The Pirate's Daughter

by Marie Hall

  Or perhaps the comfort was caused by the man standing behind her, leaning past her into the wind. Even as her body ached for him, from him, she knew she was safe. She belonged where he was. They sailed the exact same course and Mia trusted he’d captain them through any storm. She could live this life. And she’d find her happiness standing beside him rather than out on the horizon.

  “You like it up here, pirate?” he asked, turning to look at her.

  “I’d like it better on the top,” she laughed when his expression turned dark. “Aye, this is a beautiful place to be. Do you have glass with you?”

  “No. Why” Is something out there?”

  “Not that I know, but we are heading into a shipping lane. There might be,” she said and turned again to look over the waters. “There should be.”

  “Well unlike fine naval craft, merchant ships have no concept of time and schedules,” Devin said, his tone and look smug.

  “Beg pardon, Captain, but yes we do. Time is money, sir. I’d rather have coin than bragging rights to show for keeping my schedule,” Mia informed him.

  “That’s because you’ve never had to listen to the admiral chew your stern for missing port call,” he fired back.

  “Well, you’ve never heard the commodore ranting about a missed sale for the cargo.”

  Devin threw his head back and laughed. “Was it terrible?”

  “My ears bled,” Mia said then grabbed him as his laughter made him slip.

  “Something to avoid I think,” he said and moved closer.

  “Aye, Captain.” They eased into a silence and spent an hour or so standing over the deck looking out towards sea. When they finally climbed down, Mia took some teasing about how she’d tied her skirts to climb up. It seemed there were a few biblical scholars on ship who heard her remark to gird loins. Devin broke it up before the remarks going back and forth became too raw but everyone had a good laugh. And she found as she took a seat on a coiled rope next to the rail to watch the sun go down the men of the crew passed her with smiles and kind words. She didn’t need to spend time scrubbing decks or polishing the brightwork. She was here and part of them without force. With a sigh she set her arm on the rail and then her chin on her arm and took a moment to listen.

  “You’re not hoping to hear the sun hissing as it sets are you, Mrs. Winthrop?”

  Mia looked up to see Mr. Asher standing by. “Perhaps. It’s easier to hear that sound when nearer the poles, colder water and all.” The man snorted and covered his mouth. “No, I’m just listening for the sea to say good night.” She again set her chin down.

  “Does it?” he asked, then took a knee beside her.

  “If you listen, it does.”

  “What do I need to listen for?”

  “I don’t know. It’s a sound, a difference. Listen now and what do you hear?”

  He was quiet a moment, “The boat creaking, the wind in the sails.”

  “You listen to close, listen out there,” she said and waved her hand out.

  “Yes, I hear waves.”

  “Count them, count between them.” A long silence ensued. “Do you hear it?”

  “Are they pulling differently?”

  “Aye, now look east, what is there?”

  He turned and gasped, “The moon rises.”

  “And it’s full, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, how did you know? You didn’t look.”

  “I listened.” Mia said and again turned her ear to the sea. It was quieter than she’d think given where they sailed. But they’d sailed such a tight short course not going to port anywhere that she hadn’t a clue what was abounding beyond these waters. Anything could be preventing other ships from crossing their path. Something as simple as farmers slow to get crops to the docks or as complicated as battles over right of ways.

  “It’s an amazing gift you have, Mia. I don’t suppose though it can be taught well enough to be as natural as it is for you,” Asher said getting to his feet.

  “Experience teaches what I know, Mr. Asher. The right experiences teach the right things.” The whistle calling everyone to mess ended the peaceful moment.

  “Well I’ve experience enough to know if we’re late to the table there’ll be nothing left but bones and weevils,” he said, holding out his hand to help her up.

  “Aye but then you take the weevil, tie it to a bone, cast it out and catch a fish.” She saw the man’s mouth drop open.

  “Sounds like perfect advice to me,” Devin told them as he stepped up. “Diner anyone?” he asked holding out his elbow. Mia took it and again her words gave everyone something to laugh and tease about, until again the remarks got rowdy and Devin excused them both from the table.

  Devin drew back the covers and slid into the bed. Mia warmed it well enough while he finished first watch. As soon as he laid back she rolled over and against him.

  “All’s well, Captain?” she asked snuggling closer.

  “All’s well, Mrs. Winthrop.” This had become a bit of a custom for them. Whichever watch he took Mia would upon his return ask and he’d answer. And most every time, like now, he could feel the smile curl her lips. “All’s well with you then too?”

  “Aye, captain, aye,” she said as her hand slipped along his thigh. It was the first time in a long while she’d shown him any willingness to initiate sex. Her hand continued to make heading for his groin and the slow speed gave his cock a chance to harden fully.

  “You had a good day today,” he said as her hand wrapped around him and squeezed.

  “Aye, quite good,” she said lifting up and shifting over him. Disappearing below the covers.

  “I should do well to give you more of them,” he said, then moaned as her mouth closed around the head. Gritting his teeth, he fought down the wave of incredible delight that washed in as Mia worked her mouth over his shaft. She took her time, taking him deep then drawing on him as she came back to the head which she licked and nipped at with such skill. She took his cock deep one more time then came off him with a pop before pulling the covers down and looking him straight in the eye as she said.

  “Aye, you should.” The wicked, lustful gleam she had made him groan again.

  “Come here, you lusty wench,” Devin said grabbing her at the waist and dragging her well up atop him.

  “Wench, am I now?” Mia queried shifting so she straddled him.

  “Aye, wench. The only question is, are you a good wench or a naughty wench.” Devin worked her forward more until she was sitting on his chest.

  “Perhaps what I am, is a good and naughty wench,” her words made his cock leap up.

  “Aye, then you’re the perfect kind,” Devin told her, working his arms between her legs and lifting her ass in his hands so she tipped forward over him and he could move down into the perfect position “The kind I love to eat the best.” Pulling her down on his mouth he pushed his tongue right into her.

  “Ah, Captain.” Mia gasped out and set her palms on the bulkhead.

  Devin knew what she wanted and he gave her exactly that. “Say my name, Mia,” he commanded as he took her clit between his teeth.

  “Devin.” The sound sent a bolt of lightning through him and he bit down. First only enough to make her moan then a little more until she cried out and her pussy filled with her juices.

  “There’s my fine cuisine.” He bit down again then drew his tongue along the full length of her sex. She always tasted a bit like molasses but then there was also something quite unique and new to her as well. Bringing the tip of his tongue back to her clit, he gave it several flicks before drawing on it hard.

  “Captain,” Mia cried out. He continued flicking at it but reached around and gave her ass a good squeeze. She arched up and away with a second cry. He pulled her back down and pushed his tongue as deep as he could into her. Squeezing again but not as hard, he licked her slit once then called up.

  “My name, Mia,” he said not waiting for her to speak before resuming his mission.

 
“Ah, ah, ah. Devin, aye. Yes, Devin, please,” Mia panted out. He again took her clit between his teeth and bit down. Mia’s cry was somewhere between a yelp and a moan then she growled as the climax rolled through. He finished her off with a few soft kisses and one little nip as she worked her way back. Once she sat over his waist he took hold, lifting so he could scoot back up the bed and align her with his aching cock.

  He tightened his grip and eased her down, loving the sight of his cock disappearing into her. He hit bottom with a portion still remaining and as Mia lifted up he grabbed hold of his shaft and held it as she started sliding along his length at the pace she set. It was thrilling to watch her use him to pleasure herself. Though he wasn’t sure she knew that was what she was doing.

  At the moment, her hands rested on her thighs as she lifted and dropped. Devin took her right hand and bringing it to his mouth sucked two fingers in. He wet them then directed them to her nub. Mia, little pleasure seeker she was, caught on instantly and started rubbing. Devin then directed her remaining hand to those fabulous tits. She needed no instruction as she took hold of the hard, rosy nipple and pinched until the gasp passed her lips. All this left his hands free to do as he pleased.

  Reaching behind her he set his palms on her ass and let her motions rub against them. He added a pinch or a squeeze to drive Mia closer to her release but he didn’t try and rush her. She’d tell him when she was ready to bring this to an end. For the moment, seeing her above him enjoying the act was another vision he’d always have burning in his memory. Like when she put her face in the wind at the helm or when she stood atop the mast shielding her eyes from the sun as she surveyed the ocean she commanded. She was beautiful. More beautiful than any woman he’d met or seen portrayed in art.

  He felt it when she started to clamp down and a moment later she put her hands on his chest. This gave her the leverage to increase the pace, and after a few more undulations, she arched her back, cried out and coated his cock and his fist still holding the base. With a sigh she lay down on him.

  “Are you ready to give me the helm?” he asked and pushed her up.

  “Have you wind to take it?” Mia teased as she sat up.

  “Oh, I’ll take it, pirate, and you. Turn around so I can commandeer this ship.” He helped her spin around on his cock so she faced his feet and he’d the perfect view of her fine ass. Lifting his hips, he drove himself into her. He took his time working her pussy. Each time she thought to again take command, he’d deliver a pinch or a slap to remind her he was captain. Her moans and whimpers grew more desperate.

  Devin placed his thumb against her pussy lips, letting it become coated before placing it against her asshole and pushing in. Mia squeaked and sat up enough that he was able to pull her backwards. So she lay her back to his front, he bent his knees lifting and retreating with more purpose, his thumb in her ass and his other hand working at her clit. Her whole warm body covering his. When she turned her head, he was able to find her lips. Biting down at the same time, he pinched her nub and thrust up deep. Mia cried out, her breath catching and her body shuddering through the orgasm. She cried out again as Devin let go the control he’d barely held onto and spilled his seed inside her.

  “Devin,” Mia sighed and reached back to wrap her arm around his head while he placed soft kisses on her shoulder.

  “Ready to raise the white flag, my love?” he asked, rolling to his side so they lay spooned together.

  “Aye.”

  “Did you enjoy yourself?” He drew up the covers, careful to remain resting inside her until the last second.

  “Aye. You?”

  “Every bit of it,” he said, then kissed her shoulder and the back of her neck. “You’re perfection in everything you do.”

  He heard her snort. “Then why is my ass marked with your disapproval?”

  “Because that is what happens when you are a perfectly naughty pirate,” he said laughing at her sound of outrage. She reached back and slapped his leg, then snuggled closer.

  “I think, Captain, we might need to again discuss vocabulary, because I’m not sure you understand at all the meaning of naughty.”

  Devin laughed again, wrapped his arm around her, and pressed his lips to her shoulder. “Perhaps, pirate, but I’m learning.” He was going to have to learn faster though if he was going to hold on to this woman.

  Chapter 25

  Mia sat up straight from a dead sleep. Beside her, Devin snored softly. The day was exhausting for all as crew spent time adding paint and moving supplies. Another week and they’d reach Port-au-Prince. Although Mr. Coventon’s injury healed well enough, no one thought he needed to see another doctor. Devin planned to make a short stop before heading back to the ports at Cartagena. Today’s labors only added to the many over the last week. Men were exhausted and short tempered and like them Devin and Mia sought out an early bed. Devin fell asleep the minute he was flat, Mia followed more gently. Now, she was wide awake and not sure why.

  She took a deep breath, then listened. All seemed quiet on the ship, but something woke her. Slipping from the bed, reaching for her dressing gown, she gave the bed a glance, seeing Devin sleeping soundly, she made her way to the door, pulling the robe around her. Securing it closed, she climbed on deck.

  Above her, the barest sliver of the moon showed and the stars splattered the night sky. No bird or cloud in sight. She made her way to the portside rail. The cold wet of the deck under her feet made her shiver and she wrapped her arms around herself. The black of the ocean was all she could make out, but something awoke her. Something that was enough to make her hair stand on end now. Leaning a bit, she listened again. Nothing but the lapping waves. Maybe she was crazy. Maybe she needed more sleep. She was about to turn and go below when the barest hint of smoke came on the wind. It was too faint to be a fire on the ship. Not fragrant enough to be from anyone’s pipe.

  Mia raised her head and waited for the next breeze to lift. It came at her off her left shoulder into her face and she quickly made her way starboard, aft. It was several long moments before she caught the scent again and this time to be sure she scanned the whole of the deck for any signs it burned. She knew relief when she couldn’t connect the two things, the smell of smoke and this ship, but they weren’t close enough to land yet to be able to smell a fire unless it was large enough to burn an entire city and she’d be able to see that at night.

  “Mrs. Winthrop?” Mia turned to see Lieutenant Coventon headed her way. “Mrs. Winthrop what are doing up, so late, alone and,” he waved his hand up and down her person, “undressed?” He kept his voice low but she heard the harsh disapproval. “Go below.” He set his hand on her elbow to herd her that way as the wind carried the smell to her again.

  “Wait,” she hissed putting her hand on his chest to hold him still. “Wait, please.” It was gone again. But maybe… “Take a deep breath sir, please.” She waited until he complied though he looked to do it only to get her off the deck. “Do you smell anything?”

  “No. Please go below, ma’am,” he said not overly sharply.

  “No, I’m sure… I know,” she said, pulling away and making it to the rail at the point the quarterdeck and the poop deck met. Again, she leaned over, this time catching the wind. But the scent wasn’t on it. Listening again she waited. It was almost a popping sound but she couldn’t be sure.

  “What’s she doing sir?” someone said behind her.

  “Are there sharks?” someone else asked.

  “Mrs. Winthrop, please,” Coventon pleaded. Mia waved them all quiet and listened more intently. Something. She could hear something and again the faintest trace of smoke.

  “Do you smell that?” someone behind her asked and Mia spun around.

  “What did you smell?” she asked

  In the darkness she couldn’t be sure, but the man didn’t sound sure when he said, “Smoke?”

  “Is the ship on fire?” Petty Officer Finch cried out.

  Mia was on him quick, covering his
mouth because she could hear it now. He mumbled something and drowned out the sound again. “No, it’s not this ship. Now be quiet all of you.” She let go and went back to the rail. It wasn’t coming from directly starboard, but from farther back. She kept her ear to it and edged towards the stern until she heard it more clearly again. Crackling and popping. Something was on fire. “I need a glass,” she whispered.

  “Fetch a glass, be quick,” Coventon said as he stepped up. “Mia, here put this on.” His coat dropped over her shoulders. “You won’t see anything without the moon.”

  “Here, sir,” Finch said, handing the spyglass off to Coventon who held it out to Mia.

  Mia took it, extended it, and raised it to her eye. The smell of smoke was more consistent now and she knew when the others caught the whiff.

  “Mia, what’s burning?” Coventon asked with a soft whisper.

  “I don’t know.” She stopped as it came into view. Not quite at the horizon but a good distance out, a ship. A very small craft, burned. Closer to it another ship was sailing up. By the looks nothing more than one of those turned out triple decks as far as she could tell. Probably carrying freight and some wealthy passengers. They’d render aid if they could but something still felt wrong.

  “Mrs. Winthrop, I can smell the smoke, what is it?” Lieutenant Coventon’s nerves were fraying.

  “Wait, sir, let me find her. Let me be sure.” There it was sitting back out of the light cast by the fire, a galleon, bloody black sails and all. She had to be anchored. The wind was in her favor but she wasn’t moving to render aid. “Bloody hell,” she breathed. “Lieutenant,” she whispered, reaching out and pulling him down so she could speak and only he’d hear her. “Listen to me carefully, please sir.”

  “Aye.”

  “Wake the captain, then the crew. Do it as quietly as possible. See to it no one makes a sound and make sure every light is put out. Not a single candle to be left burning.”

  “Mia?”