Havana Port, 1559

Another person learned Isabella's secret identity. It was a woman named Annie Bonnie. She was of Scottish descent and she worked as a barmaid at a tavern near the port. Annie was the daughter of the late Captain Bonnie—a man many whispered was a pirate as well. Annie's life was now humble, tending to sailors and travelers, but she had a sharp wit and she was no stranger to danger. She was one of the few people Isabella trusted completely. She often served as a discreet informant and a link between those who sailed under different flags.

Isabella was sitting at the bar and enjoying a drink, currently free from any disguise. Across from her, Annie Bonnie leaned against the bar, as she listened and teased. Annie never missed an opportunity to tease Isabella about the captain.

"You don't understand, Annie." Isabella said. "John Roxton is… Commanding, fearless, and so damn clever. He makes me un poco loco."

"Aye, I heard plenty. You've completely fallen for your English captain."

"Well, he's everything a man should be. Strong, loyal, and… let's just say, muy apasionado."

Annie laughed. "Och, lass, you're singing his praises like a lovesick sailor! And now you're telling me he's a devil in the sheets, too?"

"He's incredible! He knows exactly what to do, how to take control… He makes me feel like the only woman in the world. Even when I'm Joaquín."

"Aye, that's a right tale if I've ever heard one. But I'll tell ye this—fallin' for a man like that's a dangerous game. Especially an Englishman."

"Trust me, Annie. I can handle anything. I'm not afraid of love."

Annie rolled her eyes. "Aye, and I'm not afraid of sharks. Doesn't mean I'd jump into the sea wi' them willingly."

Now Isabella laughed. "You're impossible, Annie Bonnie. But that is why I adore you."

"And ye're mad, Isabella Espina. But that's why I tolerate ye."

Captain John Roxton's crew was preparing the ship for departure. Their destination: Tortuga. Whispers about a man known as the Sage had reached every corner of the Caribbean. It was said the Sage possessed knowledge of El Dorado's hidden treasures. It was also said he had already shared part of this knowledge with the Spaniards. The crew knew time was against them.

Dressed as Joaquín, Isabella stood among Roxton's men. She was to go with them and ensure everything went smoothly between the British sailors and the pirates of Tortuga. As they were packing the last of their stuff, Annie Bonnie was standing on the dock and seeing them off with a song:

"Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,

Onward! the sailors cry;

Carry the lad that's born to be king

Over the sea to Skye."

Isabella, leaning against the ship's railing, raised a hand and waved at her friend. John approached and tipped his hat toward Annie.

"With a voice like that, Bonnie," he said, "You'd make a fine bard. But alas, we'll have to sail without you this time."

"Och, Captain, I'll stay here and mind the taverns while you lot cause yer mischief. Someone's got to keep the ale flowing."

The three of them laughed, and with that, the ship's sails began to rise.

The captain held the helm, guiding the ship through the endless blue. Below, each man was at his task and they were singing together.

Isabella was standing beside John, taking in the scene. The raspy voices of the sailors, the gentle rocking of the ship, and the vast, sparkling ocean stretching to the horizon created a beautiful scene. She found herself humming along to the tune:

There once was a ship that put to sea

The name of the ship was the Billy O' Tea

The winds blew up, her bow dipped down

Oh blow, my bully boys, blow (huh)

Soon may the Wellerman come

To bring us sugar and tea and rum

One day, when the tonguing is done

We'll take our leave and go

In the distance, clouds began to gather, dark and threatening.

John eyed the horizon. "Those clouds look anything but harmless, and we're sailing straight into them."

"I have complete faith in my captain." Isabella said.

John smiled at her. "Let's hope the storm feels the same."

John had taken some time to rest in his cabin, wanting to be prepared and alert for whatever the storm might bring. At some point, Isabella slipped in quietly. What began as a mischievous intrusion quickly turned into a stolen moment of passion. Now, with the moment passed, they lay entwined beneath the sheets.

"You're insatiable, you know that?" he murmured.

Isabella tilted her head to look at him. "It's not my fault my captain is so irresistible."

John's eyes met hers. "The life we're leading is irresistible."

"May it never change."

"And may it never change us."

As the hours passed, the ship began to sway more and more. The creaks of the timbers grew louder. Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed through the cabin door.

"Captain! You're needed on deck!"

John sighed, his forehead resting against Isabella's for a brief moment. "Duty calls," he muttered.

"Go. They need their captain."

With one last lingering kiss, John rose, pulling on his shirt and coat, before disappearing through the door.

As soon as he stepped onto the deck, his voice rang out over the chaos. "Lay aboard, lads! Move like you mean it!"

One sailor shouted at another, "Save your drinking for another time! The storm is coming!"

Above them, the sky had darkened and the wind whipped at their faces. John pointed a firm finger to his crew. "You lot, weigh anchor! As for the rest of you, half to the foremast, half to the main! Let's outrun this hurricane!"

The crew leapt into motion. Ropes were pulled, sails adjusted, and every man on board worked as one. The waves grew larger and lightnings forked across the sky. Not long after, Isabella Espina emerged from below deck, determined to be of use. Suddenly, a loud snap rang out—a heavy coil of rope had come loose, the metal hook at its end swinging through the air. Isabella caught the rope just before it could whip overboard. The momentum nearly pulled her off balance, but she held firm. No one was free to assist her and even John, standing at the helm, couldn't abandon his post. Yet his heart clenched as he saw her struggling against the force of the rope. Just as Isabella's arms began to tremble, a pair of hands reached out and grabbed the rope. It was a burly crewman who had rushed to her aid.

"Got it, Joaquín!" he barked, as they hauled the rope back into place.

Then the clouds began to break apart, and before long, the sea had calmed. That's the thing with the storms - as fierce as they are, they come and they go.

When John assured himself that every member of his crew was accounted for and unharmed, and that the ship, though battered, had withstood the storm, he sank down in front of the helm and he let out a deep breath of relief.

Isabella approached settled down beside him. "Dios mío, we pulled this one straight from the teeth of Neptune."

John turned to her, but he looked more irritated than relieved. "You should've stayed below the deck. You shouldn't expose yourself to this kind of danger."

She looked at him, confused. "Disculpe?"

"You're too reckless, Isabella."

"Are you being serious right now?"

"Very serious. How do you think I can focus on what I need to do—what I must—if I have to worry about you throwing yourself into harm's way?"

"Just like you always have. Nothing's changed."

"Everything's changed."

"How so?"

"Because... No matter how strong, skilled, or capable you are, you're still a woman."

Isabella suddenly started yelling in Spanish, "Por qué demonios siempre es lo mismo contigo? Maldita sea, John! Eres idiota o simplemente terco? Hijo de puta, pedazo de imbécil, qué clase de pensamiento retrógrado es ese?"

John didn't understand a word of what she was saying, but he knew she had laced it with some colorful and choice words. "Calm down, you crazy woman. I didn't mean any harm. What I meant was—it's my responsibility to protect you. Your life means more to me than anything else in this world, and the thought of you getting hurt drives me mad." His voice softened as he looked into her eyes. "I love you, Isabella Espina."

Isabella's eyes widened, her pulse quickened. The sudden declaration of love struck her like a bolt of lighting. That they loved each other was no secret but to hear it said so plainly, so directly, left her momentarily breathless.

She leaned in to kiss him, but stopped as the sound of approaching footsteps reached her ears. After all, she was still hiding beneath her mask.

"Captain, we're close. The island is in sight." One of the crew called out, pointing toward the horizon.

John nodded and raised to his feet. He extended a hand to Isabella, helping her up. Once they were both standing, they turned to face the horizon together. There it was: Tortuga, the pirate haven. It grew larger with every passing moment, a place teeming with opportunity, danger, and secrets waiting to be unraveled.