As the setting sun turned FairnDale to gold and gentle shadows, a stately parade of the gleaming horse-drawn carriages began arriving at the great manor in the center of the city's most fashionable district. Within the glowing candle-lit drawing room, the young host moved about warmly greeting his father's guests: the women in their elegant gowns like brightly colored flowers; the men resplendent in satin and ruffles. The hum of voices and laughter drifted through tall windows thrown open to the starry spring night, the air held the tinkle of a pianoforte and the aroma of succulent cuisine. It was one of those soirees for which the young sir held for his father.
Stifling a yawn, he pasted the delighted smile upon his face, hands clasping behind his back only to stiffen. His father's frosty emerald hues stopped him in his tracks. Dae would only glare at him in return ignoring the throng of women who crowded him.
"Please, say yes Dae. It would be an honor to have you at our tea party," said one.
"Margaret just leave the man alone. Dae how about joining us for dinner tomorrow? We would love it if you would be there," Asked another only to be awarded with a deep rich melodic chuckle from the young marquis. Grasping onto both ladies hands he pressed his pale pink lips upon them.
"Perhaps we shall talk about this later. I must see to my father's guest and have a talk with him. Excuse me," with an elegant bow he walked with an unaware fluid elegance towards the elder marquis, his father. Long wisps of sable tresses cascading down his back in a mere waterfall of ebony.
"Dae," said the raspy cold tone catching his attention while a calloused hand waved him forward. Emerald cold hues gleaming like daggers bore into the young marquis. "I need to speak to you. We have very dire matters that need our looking into."
Dae could only bring himself to nod, walking behind his father towards the spacious office that soon would be his one day. With the soft click of the immense door shutting. Dae turned to his father, the one he despised, the one who murdered his own mother. They had thought him innocent that she had "fallen" down the stairs. But Dae, he knew better...
"What was it that needs our ever so dire attention, father?" Dae asked crisply. He never wanted to be near his father. Schooled far away from home he considered a blessing from God itself. But this was his father his own flesh and blood.
"The Deity just docked today. Once again the cargo was taken." He said casually while pacing about the room, almost as if he were lecturing his son. Silken brown and silver tresses of hair fell about the shoulder's of the elder marquis.
"So you catch my attention just to talk about a boat and a few missing silks? Tell me where is this leading to?" Asked Dae he was growing impatient by the minute. Only to be awarded with a cold glare towards him. Whenever Jafear of Fairndale talked about ships, it lead from one subject to another.
"Not only to the fact that half of it's cargo had been dumped to the sea, and the other half stolen, by that bloody Pirate Jade. Also that you have yet to find a bride." Jafear of Fairndale answered while cold hues stared intently towards his heir. Grasping onto a wine glass as he placed the red alcoholic contents within.
"And so... You shall marry Angela Addison in New York. Your boat sets off for tomorrow. I want no buts."
Dae gaped at his father. His father had arranged a wedding for him behind his back. Still in shock he merely stood there glaring at the old marquis that drank heavily at the alcohol he poured onto the wineglass. His fate had been decided and all he could do was go where ever it took him. Little did he know that soon fate would smile upon him and whisk him away into paradise...
· · · · · · · ·
The continuous thunderous clashing of metal against metal, and muffled shouts echoed within the captain's quarters. Ship's gentle swaying against the waves that clashed against the sides. In but a never ending pattern, which only drove the impatient marquis mad. He should be out there defending the ship La Florencia with the others against the hooded pirates that wore green clothing. Owners of the mysterious ship that had out of nowhere appeared until it was too late, like a shark cornering it's unaware prey until it struck it's deadly blow.
A minute later, they were boarded only for its sailors to protect those within the supposed fastest ship. Even outrun by the mysterious vessel. Dae glanced outside the port hole only to observe the ship in mere awe, sea green all of it, the mast, the body and even the head sculpture of a deity grasping two golden rapiers with stars in her hair. The ship was a marvelous beauty truly like none other he had ever encountered. Inhaling hungrily at the sea air opposing that to the stuffy elegant captain's pine scented cabin.
Turning his back on the port hole and attempting to drown out the muffled shouts and screams, that fueled at his fighting spirit, so tempted to go out there with a rapier at hand and give it all, even if he lost or won. It would be the adventure that he seeked, not a marriage to settle down and produce the heirs his father ever so wanted. What lead him to travel across the sea towards the New World. The stupid ways those of high status always did, chose their children's partners for life. Dae disagreed wholeheartedly with the tradition. Here he was just because of that very same tradition, stuck within the elegantly furnished captain's cabin. Why? Why would he, taught the very art of fencing stuck within the confined and elegant prison? One answer manifested, his father. A scowl surged to his handsome face, at the thought of the very being that he hated with a passion. It was because of him he was in this predicament, heaven forbid Jafear's only heir would be harmed. Sable silken waist length tresses hid the emotions that coursed throughout Dae's face. The impatient handsome marquis started to pace his calloused hands clasped behind him.
Black leather boots clicked softly against the wooden floorboards in which he stood, the silken emerald robe accenting his creamy satin flesh only seeming but liquid, gliding ever so lightly behind him. Sculpted long legs wrapped in ebony breeches, his muscled chest bare teasingly peeking from his robe left undone amidst the chaos.
Emerald eyes so deep in their color observed at the spacious room for the first time since he was shoved within it. His gaze moved over to the bunk bed , neatly made with crimson-colored covers; polished golden lanterns; an arm chair with thick burgundy cushions; a big oak desk with a chart above it; a chess board set up with exotic emerald chessmen; bookcases...Bookcases? What sort of books would a captain like Falkner could possibly be interested in? Shaking his head, it was none of his business. Besides why was it his concern?
That's when he noticed there was no sound, none of the screaming, muffled shouts of orders, clashing of swords, the thumping of boots against the ceiling above him. It was but a calm, those dangerous calms he had read within books, when only danger arose. Now the fear that he pressed down with anger was seeping upwards, in one quick, graceful motion to unsheathe the intricately designed rapier tightening his hold on the hilt. Slowly he rook one step at a time towards the barred door. He had taken cautious measures for his safety barring the door with its lock and the trunk that was at the foot of the bunk bed. Dae was suddenly startled by the violent thundering against the oak door. He wasn't going to let fear control him, his parents already controlled him enough, it was time to take his destiny within his own hands. Besides he was curious as to what happened, did the hooded "ghosts" retreat or were they the victors? Tucking behind his ear a soft silk lock of ebony hair, with the graceful defensive position his body tensed, knowing the door was going to give way any minute.
· · · · · · · · ·
Blake Thorne felt his blood course faster within every vein. A merchant man had suddenly crossed the bow of the Emerald Temptress in the milky mist and, if it was La Florencia as he hoped, that meant his spies had been right for the numerous times they aided him. He went to the hatch to call down softly his husky voice echoing from his pale pink full lips, "Adrian, up here on the double."
Adrian Bradley took the steps two at a time. "Did you spot her?"
"Could be. A square-rigger just crossed our bow, headed east from us. Give me speed Bradley, and I want quiet. Let us see who she is."
"Aye, aye, sir."
As his green-clad men moved stealthy into action, Blake scanned the ivory haze for the familiar outline--three masts, square-rigged, long fine lines, low in the vast ocean azure water...There! There she was, and she had not seen the Emerald Temptress. He held the telescope to his eye, focused on the bow, and felt his heart skip a beat. It was La Florencia. He met Adrian's watchful silver-gray eyes and nodded. Seconds later, a crimson pennant was hoisted.
Swiftly, silently, the only sound the snap of canvas and the slap of wooden oars against the azure liquid, the Emerald Temptress drew closer. She was big, a hundred-toner, and she carried seventy-eight men and fifteen cannons. Blake watched, waiting for the moment when his sweet, succulent prey would realize its jeopardy. When at long last her alarm sounded, like the musical frantic beating of silver bells, but it was too late for her to respond. He laughed a rich, melodic, and alluring laugh echoed from within his throat. It had been long since he laughed in such a way that his honey hued eyes sparked to life. He had her, by God he had La Florencia within his grasp. As his crew pulled on the sea-green hoods that covered the upper half of their faces, he donned his own hood and turned to Adrain.
"Grapnels," he calmly state while staring at his objective.
"Grapnels!" yelled Adrian at the top of his lungs.
Blake Thorne watched the hook sail over the azure waves of sea water and attach themselves to the enemy bow with a sounding thud. The vessels crushed together as if they collided with one another in a mere embrace.
"Board," he said quietly no longer his voice filled with emotions but cold, like a warrior's just when he would enter battle, no regrets.
"Board!" Adrian bellowed.
The pipers and drummers unleashed a sudden frenzy of sound as Blake, rapier drawn, led his men over the rails to swarm, howling in victory, across the La Florencia's decks. Her quaking crew was easily subdued within mere minutes and her seam, nook, and cranny searched. When it was over, half of her cargo, both legal and contraband lay at the bottom of the sea while the other half was transported to the sea-emerald vessel.
"I have saved your cabin for last , Captain," Blake courteously addressed his smoldering counterpart.
"I've nothing to hide," Falkner Hayward lied, he couldn't let his lord's son be kidnapped much less one that could be used as ransom. It would be the death of him, not only that but his vessel would be taken as a punishment for his foolishness and carelessness. "Why waste your time?"
Blake tried the cabin door, his strong calloused hand twisting the golden knob, pale pink lips parted , "Well, well. Locked from the inside. Lieutenant, fetch me the ram."
Four hooded men carried the beam to the cabin and soon the air rang with the thud of oak to oak.
Falkner's face was ashen. He and his lord had already lost a fortune in trading goods with half the cargo stolen and the other half thrown overboard, and now there was no telling what this bastard would do to his lord's son. His only heir mind you, he would be aghast with rage towards him. Especially the young marquis that was hidden within that dreaded cabin. "Captian, for the love of God..." The thudding continued; the door began to give, splintering pieces of it upon the wooden deck, finally giving way, and fell. Falkner had to stall at least until, no, it was inevitable. "Sir, if you have mercy in your heart..."
Blake strode within the dim room, only to barely dodge the tip of a golden rapier, ripping at his green tunic across the chest. Deep honey hues squinted his eyes slowly adjusting to the little light in the room. Dodging yet another attack towards him with ease, the three hooded figures entered the room weapons drawn in attempt to protect their captain, a clash, and another. Then a sudden thud impacted upon the ground no doubt it was the attacker.
Abruptly peering down at the restrained young man that kneeled in front of him, struggling from the three that had outnumbered him. Good god, an angel! The ethereal being of perfect beauty in front of him, deep exotic emerald eyes that gleamed with anger. Emerald embers within those eyes that were so deep in their color. Pale full pink lips formed into a snarl his perfect lined ivory teeth shown. Sable long waist length wisps of hair that silhouetted against the cold salty breeze that entered the confined elegant cabin. Smooth muscled chest...
Blake blinked confused at his own emotions; he had women, true, but none affected him the way the young boy in front of him did. Maybe it was those deep eyes sparkling with anger. He kneeled grasping tightly upon the boy's chin his calloused digits coming in contact with the boy's satin skin. Luckily his hood was still on and his crew did not notice him peering down at that soft mouth that reminded him of a ripe plum.
· · · · · · · · ·
Dae was enraged how dare they attempt to attack him of all people! The marquis... well... soon to be, pulling himself from the arms that held him tightly in place he glanced at the barbarian tall muscled man in front of them. No doubt that was their leader. Damn bastard. His pale lips parted anger dripping from every word spoken, "Let...Me...Go..." Breaking the hold of calloused fingers from his chin.
"What is your name?" Blake asked, entranced with the sweet melodic tone the echoed from the boy's lips, those sweet full tiers he was fantasizing to kiss. Dismissing away all thoughts, maybe he had been too long in the sea, yes that had to be it. It was the only rational reason that he was lusting after the merman in front of him with alluring emerald gems as eyes.
"Release me this instant! I shall not tolerate such ill mannered behavior!" Dae glared, although his scholarly voice curt and proper. His father would hear about this and they would be hanged. That mere thought pleased him very much. In fact, he could see their bodies hanging by a rope that tightened around each of their necks. Yes, that mental image was comforting to the seething marquis. His anger was so fierce that he did not feel the wound on his sword-arm or the crimson liquid that trickled down it. Blake laughed, how preposterous for a captive to demand anything? Throwing back his head laughing, deep easy laughter that was taken up by the three men that still held the boy in place.
Still a chuckle echoing within his throat he asked once more, " You are in not in any demanding situation now, what is your name boy?"
Wouldn't he like to know? Dae sneered, perhaps if he told him his name and that of his father's they would leave him and the ship be to run the other way. Tilting his chin defiantly towards the hooded man in front of him. Emerald hues gleamed dangerously, twin jaded embers flickering with emraged. Pale lips curving into a grin, " My name is none of your concern! And my father Jafear shall be most displeased that you treat me in such a manner." A collective gasp came from the three hooded men that held him. When they heard him speak the name that they dreaded, no not dread, angered them so much. In one quick fluid movement a hilt to impacted at the base of his neck. Dae felt the prick of pain only for the sweet darkness to envelop his senses.
Blake was quietly jubilant. This was his day. Not in his wildest dreams had he ever imagined the windfall like this--having the bastard's son in his hands. Grasping his muscled lean form he took it within his arms, feeling a bit of something sticky on his own clothing. Crimson liquid seeped from where they had wounded the boy he carried. But that didn't stop him from feeling guilty, the anger that seethed within Blake was in fact helping him cope with it. His hidden face observed the unconscious figure within his arms. Sable wisps of tresses silhouetted against the salty hot breeze, the emerald satin robe slightly billowing against it. Pale pink lips parted ever so slightly. The boy was still, too still for his petite form compared to his, perhaps he had hit him with too much force. But what did he care, the angel was a spawn of the devil's loins. How could he be a son to the most vile of creatures was a mystery.
But the image of his little brother's broken body filled Blake's mind, dismissing the feelings and erotic thoughts of lust for the angel that he held. Patrick. A young boy, a boy that radiated purity and innocence, a good boy that had not yet begun to live, had had his back torn open with a lash, and raped in the hands of Jafear. After five years, it still tortured Blake only thinking of it. But then he needed to remember, wanted to until every thing the bastard held dear was gone, and then he would feel as he felt from the loss of his innocent brother. The one he had failed to protect from those sadistic lashings. His eyes over once more looked intently at the boy within his arms. This cargo was for Patrick, he decided. What booty could be more valuable to a father than his own son? And now he was going to break him, humiliate the young marquis as he deemed fit. And that was going to hurt his friend and shipmate more than anything else ever could. Blake's pale pink full tiers curved into a sensual smile, well-satisfied.
Falkner's eyes widened, he had failed in protecting the boy. And he would pay the consequences for it, perhaps he could follow them but that hope was diminished when Blake commanded his men as he crossed the rails of the two wallowing vessels with the young unconscious marquis limp in his arms:
"Slash these sails."
He detested wanton destruction, but in this instance he was not taking the chance of pursuit, however remote it might be. Once his orders had been carried out and his men back in the Emerald Temptress, Blake freed La Florencia of the grapnels.
· · · · · · · · ·
A groan escaped still from the unmoving form of Dae, his throbbing head and aching arm were beginning to take its toll on him. Eyes fluttering open only to hazily glance at his surroundings. His emerald glazed eyes losing their focus every so often. He was in a cabin, two bunk beds much like the other, slightly disoriented he slowly sat up from the bed. Where the hell was he? And how the hell did he get there was still hazy within his mind. Hearing the light squeak of a door or what he thought was a door, the rattling of chains against one another. Raising his head slightly as he ever so lightly touched his forehead to waver the pang of pain. Tilting his chin towards the oak frame. His eyes focusing on the blurry figure that entered.
Emerald hues squinted towards the figure only to see a god before him as the image came into focus. The hooded barbaric leader stood in front of Dae without the green hood. The young marquis could only stare at the breathtaking sight before him. His dark-skinned face with its broad cheekbones and the square jaw, a terrifying study in hard, unyielding maleness. Straight silver-blond satin hair hung to his shoulders, and his blond brows arced above yellow-hazel eyes. His nose was straight, aristocratic; his mouth broad with full sensual lips, yet Dae blinked in mere awe at the blond haired Adonis, and saw the cruelty in them. He forced himself to turn his head away from the barbaric Apollo.
He heard the sharp click of his gleaming ebony boots against the floorboards, then felt the hoodless leader besides him staring him down. Dae tilted his chin upwards in mere defiance as emerald hues clashed with those of yellow so deep in their color, cold and ruthless. Dae hated him for it, for taking him, for bringing him here against his will, he despised him.
"You will be staying in this cabin," he said. Dae could only glance around startled, in fear of only staying within the confined room would drive him mad, he could feel something cold against his neck, emerald hues widened as delicate digits touched the golden metal. A cold chains upon his neck and wrists, but Dae would not yield, he would find a way to escape one way or the other. Perhaps talking to him would waver his decision and take him back to La Florencia. "I think you will find your stay aboard...comfortable," he said crisply. "There is a private privy at the stern to which you will be escorted, you can see that by the chains you will be staying put, the bed is good, the food is fair, and you can-"
"I insist-" he fought to keep his breathing even and his voice calm in order not to scream at him- "that you return me to La Florencia. If you-"
"-you can read anything here, providing you are capable of reading of course..."
He was growing angrier by the second, was this man so daft that he could not hear?! "-if you know what's good for you, you will return me immediately!"
"And you will be happy to know," he continued coolly, as though Dae had not said a word, "that you are permitted to walk on deck for exercise. Only escorted either by me or my shipmate. Oh and by the-"
"Did you not hear me?" Dae cried, his headache was getting unbearable and his anger was escalating.
"- there is no high tea aboard this vessel. You will come with me to the mess hall like the rest of us."
"And whose fault is it that I am aboard this miserable tub in the first place?" Dae glared his eyes gleaming with seething pure hatred and anger.
When he did not answer Dae began to shake with rage. The wretch! The miserable unspeakable, cowardly wretch. May he burn in all of nine hells for eternity for all he cared! Blake should have considered himself lucky to have chained the young marquis. The handsome boy looked like he was about to reconsider getting pulled back by the collar and chains just to strangle the barbaric daft man that stood beside him with hands clasped behind his back.
Blake's face did not reveal the look of contempt within his features towards the young handsome ethereal angel sitting upon the bed. He allowed his gaze to slide suggestively over his captive, knowing he would frighten him. He wanted to frighten him, the pampered, spoiled little brat. His green robe was torn and soiled now, but he was aware of its worth, and for the first time he saw the silver cross dangling from his pierced shapely left lobe. Jafear had kept his son well indeed, he was also going to pay well to have his only heir back in his hands once more.
Blake imagined him in his own bed, a delight he had contemplated ever since he had first set eyes on the boy. He thought of that satiny ivory skin beneath his fingers, beneath his own body, his ebony silk waist length tresses fanned out on his pillow, his mouth pressed to his pomegranate lips and delicate pale rosy buds of his nipples, the light fragrance of vanilla of his soft flesh. He sucked in a ragged breath and picked up a chess piece. What was he doing? He wasn't supposed to lust after a boy, blond brows furrowed at his confused emotions. What was so special about the angel that made him feel this way?
"Why are you doing this? It is said that you don't take captives. And why do you harass my father?"
Yellow-hazel eyes narrowed, still bewildered about his own emotions. "Why do you think that?"
"Because he said so." When he gave no reply what so ever, Dae gave him a look of scorn. "This is ridiculous, you know. If you risk the danger of seizing a vessel and stealing its cargo, why dump half of it? Why not take it all? You are going to hang anyway."
Blake carefully replaced the chess piece on the polished board and picked up a bishop, testing its weight and smoothness within his calloused hand. His intense gaze flickered over to the boy chained upon the bunk bed.
"Perhaps things are about to change," he said quietly his voice sounding like a mere husky purr.
Dae was taken aback by the answer, what was the heartless pirate going to do to him? Would he harm him? Or maybe worse...
"I promise you, will not be-- harmed. You will be returned safely to your father after he pays the ransom I will ask for you." He returned the bishop to its proper place and moved the pawn forward.
"Ransom?"
Dae sat upon the bed each and everyone of his muscles tensed, wincing at his wounded arm he wrapped his delicate digits about it. Of course his father would pay whatever was demanded, but if this man--this looting handsome coward--discovered that his father had more than people knew of. Dae couldn't bring himself to think about it he had to escape whether it be one way or another he had to get away from the blonde haired Apollo. So deep in his thoughts he had not seen the over towering blonde haired Adonis make his way towards the bed where he sat.
Frustrated and bewildered about his own emotions, he was going to prove himself that this was but mere lust and once he had satisfied it. It would leave him alone, yes, it would be gone just as quickly as it had come. Silently, furiously he pushed the boy's body against the bed frame which he was chained to, capturing both his chained wrists and force them above his head. Yellow darkened hues clashed with those that gleamed with terror.
"What in the blue blazes are you doing?!" winced Dae the stinging pain in his sword-arm had increased. He could barely hiss out the words. His breath knocked out of him as his back impacted upon the bed frame of the bunk bed. He struggled, for all he knew this man going to force himself on him.
Blake's long, dark fingers slipped around Dae's throat, caressing it, stroking his full lips before tasting them. It was all he intended, one kiss, but tasting his freshness, he could not let him go. He took his mouth hungrily, and then took it again and again, probing searching its hot sweetness with his tongue. Dae's vanilla scented skin inflamed him further. Damn him! It wasn't meant supposed to be like this! He was supposed to be disgusted himself after it. Then why the hell did it feel so right?
"P-pirate dog!" Dae choked.
Blake saw that his full lips were bruised from his kisses, and the delicate skin of his face was rosy by his own rough skin. Blake’s hand moved gently but insistently over his smooth chest, he wondered if he had truly gone mad. He needed to cleanse himself of this need, and who to do it with than his object of desire.
"I will not harm you."
"Y-you have a strange way of showing it!" He had nearly smothered him with kisses. "Release me this instant you arse!"
"I want you..."
"No!"
Terror swam over Dae, dizzying him. He was going to rape him. He opened his mouth to beg for mercy, but the words would not come to pass his lips. He would never beg a man for anything, much less his captor. He would fight. He would bite, kick, punch... He tried desperately then to free his chained hands, but he gripped his wrist all the tighter, one big hand still stroking his chest. Without warning, his hand slipped between his inner thigh lightly caressing the soft cloth against his skin. His kiss deepened.
Dae drew in a sharp breath, shocked by the gesture, and the dizzying sensation that swept over him. In humiliation he wanted to die. No man had ever touch him, women, yes, but not men, and he would not permit it, yet this man did it as if he owned him.
He tried to twist away form his teasing fingers, tried to desperately wrench his hands from the iron grip above his head, grimacing at the agony on his arm, and free his mouth from his plunging tongue, he was too strong. And the way his body was responding, frightened him. It no longer seemed his own but belonged to a hot throbbing stranger melting beneath him.
Blake raised his head and gazed down at him, his smile mocking. "I knew you'd like it- think of it as your humiliation for what your father has done. And I see you like to struggle. Fine, if it increases your pleasure."
Dae was outraged. "You disgust me."
He kissed the soft hollow at the base of his throat. "And you delight me. Just relax and you will be compensated, believe me."
He could scarcely believe his ears. Compensated? Humiliated? And this is what he thought was a compensation?! The man was truly that daft. "I will kill you. I swear it."
Blake smile was a dazzle of white in his dark face. "You'll have to stand in line. Or you might even change your mind."
"Never!" He shuddered as Blake's calloused fingers grazed through ebony silken breeches.
Blake in mere anger, frustration, and confusion sought out the angel's sweet soft mouth. Dae bit him on the lip. That angered him. Still imprisoning him with his one arm, he grasped his chin roughly between his fingers and thumb jerked his head upward. He felt him shudder underneath him.
"Y-you're hurting me!"
"Sir"-his voice was filled with menace-"don't ever bite me. Not ever. Is that understood?"
"You were hurting me, p-pawing me. And you are holding me for ransom." His voice was high and childlike. "Am I expected to dance for joy?"
His words stung. Pawing? For him it had been a heady experience. His senses reeled with the taste and feel of him. Certainly no other women had ever complained, but then again this wasn't a woman at all. But definitely the opposite.
The flicker of compassion he felt for him faded as quickly as it had come. This was Jafear's son, a spawn of his enemy, he was already sullied. His heart was as dark as that of his father's he was sure. A devil in sheep's clothing. For the saying went 'like father like son.'
"You are loathsome," Dae snapped. He made a great pretense of brushing his touch from his clothing and flesh with the emerald scarf wrapped about his waist. "Ugh!"
Blake laughed at his childishness. He did not answer as Blake pushed himself off the bunk bed. Dae answered to his laughter with a sullen glare. He continued to scrub the damp imprints of his mouth from his lips.
Chuckling lightly. " We will eat at eight bells. I will stop by for you." Dae did not answer. "Do I make myself clear?"
"You need not bother. I will not be hungry."
"Suit yourself."
· · · · · · · · ·
He had disposed of his robe minutes before, pulling off his boots he dropped them carelessly beside the bunk bed. He sighed while staring at the wooden ceiling. His delicate digits interlaced behind his neck only to grimace. Wondering, what misfortune was ahead of him. The pillow was clean and fluffy, the robins egg blue blanket was surprisingly soft. He pulled it up under his chin, sighed again, then yawned. Leaving on his breeches in order to leave something to protect him from the lustful captain of the ship. He was right, the bed was good. Dea had not yet noticed it from all the chaos even though he had laid on it. He didn't even realize how exhausted he was until now...
Dae was sleeping, lulled by the ship's rocking motions, when a noise awakened him. hearing a thump and a soft oath, he sat up wincing as the chained pulled at him slightly, holding his breath. The fevered burning on his sword-arm throbbing. Someone was in his room moving about in the dark! He screamed.
"There is no need to screech," he said in a deep husky voice. "It's only me."
"You!"
There was a click as a port window was opened, and then another. In the silvery moonlight that flooded the room with its silvery blanket, Dae saw that he was naked. Bronzed arms and legs, broad shoulders, a hard muscular smooth chest, silver-blond hair on his- Oh, God. He pulled the blanket over his head.
"What are you doing here?" His voice was muffled.
"What am I doing here? Hell, this is my cabin."
"But-"
"No buts."
Dae sat there, furious, before finally lowering the blanket just enough to peek at him. He found him glaring at him. He had donned a black nightshirt that stopped mid-thigh.
"You dare tell me that we are--sharing this room?"
"You dare to tell me you thought I was sleeping on deck?"
"I-I will not have it! Simply impossible." He remembered his hungry kisses his mouth and hands moving over him earlier. Dae's mouth went dry at the mere thought. He knew that even if he protested he would just be ignored either way, so what was the point? Laying back down he let the crystalline tears he had not shed ever since he was little flow freely in the darkness as he traced the golden collar on his neck, like some animal, some prized possession. The dreaded Jade's uneven breathing coming from the second bunk on the other side told him that he was as wakeful as he was. Dae did not intend to sleep, for what if he came to him this night?
"Are you awake?" He asked softly.
Dae could not remain silent. "Have you ever slept chained to a bed?"
"As a matter of fact, I have."
"Doubtless you deserved it!"
Blake smiled in the darkness. What a sassy little wretch he was, chained to a bed, carried he knew not where, and able to give him an answer like that. By God, he was braver than a lot of men he knew. He hadn't heard that Jafear produced any sons much less one as unique as the one beside him.
"What is your name?" Blake asked gently.
"You have taken my freedom and now this, this final humility..." He fingered at the chain on his neck and choker. "I will die before I tell you my name."
His chuckle was so deep and easy. "There is hardly any need for so drastic measure since I much prefer you alive."
Dae pressed the pillow against his ears and pulled the blanket over his head.
"I will call you Cearo. If you have no objection, that is."
When there was no answer, not even an outraged sputter, Blake took a deep breath. He had never expected to find an ethereal seraphim he had ever seen aboard La Florencia. He had placed all beautifull women in fairy tales short. Guinevere, Isolde, Aurora, and Queen of the Dawn seemed but just beautiful women come beside the boy with the looks of a seraphim. He dested Blake. And all he felt for him was hunger and hostility--and a little admirations for his bravery. Hell, he had thought of the little wretch enough for one night; it was time to get some sleep. He turned onto his side, his eyes barely making out the humped form on the other bunk.
"Goodnight, Cearo," he said softly.
"Dae did not know he had spoken. He was contemplating silently, the pillow and blanket still pulled over his head.
· · · · · · · · ·
When Dae awoke, he despaired to discover that he had not been dreaming. The nightmare had happened. He had indeed been stole from La Florencia by pirates. His eyes went to the other bed. It was neatly and tightly made, not a wrinkle in sight. There was no evidence anywhere that Jade has slept there the night before. Pulling at the chain around his right wrist hoping it would give way. Dae had to find a way out of this. One way or another. Emerald eyes glared at the chains, grimacing at his aching left arm. A pout forming at his lips. Stupid chains. He thought only to hear a noise, he raised his head towards the door.
Jade stood in the doorway, filling it. He wore faded green breeches, a cropped sleeveless shirt, and a now-familiar scarlet band around his silver-blond hair. As his mocking yellow gaze drilled through him, Dae returned it with disdain. Pirate dog! He thought heatedly. Greedy, lawless, renegade! And then he remembered the night before--his long-limbed, powerful body; his polished skin gleaming in the silver moonlight and shadows, contrasting with the silver-blond hair that hung over his shoulders.
A rosy hue came to his cheeks while attempting to hide his flamed face with sable silken layers of hair. He would find a way out of this mess one way or another. Even if that meant death, he would gladly kill. And when he would be freed. He was going to carry out his own revenge against the silvery haired Adonis...
It seemed forever even as Dae stared into those bottomless yellow depths. They almost looked golden burning with an uncertain emotion. Blinking at him almost as if he were out of a daze as those pale pink sensual lips parted.
"Come and eat," he said without preamble,"The mess is on."
Dae rebelled at the command in his voice," Do you never say please? Oh and by the way have you forgotten that I am chained to the bloody bed!"
He still looked like an ethereal angered nymph, Blake thought. The muscled smooth satiny chest; his wide darkened lashed eyes the color of a blue-green cavern in the sea; that mane of hair falling to his slim waist, the color of night on a starless sky, a velvet ebony.
He caught his breath. His wrists which had been so white, so soft, were now red and raw from the metal golden bracelets he had forced on him. He felt like a damn barbarian. But only for an instant. With three long strides he was on the bedside an instant turning the small key on the golden bracelets upon his wrists and neck.
"Most of my men are below so I suggest you use facilities now. I will wait here for you." Dae left without a word, his eyes hurling green fury at him, rubbing the ache from his wrists. He returned shortly within his very mind forming a plan of escape.
"Am I ever to have bathwater?"
His gaze trailed insolently over Dae. " I suppose I can spare it-it should rain before the day is out. Now, let's get going." He stayed planted to the wooden floorboards, arms akimbo even with the wound upon one of them. "Look," he said," either you eat now or you wait till the next mess."
"I am sure that is exactly what is it- a mess." He lifted his chin. " I will forgo the pleasure, thank you."
Chuckling, Blake folded his arms, lounged against the oak door frame, and studied his furious face.
"You're starving. Hell, your stomach sounds like a jungle in full cry. I can hear it from here. Never say no when you mean yes," he paused a mocking grin curled upon those very pale rose lips,"milord."
Dae blinked, taken aback by his crudeness. His stomach was most certainly not growling, but he had caught him off guard with his last words. As a child he had learned the hard way never to say no when he meant yes. It had been one of the headmaster's rules. But this was different. How could he possibly face all those ignorant cut throats merely to soothe his empty stomach? Besides, they would believe the very worst had happened to him during the night with the lustful pirate.
"Make up your mind. Are you coming?"
Dae gave him a quelling look. "You cannot possibly imagine how much I despise you."
Seeing that he was yielding, Blake grinned down at him. "I'll let you show me sometime. Maybe even tonight..."
Dae lagged behind him to where the whole crew sat eating at tables. To a man, their avid eyes bored into him. They almost looked at him with such lust, he was beginning to reconsider.
"I-I've changed my mind. I am going to go back to the cabin."
Blake grasped his arm and forced him across the room. "You Sir, are going to eat."
The whistling and applause was deafening, and Dae's whole body burned with humiliation and shame. It was as he had known it would be: they thought he had taken him in the night...
Blake seated his captive and held a hand up for quiet. Seeing his anger written within those golden depths, his crew hushed, waited.
"There will be a flogging at four bells," he said. "Be there."
Dae lifted frightened eyes to his face and tried to suppress the panic rising inside him, threatening to smother him, to stop the very beating of his heart.
"I'm-to be flogged?" He whispered harshly no longer his voice sounding much like his own. "I knew you hated me, but I didn't realize how much. Why? Will you at least tell me that?"
Blake was astonished. He looked down at him, white, pinched face, then threw back his head and laughed, turning every head in the mess.
"Flogged? You?"
Dae lips quivered although he tried to suppress it, "I don't find it amusing you sadistic bastard."
"Sir, sir..."
He shook his head at the thought of a cat o'nine lashing his lean satiny man's body. No, it was not at all amusing. It had been bad enough to himself and for Shane, both of them lean, hard, and strong, but for the ethereal nymph...
"I would never have you flogged," he muttered. "Why would you even think it?"
“Because you hate me.” His melodic voice was faint. “And y-you are cruel, It would make a fine sh-show for your men.” He stared at the table his raven waist length tresses hiding his white-face.
“God’s death!” An ugly heaviness was spreading through him. That he could think him capable of such a thing! He leaned forward, his voice intense. “ I do not hate you, and I have not meant to be cruel.”
“You have taken my freedom and separated me from my ship. What did you do to them anyway?”
“They are probably repairing their sails at this moment.” Blake smiled, seeing that he was calmer and was looking about the room with curious eyes. Dae stared. He had a dimple in one corner of his mouth and seemed a different man entirely when he smiled.
“Here ya go, Sir, Cap’n...” A seaman deposited two heaping platters before them. “Ya both needs to keep up yer strength, I figger.” Pinned suddenly by Blake’s icy golden eyes, he added hurriedly, “Rigors o’ the sea, Cap’n. Rigo’s o’ the voyage is all I means. No offense sir.”
“Move on mister.”
Dae pretended he hadn’t hear the rogue’s uncouth words. He focused his attention on the delicious-looking fare on his plate and proceeded to disgrace himself by eating everything in sight. When a second helping was brought to the table, he ate that, too. He was so absorbed, he did not realize Jade was watching him.
“I’m glad it was edible,” he drawled, seeing that Dae had polished off every scrap.
He wiped his mouth on his scarf and gave him a cool gaze.
“It was adequate,” He simply could not thank him, even though it had been excellent.
Adequate? Blake thought. The little liar. The food on Jafear’s tub was as bad as that on most sailing vessels-moldy infested with weevils-while he himself made sure his men had only the best. He got to his feet.
"Let us go."
Dae rose in silence and shook the crumbs from his breeches. This time there were no shouts or whistles, for the mess was empty. The men were on deck. He disregarded their insolent stares and concentrated on staying upright on the Emerald Tempress plunged through choppy seas. He could well imagine the howls and hoots if he were thrown into Jade's arms.
Giving a polite bow to Dae he said gravely, " I have work to do, aside from that, you are free to come and go at will, remember someone will keep a close eye on you." With those words said he strode away.
Dae ran after him, "Wait!"
He stopped scowling down at him, "Yes?"
"I really do need some bath water. I mean, look at me." He did. He looked at him with such insolence that Dae could have punched his face. He lowered his voice to a harsh whisper. "That was uncalled for."
"My men will bring your bathwater," he said coolly.
"Good," Dae answered, equally cool and more determined than ever not to thank him for anything.
After a short exercise on deck he planned to have another during eight bells. Dae hurried to the cabin. How wonderful to luxuriate in a tub of lovely warm, fragrant, bubbly water. While he awaited for it, he would make his bed, and-
Noticing a bucket standing inside his door, he went over and peered into it. It was half full of ice-cold water. His bathwater? He wondered, horrified. It was. Such disappointment rushed over him that he wanted to take that bucket on deck and douse the first man he saw, preferably Jade. Of course he did no such thing. He knew that, unpleasant as it would be, he could get himself just as clean with a cupful of ice water as with a tubful of hot water. But damn the man! He had done this on purpose.
Dae lifted the bucket only to grimace, his wound once more began to sting. He would clean it, lifting the bucket to a chair, barred the door, collected soap, sponge, and towel, and began to stripping off his breeches. Oh, that horrible man was going to pay dearly for his discomfort!
Blake and Adrian stood at the rail scanning the horizon.
"Strange," Blake said, his eyes narrowed against the glare on the water. "Not a cloud in sight, but I still don't like it. I smell trouble."
"Your nose must be damned good, man,"Adrian replied. "There is nothing out there that I can see but a slight shift in current. Any changes you want me to make?" As second in command, he was navigator and in charge of setting sails.
"Keep her as is for now, but I want an alternate route plotted. At this time of year, the weather can be unpredictable." They were headed for his cabin for the charts when Blake stopped remembering. "Damn! The wretch is taking his bath."
Adrian whistled. "I wonder if he closed the ports."
Blake grinned. "They're closed." He rapped on his door. No answer. He rapped again. Still no answer. Damn.
"I need to come in for a minute," he shouted.
"No," his voice was small and muffled. "You absolutely cannot come in."
"Damn it, man, I need my charts. I will count to five and then I am coming in. Cover anything you don't want seen with a blanket." At his curse Blake exchanged a grin with Adrian. "One...two..."
"Bastard!"
"...three...this door better be unlocked...four..." There were scurrying sounds, and the bolt slid back. "...five...ah, very good. Wait here lieutenant," he told Adrian.
As Blake entered the cabin, the aroma of his lavender scented soap and damp male flesh filled his nostrils. He was sitting on his bunk bed a blanket wrapped around his waist his porcelain digits curled upon his wounded arm, doubtless glaring at him. Blake did not look to find out. He needed a clear head for plotting this new course, and his scent alone was a powerful aphrodisiac. At that instant, he knew he was going to have him. Within the hour he would have him. He had waited this long to quench this lust for the ethereal nymph. Tucking the charts under his arm and made for the door, eyes straight ahead.
“Thank you,” he said crisply.
“You are not welcome,” Dae snapped.
Dae finished his cold, unsatisfying bath in a high temper, thinking that Jade was the most demanding, arrogant, bold, high-and-mighty man he had even encountered. And the handsomest. Dae blinked confused at his very own emotions. Where the hell did that thought come from? He could only blame it on him as well. But at that thought he felt a warm stirring within him. He would not. The man was a criminal, handsome or not, and he, for one, was looking forward to his capture and punishment. Oh, he had so far to fall...
He searched wildly knowing that his trunk were brought within the room for something suitable to wear in order to go on deck. Finally finding what he desired, ebon skin tight breeches, ebon vest. He thrust his bare feet into his leather boots and was brushing his hair, unable to see clearly how he looked in the tiny mirror, when the door opened. Dae glared at the tall intruder.
“Will you ever learn to knock?”
Jade went back out, closed the door, and knocked.
Dae felt foolish. “Now you’re being silly. You have already barged in after all.”
He came in. “You’re mighty hard to please.”
“You will never please me.” Emerald pools widened as he closed the barred door. “Wh-why are you doing that?”
He did not answer. The golden eyes moving over him holding a look he had seen in only woman when they wanted him. But never that look in a man, his heart began to race.
“I-I am going on deck...” When he shook his head and closed the ports, Dae cried, “Indeed I am!”
“No.”
Dae flew to the door, but he was too late to slide back the bar. His arms went around him; his lips pressed against the side of his throat. Dae struggled trying to prevent his big hands from possessing him. He force Dae’s arms behind him.
“Ten minutes ago you were furious with me.”
“This is now.” His voice was silvery and harsh.
Blake kissed the delectable curves of his lean muscles, ran his fingers over his lean arms, and traced the outline of his swanlike throat. His breath quickened. God, there was nothing more delicious than a newly bathed sweet smelling fragile beauty.
Dae yearned to kick him and bite his mouth, he remembering his white-faced fury the last time he had resisted, he dared not. This was a man who thought nothing of seizing ships, or abducting heir, or flogging men.
“You tempting little wretch.”
Dae twisted his head sideways as his lips sought his, Dae’s thought bordering on the hysterical. He was going to rape him. This time there would be no escape.
“Please...”
Dae’s mouth was taken in a harsh kiss. As he was lifted of his feet and crushed brutally against the steely length of his body, plundered his mouth again and again, his manhood thrusting hard against him as he carried Dae to his bunk. Blake tumbled him into it, tore the scarlet band from his silver-blond hair, and stripped off his shirt. His horrified eyes could not help but see the muscles moving smoothly and powerfully beneath his bronzed skin, broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, his chest covered with an inviting mat of silky silvery-blond hair. He was an Apollo. But he was also a selfish, uncaring, lustful savage, and he hated him.
“You said you had never raped and never would!” He cried.
“It will certainly not be rape. Now be quiet.”
“I will not be quiet,” he exclaimed as Blake stretched out besides him. “Rogue! Bastard!” He pulled him into his arms. “Dog! Dog of a pirate! Miserable pigeon-livered hound!”
Laughing, he took his sensual luscious mouth again, but Dae was shaking. He was furious and more frightened than he could ever remember being, for all was lost. Everything that mattered to him in life was about to be stolen-his honor, his pride, his future...For how could he go to New York, a broken man?
The answer was that he could not...