Owned by Pirates

Like the time we outran the Navy's fastest new ship on its maiden voyage. Then we informed everyone at their first port of call before they reached it so they'd be a laughing stock. It was simply a tale too amusing not to tell for the hundredth time.

When the laughter died down, McGee piped up. "Do you think I'll get an injured sailor discount in a few weeks down at Walton’s Hotel?" he inquired, holding up his bandaged hand.

We all burst into uproarious laughter again. Walton’s was a very discreet hotel, where only those in the know would walk up to the third floor to the house of ill repute. A lounge full of lovely ladies of the evening waited there to entertain sailors for a fair price.

The conversation grew loud and rowdy, with some of the men describing their favorite ladies in naughty detail. A great debate broke out, and sides were taken over which was more glorious, Kitty’s bosom or Emily’s arse.

“’Tis a ripe peach,” Teeth grinned, his gold smile shining in the lamplight. “When you give it a little spank and a squeeze, it’s heaven on earth.”

“’Tis fine indeed,” McGee agreed, “But Kitty’s bosom defies gravity

itself. Melons so delicious you’d best take a bite.”

The boys had been so well behaved around Miss Flora that I had to allow their tongues to get loose once in a while, and joined them in laughing like fools.

I noticed Larry giving me a bit of an odd look from the corner of his eye. "Ask your question, mate."

"I know that you don't always join us down at Walton’s," he said carefully. "I just wondered whether you'd be coming along this time or not?"

Clapping him on the back, I shook my head. "No, I shan't, and I'm sure you know why."

I noticed some covert glances around the table. "Speak up, boys. We have no secrets here."

Davy cleared his throat. "Well, sir, we sort of assumed that with you purchasing Miss Flora, she might become your… er, mistress. But we've seen no evidence of, shall we say, togetherness between you that wasn't fairly innocent."

Staring into my mug, I swirled my rum around, not sure of how to answer honestly. "You all know at first I just wanted to save her." The crew all nodded.

"Aye, Captain, and you were right to do so,” O'Doule agreed.

"But then I got to know the wee lass.” I paused. It felt like everyone had grown beyond silent.

Then I shook my head. "If we had a normal life, and I were a respectable villager, I would court her, as she is a proper lady. But having her suddenly thrown into my life, and my bed, things are a bit strange."

The lads all nodded. "Yes, odd circumstances indeed," Larry said.

"I would never want to scare the sweet lass, or make her feel obligated in any way. So for now, I'm simply going to take my time…” I winked. “And be sure that she falls madly in love with me."

I drained my mug while the lads cheered and laughed.

"Good plan," Teeth agreed. "I’d like her to stay around. And I don't just say that because I do like most of her cooking."

I saw that McGee almost swatted him in the arm, then thought better of it when he remembered his fresh stitches.

"She really has worked out to be a good member of the crew,” O'Doule said. "She jumped right in to be our doctor when we needed her. That was a bit of a surprise."

I nodded. "Yes, she is full of surprises, I do agree."

Pushing away from the table, I stood up. "And on that note, I should go make sure that she has stopped working for the night. The precious little thing is going to cause her sewing fingers to fall right off."

A chorus of, "G’night, Captain," filled the room as I waved behind me, heading to my quarters.

Sure enough, my sweet little Flora was there, working on her necklaces. "Sweetheart, I worry that you work yourself too hard."

She looked up at me with a smile, then her bright eyes grew wide. I realized I might not have called her that before.

Sitting beside her, I tipped her chin up to mine with a finger. "You are my little sweetheart, aren't you?"

Those big blue eyes regarded me carefully, then she nodded. Her soft lips turned up in a tiny smile, then I kissed her.