Temptations

ɎChapter♠TwentyFiveɎ

 Rosalina's headache increased as the final pirate received his lashings. 9 out of the 20 pirates received 2 lashings. Enough to punish the defiance, but not enough to instill mutiny, after all, he was but a prisoner.

With the crew finally in check, she walked to the infirmary, where Mr. Keen was being treated by the onboard medic, Doctor Nemus. He poked and prodded at Keen's wounds, who laid on the bed and hissed in pain with every jab. "I think that's enough Dr. Nemus," Rosalina told him. "Why don't you leave Mr. Keen to me."

"I'd highly recommend against that, Captain." Rosalina shot him a pointed look and he quickly scuttered off.

She took up the seat beside the bed, and slowly took Keen's hand, wrapping a bandage around the wrist. "You know, you shouldn't have started the fight like that." Keen only grunted. Slowly, she rubbed up his arm, spreading the healing cream she procured in China. "They've all been taken care of, but honestly how hard is it to mop up a room and then go back to your quarters. Dios mio, you love trouble."

Her nails scraped against his skin, sending shivers up and down his skin. She smiled to herself and slowly peeled off his shirt. Burn marks from her crew's knives marred his skin, and she made a mental note to punish those responsible more severely. The beautiful muscles on his chest contracted with each touch, her fingers leaving white blotches on his red, burnt skin.

Rosalina wasn't one to lie to herself. She knew very well how attracted she was to him. It was honestly the only reason she still kept him alive. She already had the information she wanted, but maybe she could pull a little more out of him. Perhaps he knows something about her Majesty that could entertain her for a few days.

"I do have to apologize for my crew's behavior. They were dealt with accordingly. Some will be worse than others, I can assure you." She brushed the hair out of his face.

"Don't touch me bitch." He growled at her, but he made no movement away from her.

"Oh, pobrecito." She pouted, moving closer and dabbing an oil from France over a cut on his eye. His eyes stayed on her face as she focused on the cut. She glanced down at him and smiled. "You know none of this would have happened if you just stayed in your little tavern." His glare returned.

"None of this would have happened if you hadn't mugged me." He growled, trying to force his arms out of the restraints with whatever strength he had. Unfortunately for him, the leather bands were stronger than he was at the moment.

"You know, Mr. Keen, I think I rather enjoy having you around. After all, you are quite nice to look at. And ever so charming." Rosalina smiled coyly as she wrapped the bandage around his torso. She had to lean in chest to chest to pull it under his back and back around. Her eyes never strayed from the task, but she felt his gaze on her. She felt his heart beating steadily, his breathing calm, but his hands were clenched at his sides, knuckles turning white.

"If only I could say the same for you." He spit at her.

"Oh, Mr. Keen, we both know why you spoke to me that night, and it wasn't because of my personality. So let's not lie to ourselves and pretend we aren't attracted to each other. You can hate me all you want, but attraction is a funny thing." She whispered, leaning in closer.

But he didn't move. His eyes remained on her lips, but he didn't move. With a smirk she sat back in her chair and kicked up her feet. "So what made you decide to fight with my raggedy bunch of pirates?" He scowled at her but didn't answer. "You know Mr. Keen, I'll only give you a day's rest before I assume you'll be back in your cell. That is, unless you're suddenly very cooperative. I'm not making this difficult Mr. Keen. I think you'd find I'm quite a very generous captor."

"Thank you for your hospitality, oh generous Gaspar." He said mockingly and Rosalina rolled her eyes.

"I'll give you one more chance to explain yourself." She waited a few seconds before he sighed and looked up, mumbling under his breath. Most likely praying for strength. How amusing.

"As soon as Jack left, they began to provoke me and shove me around. I ignored them, which they didn't like so they spit in my face. I punched the pirate in the nose and then they completely ignored Jack's orders and attacked me."

Rosalina nodded, her hands clasped over her belly. "So the fight started because he spit in your face." She concluded. "You risked your life, because a smelly, dirty pirate, spit in your face." Elias looked away with flushed cheeks, as if embarrassed. "Thank you, Mr. Keen." His eyes turned to hers, confused. "I believe I'd have done the same thing in your shoes. Such disrespect is intolerable."

She saw his shoulders sag in relief, as if he was nervous about her response. "Nonetheless it was quite foolish." The corner of her lips ticked. "I believe we're both quite foolish in this department, aren't we Mr. Keen?"