Damned

by Bec Botefuhr

  “Aw, come on. I don’t get over much. I miss you.”

  “Come back next week.” He murmurs, kissing her devilishly hard on the mouth. I look away.

  She whines, “I am going to hold you to that, gorgeous.”

  She turns and winks at me, before walking off. I glance down at my drink.

  “Never been kissed pretty girl?”

  “Ummm, no.”

  He chokes on his beer. “Are you serious?”

  “I am a princess. Is it really that surprising?”

  “So you are going to marry this guy, and he will be your first? What if he sucks?”

  “Then he sucks, I do not get a choice.” I shrug.

  “Poor girl.”

  “I am not as lucky as some. Do you actually have a line up?”

  He gives me a lazy, lopsided smile. God he is gorgeous. “No, I just say that to scare her off. She is a little pushy.”

  “Did you really sleep with her?”

  “A few times.”

  “And…all the other girls here?”

  “What can I say?”

  “Ew.” I wrinkle my nose at him.

  He laughs and pushes another drink my way. “I can’t help it, they come to me.”

  “I bet they do, you are pretty enough.” I mutter.

  “You think I’m pretty?” He says in a wounded voice. I suppose a man like him is used to being called hot or sexy, not pretty.

  I giggle, “Ok, I think you are hot enough to melt a girls panties off with one glance. Does that better suit your ego?”

  I curse myself, where the hell had that come from? He stares at me with a hungry grin.

  “Are your panties melted off, pretty girl?”

  “I am not wearing any.”

  Lord, what is wrong with me? I am a little dizzy, god I should stop drinking, right now. He growls and leans over the bar grasping my hair and pulling me close.

  “Be careful princess, unless you want to go to your husband damaged goods.”

  I swallow; he is so close and god he smells terrific. He lets me go and leans back, I stare at him for a long, long moment.

  “I don’t think he would notice,” I whisper, trembling. “He is more interested in another girl anyway, no doubt he is plugging her as we speak. Apparently, I am not exotic enough for him.”

  “Exotic?”

  “Pretty, different, luscious. Whatever.”

  His green eyes lock on mine. “I think you are one of the sexiest women that I have laid eyes on, in a VERY long time. Have you looked at yourself lately? You got a body that gives me a hard on, eyes that are so blue the sky has nothing on them, skin like silk and hair that is so thick I just want to grab it and run it through my fingers. I can tell this, even under your make up. You are gorgeous, fucking gorgeous.”

  I stare mouth agape. “I-I-I.” God I am stuttering.

  “Not used to compliments?” He chuckles.

  “I should go…”

  “Stay,” He says, pouring another glass. “It’s your only chance to have fun.”

  I meet his eyes, then take the drink.

  “So tell me what it is like living over there?” He asks, leaning against the bar and folding his arms.

  “If you want everything your little imagination can handle, then it is great. I am very much an outdoor kind of girl, therefore, I hate it.”

  “You hate it?”

  “Sure, what’s there to love about parades, morning teas, being ordered around and not being able to have even a quarter of a normal life?”

  He nods. “Make’s sense.”

  “What about you pirate, tell me about yours? I can clearly see you don’t fit the typical impression. I always pictured fat, dirty old men.”

  “You do not wanna know about mine.” His tone becomes serious.

  “How do you know that?”

  “Nobody wants to know about my life, pretty girl.”

  “I do.”

  “You like hearing about killing, battles and death?”

  I shrug. “It’s better than ponies, parades and dresses.”

  He laughs now. “I like you, you are certainly not what I imagined all these months.”

  “You had images about me? That is kind of creepy you know?”

  He smirks. “We all knew how hot you are, it is hard to live next door and not wonder.”

  “So here I am, what’s your opinion now?”

  “Hmmmm? Sexy, witty and certainly NOT a princess in nature.”

  “Did you really think I was a prissy, little princess?”

  “Did you really think I was a fat, dirty old pirate?”

  I laugh. “Well, I guess I did. It is an image, isn’t it?”

  “Precisely.”

  I smile and drink another whiskey. “It’s kind of funny don’t you think? A princess and a pirate?”

  “Yeah, who knew either was real eh?”

  “I suppose fairy tales were not so far off were they? I mean; pirates are real and princesses are most certainly real. There is good and evil, just like the movies. I think they were onto something. Perhaps the next one will be called the pirate next door.”

  He roars with laughter now and shakes his head. “You’re a real character, you know that?”

  “I try.” I grin.

  “There you areeeee.”

  I turn to see Casey and Sandra sauntering over, with a definite wobble about them.

  “Just chilling out, like you wanted.” I mumble.

  “Have you taken a liking to our man here? You are in a big line up you know…”

  “Oh, I am aware of that.” I laugh, watching as Jax shakes his head.

  “Me first!” Casey cries. “Then Sandy….then maybe you.”

  “Do I get a say in this?” Jax asks, grinning.

  “Sure, who’s first gorgeous?” Casey purrs.

  “Definitely the princess.”

  I blush. “I think it is time I went home.”

  “Aw Jade, you are a suck.” Sandra teases. “Knew you would not stay.”

  “I have issues to deal with tonight.”

  “Stay…” Jax says, his eyes meeting mine.

  “I can’t, really…”

  I turn and make my way out the door. Knowing if I do not escape now, I won’t. As soon as the cold air hits me, the alcohol tears through my body. Suddenly my eyes are blurring; my feet do not want to go where I ask them, and I can’t hold myself up straight. I stumble; it is only the hand gripping my upper arm that keeps me from falling ass overhead.

  “Your parents will kill you if you go back so drunk.” Jax says, hauling me to my feet.

  “I can’t stay here, you are far too dangerous for me.” I mumble, turning to face him.

  “I will behave, come on you need to sit down.”

  “Here is fine.”

  I slide to the ground and he kneels in front of me, handing me a bottle of water.

  “Don’t drink much huh?”

  “No, it’s not in the princess book.”

  He grins, touching my cheek. “Come back over here tomorrow night, I want to see you again.”

  “Now we know that is just playing with fire.”

  “I like fire.” He murmurs, leaning close.

  “You said you would behave,” I remind him “And I don’t like fire, fire burns.”

  “I won’t let you get burnt.” His gaze is intense, damn look away Jade.

  “You just want what you can’t have, princess or not, I am not stupid.”

  “You think that’s it do you?”

  “Of course it is. I am a princess; I am forbidden fruit. Don’t make out as if you want to see me again and it has nothing to do with wanting to screw me. I am not stupid pirate; I am not coming back either.”

  “Yeah, you are forbidden, yeah I would like to nail you but you fascinate me. You are a princess, and yet you talk like a normal girl. You do not live a normal life, and you are particularly fascinating to talk with. I want to see you come back, because I enjoy talking with
you and I can’t say I have not wondered about you all these months living next door. Especially after that bikini photo.”

  “I was in the palace walls.” I protest.

  He laughs. “Come on, I am not so bad. Ask your friends.”

  “You don’t even know me, you talked to me for less than an hour.”

  “And I liked it. Not often I get someone fresh in my club.”

  “Aren’t you meant to be on a ship or something?”

  He grins. “I am taking a break.”

  “Won’t your Captain be angry?”

  “I am the Captain.”

  I gasp. “You’re the Captain? You are too attractive; it’s not possible.”

  He laughs, throwing his head back. “I am a true blood girl, I had rights to that ship the day I was born. Most of my crew are older than me, all of them, however, respect me.”

  “You’re a vampire?”

  He snorts and shoves me softly. “What is with you young people? A true blood is not a vampire.”

  “What is it then?”

  “I come from the original set of pirates, I am not a created pirate, and I have original pirate blood.”

  “And your crew?”

  “Created.”

  “That’s kind of crazy. How old are you?”

  “I got a solid ten years on you pretty girl.”

  I glance at him. “You’re thirty?”

  “In two months.”

  “You’re far too sexy, I cannot believe that.”

  “You just said I was sexy you realize?” He teases.

  “I do not lie, Captain.”

  “Neither do I.” He says, running a finger over my thigh.

  “We can’t do that.”

  “Why not?”

  “One, I don’t know you. Two, I will be killed if I am caught. Three, I am engaged.”

  “Which of those bothers you the most?” He whispers.

  “Being caught.” I stammer; he is too close, too close.

  “I won’t let you get caught.”

  “We are leaning against my boundary walls.”

  “Nobody has noticed though, have they?”

  “Please,” I tremble. “I can’t do any of this. I came out to prove a point.”

  His finger inches further up my thigh and fire erupts between my legs. I ache for him to touch me, but I know it is wrong. I shove his hand away. He leans over and I expect him to kiss me; instead he snatches my phone.

  “What are you doing?” I demand.

  He opens it and begins typing. “Putting in my number.”

  “That’s not wise.”

  His pocket vibrates and he pulls out his phone. “And now I have yours, cheers.”

  “Give me that!” I cry, grasping my phone.

  “Nope.”

  “You can’t just take my number.”

  “Too late.”

  “You don’t need it.”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  “I am not coming back, you just want to screw me. I refuse to let you.” I pout.

  “Ok pretty girl.” He says in a tone that indicates he is speaking to a child.

  “Stop doing that.”

  “I want you to come back and see me.”

  “You’re just a whore and pushy.”

  He laughs. “I can’t deny that and I can’t deny that I am not thinking about fucking you, but you truly do interest me further than a bit of rough and tumble.”

  “You’re a pig. What a line. I would like to hump you, but I want to talk first. Go to hell, I am not a skank. You my friend, are probably riddled with diseases. Just how many women have you screwed?”

  “Enough.”

  “I do not want to sleep with someone and be number three thousand on the belt. Sorry, forget it.”

  “I am a pirate, what do you expect?”

  “Nothing more than you are giving. I do, however, respect myself. I am going now, you will not see me again.”

  “Yeah, I will. I tempt you too; you just won’t admit it.”

  “I don’t know you.”

  “You will.”

  “Goodnight Jax.”

  “Goodnight, princess.” He winks, before standing up and walking off.

  CHAPTER 2

  I crawl back to my room unnoticed and take off my clothes. My body tingles every time my hands touch it, god he has made me way too aroused tonight, I will not go back again. My phone vibrates and I open it.

  Sleep tight pretty girl, I will see you soon.

  As if! I slam it closed. He will go away eventually, I am forbidden fruit to him. Nothing more. He will be out screwing someone else tonight, no doubt. I fall asleep quickly and dream all night of that damn face with those damn eyes. When I wake in the morning, I feel great. This wonderful gift of mine makes it impossible for me to feel pain or feel unwell for long. My phone beeps beside me and I see it is Jax. Persistent, isn’t he?

  I am still thinking about you, did you have good dreams?

  Go away.

  Don’t be like that, are you coming to see me today?

  Why on earth would I do that?

  Coz I am sexy, remember?

  Sexy or not, I am busy. And as I said, I am not interested in being a play thing.

  I will play nice, come and see me.

  Can’t.

  Yeah you can. Don’t you have a moment to spare before your affairs?

  Stop it. Go play with someone else, I am sure it will help.

  Ok, have it your way. I will only aggravate the crap out of you until you come back

  What on earth for?

  You made me feel good, not many do that. I enjoy you, come and talk with me.

  I am sure you have plenty to make you feel good.

  True, but you are actually worth having a conversation with.

  Go play Jax.

  See you later, darlin.

  Or not.

  You’re not a morning person huh?

  I have a fiancé, what do you think he will do if he finds out? Hmm, can you take that?

  Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

  I do not even dignify that with a response, arrogant man. I dress and make my way down stairs, my parents are already at the breakfast table. I glare at them, just to show I am still angry.

  “I see we are not over it.” My father says with a sharp look.

  “No, I am not over it. What if I do not want to get married and have kids?”

  “Not much choice love.”

  “What if I just say no, you cannot force me?”

  “I can and will or you know what will happen.”

  I snort. “How, by forcing my legs open so James can dive in? I believe that would be rape father.”

  He stands and slaps me so hard I see stars. I hold my cheek and storm out. I hear my mother yell at him, but she does not come after me. I find James in the garden, I don’t bother to stop.

  “Jade, where are you going?”

  “Go to hell, you don’t want this either. Why in the hell do you play along when we all know you are banging Celeste?”

  He growls and yanks me further into the gardens. “I am doing my duty. If I want to be king, it is through you. All kings have mistresses.”

  “You’re not a king yet and if I say no, you won’t be.” I warn.

  “You have no choice.”

  “I do have a choice, what if I decide to sleep with another?”

  He slaps me, damn, two in one day. “You touch another man and I will make sure your father finds out, and you are punished.”

  “So it is ok for you, but not me?”

  “I am a man, it is my right. It is not yours.”

  “You do not own me.”

  “Yes, I do. The sooner you realize that, the better. You do not have control over your life, face it.”

  “Don’t I? I think you are wrong.”

  I turn and rush off, heading straight to the wall and unlocking it. I still have the key; Sandra had given it to me to keep safe last night when she had begun getting a little
too under the weather. I see the pub right away and run over. It is quiet, and nobody seems to be around. I walk through the front door; Jax is cleaning the bar but looks up when the door slams.

  “Knew you couldn’t stay away, can’t help yourself huh?”

  I growl, then turn and start heading out, I do not need his shit either.

  “Hey, wait.” He yells, rushing over and grasping my arm. He spins me around; glances at me and then touches my cheek. His hands are soft but rough, very manly.

  “Who hurt you?”

  I tell him what happened, he tilts his head and stares at me oddly. “Sounds like you are going to marry a fuckwit.”

  “Couldn’t have put it better myself. How does he expect to screw around and consider it ok? My father thinks he can just force me to get pregnant. Like I am no more than a dog. And to top it off, he just said he is going to take my inheritance if I don’t.”

  Jax takes my hand and leads me into the back of the pub; it is a small apartment with an open plan living room that boasts a small kitchen, a small couch and a television. Off to the side, I can see a toilet and bathroom, along with a single bedroom. It is stylish enough but small.

  “You live here?”

  “Yeah.”

  He takes me into the small kitchen and sits me down, then hands me an ice pack from the freezer.

  “You should not have to put up with this.”

  “What choice do I have? I can run, but they will find me. I can’t just make my own choices and be happy with them. Every decision is made for me. Even if they did let me run, do you honestly think I could live in the real world? I’ve rarely been outside the palace walls, and when I do, it is only with escorts for parades or meetings.”

  “It doesn’t have to be that way, surely it is not legal for them to do that?”

  “They are royalty, they do what they want. Anyway, I guess you’re glad I failed and came back?” I say, changing the subject.

  He grins. “It was the best part of my day so far.”

  “I love how you say so far. So where is your last night’s shag?” I ask, looking around.

  He snorts. “I sleep alone.”

  “Oh, so you’re a shag and get out kinda bloke?”

  He nods. “I don’t share my bed.”

  “Wow, you’re a winner. Truly.”

  He smiles lazily and I flush. Stupid handsome man.

  “And FYI, I shagged nobody last night.”

  “Couldn’t stop thinking of me huh? Don’t be ashamed, they all do.” I wink.

  He laughs, that low rumbling sound cascades through my body. “I did think about you, that’s for damn sure.”