Page 30 of Paid to the Pirate

Miguel shifted uncomfortably, looking over his shoulder as if someone could be standing by the plate of pickled peppers and onions.

“I can’t - can’t discuss that with you.”

I folded my arms. “Why not? I have every right to know what it is you believe when the subject matter isme.”

When those beliefs affect my backside at Colt’s whim,I thought.When threat of the lash looms.

Miguel worked his jaw, falling silent again for a while. Finally, he said, “Well, to be honest, it’s you I’ve been wanting to ask questions of. I can reckon why you stole the gold.” Miguel’s warm brown eyes held mine. “You wanted out, you always wanted out.” He ducked his head and whispered, “But the Eye?”

I blinked, startled.

“I know about the Crimson Eye,” he confirmed in a whisper. “But don’t worry, only a few of us do. If word spreads though, not even the captain can protect you from the crew. You stole from us all when you swiped it.”

I wouldn’t do that,I insisted to myself.And if I had, it would only have been to return it to its owner.

Miguel’s voice turned grave and his whisper was so low I had to strain to hear him. “And what you did to Maurice,” he said. “I don’t blame you for hating him. He was a bloody bastard, alright. And maybe he tried to stop you from leaving. But I’m sure to Colt that didn’t justify you killing him.”

My heart beat furiously fast and sweat broke out on my brow.

Killing?I thought with alarm.What did he mean -- killing? Surely, he was mistaken.

“I - I didn’t… wouldn’t…” I fumbled. “If it had happened -- which it didn’t -- it would have been self-defense.”

Miguel shook his head sadly. “Maurice would never try to hurt you if that’s what you’re implying. He was as mean as they come, sure, but Colt was like a son to him and you were too precious to Colt.”

“Correct,” came a voice from the door.

Oh no.

My stomach lurched as I turned to face Colt, pushing the galley door wide and stepping inside the small room. My mouth ran dry and I lost the ability to speak. I was sure I’d turned white as a ghost.

Miguel jumped to his feet. I quickly followed, making a pathetic attempt at a defensive stance.

“Now, captain,” Miguel began.

“Leave us,” Colt commanded Miguel without looking. “I’ll deal with your transgression later.”

Miguel bent his head. Sparing me one apologetic look, he departed.

Don’t go,I thought.I need your protection.

Scratch that. Colt didn’t care about having an audience.I gulped.Maybe it was better Miguel had left.

“You cannot punish him so harshly for my wrongdoings,” I protested, using anger to cover my fear. “He was only trying to help me.”

“Oh, I’m not. I’ll dock his wages for the week,” Colt shrugged. “But the real punishment for him will be to hear your cries.” Colt stalked toward me. “The real punishment is all for you Lady Charlotte.”

Colt grabbed my arm.

“What are you-”

My words died in my throat as Colt slammed me down over the galley table. While I flailed and struggled to rise, Colt’s firm hand on my back kept me bent. As he raised my skirts, I warred with wanting to scream and protest and not wanting to announce my plight to the crew.

Feeling the cool air on my naked backside, I knew it was pointless.

“Stop!” I cried, head pressed against the smooth wooden table. No matter how hard I struggled, I couldn’t rise.

Colt laid a resounding smack on my rear. And then another.

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