Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤31. Nantes 🌶

Stephen stepped onto the deck, his gaze sharp as he took in the familiar sight of his ship and its bustling crew. They'd returned to a harbor of renewed purpose, each step a reminder of their journey through the waters and the deals struck along the way.

Declan immediately began assembling Justin and the three new crewmembers. His voice, gruff and steady, cut through the noise as he directed the men toward their first drills. Each of them-newly seasoned and eager to earn their place-lined up, awaiting Declan's scrutiny. Justin, in particular, stood with a hardened expression, determined to prove himself. The three others, equally resolute, glanced between one another, knowing they were about to be tested.

Stephen surveyed the scene, noticing Declan's fierce attention to detail, his steady, guiding presence keeping the new recruits on edge. He knew that Declan would train them rigorously, ensuring they'd hold their own on any storm-tossed deck or under enemy fire.

Still, Stephen's thoughts drifted to the larger crew he needed to assemble. With seven more men still to recruit, he had his sights set on London. In the bustling port city, he managed to gather five experienced sailors. One, an ex-member of Blackbeard's crew*, had years of experience and a reputation for ferocity on the seas. The other four had honed their skills on trading vessels, toughened by months of navigating harsh seas and long, grueling voyages. Their knowledge of the waters and resilience against treacherous conditions made them valuable additions.

Through Bertie's connections, Stephen secured two more skilled men, rounding out his crew with seasoned hands. With his new recruits ready, he prepared for a short trip to France, a perfect trial run for Justin and his freshly trained crew. Stephen's plan was twofold: to meet with elite buyers in Nantes and to give Justin the opportunity to prove himself.

As they prepared to dock in Nantes, he anticipated the comfort of his cabin and the chance to steal a moment with Maria-who was never far from his mind, despite the expectance of negotiations and the demands of his new crew. It was a turn that felt more like a beginning, with Maria by his side and his crew stronger than ever.

✺

The cabin was dimly lit, soft lantern light casting warm glows over polished wood. Steam drifted from the large, copper tub in the corner, where Stephen lay submerged, his eyes half-closed, arms draped over the edge in relaxation. A glass bottle of dark wine and an empty goblet sat within reach, though his gaze flicked toward the door as Maria entered, her footsteps soft but purposeful.

A smile played at the corner of his mouth, his eyes glinting as he straightened just slightly. "Maria," he greeted, voice a low murmur. "Pour me a glass, would you?"

He watched her move, every step stirring that tension between them that had simmered since their last encounter. Her hands reached for the bottle, and he couldn't help but let his gaze trail down her figure, noting the way she filled the space around her, drawing him in with an unspoken pull.

As Maria poured the wine into the goblet, her hands steady, Stephen's eyes stayed locked on her face. "Careful there, love," he said softly, amusement evident. "A man might take such kindness for a bit of indulgence."

She glanced up, catching the playful glint in his gaze. "You're lucky I indulge you at all," she replied, a hint of challenge in her tone as she handed him the glass. Their fingers brushed, a fleeting touch that made his smirk deepen.

He took a sip, savoring the wine as he kept his eyes fixed on her. "True enough," he murmured, the amusement fading into something more intense. He leaned back, still watching her as though she were more intriguing than any riches he'd seen in his recent raid. "I'll have to find a way to repay you."