wonder how long Mister Cobb had been watching her. No matter, for all he can do is look.

"Absolutely nothing of importance. How may I help you this oppressively hot afternoon?" Julia plastered a smile on her face and tried to appear quite charmed and interested, but also very proper as he was one of the few men who did not rally to support her last night. Her hands were folded in her lap as she waited for an explanation.

His smirk spread to a full-fledged grin as he pivoted from leaning against the far side of the doorway to the side closest to Julia. His pant leg brushed against the fabric of her skirt, an act Julia did not chalk up to coincidence. It took all her willpower to not physically flinch. "I came by to see if you might want to go for a walk."

Julia wanted to laugh out loud at the thought. A thin sheen of sweat beaded on her upper lip and Julia could feel a trickle of perspiration ease its way past her shoulder blades. The day was sweltering and only promised to get worse, as it was just past noon. Instead, Julia pressed her lips together so tightly a white line formed and then nodded her head, as if considering the thought – until she could think of an appropriate refusal. It was so warm that a witty rebuke was not forthcoming.

Julia stalled instead. Maybe she could reason him out of his idea. "Really? It would seem a might bit warm for a stroll."

Mister Cobb absently nodded his head in agreement, then pushed himself off the doorframe and entered the room. He then plopped himself in the chair that had been provided for Julia to have her meals. Julia quirked a brow at the audacity of the first mate to enter her quarters without consent but said nothing, waiting for his response. Once he was seated, she did not have long to wait.

"Aye, that it is. But I thought there was no need for you to hole up in your cabin and sulk. The sun is shining and the water is glorious, sparkling like a million diamonds. 'Twould be a shame to miss such a day by keeping your nose in a book."

"Sulk?" He thinks I am in here sulking?

He shrugged his shoulders, noncommittal, mountains rising and falling. Thick fingers raked through his hair, disheveling the locks more than smoothing them into place. It was obvious that much discomfort thrummed through his body, as he was unable to sit still. In his restless agitation, he spied her valise under the bed. As he reached for it, Julia stood in anger, knowing what the first mate was attempting to grasp and hell-bent on preventing him from seeing his curiosity through to fruition. Surprised at the sudden movement, Mister Cobb moved back into an upright position, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. His dark eyes bored into hers, dangerous promises dancing in their depths. "Well, why else are you here in your cabin?"

Confused by the turn of events, Julia sat back down, shaking her head slightly, feeling her brow furrow in frustration. Were all the men of the same presumption? And what the Bloody Hell was with grabbing for her personal belongings? "You mean, besides this unbearable heat?"

Mister Cobb leaned forward in the chair, his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped before him. A sympathetic smile curved his lips, but there was a lack of sincerity behind the action. The strength of his stare was a near-tangible grasp on her person. "Come now, 'tis warm for certain but it is not all that bad. I could recall, easily, days that were much hotter than today. I just presumed that you sought refuge in your berth because of the altercation last night."

It took everything in her power not to roll her eyes. Julia could admit to herself that the opinion of the captain pained her more than it should, but that was certainly not why she was laying on her bed in the middle of the day with her cabin window open, along with an open door. There would be no explaining that she seeking respite from the mid-day swelter, so Julia decided to continue the conversation by playing dense. Not that I have much of a choice. "Altercation? Between the captain and myself, you mean? And yes, I am sure you have known hotter days than this, but that would only be more reason for me to stay quiet and keep out of the sun. I do not budge on my reasons, no matter how hard you push."

Mister Cobb smiled, knowing that she was being intentionally obtuse. Even if she were less attractive, he would be in her room, asking if they could spend some time together; it was just his nature. But her beauty was only enhanced by her humor and intellect – making her nearly irresistible. From the moment he laid eyes on her, discussing terms of booking passage with the captain, there was no doubt in the first mate's mind that he would bed her before her trip was over. But when Julia looked aghast at his suggestion that she was brooding, it was all he could do from closing the distance between the two of them and pinning her to the bed. The anger that flared up so quickly only cemented his presumption that other passions would so quickly blaze.

And despite her protests, he knew that for the right amount of money – and sweet-talking – that his diversion for the evening was sitting right before him. He would rather not part with his coin if his silver tongue could persuade entrance to her mouth – and other regions. Mister Cobb had bedded enough whores who were unwilling to take his coin because of his gilded words enticed them instead, but even more who had said no until they saw the actual coin he offered. But if she wanted to play the lady, he was willing to entertain her illusions. However, he would be patient for only for so long…

His words were syrupy, nearly causing Julia to physically wince. No one talked in such a tone unless someone had died. "We were all very grieved that the captain would choose such a time to… have such a conversation. So I thought I would come and check on you, make sure all was well. And, I must confess, I had hoped to steal some of your time to get to know you a little better. Hence, the offer of a stroll above deck. Forgive me for being so forward, but the combination of beauty and intellect are too much for me to resist."

Julia was unable to prevent the wry grin from twisting her lips. There would be no need to eat any sweets between now and the end of the year, as what he was laying on her was as rich and thick as the icing on her Grandmother's birthday cakes Julia used to beg for every year. Mister Cobb certainly knew how to weave his words and Julia had to wonder how many other female passengers, unmarried or not, he had been successful in bedding. There was no concern in his eyes, just lust. It might even be flattering, in some twisted way, if Julia did not know that he had – and would do so in the future – used these same words on other women. Knowing she was one of many in a long line of wooing made Julia feel disgusted rather than adulated.

So Julia chose her next words carefully, lest she antagonize the man before her. "That is very kind of you. But there is little to know of me. You are the one with the adventurous lifestyle. I am but a simple woman with a humble life. There is nothing to tell." Julia wanted to hold her cards close. Despite knowing what the man before her was after, Julia had not been yet propositioned and did not want to give him any fodder nor any leverage.

Mister Cobb chuckled, as if told an uproariously humorous tale. Most women loved to speak of themselves, but the one before him was doing her best to twist and parry his attentions. Nonetheless, he would break through her shell. Mister Cobb had yet to meet a woman who was immune to his charms. While he did not enjoy having to use a heavy hand, there were times when he had to get rough in order to get his partner to agree. But they all submitted in the end.

Trying another tactic, he asked, "What brings you to Charles Towne?"

Composing her face into a serene mask, Julia smoothed her skirts, the movement acting as a distraction as she carefully slid her left foot closer to the door. In just a moment she was going to stand and scurry quickly above deck where the others would see her resisting the first mate's advances. Julia just had to get up the stairs before Mister Cobb was able to reach her. "I am returning home."

He nodded his head as if told the most interesting of facts, his hand rubbing his chin. The sound off his fingernails raking across his stubble caused Julia to flinch. Mister Cobb slid to the edge of the seat, leaning that much closer to Julia, before he asked, "Then what brought you to Jamaica?"

Was there no way to hint that she did not want to have this conversation? Julia latched her door from the inside at night, but now it looked like she would have to do so during the day. The door had been open to allow for a possible crosscurrent of breeze to slip through the room. A breeze that only teased and taunted but never gave the cool caress Julia was hoping for. Of course, a woman lying on a bed during the day might mean more than I realized to these men. This man. "Family. I went to visit my sister, then ended up booking passage with the Amphitrite to get back home. So, here we are."

"So here we are," he echoed. Mister Cobb then looked down at his hands, fiddling with his cuticles. He was using the tactic to not only formulate his next plan of attack, but to also appear hesitant and demure. It was obvious that Julia was trying to resist his advances, but Mister Cobb chalked it more to propriety rather than lack of interest.

This moment of respite gave Julia time to contemplate the man just a few feet from her person.

Never had she seen such a beautiful man, of this she could be honest. He had dark brown hair that brushed just past the collar of his shirt when loose from a queue, like it was at that moment. A high, proud forehead rose over velvet brown eyes and a smooth brow. His nose was strong and straight, perched above full lips that created a hard, yet sensuous mouth that were currently curved in a smirk. His cheeks, shaven smooth that morning, was starting to show signs of growth. His jaw was powerful and chiseled, topped by a cleft chin. Julia knew that many women would be thrilled to be in her position; she was not so sure if she was so captivated. His fitted clothes reflected a broad chest and fit physique, both of which intimidated her. But, truth be told, it was nice to have someone be pleasant with her; it had been so long since someone had sought out her company.

He suddenly looked up, his gaze boring into Julia's eyes. It was as if he knew her thoughts. "So," his voice was like silk. "Would you like to go for that stroll?"

The power of his stare was overwhelming when all of his charisma was behind his gaze. It took everything in her being to not slowly nod her head in the heady intoxication of his charm. She swallowed hard, forcing herself back to reality. "I… I think I would actually like to stay in here, out of the sun. I… I think that would be best."

He wet his lips, the pink of his tongue in stark contrast with the tan of his skin. He then nodded his head, as if coming to the same conclusion as Julia. A look of pure pleasure washed over his features. "I see. Certainly. I am completely amiable to adjusting my itinerary for the afternoon. So I shall go find a deck of cards for us to play, to while away the hours. While I am searching for a deck, I might find us something to eat. A bite of something, if you will. After all, you look like a woman of healthy… appetites. I shall return shortly."

The room suddenly became a second skin, the walls shrinking inward so that it was impossible to breathe. Julia wanted nothing more than to bolt from the room like a jackrabbit. Instead of getting the hint and leaving, he was going to stay with her? Already she had mental images of Mister Cobb attempting to hand feed her bits of dried meats. She fought the urge to shudder and instead tried to formulate a plan.

If he was not just looking for a tumble, and I saw him across a ballroom, there would be little I would not do to try and catch his eye. But now that she was in his sights, Julia felt nothing less than filthy and wanted to be as far away from the first mate as possible.

Well, he has to leave to get the cards. Maybe once he leaves, I could slip from the room and then go find refuge amongst the other men. Or… they might try to join in the fun. And Julia was not quite such what the term fun might entail. She shuddered at the thought. I could just lock him out. That would send a message, loud and clear.

And quite possibly make him very angry.

Mister Cobb suddenly stood, his presence filling the space of the room. His arms stretched over his head as he worked the kinks out of his back, fingers just barely grazing the ceiling. Realizing that Julia was watching him twist and stretch, Mister Cobb flashed Julia a brilliant smile. This time, Julia was unable to hold back an eye roll, but as she had been taught, Julia also stood, not sure if the first mate should be considered a guest or not.

A look of relief washed over his features as he said, almost to himself, "I thought so," then closed the distance between the two of them. Julia could feel the heat radiate off his body as his hands clasped her arms, pulling her body to his. Pressing her hands flat against his chest, Julia tried to push him away, but he held her tight.

"Please," Julia hated that her voice was barely more than a whisper. "I… I think that you misread my intent. I… I just want to–."

His voice was low and thick. "I know what you want. The same as I. I have seen the way you look at me. Do not even try to deny it, as we both knew this moment was inevitable."

Julia struggled against the first mate as his lips descended upon hers. His lips were hungry and insistent, his tongue trying to delve into the recesses of her mouth. One hand crept around to the hollow of her back, pulling her against him, leaving her no doubt of his desire. The other hand caressed the back of her shoulders, fingering the buttons running down the length of her dress. Without her noticing, his hand managed to slip past the fastenings of her garment and play along the stays of her corset, causing Julia to gasp in shock and outrage. Since her lips were crushed against his, the opening of Julia's mouth gave Mister Cobb the opportunity to explore her mouth with his velvet tongue.

The sound of her hand striking his face shocked even Julia. Then, with all of her might, she shoved him away; his back slammed against the wall. Her voice was not her own when Julia commanded, "Get out! Now!"

Mister Cobb stared at Julia in stunned silence, rubbing his face gingerly, breathing heavily. Julia stepped back as she saw the rage of fire in the first mate's eyes. There was no doubt that he intended to strike her, but Julia had taken a beating before and, for the most part, was able to keep from crying out. But as soon as he moved to strike, Julia would make a dash for the hallway. She just prayed that his momentum would give her enough time to scurry up the steps to the main deck. Let him try to explain to his shipmates why he was beating a woman.

"Mister Cobb, I highly suggest that you follow Missus Ramage's suggestion. Go relieve Mister Greene from the helm of the ship and leave our passenger alone."

The icy words were a symphony of joy to Julia. Both she and Mister Cobb turned in unison to see Captain Norrington filling the doorway, his left brow arched smugly and his hands clasped behind his back. The only sign of the captain's anger was the staccato rhythm of his foot tapping against the wooden floorboards.

"But…"

Julia heard music soar in her heart as the first mate pouted the weak rebuttal to the captain.

"Now!" The hostility in Captain Norrington's voice caused Julia to jump. A wave of anger rolled over her, but this time it warmed her like a favorite blanket. Never more grateful to see the captain, Julia was curious to see how the rest of the altercation played out.

Grumbling under his breath, the first mate left the room, jostling against both Julia and the captain as he did so. His heavy steps on the stairs reverberated down the hallway, punctuated by his hand slamming against the walls intermittently. Julia involuntarily shuddered, as if a tendril of cold air worked its way down her neck. Allowing her mind to process what had just happened, Julia sighed and felt her hands begin to tremble in anger and embarrassment.

The captain lingered in the hallway, as if unsure as to what he should say to his passenger. Julia could feel his gaze boring into her as she looked at the tops of her shoes, her cheeks burning in shame. But at least he saw her fighting off the advances of one of his crewmembers. Certainly he did not blame her. And he was not lecturing her for her wanton ways. Yet.

Julia ventured a look.

Through the fringe of her lashes, Julia saw that the captain, his hands still clasped behind his back, was rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet, as if unsure of what to say. As if unsure if he should stay or dart away. He was looking at her, but Julia was unsure if he truly saw her. Rather, his thoughts seemed to be a million miles away.

"Captain Norrington?"

At the sound of Julia's voice, Captain Norrington wet his lips and tried to smile, but it came off as a grimace. But his eyes locked into hers as he waited to hear what his passenger had to say. For once, Julia felt herself at a loss for words, not knowing how to articulate herself with the one person whom vexed her at every turn.

Taking a deep breath and straightened her back, Julia's bravado was false but she hoped that the captain was unable to tell. Or, at least, overlook her attempts at acting valiant and play along. "How much did you see?"

"Enough." His strained voice was barely audible, as if exhausted. Or in pain. "Enough to know that Mister Cobb will not be sailing under my command once we make port. Enough to know that you wanted no part of his… advances. Enough to know that I was right in wanting to keep you away from the men. But not for the reasons I first thought. Rest assured, I am not irritated with you, despite being very, very angry. And rest assured, in no way will your path cross his during the remainder of the passage. Please do not be afraid of having a repeat encounter. I… Is there anything I might be able to do for you? I feel very responsible for what has happened."

Julia shook her head in the negative, biting her top lip. After a long moment, she whispered, "No. But thank you. I am sorry you had to intercede on my behalf, but words cannot express my gratitude. Now, I know you have other tasks that you must attend to, so I shall not keep you. And, not surprising I suppose, I find myself exhausted. If you do not mind, I want nothing more than to lock myself in here and take a nap, in the hopes that I might be able to dream that none of this happened. I… You… Thank you for being in the right place at the right time. Is there any way I might be of service to you before I rest? I am indebted to you in so many ways."

The earnest look painting her features made Julia look several years younger than she did just moments ago. Wanting nothing more than to crush her to his chest in a backbreaking hug, whispering words of calm, Captain Norrington was mildly disturbed at his own reaction. Not that he would act on his impulse, but how could he refuse Missus Ramage anything? At that moment, if she had asked for ownership of his vessel, Norrington knew he would be hard pressed to decline.

"I need nothing except the knowledge that you are unhurt. And since I have that, I bid you adieu. If you need anything, you have my word that you will not run into Mister Cobb, so please come find me. Now, I am off to go deal with him now." Captain Norrington watched his passenger place a slim hand on the door to her cabin. Exhaustion shadowed her eyes, her skin paler than before. A weak smile played at the corner of her lips as the door gently shut, the latch scratching against wood before clicking into place. Despite knowing she could not see him, Norrington bowed gracefully, then made his way down the passageway, each step taking him closer to the flogging he was about to begin.