Disclaimer: Long heartfelt sigh… none of POTC is mine. Furthermore, I make no money from my taking the characters out to play.

AN: Here is a really long chapter. Almost broke it in the middle but that didn't feel right. However, since it is such a long chapter I expect an obscene amount of reviews!

Valentine snuggled down into the comfortable bed and let out a long sigh. They had been at sail for over a fortnight. Yesterday, the Diamond had made port and delivered a shipment of goods before once again heading to the open seas. Last night had been a festive affair with the majority of men drinking more than was good for them. Valentine smiled wryly to herself as the slight throb in her head reminded her that it had not only been the men who had over imbibed. The stressfulness of the last few months had finally caught up with her and in an effort to chase away her uncomfortable thoughts she had kept pace with the men in their various card and drinking games. In the early hours of the morning she had made her stumbling way down to her cabin with the help of merrily gallant Mr. Gibbs. Memory of what had precipitated her sudden decision to withdraw to her own quarters sent a shiver of awareness through her body. There was no escaping the fact that things between her and Jack were reaching the point where an explosion was soon to occur. Valentine was only surprised that it had taken so long to reach this stage.

When they'd arrived at the Diamond that first day Valentine had been sure that Jack would in his usual obnoxious manner try to insist that she share his cabin. She had readied herself for a battle as Jack, unable to hide his pride of possession, had shown her over his beloved ship. He had saved the Captain's quarters for last and when he swung open the door the first object of furniture that Valentine's eyes had alighted on had been the massive four poster bed that seemed to dominate the room. Unbidden a host of wicked thoughts had filled her mind and she had felt a flush fill her face. Unexpectedly he had refrained from commentary regarding her obvious discomposure and had instead informed her that she would be using a cabin below deck and that one of the men would bring her things to her before long. Her disbelief at this announcement must have shown on her face for he'd snapped angrily, "I've never needed to take an unwilling woman before Valentine and I'll not do so now." She was halfway out the door before he'd added cockily, "Of course give it a few days and some of me famous charm and you'll be more than willing to spread your shapely legs for me, won't you luv? I think that I'll make you beg for it like you did in the stable." Val had chosen to refrain from commenting on his statement although she had been tempted to tell him that hell would freeze over before she ever again welcomed his advances.

As Val forced herself out of the warm bed and began her morning ablutions, she reflected that her choice had turned out to be a wise one for she would likely have ended up eating crow. For the past fifteen days, Jack had launched a campaign of seduction that was beginning to wear through all of Val's defenses. It was the subtlety and unexpected tack that his efforts took that had undermined her resolve. He was polite and charming and almost all traces of the crude Jack disappeared. He was treating her as a gentleman should treat a lady and she was completely flummoxed by it. Not even young Jonathon had been so correct in his behavior towards her. Of course there was one area in which he deviated slightly from his new role. Physically he touched her much more often that strict social dictates would deem proper. However, even here he remained somewhat restrained with his touches being light and only hinting at impropriety rather than actually crossing the line into truly improper advances. It was making her crazy and her body was now in a constant state of anticipation of what he would do next. Would he lightly brush his fingers across her neck? Or would he once again lean forward a tad too close so that his breath tickled her ear as he spoke? Perhaps he would place another light kiss on the inside of her wrist?

Val groaned and splashed some cool water on her face in an attempt to banish the flush that suffused her at these thoughts. If she did not know better, she would almost swear that Jack was wooing her. But last night he had once again revealed his true colors and that was what had sent her fleeing to the safety of her room. It had not been anything he said or did but his true purpose had been revealed in his eyes. Val had looked up from the cards that she was holding to find him staring at her with undisguised lust and a barely controlled impatience. When he noticed her regarding him, he had quickly hooded his eyes and cleared his face of all expression but she had seen it and could not forget the answering response her body had produced. There was no use trying to deny it; she wanted Jack Sparrow as she had never wanted a man before. The only question left unanswered was if she had been and could remain successful at hiding this information from him. She prayed that he was unaware of the effect that he was producing in her for if he knew he would press his advantage to demand her surrender and that could not be allowed to happen.

With this resolution firmly in her mind, she dressed in her breeches and linen shirt. Jack had given her the run of the ship and the men, after some preliminary grumbling regarding women and ships and bad luck, had proven to be very kind and accommodating. A few of them had taken her under their wing and had been teaching her about sailing. Val found that she enjoyed the activity more than she had thought she would and today she had been promised a trip to the crow's nest. Smiling in anticipation she made her way to deck where the sight that greeted her left her speechless.

Gone was the neatly attired crew that she had been sailing with for the past weeks and in its place was a collection of motley looking men who could only be described as pirates. Val panicked for a moment thinking that the Diamond had been taken over by another vessel until she realized that the faces were still familiar. A glance upward revealed that the standard colors had been lowered and a black flag hung instead. Scanning the deck she picked out the unmistakable figure of Mr. Gibbs and went to him to seek an explanation.

"Ah a fine day isn't it Val?" Gibbs smiled at her as if it were completely normal to for the men to be so dressed and the ship to be sporting a pirate flag.

"Mr. Gibbs what is going on? I thought that Jack and the Diamond had given up pirating in favor of honest shipping?"

Before Gibbs could reply, a familiar voice answered, "Well you thought wrong luv. We've taken on a little side job."

Val whirled around at the sound of the familiar voice and could not hold back the startled gasp. Completely gone was the man that she had first known as Jonathon and then had come to accept as Jack and in his place was an utter stranger. His hair still tied in a queue now sported a plethora of beads and trinkets instead of just the few that he had insisted on wearing for the past months. Goodness, there was even what appeared to be a bone dangling from his forelock and his eyes were rimmed with kohl. Fascinated, Val continued her slow perusal of him from head to toe. His clothes were not those of a fashionable gentleman and had obviously seen better days. Draped across his midsection was a sword and what appeared to be a pistol. Rings of many colors adorned his fingers. Completing the unusual picture were scuffed high boots and a battered hat dangling from his hand.

In an insulting tone Jack drawled, "Had your fill of looking at me yet? Best close your mouth afore a fly lands in it." Before Val could answer Jack asked Gibbs, "Any sight of her yet?"

"No Captain but if we stay on this course we should intercept her before the day is over."

"Intercept who?" Val questioned.

Jack ignored her query and spoke to Gibbs, "Feels good being out of those dandified clothes and wearing our old togs doesn't it?"

"Aye that it does Jack but I've noticed you've not completely dressed like your old self."

Jack grinned and reached up to finger his hair, "Ah yes, me hair. Well I've rediscovered a liking for a bug free head and it's easier to wash this way."

Gibbs laughed and then pointedly observed, "It wasn't your hair I was speaking of Jack. You seem to be missing one of your favorite mementos of a lady's affection." Gibbs stared meaningfully at Jack's bare left wrist.

Val could swear that Jack blushed under the older man's scrutiny. Well he should be embarrassed! Now she knew the meaning of all those bits and bobs that he adorned himself with; they were all trophies from his past amorous liaisons.

"Misplaced it have you? I'd bet if we looked hard enough we could find it."

Jack growled, "Shut up Gibbs less you're wanting to sport a black eye."

Gibbs only laughed harder and strolled away whistling.

Val had remained quiet long enough. She demanded, "Tell me what this is all about. I thought you had given up pirating?"

"Now luv, you can never take the pirate out of a man. Told you that already only you don't want to listen. But then there's pirating and there's pirating. All depends on one's point of view. Savvy?" A few of the beads tinkled as he shook his head in mock concern.

The sound reminded Val of what the beads were symbols of and she grew furious at him. He was nothing more than a womanizing lout and she had been a fool to even consider a romantic relationship with him. Her anger leant harshness to her words, "Evidently your morals are still conveniently fluid Jack. Always after the main chance, aren't you? You're a grown man and yet you still only care about yourself and have no regard or concern for others. You shall make a terrible Earl of Coltshire and I feel sorry for the people on your lands." Val turned ready to storm away but was stopped when he grabbed her wrist her swung her around.

Gripping her by both arms he shook her slightly and snarled, "You know nothing of what you speak of Valentine. You've always been all too willing to believe the worst of me. I'd suggest you shut your mouth before you say something you'll regret. Eating your words can be such an unpleasant experience." With a final shake he let go of her and then added, "You can stay on deck until Gibbs tells you to go below. When he does you are not to come out again until given permission. That's an order, don't disobey it or you'll regret it."

Taken aback by Jack's attack, Val could only nod her head. The response seemed to satisfy him and he stalked off. The rest of the morning and most of the afternoon passed quickly. The men kept their word and Val was able to climb up into the crow's nest. Unfortunately her mind was on Jack's unusually strong reaction to her insults and she did not enjoy the experience as much as she would have in other circumstances. It was late afternoon when a shout indicated that another ship had been spotted and Gibbs informed Val that it was time for her to leave the deck.

Jack watched as she went below. His anger had long ago fled to be replaced by something that felt suspiciously like hurt. Damn the woman, she'd done it to him again. He'd spent the last weeks showing her that he was more than capable of being a gentleman and in a blink of an eye she had pierced his control. Valentine had always only ever believed the worst of him and he supposed she always would. When they got back to Port Royal it was time to seek an annulment and end this farce of a marriage. Then he could go and find the type of wife he wanted. He smiled as he realized that at least he had rid himself of Millicent without ever having had to admit that he'd made a bad choice. Meanwhile he had a ship to raid and some documents to find.

Val sat in her cabin and listened to the carousing going on above her. She guessed that it must be well past midnight but the sounds indicated no signs of the merriment ending soon. In vain she had waited for word that she was once again to be allowed on deck. The time had passed slowly and her thoughts had played and replayed the events of the day. When the other ship had come within range, the Diamond had fired a shot across her bow and demanded the right to board. Hidden in the stairwell, Val had watched as the crew of the Diamond had lowered planks and boarded the other ship. What had followed had been surprisingly orderly and bloodless. Oh there had been threats and shouts, but with the exception of a few fisticuffs there had been no real physical harm done to the men and passengers of the other ship. In fact it did not even appear as if many goods of real value had been looted other than several casks of wine and rum. There had been an interchange between Jack and Gibbs that puzzled Val. As Jack had walked back across the gangplank he had shoved a small portfolio of documents into his jacket and then nodded at Gibbs. Shortly thereafter, the Diamond had pulled the boarding planks and sailed away. Val was willing to bet that whatever was in that portfolio had been the real reason for the whole taking of the other ship and that the other goods had merely been stolen as cover.

Val threw herself on the bed and lay there trying to talk herself out of what she wanted to do. She knew that it was foolish and dangerous. The whole matter was none of her business. It was probably full of bearer bonds or some other equally portable means of wealth. Eventually she gave up the fight against her curiosity. She would get no sleep until she knew what was in that portfolio. Rising from her bed she briefly considered changing out of her nightwear but then discarded that idea. The gown was black silk and though totally inappropriate for wear in public it was the most appropriate garment that she owned for what she had in mind. Its being black would help her fade into the night and the daring lace up bodice and general skimpiness did not matter for no one would see her. She grabbed a candle before realizing that the glow would give her away. Reluctantly she put it down and resigned herself to finding her way in the dark. Hopefully the moonlight would cast enough light for her to see and there was sure to be a lantern in Jack's cabin.

Sticking to the shadows she carefully made her way above deck and to the Captain's quarters. It was with a sigh of relief that she closed the door behind her. She had managed to make it without attracting anyone's attention. Val almost giggled at that thought. With the amount of noise that the drunken men were making she probably could have ridden a horse across deck without notice. Telling herself to stop being fanciful, Val quickly crossed over to the desk for she believed it the most likely place for Jack to have stored the portfolio. As she had predicted, there was an oil lantern lit and burning. Between that and the moonlight filtering through the windows, she had more than enough to see by.

It only took a few seconds to find what she was looking for and pull out the documents it contained. Carefully unfolding them Val peered down and tried to make sense of what she was looking at. As near as she could tell the writing was in French and there were diagrams of something that looked like plans for a ship. Bracing herself on her arms Val leaned over the table and closer to the document to try to read the cramped writing.

"Find anything interesting, luv?' A voice softly whispered in her ear and caused her to shriek and nearly fall over as she stood up and spun around.

"What are you doing here?"

"It's my cabin sweetheart. I think the question is what are you doing here?"

"I was … I was…" Val could not complete the statement.

"You were… ?" Jack teased.

His teasing allowed her to find her voice. "Fine. I was snooping. I wanted to know why you raided that ship today."

"You mean other than the reason that I'm a despicable pirate bastard who cares for no one and nothing but meself?"

Val deduced that Jack meant this as a rhetorical question and refrained from answering. Instead she asked, "Why are you not drinking with the crew? There was enough rum brought on board to supply an army."

"Contrary to your opinions of me, even I can grow tired of drink Valentine. I retired to my bed to dream of a lovely lady joining me for a bit of slap and tickle."

"Don't be absurd. There was no way that you could know that I would come here tonight."

Jack did not answer but merely gave a leering grin.

"Stop it Jack. You do not frighten me. I daresay you retired early rather than pass out on the deck."

Jack shrugged his shoulders negligently. "Have it your way Valentine. You always do. But now that you're here and dressed for the occasion seems a shame to waste such an opportunity..."

Jack took a step towards her and Val involuntarily retreated a step. His words had brought home to her the danger that she now faced. Looking at him it finally registered that he was wearing nothing but a pair of breeches. She stared at his bare chest and forced a swallow down a suddenly parched throat. He took another step forward and she retreated again. Her eyes skittered around nervously searching for anything to focus on but the half naked man in front of her. On the corner of the desk she saw a small dagger. By now somewhat panicky, she picked it up and brandished it at him threatening, "You stay away from me Jack Sparrow. I'll use this on you. Just see if I won't."

To her astonishment, Jack just laughed heartily. Then he calmly walked over to a chair next to the bed. She heard the slide of metal against metal and the next thing she knew he was once again standing in front of her but now he was wielding a sword. He tutted mockingly, "You'd never make it as a pirate Valentine. First rule in a fight is to pick the most lethal weapon in the room. What are you going to do now?"

Val reached the decision that dignity was secondary to self preservation. Slowly she inched her ways backwards trying to reach the door to escape what she know accepted was an unwinnable encounter. She was more than halfway towards her goal when she took too large a step and her heel came down on the hem of her gown. She became unbalanced and as she put her hands behind her to break the fall the dagger flew from her grasp and landed out of reach. With a thump she landed on her rear. Val looked up to find Jack towering above her holding the sword so that it gently pressed beneath her breast bone. She could feel her nipples harden in response to his hungry gaze.

"My, what a predicament you find yourself in Valentine. Reminds me of an encounter between your friend Katherine and the good Commodore. Did she tell you about it?" At Val's silent nod he went on, "Probably told you what a gentleman he was and how he let her go without demanding any sort of forfeit. Now if I were a gentleman, I'd do the same. Fortunately, as you delight in reminding me, I'm not." With this he took the blade and sliced through the laces causing her breasts to tumble free.

Valentine let out a soft cry of distress at his action but she dared

not move. More to the point, she could not move. She was as caught in the web of desire as he was and her will to fight it had fled. Carefully he hooked the tip of the blade under one strap and then pushed it off her shoulder. When he did the same to the other strap, the completely ruined bodice of the gown pooled down to her waist and left her torso naked. Without a word, Jack flung the sword aside and held out a hand to her. Equally silent Val placed her hand is his and allowed him to pull her to her feet. For some minutes they just stared at each other and then Jack's attention was caught by a flash of gold illuminated in the flickering flame of the lantern. Her eyes followed helplessly as he reached down into the valley between her breasts and lifted up the ring that had lain nestled there.

Val held her breath and awaited the caustic comment that was certain to follow. When several silent moments followed with no glib comment from Jack she dared to raise her eyes to meet his. In them she read a question but no derision. But right now she did not wish to answer that particular question. Divining her need to defer the matter to another time Jack let the ring fall back down and then pulled her into his arms and began kissing her. His mouth devoured hers until she was panting in an attempt to draw breath.

The feel of his bare chest against hers inflamed her senses and she squirmed in attempt to get even closer to him. Jack wound his hand in her hair and tipped her head back to give him access to her neck. He nibbled and licked his way down from her earlobes to the curve of her shoulder. Ignoring her soft murmur of protest he put her slightly from him. Then with an almost reverent touch he began stroking and tormenting her now aching and heavy breasts whose tips were already peaked with desire. Soon his mouth traced the same path. For what seemed an eternity he licked and suckled and petted until she thought she would go out of her mind with wanting. Just when she was about to scream in protest, his lips continued their journey down her body. They found the curve of her waist and then her hip before being blocked the remnants of her once beautiful nightgown. Jack settled onto his knees, took the gown in both hands and ripped the rest of it off. The sound the gown made as it tore acted as an aphrodisiac on both of the room's occupants. Impossible as it would have seemed a moment ago, their lovemaking became even more heated. Jack used one hand at Val's waist to hold her steady as his other found its way between her legs. Seconds later, when his mouth followed suit, he had to use both hands to keep her from collapsing off her feet.

Valentine whimpered, "Jack please. Please make love to me. Please, I need you." She knew she was begging as he had decreed she would but she did not care. If she had to beg him to assuage the need in her then so be it. Pride no longer mattered.

Hearing the words he had needed to hear, Jack stood up and almost dragged Valentine to the bed. Before joining her on the soft feather mattress he stood and let his eyes feast on the beautiful picture she made. He had waited fifteen long years for this moment. Growing impatient she sat up and tried to reach to help unbutton his breeches. Firmly he pushed her hands away. Her eyes as she watched him remove the garment were bad enough without her touch making matters worse. If she touched him there it was likely he'd be unmanned. He was determined to be in control of this encounter and make her forget every man who'd preceded him.

Jack crawled into bed and levered himself above Valentine. He took her mouth for another volatile kiss and his hard penis pressed into the softness of her belly. A part of him wanted to prolong the encounter but he knew that he was fast losing what little reign on his desires that he had left. Nudging her legs wider he settled between them and slowly began working his way inside her now dripping entrance with gentle tormenting thrusts. Soon she was undulating her hips and lifting them off the bed in an attempt to make him sheath himself fully in her. A victorious chuckle escaped him as her movements grew more frantic. He waited until she was one step away from the precipice and then grabbed her by the hips and with a firm thrust fully entered her. She grew still for a split second and then screamed as her release hit her. Jack's own release matched hers.

As soon as both of their shudders had subsided, Jack leapt off of the bed. Angrily he shouted, "You bloody stupid little fool. Why the hell didn't you tell me you were still a virgin?"