by Mary Speer
Karina carefully lifted his arm and slipped from under it, thankful he didn’t sense her leave. Still dressed in the white blood stained dress she quietly picked up her boots and yellow dress and tiptoed out of the cabin barefoot.
It was a quiet morning, the Sea Maiden was a mess, most of the crew was still resting, the men on duty roamed around evaluating the damage. She walked over to the guest quarters, it was flooded, everything was wet and the door was on the floor. She opened the crate to see if perhaps some of the other male clothes she had in there were dry but they were soaked as well. She walked over to Lynnette and Peter’s cabin; perhaps Peter was up now, Karina knocked.
“Who is it?”
“Karina!”
“Come in.” Lynnette said.
Karina opened the door and came in.
“Where’s Peter?”
“He’s out surveying the damage.”
Karina went directly to Roy’s drawers and started looking for more clothes.
“What are you doing?”
“I need some dry breeches.”
“You’re going to leave the man without any clothes.”
“I know but I did leave him enough to replace everything I’m taking.”
“I hope you’re not going to provoke an episode with Captain Drake again.”
“Lynnette, have you been outside yet?”
“No.”
“It’s a disaster and the guest quarter is flooded, I have much work to do and I cannot do it in a low cut dress without my bosom spilling out. Besides, Captain Drake was still sleeping when I left him.”
“When you left him?” Lynnette looked at her in shock. “You slept with him?”
“Yes-” Lynnette gasped. “…but not like you think?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well there was no place for me to go after leaving you and Peter this morning, like I said, the guest quarters was flooded everything was wet so I had to go to his cabin. He wasn’t there when I came in he was still on the bridge most likely, so I lied down and fell asleep. When I woke up he was lying next to me. So yes I slept with him but nothing happened.”
“How is that possible?”
“Well, we were both exhausted, he must have come in while I was asleep but he was gentleman and didn’t disturb me or take advantage of me while I lied there. I on the other hand had very wanton thoughts upon waking and seeing him there without his shirt. I had to leave before I did something I would regret…or sinfully enjoy, anyway I left.”
“Well congratulations, you’re much stronger than me.”
“No, I just thought of myself cast aside like Lavinia and in your condition, nauseous, homeless and unwed and waking up daily to empty the contents of my stomach….that made it easier to leave.”
“I’m not unwed!”
“No, but I am and neither the Captain nor I are ready for any children.”
“Well, Peter and I weren’t ready for any either.”
“Yes but Peter spoke about marring you almost the moment he met you. Captain Drake, on the other hand, has never mentioned the word. We are making progress however, yesterday he told me he can’t help wanting to be with me all the time.”
“There, you see, that’s wonderful Karina!”
“Wanting me for intimacy, is not exactly declaring undying love!”
“I’m sure it’s more than that Karina you’re much to guarded, but why are you still so formal with him? Why do you still refer to him as Captain Drake? The two of you have shared romantic embraces several times now.” Karina looked down,
“I stay formal because it helps me set boundaries with him, which is becoming a real struggle for me lately, however I was grateful for his gallantry this morning of course but I think the real reason he didn’t seduce me while I lay sleeping next to him was because he was feeling resentful toward me…for helping Peter last night.”
Lynnette looked away.
“Yes well it was disturbing…you know this morning after you left…Peter and I…um…were intimate…but he was different and rather rough with me. I don’t know if it was his brush with death or knowing he was between us most of the night that intensified the intimacy. It was unsettling for me and it must have bothered Captain Drake as well. We are human you know.”
“I left before he woke up. Did you tell Peter he slept between us….nude?
“Well…yes.”
“Why?”
“I wanted him to know you helped save his life.”
“Good Lord Lynnette! I know you meant well…and I appreciated it but you should have held that back. ” Lynnette bit her bottom lip in anguish. “It would be good of you to also remember that Peter is human too and a man…anyway it’s too late now. I better get dressed and get going. I have to get that water out of the guest room and get my bed dry, because I don’t know how many more nights I can remain a maiden if I continue to stay in the Captain’s cabin, either by his hand or mine. Right now it helps me to remember Lavinia and my father, and all the misery, regrets and lost love after indulging in temptation. Once we reach New England, the Captain and I will likely part and I don’t want to face that kind of misery alone, especially if I’m with child.”
“I don’t believe that will happen, Karina.”
“Well I remain unconvinced.”
Karina finished dressing in Roy’s shirt and breeches, put on her boots, braided her hair and walked out.
CHAPTER 31
Back from the Dead
Lord Harmon had recovered from his near death overdose. The saving factor was not finishing the lethal drink. The drug had made him take on a death like state. He awoke the next day. He surveyed the damage then found Marcus lying dead on the living room floor. The room was in shatters and Karina and Lynnette were gone. Later he learned that the military had confiscated the Raven and taken Captain Tate into custody.
Lord Gunther was outraged that Karina had slipped through his fingers once again but he had one consolation, she was now legally his wife who willed control of her inheritance over to him and had signed documents to that effect. Gunther planned to take immediate control, however he had to remove a few hindrances first.
Gunther reasoned, that since the use of force had not worked, he would now take a new approach, this time he would use the law to his advantage. She was obviously in love with Eric, and cared deeply for her father’s welfare, so obviously there were other ways to persuade her to return to him and do his bidding. He would need Charles in New England in order for his plan to work. Charles would do anything for Karina and if he received a desperate note for help from her, he would be on the next ship to America, ailing or not.
As for Karina, she just needed to be reminded, that her father clung to life by a thread and if she wanted to keep him alive she would need to cooperate in pressing full charges against his dear half-brother Eric for kidnapping her against her will and confiscating the ring. Gunther prepared for his trip to New England, with Charles in New England, Karina would come running to meet him and Gunther would then explain to Karina her need to press charges against Eric. Once incarcerated he would offer his dear bastard half-brother a bargaining chip, to drop charges against him if he returned the Sea Maiden, and later have him killed down a dark road. They were all so predictable his new plan was going to work smoothly. Gunther patted himself on the back after all he wasn’t wealthy by accident.
CHAPTER 32
Rest Stop
Karina got busy draining the water out of the guest quarters and had to take out the mattress that was on the bunk and set it out to dry. She washed her dresses and her male clothes. Lynnette joined her in washing clothes.
Captain Drake woke up near noon; upon noting she was no longer next to him he felt frustrated for not waking sooner. She was more slippery than he anticipated, that or she had a guardian angel watching over her. It suddenly occurred to him…could the very name of his ship have anything to do with her remaining an elusive maiden, he smiled to himself as he smoothed
out the sheet where she’d slept next to him. He dressed and left the cabin. Outside he heard Karina and Lynnette talking. He was surprised to see that Karina was busy fixing the hinges on the door; he was rather hoping she would need to spend another night in his cabin.
“Good morning ladies.”
“You mean good afternoon Captain.” Karina corrected.
“So it is…I stand corrected.” He crossed his arms as he surveyed the activity. “Well Karina…you continue to surprise me, I never guessed you to be so talented.”
“I have many talents Captain.”
“I see that.” He smiled
“Not only that Captain, Karina has also drained out the room and both these ladies have been busy washing clothes.” Dr. Tibbs added and pointed toward the drying clothes.
“I just like to be productive Dr. Tibbs; thank you for noticing besides it’s not good to have too much time on one’s hands.” Karina added.
“I agree my dear.” Dr. Tibbs replied.
“I see you’re back in men’s clothing.” Captain Drake commented
“As you can see Captain my dresses are drying.” Karina motioned toward the clothes drying with a sarcastic smile.
Peter approached. He was unusually serious
“Hello Captain.”
“Hello Peter how are you feeling? You gave us a real scare yesterday, glad to have you back.”
“Thank you Captain…it’s good to be back. Since you’re all here I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you all, Captain, Karina, my beautiful wife Lynnette, Seaman Givens, and Dr. Tibbs for saving my life last night.” Lynnette hugged him. “Life has been coming at me fast lately and the thought of losing my wife, my life and everyone in it was a sobering experience. I guess you don’t really appreciate what you have till you nearly lose it so I wanted to say that I truly appreciate what you all did for me yesterday, once again, thank you.”
“It was frightening yet humbling experience for all of us Peter, it helped us realize that not only is life fragile but that we should value each other more as individuals, embrace our differences and not be so superficial, petty or intolerant with one another.” Karina replied looking at Captain Drake.
Captain Drake recognized Karina’s small jab about not being superficial or petty surely meant in regards to their disagreement over her choice of clothing. Peter hugged Karina and Lynnette.
“My two favorite girls in the world I never knew my mother so I can’t include her.”
“Well that makes two of us.” Captain Drake said.
“That makes three of us.” Karina added.
“Well I’m sure they were all special ladies.” Peter added.
Lynnette, Dr. Tibbs and seaman Givens simply looked at one another glad not to share that misfortune.
“In view of what we have all experienced I believe we need to take a day to reflect and be thankful for escaping a terrible fate. There is a small uninhabited island just ahead where we will anchor off shore to take a much needed rest and celebrate our good fortune.” Captain Drake announced.
Everyone cheered and clapped at the Captain’s announcement. They could all use a break, after having endured the past events, fighting, pirates, a rescue, and a hurricane. Even the officers and Mr. Caleb approved. They all scattered in anticipation of a relaxing day on the island.
Karina finished securing the hinges to the door, she was proud to see the door back in working condition.
“I’m proud of you Karina, not only are you a skilled swords-woman and schemer but turns out you’re gifted in the carpentry arts as well.” Captain Drake joked. “Not to mention extremely beautiful.”
He added as he pulled her into an embrace and playfully secured her hands behind her back. Once again irritated at his public display of familiarity with her in front of the crew she snapped rebelliously and pulled away.
“Thank you Captain but flattery will get you nowhere.”
“It’s more than flattery love, its praise.” He said with a genuine smile.
Karina shot him a skeptical look, doubting every word he said…he was just a calculating, handsome rogue amusing himself with her while she was aboard his ship by trying to butter her up, to secure future endearing caresses. To think she nearly gave into him had it not been for the storm but she was now prepared to resist his advances. She tried to hide her irritation by looking at the door again. She was proud of her accomplishment of course but was convinced he was using her as sport otherwise he would have made his intentions clear by now and not treat her like a floozy in front of his crew. This was her fault for allowing the liberties to go on, but now she had to put a stop to it.
“I do many things well Captain Drake, given the opportunity.”
“I can only imagine.” He replied suggestively. “Why did you abandon me earlier? Where you afraid of me or afraid of expressing your own desires?” He whispered seductively in her ear.
“If you were a gentleman you wouldn’t talk to me in such a manner, especially in front of the crew!” She hissed.
“No one other than a dog could hear that Karina!!”
“Did you just call me a dog?”
“Now you’re being ridiculous!” He snapped.
Annoyed at her sharp tongue, instead of Karina thanking him for his adulation, she was critical and combative. Thinking back at her shocking saving actions for Peter the night before he grew even more irritated and retorted,
“You know I could have easily taken you earlier. You should give me more credit especially after disrobing in front of me for Peter’s sake and allowing me to see your most hidden assets! It was extremely difficult for me to pass up the opportunity this morning but I did! So don’t play coy with me now Karina, you know fully well how that affected me and if I had made love to you this morning, I’m sure you would have been more than receptive!”
Karina gasped, outraged at his comments,
“You must enjoy getting your face slapped Captain!”
“Not particularly, but do that again and next time I won’t be such a gentleman!”
He loosened his hold on her and she moved away trying to hide her irritation from the others then she came back and whispered tauntingly,
“There won’t be a next time Captain that’s why I fixed the door.” She said with a vexing smile.
He pulled her arm gently but firmly and whispered back,
“No door is going to stop me if you continue to bate me Karina.”
She yanked her arm from his hold and as she turned to walk away he slapped her bottom. Stunned, Karina stopped and turned ready to slap the smug smile off his face but all eyes were on her. Some of the crew chuckled. She walked away fuming.
“Having fun Captain?” Peter asked with a grin.
“Just keeping it interesting.” Captain Drake admitted.
“I thought she would turn on you like a wild cat after that.”
“I think I rather like to tame the shrew in her.”
“Well Captain keep in mind that she’s more dangerous than she looks. She doesn’t think twice when she pulls the trigger or wields a sword. She killed my attacker back on the road from Harmon Hall before the clearing.”
“Is that so? She didn’t mention that to me, only that you were both attacked.”
“Well I killed the man pursuing her, and in turn she picked up a pistol on the ground dropped by one of our assailants and shot my attacker behind me, dead. She saved my life Captain.”
“She saved mine as well Peter, during the pirate attack, I was fighting another man when I heard a shot fired behind me and when I turned I saw that she had shot Remus Wilkes who was about to kill me from behind. I must admit there is allot more to Karina than meets the eye.
“Yes sir, she’s a born killer.” Peter laughed.
“Well thank you for the warning Peter, I will be locking my pistol and sword away from now on.” They laughed.
They anchored near a small-uninhabited island with a few scattered palm trees. They lowered the bo
ats and rowed into shore bringing with them food and wine. Everyone was in a good mood except Karina. She tried to hide her irritation. He deserved a good slap she thought. She decided she was going to enjoy the picnic on the island and ignore the Captain that was what he deserved for mocking her in front of everyone.
Emmett the ship’s cook got busy seasoning and grilling fresh fish, corn on the cob biscuits and boiled potatoes. Everyone was hungry and the aroma was intoxicating. In the mean time the crew was letting out steam by play fighting and sharpening their sword skills, others went for a swim. Most of the crew had removed their shirts and boots including Peter, and the Captain; even Karina chose to go barefoot and removed her boots. Karina kept Lynnette and Peter Company while they waited to eat a delicious meal.
“Are you upset with Captain Drake?” Lynnette asked.
“Well yes… just allot actually.”
Peter looked over at her, chuckled and shook his head.
“What so funny Peter?” Karina asked.
“Remember he saved your derriere by rescuing you off that island.”
“I know, I know and I am grateful for that but now he’s asking for it by making sport of me.”
“Begging for it more likely.” Peter said sarcastically.
“What are you talking about?”
“You frustrate him that’s all.”
“What? I frustrate him? Ha!”
“Yep!”
“How is that? I’m the one mocked and made sport of…I’m the frustrated one? You’re only saying that because you’re a man too.”