Love Aboard the Priam: Chapter Eleven

Disclaimer: I am not Stephanie Meyer. I do not own Twilight.

Chapter Eleven

Penn’s POV

Two days after leaving the Priam

I swirled the whiskey in my glass, glancing around at the unsavory characters only found in The Rolling Swine. Lifting the glass to my lips, I eyed the barmaid as she passed me, her breasts fully exposed above her dress. Most of the barmaids within these walls wore such gowns, seeking a large tip. The young girl serving myself and Laurent wore only a skirt, leaving her entire torso bare. If I wasn’t certain she had already been taken by many other men, I would steal her away to my ship. Life had been rather dull since Victoria’s death. My other women were not nearly as well trained.

Just thinking of the way she had bred out at my feet had my dick stirring and I ached to see her pale body covered again in the deep red color. Her death had been the most erotic one to date. The way her blood deepened the bright red of her hair, her bright green eyes staring at me in utter fear and betrayal, could still drive me mad with want.

“More whiskey?” a girl offered.

“Aye,” I grunted, holding out my glass.

This girl wasn’t our server and I smirked as I noticed the tell-tale blush that spread over her when she realized Laurent was staring at her breasts, his hand moving under the table. This one hadn’t yet been taken.

And she was a red-head.

“Tell me your name, my dear,” I insisted, taking the refilled glass from her.

“Heidi, sir,” she answered, blushing deeper as she stared at the floor.

“Heidi. A beautiful name,” I murmured, taking her hand and kissing it.

“Thank you,” Heidi mumbled, shifting uncomfortably.

“Why don’t you sit with us for a moment. I’m sure your feet are sore,” I tisked, pulling out a chair for her.

“I really shouldn’t,” Heidi hedged, eyeing her boss.

“I’m sure he won’t mind, just so long as we pay you for your troubles,” I assured her.

“You would pay me just so sit with you?” Heidi asked, clearly suspicious.

“Of course. A beautiful lady such as yourself shouldn’t be on her feet. She should be pampered and cared for,” I insisted.

“You are too kind,” Heidi blushed, but took the seat I offered her.

“I am Captain James Penn. This is my Quartermaster, Laurent,” I introduced.

“Hello,” Heidi nodded to Laurent.

He simply grunted in response, though his hand had stilled.

“So, Heidi, how long as you worked at The Rolling Swine?” I asked politely.

“This is my third day,” Heidi answered shyly.

Gods, that blush was driving me crazy. I wanted to see her body painted red while I fucked her.

“You are doing surprisingly well for such a newcomer,” I informed her.

“Thank you,” Heidi smiled slightly.

“Would you care for something to drink, my dear?” I asked, already waving our server over.

“We’re not supposed to drink on the job,” Heidi protested weakly.

“Nonsense. You cannot sit here and not have a drink. Please, I insist,” I urged, ordering her a glass of strong whiskey.

“I really shouldn’t,” Heidi tried again.

“I insist,” I repeated as her drink was placed before her.

I managed to convince her to sit with us for quite some time, gradually increasing the amount of alcohol she put in her system. By dusk, she was barely able to stay seated in her chair and had moved to my lap. I was showing her just how much pleasure a woman could receive through her nipples alone when a familiar name caught my attention.

“I’m telling you, we’ve searched everywhere. Whitlock has disappeared. Again,” a man bit.

Ah, one of the Whitlock brothers was in trouble, I thought as I bit Heidi’s nipple. She cried out, her fingers fisted in my hair.

“I am not paying you five thousand farthings for you to tell me he’s disappeared. I want him dead! Otherwise you don’t get your money,” another snapped.

“How am I supposed to find a pirate at sea? If your Isabella isn’t dead already, she’s been made to be his concubine,” the first man growled.

I stopped sucking Heidi’s nipples and brought my fingers up to pinch the taut buds, intrigued about who this Isabella was.

“I don’t care about the girl. I want Peter Whitlock’s head on a pike. He dared take what was mine and I will not stand for it,” the second man practically shouted.

So Peter had finally settled down with a woman. That meant she had probably been aboard the ship when I had last been on the Priam. And Peter had tried to keep her from me.

This just wouldn’t do.

“Keep your bloody voice down!” the first man hissed.

Having heard enough, I transferred Heidi to Laurent, instructing him not to cause her any damage before I returned. He greedily fastened his mouth over her tit, sucking hungrily. She began writhing in his arms and I grinned, knowing she would offer me more pleasure than Victoria ever had.

“Gentleman,” I greeted as I took a seat between the two arguing men.

One was young, not even passed his thirtieth year. His ruffled bronze hair was standing on end, his hand fisted within the locks. His green eyes were clouded over with agitation and I smirked, knowing I was about to make a fair amount of money and get rid of an adversary all in one swipe. He was going to make this very easy for me.

The other man was older, in his late forties with greying hair and dull brown eyes. He was slightly heavy set, easily overlooked in a crowded room. I turned from him without a second though, focusing on the man who wanted Peter Whitlock dead.

“I couldn’t help but overhear your predicament. It just so happens, I know where you can find Peter Whitlock,” I informed him.

“Where is he?” the man asked excitedly, his green eyes wide.

“Ah, ah, ah. I can’t just simply give away his location. However, for a price…” I trailed off, rubbing my fingers together.

“How much do you want?” he asked, still excited.

“I have no use for money,” I replied, waving him off.

“Then what do you want?” he asked, suspicious.

“I want to travel with you and assist in Whitlock’s capture and torture,” I glowered.

“Why?” he asked.

“Because, Peter Whitlock slighted me and killed the woman I loved, right in front of me. I want him dead just as much as you do, but I am bound by certain laws. I cannot,” I sighed sadly.

“I wouldn’t trust him, sir. He’s a pirate,” the other man murmured.

“I am not pirate, I can assure you. I work for the King,” I denied.

“Do you swear on the King’s life that the information you give me is true?” the first man asked.

“Aye. It’s true,” I nodded.

“Welcome to the hunt. I would like to leave first thing tomorrow,” he smiled, holding out his hand.

“I will be here,” I grinned, shaking his hand.

I stood, intent on spending the night with the lovely lady who was currently enjoying Laurent’s mouth on her pussy. Scowling at my Quartermaster, I shoved him aside, straightening out the girl’s skirt.

“You know better than to take such liberties,” I snapped.

“Apologies, sir. I couldn’t help myself,” Laurent panted, adjusting himself in his trousers.

“Come, my dear. I will take care of you,” I murmured, taking her from the table.

“I ache,” Heidi moaned

“Aye, lass. I’ll ease it. Come, Laurent,” I called, walking to our room.

As we walked up the stairs, I imagined all the fun I could have, torturing Peter’s Isabella before him.

Oh, yes. He would beg for his death by the time I was done. And, with any luck, he’d be begging for hers, too.

Bella’s POV

It had taken five days to unload the Priam, even with Peter hiring other men to assist the crew. Last night, as he had crawled into bed with me, he had happily informed me that the following morning would see us leaving for Granite Hall.

Randall and Garrett were assisting in loading the carriage Peter had hired to take us to his home. I stood beside Charlotte, saddened that we were leaving the crew behind in the small town that had grown considerably on me. While the nights were often filled with vulgar activity, the days were filled with laughter and excitement, friends and contentment. I was more than a little reluctant to leave, but the idea of having Peter all to myself was quickly erasing the lingering sadness.

“Ready, mo chroí?” Peter asked, coming to take my hand.

“Of course,” I answered softly.

“You make sure he brings you back soon,” Charlotte instructed, hugging me tightly.

Charlotte and I had spent the last five days together while the men unloaded the ship. She had quickly become a very close friend, listening as I told her about how Peter had abducted me and how I had come to love him so fiercely.

But I could not reveal my plans to her, despite how close we had become. No one could know.

“You will see her within a week, Char, no sooner,” Peter told her firmly.

“I suppose that will have to do,” Charlotte sighed dramatically.

“Keep Garrett out of trouble,” I smirked, squeezing her once more.

“Ha! What fun would he be if we didn’t get into some trouble?” Charlotte grinned.

“Try not to wear the Captain out too much, bantiarna,” Garrett teased, coming to rest his arm around Charlotte’s shoulders.

“No promises, Garrett,” I laughed as Peter wrapped his arm around my waist.

“Come, mo chroí, before they stall us any longer,” Peter insisted, placing me in the carriage.

He was about to climb in behind me when we heard Benjamin shouting his name. Peter turned and stiffened, his hand going to his sword.

“What is it?” Peter snapped when Ben stood before him.

“Ships off the coast. They wave the Isopholy flag. Penn is with them,” Ben reported, panting slightly from his run.

This news clearly worried Peter as his face paled drastically.

“Inform the town and sound the alarm to prepare for battle. We need to get as many away from the town as possible. Garrett, fetch Jasper and tell him what’s happening. Randall, you take Charlotte and Isabella to Granite Hall. Protect them with your life,” Peter rattled off instructions.

“No! I’m not going anywhere without you,” I insisted, jumping from the carriage.

“Damn it, woman! You will do what I say! I will not lose you!” Peter shouted, grabbing my shoulders and shaking them.

“I can help you and you know it!” I shouted back.

“Don’t make me do this,” Peter warned, his face darkening.

“I’m not leaving you to die here,” I glared.

Without a word, Peter spun me around and fastened his belt around my wrists. I struggled, screaming curses at him as he shoved me back into the carriage, Charlotte right behind me.

“Damn you, Peter! Let me out!” I screamed.

“I love you,” Peter murmured, kissing me fiercely.

“No,” I mumbled against his lips, aching to keep him with me.

“Tell me,” Peter demanded, stroking my hair.

“I can’t,” I whimpered, tears streaming down my face.

“Tell me,” Peter rasped, frantic.

“I love you. I love you so much and if you don’t come back to me, I’ll kill you,” I sobbed, wanting so desperately to hold him.

“I promise to come back to you,” Peter vowed before running towards the coast.

Charlotte pulled me back into her arms as I collapsed, screaming for him to come back.

“Hush, honey. He’s going to be fine. They all will be,” Charlotte chanted in my hair, rocking me.

The carriage rocked as Randall urged the horses forward and I realized he really had sent me away. Like a bucket of water had been dumped over my head, my tears stopped and I was able to sit up, think rationally.

“Untie me, Char,” I requested, presenting my hands to her.

I felt the belt loosen and rubbed my wrists as I contemplated what to do.

“Are you any good with a sword?” I asked, eyeing the passing scenery.

“Aye, Garrett and Peter taught me,” Charlotte answered.

“Good. Let’s go,” I insisted, opening the carriage door.

“Are you insane? Peter would kill me if I let you go back,” Charlotte cried, holding me back.

“I won’t stand by while he fights for his life. Don’t you want to be there with Garrett?” I snapped.

“Of course, but it’s safer for Garrett if I stay here. He won’t have to worry about me and he can focus on his fighting,” Charlotte reasoned.

“If he doesn’t know I’m there, he won’t worry,” I argued.

“You shouldn’t do this,” Charlotte tried to reason.

“I don’t care,” I replied, preparing to leap from the carriage.

“Well, I do. And I’m coming with you,” Charlotte decided.

“Then let’s go,” I urged, grabbing her hand.

We leapt from the carriage, rolling in the grass to cushion the fall. I vaguely heard Randall shout and the sound of horses whinnying as he abruptly pulled on the reigns.

“We need to hurry before he catches us,” I hissed, pulling her to her feet.

We took off running back towards town, Randall’s heavy footfalls sounding behind us.

“Do you have swords?” I asked as we ran.

“Aye, in the tavern,” Charlotte panted, her arms pumping.

“We’ll need them,” I told her as we came back into town.

“This way,” Charlotte said, veering off behind the main street.

Chaos had already erupted in the streets and people screamed, crying as they ran for shelter. Canon blasts sounded from closer to the coast. Buildings shook and crumbled as the ground rumbled beneath our feet.

“Here,” Charlotte called, running through a rear door.

We were in the back room of the Savage Rogue. She led me to the far wall and began prying up the floor boards. I quickly went to help her, panting with the effort. Finally, we managed to get the boards up.

“Char,” I gaped.

“I know. Garrett was always worried about invasion. He wanted to make sure we were well prepared,” Charlotte explained, thrusting a sword, two knives, two pistols, and a cutlass at me.

“I need to change. You do, too,” I noticed, frowning at our gowns.

“Here,” Charlotte grunted, prying up another floor board.

She handed me a pair of trousers and a shirt, small enough for a woman my size. I quickly shucked my gown and pulled the trousers on. Just as I was reaching for the shirt, the door burst open and Randall stormed in.

“What the hell do ya two think ya are doin’?” Randall shouted, thunderous.

“Helping,” I snapped, tugging the shirt over my head.

“Bloody hell,” Randall groaned, turning his back to us.

Charlotte quickly dressed as well, casting unsure glances Randall’s way.

“The Capt’n’ll skin me alive if I let the two of ya out there,” Randall claimed.

“No, he’ll skin me alive, but at least he’ll be alive to do it,” I disagreed.

“And what happens if one of ya gets hurt? It’ll be my hide on the line,” Randall pointed out.

“I’m sure you’ll survive,” I scoffed, heading for the door.

Randall’s arm shot out in front of me, blocking the exit.

“Think on this, bantiarna. If ya are killed, the Capt’n won’t survive. Ya will take him with ya,” Randall murmured strongly.

“Don’t worry, Randall. I won’t allow that to happen,” I assured him, ducking under his arm.

Charlotte was right behind me, Randall behind her.

“We stick together, then. If the two of ya can’t be talked out of this, ya stay with me,” Randall demanded.

“Aye, aye,” I saluted, following him into the fray.

We made it to the coast fairly easily and spotted many Isopholy soldiers storming the beach. The pirates met them head on, slaying the invaders ruthlessly. Blood coated the sand and stained the waters as man after man fell.

“Dea-Dia,” Randall breathed, hunkering behind a sand dune.

“There are too many of them,” Charlotte whimpered.

I was speechless, unable to tear my eyes away from the man who was currently standing aboard on of the dinghy’s, impassively surveying the scene.

“I don’t believe it,” I gasped.

“What?” Charlotte asked, following my gaze.

“It’s Edward. Edward Masen,” I told her.

“Your betrothed?” Charlotte gaped.

I nodded, completely shocked as I watched him scan the sands, looking for someone. I watched as he did a double take, clearly finding who he was looking for. Following his line of sight, I sucked in a breath as I realized he was looking at Peter.

“He’s here for Peter!” I cried, moving to scramble forward.

“No ya don’t, lass!” Randall grunted, hauling me back.

“He’s going to kill Peter! We have to do something!” I screamed, struggling to escape his hold.

“Just wait. We need a plan,” Randall insisted, holding me still.

“He’s going to die,” I sobbed, redoubling my efforts.

“No, he won’t. Just breathe, Bella. We’ll get to him in time,” Charlotte assured me, her steady calm helping me to gather my own.

“What if I went and talked to him? Do you think I could get him to call off the invasion?” I asked.

“Possibly. Let’s save that as a last resort,” Randall frowned.

“We need to at least get out there. There are too many soldiers and not enough pirates,” I proclaimed.

“Aye, but remember. We stay together,” Randall persisted.

I nodded and grabbed Charlotte’s hand, squeezing briefly before we hurtled over the sand dune. As we raced along the beach, we cut down as many soldiers as possible. In a matter of minutes, we were all covered in blood, not all of it our enemy’s. All around us, the sound of swords clashing and dying men echoed.

I made sure to always stick close to Charlotte, unsure of her skills with a sword. She proved to be more than capable of holding her own. Somehow, we got separated from Randall, but the two of us remained back to back, taking down anyone who got within sword distance.

“I don’t know how much longer I can do this,” Charlotte panted as she took down another man.

“It’s either keep going, or be killed,” I snapped, thrusting my sword into one man as I threw plunged my cutlass into another.

“I really don’t think I can, Bella,” Charlotte gritted, fighting off another one.

“Keep trying,” I growled, yanking out a pistol and shooting a man a few yards away.

I continued fighting a while longer until I felt Charlotte collapse behind me. Thinking she’d been injured, I spun around to kill the man responsible. I quickly realized she’d passed out from exhaustion, unable to stand any longer.

I stood over her, deflecting any swords and killing those who got close enough. I was fighting off a much larger man than myself when I spotted Ben behind him.

“Ben! Get Char out of here!” I shouted, slipping a knife between the man’s ribs.

Ben jogged over to me, his head bleeding as well as his arm.

“What the hell are ya two doin’ out here?” Ben frowned.

“Just get her out. I’ll cover you,” I ordered.

“You’ll come, too,” Ben insisted.

“Move!” I yelled, kicking him towards her.

He lifted her onto his shoulder easily and took off running. No one even paid attention as he raced her over the dunes and back into town. I turned, fully intending to return to fighting, and stopped short when I ran into Edward.

“Hello, love.”

Peter’s POV

The battle was finally coming to an end. Glancing around the beach, I was pleased to notice there were more fallen soldiers than pirates. None of my men had fallen, but a few had been wounded. A cheer went up amongst the pirates when they realized the soldiers were retreating.

I frowned when they didn’t return to their dinghies, but simply lined up along the shore as if waiting.

“Peter Whitlock!” a voice called.

The men around me all turned, their expressions confused and suspicious. I frowned and started forward, feeling a sense of pride when my men walked forward with me.

As I neared the line, I saw who it was calling for me. He looked vaguely familiar, but my attention was quickly diverted to who he held in his arms.

“Isabella,” I breathed, hurrying forward.

“Ah, ah, ah, Captain. Don’t come any closer,” the man taunted, holding a knife over her throat.

“Don’t! Just, please,” I cried, holding out a hand.

“Drop your sword,” the man ordered.

The sword fell to the sand without hesitation. Isabella’s eyes closed as the sword sank down, a single tear escaping down her cheek. My heart clenched as the sight and I fought to remain standing.

“Now, we’re going to all take a little trip to Hades’ Dagger and have us a little talk,” the man said.

“Anything, just let her go,” I pleaded.

“Oh, no. I think she’ll come along. Don’t you want to come with us, my love?” the man asked.

Isabella didn’t respond, her chocolate brown eyes hardening as he addressed her. When she didn’t answer, he jerked her hair.

“Answer me,” the man growled.

“Yes,” Isabella spat.

“Yes, what?” the man goaded.

“Yes, I want to go with you,” Isabella answered.

“Good girl,” the man cooed, kissing her cheek.

He grinned darkly at me, pulling her along by her hair, the knife still across her throat.

“Come along, Captain Whitlock. Wouldn’t want my hand to slip,” the man called brightly.

“Captain,” Garrett warned.

“See to the men, Garrett,” I ordered, following Isabella without thought.

The man climbed into a dinghy, sitting as far away from me as possible. I took my seat at the front and stared at the knife across my Isabella’s throat.

“Isabella, my love, why don’t you make the introductions? I’m sure Peter is quite anxious to know who I am,” the man suggested, the subtle pressure of the knife against her neck making it a demand.

“Peter, this is Lord Edward Masen of Timilue. Lord Masen, Captain Peter Whitlock of the Priam,” Isabella introduced us.

“You left out the most important part, my love. I am her betrothed,” Edward grinned.

This sick bastard was the man she was going to marry? Vaguely, I remembered seeing him hiding in the Captain’s cabin aboard the Infamy. The idea of that puny, terrified man being the same as the one sitting across from me, knife to my Isabella’s throat, was baffling.

“I should have killed you when I had the chance,” I glared.

“Your loss,” Edward shrugged.

“Why are you doing this?” I asked, hoping he would reveal a weakness.

“You took her from me. She was so pure, so beautiful. Now, she’s used, violated, trash. And it’s entirely your fault. This is simply revenge,” Edward explained.

“Why harm her, though?” I pressed.

“She betrayed me. Besides, Penn is quite interested in meeting the woman you hid from him a week ago,” Edward smirked.

Dread settled in the pit of my stomach. Penn would butcher Isabella, no doubt about it, and he’d force me to watch as punishment for forcing from my ship. It would be kinder to simply allow Edward to kill her now, but I was unable to believe there wasn’t some way to save her.

The remainder of the short trip was silent, my mind furiously working at ways to get her out of this without causing her harm. I no longer cared if I made it out of here or not. My only concern was getting her away from these men who sought to do her harm.

The dinghy bumped against Hades’ Dagger and Edward motioned for me to climb the ladder.

“Any tricks and I slit her throat,” Edward warned as I gripped the ladder.

I closed my eyes as I climbed, hating myself for bringing her into this world. If it weren’t for me kidnapping her, for my selfish desire to have her as mine, she would be safe. As soon as I landed on the main deck, I was grabbed and tied to the mast.

“Welcome aboard, Peter. It’s a shame you didn’t get to visit last time,” Penn greeted me gaily, as if he wasn’t behind this.

Edward climbed over the side of the ship next, Isabella thrown over his shoulder.

“And this must be your Isabella,” Penn grinned.

I didn’t even bother trying to plead for her release. That would only encourage Penn to hurt her more.

Edward set Isabella on her feet, his knife quickly moving back to her throat. Her eyes found mine immediately and the desperation within them physically hurt.

“My, my. Yes, I can see why you hid her from me. She is quite breathtaking,” Penn nodded, moving towards her.

Edward sneered as she flinched away from Penn, cutting a thin line into her neck when she moved.

“Give her to me, Edward. It seems you cannot be trusted to handle such delicate cargo,” Penn tisked.

Edward readily handed her over, grinning eagerly as Penn turned her face one way, then the other, sizing her up. One of his hands cupped her breast, lifting experimentally.

“You have done well, Edward, but you are no longer needed,” Penn decided.

“Wha-“

Before he could finish his first word, Laurent plunged a sword through his chest from behind. Isabella screamed, no doubt at seeing the man she had once planned to marry killed so suddenly. Penn laughed, delighted with her reaction.

“You, my dear, will make a lovely addition to my harem,” Penn smiled.

“Go to hell,” Isabella spat.

“My dear, we are already there.”