Misconception

Chapter 6


Isabella winced as she was unceremoniously dumped on top of an old tattered blanket. The rug was wet as was the rest of the cell. She breathed slowly through her nose to calm herself and then looked up at Jack’s furious gaze.
“I did not plan letting you in here for long but I think I just changed me mind, Miss…Charlotte, is it?” he said, spitting the name out and she glared at him. She opened her mouth to deny his words but then she reconsidered. First of all, if they didn’t know who she was just yet she would protect Charlotte until they were far away from London. And second of all, she would protect herself. If they wanted ransom then they would not harm her. If they knew who she really was who knows what they would do.
“Until you come to your senses and actually realize that is not wise to get to know me bad side, you will remain here.” He said as he waved around the cell.
“That’s barbaric.” She stated and the pirate smirked.
“Is it?” he asked with a tilt of his head.
“Yes! I didn’t do anything a normal person wouldn’t do! You have no right to manhandle me let alone kidnap me. It is a crime. Like piracy is. Crime. I hope you are aware of that word.” She spat and he chuckled.
“Oh, hell, but you are a feisty one. Do continue listing crimes. I am so eager to learn.” He said amused and she glared at him as she tried to sit up. She stood with some difficulty and stared at him.
“What do you want?” she asked finally and he grinned.
“Me? Oh, I want many things, love. But alas I’ll settle for some gold.” He said with a wink and she felt herself shiver as he gazed up and down her body.
“How do you even know you have the right person?” she asked and he paused.
“Oh, please. Only a spoiled tart like you could slap like that.” He pointed to his abused cheek and Isabella’s face flushed with both embarrassment and anger.
“You have no manners, Miss Stevenson. I am shocked.” He said as he took a few steps closer and looked her closely. His intense gaze along with his words caused her to snap.
“I am not Charlotte!” she blurted out, all previous plans for secrecy forgotten as self preservation became a priority.
Jack shook his head and narrowed his eyes in confusion.
“Come again?” he asked as he pulled his head back to regard her, all playfulness gone from his visage.
Isabella realized what she had just blurted out and her hands flew to her mouth.
“What did you say?” he asked again as he grasped her hands and pulled them from her mouth. His touch reminded her of that night and she quickly shook him off.
“I said…I am not Charlotte Stevenson. I am merely a maid to the household.” She said and Jack blinked. His dark eyes roved her form once again, briefly stopping at her cleavage before they settled on her face again.
“Hmm. I hear what you’re saying, love,” he started as he reached forward and fingered the silk tie of her blue robe, “But do tell me, do all maids wear silk nightdresses?” he asked with a raised eyebrow and Isabella immediately looked down at her attire. Her eyes widened and she cursed inwardly.
Damn you, Charlotte and your oppressiveness! She thought as she swallowed hard.
“This is merely a gift from my lady. I am not lying. I am not the daughter of John Stevenson!” she said as his fingers continued moving over the fabric of her robe. His fingertips lightly danced over her belly before he pulled his hand back altogether.
“You, love, are a liar.” He stated as he locked eyes with her, “You’d make a great pirate… Or a great actress. Either one.” He said with a grin as he stepped slightly back.
“Send a letter if you don’t believe me! Charlotte Stevenson should be in her bed by now and probably dreaming!” Isabella said desperately as she watched him stepping out of the cell. He simply smiled and shook his head as he pulled a key from his pocket and shut the door, trapping her.
“Nice try, darling. I already have left a letter and we’ll see if you’re telling the truth or not when we reach Tortuga. Until then, enjoy your stay.” He concluded as he turned the key, locking the door. He mock saluted her before he disappeared from her sight.
Isabella stared after him for a long time with her fingers wrapped around the bars. She let out a groan and then turned to look around the brig. She hugged herself as she felt the humid air of the cell piercing her bones, making her shudder and then she leaned against the bars.
She closed her eyes and felt tears gathering in them. He didn’t even remember her. He couldn’t even remember what she looked like while she could remember every detail of him. He didn’t remember what he had done with her, to her, while she had to live with the memories of it. She should have done worse than slap him, she realized with a start. She should have done more. She knew that he was arrogant and smug; she had seen him act like the lowlife rogue he was, but kidnapping? That was low even for him. She had left Tortuga to escape him and there she was again. In his mercy. Someone hated her, she was certain of it. Probably God.
Worst of it all was that no matter what she said she couldn’t prove she wasn’t Charlotte. Only the Stevensons could ensure that but it was still early.
“Well, James, no more boring life for me.” She whispered bitterly as she slowly sunk down on the old, damp blanket. She brought her knees up to her chest and leaned her head against them.

********************************
The door to the brig cracked open, waking Isabella from her pitiful slumber. She groggily opened her eyes and looked up. Gibbs walked inside with a bowl in his hand and a spoon.
“Hey, there, lass.” He greeted but Isabella merely looked at him tiredly.
“Brought you some broth. Eat it while it’s still warm.” He continued as he leaned down and offered her the bowl. Isabella took it in her hand and shivered when the warmth of the bowl came in contact with her freezing skin.
“You cold?” Gibbs asked her and she nodded as she dipped the spoon into the broth and brought some to her mouth.
“How long have I been asleep?” she asked as she swallowed.
“Seven hours. It’s morning.” Gibbs said with obvious discomfort.
“Listen, lass, Captain is not a bad person-…” he started.
“He’s a pirate.” Isabella cut him off and he paused.
“Yes, but he’s not cruel. He’s just angry that you attacked him. I am sure if you said you were sorry-…”
“Sorry!” she exclaimed angrily, “I am not sorry and I am certainly not going to apologize to the man who kidnapped me! Furthermore, you should tell your Captain, sir, that I am not rich. I am not the daughter of Stevenson. I am a maid. A maid.” She finished furiously and Gibbs blinked in surprise.
“But…but you were in the bedroom. The compass led us to you.” He muttered and she shook her head in puzzlement.
“Compass? What compass?” she asked and Gibbs rubbed the back of his head nervously.
“Not my place to explain that to you, lass. And I’d advice you not to lie to the Captain. If you cooperate you’ll be off the hook soon.” He said quietly while looking around.
“But you have the wrong person! I am almost twenty. Charlotte is barely seventeen.” Isabella insisted and Gibbs sighed.
“I’ll tell the Captain you’re cold.” Was all he said before he exited the cell, locking the door behind him.
Isabella huffed and resumed eating her broth in hope that in time it will warm her.

It was some time later when Isabella heard footsteps approaching again. She stood up and crossed her arms over her chest as Jack appeared with a thoughtful expression upon his face. This time his coat was missing and he was carrying a folded thick blanket in his hands. He opened the brig and stepped in, his eyes traveling up her legs to her face. He extended the blanket towards her and she paused. She looked at it but didn’t move.
“Gibbs told me you’re cold. Understandable since you’re in that flimsy thing.” He stated after clearing his throat. Isabella swallowed and then reached tentatively for the blanket. Her cool fingers brushed his warm ones and he grimaced.
“You ate.” He said and she nodded as she wrapped the blanket around her shoulders.
“If you need anything…just say it.” He said uncomfortably and it was obvious to Isabella that he didn’t really enjoy seeing her locked in there. Then why was he allowing it?
“How long will I stay here?” she asked and he focused his gaze on her.
“Until I know for sure that you’re not going to cause me any trouble. Besides this is a ship full of men. Long distances between ports and all, if you get me drift. Can’t have you wandering around the ship, now can I?” he said and Isabella flushed at the implication.
“I see.” She murmured and then looked up at him. He was still looking at her face with a crease between his eyebrows.
“What?” she asked as she felt her heart beating wildly against her chest.
“I feel like I’ve seen you before…” he trailed off as he crossed his arms over his chest and tapped his chin with his finger.
“Me?” she tried to make her tone incredulous but her voice shook a little.
“Aye…Your face does a ring a bell but I can’t quite place you.” He said with a funny expression upon his face.
Ring a bell? You have seen me, more than seen me, in Tortuga! Insensitive git! She thought resentfully.
“I don’t think so.” She said shaking her head but he walked closer, tentatively as if approaching a frightened animal. Isabella flinched as he came to stand directly in front of her but she didn’t move. He leaned down until he was a breath away from her face and just stared at her. Her eyes tried not to make contact with his but he placed his hand under her chin and forced her head up. He looked deep into her eyes and he inhaled sharply through his nose, his fingertips barely brushing her chin. She halfheartedly pushed his hand away and he let her. The corners of his eyes wrinkled slightly as he smiled and she held her breath.
“You’re very pretty, lass.” He murmured without looking away from her face and Isabella flushed under his scrutiny.
“Very pretty…” he said again as he leaned into her neck and sniffed, “…but you smell funny.” He said and then he completely pulled back. Isabella’s eyes widened and before she had the chance to hit him he stepped back and raised his hands up in surrender.
“Just saying, love.” He said with a wide grin as she took a few steps forward.
“Of course I smell! I’ve been almost a day in here! Your ships stinks.” She said sourly and he straightened as if offended.
“Me ship does not stink.” He said and she scoffed.
“Your brig certainly does.” She stated and he shrugged.
“Maybe you forgot to use the pot?” he said pointing towards the chamber pot at the corner of the cell.
Isabella sputtered for a response but she refused to give in to his teasing remark.
“Can I have some water?” she asked instead as she curled her fists around the blanket.
“Sure thing, love. Cotton will bring it to you. Don’t try and make him talk. He’s a mute. Ta!” he bowed slightly and then walked out of the brig, locking it behind him before he walked away to fetch Cotton while humming to himself. He froze when a slipper barely missed his head. He watched as it landed next to his foot and smirked to himself.
“You missed!” he called in a singsong voice before he carried on walking away, leaving her seething after him.

End of chapter 6

Author’s note: Thank you for reading. Like it? Hate it? Please let me know by reviewing. And don’t worry he will remember. When the time is right. XD
Until next time!
Xxx Lina :)