This was sheer madness...

Sucking in a shallowed breath, she jerked her gaze away and tightened her eyes shut.

She should have stayed in the cave and waited for his return. 'But stubborn inquisitive young girls always find themselves in trouble' ...Nana Josephine would chastise her.

She woke up and did not find him there. So she went in search of him and found him... waist-deep, bathing under the waterfall.

And got her truly first good look at him.

After a moment's hesitation of shamefully admiring, then generously absorbing the rest of him, she was frozen to the spot.

A flush of heat settled on her cheeks as she blatantly stood there eyeing his bare muscular back; rippling and flexing with his movements. She nibbled nervously at her bottom lip as he turned and tilted his head back to let the water fall over him. Her gaze fell over his sculpted chest and broad shoulders. Her eyes widened further as he stepped out from underneath it and landed on the thick, silky trail of dark hair just below his navel that slid down beneath the water's surface.

"Take your time, lass," the deep richness of his voice, warmed her like the rum she drank a few days ago; dark and hot as it slid down into her belly, settling there nice and warm. She forced her gaze up to his face. The sexy grin that formed on his lips was as sinfully gorgeous as the rest of him.

"Would you care to join me?" the tight low rumbled invitation was laced with something sexual....forbidden as he casually stepped closer.

Strangely breathless and still awkwardly staring at him, she shook her head and managed to squeak.

"No," faintly.

She would not dare.

"Then stop looking at me like that, lass." he drawled.

"Like what?" she frowned with confusion.

"As if I were somethin' yer wishin' to taste."

Stunned by his words, she looked up, he flashed a devilish smile.

His gaze raked over her, lingering on parts of her leaving heat where his eyes fell.

She gasped and stumbled back and looked away. His husky laugh resonated through her.

She bristled with his taunting laugh and for that, he would pay dearly.

Her temper flared and those pouty red lips thinned. It dazzled him into silence when she turned to face him and she stepped close then picked up his belongings and held them above the water. Immediately he stood there with a stern look.

"Don't you dare," he warned.

Challenging blue orbs darkened to match her own as she stretched out her arms with his clothing and boots dangling over the pristine water.

"Tempest?" a muscle worked his jaw.

She remained in that position daring him.

 "Lest you don't want to be draped over my knee and your derriere severely reddened, I suggest you obey....Put. it. down," he hissed.

He sang victory too soon as he watched the conflicting battle in her gaze and the nervous shiver. But......

He should have known better to not provoke her. He realized it too late as his clothing floated past him and his jaw clenched while he watched his boots sink.

He stared at her for a long moment in silence, admiring and marveling at her unmitigated measuring look.

Pure defiance.

If not blinded by her temper, she should have seen it coming. She was totally unprepared for his next move. Sleek like a panther he slid out of the water. Her eyes held his and widened as his nose flared. But before she could turn to run, arms tight like steel wrapped around her waist. He held her in his arms suspended over the crystal clear surface.

"Tit for tat, remember that love," he growled. Her gasp was cut short as he tossed her in the water.

Her mouth opened in an extended shriek, then released a soft, stunning exhalation of air as she broke the surface.

Immediately, strong arms wrapped around her again and he pulled her close. With firm but gentle, relentless pressure he held her close. Her world tilted precariously right side up as she was led beneath the heavy pelting waterfall. Parting like a curtain and suddenly behind it in a dark cave, gently she was pressed against the wet wall.

His sparkling blue gaze glittered with amusement and sexual heat that he made no effort at disguising. He held her there in silence. She said nothing. He said nothing. As their breathing calmed, he moved closer.

"What am I to do with you?" He cupped her chin in his hand tilting it up to look down at her. Gone was the feisty look, the temper tantrum, and the sauciness. The expression in her eyes of curiosity and worry looked just as breathtaking. He had found himself completely drawn to this delectable creature with a backbone. He realized it more now than ever as he held her so close.

His gaze slowly dropped to her lips, remembering their last kiss. Pouty and alluringly red they beckoned for his touch. Staring into his darkening eyes, her breath quickened and a shiver ran down her back.

He ducked his head before she could utter a word and tasted her. She was soft, enticing, and sweet as his tongue probed deep into her mouth. He savored the scarce friction of her body against his as he pressed her further into the wall pinning her to it. A groan escaped him as she tentatively melted into him and boldly probed his mouth in return. The deed of her innocent exploration was scorchingly intense and erotic. He loved it.

One hand braced the jagged edge of the rock at her side while the other cupped her bottom pulling her -oh -so close to his hardened member. He ground his hips gently into her, mimicking the sensual age-old dance of love. Like music to his ears, her response undid him completely. Moving soft and slow, lulling her into him, he was aware of the fabric that protected her. But for how long?

The sweet dulcet sounds she made increased the slip of control that stretched his sanity to its breaking point but he would go further. He pulled away slightly pulling her legs around his waist. Lost in the haze of his passionate web, she did not protest as he pulled her blouse over her head. She dared not cover herself as his gaze darkened and settled on her breasts.

Logic, reason, and awareness had vanished from both their minds as he lowered his lips to her now tightened bud and lavished it with tender assault. Tiny rivulets of water from the fall lapped at her heated skin as he caressed her and buried his lips in her neck and nibbled gently at her leaping pulse.

She dove her fingers in his hair and tugged it with a breathless moan as he pressed his hips into her. He pulled away slowly admiring the glassy haze of lust in her beautiful eyes. He stared at them with smoldering intensity. She clung to him as he held her against the cool rock. They said nothing. The rippling water echoed around them. She swallowed hard and held his gaze as she felt him lower his fingers into her breeches.

The urge to protest at such a daring move, evaporated when his fingers met their prize. The gasp and look of wonder in her eyes pulled a groan from him. She was exquisitely hot beneath the swirling cool water. He watched her shiver with his touch as he glided his fingers along her softness. He lowered his mouth slowly, carefully, never breaking eye contact while he stroked her with gentle care and claimed her lips when she moaned with pleasure.

Don't ruin her, you idiot. But that's exactly what he wanted to do.

He wanted her release, he wanted to spread her legs wide and slide inside of her. He wanted to claim her for himself.

The constant battle continued in his mind. But he shook it off.

He couldn't fathom the idea of those idiots within society. One of those popinjays. Pleasuring her like this. She deserved much more than the insipid life of confined society. She was a spitfire that rubbed him in all the right ways. A true English beauty baring the temper of the sea and scorching heat of the sun, will never sit well with the Ton. She was wild yet tender, a compelling combination if he'd ever beheld one. She needed passion, adventure, and life. She was made for him. The interesting concept made his body come alive.

His kiss deepened. Possessively. His fingers sought her pleasure. Relentlessly.

A twinge of guilt pricked his conscience ebbing on the desire coursing through him as he swallowed hard and pulled away to look down at her. Those beguiling eyes filled with lust, innocence, and trust slowly fluttered shut as he gently pressed his fingers into her. Terrifyingly, he realized what he was about to do was going against what he swore not to do.

Take advantage of her. Taking that decision away from her. She had no place in his life. He was a Pirate at sea on a ship filled with men.

Her glistening, deep blue-green eyes met his and for a moment he lost himself in their depths; and would have continued had not her eyes cleared with reason and the raucous laughter of his men coming close stopped him.

He held her gaze that now turned to panic and she covered herself. Reluctant to pull away, he turned in search of her blouse relieved it had floated to a rock. He helped her into it. Her cheeks flamed red with shame that she looked down as he stood back and watched her.

His unsteady deep voice broke the silence. "Stay here until I lure them away, return to the cave, build a fire and stay put until I bring you dry clothing," he ordered in a gentle tone.

Sadly, she nodded her head. He wanted to pull her into his arms. Tell her what they did was nothing to be ashamed of and it was not wrong. But he couldn't as the voices came closer.

With one last glance and cursed under breath, he dove under the cascading water and ordered them to return to the beach.

She stood there numb with shame for letting things get this far. It wasn't until she heard no more voices that she left the water and continued her way to the cave. Her mind was filled with confusion as she wandered slowly. He did something to her. The sad part is that what he'd just done instantly aroused her and she wasn't sure if she was upset at him for doing it or at herself for enjoying it.

Conflicted emotions held her in place as she continued on barely noticing she walked an unrecognizable path. She trembled slightly still feeling his touch and his kiss. No amount of space or time could change what she did moments ago with Justin.

She felt so confused.

As her surroundings grew, she suddenly noticed it started getting dark. Alarmed, she looked up noticing she was not going the right way. She frowned looking around the eerie ominous wooded area. She turned slowly looking around. She walked slowly towards an opening of canopied palm trees into a clearing.

Struck with fright as she stepped forward, a sharp snap pulled her around to face the head of a carcass on a stick before her. She let out a blood-curdling scream that could be heard across the island. Then continued screaming as she looked around at the horrible things around her.

********

He had emerged with his men towards the beach. None in question to his order as they talked amongst themselves in happy reverie and jests as he changed into dry breeches and a shirt.

His mind was everywhere else but with him, as he walked slowly towards a large fire and bent on his haunches to liven it up. He would give her space he thought.

He turned in time to watch the men in boisterous laughter assist another hauling a net filled with fish to be cleaned and cooked.

"Cap'n?" Bellamy called to him.

He turned to look at him and his gaze lowered to the pile of folded clothing. It was large enough to see it was not only for him. But for her as well.

With a lifted brow, he reached for it. A narrowed gaze towards the man was returned with a knowing look that he was not alone by the waterfall. His loyalty with the years he has been with Justin was indication enough that he

Satisfied with their silent agreement, Justin stood and gave a watchful glance at the distance near the trunk of a fallen palm tree that held his chained prisoners. All nine of them.

Bellamy stood at his side and followed his gaze."We brought them ashore to air out the holding area. Harold is cleaning it and will be done tonight."

With a curt nod, Justin looked at them stretched out on the sand, bound hands and feet. "Give them plenty of water and food. I don't want death on the waters, it will be a day or two before we get to Tortuga. And make sure you keep them shackled." he ordered.

"Aye cap-" he began but stopped the moment he heard a scream.

Alarmed, Justin turned in the direction of the bone-chilling screams. Without hesitation, they all broke into a run through the thickened forest.

Years of logical thinking escaped him as he dashed through the trees shouting her name. His men with cutlasses drawn followed him.

Another scream overpowered his senses as he frantically looked around and saw nothing but palm trees. "Bloody hell where is she?" he demanded as they followed him in a confusing circle.

He stopped. He needed to clear his mind. Now was no time for mindless searching. "You four go that way," he ordered the group to his right.

"You two go this way, if you find her bring her towards the beach." Aye cap'n they shouted before one tossed him a cutlass in the distance and he was off in a run with the few left to follow him.

His heart slammed in his chest as the screams came closer but the area grew darker. On alert, his eyes looked everywhere as he walked closer. He stepped into the clearing and froze in place at the horror.

He looked to his side and his heart sank to his stomach. Tempest stood with her fingers over her eyes trying not to look at the heads on the sticks surrounding her. She had triggered a trap somehow.

"Easy," he warned his men behind him outstretching his arms. He pointed to the line of entwined rope near a pile of leaves. His heart shook as he followed it up in the distance to a boulder that hid behind more leaves.

"Tempest, lass," he said carefully. And immediately raised his finger in warning to stop her from running toward him.

She shook terribly and wept. She was filled with fright looking at the head to her side.

"Look at me, love," he urged with a comforting smile as he carefully raised his hands towards her.

His eyes deadset on the trap filled with spikes by the wall where she stood, he gratefully thanked the saints that she did not set it off. Bracing himself, he stepped where the ground was clear of leaves.

Now, nothing but two strides away from her, he looked at her. "Love? Listen. There are traps all around," he pointed to the two he found. And watched as she followed his fingers.

Teared-filled eyes mirrored dread as she hugged herself. 

"You're going to have to squeeze between the two heads, sweeting," he watched as she frantically shook her head before a breathless sob escaped her.

His chest slowly tightened with the way she stepped back. His heart grew to dizzying thumps as sweat trickled down his back.

"Be brave for me lass," he begged, holding out his hand. "You can do it," he insisted.

He held his breath and watched her step slowly sideways inch by agonizing inch between gory-looking heads on sticks. "Easy," he whispered holding out his hand.

His gaze trained on where she stepped. Patience grew to horrible anxiousness with her every step.

Relief was evident on her face as she finally stepped through. Ragged breaths escaped her as she stood there looking frantically everywhere. He called to her once more. She trembled furiously where she stood. Her skin prickled and crawled with what she was enduring. Her vision blurred with tears as she focused on his fingers in the distance that shook.

Her demise was only a bad step in either direction and it frightened her terribly. She watched his men that stood at a safe distance but he inched closer. Worry, fright, and panic were evident in his eyes. "Carefully Tempest, walk to me," he urged.

She lowered her gaze to the ground covered in leaves. Where does she step? Where is it safe? She looked up at Justin that stood waiting. Worried glances all around. Her breaths labored and her head feeling light she needed to run across.

...

The horrified look in Justin's eyes will stay with her forever as he shook his head and told her

Time stood still as she bounded quickly across the leaves towards him. His heart lurched with the first snap and twang. His soul left his body with the first swoosh of a spear sailing past them as she toppled into his opened arms and he took her to the ground with him.

"Get down!!!" he shouted as everyone dropped to the ground for cover to watch in shock at a distance all the traps go off.

Cocooned in his arms protectively, he held her sprawled beneath him as the last twang of a rope in the distance dropped a boulder where she stood. They lay in quietness. Nothing but their heavy breaths and thumping hearts could be heard.

One by one his men stood dusting off leaves and coughing up dust then dusting off dirt from their shoulders. He lifted his head and uncurled himself from her. He looked down at her and brushed away her wild tangled hair from her face. Relieved that she opened her eyes, he caressed her cheek.

"Bloody hell!!! Don't ever do that again," his voice shook, he frowned shaking his head. Cerulean blue eyes peered into hers with concern and worry.

"Are you alright?" he held his breath.

Eyes wide and glossy but open all the same looked up into his. "Yes," she whispered sweetly. He exhaled and drew in a shuddering breath with relief shaking through him and shut his eyes tight pulling her close against his chest.

He looked up to his side and noticed his men still standing by. " Tell the men we leave immediately. We need to get off this island before one of them trips another one of those death traps," he clenched his jaw.

They answered and turned away quickly. He lowered his gaze to her once more. So much swirled in their depths: fright, trust...gratefulness. He framed her face in his warm palm that surprisingly still shook. He stood and pulled her safely into his arms and carried her towards the beach. He felt a swelling of relief within him as she rested her head against his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck.

With the harrowing events that just occurred, a raw emotion roared through him.

It was inexplicable.....

An undeniable primitive emotion that superseded everything around him.

An emotion he dared not name.

....COMMENT ye landlubbers..