Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤25. Rum 🌶

Below deck, the atmosphere was alive with energy. The clatter of mugs and bottles echoed as the crew indulged in the spoils of their victory. Music filled the space, a lively tune carried by fiddles and accordions, each note inviting the men to dance and drink the night away. Plates were piled high with food-rich meats, fresh bread, and tropical fruits taken from Portobelo. The scent of spiced rum and roasted pork blended in the air, adding to the warmth and festivity.

Declan was the loudest of them all, a wide grin on his face as he danced on the table, his boots stomping to the rhythm. His laughter was contagious, the men cheering him on as he kicked over a few mugs, his hat barely hanging onto his head as he moved.

Maria laughed along, her spirits lifted by the wild scene before her. She was swept into the middle of it all when Stephen pulled her into a dance, his strong arms wrapping around her waist. His smile was irresistible, charming and bold, his presence filling the room as much as the music did. His eyes, sparkling with the thrill of their success, never left hers, their gazes locking in a dance of their own.

He twirled her once, then pulled her close again, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "Ye dance better than ye fight." His grin widened as he planted a soft kiss on her neck, sending a wave of heat through her.

Maria felt her pulse quicken, the tension between them thickening with every subtle touch, every playful glance. Her fingers brushed along his chest, feeling the strength beneath his shirt as he held her tighter. His hands moved lower, guiding her closer as he whispered more teasing words, his lips grazing her skin. For a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them-the music, the laughter, all fading into the background.

But before the moment could escalate further, Stephen pulled back slightly, his grin suggestive, promising more for later. "Careful, lass," he murmured, his voice thick with playful intent. "Ye might get more than ye bargained for."

She met his gaze, her own smile coy, daring him. "Maybe I will."

The evening rolled on, with more drinking, dancing, and the wild laughter of pirates who had seen the edge of death and lived to tell the tale.

✺

Across the room, Stephen noticed Justin sitting off to the side, his expression a mix of weariness and lingering confusion. He looked somewhat out of place amid the rowdy crew, his gaze moving between the dancing men and the flickering lanterns above, a subtle frown marking his brow. Though he seemed preoccupied, his thoughts somewhere far from the noisy celebration.

Stephen approached him, offering a nod as he took a seat beside him. He pushed his bottle toward Justin, who took a grateful sip before Stephen broke the silence.

"Ye held up well today," Stephen said, his tone more matter-of-fact than praising. "Not all men can keep their wits when things go sideways."

Justin managed a faint smile, though his eyes were still distant. "I can't say I'm sure how I did it," he admitted, the weight of the day showing in his tone.

Stephen chuckled, though there was a seriousness behind his tone. "Sometimes, that's how it is in a fight. Ye don't think-you just survive. But ye saved my wife, and that's something I don't forget."

Justin took a long drink, his brow furrowing as if piecing together a puzzle. "Felt a bit like I was back in the woods again, but...different."

Stephen gave him a sideways look, noting the flicker of unease in his expression. "The woods, eh? Must've been a strange place if it makes our chaos seem familiar." He tilted his head, curious, though his tone was light.

Justin shrugged, his fingers absently tracing the rim of the bottle. "Can't explain it. Just...felt like I was somewhere else. Heard things that didn't make sense, felt pulled...then I ended up here, and nothing's quite lined up since." He paused, as if struggling to find words, but shook his head, unwilling to say more.