Princess of Pirates

4_Deal

Zelia

“I am doing no such thing,” I gasp indignant and take a step back. “Just uttering the words is absurd.”

Jehan chuckles softly at my reaction.

“Just as absurd as your idea to buy your freedom,” he smirks as he raises his glass, turns around and takes his seat again.

“Exactly what is so absurd about a business transaction?” I demand with my hands on my hips, lifting my chin. “I am a woman of my word, not some damsel from a tavern.”

“Oh, I am very aware of who you are, Mademoiselle Bordeaux,” he laughs as he lazily stretches his legs in front of him. “And all the more reason why this is so entertaining.”

“How do you know my name?” I ask flabbergasted, completely off guard.

“The manifest,” he shrugs nonchalantly.

“Well,” I straighten my back, “then you should know that I am not lying and that I can pay you in exchange for us to be released from the hold.”

“Mademoiselle,” he sighs as he gets up and walks up to me. “Let us clear one thing, I might only be a swine in your eyes, but I assure you I am not. What I lack in education, I make up with experience. We have cleared your ship of all valuables and what was once yours, is already mine. You do not own it anymore to hand out.”

His piercing blue eyes are searching me intensely. “In fact,” he whispers mischievously. “I own you and every soul in that hold.”

“That is what you think,” I smirk aloud without thinking. The second the words leave me, I regret it. Jehan’s head jerks back and he squints his eyes.

“Is that a challenge, Mademoiselle?” He asks deceptively calm.

“No, you brute,” I snap. I honestly had enough now of this gorgeous man with his black soul. At this very moment, I am nothing more than a toy to him and I will not allow it one second longer. If he kills me now, I will die with my dignity.

“For a big, bad pirate you are rather dense,” I say as I poke my finger against his shoulder, and he steps back. Shock written all over his face. “When your crew reported the loot, did they include twenty golden coins?”

I intuitively know that I hit a nerve and it gives me the courage to continue with my charade.

“So, tell me something, captain. Are one of your men taking loot on the side or do I have the coins?” I smile sweetly as I push past him and pour myself a drink from the same bottle he helped himself a moment ago. I am acutely aware that I am poking the devil with a stick, but at this very moment, I do not care. I am hungry and thirsty. “Either someone is stealing from you, or I am lying to you. What do you think?”

I take a sip and must suppress the groan of pleasure as the liquid soothes my throat. Honestly, it is a little too sweet and too strong for my taste, but beggars cannot choose.

“Enjoying yourself?” He growls and his eyes are warning me that I am dangerously close to walking the plank.

“I am used to better,” I shrug and down the empty glass. “But let us get back to business. I do possess the coins, and I will give them to you on the condition that we are released from the hold. I am aware it is not enough to buy our freedom; all I am trying to secure are better conditions until you decided on our fate. Surely, you are not keeping us alive out of the goodness of your heart. You have plans for us and for those plans, you need us alive.”

“Emmerde!” he bellows as he slams his fist onto the door, and I jump a little.

My heart is in my throat and all my bravado has disappeared. I have gone too far and am now at the receiving end of his wrath. I swallow hard and order my trembling body to still. As far as he is concerned, I must seem cool and calculated.

“My men would not dare take from me,” he hisses as he towers over me. “And if you have the coins …”

With a devious smile, he moves even closer, and I am balling my fists, ordering myself not to move an inch. The last thing I want is to give him the satisfaction of seeing me scared. And I am terrified, to say the least.

“Mademoiselle,” he whispers when he is only inches from me. “If you still have the coins, there is only one way to know.”

Like lightning, his hands get hold of my hips and he forcefully pulls me against his hard body. My breath hitches in my throat and I close my eyes. Never in my life have I been this close to a man. Let alone such a gorgeous one. It is thrilling but at the same time so humiliating.

“There is only one way to find out,” he murmurs as his hands trail up my side and I want to die right there. Something unknown to me stirs low in my belly and I concentrate to keep my breathing normal. His hands continue their journey until they cup my breasts.

I gasp for air and my eyes dart to his face. His eyes are a darker shade of blue and his facial features seem softer all of a sudden. With all my might, I ignore the blush creeping up my cheeks, but I am defenceless against the goosebumps covering my body.

“Monsieur,” I manage the words with difficulty. “This is highly inappropriate, and I demand that you remove your hands.”

“You demand,” his words are soft and soothing as his thumbs start circling over my n*****s. And for the first time in my twenty years, I am grateful for the stiff garments that are protecting my body’s betrayal. “You are in no position to demand anything.”

I do not move; I just close my eyes and pray that he does not see how much I enjoy his touch.

“Not to worry, Mademoiselle,” he grins as he lets go of me and my breasts suddenly feel cold and lonely. “I prefer my women a bit more kept if you will.”

This time the red glow that is creeping up my neck is one of pure anger and humiliation.

“The state of my condition is solely your doing,” I sneer. “Just like your women, I am used to better than what you are currently providing.”

“I am thoroughly going to enjoy selling you and your wise mouth at the slaves’ market,” he snaps. “Your tongue will be cut out within twenty-four hours.”

The reality that he is serious nestles uncomfortably within me. I always thought people exaggerated when they said there are things worse than death, but I am coming to learn that extremely fast.

“Even more reason to let us come on deck,” I pull myself together and push my fears to the back. “I figure you can double your income if you present us in a clean and healthy condition rather than emaciated and worn down.”

It feels like a small eternity when Jehan just stares at me with his cold, blue eyes. Did I fool myself earlier when I thought his features were softer and more humane?

With a growl, Jehan pulls open his cabin door and my heart sinks. My plan did not work. All I got, was to be molested by him and the shame that I enjoyed it.

“Bellamy!” He bellows and seconds later a sailor reports.

“Release the prisoners from the hold,” Jehan orders, but his eyes do not leave my face. “Chain the men together, they will work, cleaning the deck. The women will commence duties in the kitchen. They must be guarded at all times.”

“Yes, captain,” Bellamy nods and turns around.

“And Bellamy,” Jehan calls him back. “Not a finger must be laid on any of the women, do you understand?”

“Yes, captain,” Bellamy nods once more and scurries away.

“Thank you, captain,” I smile sincerely. “I will hand over the coins tonight.”

I turn around to leave, but his hand gets hold of my arm in an iron grip.

“Where do you think you are going?” he sneers at me.

“To the kitchen,” I frown. “That was the deal, right?”

“Oh no, not you,” he grins. “You, my dearest mademoiselle, will become my personal chambermaid.”

Stunned, I stare at him. Did I not make myself clear that I am not willing to offer my body? And did he not just say that I am not good enough for him?

“Not for that,” he rolls his eyes as he interprets my expression correctly. “When I return tonight, there will not be a speck of dust or dirt. Do you understand?”

“Ye … yes, captain,” I stutter, still not completely on board with what is happening.

“And wash yourself, you are stinking up my place,” he scoffs as he opens the door and leaves.

Still astonished with current events, I could only stare at the door. Did this really just happen? Did I honestly just face one of the world’s most notorious pirates and struck a deal with him?

The moment of realization and relief is too great, and I fall to my knees. I bury my face in my hands as tears stream over my face. I did it. I still cannot believe it, but I did it. I know I did not save anyone from a horrific ending, but at least I made the journey less insufferable.

I take a couple of deep breaths to calm myself and gain control. I wipe my eyes and get up. I have never cleaned a day in my life, but this cabin will be sparkling when I am done. I have never handled a dagger, let alone threaten a man’s life with it, and I managed that successfully. Cleaning should be easy compared to that. And I will not do it to please him, I am doing it to keep Charlotte and everyone else safe.