The Pirate's Willing Captive

by Anne Herries

  ‘You will please not tell him,’ Maribel said. ‘I do not want Hynes’s death on my conscience.’ She saw Anna’s face pale and reached out to her. ‘I did not mean to remind you, my good friend. I shall never forget what you did for me on the island.’

  ‘I shall fetch you some water,’ Anna said. ‘It may be best to use salt water for that will ease the sting from your bruises.’

  Maribel sighed as Anna went away. She felt tired and anxious and her eyes were gritty with the tears she was trying not to shed.

  * * *

  After she had washed all over in the salty water, Maribel rubbed a little of the salve into her back. Her cheek felt tender where Hynes had struck her when she fell and Anna had told her she had a bruise there as well.

  She was still in her shift when the cabin door opened abruptly. Giving a little cry, she grabbed her shawl and held it against her as the man came in.

  ‘Oh…it is you…’ She stared at Justin, feeling vulnerable and unsure of him. She had been told he was very angry with her. ‘I was just about to dress.’

  ‘Your pardon, Madonna.’ Justin’s eyes were on her bare arms. Her soft olive-toned flesh was firm and sweet, her hair loose on her shoulders. He felt a rush of desire and it took all his strength of will not to grab her and take her to the bed. ‘I did not think…forgive me. I shall turn my back while you put on your gown.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Maribel reached for a loose wrapping gown, tying the sash about her waist. Her heart was racing wildly, her head raised proudly. ‘I am decent now, sir.’

  Justin turned and looked at her. ‘I came to see if you had all you needed. We have a long voyage ahead of us. I believe all your things were brought across from the island, but you must tell me if something is missing—it may be in the hold.’

  ‘I have not looked, but I believe I have all I need, thank you,’ Maribel said. She frowned. ‘You took the ship captive this time and set her captain adrift?’

  ‘The ship is the price for the crew’s freedom, lady. My men were angry because of what happened on the island. I persuaded them to let Hynes and his officers go, but it went against the grain with some of them. I have given Hynes a message for your father.’

  ‘Yes, of course. I understand. What happened on the island was wicked and unpardonable. I regret that I was the cause of so much pain and suffering.’

  ‘It was not your fault, Maribel. I told you of the treasure map?’ She nodded, looking at him enquiringly. ‘I have destroyed it. Hynes told me that your father threatened to hang Hendry unless he led your father’s ships to the island. But the Defiance was not there and he thought I was with the ship, so he destroyed what he could in revenge for what I had stolen from him.’

  ‘Then it was for the map. Do you think it was the only one in existence?’

  ‘I thought at first that there must be other copies. However, when we were at Mallorca, your father sent word that he would trade for the map…’ Justin frowned. ‘Hendry did not know where I intended to go next. He thought I might head for Cyprus. When I told him to rendezvous at the island I gave away my plans…and that was what your father wanted all the time…the map and revenge.’

  ‘Yes, he wanted revenge.’ Maribel shuddered, her throat tight. ‘I know now that he never cared what became of me. He told Captain Hynes he could have me and do as he would with me. I think he hoped for my death, but…Hynes wanted to marry me for my fortune. He…would have raped me, but I managed to stop him…’ She caught back a sob.

  ‘The brute. Had I known, I would have hanged him from the yard-arm!’ He moved towards her, stopping as she flinched. ‘What did he do to you? You did not leave with him willingly?’

  ‘No! How could you even think it?’ Maribel hesitated, then untied her wrap and drew it back, lifting her bodice to show him the purple bruise on her back. ‘This is what he did to me when I refused him; there are other smaller bruises on my arms.’

  ‘And on your cheek, I think…’ Justin took her chin in his hand, turning her face to look at the swelling that had begun to turn dark red. ‘Had I known of this, I should not have been so lenient with him. Next time we meet he will not fare so well!’ His eyes dwelled on her, hungry and yet oddly tender. ‘Cover yourself, Madonna. I am sorry you have been treated so ill.’

  ‘It was not your fault. You warned me not to venture outside at night alone and I ignored your advice.’ She caught back the sob that almost broke her. ‘Forgive me. When we first met, I called you such terrible names and you never treated me ill.’

  ‘You must not cry.’ Justin smiled at her. ‘You are safe now. I shall not let harm come to you again. Very soon now you will be in England with your mother’s family. You will be a lady again, living as you ought—I believe your uncle is a good man.’

  ‘No, I shall not cry,’ Maribel said, blinking back her tears. ‘I am being foolish. I am safe now and, as you say, I shall soon be with my mother’s family.’

  In a few short weeks she would be in England. Perhaps then all the nightmares of the past months would be forgotten. She could return to being the lady she had been before she left Spain for the first time. It was what she had wanted from the start—to be with her mother’s family. So why did she feel that her heart was breaking?

  * * *

  ‘Captain Sylvester says we are sailing under a fair wind and you may come on deck whenever you wish,’ Anna said as she entered the cabin the next morning. ‘If the weather continues to be good, you will be in England within a week or two.’

  ‘Yes, I expect so.’ Maribel got to her feet. She draped a lace shawl about her shoulders and went on deck. Her gown was one of the lightweight ones that Justin had given her. The heavy, elaborate gowns her father had sent as her trousseau lay unused in the chests in which they had been packed. Maribel preferred the simpler style of gown she had become used to on the island. Her Spanish clothes seemed outdated and ugly and she did not enjoy wearing them, though she might have to when she reached England—she had been told it was much colder than Spain.

  What would her mother’s family be like? Would they welcome her to their home? Justin had given her letters from her uncle to her mother. He spoke in fond terms and asked if she were well many times. It seemed that he had received no answer to his letters, though he had continued to write until her mother’s death.

  She pushed the fears and doubts concerning her relatives to the back of her mind. In a few days she would part from Justin, never to see him again—and it was breaking her heart. She did not want to leave him, nor did she wish to become a fine lady again; all that had changed on the island and she knew she could never be as she had been before her capture. If her mother’s family took her in, she would be forced to live as they directed, behaving as a high-born lady and never knowing the freedom she had tasted on the island. She would never see Justin again. How could she bear it?

  Was there any way she could change her destiny? Maribel’s thoughts had been going round and round in her mind ever since she had been rescued for the second time. She was no longer the proud and sometimes cold lady she had been when she first sailed for England. Her life had changed the day she was taken captive the first time, and her experiences on the island had moulded her into a different woman. The fear and revulsion she had experienced at Captain Hynes’s hands had made her realise how fortunate she had been to be taken captive by a man like Justin. She had called him a pirate, but he was a truly generous and gentle man despite his harsh looks when he was angry. When she had thought she might never see him again she had realised just how much he had come to mean to her. She loved him with all her heart, her mind and body. How could she bear it when the time came to part for ever?

  It was fresh and cooler on deck than it had been in her cabin. Maribel took a turn round the deck, then went to the prow, looking out to sea. The sky was blue and appeared endless. Far away in the distance it seemed to end where the sky met the sea on the horizon; it was this strange phenomenon that had made people believe th
at the earth was flat until brave explorers began to prove that it was not so. She knew that it was a Spanish King who had funded the expedition that found a way to the West Indies and the New World, proving that the world was round and that it was not possible to fall off the edge.

  Maribel wrinkled her brow. Anna and Higgins had such exciting plans for the future and they were willing to take risks. Was there really a chance of a better life in the New World? She knew that men like her father had used it only for the silver and precious things to be found there, stealing its resources and ill treating its inhabitants—but were there truly other men who chose to live in this New World? What kind of men were they?

  ‘Why so pensive, Maribel?’

  Justin’s voice made her swing round to gaze at him.

  ‘You are safe now. Once we are in England you must forget all that happened on the island—and what that beast did to you.’

  ‘Would you have me forget everything that happened on the island?’ Her eyes sought his. ‘I thought for a moment…that day, on the other side of the island near the falls, before Higgins fired the warning shot…’ She stopped, cheeks burning.

  ‘What did you think, Maribel?’ Justin’s gaze was deep blue like the ocean and it held her fast. ‘Tell me.’

  ‘I thought perhaps there might be some other way…’ She shook her head and turned from him. His eyes promised so much, but he did not love her. He would have spoken before this if he truly cared what became of her. ‘It does not matter.’

  ‘Does it not?’ His voice was deep, husky with passion. ‘I believe you fought Pike because you were afraid for my life. Anna fetched the pistol because she knew he was too strong for you—but you stood your ground with just a knife. Why did you do that?’

  ‘I could not let him kill you.’

  ‘Why?’

  She whirled round to face him. ‘Will you have it all? Will you shame me? I could not bear that you should die because—’

  Justin reached for her, pulling her close. His mouth stopped her from confessing it all, his kiss so demanding that she melted into his body, almost swooning with pleasure. Heat pooled inside her, making her moan with wanting. When he let her go at last, she looked at him, touching her fingers to her lips, eyes wide and searching.

  ‘Why did you do that?’

  ‘Because I want you more than you will ever know. I am not worthy of you, Maribel. I have no right to ask you to be mine. You are a lady and you will make a good marriage to a man whose hands are not stained with blood, a man who does not live under the shadow of crimes that are punishable by death.’

  ‘Supposing I do not wish to marry this man whose hands are white and soft because he has never lifted one finger for himself?’

  Justin laughed softly. ‘Is this the proud Spanish lady I first captured? I think you have changed, Maribel.’

  ‘Of course I have changed.’ She held out her hands, showing him the ridges that had been caused by hard work. ‘I have learned what it is to work if I want to eat—and I should not want to become the lady I was.’

  ‘But you must.’ His expression was serious. ‘What else can you do?’

  Maribel stared at him. Tears were brimming and she felt like screaming. Why could he not see? Why would he not love her as she loved him?

  ‘You are impossible! An arrogant, stupid…pirate!’

  She ran from him, not heeding his cry. He called her name, but she would not look back. Her heart was breaking, because she knew there was nothing she could do but return to England and hope that her family would take her in.

  Rushing down the iron ladder that led below decks, she entered her cabin and flung herself down on the bed, covering her face with her hands as the tears broke. Her life was ruined and all because he had stolen her heart with his kisses and his bold looks. Why had he kissed her so if he did not love her?

  ‘Maribel. You must not weep for me. I am not worthy of you.’

  ‘Go away. I hate you!’ she cried without looking round.

  ‘It would be much better if you did hate me.’

  ‘Do you imagine I love you?’ She raised her tear stained face, blazing with anger. ‘You are an arrogant, stupid—’

  ‘Pirate,’ he finished for her and laughed. ‘You have told me so many times that you do not like pirates. How can you love a pirate, Maribel?’

  The softness in his voice broke her. She rolled over and got to her feet, flying at him in a temper. Her fists beat against his chest until he caught them, his eyes gleaming with humour as he looked down at her. She wanted to weep and scream, but most of all she wanted to be kissed.

  ‘I don’t love you. I hate you.’

  ‘Liar…’ Justin bent his head, his lips caressing hers softly. ‘You know you want me, my sweet, beautiful temptress. You know that you have driven me to the edge with your smiles and your beauty, but I swore that I would not take you unwillingly.’ His fingers brushed against her breasts and her flesh tingled beneath the silken material. Her body swayed towards him, heat building deep inside her as she felt the need sweep through her.

  ‘Justin…’ Her lips parted on a sigh. ‘I am not unwilling. You must know it. You took me captive, but for a long, long time I have been your willing captive. Surely you knew?’

  ‘Perhaps…’ His hand caressed her cheek, his voice husky, throbbing with desire. ‘I want you so much, but I am not worthy of you, my love.’

  ‘You are a wicked pirate,’ she said, her breath catching on a sob or a laugh. ‘But I want you…I love you. Make love to me, Justin, for I cannot bear it if you do not. Your kisses lit a fire in me, but you did nothing more.’

  ‘Only because I gave my word. You must know that I burn for you? You have kept me restless in my bed many a night.’

  ‘Justin…’ she breathed, moving closer, offering herself. ‘Make me yours. I am asking you. Please, make me your own…love me.’

  Justin gave a little moan; reaching for her hand, he led her back to the bed and sat down, pulling her down beside him. For a moment he sat looking into her lovely face, then he reached out and drew a finger over her lips, tracing their fullness.

  ‘You have such a sensuous mouth. It begs for kisses.’

  He leaned towards her, bending his head so that their mouths touched. His kiss was soft at first, setting little butterflies of sensation winging down her spine; then, he pulled her to him, holding her so that her sensitised breasts pressed against his chest, his kiss intensifying, becoming hungry and demanding.

  ‘My love,’ he murmured in a voice made deep by passion. ‘Let me look at you without these clothes, pretty as they are.’ His fingers pulled at the lacings at the back of her gown, loosening them. As the bodice came free he pushed it down over her shoulders. Maribel unfastened the hooks that held her skirts in place and let them slide down over her hips. Now she was clad only in a shift made of such fine material that the pale tones of her flesh showed through. He touched the bruises, which had begun to fade. ‘Do these still hurt you?’

  ‘A little, but I do not mind them. Do not fear to touch me. I have longed for this moment so many nights.’

  Justin smiled down at her. ‘So beautiful, but I want to see you.’

  With a swift upward movement, he tugged the shift over her head, his eyes feasting on the glorious body revealed to his eyes. Maribel was slender but full breasted, her nipples pink and pert as he leaned towards her, stroking first one and then the other with his tongue. She sighed with pleasure as his hands cupped her breasts and he buried his face against them, breathing in her scent and using his tongue to give her pleasure. Her body was melting in the heat of his desire, no longer her own to control. She gave a cry of intense pleasure as he licked his way between her breasts, down her navel to the damp moist hair that covered her femininity.

  ‘You smell gorgeous…’ he murmured huskily, his hands on her buttocks, pulling her in closer so that he could inhale her. His tongue seemed to set off little explosions of sensation within her, making her wea
k with desire so that she moaned, her fingers tangling in his hair and working at the back of his neck.

  ‘Let me see you,’ she said urgently, and reached for his shirt, ripping at the ties so urgently that it tore and he laughed at her impatience. He took it in his hands and ripped it apart, shrugging it off. Maribel drew a shuddering breath. ‘I thought you were beautiful when I saw you chopping the wood. I should have liked to do this…’ Her hands smoothed over his back, making him shudder and cry out. She pressed her mouth to his shoulder, sucking at him and then nipping him with her sharp white teeth. ‘I want to taste you…’ she murmured.

  ‘Little witch…’ he muttered hoarse with desire.

  He bent to tug off his long boots, then stood and released his breeches. Maribel reached out, pushing them down over his hips so that they fell to the floor and he kicked them away. Now they were both naked. Her eyes feasted on his slim hips and strong thighs, then moved to the male glory that was fully erect and ready for her. She reached out to touch him, her hand stroking that part of him with tentative fingers. His manhood seemed to move and pulsate beneath her touch and she laughed as she heard his indrawn breath of rapture.

  ‘Does that please you?’ she asked, her eyes holding an appeal she was not aware of. ‘I want to please you, Justin, but I am not sure…’

  ‘But you were married?’ His eyebrows arched. ‘What are you telling me…have you not been with a man this way?’ She shook her head and he frowned.

  ‘My husband was a boy. He did not love me in this way, but as his childhood friend.’

  ‘You should have told me. I thought…but you are virgin…’

  Maribel reached out, catching his wrist, as he would have moved away. ‘No, do not leave me now, I beg you. I want to be yours, Justin. I want to know how to please you, but you must teach me.’

  ‘You are certain?’ His eyes glowed with blue fire, searing her, his gaze searching deep into her soul. ‘You want this truly?’

  ‘I love you,’ she said and lay down on the bed, gazing up at him trustingly. ‘Show me how to be the woman you need.’