Temptations

ɎChapter♠SeventeenɎ

 Rosalina cheered, hooking her arm with another woman as they danced in circles to the music. The tipsy smile on her face was enough to lighten the room. The rest of her crew laughed and gambled, all enjoying their time in the slums of England. Her eyes turned over to Jack, who leaned against the far wall, watching her.

"Vamanos, Jack! Enjoy yourself!" She said, twirling in place. "All you do is stand there and grumble." She pouted like a child. When Jack only smirked at her, Rosaline huffed and went back to dancing.

"Why in the hell haven't you slept with her yet?" Jack looked to Tanner, who leaned against the wall beside him, a mug of ale in hand.

"I see her as a little sister, Tanner. I've vowed to protect her, and that's all I will do for the rest of my life." Jack told him. "I hope you understand, that if it were anyone else, I'd have thrown you out of this tavern the minute you spoke her name."

Tanner chuckled, his short messy beard shaking as his gray eyes twinkled. He ran his hand through his dreadlocked hair, nodding his head. "Aye, I know. But don't you think you deserve a little fun?" He wiggled his brows, taking the rest of his ale in one gulp before spreading his arms out and letting out a loud howl. He smiled crazily, sticking his tongue out and shaking his head like a wild animal.

Jack rolled his eyes and continued watching Rosalina. She'd moved to the band now and had already kicked the previous violinist out of the way. With no shame, she took his violin and started playing perfectly.

The music traveled carelessly over the sound of the pub, and she kept playing throughout the rest of the night. He'd only had one cup of ale, and though he missed having fun sometimes, he knew he had to uphold his vow.

Rosalina came up to him with a drunken smile. "I going out." With a kiss to his cheek, she bolted out the door. With widened eyes, he chased after her, but she was gone into the night. Curling his fists he took a deep breath.

Gods he hated it when she did that. He'd be worried until she came back and he wouldn't be able to sleep at all. She was so careless, so lively and stupid. No not stupid. His Captain was anything but. Though it was absolutely infuriating every time she disappeared on him.

With murderous eyes, he walked back into the pub and downed someone else's mug. As evil, as she was, he was going to fulfill his vow. So, with his sword at his side, his gun cocked and clenched fists, he stalked out of the tavern, in search of his irresponsible Captain.