Misconception

Chapter 12

Jack took a seat across from Isabella while watching her carefully. He watched as she sat stiffly in her seat and looked emptily at the food that was on the table. His fingers twitched at the arms of his chair and he cleared his throat to break the silence. Isabella jumped at the sound and looked up at him. She hadn’t locked eyes with him for two seconds before she quickly averted her gaze towards the food again.
“This is awkward.” He said and she looked up again.
“Embarrassing too.” She added quietly and he leaned back in his chair lazily.
“Not for me.” He shrugged with a slight smirk and she sighed.
“What is all this?” she asked softly as she motioned towards the food.
Jack eyed their dinner before he shrugged.
“I thought that it would make us…” he trailed off but at her puzzled expression he chuckled and shook his head, “I thought it’d be a good way to get to know each other.” He said as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table.
“Know each other.” She repeated and he nodded while playing with his beard.
“Aye.”
“Why would you want to get to know me?” she asked confused as she squirmed under his stare.
“Your reactions all these days…interested me. You interest me. Plus, I think you have a slight misconception about me. And about what happened that night.” He said and her cheeks flushed.
“I know what happened.” She said and he sat up slightly before he pushed the plate of turkey towards her.
“How about we talk about that after dinner?” he grinned and she pushed the plate back towards him. He frowned and pushed it towards her again.
“If you eat that then you can try the dessert.” He said and Isabella looked at him incredulously.
“Are you serious? Is this all a joke to you?” she asked and he leaned back again.
“No. I just thought that since Gibbs tried so hard to find a decent cake in this island he would appreciate it if we at least try it.” He said and she gaped.
“Are you really serious or are you actually drunk?” she asked and he laughed deeply.
“I guess you want to talk first then. And no, I am not drunk. Although, I could use some rum.” He said as he reached for the bottle.
“So, I am waiting for you to enlighten me about that…night.” She said as she tried to relax. How could he be so relaxed?
“I thought you were somebody else.” He said simply and she blinked.
“I already knew that.” She shook her head.
“Aha! But what you didn’t know is that I was under the impression that you were willing. I do not recall getting any negative signals from you, if you get me drift.” He said and Isabella tried hard not to be embarrassed again.
”Look, I really don’t care what you think about that. I just wish to forget it okay?” she said and he cocked his head to the side.
“Why? Was it really that bad?” he asked and she sputtered.
“That’s not the point!”
“So it wasn’t bad.” The corners of his mouth twitched.
“The point is that I didn’t want it.” She said slowly as if speaking to a child.
“You could had definitely fought harder then.” He said and she opened and closed her mouth like a fish.
“Alright, love,” he started as he shook his head and stood up, “Let’s just forget it, eh?” he walked over to her and looked at her.
“How about we call a truce?” he offered and she swallowed hard.
“What does that mean?” she asked as she eyed him warily.
“It means that you stop hitting that night on me face and I will stop mentioning it. Savvy? Oh, and you can’t call me a rapist ever again. Especially not in front of me crew or me lady friends.” He said and Isabella cringed without meaning to at his last words.
“I never called you that.” She murmured.
“You implied it and I did not like it. Do we have an accord?” he asked with a raised eyebrow as he extended his hand towards her.
Isabella looked at his hand cautiously and then up to his eyes which were glittering in the candlelight.
“It doesn’t bite, lass.” He chuckled until she finally relented and took his hand. She really did want this whole thing to be over anyway. She really didn’t want to talk about it any longer and his suggestion was quite nice. For a pirate at least.
Jack closed his fingers over her hand and his thumb subtly caressed her skin before he let go with a grin.
“See? I am not that bad.” He said as he stepped back and returned to his seat. Isabella felt a small smile trying to break free from her lips but she managed to remain serious.
“So glad we solved this. Now we can go back to our dinner and then I can go get me gold.” He clapped his hands merrily and she frowned.
“That’s it? No apology?” she asked and he pursed his lips.
“Apology? I thought it was solved.” He said and she blinked.
“I could use an apology.”
“I do not apologize. Ever.” He shook his head.
“Why ever not?” she asked surprised.
“I think it’s stupid and useless. I mean once you’ve done something it’s over. It cannot be undone. An apology won’t change a thing. In my opinion it’s just a form of deceit. Half of the people who apologize are not even sorry for what they’ve done or said. It’s just a cover. And I suddenly am not going to apologize for something that I enjoyed.” He said as he popped a grape in his mouth and chewed it while watching her.
Isabella was shocked by his speech and she realized that he was somewhat right.
“Enjoyed.” She squeaked and he smirked.
“Aye.’
“Okay…so I do not get an apology. Then what do I get?” she asked and at the predatory expression on his face she quickly regretted her words.
“What do you want then?” he asked hoarsely and his eyes burned as they watched her.
“I want you to take me back but without taking the gold.” She said and that shattered any sensual scenarios his mind could have possibly imagined.
“Not happening, love.” He said and she bit her lip.
“But it’s a mistake! I am not the one you seek. Once they realized it’s me they won’t give the money.”
“You’re mistaken.” He spoke so assuredly that she faltered.
“What do you mean I’m mistaken? There’s obviously a misunderstanding!”
“No, it’s not. ‘Cause you see,” he reached into his pocket and pulled out two letters, “This is for you. I hope you don’t mind that I read it.” He said with a smirk as he pushed one of the letters towards her.
“What is this?” she asked perplexed.
“A letter for you. From Christopher Stevenson himself.” Jack said and his eyes darkened as he looked at the letter she had in her hands.
“What does it say?” she asked and he reclined back in his seat.
“It says that they will pay the ransom and that Mr. Stevenson junior hopes you’re alright. Do you know what that means?” he asked and she shook her head.
“It means that he wants you, for himself. That’s why they’re going to pay.” Jack said and Isabella’s eyes widened.
“This is ridiculous! He doesn’t want me.” She said and Jack chuckled.
“Then why would he pay for a maid? But that’s all good for me because it gives me leverage to negotiate.” He said while she read the letter. He wasn’t lying and she started panicking.
“You mean you’re going to use me.” She spat out and he smiled at her.
“If you want to call it that.”
“Is this why you want to reconcile with me? To have my blessing in order to use me as you wish?”
“No. But it could have helped if you had taken this better.” He muttered as he stood up and walked closer to her.
“Don’t come closer.” She warned angrily.
“There is no need to be angry, Bella. Nothing will happen to you. It’s just might take a little longer for me to return you to your home.” He smiled and she stood up.
“You’re disgusting, you know that?” she hissed and he frowned before he snaked an arm around her waist and brought her forcefully to his chest. He pressed her against his warm body and she shivered.
“Am I?” he murmured but she remained still as he looked down at her, “I had hoped that you might have understood that I have nothing against you, love.” He said calmly.
“I’m not your love.” She replied as she tried to pull back.
“You could be. One of them at least.” He grinned and she tried to push him back but he held her still.
“Ah, ah. No manhandling the Captain, love. You wouldn’t want to be left at the mercy of me crew now, would you?” at his words she stilled.
“Good girl. Now, can we please get back to our meal? I’m starving.” He released her and returned to his seat. Isabella watched him with wide eyes as he made himself comfortable and motioned for her to seat down. She did so with reluctance but she knew that she had to eat. She watched as he pilled his plate with food and she reached for the meat tentatively.
“So, how do you feel that your master has set his eyes on you?” Jack asked her suddenly and she frowned.
“Terrible.” She muttered.
“Why? He can’t be that bad.” He joked and she glared at him.
“He’s refined and very handsome but I don’t think it’s what you think. He’s probably worried because he’s a good man. Unlike some.” She said and he smiled at her while chewing.
“It’s not easy to offend me, lass. So, stop trying it.” He said as he took a sip from his rum.
“I’ve realized that.” She muttered and once again she felt his eyes on her.
“What?” she asked and he licked his lips.
“Just looking, love. Why are you so edgy?” he asked and her shoulders slumped.
“You make me that way.” She said and he paused.
“Me? Why?” he asked with curiosity.
“I don’t know!” she snapped and his eyes widened in surprise, “Your entire presence makes me uncomfortable.” She said and he seemed thoughtful.
“Alright. I accept that. What can I do to make you more comfortable then?” he asked softly.
“Why would you…?” she trailed of with confusion.
“You think I enjoy misery?” he asked sharply, “If we go on like this we’ll have a terrible journey. I don’t think that would benefit either of us.”
“You could stop staring so much then. And you could hurry up and take me back.” She said quietly and he sighed.
“Well, I’ll try to bring you back as soon as possible. You have me word on that though it might take some time…Now, about your other point, I’m afraid I can’t promise anything. ‘Cause you see when something’s pretty you have to look at it.” He winked before he bit into the turkey leg with a smirk on his lips.
Did he just compliment her?
Isabella averted her eyes from him and looked at her own food, surprised as hell from his words.

**********************************
Isabella emerged from the galley and she was suddenly surrounded by loud talking.
“I bet you can’t do that, mate!” Jim said with a bark of laughter as he pointed at Grog.
“’Course I can! What? Do you think I’m stupid!?” Grog said angrily and Gibbs spoke up.
“It’s not just about intelligence, lads. It’s all about skill and strength.” He said.
“Then maybe he can after all!” Jim said with laughter and Grog glared at him.
“Are you suggesting that I’m stupid?”
“Aye!”
“Then I’ll do it! Want a bet?” Grog stated and Jim nodded.
“Deal!”
“What’s going on?” Jack asked as he emerged from his cabin looking groggy.
“We have a bet, Cap’n.” Jim said and Jack smirked before his eyes shifted to Isabella who was standing nearby.
“What kind of bet?” he asked.
“Well, I’ve challenged Grog that he can’t swim as far as that boat over there with another person on his back!” Jim explained and Jack looked at Grog.
“It’s not that difficult anyway.” He shrugged and Isabella gaped at him, “Although I am worried about those lungs of yours, mate.” Jack pointed at Grog’s bulky figure.
“Me weight’s just fine! Want to take me on that bet, Cap’n?” Grog challenged and Jack paused before he grinned wolfishly.
“You won’t win.” He said rather smugly and Grog huffed.
“What shall we wager?” he asked instead and Jack’s eyes went to Isabella.
“How about the winner gets a kiss from the lovely lady?” Jack suggested and Isabella’s eyes widened.
“Sorry?” she asked wide-eyed.
“Oh, come on, lass. You’ll give happiness to one lonely sailor.” Jack pouted and she looked at Grog who was nodding eagerly.
“A kiss where?” she asked suspiciously and Jack seemed to ponder over it.
“On the cheek.” He said and Isabella hesitated before she nodded.
“Fine. It’d be interesting to see you lose.” She said to Jack and the other crewmen laughed.
“Oh, I won’t lose, lass. Count on that.” He winked before he proceeded to remove his coat, vest and shirt.
Isabella tried not to stare at his abdomen as he shed his clothing. He had lots of tattoos…Something that she had never noticed in the darkness that night. But then again he hadn’t even removed his clothes. She averted her eyes when he clapped his hands.
“Which lucky man will be me burden for this bet?” he asked with a grin but no one offered. His face fell and he turned to Gibbs who quickly shook his head.
“It’s not in me plans to drown, Cap’n.” he said and Jack rolled his eyes.
“Fine. How about the…you, young lad,” he pointed to a younger member of the crew who couldn’t have been more than seventeen, “Yes, Ed….And…” his eyes scanned the deck until they fell on Isabella who cowered back at his gaze, “You, love?” he finished and she shook her head.
“No way.”
“I am the Captain so what I say is the law. Now who is-…”
“I’ll take the lass.” Grog cut him off and Jack turned to glare at him.
“No, she will choose.” Jack said firmly.
“But-…”
“Shut it!” Jack snapped before he turned to Isabella who was looking between the two men, weighing them with her eyes.
“I can’t believe what I’m about to say but…” she started as her eyes shifted to Jack, “But I choose him.” She said and Grog frowned while Jack grinned.
“Done.” Jack said with a wink.
“Why?” Grog asked and Isabella shrugged.
“He doesn’t seem too eager to grope a woman…so…” she trailed off and the crew erupted into laughter.
Jack chuckled and walked over to her to take her hand.
“Don’t count on it.” He murmured just for her ears and she gulped as he tugged her along towards the gang plank. He eyed her dress and she stiffened.
“I am not taking it off. It’s bad enough that I’m participating in this madness.” She said nervously and Jack shrugged.
“If we drown it’ll be your fault.” He said and she hesitated before she stepped out of her dress, leaving only her shift and undergarments on. Jack cleared his throat and turned to Grog who was next to them with the young boy who was looking a bit anxious.
“Don’t kill the lad.” Jack said before he grasped Isabella’s hand and pulled her with him in the water. His hand never left hers as they emerged, sputtering water.
“You could’ve warned me!” she gasped as he pulled her closer and placed her behind him. He grabbed her hands and wrapped them around his neck and his hands found her thighs. Isabella shuddered as his warm fingers coiled around her bare legs and she stiffened.
He brought them around his waist and then with quite reluctance and a small sigh he let them go as Grog came up next to them and quite more awkwardly did the same with Ed. Jack chuckled at the image the two men made and Isabella scowled as she held onto him.
“Why did I even agree?” she asked quietly and he grinned.
“’Cause it’s exciting. Plus, you get to mount me like a pony. Ain’t that nice?” he joked and she felt her nervousness edging away. Her body relaxed and he felt the change, for his own body became less stiff.
“I guess I have to trust you.” She said and he smiled lopsidedly.
“I guess you have to.” He agreed and his hands fleetingly brushed over her knees before he pulled them away.
“Ready?” Gibbs called and Jack nodded.
“Aye.”
“We’re going to make a spectacle of ourselves.” Isabella said as she looked at the dock where people were standing staring.
“This is Tortuga, love.” Jack snorted and she sighed as she tightened her arms around his neck.
“Then hurry up because we’re going to turn into raisins.” She said and he laughed before he started swimming at Gibbs’ whistle.
Minutes later she was drying her hair with an old tattered towel while Jack grinned like a fool.
“Come on, say it. I am good.” He laughed as he wrung water from his hair with his hands.
“You do realize that I was there, right?” she asked with a half smile and he grinned widely.
“I’m an exceptional swimmer. Go on, say it.” He said as he passed by her to get a dry shirt but not without tugging at her hair while doing so.
“Ow! Fine you are.” She laughed, “Is this what pirates do for fun?” she asked and he turned to her with his shirt half on.
“Bets are…I could show you what else pirates do.” He said and she shook her head.
“No, thank you.” She muttered and she was surprised that he hadn’t asked for his reward. She put on her robe and was ready to head to her little cabin when his hand shot out from nowhere and grasped her arm. Her side collided with his solid body and she gasped as he turned her to face him.
“My reward?” he murmured and she looked up at him and then down at his hand that was clutching her arm. Eager to be released from his hold which was stirring confusing emotions in the pit of her stomach, she presented her cheek to him. He smirked but she didn’t notice as his lips touched the center of her cheek and then moved up her cheekbone. Isabella held her breath as his lips moved all over her cheek and her eyes flattered closed. A moment later his mouth left her flushed cheek and before she had the chance to open her eyes and push him away she felt his tongue at the corner of her parted mouth. Her breath left her when his mouth followed his tongue and pressed a kiss on the corner of her lips. He pulled back before she could do so first and he released her completely, almost causing her to stumble. She caught her self and looked at him with wide eyes. She was surprised when his expression mirrored her own and he seemed a little bit startled and breathless before he cleared his throat and turned away.
“I’ll go ashore and tomorrow we’ll probably leave.” He said hoarsely and she nodded before she walked away. She shut the door of the side cabin but of course it didn’t close completely since the lock was destroyed. She leaned against it and breathed deeply through her nose.
What the hell was that? She thought in horror as her fingers touched the corner of her lips. She could swear that she could still feel his lips and the wetness of his tongue there and she removed her fingers as if burned. She leaned her head back against the door and she was certain that she heard him cursing before he exited the cabin and slammed the door shut on his way out.

End of chapter 12