Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) (4 page)

He went only a few blocks when a blue and gray form hurled itself against his chest. The wall of the building at his back broke his fall and Jake wrapped his arms tightly around the small form to keep from crumpling to the ground.

“Whoa, there,” Jake coughed, pulling back to look down at the familiar woman in his arms. “We must stop meeting like this, Love.”

“Sorry,” Anna’s gaze stayed down and her chest heaved from exertion.

Jake used a gloved finger to lift her chin, staring down at her tearful eyes. A single drop escaped, creating a track of salty sadness down her cheek. “Hey,” Jake wiped the tear away. “What is it, Love?”

“Please,” Anna whispered, looking around them with an anxious expression. “Let me go.”

Jake ignored her hands, pressing against his chest in an effort to escape the belt of his arms. His attention focused over her shoulder on the two royal Guards who were clearly looking for something; or someone. Without breaking his hold on the woman, Jake turned them around, pressing her farther into the shadows of the alley and covering her smaller form with his larger one.

The Guards passed by the alley quickly and were on their way, never looking toward where Jake and Anna stood. Once sure they were gone, Jake’s tension eased, allowing him to fully appreciate the feel of the gentle curves of the woman he held. A hardness beneath his slacks told Jake it was several days since last he sated this particular hunger. He pulled back enough to look down into Anna’s upturned face, confusion replacing the tears which were in her earthen eyes moments before.

Jake allowed her to push him back this time when she moved away, but he kept his body blocking her from the view of the main road. “Care to tell me why you’re running from the royal Guards, Love?”

Anna hesitated before she spoke, crossing her arms in a sign of defiance and self-preservation. “Not especially.”

“Very well,” Jake bowed his head in respect.

“That’s it?” Anna asked. “No inquisition?”

“Everyone is entitled to their secrets, Love.” Jake gave her a half smile, trying not to show how pleased he was to once again be in her presence.

Anna seemed to mull over his answer for a moment before nodding. “I need to go,” Anna pushed past him toward the street.

“Anna,” Jake latched onto her arm, turning her around to face him. “I wish to see you again.”

“I don’t think that would be wise,” sadness returned to Anna’s eyes at her answer to his request.

“Come now, Love, surely I deserve some favor for saving you from your pursuers.” Jake could see Anna wavering and stepped closer, sliding his gloved hands from her elbows to her shoulders. “Tonight, just before sunset, meet me here.”

“I,” Anna began, but hesitated. “I don’t even know your name.”

“You may call me Jake,” Jake offered. Anna nodded once and pulled away from him. “Is that a yes?” Jake called after her.

“I’ll think about it,” Anna turned for a moment to answer, disappearing into the crowd before Jake could say another word. As he continued on his own path, Jake couldn’t prevent a smile at the interaction. He usually didn’t pursue a woman so intently when she was obviously uninterested in what he offered. Jake knew enough women to know Anna was not one to indulge in a casual affair with a Pirate. The woman would probably run away if she knew who and what he truly was. It would be better for everyone if he backed off.

Still, Jake couldn’t stop thinking about the brown-haired beauty. Perhaps it was her immunity to his normally effective charms, or the loneliness in her brown eyes which matched his own inner pain. Whatever the reason, Jake knew he had to possess her. Surely the strange feeling in his chest when he was near Anna would fade after he bedded her.

Chapter Four

The heat from the day was fading, leaving a breeze which spoke of yet another cool evening. Though the calendared summer began weeks before, the temperature in this realm seemed to miss the memo. Anna held back a shiver as she walked through the narrow town streets. She wanted to believe the shaking in her limbs was from the breeze, but the purpose of her quest had her doubting. On her way through unfamiliar streets to meet a strange man she literally ran into twice, Anna couldn’t deny her apprehension played a part.

Her steps slowed as she neared her destination, her eyes drawn to the empty alley. Memories assailed her from earlier in the day, as her anger and tears had caused a desperate flight. Her temper quickly faded into tears, blurring her vision and causing her to run headlong into the alley. She remembered the hard mass of the stranger’s chest, warm and sheltering as he shielded her from the view of the Guards. Jake hadn’t questioned her motives for fleeing the soldiers as he willingly accepted her secrets and seemed to understand her need for them. It was for this reason and his lack of demand which convinced Anna to take the chance and return. He held no expectations for her, which left her freedom to be who she was and make her own choice.

After returning to the castle and assuring Char she was fine, Anna told him of her need for privacy and peace amidst the mobs of people in the market. His anger over the Guard’s refusal to obey her wishes granted Anna what she required; independence. Char wasn’t happy about Anna’s decision to travel through the town so late in the day, but he submitted to her will. Anna felt a twinge of guilt for her rudeness to the Prince and refusal to answer any of his questions about her journey. She knew Char believed she was his responsibility, something which seemed to take precedence over all else in this alternate reality. It was a sweet sentiment, but Anna had her fill of overprotective brothers in her own world. She had no interest in being protected and coddled anymore.

She sighed at the lack of human presence in the alley, marveling at her naivety and foolishness. Anna hadn’t given Jake a confirmation of her acceptance of his invitation. Of course, it would make sense he wouldn’t waste his time on a possible meeting. Groaning, Anna turned and began the long walk back to the castle grounds.

“Leaving so soon, Love?” Jake’s voice came from the darkness behind her.

Anna turned quickly, watching him step from the shadows. He was dressed in the same black, leather slacks and jacket he wore earlier, the ensemble highlighting the muscles in his thighs and upper body. His faint beard matched the mussed black hair on his head. Ocean colored eyes smiled at her with a knowing gleam as she shifted nervously. “I didn’t know if you were coming,” Anna admitted.

“The thought was mutual,” the smell of salty air and sun clung to him as he stepped closer. “I’m glad you came.”

“So, what now?” Anna asked.

“Now, Love,” Jake grinned as he took her hand. “We have a little fun.”

Anna felt her stomach drop at his statement as her fight or flight response kicked in. She debated jerking away from Jake’s gentle grasp on her hand, but something kept her still. An odd secureness settled over her as they strolled down the side streets hand in hand. Anna tried to figure out why she didn’t fear the large, intimidating man beside her. She knew nothing about him and had no reason to trust his intentions, yet she held no misgivings. Several minutes later, when he pulled her into a small bar on the edge of the docks, Anna still had no answer.

***

Jake sensed Anna’s discomfort through the dim interior of the bar, obviously unfamiliar with the setting. The establishment was one of the more pleasant in Meridelle, hosting the better class of sailors and privateers, but Anna wasn’t the type to enjoy the loud, reveling of drunkards. “I’m sorry about the patrons, Love, but,” Jake leaned in so he could be heard. “Finnigan’s has the best mandral in the realm. Well worth the company.”

“Mandral?” Anna asked, her breath fanning his cheek as she repeated his tactic.

“You can’t tell me you’ve never tried mandral,” Jake resisted the urge to press his lips to her skin.

“I’m,” Anna hesitated, a cautious expression on her face. “I’m not from around here.”

“You hail from a very odd place if you’ve never had mandral,” Jake laughed, but quickly quieted at the sad expression which came over Anna’s face. “I’m sorry, Love, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t,” Anna’s forced smile told Jake of her lie.

He returned her smile, threading his gloved fingers with her bare ones. “Mandral is a fish,” Jake explained. “This place happens to prepare it better than I’ve ever tasted in all my travels.”

“You travel a lot?” Anna asked in an obvious attempt to change the conversation.

“Aye,” Jake answered, wondering how best to explain without scaring off the skittish woman beside him. “I’m a sailor; a Captain.”

“You have a ship?” Anna picked up a chip from the basket in the center of the table, her teeth nibbling on the crisp shell.

Jake couldn’t take his eyes from her lips, his thoughts suddenly focused on claiming them with his own. Knowing Anna was not a woman to be rushed Jake shook off his preoccupation and turned his mind to the subject at hand. “Aye, she sails straight as an arrow and can overtake the best in the royal Fleet. She’s the finest ship in the realm.” Anna’s lips twitched as she stared at him. Feeling slightly self-conscious, Jake had to ask, “What?”

“Nothing, just you,” Anna shook her head. “When you talk about your ship you sound so proud, almost like it’s your child.”

“Aye, she is,” Jake was proud of his Crimson Jewel, she was truly the finest ship ever built.

“I’d love to see it,” Anna remarked. “I’ve never been on a ship before.”

Jake opened his mouth, preparing to offer her a tour of his prize, but closed it again. He knew Anna wouldn’t take the information of his Pirate status well and showing her his Crimson Jewel would leave no doubt as to what his calling was. Jake wasn’t ready to let her walk, or in this case run out of his life. He needed to get her out of his system and she would be much more willing for what he had in mind if Jake kept his station secret.

The dreary bar lit with life as their meals arrived; a band taking up instruments to play a rousing tune. Jake was entranced by Anna’s wonder as she watched the patrons dance around the floor. She was reluctant to try the mandral, but her brown eyes lit with surprised pleasure after her first taste. Jake could imagine a similar reaction while indulging in other pleasures, the thoughts tightening his slacks.

“Would you like to dance?” Jake shouted over the pounding music.

“Oh, I’ve never,” Anna’s wide, terrified eyes flew to his. “I wouldn’t know how.”

“Come, Love,” Jake grabbed her hand, pulling Anna to her feet and toward an open area on the floor. “I’ll teach you.”

Anna caught on quickly to his lead, relaxing as she became more comfortable with the simple steps. After several fast-paced songs, the band switched to a ballad. Many of the patrons left the floor with a groan, but Jake and Anna remained. Her chest heaved with exertion from their hurried dancing before as Jake pulled her into his arms. He lifted her hands, placing them on his shoulders before lowering his own to hold her hips. Jake relished the feel of feminine curves pressed to his hard form as they swayed to the music. Anna’s palms slid behind his neck as Jake lowered his head, intending to claim a kiss.

“Would you care to dance?” A slurred male voice came from beside them.

Irritated at the interruption, Jake was short in his response. “Back off, Mate.”

“I wasn’t talking to you,” the man’s stubbornness raised Jake’s frustration.

“She’s not interested,” Jake claimed. His voice would have scared off larger men than this one, but the drunkard was unaffected by his hardness.

“Maybe the wench would like to know what a real man feels like.” The drunk reached out to touch Anna, his hand shoved away by Jake’s quick reflexes.

Jake turned, keeping one arm around Anna protectively as he prepared to end the drunk’s night of fun. His free hand fisted and his eyes glowed hot with rage. Anna’s hand pressed against his chest as she thrust herself between the men. Her fingers slid across the wide expanse of his pectoral, in an instinctive movement meant to restrain and calm.

She turned her head to look back at the drunk as she pushed gently on Jake’s chest. “I’m fine where I am, thank you.”

Jake took her lead, moving away from the man and sweeping her across the floor. He placed his hand over hers where it rested at his heart. “I’m honored to be worthy of your choosing, Love.”

“Your worthiness wasn’t a consideration. I just didn’t feel like being groped by a drunk,” Anna stated cheekily.

“Dirty Pirate,” the rejected drunk behind them muttered just loud enough to be heard. “You don’t deserve a woman like her.”

A few of the patrons turned their attentions to the man, but Anna seemed to be rejecting the words as a drunken man’s ranting. Jake was never ashamed of being a Pirate, but with Anna he wanted her to believe better of him. The realization was sobering as Jake realized he might actually care for the innocent woman at his side. Unwilling to risk her overhearing any other slurs against his character, Jake took her hand and headed toward the door. He dumped some coin on their table to pay for the meal as they passed.

Anna allowed him to lead her out into the early evening, her hand trustingly secured in his. He looked down at her briefly, watching the last rays of gold and red sunlight set in the earthen tones of her eyes. “Are you bored of dancing with me?” Anna asked as they stood on the wooden deck of the bar.

“I’d use any excuse to hold you in my arms, Love,” Jake’s flirtation was a bit more stressed than average. “I just don’t want to share you with a bar of drunken sailors.”

It wasn’t possible; Jake swore never to care for anyone. His mother cared for Jake’s father and it only caused her heartache, agony and eventually death. He would never allow himself to be vulnerable; dependent on another for his happiness. Jake shook away his misgivings, retreating back to his original goal of bedding and forgetting Anna Blake.

“So, where to now, Captain?” Anna questioned with a blush.

“The docks,” Jake answered.

“Aren’t the docks dangerous at night?” Anna asked. “I’ve heard there are Pirates.”

“Nay, Love,” Jake assured her, more grateful by her comments he kept his true occupation private. “You’re safe with me.”

Jake kept Anna’s hand securely in his, keeping her close as they walked down the length of the docks. Jake told her more about his Crimson Jewel and some of the places he’d been, making sure to leave out any detail which might give away his ship’s true purposes of plunder and pillage. Jake knew most folks who remained on dry land made up their own versions of what it meant to be a Pirate. People looked at him and saw a murderer, rapist and thief. While it was true, Jake did his share of evil deeds, he never killed in cold blood, had no need for rape when women were so willing and never took more than his fair due.

The Pirate’s creed wasn’t about cruelty, although it was required at times. The creed was to live life with no regrets. If that meant taking some coin and supplies from the undeserving, so be it. Still, Jake doubted Anna would accept his description over the stereotypes she most likely heard all her life.

Anna shivered, drawing a pause in Jake’s story about an island where the trees grew dark as night with leaves of crimson and indigo; a land of bloodsuckers where few dared to travel. “Are you cold, Love?” Jake asked, reaching to remove his jacket before she could respond. He slipped the leather over her shoulders, leaving only his buttoned, long-sleeve shirt to block the chill.

“Won’t you be cold?” Anna asked with concern, staring at the thin white shirt he wore.

“I’m used to cool winds, Love, I’ll be fine.” Jake reclaimed her hand and continued their path down the docks.

“You sound like you enjoy being on the Ocean.” Anna remarked.

“Aye,” Jake smiled down at her. “It’s the only time a man is truly free and at peace. It’s my home.”

“So, why are you here? Why not on your ship sailing the seas and travelling the world?”

“I would be if I could, Love,” Jake admitted wistfully. “Unfortunately, I have some business in Meridelle which is taking longer than expected.”

“And then?” Anna prompted. “When your business is done?”

“What of you, Love? Where is your home?” Jake asked, suddenly uncomfortable where the conversation was heading. He didn’t want to think beyond this night or what tomorrow would bring. More than that, he didn’t want Anna thinking beyond this time with him.

“Far away,” Anna answered, a sad coolness settling over her features.

“How did you come to be so far from them?” Jake asked, suddenly cautious of his questioning. He was curious of the woman, but didn’t want to probe too deeply and ruin the small bit of progress he’d made with her.

“It wasn’t my choice,” Anna revealed.

“You wish to return,” Jake didn’t form the words as a question, but Anna nodded anyway. “Why not go?”

“I can’t,” Anna mumbled.

“Is someone keeping you here?” Jake felt an enraged tension forming in his limbs. If the woman was being held in Meridelle against her will, Jake would find those responsible.