Misconception

Chapter 13

Isabella groaned and sat up from her seat and walked out of the cabin. She shut the door and looked around the ship. Tentatively she leaned against the rail and looked out at the island. The lights from the town shone in the darkness and the quietness of the night calmed Isabella. She didn’t want to stay there anymore. Her emotions were confusing her greatly and she couldn’t stop thinking. She had tried going to sleep but her eyes wouldn’t close and her body wouldn’t calm for her to drift off. It was frustrating.
A hand on her shoulder caused her to shriek and she turned to face Gibbs who raised his hands up in surrender.
“Just me, lass. You sure are a jumpy one.” He chuckled and she sighed.
“I was thinking. I got carried away, I guess.” She shrugged and he smiled.
“That’s okay, lass. Just be careful. And I would strongly recommend you to go inside.” He said and she frowned.
“I can’t sleep.”
Gibbs hesitated.
“Why?”
“I don’t know. The ship is so quiet.” She shivered.
“I’m on watch so, don’t be scared. Go and sleep. I assure you no one will bother you tonight.” He said as he gazed longingly towards his cabin. Isabella frowned.
“What…?”
“Just go and sleep, lass. I’ll do my round and when I’m back I expect you to be back inside.” He said and she stared after him as he walked away.
She looked around the deck and she reluctantly made her way towards the cabin. When she was ready to push the door open she heard footsteps and Jack’s familiar voice.
“I don’t like doing this, love.” He stated gruffly and Isabella quickly hid behind some barrels that were nearby.
“There was no room, Jack.” A feminine voice said patiently and Isabella narrowed her eyes. She knew that voice.
“This is me ship not a-…”
“You had no problem before. And you didn’t want to go back to my house so…Your rules, remember?” The woman cut him off and it was then that Isabella realized who she was. Irene. From Madame Angelique’s.
Oh, God.
“Before…before I didn’t have the problem I have now. And yes, I do remember me own rules.” He muttered before he spoke loudly again, “Not that way. This way.” He caught Irene’s arm and Isabella frowned as he dragged the woman towards the direction of Gibbs’ cabin.
What in hell… Isabella thought furiously as she watched them.
“But your cabin is there.” Irene said.
“Not tonight. In you go and try to be quiet.” He said as he slapped her backside playfully and followed her inside with a chuckle. Once he had shut the door Isabella straightened and looked at the closed door of Gibbs’ cabin intently. She looked at Jack’s cabin and backwards before she decided to let it go. She curled her fists and walked back inside, closing the door as softly as possible behind her. She leaned back against the door and bit her lip hard, wondering why she was so bothered.
Once she was in her bed she allowed herself to think over Jack’s actions. So he had decided to keep his night activities away from her eyes. She was thankful but what she feared was the reason behind it. He had no problem before and she wondered what had changed. He could have ordered her to go to Gibbs’ cabin but he hadn’t. And he was sleeping with Irene? That thought made her shudder for an unknown reason. She had always considered that woman her friend. Irene was the one who had helped her get away from Tortuga and she was quite grateful for that. But now she felt something different that she couldn’t place. She didn’t want to give it a name because even the thought of it was ridiculous and ludicrous. Jack Sparrow could do whatever the hell he wanted and with anyone he wanted. It was not any of her business and it would never be.

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Isabella slowly opened the door and froze. Irene’s eyes were gazing back at her, mirroring the same surprise.
“Oh, my God. You are the girl!” Irene gasped and Isabella blinked.
“I am sorry?” she said before she was enveloped in a hug. Not knowing what to do, she returned it before she let go and stepped back.
“Oh, my God, I can’t believe it’s you.” Irene said as she walked into the cabin and closed the door.
“How do you know…about me?” Isabella asked and Irene’s expression turned serious.
“He told me about a girl with the name Bella, but I had no idea it would be you. How did you wind up here? I thought you were in London!”
“I was…They made a mistake and here I am.” Isabella said quietly as her eyes took in Irene’s appearance. Her clothes were wrinkled and it was obvious that she had put them on in a hurry. Her hair even though in disarray had the beautiful glow it always possessed and her skin was flushed.
“Mistake? Did they kidnap you?” Irene asked horrified and Isabella nodded.
“Jesus, Bella. What did you get yourself into?” Irene said Isabella’s posture stiffened.
“I didn’t get myself into anything. It’s just always my luck to-…” she caught herself before she could go on, “What are you doing here?” she asked instead and Irene chuckled.
“Jack’s a frequent customer of mine if not more.” She replied and Isabella flinched inwardly.
“Oh.” Was all she said before she remembered, “How are the rest of the girls?” she asked.
“Didn’t you hear? The tavern is no longer in business. The Madame shut it down and left the island. Only Molly and Rose are here now. They are working at The Bride with me.”
“Why did she close it?” Isabella asked and Irene shrugged.
“No idea. So, tell me more about you. Jack was very stressed tonight for some reason. Is he treating you alright?” Irene asked and Isabella scoffed.
“Oh, yes. Just fine. He only kidnapped me in order to get ransom. What question is that, Irene?”
“I am sorry, it was a stupid one. Jack is not a bad man. That’s why I am asking.” Irene said softly.
“I guess you’d know.” Isabella calmly and the words felt like sand in her mouth.
“Believe it or not he actually does speak with me.” Irene smiled and Isabella paused.
“He does?” her tone was incredulous but Irene didn’t seem to notice.
“Hmm. Just go with him and you’ll be fine. I have to go. Give Nellie my regards when you see her.” Irene winked before she left the cabin, leaving the door open.
Isabella remained there for a while before she stepped outside, feeling a strange tightness in her chest.
“Lass! Oh there you are! I need a favor.” Gibbs called her and she noticed that he was more than a little agitated.
“What is it?” she asked and he narrowed his eyes at her for a moment before he spoke.
“I would appreciate it greatly if you could wake up our Captain. It seems like his company left him sleeping and we should’ve already been in our way by now.” He said and Isabella cringed.
“Me? Why not you? It’s your cabin.” She said and he shook his head.
“If I go in there I’ll wake him rather inappropriately and I don’t want to be swabbing the deck for a year!”
“It’s not right for me to go in there while he’s-…”
“It’s not right to kidnap you either, eh lass?” he smiled and she paused at his words. He said them to convince her but they did their job all the same.
“Fine. Have a bucket ready.” She said before she turned and walked towards the first mate’s cabin. Gibbs chuckled and nodded.
She opened the door and the smell of rum assaulted her nostrils. She could detect Irene’s cheap perfume in the air and she fought back the feeling of sickness. She spotted him sleeping in the bunk, his body tangled between the sheets. He was lying on his stomach with his hands hugging the pillow and with his left cheek pressed against it. The sheets were barely covering his lower back and his clothes were lying in a pile on the floor.
As she approached the bunk she heard the soft snores that were escaping his parted mouth. She crossed her arms over her chest and waited while loudly tapping her foot against the wooden floor. The noise did not bother him in the slightest and she paused. She reached down and touched his bare shoulder just above a dragon tattoo that adorned his skin.
“Jack.” She spoke his name as firmly as she could but he only wiggled in the bed and kept sleeping. She pulled her hand back, ignoring the warmth of his skin against her cool hand.
“Jack, wake up. Mr. Gibbs wants his cabin back.” She said loudly and he groaned.
“Tell’im to bugger off.” He muttered and she gaped at him.
“No, I won’t tell him that, you filthy lump!” she gasped as she shook him again. He mumbled something incoherent and kept sleeping like nothing had happened.
“Fine.” She muttered as she walked out of the cabin and grabbed the bucket that Cotton was already holding.
“He’s not going to flog me, is he?” Isabella hesitated and Gibbs laughed.
“Don’t think so, lass.” He shook his head and Isabella frowned.
“You are actually enjoying this.” She stated and the older man grinned.
“Who has been doing this job for so long you think?” he asked and she sighed.
“Alright. Here we go.” She muttered as she walked back into the cabin and approached the bunk with the bucket. She took a look at him before she shrugged.
“You’ve brought this on yourself. I am not sorry.” And with that she emptied the bucket of cold water over his head. In a heartbeat he was up and sputtering like a fish out of water.
“What the fuck!” he cursed loudly as he sat up and rubbed the water from his eyes and face.
Isabella remained quiet and when he looked up his eyes widened.
“Why the hell did you do that for?” he asked hoarsely as he narrowed his eyes at her.
“You wouldn’t wake up.” She shrugged a little satisfied and then she yelped, “Oh, my God, cover up! I can see everything!” she cried as she closed her eyes and looked away from his lap. Jack looked down and lazily brought the covers over his body, his eyes still furious.
“Oh, calm down, will you? You’ve had it inside you and it’s bothering you to look at it?” he snapped as he rubbed his temples where a headache was forming.
Isabella stared at him at in shock at his crude words before she shook her head.
“You’re a pig.” She stated before she walked away, slamming the door shut behind her.
“Bugger.” Jack hissed into the silence of the cabin before he reached for his discarded clothes

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Jack entered the cabin quietly, his hair still wet from the water Isabella had poured over him earlier.
“Bella?” he called and he heard some noise coming from the side cabin. He walked towards it and opened the door. She was standing at the corner of the room looking out of the small window.
“You promised to take me back. So, go ahead and do it.” She said and he flinched at the cold tone in her voice.
“I thought our little dispute was over.” He said as he entered the small room.
“You were wrong.”
“Was I?” he asked as he stepped up behind her.
“I can’t be friends with someone I hate.” She said and he frowned.
“Hate is a strong word, love.” He said as he reached forward and fingered one of her locks. When she remained silent he breathed deeply and leaned forward until his chin was resting on her shoulder.
“You don’t hate me, darlin’. I guess I overreacted before but that was a rude awakening.” He murmured as he turned his head and buried his nose in her hair, inhaling her scent.
“You deserved it.” She shook his head off her shoulder but he stubbornly placed a hand on at the wall and pressed his cheek against hers.
“I don’t think I did. You had the cabin all to yourself last night and I didn’t bother you once.” He said and she turned around to face him.
“I cannot be any more bothered by you anyway.”
“Really? Then I’ll be sure to invite anyone I want in me cabin the next time.” He smirked.
“There is not going to be a next time because you said you’re taking me back.” She snapped and he grinned.
“Perhaps…” he stepped back while she watched him angrily, “Come outside. It’s a lovely day. Who knows when it’s going to be sunny in London, aye? Bella.” He breathed her name as he exited the room, leaving her perplexed and seething at his arrogance.

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“Mr. Gibbs, what is that?” Isabella asked as she worked in the galley.
“What is what, lass?” Gibbs asked as she wiped his hands on his breeches and smirked at her.
“Is that…music?” she asked incredulously.
“Oh, that. Aye, I believe it is. Surprised?” he asked with a raised eyebrow and se gaped.
“I am. I guess I never expected that here.”
“Lass, we love entertaining ourselves and we do have a couple of musicians aboard.” He winked and she smiled.
“That’s nice. What’s the occasion?” she asked as she checked on the fish they were cooking.
“It’s the Captain’s birthday. Didn’t you hear?” Gibbs said and she paused.
“Oh…No, I didn’t. No one speaks to me besides you here. But I think Cotton would if he could.” She shrugged with a laugh.
“Sorry. I should have told you when you started cooking. Thanks for that by the way. Our cook is sick. Caught a cold or something of the sort I think.” Gibbs said with a roll of his eyes.
“It’s alright. I had nothing better to do that sit.” Isabella smiled and Gibbs returned it.
“I’m going up. Come when you’re done.”
“I don’t think so.” She shook her head and he frowned.
“Why not? You’re one of the reasons we’ll be rich soon.” He chuckled and she rolled her eyes.
“If they give the ransom.” She stated and he smirked.
“I bet they will. They’ll not want to lose you.” Isabella flushed at his words.
“If you say so. But I’m still not coming.” She murmured in disbelief.
“Pity. I was hoping you’d dance with me.” Gibbs said and she paused. She looked up at him and sighed.
“Alright. Just for you.” She relented and Gibbs grinned.
“That’s a good lass.” He said before he walked out of the galley, leaving her alone.
When she was finished she decided to go upstairs. The quicker she went there the sooner she could leave. She had great difficulty remaining in the same room with Jack after their last argument. Every time she saw him she got angry. Plus she got this funny feeling in the pit of her belly every time he made eye contact with her.
She stepped onto the deck and she immediately bumped with Grog.
“Hey, hey, lassie! We’ve been wondering where you’ve been. You almost missed the party.” He laughed as he patted her back and descended down the stairs to the galley.
“Really?” she mumbled as she moved past the drinking crewmen and finally spotted Gibbs talking with Jack. She hesitated before she decided to go over.
“Lass! Come, I’ve saved you a bottle.” Gibbs smiled and waved his bottle of rum. Jack turned to look at her, his eyes sweeping over her form before they came to rest on her abdomen. He raised his eyebrows at her and she scowled.
“I was cleaning the galley and I got wet.” She said and he smirked at her words.
“You got wet, eh? Perhaps you should be more careful.” He said as he offered her his bottle. She shook her head.
“I’m not drinking from your bottle.” She made a disgusted face and he laughed.
“I assure you me mouth’s cleaner that Gibbs’.”
“I doubt it. Who knows where it’s been before.” She said as she took Gibbs bottle and brought it to her lips for a tentative sip.
Jack stiffened at her words and he glared at Gibbs who was currently looking at Jim who was playing the guitar.
“Thank you.” She said as she handed Gibbs back his rum and leaned against the rail, her eyes on the men who were playing music.
“Aren’t you going to wish me happy birthday?” Jack asked suddenly, his lips ghosting next to her ear while his breath fell on her neck. She jumped at his close proximity and turned to him.
“Is that an order, Captain?” she asked and he smirked.
“No, merely wishful thinking.” He shrugged as he looked from her eyes then down to her lips and back again.
His words confused her but she found herself speaking.
“Happy birthday then.” She said before she turned her eyes away from his penetrating gaze.
“When’s your birthday, love?” he asked as he leaned close so she could hear him from over the loud noise.
“Why do care when my birthday is? You’re going to pay me a surprise visit?” she asked and he chuckled as he reached forward and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“I was merely curious.” He said and she sighed.
“Fine. December 20.” She said simply before she looked away again.
“How old are you?” he asked again. Didn’t he have anyone else to annoy?
“Twenty one. How old are you?” she asked and he cleared his throat.
“Me?”
“Yes, you. I answered so it’s only fair that I get my answer as well.”
“How old do you think I am?” he asked instead with a grin and she looked at him carefully.
“Forty?” she asked with a sweet smile and his eyes widened.
“I am not forty!” he growled and she shrugged.
“You asked my opinion.” She replied simply.
“I am thirty five, you insolent little tart.” He actually pouted before he took a sip from his bottle.
“I was close.” She said as she looked away again. She could feel his body brushing hers as he stood next to her and a shiver went up her spine at his warmth. He shouldn’t be this warm.
“You cold? There’s quite a breeze tonight.” He spoke up and she shook her head.
“I’m fine.” Gibbs chose that moment to walk away and Isabella watched as he engaged in a conversation with Grog who had returned from the galley with more rum.
“No, you’re not.” Jack said as he carelessly threw an arm around her shoulders and brought her slightly closer to his body warmth.
Isabella tensed slightly but she didn’t refuse the comfort he offered. It’d been so long since she’d been close to another person. She almost snorted out loud at her absurd thought. This was the person who had hurt her and now she was drawing comfort from his warmth. How pathetic was that?
Jack mistook her silence as anger and he quickly spoke next to her ear again.
“Still mad at me for promoting me goods at you the other day?” he asked and she turned to gape at him. He chuckled at her and swayed his head to the rhythm of the music.
“Well, I am a bit traumatized.” She said with some humor and he paused.
“Really? Anything I can endeavor to do in order to help you overcome said trauma? Make amends so to speak.” he asked and his eyes shone with playfulness.
“I am not sure. And since you don’t offer apologies to anyone I think it’d hardly be worth the time and pain to ask for one.” She shrugged and he laughed again, the sound vibrating against her side as he shifted closer to her.
“God, that tongue of yours, love. It can really break bones.” He said as his fingertips gently rubbed her shoulder through the fabric of her dress.
She blushed for some unknown reason and turned her eyes towards the sea.
“Oi, Cap’n! Who don’t you stop cuddlin’ with the lass and come over here to woo her with your skill?” Jim called and Isabella looked at Jack who looked like he was ready to kill the man.
“Skill? What skill?” Isabella asked.
“The Cap’n knows how to play the guitar!” Gibbs blurted with a wide grin.
Jack glared at him but said nothing.
“Really?” Isabella turned to Jack who rolled his eyes.
“Really. But I ain’t playing!” he shook his head and Isabella frowned.
“Why not?” she asked as she tugged on his arm with her fingers. Jack’s eyes briefly went to her hand before he shrugged.
“I don’t feel like it.” He said after clearing his throat.
“Well, if you do then I’ll consider forgiving you for…you know.” She said as she gestured towards his crotch. Jack once again laughed loudly and it made her feel foolish for some reason.
“Really? That’ll do the trick? Then fine.” He removed his arm from around her and headed towards Jim, “Hand it over.” He motioned to the guitar. Once he had it in his hands he smirked and murmured something inaudible before he sat down. His fingers ghosted over the cords and Isabella was mesmerized by the way he held the guitar. Gibbs joined her as his Captain started playing a slow song that was quite familiar to her. She couldn’t place where she had heard it before so she focused on the sight before her instead. The surprising part was the he was actually quite good and his rhythm was smooth and flawless.
“Good, isn’t he?” Gibbs asked with a smirk and Isabella nodded.
“It’d be safe to say that I am officially shocked.” She said and Jack grinned as if he had heard her without actually looking at her.
When the song was over, Jack handed the guitar back and stood up just as the music resumed.
“I’d ask you to dance but I know you’ll say no.” Jack said as he looked down at her.
“Um…” Isabella started hesitantly.
“Yes, because I have already obtained the first dance.” Gibbs cut her off and then proceeded to take her hand. He pulled her after him while Jack chuckled and leaned against the rail to watch them.
After the awkward and quite painful dance with Gibbs, Isabella was ready to collapse and she quietly excused herself from the celebration. Her eyes met Jack’s briefly as she brushed past him to walk towards the cabin. She closed the door behind her and shook her head in amusement before she made her way to her bed. Once she had changed her dress, she lied under the covers and closed her eyes.
It was much later when she stirred at the feeling of someone touching her cheek. Said person tucked hair back from her forehead before they leaned down. The familiar scent of rum assaulted her nostrils and she tried to remain still as Jack’s nose brushed hers almost playfully. She felt his hot breath fan against her lips and she felt her heartbeat accelerating. A few moments later she heard his soft exhalation of breath and then felt the roughness of his moustache and beard brushing against her mouth as he pressed his lips firmly against her own. She fought hard to remain unresponsive while his lips were on hers.
What is he doing? She thought frantically as his lips parted over hers and pressed another wet kiss on her mouth. Seconds later he pulled back with a low grunt and she felt him press his forehead against hers.
“Damn.” He cursed hoarsely before he pulled back completely and left her room abruptly. Only then did she open her eyes to stare incredulously at the space he was previously occupying.

End of chapter 13

A/N: Reviews? :D