Who Knew a Pirate Could be so Hot

The Crew

Chapter 5

     The Crew

     For the third night in a row I slept on the cold wood floor. Even in Boston as an orphan I slept more comfortably than on this ship. The only soothing part was the ever present rocking that reminded me of my childhood before my parents died. In fact the rocking made me dream of when my parents were alive. Imagine how I felt waking up in this cell everyday to discover the dreams weren't real.

     "You look so peaceful in your sleep." The captain whispered to me successfully ending my train of thought.

     "You just say that because you want to get on my good side." I said in a joking matter. He just gave me a genuine grin and shrugged.

     "You caught me red handed. Who would ever dare to say someone looked peaceful just to say it?" We both gave little laughs.

     "Jenna?" One of the other men asked. "What was your life like before you were taken from it." During the past day we had become brig mate's, me and the crew of The Stallion had become quite close and I guess some of the crew have taken a liking to me.

     I sighed while I thought of the question. "I was an orphan since the age of five. My father was the captain of an English battle ship The H.M.S. Avenger. We were docked in the Boston harbor when both my mum and dad died, so I ran as far as I could and found myself in an orphanage a month later. When I turned sixteen they kicked me out saying that I could provide for myself, but I ended up living on a rooftop with a few blankets for warmth and my guitar. There were many days when men would beat me and try to rape me. They never could because I kept a skiv with me all the time. I spent my time on the streets until I decided that begging wasn't enough, so I thought I'd bring my guitar out and play quietly so I wouldn't disturb the piece. One day a beautiful women came up to me and asked if I would like to play in her tavern. Of course having nothing better to do I said I would love to. Two days ago she asked if I wanted to become her daughter and live with her permanently. That night there was a table of rowdy men and on my way to fetch my things they ambushed and took me away. Now I'm here rotting away in the brig." I realized that my voice had become shaky, and a lump had formed in my throat.

     "A horrible story for such a pretty lass. Not only are you beautiful, but your life on the streets has made you a survivor. Which explains how I was outsmarted." Luke said. I smiled at him and sniffed.

     "Well at least I'm not alone anymore. Right guys?" The men let out a cry of agreement making me laugh my tears away. When the door opened we all went quiet. Soon after Ryan walked down the steps and unlocked my cage. I quickly stood. "What is it now?" I asked angrily.

     "The men want a performance." Ryan said shortly. I gulped and let Ryan take me away to where the crew of The Bloody Mary sat eating and celebrating the big win.

     "There she is. Our heroine and show girl." The crew hollered they're agreement.

     "Trust me that was my mistake." I said with a sweet smile. The captain just chuckled causing the other men to chuckle as well.

     "Play us something dearie." The captain ordered.

     "I'm not really in the mood." I growled. The captain smirked at me. "Perhaps you could do something different then.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Ryan set me in my cell gently. "Why do you have to be so rebelious Jenna." He whispered while gently rubbing the new bruise on my cheek. I ignored him and turned away. "I try to help you as much as I can, but if you keep pissing them off, I don't know if I will be able to help."

     "Why do you even bother." I whispered back. "You're a pirate." Ryan looked hurt at my statement.

     "Just because I'm a pirate doesn't mean I don't care for you." He stated. I stared at him with wide eyes and then the tears came. I sniffled, and Ryan pulled me into his arms, and I felt safe for once.

     "I want to go home." I sobbed. To my shock I felt Ryan's lips connect with the top of my head. 

     "Please don't cry Jenna. I can't take it." Ryan said while squeezing me to him.

     "I c-can't help it." I sniffled. At my words Ryan gently tilted my head up with his finger and brought his lips to mine. Because I was so shocked the tears stopped flowing, and I forgot my predicament. Ryan's lips were warm and soft and gentle, and it made me close my eyes and relax. Ryan's hand cupped my cheek and pulled me closer. I allowed my hands to travel to his hair  so my fingers could entangle in the dark strands. Our lips melded together perfectly and my heart was telling me this was right while my brain was rejecting that fact.

     "Get away from the lady." A deep voice growled. Ryan's lips left mine and I felt my heart sink in my chest.

     "Keep your mouth shut!" Ryan exclaimed to Luke. "You have some nerve bossing me around while you're the one in a cage you animal." Ryan's grip on me tightened.

     "When I get out of this cell I'm going to rip your throat out!" Luke growled.

     "When you get out of that cell it will be to feed the sharks!" Ryan shot back.

     "Enough!" I yelled. "Ryan you should get back on deck. I'm sure you have a job to do." I whispered. Reluctantly Ryan released me from his hold and left the brig with a loud clang. "What is your problem?" I asked Luke after Ryan was gone.

     "I thought he was forcing himself on ya'! How was I supposed to know you were enjoyin' it?" He spat. "Are you always such a whore?" I gasped and then walked up to the bars where Luke was glaring at me. My hand flew out before I could think and I slapped him through the bars. The slap was awkward but it got the point across.

     "How dare you." I said in a low voice. "Ryan just happens to be the only one on this ship who cares about what happens to me. I don't want to be on this ship one bit, but Ryan makes it bearable." I turned away from Luke and sat as far away from him as possible.

     "I'm sorry Jenna I didn't mean it." Luke whispered. "I was just angry." I ignored him and started to hun my favorite song while singing the lyrics in my head.

     Hush a bye
     Don't you cry
     Go to sleepy little baby.

     When you wake
     You shall have
     All the pretty little ponies.

     I just repeated it over and over again until I was pulled to sleep by the waves.