Ahoy!
Thank you to Mel, Jill, and Gemma!
NINE
"I don't like this."
Mr. McCarty has said this no less than ten times since we've left Captain Thorne.
"We need a ship, Em," Isabella says, looking at him. "And she's the best."
He scowls, though he does not argue.
"Is Captain Thorne a pirate?" I ask, speaking up for the first time.
Isabella turns to me. "Why on earth would you think such a thing?"
She really is very good at feigning surprise.
"Does like not attract like?" I hiss.
She stops walking, stepping in front of me so that in my delayed reaction, our bodies collide. Mr. McCarty keeps walking, indifferent to our exchange.
"Why, Captain," she purrs, her head tilting to the side, flashing her delicate neck in my direction. "I had no idea we had so much in common." She moans.
My hands clench into fists. "We do not," I protest.
Isabella has the gall to step into my body, pressing up against me so that I am forced to feel all of her, or take a step back, putting my pride and my sanity directly at war with one another.
"Don't we? If, as you say, like attracts like, we must be one and the same."
I haven't the words to rebut her, though I know she is twisting mine. She leans her head closer to mine, so that her chin is nearly resting upon my chest. "Next time I have you in bed, we'll compare battle scars, see how far our likeness truly goes."
The nerve of this woman. My neck is aflame with embarrassment, and I sputter to argue with her. She gives me that wicked smile before stepping away from me and turning to follow after Mr. McCarty.
"Come along, darling. We have much to do today!" She calls over her shoulder. At this rate, I very much doubt I will survive this woman.
…
The port is bustling with activity, but Isabella knows precisely where she's going. It becomes difficult to keep track of her as the crowds thicken, and I step closer to her, better to keep an eye on her.
"Never fear, my dear Captain," she says over her shoulder. "You shan't be rid of me that easily."
I'm beginning to wonder if my revenge is truly worth all this.
Isabella leads us to a dock, where I am relieved to find Jasper speaking to a man.
"Mr. Smith," Isabella says, approaching the man with an outstretched palm. He shakes her hand, much to my surprise, but then I see him pocket a coin.
"Mr. Higgins, I presume," he asks, glancing between Isabella and Mr. McCarty.
"Indeed," Isabella says. "Is everything prepared?"
He nods once. "Aye. I've got your supplies, and I've just been given word to load the barque."
Isabella nods. "Good man. An extra three cobs to you if it is done in time to set sail within the day."
Mr. Smith's eyes go wide. "It'll be ready," he agrees. Isabella nods and turns to us. "All right. That's settled. Mr. McCarty, I do believe you have a task to complete."
Mr. McCarty nods and leaves before Isabella is even done speaking. She turns to myself and Jasper. "As for you gentlemen. Load up on your supplies. We set sail in three hours."
Jasper glances at me. "Go," I tell him. "Do what you need to."
He hesitates, looking at Isabella.
"I'll stay here," I tell him.
"Right." He nods and takes off up the docks.
Isabella looks at me and grins. "How sweet. You'd like to stay with me." She coos.
"I won't let you out of my sight until I have my belongings once more."
She gives me a mischievous smile and starts down the docks. "If that's how you want it," she says slowly. "Come along. We have one more stop to make."