A Hidden Queen

Chapter 49

Joe's eyes quickly adjust to the low glow of the hanging lanterns swinging overhead. She licks her lips, gazing about the dark musty room. Her body lurks with the swaying deck forcing the young woman to plant her feet firmly. An indignant humorous scoff tickles Joe's ear shifting her attention to the far back corner. Joshua Jackson leans against the hull roaming his eyes over her body. Joe shivers uncomfortably as he grins lustfully digging his fingers into his hips.

"Joshua." Joe greets hiding her discomfort.

Jackson knuckles his forehead, continuing his intensive stare. She stills the grimace twisting her features diverting her attention to James. He stands beside Jackson, scowling darkly.

"James." Joe offers cautiously.

James scoffs, snarling at the young woman. The light brown eyes snap to Pierre closing the door. It gently clicks shut filling the small room with an odd tension. Pierre sighs heavily coming to stand erect behind Josephine.

"That is not who I asked for Lieutenant." James states coldly.

Jack inhales sharply, opening his mouth to offer a liable excuse for this blunder. James quirks an eyebrow as Jack fumbles for the dying words. Jack groans irritably, snapping his mouth shut. He throws his hands heavenwards; the pale blue eyes darting between James and Joe. Joe chuckles in amusement placing her hand on her hip.

"Maybe not. But it is I who you have now." Joe answers for Jack.

"Take her back." James commands. "And bring me the boy like I asked."

"I do not think so." Joe states, stepping towards the man. "See you may want Adean, even desire to bully the boy down here. But you are not getting him James."

"You are in no position to be making demands." James seethes. "I want that boy, not you."

"Why? Scared of someone who can fight back?" Joe challenges.

James tenses frowning darkly. He pushes himself away from the wall striding over to Josephine. She recoils stilling herself from stepping away. James' brown eyes examine her face, cupping the side of her cheek. Joe bits her tongue as he drags his finger across her bottom lip. A forceful whine escapes Joe's will as he snatches her chin squeezing it tightly.

"Fine. If you want a taste of what is to come than I will accommodate your whims."

"Sounds like fun." Joe mocks.

James scoffs, releasing her chin. Joe jerks her head away smirking at the much older man. He clasps his hands behind his back gazing up at Pierre.

"You may go lieutenant." He sneers.

Jack hesitates, glancing down at Joe. She smiles reassuringly, showing off a full set of white teeth. Jack sighs heavily, slouching his shoulders before retreating. James huffs through his nose with the click of the door. He begins to circle the young woman, peering over every bodily member. Joe quirks an eyebrow, sighing irritably as he passes for a third time.

"Are you trying to make me dizzy?" She sasses.

James stops directly behind Joe standing erect. Joe glances at him out of the corner of her eyes, holding her breath as his face falls into an even deeper frown.

"Why?" He deadpans.

"That's a loaded question." Joe scoffs.

"Why?" James seethes a second time.

"James you're going to have to be more specific."

"Why are you here?" He hisses out.

"Oh, well that is simple. It's because ye see I feel we have unfinished business from earlier."