Disclaimer: The Mouse owns it.
AN: Sorry about the delay. Crazy times at work and in personal life. Haven't even seen AWE yet! Probably some typos but it's late and I wanted to get this posted. Next chapter should be up soon.
"Jack?" Val's eyes adjusted to the murky light and she was able to discern him casually lying on the bed with some pillows propped behind his head. Anger flared through her at his nonchalance. She had been well and truly frightened and it had been one of Jack's games. "Unshackle me this instant and return me to the Helena."
Jack lazily drew himself out of bed and sauntered over towards her. "Fraid I can't do that darling." He paused to light a lantern and as the light flooded the room, Val could see that he was once again wearing what she called his pirating clothes. Jack noted her perusal, "They say clothes make the man Valentine. Now, I can't very well be dressing like a gentleman when I need to be acting like a pirate, savvy?"
A small frisson of alarm and excitement sounded in Val's stomach. Doing her best to hide it from him,she said as icily as possible, "And why would you need to do that Jack? There's nothing here for you to plunder." As Jack continued to advance on her, Val unconsciously retreated until she felt the door pressed against her back.
Placing both hands on either side of her, he trapped her in place. "I beg to differ, sweetheart. Seems like one of my treasures has developed the mistaken belief that she can liberate herself." Jack leaned forward and lightly traced her mouth with his finger. Val suppressed a shiver of desire. "Now what kind of pirate would I be if I allowed that to happen?"
Jack's thumb began to gently caress her lower lip and Val's breathing quickened. It was difficult not to sway towards him but she managed, barely. She could feel her lips begin to part beneath his insistent attentions. Unbidden, her tongue darted out and wrapped around the questing thumb, drawing it into her mouth. Jack emitted a rasping sigh and his pupils dilated with desire.
"Why did you run away?" Jack withdrew his thumb and moodily demanded.
It took Val a moment to pull herself from the haze of sensuality that he had awakened. "I was not running away. There simply appeared no point to my remaining in Port Royal." With each word, Val managed to recoup her natural sense of dignity and wrap it around herself like a protective mantle. "I trust that you received the signed papers?"
Jack rocked back on his heels and gazed at her through narrowed eyes. Her air of indifference infuriated him and he determined to shake her out of her complacency. "You know Valentine, I never figured you for a coward." Jack was pleased to note that this statement was like waving a red flag before a bull. Good. He wanted to shatter her control.
Raising her chin defiantly and sneering at him, Val insisted, "I am not a coward, Jack Sparrow. You take that back."
"Bollocks. You're sneaking away like a thief in the middle of the night, can't get much more chicken hearted than that, luv." Jack delighted in the flush that filled her face at this taunt.
"Well you certainly would know all about sneaking away during the night, wouldn't you Jack?"
Val's poisoned comment hit and stung. Now as angry as Val, Jack seethed, "You know Valentine, I'm getting mighty sick and tired of your accusations."
"Truth hurts, does it Jack?" Val mocked him.
"The only truth I see is that you're practically panting for me and you're not woman enough…" Jack's retort was interrupted as Val flew at him and started to strike at his chest. Her anger lent strength and Jack staggered back a few steps trying to avoid her blows. The chain binding her wrists together swung and clipped him on the shoulder. "Ouch, damn it, that hurt Valentine!"
Grinning savagely Val continued to hit him. It felt so good to vent her frustrations. "Good, I'm glad it hurt. You deserve it and more, you arrogant unfeeling jackass. By the time I'm through with you, you'll …" Her threat was never completed as Jack had managed to catch the swinging chain and yank her hard against him. His arms felt like iron bands around her and her movement became severely limited. Still, she did not cease struggling and attempting to hurt him.
"Damn it Valentine, stop it."
"No! Take your hands off of me or I'll turn you into a eunuch."
Jack continued to hold onto the furious woman in his arms, trying to think of some way to subdue her before they both ended up bruised and battered. He scanned the room for inspiration. Alighting on a hook designed to hold a lantern, his eyes gleamed with unholy amusement. This would teach her to strike him and threaten his manhood. Half carrying, half dragging her, Jack managed to position Valentine beneath the hook. With a deep breath and fearing for the safety of his private bits, Jack lifted her up just enough to loop the chain around the hook. Quickly, he let go and moved back out of reach. The precaution proved unnecessary as the hook was just high enough to necessitate that Valentine either balance on the balls of her feet or dangle helplessly in the air. In either case, kicking out would be fruitless. Jack began to laugh as he watched the import of her situation dawn on her.
"Damn you, you filthy pirate let me down this instant. I'll have your guts for garters. I'll see you swinging from the noose and I'll be the one cheering the loudest. I hate you Jack Sparrow." Val continued to rant and rage at the man in front of her. His amusement at her epithets and threats only served to further goad her.
Jack calmly poured himself a measure of rum and then pulled a chair in front of Valentine. He sat down and stretched his legs out in front of him. Despicable as he knew it was, he was entertained watching as Valentine hissed and spit and struggled like an angry cat trapped in a box. A good portion of his anger at her remarks and desertion had ebbed but there was still a healthy vein of irritation at her continued insistence in believing the worst of him. In an oh so reasonable tone that he knew would get under her skin, Jack said, "Now if you'll just calm down Valentine, we can discuss this like rational adults." Jack smirked as this produced another five minutes of non stop vituperation.
Val grew tired from her exertions. The unpalatable truth was that she was not going to be able to free herself no matter how much she squirmed and shouted. Like it or not, she was at Jack's mercy and if the expression on his face was any indication, he was not feeling particularly merciful. Drawing in a ragged breath, she conceded, "Fine. Go ahead and talk Jack. As you can see, I'll be hanging on your every word."
Jack's lips quirked at Valentine's ability to wield her barbed tongue in even the most frustrating of situations. He got up and walked over to her. Holding the glass to her lips he encouraged, "Here, have a sip. You must be parched after all that caterwauling." Jack regretted his kindness as he watched her tongue dart out to catch an errant drop. Immediately, he grew rock hard and wanted nothing more than to lift her gown up and plunge deeply into her. Her sudden stillness indicated that she was aware of his predicament. During their struggles, her robe and become untied and gaped open revealing the translucent gown beneath. A glance down revealed the tight hard pebbles of her nipples straining against the sheer material. Jack was reassured that she was just as affected by their proximity as he was, but then again the physical aspect of their relationship had never been in any doubt. Jack forced himself to step away and resume his seat.
"Tell me Valentine, why did you sign the papers and leave without first speaking to me?"
The directness and simplicity of the question caught her unawares. She had expected further heated accusations and taunts. She answered without thinking, "I thought that it was what you wanted Jack. After all, why else would you have the papers drawn up and awaiting our return? You even risked your freedom to make sure that they were rushed through and ready."
Bewilderment leant harshness to his tone, "What the hell are you talking about Valentine?"
"Jack, do not treat me like a simpleton. I am capable of adding two and two together and getting four. You wanted an annulment and your little favor for the Governor ensured that you got it without any impediments. You must have wanted to be rid of me awfully badly to endanger your life. Or maybe, you are just that eager to be with Miss Witherspoon. Either way, an annulment is necessary."
Jack just sat and digested this little speech. "So there could be no possible other reason why I should assist the Governor? No possibility that perhaps I was doing something that might be considered noble or self sacrificing?"
Valentine gave an unladylike snort of derision, "Don't be ridiculous Jack. As you delight in reminding everyone, you are a pirate at heart."
Jack felt the anger begin to creep back into his veins. He mumbled under his breath, "Damn right I am and I'll be demonstrating it to you soon in no uncertain terms."
"What? What did you say Jack?"
Jack gave her an insincere smile, "Never mind sweetheart. Back to our discussion, you've explained why you left Port Royal but you've never told me why you fled Gretna Green."
This question caused her to flare up again, "Oh no you don't, Jack Sparrow. You are not going to blame that debacle on me. You are the one who took advantage of my naiveté and then abandoned me at first opportunity."
"Darling, if I'd taken advantage of your naiveté, you would not have been so very innocent until our recent journey. And I did not abandon you; I left for a few hours to speak with my father about my return to the family fold."
"Liar! I waited hours and hours and you did not return."
"I am telling the truth, Valentine. Once I found myself saddled with a wife I realized that I needed to somehow manage to get back in my family's good graces or I'd never be able to support you." Jack laughed a bitter laugh, "Understanding man that my father is, it only took several hours of groveling before he condescended to give me another chance. When I got back to the inn, you had left leaving no trace behind. I took that to mean that you had thought better of our union and had departed before any more damage could be done."
Watching the expressions flit across Jack's face, Val had no doubt as to the veracity of his claim. Not knowing what to say, she settled for, "Oh."
"Is that all you have to say?"
"Well what do you want from me? How was I supposed to know where you had gone to? I awoke in the morning to find you gone with no explanation. Given our history, it seemed most likely that you regretted our impetuous marriage and had fled. Besides, you did not bother to try to see me in London." she accused.
"That was because upon learning of your fickleness, I proceeded to get rip-roaring blindingly drunk for the next few days and was incapable of finding my way to our room let alone London. By the time I sobered up and made my way to your house, you had departed with your aunt."
"Oh." Val could feel her heart thumping heavily in her chest. Had she really misjudged him all those years ago? And if she had, was she misjudging him now? She wanted desperately to believe him. But even if he was speaking the truth; there still had been no words of affection or caring from him. "Well now that you have your answers, I would appreciate it if you would let me down. If you'll just sign the papers, we can end all of this and both be on our way."
Jack got up and stood before her. Lightly tracing her jaw he whispered, "I am afraid that I can't do that Valentine."
"Why not?" Val forced the words past her dry lips.
"Well now, signing those papers would be wrong. After all, we have consummated our marriage. Several times. Dozens of times. In just about every conceivable method and manner." Jack used his tongue to trace a path down her throat and began to lave at the pulse point in the hollow.
Trying to hold onto her sanity, Val offered, "Then have divorce papers drawn up. I'll sign them without protest and then you can marry Millicent."
Capturing her chin in his hand, he firmly ordered, "Give it up Valentine. You're mine and I've no intention of letting you go."
Her eyes locked with his and the intensity of need and desire that she saw there frightened her. It was so hard to turn down what he was offering but she wanted more than a marriage based on carnal compatibility. Shamefully she felt tears begin to well up and to hide her weakness she turned her head into his palm. Her nose twitched as something scratchy tickled it. Val pulled back and stared at his wrist and the offending material. As recognition dawned, Val had trouble believing what she was seeing. It couldn't be. But it was. The scrap of lace around Jack's wrist was unmistakable. It was the bit that had been torn from her gown that night in the carriage. Val grew still, hardly daring to breath. Recollection of a conversation between Mr. Gibbs and Jack flooded over her and she remembered how Gibbs had teased Jack that he was missing a favorite memento of a lady's affection. Jack had flushed and threatened to blacken Gibbs' eye. Could this have been the memento that Gibbs was speaking of?
"Valentine." Jack softly murmured and forced her chin up to meet his gaze.
Val's breath caught at the sight before her. For the first time since she had known him, Jack had dropped all of his defenses. He did not say anything but continued to stare intently at her; his eyes saying what his mouth did not. There was a note of vulnerability about him as he awaited her reaction. Val considered for a moment; she could try to insist that Jack be the type of man that he was not and wait for him to shower her with declarations of undying love or she could accept what was so clearly written upon his face. She decided on the later. Trying to ease the tension that gripped both of them, she playfully demanded, "What has happened to the man that I married? No self respecting pirate would have a woman at his mercy for this long and make no attempt to ravish her."
Her ploy worked and Jack laughed. "Well we can't have the lady disappointed, can we?" Jack lowered his mouth to hers and boldly kissed her until she was gasping for air. Then his mouth fastened on one tight bud of a nipple and began to suckle through the silk of her gown. Nipping at it sharply, he moved to other one which was standing at attention begging for the same treatment. His hands worked their way under the gown and he began stroking the folds between her thighs. Val felt herself lose control of her own body as Jack expertly teased and tormented. With her hands bound above her head, she could do nothing to prevent any caress that Jack wished to bestow upon her body. When she made a fitful sound of protest, Jack merely grinned wickedly at her situation and continued exploring.
Soon she thought she would explode if Jack did not take her. "Jack, please. Please stop teasing me." Her pleas were rewarded when he unbuttoned his breeches, lifted her legs, and told her, "Wrap you legs around me Valentine." Val felt a thrill run through her as she realized what he was going to do. It was similar to that time in the hallway but this time, with her shackled hands, she was totally under his control. She could feel his member pressing at her entrance and wriggled her hips in encouragement.
Jack's weight pressed her against the wall, anchoring her in place. "Stop that Valentine. Just accept that I'm the one in charge here. If you're a very good girl, then you'll have your release but first you have to pay a penalty." His mouth fastened on a tight aching nipple. She could feel as he entered her but it was not nearly deep enough for satisfaction. Jack withdrew his mouth from her breast, "You like this darling?"
She nodded her head.
"You want more?"
Valentine croaked out, "Yes, Jack."
"Tell me what you want sweetheart."
"I want you, Jack. I want you deep inside me. I need you." Val whimpered and then moaned in protest as she felt him withdraw completely.
"Then admit it, Valentine. Say the words."
It took a few moments for his demand to penetrate her lust addled brain and when it did she was confused; surely they were not back to this? However, the raging need in her left no room for quibbling so she gladly whispered, "I'm yours Jack. I belong to you." After all, why deny the truth? "Now take me, damn you!" Val could once again feel him nudging between her thighs but infuriatingly he did not penetrate any deeper. She glared at him accusingly.
Jack merely smiled and reiterated, "Admit it, Valentine. Say the words."
Perplexed, because in the past he had only ever made her admit it once before fulfilling her desires, she stared at him in frustration. Then in a flash of insight, understanding dawned. This time Jack wanted much more than a mere admission of desire. This time he wanted her heart. She hesitated, unsure if she was willing to be so vulnerable.
Jack coaxed, "Come on love, admit it. Three simple little words and then I fill you so completely that you'll never want for more."
Val thought for a moment of the past fifteen years and all of the time that had been wasted because both of them were too stubborn and afraid to speak the truth. Good Lord, they were both imbeciles. Val laughed and suddenly felt years younger. Smiling, she confidently announced, "I'm yours Jack Sparrow. I belong to you. And what's more I love you, you pirate." Then all talking ceased as he plunged into her repeatedly, filling her again and again until they both screamed out in ecstasy.
AN: One more to go…
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