Misconception

Chapter 10

Isabella grimaced in disgust as she looked at the mess in the galley. She turned to Cotton who was serving the broth they had just made into bowls but he wasn’t looking at her. She sighed and turned to Gibbs.
“I am sorry, Mr. Gibbs?” she started and the older man turned to look at her with the spoon half way in his mouth.
“Aye, lass?”
“Why am I here?” she asked.
“To eat.”
“And…?”
“Help with the cleaning?” he trailed off hopefully.
“At this hour? And where is the rest of the crew?” she asked as she tentatively brought a spoonful of broth to her mouth. Only half the crew had passed by the galley to eat.
“Ashore. Besides, the captain said you were bored in the cabin.”
“Oh.” Realization dawned on her. Jack didn’t want her in the cabin. She wondered why…
“And he said that since you claim to be a maid you wouldn’t have a problem cleaning the galley.” Gibbs said sheepishly and she narrowed her eyes.
“I am indeed a maid but when I work I get paid.” Isabella seethed as she threw the spoon in the bowl and crossed her arms over her chest.
“He said you’d say that.” Gibbs laughed and Isabella scowled.
“Did he? Seems like he knows me so well…” she said sarcastically.
“He said that tomorrow he’ll get you the dress he’s promised.”
“Oh, joy.” Isabella murmured and stood to serve a couple of crewmen that had just entered the galley.
“Oi, Gibbs!” one of them called with a chuckle, “We did tell the captain about food but it looked like he was otherwise occupied.” The man laughed as he accepted the bowl from Isabella with a nod.
“Aye. He had two wenches in there servicing him rather well from what I saw. Two! And I can’t even get one!” the other who was a bit on the heavy sigh said and Isabella cringed at the mental image of Jack and two women.
“Maybe if you ate less you could.” Gibbs said and Isabella quickly handed the bulky man his bowl of broth before she returned to her seat.
“Help with the cleaning you said, Mr. Gibbs? That’s why he sent me down here?” Isabella whispered and Gibbs flushed, “Seems to me like your captain wanted to get rid of me in order to have some privacy with his lady friends. Is that one of his leisure pursuits?” she finished and Gibbs choked on his food.
“It is! You’re a funny one, lass!” the bulky man said and Isabella looked away.
“I didn’t know, lass. He doesn’t tell me everything.” Gibbs said and the bulky man considered her carefully.
“Weren’t you supposed to be in the brig?” he asked and Gibbs glared at him.
“Mind your own business, Jim!” he hissed and the other man shrugged before he returned to his food and started wolfing it down.
Isabella bit her lip before she stood up abruptly.
“Lass?” Gibbs said quietly as she started picking up spoons and empty bowls.
“I’ll just start cleaning then. It might be a while until I’m allowed to sleep.” She muttered and Gibbs remained silent while she started scrubbing the dishes with a soapy cloth.

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When Isabella finished cleaning the galley only Cotton had remained there helping her. The rest of the crew was either in their hammocks or ashore.
“I do wonder when we’ll get away from this wretched island.” She said and Cotton looked at her.
“I mean, isn’t he eager to get his gold?” she said and Cotton shrugged. Isabella turned and looked at him.
“I’m sorry you can’t speak.” She said quietly and the old man smiled at her kindly before he waved her away. She smiled back and straightened her back with a yawn.
At that moment Tim walked in and his eyes fell on Isabella. She cringed under his scrutiny and took a step back but he only took an apple and walked out but not without looking at her again with a peculiar expression on his rugged face. He bumped into Jack who glared at him until he was gone. Jack entered the galley and Isabella looked away, her face twisting in anger and something else different.
“Any broth left, love?” he asked and Isabella was forced to look at him. He was dressed in his breeches and shirt and he had his boots on. His cheeks seemed flushed in a particularly decadent way and she inwardly cringed to think the reason for it.
“There is.” She said as she wiped the table one last time before she stepped back.
“Well? Are you going to give me some then?” he asked with his head tilted to the side and she shrugged.
“Help yourself to some. May I have my bunk back or you need it until further notice?” she asked and he smirked.
“No, you can go up.” He said as he reached for one of the bananas.
“Do I need to change the sheets or is it left unsullied?” she asked and he burst out laughing.
“Oh, darling, you do amuse me so! I guess Jim informed you of me activities, the cad.” he chuckled as he leaned against the table. Isabella scowled at him but remained silent.
“No one touched your bunk, Bella. I wouldn’t allow it.” He said seriously and she cringed at the name.
“I never gave you permission to call me that.” She said but he only peeled the fruit and took a bite.
“I didn’t give you permission to call me Jack either but have you heard me complaining about it?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
“I do not call you that!” she exclaimed aghast.
“Yes, you do. Anyway, how’s your ankle?” he asked and she hesitated.
“Better.”
“Good. Has Tim given you any more trouble?” he asked and his eyes darkened.
“No.” she shook her head and he nodded once, his eyes on her face.
“That’s good.”
“I…I’m going to bed.” She muttered before she darted towards the door, her arm brushing his as she moved past him.
“Bella?” he called without facing her.
“Yes?” she paused and turned to look at his back.
“Goodnight.” He grinned to himself before he took another bite of his fruit.
“Right.” Was her response before she fled his presence, leaving him chuckling to himself.
“I like that lass.” He murmured to himself before he too exited the galley and headed for the deck.

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Isabella was rudely awakened when she felt something heavy falling on top of her legs. She sat up groggily and opened her eyes. Her gaze fell onto the pale blue dress that was lying on top of her covers and her eyes widened. She reached with her hand and touched the incredibly soft fabric with her fingertips.
“Is it to your liking?” a familiar voice called from the threshold and her head snapped up towards Jack who was leaning against the doorframe.
“Is this silk?” she asked and he shrugged.
“I think it is. None of the others were to my liking. That’s why I had a friend of…mine help me choose it.” He said and she stiffened.
“Friend? From last night I gather.” She said and Jack grinned.
“Still on that are you? I am telling you, love, you’re thinking about me too much.” He chuckled while she glared at him, “Anyway, I think it will match your eyes.” He waved at the dress and she cleared her throat.
“I guess I have to thank you now.” She said with a frown and he pushed back from the door to walk towards her.
“I guess you have to.” He murmured as he reached for her face and tilted her head up. His fingers pressed onto her skin and she had no choice but to look into his chocolate brown eyes. He searched her gaze for a while before he let go of her chin and trailed his finger down her nose.
“It will certainly match those eyes.” He said quietly and something like recognition passed over his face before it was replaced by disbelief and uncertainty.
“Thank you then.” She spoke at last and it seemed to break him out of his daze for he pulled back and straightened.
“You’re welcome…Bella.” He smirked before he stepped further back and his eyes traveled down her neck to her collarbone. His eyes lazily slid lower and lower until she had to cross her arms over her chest in order to make him shift his gaze to her face again.
“Don’t do that.” She said suddenly and he seemed puzzled.
“Don’t do what?”
“Stare. I don’t like it.” She said and he chuckled.
“I am not the one standing in such a garment, darlin’. I am only a man.” He shrugged while pointing at her nightdress and she scowled.
“It’s not my fault you didn’t knock first. It’s no wonder, what with the company you keep and all. I can’t even imagine the things you did-…” she trailed off at the amused expression on his face.
“Not that I care. I am just lucky that I didn’t come in while you weren’t alone.” She quickly stammered.
“Pity. Perhaps you could have learned something.” He said huskily before he raised his hands up in surrender, “Just saying. Practice does wonders. I’ll be sure to invite you next time.” He said and she gasped before she grabbed her pillow and threw it at him. He grabbed it in the air, just before it hit his face and glared at her.
“Don’t be such a prude, love. We’re both adults here.” He said and she felt her cheeks flushing at the mere thought of what he was insinuating.
“Really? I don’t see that.” She said through gritted teeth as he threw her pillow at her.
“And don’t throw things at me ever again. Think of what me crew would think if they ever saw their captain being assaulted with pillows.” He said and she slapped her forehead.
“Of course. It’d ruin your reputation.” She muttered as she swung her feet over the bed.
“Exactly. Now put it on and stop tempting me.” He murmured that last words before he stepped out of her small room.
Isabella’s eyes widened at that and she had to take deep breaths in order to make herself move
Jack moved to the main cabin and plopped down on his desk with a groan. He rubbed his chin and focused on the chart in front of him. A knock disturbed his peace and he growled.
“What?” he called wearily and the door opened.
“Cap’n? May I have a word?” it was Tim and Jack stiffened.
“Wait for me outside. I’ll be along in a few moments.” He said and the crewman nodded stiffly before he shut the door.
Jack stood up and massaged his temples before he exited the cabin. Tim was waiting just outside the door.
“What can I do for you, Master Tim?” Jack eyes him warily.
“It’s about the lass, Cap’n.” the man said nervously.
“Oh? What about her?
“I think I’ve seen her before.” Tim said and Jack frowned.
“Seen her? You?” Jack asked incredulously, “Where?” he asked and Tim took a deep breath.
“Here. In Tortuga.” Came the gruff response.
Jack shook his head in confusion and held up his hands.
“Hold on, mate. Are you saying that you’ve seen Bella, eh, the lass, here in Tortuga.”
“Aye.”
“Where exactly?” Jack asked firmly.
“I am not sure but I think she was a tavern girl. You remember that tavern with the girls that closed a few months ago?” Tim lowered his voice and Jack’s eyes widened.
“Madame Angelique?” he exclaimed and Tim nodded.
“Aye. That’s where I think I’ve seen her.”
“How do I know you’re not lying?” Jack asked suspiciously and Tim blinked.
“Why would I lie? I have no profit, Cap’n.” Tim said and Jack regarded him with doubt.
“But she says she’s a maid. How did she…” he trailed off before his eyes widened. Images of grey eyes and pale skin flashed inside his head and he took a step back.
“No way…” he muttered wide eyed while Tim looked at him perplexed.
“Cap’n?”
“No, she can’t be. No way.” Jack kept rumbling as his eyes started darting toward the door as the scent of vanilla suddenly assaulted his nostrils, the scent coming from the deep recesses of his mind.
“I am right then, eh?” Tim asked and Jack suddenly glared at him, his eyes furious, his expression different.
“I’d suggest you mind your own business, Master Tim. And stay away from her. That’s a warning. Now be gone and don’t mention what you told me anywhere, understand?” he warned, his voice hoarse.
“But-…”
“I said did you understand?” Jack hissed and Tim recoiled.
“Aye, cap’n.” he muttered before he walked away.
Jack took a moment to gather his thoughts before he decided he couldn’t stay there forever.
“It can’t be her…” he mumbled before he forced himself to return to the cabin. She couldn’t be the girl that had become and obsession to him since the night he had taken her. He had never found her and he had never found out what her name was. It was as if she had disappeared from the face of the earth after that night. He did not remember much from that night but he did recall her grey eyes and her scent. The scent that had haunted him for months.
Once he was inside he looked around for her but she was not there. He walked towards the side cabin and peered inside. There she was struggling with the laces of the dress. Without speaking he walked over to her and touched the laces. The touch of his fingers made her pause and her entire body stiffened. She always stiffened around him.
“I’ll do it.” He said and he was almost breathless. For once she did not argue and he managed to tie the laces despite his trembling hands.
“Thanks.” She muttered as she turned to face him, her expression guarded.
Jack’s eyes locked with hers and he inhaled sharply.
“Can I please take a walk outside?” she asked as she tried to ignore the funny way he was looking at her.
Suddenly he grabbed her arms and guided her backwards. Her back collided with the wall at the corner of the room where the light was dim. He pressed his body impossibly close to hers and she flinched. His face was suddenly millimeters from her own and she gasped.
“What-…” she started but he shushed her with a forcible ‘hush’. His hands tightened around her arms and his lips parted in shock.
Before she had the chance to speak or even push him back he had pressed his lips against hers in a hard, wet kiss, his mouth parting her lips urgently. Isabella’s eyes widened in alarm when his tongue swept over her bottom lip and she froze momentarily. A low groan vibrated in his throat and she finally pushed him back, breaking the kiss. He stopped the kiss willingly and rested his forehead against hers while breathing heavily.
“Fuck.” He cursed out loud before he slowly raised his head to look at her, “Bloody hell, it’s you.” He murmured huskily as a slow grin formed on his lips and Isabella could do nothing but stare at him.
Oh God.

End of chapter 10

Author’s note: Thank you for reading! What did you think of this chapter? Like it? Hate it? Please review and tell me! I am eager to know what you think.

Xxx Lina :)