Page 11 of A Descent Into Darkness

She was right. Teach was clearly not just interested in her abilities to see the future. I was no stranger to the debauchery at which she would be expected to endure. She didn’t deserve what he would surely do to her.

“I’ll give you some privacy.” I turned to look back at her before leaving. She was filthy, her clothing was worn andtattered. She had been through hell already and, unfortunately, this ship would not be her redemption. I would do what I could to raise her from perdition, but my powers were limited. “I’ll return shortly with bandages for your wrists and some fresh clothing. If you need anything, please ask.”

“Could you bother the cook for some honey?” she asked demurely. “For my wounds.”

“Honey? For your wounds? Are you sure you’re not a witch?” I chuckled. Cook was going to think I’d gone insane. “I’ll try, but I make no promises.”

“I’m not a witch,” she grumbled under her breath, holding strong in her convictions. I turned to look at her one last time before locking her safely in her room. I couldn’t decipher if she was happy to have avoided a fiery death, or contemplating throwing herself overboard. Her life here onQueen Anne’s Revengewould not be an easy one. And I feared Teach would destroy her before I got what I so desperately wanted.

Katherine was still soakingin the bath when I returned. Her blonde hair was piled high atop her head. Damp tendrils framed her beautiful face. Her cheeks were flushed from the warm water, lending a seductive glow to her already ethereal features. Before I could utter a word, Katherine stood, leaving me speechless. Water glistened as it ran over her voluptuous curves and my jaw dropped. Despite her bruisedframe, her body was perfection. A beautifully sculpted masterpiece, and she made no effort to conceal it. She had the most exquisite breasts I had ever seen; full and perky. Pink nipples, the perfect shade of blushed rose, were taut with chill. Her waist was tiny, yet soft and drew my eyes down to her ample hips and thighs. I could feel my cock growing hard. I’d never seen such beauty. I shut my eyes and quickly turned around. Temptation be damned. I could not have her. Teach would destroy me just for thinking about it.

“Milady, I… I… I’ve brought you some clothes.” My words stammered as I redirected my thoughts, and thrust the dress behind me.

“Does my nakedness offend you, Mr. James?” Her voice was riddled with seduction.

I chuckled under my breath. “I’ve seen my fair share of naked women. I’m simply offering you privacy. Something you’ll soon learn, my captain won’t afford you.”

“Women’s clothes? I was expecting breeches and a tunic. Does your captain make a habit of collecting women for his pleasures?”

“Teach keeps a ‘collection’ if you will of women's clothing. I’m not sure exactly what he does with them. Sometimes he gifts them to his whores.”

“Whores?” she questioned. “If he has whores, then why does he need me?”

“Because you, milady, are an exquisite beauty and your abilities allow him the excuse of keeping you within reach.”

“You may turn around now,” she sighed. “If I’m to wear this ridiculous gown, I’ll need your help tying my stays.”

She had slipped on her shift. The dampness of her skin added a transparency to the now clinging fabric. Her pink pert nipples were on display, and I could not advert my eyes. The memory of her naked body would forever ravage my mind. She slid on her stays and turned her back to me.

“I’ve had plenty of practice undressing women, but I've never helped one dress,” I confessed as I grabbed ahold of the laces and gave a tug.

“Not too tight!” she pleaded. “I’ve never been a fan of all this… costumery.” She huffed, tugging on the corset, clearly unhappy with the offered dress. “How is one supposed to breathe?”

“I’m sorry you find the clothing unsatisfactory. It is what the captain prefers.”

Katherine turned around, a vision of beauty in a black brocade silk mantua. The dress pushed her large breasts up into a delicious swell that threatened to spill over with each breath. The corsetry accented her generous curves giving her that undeniable hourglass figure. She was pure perfection. A petite porcelain doll for Teach to play with. Jealousy stirred in my heart. She was forbidden fruit, and I longed for a taste. Katherine’s words resonated with me. How was I supposed to breathe when this woman took my breath away?

“Wake up!”

The sound of Edward’s voice outside my door roused me mere moments before I heard a loud thud.

“Ugh!” James gasped, “Captain, I… I?—”

“What are you doing outside of Katherine’s door, James?” Edward chided.“Get up! Before my boot finds your ribs again.”

I laid still, frozen on the floor in fear, silently listening as James let out a painful groan.

Late last night, hours after he’d lockedme into my makeshift prison, I’d heard James clearing his throat. He had been sitting outside my door. He claimed to be keeping watch, that he didn’t trust the crew members. But I got the feeling it was more than that. We sat with the door between us in silence, our fingers entwined for what felt like hours. I found a simple comfort in his presence. Reassurance in the warm caress of his thumb. I felt safe. Enough so that I was able to fall asleep soundly for the first time in what felt like weeks.

“I was just protecting your property, Captain. I heard rumors that the crew was planning a late night break in.”

“My crew knows better than to cross me. This girl will be the death of you. What did I tell you about a pretty face? Get your ass back on deck where you belong. And James.”

“Aye?”

"Don’t let Miss Hawkins keep you from your duties, bo’sun, or I’ll have that title stripped from your position.”

“Aye, Captain.”

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