Pirate Season

Chapter One

I lounge under a tree, hiding in the shadows as the commoners walk by. My eyes are glued to a man wearing a coat with golden designs around the edges. I like it, but would it really be worth stealing?

A warm ocean breeze rustles the leaves on the palm tree above my head while the sun hits my tan skin, creating a sweat that rolls down to the collar of my corset dress. I’ve been in this same port for a while, and by now I’m nearly immune to the tropical heat and am craving the sea. A loose flyer tumbles by, landing in front of my feet, tangling up with this dreadful long dress. I bend down, pick the thing up, and examine the front. It’s a pirate warning. How ironic. I flip the page over, and see a list of names of wanted pirates. I recognize a few and a giggle escapes my lips, turning into a snort, perhaps two, and then a true laugh that comes from my belly. My head rolls backwards against the tree but I pay no mind to who hears this unlady like laughter. Only if they knew those pirates were currently half way around the world.

“Serena, what the hẹll has you laughing?”

I lift my head up, my laughter subsiding with Eve’s approach, but the smile still lingering on my face. I bring my eyes up to Eve’s green ones and I can’t help but admire her beauty. She has black hair, a curvy body, and is mighty tough. She is one of my closest friends and just so happens to be my first-mate. Even though we have a love-hate relationship, I trust her with my life and consider her family. I smirk at her question and hold up the poster, showing her what has me laughing.

“A pirate poster, aye? Who’s on there?” she asks.

“Jones, Charles, and Robbie.”

“Charles? I wonder where he is…” Eve says, her voice laced with interest at the mention of Charles.

I smile and give her a big wink. “Don’t worry Eve. He’ll be back soon so you two can fụck all-“

She cuts me off. “Serena that’s enough! It was one time.”

“Whatever you say,” I reply, rolling my eyes.

She crosses her arms over her chest and raises her eyebrows at me. “I didn’t hear you mention an Edward. We both know he’s got to be on there so don’t bother denying it.”

I look at the piece of paper again and my eyes land on Captain Edward Black. My heart flutters, but I ignore it, squashing the butterflies in my stomach. Edward doesn’t deserve shit so why does my body react when I hear his name? Besides Captains don’t fall in love.  Especially with stupid, arrogant, scoundrels. The sound of horses galloping breaks me out of my thought, and immediately I’m on my feet walking towards the group of commoners with Eve trailing behind me.

“Have you seen the bloody pirate?” the commander questions as he slides off his horse to get a closer look at the people. My hand flutters down to the ‘P’ burned into my skin and I shake my head along with the others. “There are pirates on the loose and I expect each and every one of you to be on the lookout for them. Understand?”

“Yes sir,” I dryly mumble as he gets back on his horse. He gives us one last look until he leaves on his horse with soldiers trailing behind them.