Misconception

Chapter 24

Isabella entered the cabin with a small smile on her face while holding a small kitten in her arms.
“Jack, look-…” she paused when she realized that Jack was not there. But Joan was.
“Oh.”
“Good morning.” Joan said with a small smile as she sat, standing next to Jack’s desk, leaning over a chart and looking as beautiful as ever.
“What is that?” she asked curiously and Isabella looked down at the kitten.
“Mr. Gibbs and I found it hiding in the hold while we were looking for ingredients.” She said coolly, trying to resist the urge to scowl at the other woman. Why did her presence always made her feel uncomfortable and self-conscious?
“Is it a boy or girl?” Joan asked as she looked at the little ball of fur in Isabella’s hands.
“A girl. How come you’re here and not on your ship?” Isabella asked before she could stop herself. If Joan was surprised by the question, she didn’t show it.
“Jack needed one of my charts is all. I think he ruined his. What are you going to do with it?” Joan asked curiously with a hand on her hip.
“I don’t know. That’s why I came in here-…”
“Oh, love! You’re here.” Jack cut her off cheerily as he walked inside with his compass in his hand, “Oh. And you saw Joan.” His lips formed a small grimace before he turned to smile at Isabella, “Joan’s here because I needed some help.” He waved towards the other woman who rolled her eyes and looked at the chart again.
“Oi! What in bloody hell is that in your hands, Bella?” he asked as he pointed at the cat.
“I found it in the hold.” Isabella answered as Jack approached and leaned down to inspect the kitten. The cat’s small green eyes met his dark ones and he smirked.
“It’s just a little fur ball, isn’t it?” he looked up at her with a grin and she found herself smiling back at him.
“Is it okay that it’s here? I mean, Mr. Gibbs was saying some things about black cats and that they cause bad luck.” She frowned and Jack snorted.
“Ignore Gibbs. He thinks everything causes bad luck. Besides, cats take care of the bloody rats.” He shuddered as he straightened and winked at her, “I’ll let you keep the pussy.” He said to her in a playful, hushed voice and Joan snorted loudly while Isabella flushed at the innuendo.
“Thank you.” Bella said through gritted teeth and Jack grinned before he turned towards his desk.
“So, Bella, is this your first trip on a ship?” Joan asked and Jack glared at her warningly.
“Yes.” Bella replied with a small frown as the kitten in her hands purred and stretched.
“Hmm. You’re a ship-virgin then.” Joan laughed and Jack’s eyes widened.
“Joan!” he hissed as Isabella looked at them confused. Was she missing something?
“No worries. Jack here has great experience with your kind.” Joan smirked and Isabella’s eyes narrowed.
“Excuse me?”
“Joan!” Jack snapped for the second time and Joan looked at him.
“What? I am only saying that-…”
“Shut the hell up!” Jack hissed again as he grabbed the chart and thrust it in her hands, “I saw what I wanted. Thank you.” He told her dismissively and Joan turned to look at him.
“I was only joking, Jack. Bloody hell, you are grumpy today.” Joan said as she looked at him surprised.
“Only because you keep pushing me today!” he snapped as he pinched the bridge of his nose and stared at her fiercely.
“I didn’t push you-…”
“No, you just keep making stupid remarks about things you don’t know!” Isabella’s eyes widened at the anger in his voice. Had something happened between them?
“Okay-…” Joan started but Isabella spoke up.
“I’ll just be outside.” She excused herself and quickly made her escape, closing the door behind her.

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When Joan walked out of the cabin, Isabella was sitting down on the deck near the mast. The cat was on her lap and was gazing up at her lazily.
Joan only smiled at her tightly before she grabbed a rope and swung herself over to her ship in silence.
“Come on, love.” Jack called over at her as he made his way over towards the stairs that led to the helm.
Isabella stood and the cat mewled at the interruption. She set her down and she took off, running around the deck and scaring the hell out of the crewmen who were doing their work.
As she stepped up the stairs she saw that Jack was much calmer than before and when he saw her his gaze softened.
“Sorry about…before. Joan tends to talk. A lot.” He murmured and Isabella shrugged.
“It’s alright. No harm done. We both know, you and I, that I am no virgin to take offense.” She said and he laughed.
“No, you are not.” He said once he stopped laughing, “You definitely aren’t.” his voice dropped as he leaned towards her, “You’re quite the little minx, ain’t you?” he murmured and Isabella tried hard to look at him and not blush.
“I have decided what I want as a reward for my victory last night.” She said, changing the subject.
“Oh.” He frowned but the a slow salacious grin spread onto his lips and made his eyes shine in the morning light, “Is it similar to the reward I wanted?” he asked as he leaned against the helm, looking too smug for his own good.
“No.” she shook her head but he kept smiling, the expression on his face obviously giving away his less than innocent thoughts, “Stop picturing it!” she cried as she covered her eyes with her hands in embarrassment.
“It’s my mind. I can picture anything I want in it. Besides the soreness of me hand keeps reminding me-…”
“Oh God! Will you stop?” she said in mortification and he laughed again.
“Fine. By the way, I can still see the color on your cheeks, love. Even your ears have gone red.” He commented and she looked at him with a glare.
“It’s not clever to point out the obvious.” She snapped and he chuckled before he swiftly reached for her and brought her to his chest while still holding onto the helm with his free hand. His lips were on hers before she could even breathe and she felt her knees quivering as soon as his lips touched hers. He kissed her deeply and then it was over. He pulled his lips and tongue away from her gasping mouth and slowly locked his lips. Isabella had to grasp his shirt to remain upright as he grinned down at her.
“You were saying? What would you like your reward to be?” he asked her huskily and Isabella blinked to clear her vision before she cleared her throat and tried to speak.
“I…” she faltered and his arm tightened around her in response, “I want some answers.” She aid at last and Jack stiffened as he held her.
“What kind of answers?” he asked as he cocked his head to the side.
“I want to know why you…want to be with me. That way.” She said quietly.
“Isn’t it obvious?” he asked with incredulity written all over his face.
“No. And I don’t believe that you want to make amends for what happened.” She said with a huff.
“No, I assure you that right now my intentions are far more selfish, love.” He said darkly and she looked up at him with wide eyes.
“Selfish?” she asked shakily.
“Aye. I’m a pirate. When I see something that I want I want to make it mine.” He said as his eyes roved her face.
“So…So, this is you getting what you want? You said that-…”
“I said that I am giving you a choice, a chance. Of course I am. But that doesn’t mean that I am not still a man. So, here’s your answer; I touched you and kissed you because I wanted to. Plain and simple.” He cut her off and she swallowed hard.
“And if I had said no? If I had refused to let you do so?” she asked and his eyes darkened.
“What are you insinuating?” he asked harshly as he let go of her and glared at her, “Are you implying that I would force you if I hadn’t known that you want me?” he asked her and her eyes widened.
“You…you knew that I wanted…?” she trailed off embarrassingly.
“Me? I think you have no idea how expressive your face and eyes are.” He said and she looked away.
“I am sorry. It’s just that we have a…past. You and I. And I’m still uncertain about things.” She murmured and he blinked in confusion. She wasn’t looking at him so he reached over and grasped her chin. She didn’t sop him as he turned her face towards him so he could look into her eyes.
“You didn’t deny it.” He murmured and she frowned.
“Deny what?” she asked with bewilderment.
“When I said that you wanted me…You didn’t deny it.”
Isabella bit her lip and then slowly shrugged.
“I guess I didn’t.” she whispered and he smiled before he released her chin and raised a finger to his lips as if deep in thought.
“Does that mean that you no longer fear me?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
“No…And I didn’t really fear you.” She said quickly and he stared at her, “Okay maybe I did. In the beginning…Maybe a little.” At his amused expression she groaned and rubbed her eyes.
“A lot! But I had a reason. I was in shock for a long time. Stop looking at me like that!” she cried as she flushed even more under his gaze. Jack laughed as she crossed her arms and looked away.
“Understandable, darlin’. I mean, I am aware of what I do to the ladies. And not just with my hands.” He waved his fingers at her and she huffed.
“Arrogant arse.” She muttered before she stormed away with his chuckles ringing in her ears.
“Don’t forget our game! I have a surprise if you win!” he called but she was too embarrassed to reply.

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“What kind of surprise do I get?” she asked as it was his turn to choose a card.
“Hmm? It wouldn’t be a surprise if I say what it is, now would it?” he said as he looked at her from over his cards.
“It will because it will make me less angry.” She said as she kicked his leg under the table.
“Ouch! No fair! I can’t kick back ‘cause you’re a lass.” He whined as he reached with a hand to rub his calf.
“Will you tell me?” she asked hopefully and he looked at her for a moment before he grinned.
“Will you kiss me?” he asked and to his surprise she leaned over the table and quickly kissed his lips before she took a peek at his cards.
“Oi!” he exclaimed as he pressed the cards against his chest and narrowed his eyes at her.
“I didn’t see anything. I swear.” She laughed and he pouted, “Well? Will you tell me the surprise?”
“No.” he said nonchalantly.
“But I kissed you!”
“So? I asked you to kiss me. I never said that I was going to tell you if you did.” He smirked and she pursed her lips angrily.
“Cheat.” She muttered and then, “Will you finally pick a card”” she snapped and he chuckled.
“Temper, temper, Bella.” He admonished as he set one of his cards on the table and waited for her move.
“Can I ask something else then?” she asked after a while and he looked at her. At his nod she licked her lips and spoke.
“Have you…I mean…” she trailed off and he frowned.
“Have I what? Spit it out before it chokes you, love.” He said with amusement as she stumbled over her own words.
“Nothing.” She said at last and he looked at her carefully.
“It’s not something naughty is it? ‘Cause if it is please ask right away.” He grinned and she picked up the closest object and threw it at him. It happened to be his hat and it hit him in the face.
“Hey! Stop attacking me, woman! I was trying to help.” He said as he placed his cards down and picked up his hat and smoothed it down, checking for any damages.
“Oh yes? I am not telling you then.” She replied stubbornly as she looked at her cards.
“It is something naughty! Please do tell… or ask or whatever.” He said with a wave of his hand as he leaned down expectantly.
“I am not asking because you’ll start making fun of me and I don’t want to cause you laughter for the next decade.” She replied through gritted teeth.
“I won’t laugh at you.” He promised but she still shook her head in refusal.
“Nope. Play.” She said and he smirked behind his cards before he did as she bid, deciding not to pressure her more.

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“Good thing you didn’t tell me the surprise.” She said as she gathered the cards and glared at him, “I’d hated if it were something good and I’d have to live with the thought that I never got it because you won.” She snapped and he reclined back in his chair, looking as smug as ever.
“You are so amusing, love, do you know that?” he asked as he looked at her appraisingly.
“Good to know.”
“You’re so gullible sometimes.” He laughed suddenly and she looked up at him in surprise.
“I am not so mean, you know. And when I have something on me mind…” He trailed off as he stood up and headed for the door, “One moment.” He winked before he disappeared.
Isabella stood there dumbfounded until he returned with his hands behind his back and three crewmen on his heels. The men were carrying buckets of steaming water.
“How about a bath?” he winked and she continued to stare, “With nicely smelling soap…” he produced an intricate bar of soap from behind his back and waved it at her, “Catch!” he threw it at her and she did catch it, albeit a bit clumsily.
“A bath?” she asked as she raised the soap to her nose and took a sniff. It smelled like roses.
“Hmm. Put the tub there.” He instructed and Grog nodded before he grinned at Isabella.
“Hey, lass. You can cause quite the fuss.” He chuckled and Isabella flushed while Jack glared at him.
“Shut it, Grog or I’ll make you wash yourself with the girlie soap!” Jack snapped and grog snorted.
“Sorry, Cap’n.” he snickered as he and the other man placed the tub where he had instructed and left, trying to hide their smirks.
Jack glared at their backs before he turned to the still surprised Bella.
“Oh, before I forget. This is for you too.” He said as he walked over to her and produced the last item from behind his back and placed it upon her lap.
“It is…”
“Satin?” she asked as she touched the nightdress he had placed on her knees.
“Silk. But it is a bit thicker than the one you already have. I saw that it was getting a little tattered.” He shrugged before he walked over to the buckets of hot water and picked one up. He emptied it in the tub and turned to her, “Well? Some help?” he asked with a small smirk and she rose from the chair. She placed the pale blue nightdress on the chair and walked towards him.
She helped him with the water and then he stepped back, “Be right back.” He said as he left the cabin, closing the door behind him.
Isabella looked at the inviting water and she decided it was safer to get in while he was gone. With that in mind, she undressed and lowered herself inside.
When he got back inside he chuckled at the sight of her.
“I knew you’d do this. Too bad I am getting in there as well.” He said as he bolted the door and walked towards the tub while removing the sash and belt from around his waist.
“Oh and Fluffy was running around in the galley if you’re wondering where she was.” He said as he took off his vest.
Isabella gaped at him, “Fluffy? You named her Fluffy?”
“Aye. It suits her.” He shrugged as he leaned down to remove his boots, shirtless. Isabella tried to ignore how the muscles of his arms flexed as he struggled with his shoes.
“I told you that I named her Rosie.” Isabella said and he finally managed to take off the boots.
“Rosie? Have you seen how she hisses at me? That cat is possessed I’m telling you.” He grimaced and when his hands touched the fastenings of his breeches she looked at the water.
“I don’t agree with Fluffy.”
“Oh well.” He grinned as he tugged off his breeches and stepped closer to the tub. Before he went in he grabbed the soap that lay forgotten on the desk and threw it inside the water.
“Forgot something?” he chuckled as she started looking for it in the bottom of the tub.
“You’re rude.” She mumbled as her hand closed around the bar.
She felt his hands on her shoulders and then he gave her a small push so he could settle in behind her. His legs went around hers and his chest brushed her back as his arms encircled her from behind.
“Did you like the surprise?” he asked in her ear as he nuzzled her skin.
“But I didn’t win.” She said as a shiver went through her at the feeling of his skin against hers. One hand moved from her stomach and trailed up until he touched her collarbone.
“Let’s just pretend that you did then. I don’t know about you, but I have a very wild imagination.” He breathed as he kissed the shell of her ear and his hand stroked over the top of her breast.
“What are you going to do after you take me back?” she asked, trying to divert the conversation from uncharted territory.
“Oh, I don’t know. Seduce some old but filthy rich noble lady perhaps?” he teased as he trailed his lips down her neck, “Or abduct some wealthy little heiress with pale skin and fair hair? Hmm?”
“I suspect you’ve already done all those things.” She said as she pulled her neck away from his mouth but he followed and latched onto her skin again.
“You’re right, I have.” He chuckled against her skin as he pulled her back towards him, pressing her against his slick skin.
“What happens when you get the money?” she asked quietly and he paused.
“You don’t know if I will get them.” He said and she snorted.
“Yeah, right. I only have two more chances to win. Farfetched I think.”
“Would it matter?” he asked and his breath made her shudder.
“Probably not. Either way you’ll never see me again, and I will never see you again. But if I did win I’d maintain some part of my dignity.” She said and his fingers danced up and down her arms while he remained silent. She could tell that he was in deep thought though for his hands moved mechanically over her skin.
“Was it that what you wanted to ask me before? No naughtiness whatsoever?” he asked after some time and she laughed despite herself.
“No, actually that was not what I had in mind at the time. Still, you’re never going to convince me to ask it. No way.” She said but she gasped when she felt him moving from behind her. He somehow ended up looming over her with her back against the back of the tub. His lower body ended up between her parted legs and his hands settled on each side of the tub to hold himself up.
“I bet I can convince you.” He smirked as he leaned down towards her lips, his dark chocolate eyes intense as they stared at her lips. There was something there though, something hiding behind the playfulness that made her wonder.
“You can try…” she trailed off with a small, sad smile before his lips covered hers completely.

End of chapter 24


Xxx Lina :)