A Hidden Queen

Chapter 79

Josephine sighs contently as the bed sways with the motion of the ship. The cabin remains dark in the early morning while the smell of leather and rum fills her nostrils. She cracks an eye open with soft snores floating from the other side of the bed. Charlie laid upon his stomach, the blanket barely covering his hips as he suffocated half of his face in the pillow. She carefully rolls onto her side, ghosting the defined muscles within his back, shoulders and arms. She holds her breath with Charlie's faltering snores.

"Good morning." He breathes out.

Joe's heart race in her ears, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't."

Charlie sighs heavily, laying his arms across her hips and dragging her closer. Joe chuckles lightly, resting her hand on his broad chest as his grip goes limp behind her.

"Are you expected on the deck this morn'?"

"No. Capt'n gave me the day off."

"I doubt that." Joe snorts.

Charlie cracks a sliver eye open, grinning mischievously. He jerks her closer, growling playfully as their bare chests collide into one another, "No, but Burnt offered to cover for me for a little bit. He stated it wasn't fair to leave the chambers at the break of dawn after such a momentous night."

"Now that I can agree with." Joe concedes, running her fingers down his jaw line.

Charlie gives that lopsided grin, snaking his arm around her back. His lips crash into hers; his nimble fingers digging into her hips and thigh. Joe threads her fingers into his hair, pushing against him as he gently pushes her back against the bed. He nibbles at her jawline, working his way down to the nap of her neck.

A warm sensation flows through Joe's body, spreading down to her toes as Charlie slows to a gentle kiss. He falls to the side, landing heavily on his back with a satisfied grunt as a calmness wash over them. Joe smiles as she pants heavily, resting her hand above her head. The bed bounces with Charlie's shifting weight, his fingers gliding across her belly in tender caresses.

"What are you pondering, love?"

"Why do you perceive I am pondering anything?" Joe challenges.

"Because I know that far off look." He snorts, allowing her to take hold of his hand. "Come, now. What is bothering you?"

"Much I am afraid."

"Do you not wish to speak of them?"

"Charlie, I do not think I can continue to do this."

Joe groans internally as the taller man tenses under her words, the newly formed apprehension filling the once sensual space.

"I do pray you are talking about something else."

A humorous huff pushes past Joe's lips; she props herself onto her elbows, staring down into the tan faced. Charlie leans back, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"I do not speak of this; this is perfect." She assures, pecking him on the lips. "No, I speak of our heading. Uncle John is determined to get me to The Cyclone to captain her. But Charlie I speak true in saying that I do not think I am ready for such a task."

"The apprehension is understandable Jose. But let me ask, is it the responsibility of captaining you're not ready for? Or is it the separation from family that has you apprehensive?"

Joe remains quiet, contemplating the questions. She had pegged her anxiety to the dread of captaining her father's ship and exactly what that meant. But she cannot deny the second-hand reasoning of Charlie's either.

"Both?" She offers uneasily.

"I would say both, leaning more towards the latter. Joe babe, there is nothing wrong with having those uncertainties. You have been through much, lost much. Having anxiety over a decision that takes you away from your family and support is natural. And your adversity to change doesn't help."

"I will speak true Charlie in saying that I do not feel I am ready for a separation at this time."

"Then you need to tell the captain. There is no reason to move The Cyclone if you are not ready to sail upon her."

"He is so excited though. And I do not think the man has ever had even an inkling to such emotions. I'm not sure he will understand."

"I think he understands better than what you give him credit for." Charlie offers. "A whole lot better than if I am not upon the deck soon."

A surprised joyous giggle bubbles out of Joe as Charlie leaps over her and off the bed. She lays on her back, observing the muscular figure shimmy into his pants, "Must you go?"

"I'm afraid so."

Joe pouts as he nods his head. Her body tingled with the lingering sensation of his touch. Charlie smirks, approaching the bed and leaning over her prone body. He playfully traps her hands at her head, crashing their lips together. He slides his hands down her side, kissing the nap of her neck; his lips moving downwards. Josephine frowns deeply, though, as the warmth retreats with Charlie pulling away.

"That was unfair." She complains, glaring at him.

"Possibly so. But it will be a reminder of what awaits you on my return."

"You have no wish to remind me of it now?" She teases, wiggling her hips.

"You best not push that desire if you wish to have a husband to continue this little fun."

Joe huffs out of her nose, pursing pink lips as Charlie continues his task of dressing. His foot lands heavily on the planks, tugging at the upper bands. Joe turns her nose away as he leans closer to her. He waits for her to look at him before pecking her gently on the lips and resting their foreheads together. Joe melts at the warm gesture, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I do wish to continue to have a husband. So, I suppose that I must let you go."

"Aye." Charlie grins, running his hand up and down her leg. "Besides, you have a discussion with your uncle that must take place."

Josephine unhooks her hands, resting them above her head. "Yes, well it does not need to be handled in the early morn'."

"Today, Josephine. Handle it today. Do not sit on it."

"Fine. I will speak to him when I come upon the helm."

"Good." Charlie nods, kissing her one final time. "Now, I must go before an angry battle chief sees that I am hung upside down by my feet."

"I love you."

Charlie pauses in the doorway, giving her a hearty lopsided grin, "I love you too. Now go talk to your uncle."

Joe huffs with the door closing. She lays in bed, letting the warm air tickle her bare skin. Her mind spun with thoughts. Uncle John was so excited to get them to The Cyclone, envisioning the adventures the pair would embark on. How could she tell him that she did not wish for such a future? She sighs heavily, sitting up in bed and running a hand through her messy hair. There was no reason to keep contemplating it. She was going to have to face the music. She groans, throwing the covers away.