When love interferes

Disclaimer: Same old same…you know the drill.

Chapter seven: Captive.

The room was a mess, not a thing in place. Even though she didn't own much, the floor was covered with pieces of wood, material and feathers. He stepped inside, having to climb over a fallen chair, and went into the kitchen. No sign of her. He called out her name, but got no response. Under her bed he saw a scruffy looking bag, something pink peering out of it. He picked the bag up and pulled out the pink content. It was her dress, the one he gave her earlier that day.

'' Dear God…what happened here? '' He questioned himself, then it dawned on him.

'' Pirates!…'' He rushed out of the door, stumbling over the debris, and ran down to the carriage.

'' Christine...pirates…gone…need…help…'' He said panting. Gordon raised a brow, not understanding what the commodore was talking about.

'' What's wrong sir? '' The servant inquired puzzled.

James took a deep breath. '' It's Christine…she's been taken by the pirates! ''

'' Pirates! '' Gordon said shocked. '' How…why…? ''

Norrington shook his head traumatised. '' I don't know…we've got to save her!''

They hurried up into the carriage and raced to the Governor's house. James ran inside, with the servant struggling to keep up.

'' Governor! Governor…'' He ran into the lounge where he found Mr. Swann and his daughter having tea.

'' I'm sorry to disturb you…but we have a problem…''

'' Problem…what kind of a problem are you referring to? '' The Governor inquired worried.

'' It's Christine…she's been taken by the pirates.'' Norrington replied frightened.

'' What! Pirates?…why did I know nothing of this? '' The Governor inquired angry.

'' We didn't want to worry you…'' James started.

'' Worry me! It's my job to know…we must send out a team looking for her! '' The Governor ordered.

'' I'll lead the squad.'' Norrington offered. '' I can't but blame myself for her abduction.''

The Governor nodded. '' When will you be ready? ''

'' We can leave tomorrow morning…I hope it won't be too late.'' Norrington stated worried.

'' I want to come with you.'' Elizabeth said as she stood up from the couch.

'' Have you lost your mind dear child…this is no place for a woman!'' Her father said shocked.

'' I can take care of myself father…I'm not a child anymore.'' She took her father's hands in hers.

'' James will look out for me… he won't let anything happen to me.'' She looked over to where Norrington was standing, still holding her father's hands. '' Won't you James? ''

Norrington shifted his position. '' I agree with your father, this is no place for a girl of your status.''

Elizabeth walked over to him and laid her hands on his shoulders.'' I beg you…take me with you…I promise I won't be a burden…please…''

Norrington looked at her uncertain. He glanced over to her father, who stood there dumfounded.

'' What do you think James…'' Mr. Swann inquired. '' I trust you will make the right decision.''

Norrington looked into those pleading hazel eyes, feeling incapable of denying her. The longing to lean forward, brushing his lips against hers was excruciating. He shook his head, trying to regain his composure.

'' Alright…if that is what you want.'' He looked at the Governor. '' I promise to protect her with my life.''

'' I'm sure you will, and I'm counting on it.'' Mr. Swann said with a smile. '' Elizabeth, why won't you go to bed, I will send someone up tomorrow morning to pack your belongings.''

'' Yes, I shall. Good night James.'' She smiled at him sweetly, making him blush.

'' Good night Elizabeth.''

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Christine was sitting by her table in the kitchen. She had just finished her shift at the tailor's and was exhausted. She closed her eyes, dreaming about the night before and it's benefits. She still couldn't believe that it hadn't been a dream, it was too good to be true, he was too good to be true. She inhaled deeply, imagining him holding her tightly, flashing his sexy smile at her. A wide grin appeared on her face as she leaned back in her chair, dreaming of her handsome commodore. So caught up in her fantasy she didn't notice the door being opened and a shadowy figure sneak inside. Suddenly she was grabbed from behind and a hand was placed over her mouth. In panic she tried to break free from the captor, but was over powered by a blow in the head. One of the crew picked her up and took her to the bed without the others seeing.

He was a young lad, a son of a merchant sailor from Nassau Port. He and his father had been sailing from India with new linen, fresh food and spices that his father had intended to sell once he would reach Nassau. On their way they were attacked by pirates and they killed his father, leaving him an orphan. They offered him to join the crew or walk the plank. Of course he took the '' better'' option and became one of them. Through all their raids he never was satisfied. He hated blood and piracy, it was destroying him. He felt that he had a more noble intention to fulfil with his life, but as long as he would stay on this ship he would have no choice but to do as the captain ordered.

The men explored the place, rummaging through the room, turning it upside down. Christine didn't own much of value so their catch that day wasn't very prodigious. Dissatisfied grunts could he heard all around the hut. The Captain stepped forward, making the crowd silent.

'' We seem to be experiencin' a shortage of plunder here…a problem that clearly doesn't sit very well with you men…'' He received a cheer of agreement from the lot.

'' So what are we to do? We can't settle for leavin' this place empty handed, am I right gents?'' Another wave of cheering could be heard. '' So where does that leave us? ''

'' I be thinkin' we should take the lass…she'll prove very useful to us I b'live. '' One of the crewmembers shouted. The Captain looked at him pondering over the suggestion.

'' I b'live ye be right on that Higgins. She be a fine lass to be sure…'' The Captain looked at her unconscious form, lying on the bed. '' Yeah, a quite a catch indeed.'' He grinned maliciously as he turned to the young boy.

'' Lad, ye be carryin' the lass to me quarters. I trust you won't do anythin' stupid.'' He threatened. The boy nodded and picked her up, making sure she didn't hit any of the crewmembers rushing through the door, heading towards the ship.

'' Captain! What about the rest of the town…'' Higgins inquired.

'' We don't have time now…the navy will be notified of our arrival, if they haven't already spotted us. It's too much risk, we've got to leave or it'll be the hangman's noose for us all!'' The Captain barked out. The crew agreed in unison and hurried over to the ship. The young boy climbed into one of the rowboats and sat down with Christine in his arms. As the boats were being pushed from the shore, he looked over her peaceful form, lying in his arms. He knew the Captain wouldn't treat her nicely, he had a rather violent history with women. Guilt washed over him as the boats neared the ship. They were taking her away from all she knew, her home, her job, her friends…stripped from her former life she was just like him, an orphan.

Soon the boats bumped against the side of the ship and ladders were thrown down. The boy laid her over his shoulder and climbed up. It was a rather difficult task, once he almost dropped her, but they both made it safe and sound up on deck. He knew better than to disobey his captain so hesitatingly he carried the girl over to the captain's cabin. He laid her down on the bed and sat down beside her. Christine started to stir, opening her eyes to reveal the foreign area. Her eyes confusedly scanned over the room, but stopped when they spotted the boy sitting on the bed. Christine jumped and moved to the other end of the bed frightened. The sudden motion made her clutch her head in pain. When it had reduced she looked up at the boy terrified.

'' Who are you…where am I? '' She frantically scanned the room, looking for an exit. The boy saw how frightened she was and tried to calm her.

'' My name is Lucas…and you're on a ship called The Scorching Dagger. My captain asked for you to be moved into his cabin to rest.'' Christine watched the boy as he told her where she was. He seemed like a nice person, but she didn't trust it, even the most innocent people can be cruel.

'' What does your captain want from me? '' She inquired the boy. He looked at her apologetically.

'' I'm not sure…''

'' I don't own anything of value…if that's what he's looking for.'' Christine stated.

'' I know, they searched the place.'' Lucas said with a guilty frown. '' That's why he took you here.''

'' What? He took me as a compromise for not finding anything valuable in my house! '' Christine inquired offended. The boy opened his mouth to reply when the cabin door was flung open, revealing the Captain grinning.

'' I see that you're awake…good…there's no use of ye sleepin' '' The captain snickered. He waved the boy off, taking his seat on the bed.

'' Go help Higgins with the sails.'' He ordered, never taking his eyes off Christine. The boy didn't move immediately, but stood there deciding to himself whether he should go or not.

'' Boy…are ye deaf! Do as I order or you'll regret it later!'' The Captain threatened, glaring at him angrily.

'' Yes Captain!'' The boy replied and hesitantly opened the door, giving Christine a final glance before he closed the door behind him.

'' Now where were we love…'' He grinned devilishly, looking her over disrespectfully.

'' What do you want from me? '' Christine inquired frightened as the man moved closer to her.

The Captain laughed. '' The same as any other man on this ship….just to have a little fun.'' The smiled he sent her made the hairs on her neck rise. This man had nothing benevolent in mind for her.

'' I deserve to know your name before this goes any further…'' Christine stated, her voice shaking with fear.

'' I guess you do…me name be Captain Terrance Gray. I be the Captain of the Scorching Dagger. And you my dear be me prisoner.'' He replied bluntly.

'' That's not how you should treat a lady…keeping her prisoner for no cause!'' Christine said forcefully, her anger blocking her fear.

Terrance grinned maliciously. '' Well dear, I be the Captain here and I can do whatever I please…'' He moved closer to her on the bed, making her move backwards until she felt her back on the wooden wall.

'' If you be cooperate it won't hurt as much…'' The Captain said with a grin climbing over the bed towards her. Christine hid her head in her hands whishing she was back home in her little hut.

'' Oh James…where are you? ''

Authors note: Oh oh...what will she do now? You'll find out if you review ;-)