Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤14. Anita

The ship rocked gently as the sea breeze swept across the deck. Stephen and Maria were sitting in the captain’s quarters when the sound of heels clacking on the wooden floor interrupted their moment of quiet. Anita, dressed in a lavish emerald gown that accentuated her figure, appeared at the door with a grin that held far too much meaning for Maria’s liking.

"I’ve come with exciting news, Captain," Anita* said, her eyes sparkling as they lingered on Stephen. "I’ve secured us an invitation to the Governor’s Ball in Kingston. A perfect place to sell those rubies, don’t you think?"

Maria stiffened in her seat, glancing toward Stephen, who had straightened with interest at Anita’s words. The idea of attending a grand event like that excited the pirate in him—danger, intrigue, and profit all wrapped into one night. But Maria could feel her chest tighten.

Anita's gaze flicked toward Maria. "Of course, if you think you’ll enjoy it... though high society can be a bit overwhelming." The condescending tone in her voice didn’t go unnoticed.

Stephen’s eyes darkened slightly as he looked between the two women, sensing the undercurrent of tension. He smirked, clearly entertained by the subtle rivalry, and leaned back in his chair. "A ball, is it? A fine opportunity to sell my wares." He spoke as if Maria weren’t even in the room, his attention drawn to the rubies and the potential deal.

Maria clenched her jaw, feeling Anita's unspoken challenge. She could almost hear the unspoken words between them: Can you keep up? Maria felt insecure, uncertain about where she truly fit into Stephen's life, but a deeper, darker feeling had begun to gnaw at her—the jealousy she hadn’t wanted to admit.

                                ✺

The decision was made, and the days spent sailing to Kingston were tense. Anita hovered around Stephen like a vulture, always finding reasons to speak to him, touch his arm, or brush too close. Every smile she flashed in Maria’s direction was dripping with smugness. Maria, to her own surprise, felt a possessiveness rising that she had never expected.

Stephen remained cold and distant toward Maria, still wounded from her earlier rejection. His vulnerability, the things he had confessed in the heat of their intimacy, felt thrown back in his face when she hesitated afterward. The crack in his armor had closed quickly, replaced by gritted teeth and hardened eyes.

On deck, Maria and Anita shared a rare moment alone, standing by the ship’s railing. The sea stretched endlessly before them, but the silence between them was fraught.

"You must be quite proud of yourself," Anita remarked, her voice laced with false sweetness. "Married to the infamous Stephen Bonnet. But do you think that paper means anything to a man like him?"

Maria's fists clenched by her sides, but she forced her expression to stay neutral. "It means enough," she replied, her voice low. Even as she said it, uncertainty gnawed at her. Did it really? Could she hold him through marriage, or would he always remain untethered, drifting wherever he pleased?

Anita laughed softly, the sound grating against Maria's nerves. "Let’s hope that’s true. For your sake."

                            ✺

The Governor’s Ball was a grand affair. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the sea of elegantly dressed guests. Music filled the room, mingling with the low hum of conversation and laughter. Stephen, in his finest attire, was the center of attention, with many eyes drawn to the mysterious pirate who had somehow infiltrated their society.

Anita, dressed to impress in a shimmering gown, stayed close by his side, whispering in his ear, touching his arm. Maria stood across the room, watching from a distance, her heart pounding in her chest. The jealousy she had been trying to suppress since Anita’s arrival had bloomed fully now, twisting in her stomach.