Kate sat as Quima instructed, wondering what came next.
Next came breakfast, fruit with warm bread and cheese. When she was finished and dressed, Quima had a sailor escort Kate above decks for some fresh air. She squinted in the bright sunlight and looked around, spying Aria already seated upon a large crate, enjoying the sun. Kate sat beside her new friend.
"Well?” Aria asked.
"Well what?"
"Katherine, you have been locked in his rooms for two nights. All of the women upon this ship are dying to know why you have remained within the captain's quarters and what you've done to keep his interest so."
"All of the women? How many women are on this boat anyway?” Kate asked.
"Besides us, there are eight women, whores, who live upon the ship for the sailors. I do not know how many female slaves are here,” she answered.
Kate turned her face into the wind allowing the salty air to lift her hair and sighed. “I don't know. All I know is Esteban wants to keep me ... the bastard."
"Yes, he is indeed a rogue,” Aria smiled, “but do you not find him attractive nonetheless?"
"Are you kidding? He's probably the most handsome man I've ever laid eyes on.” She cast her gaze up to where she knew he was standing and shook her head.
Esteban caught her glance but acted as though he had not seen her. He had been watching them from the bridge deck since she emerged earlier. She looked incredibly beautiful to him today; her face lovely and fresh as she turned it up to the sunlight.
He thought about how he'd acted last night. He had been a complete ass, and felt embarrassed frustration not just for his behavior but for the emotions this woman evoked in him.
Esteban was not normally the kind of man who worried if a woman was offended by his behavior. Unfortunately, the majority of women he'd been with as of late were whores and occasionally a tavern girl. Kate was obviously miles above them in her class and social standing. The sun did not mark her skin and her hands were not scarred as though she worked hard, but soft and small, yet strong. He flexed his jaw where she'd punched him then smiled.
Perhaps she might be a lady of means in her world; possibly a duchess. He would have to ask her.
Esteban was not ignorant of the ways of the nobility; it had simply been so long since he'd lived that life, he often forgot.
His mind wandered back to last night in his bed when she had used those small, soft hands to bring herself pleasure, then snuggled back into him, thinking him asleep. He shook himself from that thought; it was a struggle to dampen his arousal. He wanted her, no ... he knew he must have her.
"I just do not understand you,” Aria commented. She had a handful of beads and shells she was polishing with a small rough cloth.
"What don't you understand?” Kate asked. She looked away from the deep azure of the sea. She could have sworn she saw a whale spray in the distance.
"I do not understand how you can so obviously find him attractive, yet continue to resist him."
"Okay, I do think he's handsome. I'm sure he'd be fantastic in bed, and God knows he makes me hot, but I just don't know if I can trust him."
"Trust? Has he harmed you?” Aria asked.
"No, well not really ... after I punched him, yeah. He spanked me,” Kate admitted.
Aria resisted the urge to laugh. “But he hasn't been cruel to you, has he?"
Kate sighed. “Aria, where I come from ... women don't just let any man have sex with them simply because they aren't beaten. Women aren't owned."
"Where I come from they are not either.” Aria smiled. “I like you, Katherine. You are obviously a woman of some breeding, perhaps a lady ... but you must realize, this is no longer your old life.” She gestured around them. “You may have been a free woman before, but now you belong to him. Do not make the mistake of believing he will not take what he wants, if he tires of your resistance."
Kate sat and looked at her for a moment. “You aren't like the other women. You've been educated."
Aria smiled and crossed her legs tailor style. “When I was abducted, I was on my way to meet my husband."
"Your husband?” Kate asked, somewhat surprised.
"Yes, I come from Silania. Arranged marriages are common there. I had been wed since the cradle to a young man from the northern coast. I was educated at the finest schools in Silania, and my family is part of the royalty.” She smiled again. “So no ... I am not some silly female like the others."
"But ... if you're royalty, why don't you tell Esteban? He might take you home! Offer him a ransom!” Kate exclaimed.
"Home to what, Kate?” Aria asked softly. “My family would be shamed, and my husband most certainly would not want me. I have been used by men as a whore."
Kate looked at Aria and her eyes filled with tears as her hopeful look crumbled. “That just ... sucks,” she finished lamely.
Aria leaned forward and embraced her tightly. “Do not weep, my friend. I've long since reconciled myself to my fate and that is my point. You need to accept your life as it is now.” She released Kate and sat back a little. “Things will be fine. Do not fear."
Kate thought for a long time about Aria's words. She was so resigned to her fate, she didn't seem unhappy at all, simply accepting what was to be. She envied her that serenity; but Kate couldn't bring herself to do the same. It was different for her ... she could go home, there was no family to shame, no husband or boyfriend waiting for her—in fact, there was no one at all.
She'd lost track of time when she'd been held in the slave market, and had no idea how long she had been in this world. She knew it had to have been a long time though, and sometimes she wondered if anyone had bothered to look for her at all.
When she left Aria, she returned to Esteban's room, avoiding the positively filthy looks she received from Rachel and the other women.
She shook her head, tempted to confront them, but decided not to. It wasn't as though she'd asked to be brought here.
Kate entered his bedroom and opened the large windows above the bed again, letting the sea air come in, then lay down and fell asleep. The powerful sun left her drained from the heat of the day.
Some time later, she wasn't sure how long, she was awakened by people moving in the wardroom. She slipped from the bed and opened the door a crack. Two men were setting up a tray of dinner upon a small table. Her stomach rumbled hungrily at the enticing smells coming from the wardroom.
There were two places set, and she briefly considered just taking some food but she was unsure if Esteban wanted to eat with her, so she waited for him.
It wasn't long before he entered.
Esteban removed his coat and hung it upon the back of the door, and then looked around for her. She opened the door to his bedroom and came out somewhat hesitantly.
"Good evening.” She looked beautiful with the flush of sun upon her face.
"Hello, Esteban."
"I thought perhaps you would like to share dinner with me,” he began. “And I, ah ... I wished to apologize for my behavior last night. I was less than a gentleman.” He sounded uncomfortable and she realized this was difficult for him.
"You're forgiven,” she said gently. “We've all done stupid things after getting drunk."
"Thank you.” He grinned.
"What's for supper?"
"Sit down and we'll find out.” He pulled her chair out and held it until she was seated, then sat across from her.
Lifting one of the covered dishes, she saw it was a platter of braised vegetables and meat on kebab skewers. Another dish revealed curried rice and fresh, warm, flat bread.
Katherine served him first, and then waited.
"You may eat, Katherine. I invited you, remember?” Esteban said, forgetting for a moment that she was, in fact, his slave.
"Thank you.” She began to make herself a plate.
She ate and savored each bite. The food was delicious, like nothing she'd ever eaten. He watched her, a slight smile playing at the corners of
his mouth.
"You are enjoying the food?” He picked up his glass and drained it, then poured more wine.
"Yes, it's very good,” she replied. They hadn't spoken since last night, and she felt the strain acutely.
"Tell me about your world,” he said after a particularly awkward silence.
"My..."
"Yes, tell me about it."
Kate sat for a moment, thinking. What would interest him? She set her fork carefully beside her plate. “In my world, we have vehicles which we use to move about over long distances. They are called airplanes, they fly through the sky and a person can travel thousands of miles in a matter of hours."
He smiled doubtfully. “Everyone does this?"
"Well, no...” She stopped. “Most people drive cars."
"Tell me about cars."
"A car is ... well it's sort of a cart with no horse."
"And everyone has one of these?” he asked.
"Nearly everyone, yes,” Kate replied.
"How does a car work?"
"There's a motor that powers them.” She struggled to explain how a motor worked. “Let me show you something."
Standing, she moved away from the table to the corner shelf where her pack was. She carried it back to the table and set it upon the floor, then sliding her chair closer to him, she reached into the pack and rummaged about for a few seconds.
"Look at this.” She held up her digital camera so he could see the small screen. Kate turned on the power and the small LCD flashed to life, making him jump uneasily. He smiled nervously at her then looked at what she showed him.
On her digital camera, there were pictures of the airplane she had arrived on, the airport, all of the touristy shots she'd taken while she was in Switzerland; the cute Swiss villages, cars upon the cobbled streets, long shots of the Alps, and finally a solitary church spire.
Esteban was speechless looking through the tiny device. Not simply because of the pictures, but at the camera itself.
"May I see that?” he asked.
"Yeah, sure.” She handed it to him. “Take a picture."
He held the camera up and turned it over in his hands, examining it. “How do I take-a-pitcher?” he asked.
"You hold it like this...” She turned it so he wouldn't flash himself in the eyes. “Then look at the little screen. Aim at something and press this button."
"This is more complicated than a flintlock, Katherine. It will not explode in my hand, will it?” He was only half teasing.
"No.” She grinned back at him. “Just hold it like ... right, just like that. Aim...” He pointed it at her and she smiled. He pressed the button and the camera clicked, then flashed.
"Now, look at the screen.” She leaned over to him, pressing her breasts against his arm.
"God!” he exclaimed softly, entirely shocked and forgetting how good she felt against him. He wasn't convinced this wasn't some sort of witchcraft.
"Let me take a picture of you,” she said.
He handed her the camera and she told him to sit back. “Now, smile."
He grinned rakishly and then blinked as the flash blinded him.
"Here, look,” she said.
Esteban took the camera and saw himself in the tiny window just as he had with Kate before.
"What's wrong?” Kate asked when she saw his face.
"What sort of sorcery is this?” he asked her quietly.
"Sorcery? It's not sorcery. It's called technology.” She was somewhat insulted. “Come on, Esteban, you're obviously smarter than that. You don't actually believe in sorcery, do you? There's no such thing."
He looked at her intently for a moment. “Perhaps in your world there is no sorcery; but here, in my world, there is."
"I'm sorry,” Kate said, a bit more firmly. “I just don't believe in such things."
"You do not?” She shook her head and Esteban crossed his arms over his chest. “Then please explain to me how you came to be in Calthraca?"
She stopped then, entirely stumped. “I have no idea,” she said faintly, her eyes filled with tears. “But I'm sure there's an explanation."
"Come here.” He pulled her gently. She leaned into him and he placed his arm around her. “There are many things you will have to come to accept in my world,” he said softly. “I do not know of your Earth, but from what you have shown me, it is far beyond our time."
She nodded miserably.
"Perhaps it is not a bad thing to live in a simpler world?"
She turned her head up to look at him. “You don't understand—it's my home."
"Do you have a husband and children in your world, Katherine?” he asked.
"No. My parents died three years ago. I was an only child. I'm not married, there's no one.” She was staring into those incredibly blue eyes, searching them, helpless to stop herself.
"Then we are alike, you and I,” he whispered. He bent his head and lightly brushed her lips with his, enjoying the way her eyes closed slowly. “Alone."
"Yes,” she breathed. “I suppose we are."
Unable to resist, he kissed her then, gently, pressing his lips to hers. He felt her shift, and her lips parted slightly, her tongue brushed his lips and he kissed her more firmly, gathering her in and taking possession of her mouth. His tongue danced and entwined sensually with hers.
She could taste the sweet wine he had drunk, and she was nearly dizzy with the power behind his kiss. She could feel the stirrings of passion deep within her, the same as last night and her heart pounded excitedly in her chest.
He broke the kiss and lowered his mouth to her throat and the tops of her breasts. She sighed deeply, enjoying the feel of his mouth and lips upon her, his strong hands caressing her, softly crushing her breasts.
Despite the nearly overwhelming pleasure running through her, she pushed him back.
"Stop. Please. Just ... stop."
He stopped and looked at her, puzzled. “What's wrong?"
"Nothing ... everything ... I'm sorry. I just can't."
He nodded wordlessly. She could see his jaw tighten as he struggled to contain himself, and she prepared for a possible attack. Instead, Esteban rose and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
Kate sat in her chair and raised a hand to her eyes, surprised to find herself shaking. She had wanted him, despite the fact that he was a pirate and a slaver, and maybe even a killer as well for all she knew. She had wanted him, and her body had screamed yes, but her brain screamed no more loudly, and she couldn't do it.
She hated that she was so drawn to him. He had a raw sex appeal that made her hot all over simply looking at him, but she couldn't help but feel it was wrong to want him. To want someone she barely knew and worse someone who claimed to own her. It was true, he had a vulnerability that was painfully obvious to her, but wasn't it possible she was wrong? Nothing had been normal or felt right since she'd arrived in this world, so, what if she'd just misjudged him? She couldn't say she was willing to trust her instincts as she so often did, and that frightened her.
Esteban made his way slowly along the corridor to the door at the very end. His aroused body ached and demanded to be satisfied, but he quashed his lust firmly. He knocked once then opened the door. The women in the room looked at him, surprised, and then broke into wide grins.
"Esteban!” Rachel exclaimed, moving to where he stood and running her hand up his abdomen to his chest. “Who will it be?"
He looked at all of the women in the room, so eager to please, and none of them remotely appealed to him.
"Aria,” he said at last.
The other girls pouted and turned away, but the dark girl, Aria, came forward. “My lord?"
He took her hand and led her from the room to a small bedchamber along the starboard side. He lit a hanging lamp and she sat upon the tiny bunk. She untied her top and began to remove it. He turned to her and stilled her hands then stroked her cheek, brushing her curls from her face.
"Aria, I do not wish to sl
eep with you.” He slowly sunk to his knees before the stunned slave girl. “I need your help."
* * * *
Esteban returned to his rooms shortly before dawn. He entered the wardroom and found Kate asleep upon the divan. Bending, he easily lifted her and placed her upon his bed, then laid a chaste kiss upon her lips.
He washed his face and changed his shirt, then left her, but not before glancing back and catching the sunlight upon her features. He struggled with his own desire and once more resisted the urge to simply take her, then went abovedeck.
Kate awoke a little while later, surprised to find herself upon his bed. She left the room and moved to his wardroom where supper had been replaced by breakfast.
Fresh eggs, in an omelet with cheese and mushrooms, warm biscuits and ham, along with melons and grapes in a bowl. She ate hungrily and looked up at a sharp rap upon the door.
"Come in,” she called.
The door opened revealing Esteban.
"Did you sleep well?” he asked as he entered. He closed the door and moved behind her to a small table with juice and glasses.
"Yes, thanks.” Once more the awkwardness fell between them. “Did you?” Kate turned in her chair to face him.
"No, I didn't.” He poured himself juice and said nothing more.
"Oh.” Unsure how to proceed, Kate turned back to her food, but her appetite was gone.
He looked so good today, better than usual, dressed in black leather breeches and a white shirt. His color was high from the sun and the wind, and his hair was unbraided. She briefly considered what it would feel like to run her hands through all that thick hair.
Esteban watched her for a moment then stepped behind her. He set his glass on the table and rested his hands on her shoulders, squeezing gently. He felt her tense under his hands, and then relax slightly.
He had talked with Aria for most of the night, and she'd told him of Kate's fear, her worries that she could not trust him. He hadn't considered it before, but it made sense that her hesitation was due to lack of trust. He'd simply assumed that she would want him the way he wanted her. Since she'd been in his world, she'd been treated harshly and terrorized. He'd blindly added to that terror himself, and he regretted it.
Calthraca: Secrets And The Sea [A Calthraca Novel] Page 6