Roberto gave the next command the moment they stepped up onto the upper deck. “Fasten her to the railing!" he barked the next order.
His men looked at him in horror. Was their captain out of his mind? Surely, he would not whip a woman. It was not done, never. Yet they did as they were told, fearing the captain more at this point.
“Get started." He spoke through clenched teeth, looking at the boatswain who had the whip in his hand. The man looked at him and then at Pierre with beseeching eyes. It did not matter how hard they were. This was a lady and you did not treat a lady like that.
“Are you disobeying an order, Pirate?" Roberto asked stoically, eyebrows raised, his hands on his hips. Other men moved closer, relieved they were not in the boatswain's shoes.
“Captain, I never..." The b
