Within a Captain's Hold

by Lisa A. Olech

  “Ain’t ye a purdy one….”

  He grabbed at her as he pushed her forward against the rails. His fingers raked against her breasts as he tried to raise her skirts while pinning her to the side of the ship. Alice fought her attacker, kicking back and twisting her upper body. Her elbow connected with the man’s face. He doubled over in pain at the loud crack. Blood coursed from his nose.

  He swore and spit at her. Lunging, he tore at her clothes and pushed her down onto the bloody deck. Alice reached out to scratch at his eyes, but he grabbed her hand and nearly broke her fingers as he ripped her ring from her.