Red Is The Color Of Desire

Chapter 7

Emile carried a tray down the stairs, pulling open the door. He froze as he found the room empty.

He dropped the tray onto the table and cursed underneath his breath. He examined the room and stopped as he noticed his dresser drawers open, his clothing thrown this way and that. A pair of scissors sat on top of it, along with what looked like...hair?

He picked up a piece and anger boiled within his gut. The hair in his hand was curly, soft and black. He threw the hair down, turned on his heel and stormed from the room.

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Jewel kicked at the man's horse, the horse growing agitated. The man yanked her forward, pulling her along beside him as he walked her further and further away from the docks. Tears pricked her eyes, it felt as if he were tearing her hair from her scalp. She yelped as he dug his fingers further into her scalp.

As he dragged her along beside him, she suddenly wished to be back on that horrid ship. Surely being trapped in Emile's clutches was a much better fate than being trapped in this man's bed.

And just as the dock seemed to completely disappear from her distressed view, she kicked out once more, this time sending the horse into a fit. The man released her, grabbing the reins of the horse and tugging back.

She took that moment to run on her shaky legs, her heart beating in her ears. Her bare foot landed on the wooden port and relief washed over her but it was short lived.

She was grabbed by the back of her collar and dragged back. She lost her footing fell backwards.

Just as the man reached for her again a gunshot rang through the air.

"Get your hands off her."

Her head shot up and she struggled for air. Emile walked toward them, Isaac following behind him. A gun sat in the palm of both their hands.

The man holding her collar dropped it, causing her to hit the ground beneath her. She gasped as her damp clothing came into contact with her skin.

She felt a warm hand against her elbow as she was pulled up. She looked up, locking eyes with Emile. His hazel eye seemed to be spewing fire as he pulled her toward him. He pointed the gun at the man, cocking it, "I don't share." He fired the gun, scaring the horse into action, catching the man off guard as the horse raced down the street.

Jewel was breathing as Emile stepped back, glaring down at her. He turned toward Isaac. The two exchanged a look before Emile nodded, "Make sure you send the missive off and head back. I want the ship ready to sail by night fall."

Isaac nodded, sending Jewel a wary look.

Jewel watched him go, her heart pounding. She averted her eyes, staring down at the ground beneath her feet.

"Maybe I should have let him have his way with you."

Her head shot up and anger burst forward. "Maybe you should have!"

His scowled, anger all over his face. "Vous etes têtue!" He said.

He grabbed her by the arm and yanked her forward, walking briskly back toward the ship. She struggled behind him, limping slightly, her bare feet raw from the constant running.

He stopped, looking back at her. His face turned red as he realized that her clothes were wet, her entire chest visible through the shirt. He looked around, spotting a large row of bushes. He pulled her behind it.

He quickly stripped out of his shirt. She gasped, taking a step back. Was he planning on taking her here? Out in the open?

He noticed the look on her face and smirked, "Take off your shirt."