Emma was surprised when she entered Hook's room. She had expected a dank and sinister looking interior, but instead encountered one filled with a plethora of books as well as maps splayed over a modest deck, and finally a large, comfortable looking bed.
Seeing his bed snapped her out of her relaxed observation, and she felt her spine stiffen as she fully realized her situation.
She was alone with Captain Hook.
No, she was alone in Captain Hook's bedroom, on his ship, in the middle of the ocean.
Emma had been in situations in which men tried to take advantage of her. Besting them had been easy because they had each thought she was a simple weakling, and their underestimation allowed her to rob them of everything on their person before dashing off with a wink. Emma had been taken advantage of emotionally enough to last many lifetimes, and she was sure to be violated physically would finally drive her mad.
Unwilling to show any of her underlying worry, she pivoted and faced Hook as she heard him close the door. Crossing her arms in an effort to project an image of strength, she met his eyes and stated, "If you are intending to take advantage of me, I would prefer the chance to leap from the ship first."
She had been hoping for him to be agreeable or shocked, but it was her own mouth that fell open in bewilderment when the man threw back his head and laughed loudly, taking a minute to regain his composure.
"Gods, you're serious too, aren't ya lass?" he marveled, a wide smile spreading across his face. Emma found it even harder to wipe the expression of bafflement from her face when he smiled genuinely for the first time since she had laid eyes on him. He was beautiful. His eyes were nearly hypnotizing, and Emma was struggling to resist falling prey to his enchantment.
She then allowed her annoyance to show in her face. Emma Swan was never one to be laughed at. "I do not see the humor of these circumstances, Captain," she snapped, annoyed when he smirked again.
"Speaking of my title, I believe it would be time for introductions. I'm Killian Jones, and I would like to know who you are and how the hell you managed to sneak onto my ship," he inquired. There seemed to be no malice in his tone, only incredible curiosity.
"I didn't sneak anywhere," she snorted with a small smile of pride, "I walked on in broad daylight."
Killian's face lit up in recognition when she let out her small laugh, and she was slightly miffed he had realized her ruse so quickly.
"Well Emmett," he said with a small nod of introduction, "as much as I like that name, it clearly isn't yours. I've graced you with my true name, I would think you owe me the same privilege."
Emma had to grudgingly admit to herself that he was only being fair. She had the feeling that not many knew his real name as she had only heard those on board address him by his intimidating moniker. And although she hated to admit it, at this moment she was at his mercy, having no advantage, so she really ought to try to suppress her more fiery tendencies.
"It's Emma. Emma Swan."
"And why did you knowingly put yourself in immense danger by boarding my ship, a pirate ship no less, Miss Swan?"
His gravelly voice wrapped around her name as if it were precious, but Emma reminded herself that she had known men like this; they were charming and it felt good to be an object of their attention, but it was all a lie.
Emma knew she had to be delicate as she asked her next question, "Need you really know the motives behind my actions? Surely it won't affect the current predicament?" If he knew that she was in danger, that this was truly her last chance of survival, he would have complete control of her.
Killian looked thoughtful for a moment before slowly nodding his head in agreement. "And this truly is a predicament we are in, isn't it Miss Swan?"
When it became clear he was not going to speak further, Emma became nervous. Red and Granny had always mocked her for her lack of patience, remarking that it was a wonder she was able to remain collected long enough to hunt any game. Standing still before Killian, her eyes facing the ground, she began to adjust her footing and fidget.
As if taking pity on the fact that she was clearly apprehensive and uncomfortable, he interjected into the heavy silence, "I think it would be in our best interest if the crew knew I had taken you as a lover."
"What?" she screeched, unable to control her temper as he remained completely calm after decreeing such a statement.
He lifted a single eyebrow and continued on, ignoring her shrieking interruption, "I do not intend to force myself on you. I'll have you know I am a gentleman. However, if the crew believes you are mine, they wouldn't dare touch you. I must admit that many of the men on board do not treat women with the same respect I do," he finished, a dark look briefly crossing his eyes.
Emma flinched, ashamed of her own rashness as she had shouted at a pirate captain who was actually offering her kindness and safety. Granted, it was an incredibly unorthodox method to keep her safe, but she chastised herself for acting like a child.
Unable to meet his eyes, she took another calming breath before muttering out a quiet, "I'm sorry. You know, for jumping to conclusions." She raised her eyes to meet his, wanting to convey her sincerity. Though she could never trust this man, she was not naïve of the world's violence; many men in his position would have already raped or killed her.
His eyes softened and his voice was much gentler than she had heard it before as he replied, "Apology accepted."
The quiet that followed his statement felt charged. They were looking into one another's eyes with no anger or confusion for the first time. He seemed to take a half step forward before righting himself. It was a tangible change in his persona as she saw Killian Jones slip away and Captain Hook take his place.
"Well, it should go without saying that you will have to spend your nights with me," he smirked with an arrogant tone. "My bed is more than large enough for two," he added, throwing in a gleeful wink.
Emma, annoyed once again, did not swoon or show any response to his innuendos, instead narrowing her eyes and asking, "And you swear you will not force yourself upon me?"
Hook again adopted his sarcastic smile and raised his hook to his chest. "Pirate's honor, lass."
She nodded thoughtfully, and accepted that this was really the best scenario that was available. Even if she had to pretend she was Hook's, this was much preferred than being thrown to the crew or killed. Emma paced back and forth for a minute being meeting his eyes and nodding sharply, accepting his conditions.
"Now lass, I have to go above deck to explain to the crew the new circumstances and aid in cleaning up the ship after this storm; it would be in your best interest if you remain down here. In my dresser there are some shirts that will have to do for now, feel free to browse any literature to occupy your time."
Emma quietly thanked him and turned, taking a step in the direction of his books, when she heard him call out, "And lass?"
She turned her head and jumped in surprise when she realized he was right in front of her. He stepped even closer and she shuttered when his lips nearly pressed her ear, his hot breath on her neck.
Whispering in a throaty voice he added, "I will not force myself on you, but when you beg for it, I'll be here waiting."
Emma's eyelids fluttered shut, and before she was able to open them and summon any anger or denial, she heard him laugh and swing the door shut, leaving her alone in the room.
Stupid goddamn cocky attractive pirate.
I know it's short, wanted to publish it sooner rather than wait and publish it alongside Killian's perspective. xx
