Owned by Pirates

“A lass with all of these grand qualities, with a heart full of passion, is worth all of the gold in the world.” I reached into an interior coat pocket, drawing out a small black bag that jangled heavily. “But instead, I’ll give all of the gold I have in my coat. Twenty gold pieces.”

The silence of the crowd was absolute, but for a few stifled gasps. That was a years' salary for a lucky, hard-working man, and more than some would see in all of their days.

Flora’s mouth fell open, her bottom lip trembling as she looked up at me. Her little fingers gripped her skirt in fists. Then her head shook slightly as if she couldn’t believe it.

Leaning down to whisper in her ear, I allowed my lips to brush her skin as I breathed, “If I’d had it handy, I’d have paid ten times as much to keep you safe, sweet girl.”

She blinked hard, her sky blue eyes filling with tears. Yet I couldn’t tell if it was from gratitude, relief, or confusion.

Standing up straight, I tossed the bag and a wicked glare to her father, who caught both clumsily.

“There is only one demand I must make.” The father nodded for me to continue, unable to meet my eyes again. I turned to the townsfolk, who all looked as shocked as if I’d slapped them. “You will tell her mother what transpired here today. Do not let the disgrace of this horrid man be forgotten. He might be temporarily rich, but he’ll be a spineless, cruel bastard forever.”

The father slunk a few steps down the boards of the walkway with his sack of gold, burning with shame under the glares of his neighbors.

“Set sail, lads. We’re off.” My men scurried around, raising the sails, securing the fresh cargo, and hauling up the anchor.

I stood beside Flora, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, guiding her to the railing at the stern. “Take a last look, lassie. We might never be back.” I noticed that her eyes locked with her father’s, where he stood directly beneath her on the pier. Lowering my voice, I said, “Any last words for that despicable man?”

Without hesitation, she spat hard – the saliva catching him full in the face. He bucked backward, tripping over some ropes, falling on his arse painfully as the villagers roared with laughter. He clutched his sack of gold to his chest, staring at his daughter as if she had stabbed him.

Flora turned on her heel, walking to the other end of the ship so she would never have to look at him again.

I was completely impressed by her sass, and followed her, now laughing hard and loud. “Lass, I must say, that was the best goodbye and good riddance I’ve seen in all my years. I have never been so proud of a gal in my life.”

She walked all the way up to the bow, leaning on the polished wood of the railing, her shoulders shaking. I came up behind her, not sure what to do. Relying on instinct, I wrapped her in my thick arms, pulling her further away from the dock, and the stares of the townspeople.

She spun, leaning her cheek against my shirt as the sobs overtook her. Rocking her gently, I murmured to her softly as she cried as if she were being torn apart. I tried not to smell her luscious hair, and think about the softness of her delicate form in my grasp. When her body finally stopped quaking, I rubbed her back, and whispered into her ear, “You’re the bravest little lass I’ve ever seen. I prom

ise to keep you safe.”

Flora stepped back, perhaps realizing that she’d just broken down in front of a stranger. “I’m so sorry, sir. I don’t... this is so unlike me.” She tried hard to catch her breath and compose herself. “I don’t even know you. To be so familiar... I’m terribly sorry, sir.”

“Lass, you’re soon going to learn about me, the boys, and the workings of this ship. We won’t be strangers for long. There is much to learn. It is a strange life to adjust to. I’ll be here to hold you if ever you need it.”

Looking down into her soft eyes, it felt like she was still trembling. This poor, sheltered little gal was about to spend her first night away from home, and was likely frightened to bits. All she could manage was a slight nod of her head.

I put an arm around her, turning us to face north, and pointed to a light starting to rise above the water. “Do you know what that is?” I pointed.

“The north star, sir.”

“I knew you were a clever girl.”

She smiled, seeming embarrassed. It broke my heart how she seemed unnerved by a compliment.

“We need to plot our course for the next few days, and the boys have a lot of work to do before dark. There are no extra hammocks down in the bunk room, and I cannot let a delicate lass sleep anywhere but a proper bed. However, the only bed on board is my own.”

Her wide eyes were so beautiful, even as she looked terrified. I chuckled softly, which seemed to calm her. “Don’t panic, lassie. You’ll be sleeping in my bed, but I won’t be ravishing you. I’m going to care for you.”

Her blue eyes widened again, but then she nodded resolutely. “You’ve purchased me, sir. I am yours to do with what you will.”

I took her hands in mine, and looked at her quite seriously. “You’ll have to share my bed, but I won’t be touching you. I think it’s best if you get your sea legs, and learn about the workings of this ship, for your own safety. Alright?”

She released a long breath, visibly relieved. “Yes, sir.”

“Right. I’m going to hand you over to Little Larry, and he can show you around the ship while I go over some charts with O’Doule.”

“Thank you, sir.”