“Not much. I’m used to it, sir.” I noticed the corners of his eyes twitch, as if he couldn’t stand the thought.
“Tomorrow you’ll ask Larry for the salve, and have him rub some onto your back. His scar was much worse before we treated him.” I nodded. “Do you need any more help with your dress?”
“No, sir. Thank you.”
“Oka
y, change quickly then.” He turned away as I pulled off my dress, then the petticoats, and tugged on his giant shirt. “May I turn back?”
“Yes.”
Sure enough, it was nearly a dress on me, but much more close-fitting than those fashionable ruffles. I realized that he could almost see the outline of my knickers right through it. I realized now that my frame was showing, my narrow waist was clear, which made my breasts and hips look curvier. Looking up shyly, I saw the Captain seem to tear his gaze away from my bosom.
He pulled back the blankets. “Get in.” I obeyed immediately, slipping into his bed. It was actually softer than the one I’d had at home. But it wasn’t very wide, and I realized with a flash of nervousness that it would be close quarters indeed.
He tugged off his shirt, and I found myself unable to look away for several blinks. That tan skin, broad chest, and layers of firm muscle all made me feel strange deep inside. The yearning to touch him was nearly overwhelming. He caught me admiring him just a second before I glanced away.
I remembered that it was my staring that had brought all of this about in the first place. He started to remove his pants, then paused, and seemed to change his mind.
Sliding in beside me, he tried to give me as much room as possible. “Snug as a bug?” he asked.
I liked that he wasn’t nearly as fearsome as he looked, and was quick to laugh. “Yes, thank you.”
“Do you have everything you need?”
It was odd that he was actually treating me like a guest. I was a possession, bought and paid for. Surely he couldn’t be that generous, no matter what he said.
“Yes, but um... sir, is there anything you need?”
“What do you mean?”
I could feel my cheeks burning, but felt the question must be asked, even though it was barely a whisper. “Well, um... do you wish for me to… serve you in any way? To earn my keep?” I tucked my head so that he couldn’t see me blushing, but forced myself to add, “Twenty gold pieces is an awful lot of money, sir. You must expect something in return, and it is my duty.”
He turned toward me, leaning on his elbow. “My precious lass, they really mixed up your noggin, didn’t they?”
“Sir?”
He shook his head. “Nobody should buy and sell people, sweet girl. We’re pirates. Criminals. Or, we used to be. Yet even we know how revolting that is.” He sighed heavily. “You were born in the wrong village, apparently. If you had better parents, in a different place, you’d be the girl who all of the men fought to court. You’d be the girl every other girl wanted to be. But your piece of shit father has bent your mind into thinking you’re less than common.”
My mouth fell open. No man had ever used that sort of language directly in front of me. He noticed my shock. “Dammit, I’m sorry. My tongue gets loose when I’m angry.”
I nodded, hoping that he’d continue. My head was swimming with the thought that maybe I wasn’t the lowest girl in the village for being an unmarried seamstress at nineteen. Was that even possible?
He smiled warmly. “I don’t expect you to serve me in any way, lass, beyond being a useful member of the crew.” He leaned closer, his thumb brushing a stray hair from my forehead. “I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he said softly, staring into my eyes.
I couldn’t speak. I felt a strange pressure in my chest, and a nervous pull toward him. He was so striking, so ruggedly handsome. He was the Captain of this great ship. Yet he seemed to have special feelings for me. It made no sense.
“You have every right to say no, little Flora, but I cannot resist asking. May I give you a kiss goodnight?”
My head bobbed too eagerly. I wondered if he could see that I was overwhelmed, stunned, and still a bit shaky. He brought his lips to mine gently, holding them there just for a moment before pulling away. My eyes fluttered back open, surprised by his tenderness.
“Goodnight, lassie,” he said, turning over so his back was to me.
I turned the other way, pressing my lips together. Never in all my life would I have dreamed that my first kiss would be to a pirate Captain out on the open sea.
***
I woke up feeling a large hand gently stroking my hair. I released a soft sigh, curling against the warm body under me. My eyes slowly opened and I looked around, realizing where I was.