Unchartered Territory

by Ann Cory

  Parr snorted. “Stop. I mean it."

  The more he discouraged her, the more she wanted him. “Take me. I beg you. I'm not the lady you make me out to be."

  "I-I can't,” he stammered.

  She clenched her fists. “Are you so blinded by the need for material possessions that you can't accept something real in front of you? I'm throwing myself at you and you won't even touch me."

  "I don't deny your beauty is a sight for sore eyes, but my devotion belongs to the sea. I'd only hurt you, and you deserve better.” He moved passed her and headed to the door. “I apologize for walking in unannounced, good evening."

  Charlotte hurried to him. “Wait, please wait."

  He turned, but refused to look at her. “What?"

  She covered herself in an attempt to put him at ease. “What about the box? When you were sleepwalking, I saw you open it. You claim you don't trust me, so how can you leave it open in here with me?"

  The captain's face changed to anger. He stormed to the box, inserted the gold coin from his chain and locked it tight. “You will never bring up that box again, do you hear me? Those are my personal affects and none of your business."

  It was difficult to say for sure in the dark, but she could almost make out a tear in the corner of his eye. “I-I'm sorry. I didn't see whatever is inside. I promise."

  He scowled and let his words drip with disgust. “In your short time here, you've managed to disrupt everything. I knew it was a bad idea to let you rest here. Women bring nothing but bad luck aboard a ship. It's a good thing we're not out on the open sea or we'd be capsized by now. For the last time, good night."

  Charlotte didn't want him to leave angry, but she couldn't stop him. Did she think she could somehow change him? A man who has spent his life on the sea? A man who valued gold and treasures over human emotion? It wasn't her place to judge. She'd made a huge mistake by dangling herself like bait. Come morning she would apologize for her behavior and look for shelter until help came for her. If it ever came for her. Until then, she'd stay out of his way.

  * * * *

  Phineas hated to see the disappointment cross Charlotte's face, but what choice did he have? The woman made him crazy enough just by being. All hope of sanity would cease to exist if he dared to act on impulse. Of course, he wanted her. The way her breasts looked, he almost caved. They were so soft and full. Perfect to bury his face between. His hands ached to caress them and his mouth wanted to roam her body in hungry exploration. She had more nerve than any woman he'd ever encountered. With her mischievous smile and hypnotic gaze, she was a dangerous attraction he couldn't afford to pursue. Now if he could convince his lower half, than all would be right again.

  He'd traveled to the island with a specific purpose in mind. A longtime quest occupied his thoughts, day and night. In a short period of time those thoughts had been overshadowed by the woman's presence. Granted, he loved how she'd offered herself in an attempt to assure him of her honesty. Whether planned or spontaneous, it took guts and he admired her confidence. Maybe he should trust her. She hadn't shown him any reason not to.

  Phineas stopped in his quarters to dress, and then walked around the ship to clear his head. The cool night air would do him good. He couldn't wait to set sail again and feel the sway of the ship beneath his feet. Face the elements head on. The sea was all he knew. It didn't expect anything from him. It didn't complicate or confuse him. He was free to be himself and no one else. Be surrounded by waters that could lull him to sleep one minute, and strike fear in his heart the next. For all its adventure and wonderment, he had to admit, there was a downside to life at sea.

  It kept him from any chance of finding love. While he didn't know the right words to describe his current feelings—infatuation, curiosity, lust—he knew enough to be afraid. Charlotte roused feelings deep inside that he hoped to keep buried. He'd even gone so far as to convince himself that love was for fools. His father warned him early on that a woman didn't belong onboard. It was why his mother lived a lonely, solitary life on land. Much as she longed to go on journeys with her husband, she didn't trust the sea, and she didn't want to find out he loved it more than her. Over time, all of the wives of crewmembers grew to despise the sea. Jealous of the hold it had over their men.

  It was through his father's eyes and love affair with the sea that Phineas grew to love it too, and appreciate its exotic beauty. The vast ocean satisfied his heart and gave him a surge of power, though it did nothing to slake his desires. Occasionally, he shared a bed with women when they stopped between ports, but none would have his heart the way the wide, open sea did, and none ever could. So why did Charlotte's name and her busty image command his attention?

  The answer came to him far too quickly. He didn't want their interlude to be a one-time affair. For all his father's superstitions and warnings, he knew a single kiss from her would take him over the edge. There'd be no getting enough of her. Her scent would forever infuse into his skin. Her touch would brand his fingertips. Her breathy moans would echo in his ears for an eternity. All reasons to run—not walk away from her. Still, she'd gotten under his skin, and he would always wonder what it would be like to hold her naked body through the night.

  Phineas scratched his head. He was torn and needed time to think things through. In the morning, he would apologize. The way he'd walked out on her didn't sit right. She'd bared herself—put herself out there and he'd behaved like an ass. It would be a miracle if she acknowledged him at this point, which would be for the best.

  A half moon hung low in the sky, surrounded by blackened clouds. He stood at the prow of the boat and watched the fog hang over the ocean. Devil's breath he called it, pure evil ready to snare him in its trap if he didn't keep one eye open at all times.

  Phineas grabbed his spyglass and looked out. Something waited out there. Biding its time. He could feel the eyes of Fowler watching him, always watching and following close. So far, he'd been fortunate and outrun the other man, but he knew his time would come. His attention needed to be on locating the treasure not the pleasures of a woman so pure and divine, it threatened his very being. At the moment, he wasn't sure what he feared more. Fowler's jagged nails through his heart or Charlotte's spellbinding advances.

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  Chapter 5

  The thunder of footsteps above jostled Charlotte from an agitated sleep. From what she could gather, the crew had woken. Garbled voices and the clatter of dishes helped distract the thoughts in her head. What possessed her to bare herself to Phineas? Since when did she stoop to such desperate tactics to garner attention? And to top it all off, he'd denied her. It was such a slap in the face, and she couldn't shake it. How could she ever face him now?

  "Knock, knock,” came a voice she recognized.

  "Come in.” Charlotte sat up and pulled the blanket to her chin. She smiled as Bart entered with a large black box in his hands.

  "Morning, lass. I trust you slept well?"

  She sighed. “I'm afraid not well at all, but to no fault of anyone."

  "I see.” His brows furrowed briefly. “Well, perhaps this will brighten your mood. The cap'n requested I give you this."

  "I see, and do you do everything he says?"

  "I don't fight him, Miss, if that's what you be asking.” He set the box down in front of her and walked to the middle of the room.

  She liked Bart. He seemed good company for the captain. “Wouldn't you rather be commanding a ship and telling others what to do?"

  He chuckled. “I don't have commanding in my blood the way Captain Parr does. His father and his father's father were all pirates and could navigate ships in their sleep. It's ingrained in his bloodline. Don't be too hard on him, lass; he hasn't had an easy time of things. Especially if he doesn't find the treasure."

  Charlotte wanted to ask more but thought better of it. She'd ask Phineas himself.

  The stout man gave her a salute followed by a gentlemanly bow. “I'll leave now. When you'
re ready, there's food in the dining hall. It's not much but it will hold. The men have eaten so you won't be bothered."

  She smiled. “Thank you."

  "Only following orders,” he replied with a wink, and left her to inspect the contents of the box.

  She ran her hands along the smooth edges and lightly shook it. A tiny silver key stuck out of the heart-shaped lock with an ornate iron handle. With a gentle twist, she heard it click. Her heart pounded with curiosity. She couldn't remember the last time she received a gift. When Charlotte opened the lid, she gasped. The inside contained a folded pile of beautiful dresses in elegant shades of blue, green, and tangerine, each one more breathtaking than the next. Her hand went to her mouth.

  "I hope you don't mind. They were a gift for my mother."

  Charlotte's body vibrated at the sound of the captain's voice. She glanced up at him and noted how handsome he looked in the morning light. “But I thought you said she didn't sail with your father."

  "He bought them for her, on his last journey out. They've never been worn. I don't know why, but I've kept them all this time."

  Though the dresses were beautiful, she was hesitant. “Are you sure you want me to wear them?"

  "Why not? There aren't any other women onboard. Besides, you could use them since your other dress is torn."

  Charlotte completely forgot she didn't have any other clothing with her.

  "You're right, I could use them. Thank you.” She unfolded the tangerine knee-length dress and held it to her body. “Do you think this will look nice on me?"

  He shrugged but she sensed a smile. It would do. “I'll take that as a yes.” She clambered from the cot, barely able to contain her excitement. Bart had been correct; this certainly brightened her mood.

  Charlotte looked over her shoulder at the pirate, surprised to still see him standing there. “Out you go, a lady needs privacy when she dresses."

  His eyes crinkled in the corners. “Pardon? Last night you claimed you weren't a lady, and you didn't seem to mind what I saw."

  Charlotte wagged her finger at him. “Yes, and you chose not to look. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to put on this beautiful dress."

  "Oh I saw plenty, lass. Don't you be thinking otherwise. However, I will give you your privacy. The crew and I will be around scouting for treasure."

  Heat fanned her face. She didn't know what changed his attitude from last night, but it made all the difference in the world. Here she'd stressed over how to act in front of him, and he'd managed to make her comfortable again. “I'll come find you when I'm dressed, that is, if I'm allowed to leave the ship."

  Phineas nodded. “Aye. I look forward to it. Oh, behind those boxes in the corner is a mirror."

  Charlotte bit her lip. “I hope I do the dress justice."

  "With or without garments, you're still a vision,” he mumbled and left the room.

  Her eyes blurred with tears. He'd said exactly what she longed to hear, and what she knew to be true. Beneath the layers of his so-called bloodthirsty pirate exterior, lay hidden a romantic side.

  She waited until the sound of his boots faded and thrust off the nightshirt.

  Charlotte slipped the dress over her head. The silken fabric slid down over her body like a cool caress. From the corner, she pulled the boxes away to reveal the mirror. She stood back and eyed herself from head to toe. Her hair was still a tangled mess, something she hoped to take care of later, but the rich material cradling her body was paradise. The soft-flowing fabric complimented her figure and played up her best assets. She felt like more of a queen now than on the cruise ship, minus a hot shower.

  Eager to show off, Charlotte ran barefoot to the dining hall, stopping long enough to pop a handful of grapes in her mouth and grab a crust of bread. She picked off small pieces and chewed on them as she made her way across the sand.

  Everywhere she looked men were digging, sweat streaked across their faces. They smiled as she walked by. The captain had been wrong about his crew. While not the picture of health, their looks didn't offend her by any means.

  She spied Phineas staring at a scroll while talking animatedly with Bart. Casually she made her way toward them. “Hello, boys. What do you have there?"

  Phineas closed up the scroll and squared his back to her. “None of yer business. You just be on yer way."

  Charlotte couldn't figure him out. He ran hot and cold with no telltale sign of the switch until he opened his mouth. Miffed he hadn't bothered to look at her, she grumbled, “Well, that's a nice way to talk to a lady."

  Bart glanced over and let out a long, low whistle. “And might I say what a lady you are."

  * * * *

  Phineas couldn't concentrate with all the chatter distracting him. He'd finally been able to focus on the treasure again, and then lo and behold, Charlotte came along. He was about to tell the rambling woman to go back to the ship when he turned and caught a look at her in the dress.

  For a moment, his tongue twisted up into knots. A raw ache started in his groin. “I-I didn't. What I mean to say, er, it's just a silly old map. You, lass, be a stunning vision."

  "Thank you.” She twirled in the sand and then curtsied.

  Every time he saw her, she looked more beautiful than before. His cock pressed tight against his breeches and he pulled his coat tighter. This woman did something to him. Wound his heart up tight and sucked air from his lungs. Any sense of control he might have talked himself into, up and vanished. His father's warnings alone should have been enough to make him want to keep his distance, but the more he tried to resist her temptations, the more he wanted to give in.

  "The dress is simply beautiful,” she added. “They all are, and I can't wait to wear each one."

  "Aye, the dress suits you,” he added. “The color brings out yer eyes."

  He ignored the look Bart gave him and felt heat rise around his neck. He'd hear about this later. “I'm glad the dresses didn't go to waste."

  His comment didn't diminish the radiant glow from her face.

  She walked to his side and flashed him an impish smile. “So you said it's just a silly old map? Do you mind if I take a look at it?"

  Phineas hesitated. If she were a spy, it would be the perfect opportunity to take the map and consequently claim the treasure as her own. He wished the stupid notion would leave his mind, but he had to keep his guard up. Didn't he? His gaze moved from her outstretched hand to her green eyes. They were like jewels in the midmorning light. Nothing about her gave him the impression she was less than genuine.

  "Please? I'm curious, that's all. You can hold onto it while I look if it makes you feel better,” she reasoned.

  Now he felt like an idiot. What harm could she possibly do? If she ran off, where would she go? “No, it's fine. Have a look. I can't seem to make heads or tails of it anyhow."

  She brushed her hand along his and then grasped the map. He watched the way she studied it, her lips moving as she silently read. Her mouth turned up into a pretty smile and then she gave him an incredulous look. “Are you serious? You don't understand the map?"

  "I'm afraid I don't.” It bothered him more than he wanted to admit that she still had it. His fingers ached to feel the texture of the scroll again.

  "I've never heard of a pirate who can't read a map. Isn't that supposed to be part of the job?"

  To hear it from a woman he wanted to impress only made him more ashamed. “I can navigate a ship with me eyes closed, lassie. It runs in me blood. But me navigational skills on land are lacking."

  Her brow arched. “Did you think to ask someone to help you?"

  His fingers shook, craving the feel of the map between them. “I'd rather throw myself overboard and drown first. You don't call yerself captain and not deliver the goods, lass. That's mutiny on my ship."

  Her eyes searched his. “But it's your ship."

  "There are rules you don't understand. It's not my ship, it's my father's, and there's a name and reputation to uphold."
<
br />   She rested her hand on his arm and he broke out into a cold sweat. “I think you're too hard on yourself. There's nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it. Seems all men are incapable of stopping to ask for directions, even pirates."

  Phineas pushed back the animalistic urge to kiss her. God he loved her wicked sense of humor. “This comes from a woman who is as stubborn as they come."

  "I admit that I have my moments."

  She laughed and turned out to look at the ocean, her gaze switching from it to the map. “So I'm holding an authentic treasure map, aren't I?"

  "Aye, but you can hand it back to me anytime, lass."

  Phineas thought he'd go stir crazy if he didn't feel it in his hands soon.

  "So the black slashes are paces, right?"

  "Look, you have to know how to read a map. I don't have time to explain it to you."

  She pushed his hand aside. “I do know how to read maps, thank you very much. I'm just asking about the slash marks. It's all self-explanatory, really."

  He clenched his hands and frowned. “I mean no disrespect, but what would a simple woman like you know about reading a treasure map?"

  Her stare turned icy for a split second. “I may be simple, but I'm also educated. I studied cartography in university. For a while I made my living checking the authenticity of maps and historical documents."

  Phineas’ jaw went slack. The lass was full of surprises. “Yer a strange and intelligent woman. I like that. Maybe you can help me."

  When she smiled her eyes lit up like tiny stars. “I'd be happy to.” She took a step back into him and repositioned the scroll so they could both see it. Her scent made his pulse drum. “Now, these circles here, they represent boulders, correct?"

  His eyes followed the curve of her back and the sensual slope of her shoulders. He'd done well by giving her the dresses. The gesture left him wanting to do more for her.

  "Phineas?” She glanced over her shoulder and he snapped to attention.

  "What was the question, lass?"