Chapter Nine: A Success

Invigorated. That was how she felt. They had successfully taken the small merchant vessel and gotten away unscathed. They didn't meet much resistance, and Adrianna only had to draw her sword and stand next to Jack, but none the less, it was exciting. The down side was of course that she was now as much a pirate as the crew. She supposed she should feel some sort of guilt for robbing those people, but with Jack's justifications and the merriment of the crew it was hard to. Finally she pushed it from her mind and looked through the treasures to decide on what she wanted.

"Go on love find something." Jack told her signaling to the pile of treasures. Adrianna carefully picked through the trinkets all the while Jack watched her to see what she would pick. He hoped that she would pick the silver and pearl hair comb that would match with the necklace he grabbed for her. Jack smiled when she did. "Anything else love?" Jack asked.

Adrianna flashed him a brilliant smile, "Can I have the brush?" Adrianna asked. Jack nodded. He couldn't help but smile at her excitement to have such a thing. It made him wonder what her life was like? Did she ever have any of these things?

Jack watched her carefully pick up her things and made to leave the hold with her treasures. Jack smiled when she stopped to place a kiss on his cheek and thank him. "You know love that is real silver and pearls." Jack commented grabbing a hold of her arm before she could leave.

"Of course, what was I thinking." Adrianna mumbled as Jack placed one hand behind her neck and pulled her to him. There was no fear or apprehension anywhere in her gaze.

Adrianna closed her eyes and awaited his kiss. This time she would enjoy it. This time she would not fight him. This time she wanted it.

When Adrianna moistened her lips that was all the encouragement Jack needed. He pressed his lips to hers in a forceful yet tender way that insured she would yield to him. When she allowed him entrance to her mouth, Jack relished in the taste of her.

Stop him! No don't stop him! Adrianna warred with herself. Her first real kiss and it was better than she could imagine. She was feeling sensations from the tips of her toes to the top of her head that she had never felt before. Her mind was screaming that she should stop him, to stop him before it went too far, but her body demanded more. It was not until she felt a wall at her back and Jack's hands moving down her sides that she hesitated.

"Jack.." Adrianna started to protest, but was interrupted by someone stumbling into the room.

"Captain!" Gibbs yelled before he showed himself. Jack hung his head in defeat. Why now? "Captain there be a ship gainin' on us, she's not flyin' any colors." Gibbs finished urgently before heading back above.

"Care to join me at the helm?" Jack asked a stunned Adrianna. He was pleased to see her smile return as she grabbed his arm. He didn't know why he thought it but having her on his arm was reassuring and comfortable. No other women would ever do.

Once on deck Jack peered through his looking glass. A rather large ship, once probably part of the navy, was following them. She boasted several cannons and looked in good repair. "Gibbs, is this really what you interrupted me for?" Jack asked. When Gibbs didn't respond Jack continued. "We are the faster man, we will outrun them and hide until the opportune moment." Jack finished taking hold of the helm.

"Who are they?" Adrianna asked shielding the sun from her eyes.

"Barbossa." Was all Jack said.

"Jack are you sure we will outrun them?" Adrianna asked when it looked as if they were evenly matched. Barbossa's ship seemed to be keeping up.

Jack smiled reassuringly, "Of course love. Why don't you go to me cabin and relax. No need to worry love." Adrianna did as she was told. She listened from the cabin to all the noise on deck and smiled when she felt the Pearl gain speed.

Jack was pleased that by dusk there was no sight of Barbossa. "Gibbs keep this heading and do not disturb me." Jack told him pointedly. Gibbs nodded solemnly as Jack made way to his cabin.

"I'll have to stop you there Captain, Addy is takin' one of her baths." Tommy stood bravely in front of the door with his arms crossed.

Jack stood to his full height to try and intimidate the boy, "Seeing as how I am captain of this ship, and this is my cabin, I do believe you should be moving out of my way." He tried to sound menacing.

"Captain, it would not be very gentleman like." Tommy protested.

"We be pirates boy!" Jack responded. When the boy still didn't move Jack tried another tactic. "You know that little pet you brought aboard?" When Tommy's eyes widened Jack continued, "Marty be tryin' to get rid of him." That was all it took and the boy was off the rescue his little dog. Jack laughed and opened the door to his cabin. Tonight he would get what was owed him.