Bloodtide

Part 10

"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist," John said, trying to stifle his laughter.

I sighed, but couldn't help smiling despite myself. "He's like my best friend. That's all."

"Got it," John replied, his tone more serious now.

I nodded, grateful for Henry's friendship and support, especially in the absence of others. It was a bond forged through shared experiences and mutual trust, one that had sustained me through difficult times.

"So if you're not in love with him... then perhaps I have a shot," he flirted, his tone light and teasing.

I scoffed at his advances, shaking my head with a smile. "Not a chance."

He abandoned the wheel and sauntered closer to me, prompting me to retreat to the edge of the boat rail. "That would never in a million years happen," I scolded, trying to maintain a serious expression, though a hint of amusement flickered in my eyes.

John chuckled, undeterred by my rejection. "I'm a fun time, dear... most women love me."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "You keep telling yourself that."

He leaned against the railing beside me, a grin still tugging at his lips. "Come on, you can't blame a guy for trying."

I shook my head, laughing despite myself. "You're incorrigible."

He winked and straightened up, returning to the wheel. "Can't fault a man for having confidence."

I glared at him, disgusted by his thoughts. 'You are a pirate and I a lady... have some respect,' I snapped.

" I am a man," he replied firmly, his voice tinged with both defiance and a hint of amusement.

"We have needs," he continued, lightly touching my arm as I stared deeply into his eyes. "I'm sure you also have them."

I smirked to myself in disbelief over his behavior, but I couldn't stay shocked. Like he said... he's a man.

I lightly tugged on his shirt, straightening it out as it exposed most of his chest. My hands glided across it carefully as I maintained sharp eye contact.

"So what are your needs?" I whispered, batting my eyelashes as he smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

"This took a turn... I expected you to shout at me," he laughed softly, his tone tinged with surprise and delight at the unexpected flirtation.

"Tell me," I asked again, running my fingers carefully along his chest, teasing him with a deliberate touch that sent a shiver down his spine. His breath caught slightly, his gaze locking with mine as he struggled to find words amidst the rising tension.

He swallowed hard, his amusement now mingled with a growing desire. His hands found mine, gently tracing circles on my palm as he leaned closer, his voice low and husky.

"My needs..." he began, his words trailing off momentarily as he searched my eyes, "they're simple yet complex when it comes to you." His thumb brushed over my lips, a gesture filled with both tenderness and longing.

"But we just met," I spoke back, my voice tinged with hesitation.

"I usually know what I want pretty fast," he replied, lifting a curl from my hair to grip my neck. I can't lie and say he's not a smooth talker.

A shiver ran down my spine as his touch sent a wave of heat through me. "And what is it that you want?" I asked, trying to keep my composure.

His eyes locked onto mine, filled with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. "You," he said simply. "I want you."

"Do you tell all your women this before you bed them?" I whispered, my voice tinged with sarcasm as his grin grew stronger.

"Only the very special ones," he answered smoothly, his confidence unwavering.

"I'm special now?" I asked, leading him on further as my fingers gracefully played along his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my touch.

"Are we going to waste time talking or head downstairs? It's just you and me, love," he smirked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

I leaned in closer, my lips brushing against his ear as I whispered, "You must think you're irresistible, don't you, Captain?"

He chuckled softly, the sound reverberating through his chest. "I don't think, Ella. I know."

I pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze with a playful smile. "Well, let's see if you can back up those words," I said, my tone challenging.

His smirk widened, and he took a step closer, closing the distance between us. His hand reached out, gently but firmly gripping my waist, pulling me towards him. "Oh, I intend to," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin.

The air between us crackled with tension, a mix of desire and defiance. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, and for a moment, I was tempted to give in, to let him prove his claim. But a part of me resisted, unwilling to fully surrender to his charm.

"Before we go any further," I said, my voice steady despite the racing of my heart, "I have one more question."

He arched an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "And what's that?"

"Have you ever felt pain?"

John laughed at my question, a deep, hearty laugh. "No, not really," he answered, the arrogance clear in his tone.

A smile played on my lips. Leaning in closer to his face, I let my eyes bore into his. "You'll be the last person I ever want," I sharply stated.

Before he could react, I kicked him hard in the balls. He doubled over, groaning in deep pain, his hands instinctively clutching his groin.

His eyes widened in shock and agony as he tried to catch his breath. "Fuck...," he gasped, his voice strained.

I could hear his startled groans behind me as I ran down the stairs to the cabin door, leaning against it to catch my breath. My heart was racing, adrenaline pumping through my veins. I hadn't expected to feel such a powerful attraction, nor had I anticipated pushing him away so abruptly. But something about him unsettled me, made me question my own resolve.

I paced the room, replaying the encounter in my mind. His confidence, his touch, the way he looked at me—it was all too much, too soon.

How dare he presume such familiarity? His audacity left a bitter taste in my mouth, a stark reminder of the dangers lurking beneath his charming facade.

Inside the dimly lit cabin, I paced back and forth, trying to regain my composure. The encounter replayed in my mind like a relentless wave crashing against the shore. His words echoed, taunting me with their implications.

As I stood by the small window, gazing out into the moonlit sea, I resolved to keep my distance from him. He was a cunning man that I still couldn't figure out completely.