A Pirate’s Wife (20 page)

knew she cared for him, trusted him, but could it be love?

Last night as she had read her parents' journals once again

she realised the love she had seen and the emotions she felt

for him were the same. She could not deny it anymore.

'I love you, Roberto,' she whispered, and light

dawned in the ochre eyes so that they were more of a rich

golden colour. Surprise and joy filled his face. The scar she

had come to love softened and creases formed over his

cheeks. 'Really?'

'Yes, I am sure.' He lowered his head and brushed

against her lips. 'Marry me.' She gasped with delight and

shock. Her body trembled and she stared wide-eyed up to

him. Did she hear right?
Marriage. Did he just propose?

'Marry me, my Rosa,' he repeated, this time louder.

She could not help but just stare as his lips touched her

once again. He was hesitant and soft at first before he took

her mouth hungrily. She leaned into him and returned the

kiss. She was warm and inviting and when he finally pulled

back she smiled. 'You know how to pursue a girl,' and

giggled.

'Does that means it is a yes?' he asked with a smile

breaking over his whole face.

She nodded. 'Yes.'

'Rosa, my Rosa.' and she vanished into his embrace

as he devoured her lips once again.

It was a while before they broke apart and he sat

down and held her hand, visibly trembling with excitement.

Roberto could not believe that this brave and

stunning woman had agreed to be his wife. She was

everything he wanted.

It was late when he returned her to her cabin, light-

headed with the love he felt for her. When he entered his

cabin Pierre arrived and informed him the pirate who had

attacked Rosa-Lee was ranting in his cell and not happy at

all.

Roberto dismissed the subject and Pierre looked at

the Captain in stunned disbelief. He knew Roberto was

smitten with Rosa-Lee but it was worse. He never thought

he would see the pirate fall for a woman like Captain

Roberto did for Rosa-Lee. It pleased him greatly.

†††

The next morning at six, the sailor was flogged.

When Rosa-Lee heard the first lash, she hurried onto the

upper deck, stepping closer till she was just behind

Roberto. The crew were looking at their crewmate with

disgust. The news had spread amongst them.

The man received ten lashes and was untied. When

he fell on the deck, salt water was poured over him. He

flinched without making a sound. When he spotted her

behind Roberto he smirked, his beady eyes sending a clear

message.
I will be back.
She shivered.

'Take him below,' Pierre instructed with a stern

voice. Roberto turned and saw her standing there. He

smiled, his love visible in the ochre depths of his eyes.

'Good morning
Môn Petite
, are you feeling better?'

'Yes, Captain, thanks once again,' she said

respectfully, lifting her lips to receive a soft kiss.

'Let's go and eat. I am starving.' She looped her arm

into his with a smile playing over her face.

After breakfast he took her to his grand cabin and

said, 'I want us to get married today.' She gasped. She had

hardly slept last night. The pure thrill of being in his arms,

of loving him was so new that it kept her up. She looked at

him in surprise and wonder, 'But why so quickly?'

'Why not?' came the gruff reply. 'I love you and

don't want to wait. Last night just confirmed how

vulnerable you are on this ship.'

'But you saved me. There is no need to be in a

hurry. Besides, I would love to have my parents present.'

'No,' he said, unexpectedly loud.

'No?'

'No, Rosa-Lee. I asked you to trust me and this is

the only way I know how to ensure your safety.'

'But Roberto, I can defend myself,' she insisted.

'Not against men like the Falcon and that pirate last

night. You are too precious to me. Besides,' and he

wrapped her in his arms, 'I want to love you.' He kissed her

breathless and she chuckled as she gave herself to him, her

arms around his neck. All shyness was gone as she gave

herself over to the bliss he offered. She understood what he

meant. She had never been with a man before and he did

things to her that were unknown to her but yet exciting. She

had to admit she wanted more than just this.

But still, this was too soon. And what would her

parents say of this sudden marriage? Her marriage to a

pirate
no less. As much as she cared for him, would her

love persuade her parents to allow this wedding to take

place? Her father was always clear in his feelings towards

pirates and for her to bring him home would ensure

heartache. She did not want to be the one who caused them

any more grief. Questions poured through her, bringing her

back to reality.

Her smile faltered briefly and she dropped her arms

to her sides. She tried to move away but he did not let her.

Roberto saw the change, stopped her, and lifted her

chin with a finger. His eyes were wary as he looked upon

her youthful face.

'What is wrong, Rosa?'

Her eyes were wide with concern and hesitance.

'Roberto.' She did not want to let him know about her

concerns and she pushed him away, her breath swallow as

she tried to gather her wits. But this was important to her. 'I

really want my parents to witness this occasion. You know

how I feel about them.'
Among others,
she thought, not

meeting his gaze. But he was a very perceptive man and

forced her back to him.

'That is not your biggest concern though?' She

swallowed. She could not lie to him or be dishonest.

'Rosa-Lee, look at me,' he insisted. 'It is because of

what I am, isn't it?' She looked at him in dismay. 'Roberto

... ' But he put a finger on her lips, quieting her. 'Rosa, I

know my occupation is not desirable for any woman, or her

family, but if you trust me everything will work out at the

end.'

'How, Roberto?'

'You will see, my love,' He kissed her softly.

'Roberto,' she whispered and clasped his arms. He

looked at her, his own thoughts buried deep in his mind

where she would not be able to see. For now he had to

convince her that this marriage was important not only to

him but to her safety.

'I know, my love, but once I have returned you

safely back to Portugal, we can talk to your father and have

the great occasion you want. But for now, my men will be

the only guests at our wedding.' His authoritative voice left

no room for argument. She looked at him with concern

etched in her mind. She knew her father would understand

once he was past the initial shock, but still, it could put a

damper on their happiness. She really loved the man that

stood in front of her. Her whole being cried out to be with

him. She touched his face once again. Worry and concern

stood out in the lines of his mouth and eyes and she want to

remove that. She wanted to be part of him. Another

question dawned on her and she started to chuckle, her eyes

filled with merriment as she asked.

'Who would marry us?'

'Pierre is also a captain,' he said as a smile softened

his own features and he pulled her closer. 'Does this means

yes?'

She smiled. 'Not to sound like a parrot but you do

know how to change my mind.' He chuckled as his mouth

once again captured her mouth.

Minutes later he released her and said softly, 'You

make me a happy man.'

'Yes?'

'Yes.' And he kissed her. 'Let me go to Pierre and

tell him the wedding is on.'

'You already talked to him?'

'Yes.'

'You are conceited, Mr Pirate.'

'I cannot help it, it is my nature, and you do this to

me, my Rosa.' She groaned when he kissed her again.

15

That afternoon, when the announcement came that

they were getting married, roars of laughter and cheers of

exuberance resonated all over the deck.

Pierre did the honours and married them. A feast

was prepared under the blue heavens for all to enjoy. The

celebration continued for the rest of the day and night.

Roberto was smiling non-stop, holding her close to

him, never once letting her go. She wrapped around him

like gift-wrap. She looked amazing in a white taffeta dress

with silver threads embroidered on the bodice, enhancing

every curve to Roberto's delight. Her hair waved behind her

beneath a tiara he had given her that morning. Rubies in the

form of a rose were imbedded in the tiara. She looked

ravishing as his gaze was on her, covering her with his

love.

Later in his cabin they melted together and she

allowed him to love her as he promised. All shyness

disappeared as he explored every inch of her. He took his

time in teaching her about her own desires and what

inflamed him the most. They only came up for air to eat

and bathe, then returned to explore once again the wonder

of the new found love.

She realized that she had so much to learn about

him but at that moment what they shared was more than

enough.

†††

Ten days later another storm hit the
Contra O

Vento.
Everyone scurried around to tie everything down to the ship. The winds were strong and icy cold against their

skins. Dark menacing clouds formed around them and

waves came crushing down, leaving them all drenched.

Rosa-Lee was helping when she felt strong arms

grabbing her from behind. A big hand covered her mouth.

Kicking, she was picked up as if she was a feather and

carried downstairs to her old cabin. She kicked against the

walls to stop him but he simply forced her legs under his

arm. She could not fight the strength of the hands holding

her tightly. Her door was slammed open and she was

unceremoniously thrown on her bed, drenched with the rain

still pouring down outside. When she finally could see who

it was she looked into the rat's small eyes, dripping wet

with lust, fixed on her. She scrambled away but he grabbed

her leg, bringing her closer to the edge.

'Finally we are alone, Señorita. They are all so busy

that they will not notice you are gone, and I am going to

take my time with you,' he snarled. He grabbed the skirt

and she could hear the material rip. One shoe fell with a

thud on the floor. The other she had lost during the

struggle.

'Your captain cannot save you. You are mine,' he

seethed. 'Did you really think that those lashes would stop

me? I want you!' He pulled her closer, pressing his full

weight on her as he spoke. 'I promise I will have you.' He

planted a wet kiss on her lips and she bit him. He slapped

her. Straightening himself, he tore at her clothing. Her

bodice laces were hanging loose in front of her chest. He