Misconception

Chapter 19

Isabella stepped aside, tray with cups of rum and water in hand, as two crewmen passed past her on the way to the hold. They were carrying large planks of wood for the repair and they were sweaty despite the cool weather.
She sighed when another collided with her and she glared at his back.
“Sorry, lass!” it was Gibbs walking hurriedly away with more wood and she groaned.
“Don’t mention it.” She muttered as she looked down at her rum stained dress before she continued walking.
She offered the men the drinks and then stepped back to look around. Gibbs stepped beside her with a cup of water and she narrowed her eyes in confusion before she turned to face him.
“Sorry, sir. Where’s Jack?” she asked for she had seen him hovering all day in the hold, watching over the men while they worked.
“Oh, he’s in his cabin. I think he wanted to eat something.” Gibbs said with a shrug and a quick smile towards her.
“Will it be over soon?” she motioned at the hole and Gibbs shrugged again.
“We hope so. The thing is, Joan’s quartermaster has a problem with his bloody back and he’s working too slowly.” Gibbs said in a hushed voice while looking towards said quartermaster.
“Hmm. I’m going to try and clean this up.” She gestured towards the stain on her dress and Gibbs nodded before he went back to help.
The cabin door was half open when Isabella came to stand in front of it and as she pushed it open she was surprised to hear Jack’s booming laughter coming from the center of the room. He was seated in his chair as he laughed and Joan was sitting on his desk, on top of the various charts.
Isabella hesitated in the doorway but then Joan looked at her and smiled at her tentatively.
“Seems like we have company.” She said to Jack who stopped chuckling and turned to look at Isabella.
“Oh, love. There you are. You’re just on time. Joan, tell her about the priest thing.” Jack started laughing again and Isabella frowned.
“What priest thing?” she asked as she finally found the courage to approach them.
“Jack’s talking about the time when I usurped the station of a member of the clergy.” Joan said with a small laugh and Jack snickered.
“You see, there was this monastery that had caught me eye and I had to pretend I was a priest. You can’t imagine how much gold was in there, lass. So, I dressed up as one of the priests and entered.” Joan shrugged and Isabella looked at Jack.
“And you think that is funny?” she asked and Joan chuckled.
“She is right on that, you know.” She said and Jack grinned.
“I can just imagine the scene is all. You,” he pointed at Joan, “With the clothes, beard and all and with those breasts protruding from the robes! It’s juts hilarious.” He laughed again and Isabella scowled at him.
“It’s not that funny. If I am not mistaken you have committed the same crime as well.” She muttered the last sentence quietly as she walked away and Joan smirked.
”You’re stupid.” Joan informed him as she stood up and turned towards Isabella.
“I heard about the sleeping arrangements. Good luck.” She called just as Isabella disappeared inside the side cabin.
“Thanks…I guess.” Isabella called back.
Joan turned to Jack and smirked, “I do have a spare mattress if you want. I could give it to her.” She said and Jack groaned.
“Keep your voice down, will you? Don’t put such ideas in her head! It’s going so well so far.” He hissed.
“If everything’s going so well, then why did she look like you’ve killed her pup?” she questioned with a raised eyebrow and he frowned.
“I’ve done nothing…That I know of.” He muttered.
“Knowing you, that is impossible.” Joan snorted in amusement.
“Don’t you have a ship to tend?” he asked sharply and she smiled.
“Sure. If your little plan goes to pot, my offer still stands.” She winked as she trailed her hand down his arm, “Just let me know.”
“I have no plan, Joan.” He caught her wrist in a tight grip as he spoke lowly, “And I’d advise you to keep your nose out of other people’s businesses.” He snapped annoyed as he pushed her hand away and stood up.
“Fine. Don’t get angry. I didn’t know she meant this much.” She said with a knowing look and he stiffened.
“I never said she does.” He said as he gulped.
“Keep telling yourself that, Jack.” She said quietly as she slipped out of the cabin in silence.

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It was late in the evening and the men had just finished with the repair. Isabella had reclined in Jack’s bunk while he was below deck and by the time she exited the cabin the men were on deck, talking and resting. She stepped further out and her eyes immediately searched for any signs of Joan. She was nowhere to be seen. Exhaling in relief she walked towards Gibbs, Cotton and Grog who were drinking rum.
“It’s done then?” she asked and Grog nodded.
“Aye. The Cap’n is checking the repair now. Want some?” Grog offered her his bottle but she quickly shook her head.
“No, thanks. When are we leaving, Mr. Gibbs?” she asked almost anxiously and the older man looked at the sky with a thoughtful expression.
“Can’t really tell. But the sky’s not looking good. There’s another storm coming.” He said before he took a long sip from his drink.
Isabella tried to stifle her sigh of displeasure and turned towards the sea instead. She gazed at the light blue waters and tried to push away the feeling of dread that she felt approaching.
“I’ll need to check it from outside as well.” Jack’s voice reached her ears, followed by his approaching footsteps. She turned and saw him heading towards her direction.
“I’ll need to check this side.” He said to Jim after he winked and smirked at her. She watched as he pulled his vest and shirt off and her eyes widened when he thrust them in her arms.
“Fancy a swim, love?” he asked and his eyes shone wickedly as he spoke.
“No. These need to be washed.” She wrinkled her nose as his tangy scent reached her nostrils.
“Oh? Then perhaps you should wash them.” He grinned as he stepped onto one of the canons and then with a flourish dived into the cold waters.
She watched him enthralled for a few moments before she realized that she was staring. She averted her eyes and tightened her arms around his clothes.
“Right then.” She didn’t wait for him to get out of the sea. She instead turned and headed towards the hold. If he wanted his clothes clean, she’d indulge him just this one time.

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“Bloody hell, you really washed me clothes.” Jack’s voice caused her to jump and yelp.
She turned to face him with a scowl, “How can you walk like that? You walk like a cat. I didn’t even hear you climbing down the stairs.” She said as he came closer and sniffed his washed shirt that was hanging from a rope, drying.
“I have very light feet, love. Smells good.” He grinned and she noticed that he had changed into another shirt.
“Of course it does. It’s called soap. People use it to clean up and wash their dirty clothes.” She said slowly as if speaking to a child.
“You’re so prim, Bella. One wouldn’t think you’ve lived in a brothel.” He grinned but he immediately regretted his words for her face soured and her eyes turned glassy.
“I guess you would know then, right? Since you were- and I am sure you still are- a frequent visitor there.” She said curtly as she turned and wiped her hands on a cloth.
Jack opened his mouth to reply but then closed it again.
Idiot. He mentally slapped himself before he spoke again.
“Sorry, love. I didn’t mean it that way. I know you’re nothing like-…”
“Oh, shut it, Jack!” she snapped and his eyes widened as he took a step back, “Are we going back to London any time soon?” she changed the subject and he let her.
“Tomorrow morning. Actually, as soon as the storm passes.” He said nonplussed by her change of subject.
“Fine. I’m going to bed then. And stay away from me.” She warned before she walked away from him.
Jack sighed heavily once he was alone.

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Isabella turned onto her back for the tenth time that night. Her hip bumped with Jack’s and she stilled. She wondered if he really was asleep or simply faking it. The cabin room once again was illuminated by thunder and she shivered, bringing her the covers up to her chin. She usually wasn’t afraid of storms but when she couldn’t sleep she found them unnerving.
“Will you stop hopping on the bed like a bloody bunny?” his sleepy voice inquired and she turned her head to look at his profile.
“I am not hopping!” she said quietly and he opened a single eye to look at her.
“Sleep.” He muttered as he turned onto his side and sighed.
“I can’t. You think I enjoy listening to your snores?”
“Aren’t I charming?” he smirked as he opened both his eyes to gaze at her playfully.
“No.”
He pouted and then slid closer to her, “What’s keeping you up?” he asked and she shrugged.
“The thunders perhaps? Or is it me dashing body that’s keeping you awake?” he said and she groaned.
“I was never afraid of thunders but tonight…” she trailed off before she turned onto her side and closed her eyes. She could feel his eyes on her and then she felt the rustle of clothing as his hand traveled towards her.
“Don’t.” she warned but heedless of her warning he laid his hand on her shoulder and rubbed it gently. Oddly shocked that his touch felt warm and welcome on her skin, she tried to shrug it off but he persisted and kept his hand firmly pressed onto her shoulder.
“You cold?” he asked and his breath hit the exposed skin of her shoulder and ear. She nodded almost imperceptibly and he slid closer, pressing his warm chest against her back. He locked his knees behind the crook created by her own knees and laid his chin in the crook of her neck and shoulder. He rubbed her arm with his fingers and she shuddered as his warmth slowly but surely transferred onto her body.
They both remained silent and she could feel the rise and fall of his chest along with his breathing right next to her ear. She felt the flutter of his eyelashes as he closed and opened his eyes against her cheek and then she realized their proximity.
“I’m better now. Thanks.” She said as she tried to lean forward and out of his embrace. The hand that was on her arm locked suddenly around her waist and she gasped. Her body tensed when she felt his lips against the side of her neck, applying the gentle pressure of a kiss there. Her eyes fluttered close at this but she opened them again once she realized what she had done.
“No.” she shook her head but his mouth gently sucked at the spot where her neck met her shoulder and the words died in her mouth.
“Yes.” He breathed between kisses and sucks and she felt her heart beating wildly in her chest at the sound of his voice. His hand gently rubbed her stomach before he let his hand brush her clothed breast. He gave a gentle caress at her flesh and then his hand descended lower, past her stomach. His lips trailed up her neck, leaving a flaming wetness behind and they landed on her flushed cheek. Isabella’s lips parted in a gasp when his hand found her through her clothes and her own hand flew down to clasp his wandering hand.
“Shh, yield to me, darlin’. Trust me.” He breathed as he pressed his palm between her legs, causing her to let out a quiet moan. Her fingers didn’t release his hand and he gave it a gentle squeeze before he pulled it away. His hand slid under her clothes and with gentleness but firmness pried her legs open. Her thighs were quivering as they cradled his hand and he chuckled at her reaction. She turned her face to glare at him but he took the opportunity to kiss her. She inhaled sharply as his lips closed around her bottom lip and her fist curled around the covers in response. His fingers found the spot between her legs and rubbed gently and her mouth fell open. His tongue grabbed the opportunity to invade her mouth and she reflexively pressed her lips against his. He moaned his approval and his right foot straddled her leg and pulled it back to keep her open to his caresses. Her breathing got labored and he broke the kiss to let her breathe as he buried his face in her neck while he worked his hand between her legs, bringing her closer and closer to the edge.
Her breathing came out in short gasps as his lips pressed against her neck and she felt heat gathering in the pit of her stomach, slowly spreading out towards every nerve of her body. She briefly felt the hardness of his body behind hers but she was too consumed by the feelings he evoked in her to fully realize what was going on around her. All too soon the bubble of fire burst and she found herself gasping and whispering his name as she fell over the edge and into his arms. He moaned quietly in her ear and slowly withdrew his hand before he kissed her again. He pulled back and looked down at her. Her eyes felt heavy and her chest was rapidly rising and falling with each breath she took. His expression was unreadable but his eyes burned as he fixed her clothing and resumed his place behind her. He closed his eyes but kept his hand on her hip as he let the silence take over.
Isabella stood there with her eyes wide open for quite some time until she realized that he indeed hadn’t asked for anything in return. He had just gone back to sleep. Feeling quite disconcerted, she closed her eyes as well and tried to ignore the heavy feeling of his hand on her hip that kept her locked close to him.

End of chapter 19

Xxx Lina :)