My feet burned as I ran faster than a hurricane. I knew Dirk didn't have much time. I cleaned my tears and looked from one side to the other, wondering if an acquaintance would see me crying. The last thing I needed was to give my crew and allies reasons to think I was a damsel in distress. Tears didn't make me weak, but the men who worked for me probably disagreed. I won't lie, pretending not to care about certain things was extremely hard. Unfortunately, I didn't see Maartje or Laurens anywhere, so I'd most likely have to rescue Bosch on my own. My only hope at that moment was Gálvez. It would be impossible to break into a British prison alone, so I needed his help. I hoped he was still in the tavern. I smiled when I saw Miguel hadn't left... I couldn't believe it! Why would he wait for me? Perhaps I had misjudged the Spaniard.

Taking a deep breath, I approached him. Gálvez grinned once he noticed my presence. I have to admit he had a fantastic smile. I could stare at that smile all day long... Anyway, I got distracted for a moment.

"I need your help," I sighed and bit my lower lip as I remembered Dirk's horrible situation. "The Navy captured Dirk. We must rescue him from jail before he's executed!"

Gálvez laughed softly, which made me purse my lips. There was nothing to laugh about! That wasn't a joke and I couldn't waste any time. He gazed upward, seemingly thinking. I wouldn't stop looking at him... Did Spaniards have some kind of weird magic that attracted women? If yes, Miguel was no exception.

Miguel widened his eyes, "Really? Let's warn our crew and get out of here before they catch us then!"

I stared at the Spaniard... and it wasn't because of his stunning eyes and perfect face. Had I gone crazy, or he'd really considered leaving without Bosch? That was simply unacceptable! I controlled myself not to yell at Gálvez.

I raised my brows, "Are you insane? We can't leave a man behind!"

"I can find a captain that is less unstable and aggressive than Bosch to work with us," Miguel caressed my hand slowly while sighing. "He isn't worthy of your affection, Eva. Please, don't risk your life because of him."

I shook my head in denial. There was no way I'd leave Dirk to die. I frowned, wondering why the Spaniard would say those things about Bosch. Was Miguel indeed worried about me, or he just wanted to protect himself from danger? What if he was jealous? No, a guy that could have any woman he wanted would never care about me... right? Anyway, at that moment, I wanted to believe Miguel only wanted to save his own skin.

"Cut the nonsense!" I pulled away and glared at him. "You're only worried about yourself, Miguel."

Miguel sighed and downturned his head. I bit my lower lip, wondering if he'd realized I was right or if he'd gotten upset. If El Dorado liked me, he had a rather weird way to show it. Abandoning allies wasn't exactly appealing to me.

"This isn't true! You're special to me," Gálvez pressed his lips together while getting closer. "I just don't want you to get hurt. Especially because of someone who doesn't deserve it."

I looked away for a brief moment. Miguel kept gazing at me as if he wanted to say something that he couldn't. The Spaniard caressed my other hand, giving me a weird shiver of pleasure. For a reason I didn't understand, I held Gálvez's hand as if I never wanted to let go and looked deep into his eyes. I shook my head in denial to wake up. No, I couldn't fall into his trap... was it really a trap? Or I just didn't want to feel anything? God, I was so confused.

I took a step back, "One man less could make a lot of difference when we fight the Navy. We're at a disadvantage already and losing an important ally could cost us greatly."

"I know many pirates, so you can rest assured that I'll find us a new ally," Gálvez took a deep breath and raised his brows. "You must let Bosch go. He's violent and explosive. Trust me, it's only a matter of time until he starts treating you with disrespect."

Maartje also told me that about Dirk. Should I be worried?

I shook my head in denial and laughed nervously. How could Miguel have said such an absurd? God, I wondered if he would've left me to die as well if the Navy had captured me... Besides, I disagreed with what the Spaniard had said. Bosch would never be disrespectful towards me. However, Gálvez was the second person that warned me about Dirk's behavior already. What if Bosch's instability ended up hurting me? At that moment, I couldn't care less. I had to rescue him from danger.

"I'm going to save him," I clenched my jaw as I left the tavern. "With or without you."

Before El Dorado could say anything else, I walked away. My legs trembled when I remembered I'd have to break into a British prison on my own. Luckily, I had been in the Cayman Islands before, so I knew where they kept the prisoners. My sweating increased at each moment that passed by. Trying to remember every fighting lesson I'd ever had, I was determined to destroy as many enemies as I needed... Actually, I'm just trying to show off. I was terrified. The only thing that calmed me down a little was running into Maartje. She was walking with Francis, which she sometimes did when we docked.

My cousin scowled, "Where are you going, Captain Storm?"

"Dirk... I mean, Bosch was captured by the Navy. He will be executed soon," I chewed on my lip once I remembered the injuries the British had left on the redhead. "I need your help to rescue him."

Maartje downturned her head, seemingly thinking. I ground my teeth. How long did she intend to stall? Dirk's life was on the line! I couldn't take too long to rescue him... What if he died because of his wounds? My chest ached just with the thought of it.

"I'll go with you," my cousin raised a brow, "but do you seriously want to risk your neck to save one guy?"

You too, Maartje?

I rolled my eyes. Even though she had a point, I couldn't let myself abandon Bosch. I didn't know if Dirk would invade a prison for me, but I didn't care. I was determined to do that for him.

"Without him, we don't stand a chance against the British!" my eyes bulged as I tried to explain my point. "We can't afford to lose allies when we're facing such strong enemies."

"Although that makes sense, I know you too well to buy that," Maartje crossed her arms and decreased her tone of voice. "That's not why you really want to rescue him."

I frowned and hoped I didn't blush, "Of course it is!"

My cousin raised a brow, "You care for Dirk Bosch, don't you?"

Shaking my head in denial, I looked away. Francis cocked his head, appearing to be analyzing me... God, I hated the idea of feeling something for Dirk! It was something so strong that scared me.

"Plus, I think Dirk and Miguel like you! Miguel's incredibly sweet while Dirk's a little too angry, but the choice is yours," Maartje took a step closer and giggled. "I'm sure you'll pick the guy that's best for you. This is so exciting!"

I bit my lower lip, "If Miguel really liked me, he would've come to rescue our ally with me instead of leaving the poor man to die."

My cousin rolled her eyes and shook her head in denial. I frowned, wondering why she'd done that. What was happening to Maartje? God, I thought she'd be on my side! The Spaniard wouldn't have stayed in that tavern if he indeed felt something for me, right? Anyway, I was utterly confused at the moment.

"Can't you see that's exactly why Captain Charming refused to save Captain Acid? Because he has feelings for you? Gálvez just wants to get rid of the competition!" Maartje widened her eyes and chuckled. "Honestly, I don't blame him. If a woman wanted the man I liked, I'd gladly leave her in prison."

"You're unbelievable!" I laughed. "Anyway, we should leave and..."

"Wait!", a familiar voice said from behind.

I gawked once I turned around. Francis barked and wagged his tail, seemingly happy. Although I felt stupid for it, I controlled myself not to smile. Miguel breathed fast as if he'd been running. Although Gálvez had a moment of jealousy in the tavern, he came after me... I couldn't believe it! Perhaps he cared more than I'd thought.

"I meant it when I said you're special to me, Eva. I'm really sorry for my attitude," Miguel sighed and took a step closer. "Voy a ayudarte. Let's save Bosch together."

Maartje smiled at me as if she wanted to talk without using words. I took a deep breath, still surprised that the Spaniard had admitted to his mistake. For a reason I couldn't understand, I felt a warmth in my chest. I'd always admired people who apologized when they were wrong... Swallowing the pride and admitting an error isn't something everyone does.

"I'm glad you came," I crossed my arms. "I forgive you on one condition..."

"Of course," Gálvez nodded. "What can I do for you?"

I smiled mischievously, "You'll teach me a new bad word in Spanish for each British guy you defeat."

"That I can manage," Miguel chuckled. "I just don't know if I have enough of them to teach you."

Maartje grinned, "If you run out of bad words, I can say the ones I know in Portuguese."

The three of us laughed loudly... What? I couldn't miss the opportunity to tease Miguel! Anyway, Francis followed us as we walked towards the prison. Three pirates and a dog versus a bunch of British guards... could that work? I hoped so. At least my chances of rescuing Dirk had increased a little. A terrible headache tortured me while I wondered if Bosch was indeed where I thought.

A long walk later, my cousin, Miguel and I arrived at our destination. We discussed a plan along the way and, hopefully, Maartje and Gálvez would follow my lead. Two men were at the gate. I approached them slowly, but they didn't even blink. Francis examined them as if he tried to decide which would be the best place to bite.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," I smiled at the British guards. "Where can I get uniforms like yours? They're so pretty..."

One of them laughed and analyzed me. I was terrible at flirting, I know, but I was out of options! Besides, I just needed to distract them for a short while.

"I'm afraid they aren't available for everyone, miss," the guard on the left said, frowning slightly.

"That's so disappointing..." I smirked and tilted my head slightly downward. "Why don't you let me try yours then?"

The same guy blushed, "I don't think that will be possible."

I whistled and Maartje struck the guy with her cutlass. Miguel did the same with the other man. Yes, I'd done that to give my cousin and Gálvez enough time to get behind the guards. Although the guard on the left tried to defend himself from my cousin, she quickly punched him until he fell to the ground. Gálvez punched the other man in the gut and then in the face, leaving him unconscious. Both guards were no longer awake. I grabbed the keys from one of their pockets and opened the heavy doors with Miguel's help.

Maartje sighed, "I really hope all British prison guards are bad at fighting..."

"Me too," I bit my lower lip, "Remember: we must keep at least one guard alive to find Dirk, so avoid killing."

Miguel nodded, "Aye, Captain."

I swallowed hard while I analyzed the dark place we entered. I suddenly felt nauseous and a terrible headache. Although there were some fire torches close to the stone walls, I couldn't see very clearly. My legs trembled as I looked from one side to the other. The only thing keeping me calm was that the prison didn't appear to be massive.

Francis barked loudly. When I was about to tell him to stop, four British guards approached me. Maartje and Miguel reached for their cutlasses. My dog growled in anger.

"Could someone tell me where Dirk Bosch is?" I pointed my broadsword at the men. "Or will I have to get the information the hard way?"

They ignored me, so the fighting began. Francis bit the legs of a man once I gave him a signal. The loud metallic noise of swords colliding made my ears hurt. I wasn't paying much attention to Maartje and Miguel, but they didn't appear to be wounded as they fought their opponents. I stopped my opponent twice from injuring my neck and struck my blade against his left shoulder. He winced and put down his sword. Francis bit the man's hand, making him drop the weapon and scream in agony. I punched that guard so hard in the face that he crashed against the wall.

"You're a good boy, aren't you, Francis?" I caressed my dog. "I should've brought you to fights more often!"

Francis barked as if he agreed. I took a deep breath as my second opponent approached. Maartje defeated her first guard, so she was also about to fight her other one. Miguel had defeated three men in a few seconds... yeah, he was much better at fighting than I thought. My new enemy was much faster than the first, which made me sweat more. His blade tore a piece of my coat. Guess what? It was my dark purple one! I'd have to fix my favorite coat again...

The man attempted to hurt my waist, but I dodged and plunged my broadsword into his left thigh. Groaning in pain, the guy trembled. He tried to strike a blow to my shoulder, but I blocked him and kicked the sword out of his hand. At that exact moment, Maartje defeated her opponent. Miguel struck his blade against his enemy's waist and stabbed him in the stomach, making the man flinch and fall on the ground. Since my opponent could barely move, I grabbed him by the neck. I put my broadsword back where I kept it.

I pointed my cutlass at his chest, "Take us to Dirk Bosch's cell! Now!"

He laughed, "I won't do anything for you, bit..."

"I wouldn't finish this sentence if I were you," Gálvez pointed his pistol at the guy. "We won't ask you twice!"

The British man's eyes bulged, "Fine! Follow me."

Sometimes these idiots only listen to a man...

Miguel smiled at me and I returned the gesture. After Gálvez helped me with the stubborn guard, he suddenly got even more attractive... Don't look at me like that! It's just the truth. Anyway, the Spaniard put down his gun and I pushed the guy forward. Although I no longer had that guard under my control, I could easily attack him if I had to. A few prisoners stared at me as I passed by. Some of them seemed inoffensive, but others had the creepiest gaze. When we turned right, I gulped. Six more guards waited for us.

"Bosch's in this hallway," the man laughed cruelly. "There are a lot more guards where the dangerous criminals are kept, so good luck!"

He escaped and the other guards approached us. Bosch was neither in the cell on the left nor in the one on the right. I clenched my jaw, wondering if Dirk was in that hallway at all. A guard attempted to cut my neck with his sword, I dodged and kicked him between the legs.

Luckily, the three of us managed to defeat the first few guards quickly. Besides, Francis bit their legs repeatedly to make them fall. I have to admit that my dog could be very useful sometimes. Unfortunately, he didn't have the same success with my third enemy... The guy kicked Francis before the poor dog had the chance to attack! Our swords clashed so often that I wondered how my blade hadn't broken.

I dodged a blow, "At least Sven didn't show up..."

Since my words had power, I thought the snake would rise from the ashes at that instant, but he didn't. The British man kept attempting to slice me with his damn sword. He left a wound on my right thigh, making me flinch as it burned. The only ones left standing were me, my friends and my opponent.

I glared at the guy, "Alright, I've had enough!"

I left a major wound on his waist with my cutlass, making him wince. The guard attempted to attack me twice, but I blocked him. When the guard was about to attack me again, I punched him in the face and kicked him between the legs. I whistled and Francis bit his hand. The man screamed and let go of the sword. I grabbed his neck with my arm and squeezed it.

"Stop resisting!" I pointed my blunderbuss at the guy's head. "You will take me to Dirk Bosch's cell."

He nodded, so I let go of his neck. I felt dizzy and nauseous, probably due to my distress and extreme physical effort. The man gave me the keys to the cells after taking Maartje, Miguel and me to the hallway's end. Dirk was lying on the ground with wounds on his entire body. His coat was almost entirely torn and his cocked hat was on the floor. I felt my eyes getting wet.

Great! Now I'm crying!

When I opened the door, Maartje knocked the British man unconscious. Dirk woke up once Francis licked his face multiple times. The redhead looked from one side to the other, apparently startled.

Bosch blinked fast, "Eva? Is that really you? Am I dreaming again?"

"Behold your lady in shining armor!" I smiled widely and got closer to him. "Wait, did you just say I'm in your dreams?"

Moving slower than usual, Dirk took my hand. I helped him get up. Catching me by surprise, Bosch hugged me tightly. I gawked and returned the embrace. My body got warmer than ever as I felt him. I closed my eyes and sighed, feeling every second of that affectionate gesture of his.

Bosch hesitantly moved away, "I didn't think you'd be crazy enough to come here."

I winked when we both left the cell, "Never underestimate my craziness."

Dirk chuckled and put his hat back on. We kept looking at each other for a moment. Maartje cleared her throat and Miguel rolled his eyes. I'd completely forgotten they were there for an instant.

The redhead narrowed his eyes at Gálvez, "What the hell is he doing here?"

Miguel grinned sarcastically, "It's good to see you too, Bosch."

"You two will have plenty of time to fight later," my cousin sighed as she looked at Gálvez and Bosch. "Now, we need to get out before more British guys show up."

"As usual, my cousin is right," I pressed my lips together. "Let's go!"

Dirk, Maartje, Francis, Miguel and I walked fast through the hallways. I couldn't understand how that happened, but we managed to leave the facility without fighting. We hid every time the guards appeared and they didn't spot us a single time. While we escaped, I couldn't stop worrying about Dirk. My heart was beating so fast that I thought I'd collapse. To not feel worse, I avoided looking at the redhead's wounds. Although I was relieved that I'd rescued Bosch, he needed someone to quickly take care of his lesions. Despite not knowing much about aiding injured people, I would do my best to help him.

****

Author's note:

Foreign words/expressions in order of appearance:

Voy a ayudarte