Unforgivable

Finally!! Many apologies for the long wait; I blame the combination of Christmas and getting sick and my muses running away cos they didn't want to get sick too! Anyway, here's the next chapter...I hope you enjoy it and that it was worth the wait....


It was all Jack’s fault, fumed Elizabeth, tugging off her crumpled shirt. If he’d asked her politely, respectfully even, instead of in that dreadfully patronising tone, she wouldn’t have minded so much.

Wouldn’t have argued the point – well not so indignantly, at least - her temper rising along with the wind as she clung to the rail for balance. Occupied as he was with holding the wheel and barking orders to his crew, the recipient of her outburst was annoyingly unresponsive, which only infuriated her more.

So seemingly immune to her protests was he, that when he’d suddenly lunged and hefted her over his shoulder she’d been too shocked to struggle. He’d borne her away to the cabin, bawling for Mr Gibbs to take the helm, and dropped her unceremoniously on the bunk before she’d had time for more than one furious, screeching “How DARE you!”

“Cos I’m the bloody Captain, ye contumacious wench!” he’d snarled back, just as furious. “And when I tell ye t’take shelter in here ‘til the storm passes ye’ll do exactly that – savvy?”

And then he was gone, the door slammed shut and locked behind him.

Elizabeth had vented her frustration on the wall with clenched fists and a litany of curses. But as the weather worsened, remaining upright had demanded all her concentration and she had to content herself with muttering dire threats as she fought to keep her balance.

Finally the storm began to abate and exhaustion had overcome bad temper. She’d awoken hours later to find the Pearl rocking gently on a benign sea and the sky a deep, cerulean blue beyond the dirt-smeared windows.

Jack had been back while she slept, to shed his storm-drenched coat and soggy hat. Elizabeth glared at them accusingly as she finished washing and pulled on a clean shirt.

“Bloody pirate!” she muttered, fingers now yanking the tangles from her hair with enough force to make her eyes water. “Just wait until I get my hands on you. I’ll make you pay for this!”

Emerging from the cabin however, she was immediately distracted from her vengeful thoughts. Beyond the rail and a tantalisingly short stretch of ocean, an idyllic paradise waited.

A pristine white beach was cradled by gently swaying palms, rising up to a backdrop of thicker vegetation. It held the promise of cool freshwater springs, sweet and luscious fruits waiting to be plucked – and, best of all, a much-needed escape from the confines of this bloody ship and it’s bossy, pig-headed Captain.

She mounted the steps at a run to find Mr Gibbs lounging comfortably beside the wheel.

“I need one of the longboats,” she announced. “I want to go ashore for an hour.”

Gibbs shrugged apologetically.

“Sorry, Miss ‘Lizabeth. Captain said as yer t’wait here ‘til he gets back.”

“Gets back?”

A quick, suspicious glance towards the little island showed what she’d missed before; a dark, boat-like shape partially hidden amongst the palms.

“Captain’s gone ashore,” Gibbs said, unnecessarily. “Took one of the longboats. ‘Bout an hour ago.”

Her hissed curse was worthy of the most hardened pirate, and the old sailor drew back in alarm.

“He said as ye needed t’catch up on yer sleep, having been up most o’the night. Said ye’d a need to rest yer voi….er, time t’recover, like.”

“How on earth have you managed it, Mr Gibbs?”

“’Scuse me?”

She leant back against the rail and shook her head in apparent bewilderment.

“How have you managed to keep company with that despicable wretch for so long and not tried to strangle him?”

Mr Gibbs gave her a stern look.

“Now that’d be a fine thought fer a first mate to have regardin’ his Captain!” Then, leaning closer, his voice dropped to a conspiratal whisper. “Can’t say as the idea don’t appeal at times, though…”

They grinned at each other, then he reached out to give her arm a comforting pat.

“Go get yerself some breakfast, lass. I’ll tell the despicable…er, the Captain that ye want words w’him soon as he’s back.”

“I suppose I might as well. At least I won’t have to eat according to Captain’s orders for once!”

And ignoring Gibbs’ puzzled frown, she turned on her heel and headed towards the galley.



By the time Elizabeth had finished her meal and returned to the deck, another half an hour had passed – and Jack was still missing.

With a defiant glance over the rail at the pretty white beach, she marched purposefully towards the main mast and began to climb.

Over the past few weeks his behaviour had driven her to distraction. Not satisfied with policing every mouthful she ate and bestowing dark, threatening looks if she dared leave a single morsel on her plate, he’d also banned her from carrying out any duties which he deemed too physically demanding. Climbing the rigging, for example, was strictly forbidden.

Knowing his intentions were well-meant made it no less irritating; she’d harangued him daily on the subject, complaining that he was taking the midwife’s advice to extremes. But Jack was adamant.

When charm failed to persuade her such restrictions were necessary, he would settle the matter with a steely-eyed glare and his final words on the subject; “M’Captain, luv!”

‘A currently absent Captain,’ she grinned now with some satisfaction, arriving at the crow’s nest.

Leaning back against the mast, she closed her eyes and tilted her face to the sun, sighing happily as the wind snatched at her hair, easing its weight from her shoulders.

It was so peaceful up here; a precious if precarious haven from the rest of the world. Gradually the tension began to melt away and she let her mind drift.


By tacit agreement neither she nor Jack had discussed that heart-wrenching day almost three weeks ago.

Looking back she could almost believe she’d dreamt the whole episode; time had lent an air of unreality, and the vulnerable man who’d wept in her arms bore little resemblance to the one whose behaviour so irked her now.

That day had ended, she thought now, in the only way it could. Waking to find the cabin shrouded in darkness, they’d moved towards each other in silent and instinctive accord.

It was slow and sweet and tender, and in the final moments Elizabeth had collapsed over him, felt the rapid beat of his heart keeping time with the rhythmic contractions of her body. With a low, guttural moan he’d pressed her hips hard against his own and followed in a scalding rush of heat, his release pulsing deep and strong inside her.

Afterwards, as they lay silent and sated, Jack had caught the gold ring entwined in her hair between finger and thumb, his eyes never leaving hers. That dark, bewitching gaze held no secrets in that moment; his heart and soul laid bare to her.

Unfortunately in the days since, her complicated, contradictory lover had seemed determined to re-establish his indestructible façade by being as stubborn and infuriating as possible.

She’d tried to be understanding, at first. But last night his behaviour had been insufferable – unbearable – unforgivable! Whereas she had been – she had been perfectly -

Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably. She’d snarled at him, not caring who heard, her voice harsh with resentment. Did he think her completely useless? Was she nothing more than a passenger on this bloody boat, only good for warming his bed and making the scabby decks of his precious Pearl look a little less distasteful?

Her cheeks reddened a little as she recalled her furious taunts. But still, there’d been absolutely no need for him to carry her off like that, no call whatsoever for him to humiliate her in front of the whole crew…

One hand drift down to her belly, and she frowned. There was no denying that her own restlessness of late did nothing to ease the situation - but patience and tact were hard to maintain when your breasts and stomach ached and you were plagued by bouts of nausea.

She knew what her symptoms heralded and she’d tried to be glad her body was resuming its normal feminine regime. But it was hard when she felt so tired and uncomfortable. And as for that thoughtless, inconsiderate, bossy, pig-headed, irritating –

“Jack!”

“Aye. Jack!” growled the subject of her disgruntled musings, landing gracefully beside her.

“You – you- how long have you been back?”

“Evidently not long enough. What the bleedin’ hell d’ye think yer doin’, sneakin’ up here as soon as me back’s turned? Impersuasible baggage! I should skelp yer backside fer it.”

“I strongly advise you not to try. Not unless you wish to return to the deck in a very fast and painful manner.”

She jerked her chin pointedly towards the rail.

“Said I should, not would. Not here, anyway.”

“Not anywhere,” she muttered darkly. “And why are you dripping?”

That’ll be cos me clothes are full o’water. An’ stop tryin’ t’change the subject.”

“I wasn’t,” she lied. “I suppose the boat leaked, did it? Or did you fall off the ladder again?”

Jack narrowed his eyes, sniffed crossly and busied himself with peeling off the sodden shirt. It landed by his feet with a damp squelch.

“Why did you tell Gibbs not to let me come ashore?”

“Too dangerous.”

“Well naturally. What was it this time? Sand too coarse for my delicate little feet? Or were you concerned that I might inadvertently stand too close to a tree and be hit by a falling leaf?”

“Too risky fer me, as it happens.” The corner of his mouth twitched upwards. “Didn’t fancy bein’ alone wiv a dangerous, rampagin’ female beastie, hell-bent on detachin’ me from certain parts of me anatomy which I happen t’be rather partial to.”

Elizabeth clamped her lips tightly together, determined not to smile back.

“A fair point. But what leads you to believe you’re safe now?”

“Ah, well. I’ve alerted me lads t’be at the ready. One foul move from yer fair self an’ they’ll have ye shackled an’ in the brig.”

“Hah! You wouldn’t dare!” But she couldn’t stop herself from glancing quickly over the rail, just to check. When she looked back his satisfied smirk bought a fresh burst of annoyance.

“Why,” she spat petulantly, “Must you insist on treating me like a child?”

“Why must ye insist on behavin’ like one?”

“I do not!” Elizabeth clenched her fists and took a long, slow breath. “I do not,” she repeated, in a slightly calmer tone. “I will admit to losing my temper a little last night - but I WAS severely provoked.”

Jack rolled his eyes.

“Provoked, eh? Not half as much as I was, luv. Weren’t sure if I meant t’lock ye in the cabin or toss ye overboard t’be honest. S’lucky fer you me gentlemanly manners won out.”

“Hah! Gentlemanly manners do NOT include manhandling young women!”

“They do if it facilitates said young woman stayin’ healthy enough t’administer slaps an’ earache after the storm’s safely passed.”

“I could have helped you!”

“Ye could’ve been hurt. Or worse.” His expression darkened, all traces of humour gone. “Can’t bear a child if yer dead, Elizabeth. Or do ye not care fer the idea anymore?”

“Of course I do! More than ever. It’s just – you won’t let me do anything, Jack! You’re treating me like a helpless idiot.”

“I’m treating ye like the woman I’d like very much t’carry me offspring. And stay safe n’ salubrious while she does it.”

“The mother of your offspring will soon be a raving lunatic if you don’t let her breathe a little!”

“Will she now? Can’t have that, darlin’ – more’n one ravin’ lunatic per family’s quite enough.”

Grinning sardonically, he sketched an elegant bow – then straightened up and pressed one long, tanned finger thoughtfully against his chin.

“If I was t’give ye somethin’ …somethin’ t’keep ye safely an’ gainfully occupied - will that suffice t’keep ye out of trouble?”

“It might help,” she mumbled sulkily. “But it better be something useful and worthwhile. Not mending shirts or polishing all the rum bot-”

“Read any good maps lately?”

“What?”

“Maps, luv. Big flat parchmenty-type things wiv lines an’ squiggles all over ‘em.”

“I know what they are!”

“Well that’s a promisin’ start. Do y’know how to read them?”

“Strangely enough it isn’t considered a necessary accomplishment for well-bred young ladi...”

“Splendid! That’ll be our goal, then. Fer me t’share me extensive and expert knowledge wiv ye of all things navigational.”

Elizabeth stared at him.

“Really? That would be wonderful! I’d have a proper role amongst the crew at last – make myself really useful!” Her eyes gleamed. “I’ll be apprentice to the Captain – your second in command. Thank you Jack!”

Her self-appointed tutor gulped rather nervously.

“Don’t know as it’s necessary to go quite that far, darlin’. When yer good enough, mebbe y’can be me – er – me junior navigational advisor. Wiv it bein’ clearly understood that the senior-rankin’ an’ vastly more experienced of the two of us – namely me – gets full an’ final say in any decisions made. Savvy?”

And Jack promptly ended the conversation by pulling her into a passionate, if rather damp embrace.

The heat of that wickedly skilful mouth and the dizzying contrast of a wet, wind-chilled body pressed hard against hers was intoxicating.

When the inevitable stirrings inside his soggy breeches became too obvious to hide he released her, and gave what he hoped was a stern look.

“Right missy. Now that’s sorted, we’ll be headin’ back to th’deck. An’ there’ll be no more insubordination or arguin’ wiv the Captain! Else I’ll be forced t’extend the full force of me wrath towards yer delightful but disobedient young person. Savvy?”

Elizabeth smiled sweetly and reached between his legs, her eyes gleaming with triumph when his growing erection jerked appreciatively under her palm.

“Understood. But your – erm – wrath - isn’t extending very forcefully at the moment, Captain…”

“S’bloody impressive fer a man wearin’ cold wet breeches!” he huffed indignantly, swatting her away and stepped hastily backwards. “An’ you need t’be keepin’ yer connivin’ hands to yerself. Tis neither a safe nor suitable location fer such carryin’ on.”

“But you told me it WAS safe up here. Safe and discreet, you said.”

“I were lyin’. Pirate an’ all that.”

“Really? You surprise me.”

Slowly and deliberately, Elizabeth let her gaze wander the length of his body.

“My, my Captain Sparrow. Those wet breeches do cling most becomingly!”

Jack muttered under his breath, fidgeting uncomfortably as the wet linen between his thighs grew a little tighter.

His tormentor smiled appreciatively. He was naked aside from those wet breeches, which seemed to emphasise every part they touched with quite breath-taking detail. And that gloriously tangled mane, spilling over his shoulders, half-covering his naked chest, accentuating his exotic, untamed beauty…

“Are ye listenin’ t’me?”

“Mmm…sorry, did you say something?”

“Aye I bloody said somethin’! I told yer t’stop leerin’ at me an’ get yerself down to the cabin. There’s some breakfast’s waitin’ there fer ye. Picked it meself.”

“I already ate breakfast,” she murmured absently, staring at his crotch. The shape of him was growing more clearly defined by the second, shifting and swelling under her avid gaze.

“Lunch, then. Don’t matter s’long as ye eat it.”

“It’s too early for lunch.”

“Elizabeth. Me face is up here.”

“Hmm?”

“God help me, I’ve created a bloody monster! Aren’t ye hungry?”

Finally she met his eyes, and her expression sent a fresh thrill of heat straight to his groin.

“I’m ravenous, Jack!” she purred, moving closer.

“Then let’s go,” he muttered, backing away. “Ahh! Let go!”

“No.”

“Ye disobedient, mutinous little…Please, no…not like that, not right THERE….”

Eyes squeezed shut, he pushed instinctively into her hand even as his fingers groped for her wrist.

“Not here I said, not YET! I fully intend t’swive ye senseless the minute we’re back on deck, but s’not safe…”

“You’re no fun these days,” she pouted, and squeezed a little harder. “We’ve done it here before, more than once. Or at least YOU have, with my help.”

Dark brown eyes slid open and regarded her suspiciously.

“True enough. But prior to those previously pleasurable occasions you’d not been threatenin’ to brutally divest me of what’s currently in yer hand just a few hours before. Which leaves me sadly but indisputably nervous as to ye motives,darlin'.”

“Poor pirate! Are you afraid I might bite?”

Ducking her head, she found his nipple and bit down very gently.

Jack whimpered softly.

“Help...lads…m’bein’ held hostage by an evil, wicked….oh bloody HELL! That’s - that’s – oh god - so good – so…not fair…”

Elizabeth smirked and slid behind him, her body snug against his back

“Shhh, now,” she whispered, and curled her free hand over his hip.

He looked down, saw her palms moving over him, and felt his resolve growing weaker with every blissful stroke.

“Oh…bugger…”

Then her thumb began tracing deliciously gentle circles, sliding the material against the tip of him. It was too much. Jack moaned, and his already sodden breeches grew a little damper.

“What are your orders, Captain Sparrow? To unhand you, or…not?”

“Aaahh…Mmm….”

“Would you mind being a little more specific?”

“Stop…talkin’…” he growled, and reached for the buttons.

A moment later she’d delved beneath the fabric and wrapped her cool damp fingers firmly around his hot aching flesh.

Jack caught his breath and bade a fond farewell to self-control. Since further resistance was not only futile but wholly inadvisable he closed his eyes instead, abandoning himself to her exquisite touch.

Elizabeth felt a thrill of triumph. She had him. A few clever strokes of her fingers and she’d rendered him helpless – and highly unlikely to refuse her anything…

A few minutes more, just to be certain, then she peeled off his wet breeches.

Her hands slid teasingly along the length of his naked thighs, grazed the hollows of his groin – and stilled.

“This is wrong,” she murmured.

“S’what?”

“You told me to go to the cabin. I’m disobeying a direct order; it’s very remiss of me. My apologies, Captain.”

Jack made a tortured noise in the back of his throat.

“Tormentin’ the Captain’s a much more worser offence. Punishable by severely painful death.”

Elizabeth rocked her hips slowly against him – but her hands did not move.

“It is? But how can I avoid that offence without directly disobeying your first command?”

He gritted his teeth, not trusting himself to speak.

“You’ve presented me with quite a dilemma, Captain. What do you advise?”

“I advise ye t’shut up an’ bloody watch!” he hissed, and reached up to finish what she’d begun.

“But I only meant for you to…oh, fine!”

Elizabeth pursed her lips with annoyance.

“Damn! Should’ve thought to tie your hands behind your back.”

“An’ I should’ve kept YOU locked in the cabin! Now didn’t I tell ye to shut up and WATCH?”

“Seen it before,” she muttered sulkily, shifting slightly to get a better view of those long, graceful fingers, sliding up and down in an easy, fluid rhythm.

“Mmm…s’nice…” he grunted appreciatively a few moments later, and she looked down to see her own fingers splayed over his buttocks, unconsciously kneading and squeezing to match the movements of his hand.

Thoughtfully she rubbed a little harder, and Jack rewarded her with another satisfied moan.

Perhaps there was a way for her to regain control, after all? It would surprise him at the very least – perhaps even shock him. But did she have the nerve to do it? Did she dare?

He was breathing harshly now, his fist pumping harder and faster. If she meant to do this it had to be now, before it was too late…

Quickly she put one finger in her mouth to wet it then reached down, probing carefully until she found the place she sought.

The realisation of what she intended penetrated Jack’s lust fogged brain roughly one second before her finger penetrated his body. With a hoarse groan he pushed instinctively backwards, desperate for more.

When she obliged him the speed and force of his response surprised them both.

Jerking upright, he shuddered violently as the ecstatic tension inside him soared to a sudden and unbearable peak. A loud, shocked roar exploded from his lips as it took him, fast and furious, erupting from his body in a rapid succession of dizzying, white-hot bursts.

Elizabeth stared, open-mouthed, her arm tight around his waist to steady him as he trembled and groaned, as his semen arced out with spectacular force across the narrow platform. Moments later it was over, and when he fell, a boneless, gasping heap, she sank down beside him and pulled his shaking body into her arms.

Several minutes later Jack found the strength to raise his head and meet her stunned gaze.

“Bloody… buggering… hell...! Are ye trying to kill me?”

“I’d no idea it would do that to you! Are you alright?”

“I – uhh – killed - again –”

“The crew probably think so, with the amount of noise you made. I’m surprised they aren’t rushing to your aid even as we speak!”

“Shh. Mouth.” He pointed helpfully at her lips, then his own. “Need it. Now.”

He kissed her for a long time, proving himself to be quite an energetic corpse, then pulled away to gaze proudly at the newly decorated platform.

“Buggerin’ hell, that’s impressive. Almost hit the rail!”

“I’m thrilled for you. Truly.”

“So ye should be!” Smirking, he curled up on the rough wooden boards and closed his eyes. “Jus’ need a minute, luv. Get me breath back, as it were…”

Elizabeth admired his nakedness with a wistful smile. No man had the right to be that disturbingly beautiful. Every inch of him was perfect to her eyes; even the scars he wore added their own peculiar artistry to his darkly-tanned skin, telling of a life lived hard but well.

A few minutes later she realised that the object of her fond perusal was fast asleep and snoring softly, finally done in by the combination of a mostly sleepless night and an exhausting, explosive release.

“Perfect,” she grinned, and climbed slowly to her feet. “Thank you, Jack. I love you very much, but you really do deserve this.”

Then she scooped up his discarded clothes and dropped them over the rail.

And descended the rigging, leaving the Captain of the Black Pearl sleeping peacefully in the crow’s nest, wearing nothing but a faint, satisfied smile.