"I am not to be disturbed," Kylo commands.
"Yes, Captain," Hux replies with a salute before walking away.
Once his first mate leaves, Kylo brings the woman inside his quarters and closes the door behind them. He locks the door and turns his gaze to the woman. His eyes flick up and down her body as he shucks off his tri-corner hat and coat. The woman eyes him and stands in a wide stance, ready to defend herself even with her hands tied together. Kylo chuckles at her position and is further intrigued by her.
"There's really no need for that," he purrs, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
"Oh, but I believe there is," the woman retorts, not dropping her stance.
"Really? How so?" Kylo asks smugly, smirking as he leans against the cabin wall.
"I'm onboard a ship belonging to one of the most feared, dangerous pirates in all the world. Of course I need to protect myself," she replies.
At this, Kylo's smirk drops and he pushes off the wall. His wide stride takes him smoothly over to her and he peers down into her hazel eyes. They warm him despite her defensive demeanor.
"Dangerous, you say?" he breathes.
The woman stares up at him, gulping nervously despite trying her best to hold her ground. He's so close to her it's hard for the woman to keep focused.
"And what about you? Taking what's not yours when you've no idea of the consequences…not something they teach good little girls," Kylo purrs.
"I…" she begins, taking a step away from Kylo but being slowly followed by him.
"Why did you take the cargo? Do you even know what would have happened if the person it belongs to found it within your grasp?" he asks, reaching out to brush his fingertips to her fingers.
She trembles and gasps suddenly when her back bumps into the wall. Kylo looks over her and stares at her inquisitively, waiting for a reply. Despite the stories which circulate the globe, he can be a patient man when he wants to be. Somehow this woman before him makes him want to be understanding and gentle all while maintaining his tall stance.
"I…I don't know what's inside it. But I do know I could have gotten the money I need to pay off my previous employer," she responds at last.
Kylo looks at her curiously. At first glance, no one would think this woman would be in debt, let alone risking capture by pirates. But he can't help but feel for her and connect to her predicament. She looks down at the floor, her shoulders slumping as she breathes heavily.
"I just want to live my life free of him and not answer to anyone else," the woman admits quietly.
His heart tightens from her words and he steps closer to her. He tenderly reaches out and places his finger beneath her chin. Carefully he tips her face up towards his and looks deeply into her eyes.
"I've never heard truer words spoken," Kylo whispers.
She stares back at him and shudders. Despite having been captured by one of the most feared pirate captains in the world, she can't help but feel drawn to him and feel like he's the only person who has ever understood her. They gaze at each other for a few more moments, the air around them building in tensions of all sorts.
"Once I've paid my debt, I will do what I can to help you clear yours," he breathes at last.
"Really?" she whispers.
"I know how it feels to not be free. I've sworn an oath to myself to help those who feel they can't gain their freedom from oppressors who won't let them go. I'll do what I must to help," Kylo replies.
The woman nods her head slowly in understanding. They stare at each other a few more moments before Kylo reaches out to untie her hands. He gently massages her wrists and the woman is shocked by herself for how she lets him touch her in this way. However, his touch is soothing to her and she bites back a moan of comfort and, dare she admit it, pleasure.
"What is your name?" he asks as he soothes her wrists.
"Rey," the woman says softly.
"A beautiful, fitting name," Kylo replied with a small, tender smile.
Rey blushes and looks down at where their hands connect, blushing more as she finds her hands holding his own. He clears his throat nervously and carefully releases her hands after a few quiet moments. His hand runs through his wavy black locks as he looks about his quarters.
"You're welcome to use my quarters for the time being. I don't want you feeling unsafe with the rest of my crew. I'll room with them to give you privacy, Miss Rey," Kylo says, holding her curious gaze.
"I…I don't know what to say. I don't want you to give up your quarters just for me. I'm no one, nothing," Rey replies, trying to hide her blush from hearing her name on his lips.
He shakes his head and steps closer to her. The intensity of the way he looks at her makes Rey tremble in ways she's never known before.
"We may not know each other well yet, Miss Rey, but you're certainly not nothing," Kylo whispers.
Boldly, he takes her hand in his and brings it up to his lips. He kisses her knuckles softly and Rey fights a sigh as they look into each others eyes. Releasing her hand, Kylo bows his head and makes his way towards the door of his quarters.
"Goodnight, Miss Rey," Kylo says softly.
"Goodnight, Captain Ren. And…thank you," Rey replies.
He bows his head once more and leaves Rey left to ponder all which has transpired. She carefully touches her fingertips to where his lips had been and trembles. Who knew the mighty Captain Kylo Ren could be so gentle?