She had awoken a little after dawn and noticed that he still slept. Not wanting to face him, she slowly bounded off the bed and made her way out of the room.
She tiptoed away from big Johns's outstretched limbs as the large man lay against the wall snoring only to turn and bump into Bellamy.
"What are you doing out of the room, lass?" he stretched out his arms and steadied her.
She looked up into his eyes and noticed he was not drunk. She lowered her head and stepped back.
"I...Need fresh air."
He looked down at her saddened by her look knowing all too well that the cause of her woes was a 6ft 3 drunken brute.
"Are ye hungry lass?" he asked hoping that would put some warmth back into her cheeks but the hope simmered away as she declined.
"I need to be alone, somewher....," she lifted her gaze that stung with tears threatening to fall, barely able to finish her words the way her throat tightened.
He nodded softly and said no more as he turned with her and slowly lead her below. She was surprised as she cleared the last step and looked around at the empty Tavern in contrast to what is was the night before.
"Everyone is still heavily drunk lass," he smirked leading her towards the back entrance of the Tavern. They stepped out into a cloudy bleak morning. The gush of humid wind and promise of more heavy rain was in the air. At a distance, they slowly followed a small walkway covered in shrubs and grass towards an abandoned greenhouse.
"T'is the quietest spot I could think of," he mentioned stepping through the door. And looking up at the glass dome that literally lacked glass as he shook his head.
"You may not want to tarry here long as the storm has not let up. It will rain again," she followed his gaze looking up at the dark clouds still slowly floating by.
"Thank you, Bellamy," she whispered swallowing heavily at the lump in her throat.
"If the Captain asks where..?" he began but was cut short as she looked away.
"You don't know where I am," she whispered.
"Lass?..." he began.
"He knows better not to lie to me," The velvety deep voice came from the door.
They turned together to look at Justin standing there. He said nothing as his gaze barely touched Bellamy but landed directly on her.
"Cap'n..." Bellamy stepped forward with a sad pleading gaze.
"Leave us!" Justin ordered.
Bellamy stopped mid-stride and lowered his shoulders. His attempt at calming the ever-rising temper in his Captain was futile. He dared not question him although deep down he knew Justin would not harm her. Not intentionally.
He slowly stepped away giving her one last glance before disappearing and leaving them alone.
Justin slowly stepped forward and closed the door and leaned against it. She slowly inched away to lean against a worktable; her eyes downcast not looking at him.
The tension between them was as thick as the scent of rain in the air. The balmy tropical heat did nothing to ease her discomfort. The rush of air only heightened the silence around them.
"Are you done acting like a child and ready to talk?" he folded his arms against his chest.
"If you're done sticking your tongue down the barmaid's throats, I am," she quipped raising her heated gaze to his.
He chuckled. "I am beginning to think you are jealous, love," he teased.
"Don't call me that! And why should I be jealous if you are nothing to me," she said angrily.
YOU ARE READING
Tempest's Embrace
Historical Fiction"Free me and I will save you," he promised. ~*~*~*~*~ A Pirate in peril... Pirate Justin O'Shea is finally captured by his enemy, he had no choice but to sit and wait for his men to come to his aid. But, when his captor decides to bring aboard cap...
