An Impromptu Adventure
Page 3
“What be your orders, Cap’n?”
Not waiting to hear what Alexander would answer, James clipped out, “Raise a white flag of truce, Mr. Stubbs. I’ll be transferring over.”
The stocky pirate looked to Cruise, silently questioning the order and James’ right to give it.
Alexander’s voice was rough as he confirmed the instruction. “You didn’t want him on board anyway, did you? Raise the flag.”
The pirates’ faces were impassive as they obeyed, raising the flag high and beginning to lower the sails. James left them to their business, returning to the Captain’s cabin to finish dressing. He faced Alexander as he put on his shirt, wishing that he could ask Alexander to do the buttons again, then sat down to don the silk socks and shoes, unnerved by Alexander’s silent regard but determined to make him speak first.
“So just leaving me, are you?”
“I didn’t ask to be here in the first place.”
“No… but I rather thought you were enjoying your visit.”
“Your crew obviously don’t appreciate my presence or the Intrepid wouldn’t have gotten so close before we were awakened. The Siren is the fastest ship in these waters.”
“I’m still the Captain here.”
In the words James knew there was an offer, an offer to run fast and far away from the naval pursuit, damned the other pirates and the risks such flight posed if unsuccessful. “And I’m still the Admiral.” The wig felt heavy on his head, the Alexanderet stiff and confining. “I am a British officer, Alexander. I will always be a British officer.”
“Of course, mate. If that’s the way it has to be. We all lie in our own beds.”
Stalking toward Alexander, James spoke, “I am a British officer and you are a disreputable pirate. The last remaining danger in these waters. If we ever meet again, with our crews present, I will take you prisoner and hang you.” He backed Alexander to the wall, seizing him by the waist, kissing him hard and deep, hoping his technique was doing sufficient justice to his passion. “So the next time you catch me, the Intrepid had better be far away. And stay far away.”
The hope and surprise in Alexander’s dark eyes was perhaps the most satisfying moment of the day. “Want some more time with me, d’you James?”
Knowing it was insanity but surrendering to his innate honesty, James said, “Yes. After all, you never did tell me how you learned my name.”
“That wasn’t part of our bargain, James my love.”
“Then we’ll make another one,” James demanded. “More kisses… more” not able to say the words of what he wanted, he kissed Alexander again, passionately, hoping he was bruising the pirate’s lips in his forcefulness, needing to leave some tangible sign of his presence.
“And how am I suppose to arrange this miraculous feat, getting us together without our crews near?”
“Preferably without more banging on my head. Other than that, I expect you to work it out with your usual aplomb.” James adjusted his shirtsleeves and jacket, making sure he looked properly attired. “After all, as you are so fond of telling me, you are Captain Alexander Cruise.”
To stave off the temptation to say more, James turned on his heel and departed the cabin, letting the door swing shut behind him.
Back to the Intrepid and his duty, back to his position and his responsibility… Waiting for the day when Alexander Cruise would reappear in his life.
~ the end ~
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Also by Vivienne Cox
An Officer’s Honour
“You’re going to have to let me go at some point, Admiral.”
James gritted his teeth at the title, “And what makes you so sure that I’m not sure fattening you up for the slaughter?”
Cruise looked at him with something like pity, “Because you’re a good man, Captain James Thomas.”
***
When Alexander Cruise has taken ill, his care is taken over by the most unlikely person.