" I’m truly sorry for what you have endured at the hands of these inconsiderate barbarians, Evangeline." Flint tentatively rose from his seat, an air of sympathy washing over his features , as he took Evangeline’s hand in his and squeezed it softly, hoping that she would recognize that he understood her plight, and that he was willing to assist her in any manner possible. " Please tell me how I can accommodate you further."
Flint cocked his head in thought, his gaze turning pensive as the wheels in his head spun to try to come up with some sort of viable solution to get Evangeline out of her precarious situation with both her contemptuous husband and her callous father. " Perhaps there is a relative or close friend nearby that I may safely abscond you to? Someplace safe where your husband and father won’t discover you so easily?"
Evangeline flushed warm at the touch of James’ hand on hers..Or was it just the bounteous amount of rum that was heating her blood..or… Could it be both?? Evangeline’s logic was blurred from the effects of both the heavy drinking and complete exhaustion …Try as she might..she couldn’t wrangle her thoughts coherently and she chewed at her lower lip in frustration, a vexed look flashing anxiously across her delicate features.
Flint caught Evangeline’s perplexed glance and immediately realized that she was drained, debilitated from the frantic events of this turbulent evening, and he smiled in empathy. "I can see that you are spent, Evangeline. We don’t have to fret over all of this now."
Flint proceeded cautiously, carefully regarding the obviously fraught woman before him. He wanted to suggest that she rest in his cabin, of course he would slumber elsewhere, but he didn’t wish to pressure her and have her feel in any way uncomfortable . He knew would have to be very clear about his intentions as not to unnerve her any further.
"Would you feel comfortable reposing in my cabin tonight?" Flint flinched at his deficient choice of words and hastily stuttered out a follow up to his seemingly brazen invitation .
" Forgive me, I digress…..You would be sleeping alone of course..And I would abide in the men’s quarters..Only if that would be acceptable to you, Evangeline."
Damn it. Flint cursed himself silently as he watched Evangeline quietly process the proposal he had suddenly put upon her. What in the bloody hell was wrong with him? Flint inwardly chided himself, trying to keep a composed demeanor on the outside. He couldn’t even articulate his intentions correctly when in her presence, she had some kind of effect on him that in no way he would try to comprehend at this point in time. Well, he had definitely extended a suggestion to her; He waited anxiously as he watched her thoughtfully mull over his request.
Evangeline cautiously raised her weary gaze to gage James’ engaging invitation and managed a faint smile, her exhausted mind fuzzy from the evening’s escapades and, no doubt, the impetuous rum. She sighed tediously, running a fatigued hand through her tousled golden curls, wishing for nothing but the comfort of sleep and the knowledge of knowing that she was secure from any further treachery this unsettling night.
But, as protected as she felt with James, she still harbored an anxiety born from everything that she had weathered throughout the harrowing ordeal with Lord Webb and yes, her father even. Not that they could possibly hurt her from her vantage installed in a "ferocious" pyrate captain’s cabin, a mile or so off shore, but never the less, she still had an inkling of angst lingering in the recesses of her soul, and she did not wish to sleep alone; she would feel much more guarded if James consented to keep vigil over her.
A timid smile started on Evangeline’s lips as she cast a hopeful glance in James’ direction . "I know this may seem quite forward, James, and if this was a conventional situation, I would dare not impose on you." Evangeline wrapped her arms around herself to ward off a slight shiver, her gaze imploring James to consider her forthcoming request. " I would really appreciate and feel that much safer if you would reside with me while I rested."
Evangeline optimistically grasped James’ hand in hers, not missing the startled look that flickered in his enticing sapphire eyes. " Please, I understand that it is highly irregular, and I don’t wish to seem improper, but I would rather not be left alone tonight."
Flint couldn’t help but notice the slight shiver or the beseeching look that Evangeline bestowed upon him. Of course it was exceedingly inappropriate for him to dwell in the same room with a married woman that didn’t share his last name, but, then again, wasn’t this whole evening just a few shades past impropriety as it was? What else could happen to make it even more indecent?
Flint nodded slightly, noting how terribly wearied and worried Evangeline was, and squeezed her hand in affirmation. " Of course, Evangeline, if it helps you to rest peacefully, I would be more than willing to keep watch over you while you sleep away the events of this adventitious evening." He smiled reassuringly at her as he led her toward the berth that he called his bed, his composed demeanor was a straight farce, cloaking the struggle that was ensuing between the urge to possess her there and now; and the primal instinct for necessary self preservation. Making her his when she belonged to another, supremely influential British lord certainly would not be in the best interest for either one of them.
Evangeline sighed thankfully, relief flooding through her as James attentively guided her to his sleeping berth, and tucked her securely under the fleece afghan that adorned his spartan bedding. He anxiously cleared his throat, and stood uncertainly over Evangeline, not quite sure of what his next move should be. " Are you comfortable Evangeline?" Flint fidgeted nervously, steadfastly kneading his fingers into tight knots. " Is there anything else that you might require to help you feel at ease?"
Evangeline gazed gratefully up at James, feeling extremely appreciative of everything he had sacrificed for her so far. But, as much as he had aided her so far, she dared ask one more unconventional favor of him, in order to dissuade her uneasiness. " James, You have done more of your fair share to assist me tonight and for that I am beyond thankful." Evangeline smiled shyly as a faint blush shadowed her cheeks. " I would hate to put any further encumbrance on you, but only if you are so inclined, I’d feel better protected if you would consent to lay with me…That is… At least until I fall asleep." She smiled demurely in hopes that James would agree with her request. " Please."
Although Flint was a bit taken aback by such an intimate request, part of him was already speculating what Evangeline would feel like enveloped in his embrace, her delicate body pressed snug against his; Her essence permeating his senses; Her lips flush with his in a passionate kiss….….Flint reluctantly shook himself out of his wishful reverie, anxiously clearing his throat and wordlessly nodding his assent to Evangeline.
A grateful smile touched Evangeline’s lips as she lifted the afghan to allow James’ access beside her. Her bounteous curves snuggled in close as she whispered an appreciative "thank you", Flint gritting his teeth and reeling in his emotions to keep from spiraling completely out of control. He drew in a guarded breath as she tentatively guided his arms to envelop her in a close embrace.
It was everything Flint could do to keep his voracity in check. This was almost as difficult as being caught up in a raging battle with no foreseeable end in sight. It most certainly was going to be an arduous evening.
Seemingly endless hours passed as Flint lie perfectly still in his bunk, his arm wrapped lightly around Evangeline's petite waist, trying his damndest not to utter a sound as he didn’t wish for her to awaken. He was hushed, absorbed in the slight rise and fall of her relaxed body as she easily slept in his sheltering hug.
He stared sightlessly at the knotted wood ceiling of his cabin, his turbulent thoughts determined to torment him once again..Only this time...It was not over his own personal war against England, it was over his conflicting sentiments he was battling over the complicated woman resting peacefully in his arms.
On one hand, a part of him urgently wanted to turn her to face him, crush his lips on hers, and lavish his passion on her over and over again, make her realize how much he craved her...wanted her...make her feel the rapture she ignited in his soul, just by her being this near to him.
But , as his common sense ventured to chide him and REMIND him that she was married , and, as she had just explained to him, to a very important British figure on New Providence Island. And Flint, by all means was a notorious being, a treacherous pyrate on all accounts, according to their autocratic laws.
Would he hazard to give the British scum yet another reason to vehemently chase him down and happily hoist him high in the gallows to viciously make a concrete example of him to anyone that dared defy their decree?
Flint unconsciously hissed a frustrated sigh, instantly tensing as he felt Evangeline stir under his protective embrace, a content sigh softly slipping from her lips. He held his breath, half in anticipation and half in the still unrevealed, as she languidly shifted to face him, snuggling tightly beside his taut body, her warm breath faintly ticking the scruff on his unshaven neck, the silhouette of her breasts pressed firmly against his chest.
Flint sharply bit down on his lower lip, his raging emotions wreaking total havoc on his already weakened psyche. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut, trying to will away the libidinous thoughts howling in his head, opening them after what seemed like an eternity to unsuccessfully thwart his desire, only to find Evangeline gazing at him with a curious yearning dancing in her eyes.
"James." She whispered huskily, her luminous pools of emerald sparking with the flickering candlelight. " I…don’t know just how I can put this…" She lowered her lashes demurely for a brief moment then gingerly brought her gaze to meet his once more. "I just can't deny this allure between us any longer." She drew in a hopeful breath to help reinforce her stand, her trembling voice ringing timidly in Flint’s ears.
" Trust me …I’ve been trying with all of the self restraint that I possess…And its’ shaken me to my very core." A faint smile quivered on Evangeline’s lips as her fingertips reached hopefully to delicately caress his cheek. " Please......Tell me that I’m not by all means hopelessly mistaken."
Flint's pulse was racing uncontrollably as he tentatively reached over and gingerly tucked a long strand of misplaced caramel hair behind Evangeline's ear, his expression, no doubt, betraying how so very much he wanted to thoroughly possess her...And this, he knew instinctively, went far beyond the physical sense. It was also essential that she understood that he fully intended to capture her heart as well.
But yet again, Flint’s pragmatic side completely blindsided him with all of the possible reasons WHY he shouldn’t even be considering ravishing the angelic creature gazing up at him with longing and desire blazing anxiously in her captivating eyes.
"Evangeline…I.." Flint stammered as Evangeline innocently toyed with the collar of his nightshirt, her fingertips naively blazing a trail of fire where they incidentally grazed against the skin of his already restless body.
An understanding smile fashioned on Evangeline’s full lips. She lightly traced her finger along James’ strong jaw line, her feathery touch sending sparks through his already needy body. His heart was pounding furiously in his chest; his head spinning with raging desire for the woman who lay wrapped completely in his possessive embrace.
" Kiss me, James." Evangeline whispered her command with the complete confidence that this is what she needed… wanted…. desired… from the irresistible pyrate captain who gazed at her with hunger burning in his captivating cerulean eyes. Evangeline’s breath caught in her throat with the realization that he yearned for her also, but, just how far would he let his passion take him?
Flint was warily silent as he held Evangeline’s fiery gaze steady with his. A million reasons screamed emphatically in his head beseeching him not to succumb to his fervent ardor, it would bring nothing but danger, not just to him, but to the both of them, if whisperings of this apparent imminent affair were to buzz in the wrong ear.
Flint drew in a sharp breath, his resolve completely undone as Evangeline skimmed her fingertips across his inviting lips. "I need you, my Captain." Evangeline whispered huskily. Flint groaned in unconditional surrender, possessively crushing his lips on hers in a victory that was undeniably his for the taking.
Evangeline moaned softly, sparks shooting through her heated blood, fire roaring in the pit of her stomach. His kisses were setting her ablaze with the sheer intensity of each and every one. She was completely lost in the essence that was him… His eyes…his lips… the rugged taste of him… She utterly and entirely belonged to James from this moment forward.
Flint buried his fingers in Evangeline’s hair and nudged his body closer to hers. His free hand slid down her chest, the tips of his fingers tickling her warmed skin. Evangeline felt her body weaken as the rouge captain continued to ply her with kisses. She was heady with the glory that was him. It was far too late to even consider turning back now.
Evangeline moaned her discontent as she felt his lips leave hers. She wanted him to never stop kissing her in this way, she was instantly addicted to them, it was a drug she couldn’t get enough of. Flint inwardly grinned with the heady confidence of knowing she was his. Now and… forever after.
His lips grazed the sensitive skin on her neck, his fingers had inched around to the back of her wedding dress, the buttons easily coming undone with his expert touch. Before she even realized it, all she was clad in was her ivory silken chemise clinging tightly against her sensual curves.
Flint delved his fingers in to the hem of Evangeline’s chemise, swiftly removing it from her body, his breath catching in his throat as he took in the glory that was Evangeline. His eyes shone with desire, his lips moving to her bare breasts, his tongue achingly teasing the blushing peaks, laving them both with his undivided attention.
Evangeline felt her back arch hard off the bed as James’ warm hand skimmed down her stomach, blazing a trail of desire with his arduous touch. Evangeline drew in an impatient breath and raked her fingers through his sleek auburn hair, this was a new and intoxicating experience for her, even a little daunting perhaps, and she silently pleading with her body to stay in control.
Flint halted for a brief moment and smiled adoringly at the woman lying under his body. Her long hair was splayed out under her head, the soft blonde locks almost hidden by the afghan they had so carelessly tossed aside. " You are magnificent, Evangeline." He breathed softly, dipping his lips back to her mouth, he kissed her slowly as he lifted his body away, allowing her unsteady hands to remove the irksome constraints that lie between them and the absolute rapture that teased with beckoning promises.
Flint bit hard at his lip, groaning in displeasure, reluctantly forcing himself to halt his desires for a torturous moment as it suddenly struck him, somehow, through his desirous haze he remembered that this was supposed to be Evangeline’s wedding night, so more than likely that meant she was still virtuous, untarnished and pure, and had in all probability, never lain with a man before in her inexperienced life.
"Evangeline." Flint panted breathlessly, determinedly willing his impassioned body to pause a moment, he wanted to be absolutely certain that this is what she wanted, now and before his was completely swept away in the ardent hunger that scorched his entire being at that very moment. " Is this your desire? Do you wish for me to be the man who takes your virtue?"
A coy smile played upon Evangeline’s lips, as she locked her luminous gaze with James’ eager one. " Yes James." She drew his face scant inches to hers, her whisper tickling his abraded lips. "Undeniably so."
Flint sighed his unbridled relief, and stretching his semi naked body beside hers, he kissed her deeply, his competent fingers dancing against her inner thigh before moving directly between them. His mouth and tongue played and plied against her soft supple lips, preventing the loud pant of pleasure that swept over her sweltering body as his thumb pressed softly into her tight clitoris. His index finger grazed over the entrance of her slippery cavern before smoothly easing inside.
Flint growled aggressively as his fingers worked gently to ready her for him. She was warm and wet, he didn’t know how much more he could endure before he needed to be inside of her. He whispered sinful words in her ear, breathing erratically as he told her how amazing she felt. How much he wanted to bury himself inside the slickness of her walls.
With one swift motion, Evangeline was left gasping for air. Flint drew one hand up and down her shaking body, and lifted her leg and slung it over his hip, holding it close to his body as he eagerly, but with all the self restraint he could muster, gingerly edged his thick cock into her chaste walls.
Evangeline gasp loudly, an exhilarating tingle running down her spine feeling James began to leisurely thrust into her body. His movements were controlled and slow at first, as not to completely overwhelm her with the apprehension of her maiden voyage . Their lips tangled and touched, his hand skimmed up and down her left side, stopping tantalizingly to cradle her aching breast in his tender embrace. He traced his thumb around her taut nipple, his mouth moving to tease lightly on the soft spot just under her ear.
Pushing his right hand into hers, Flint squeezed her fingers tightly between his. His thrusts had steadily become more eager, matching the needy moans of delight that were coming from her throat.
He intertwined his wanting body with Evangeline’s, trying his best to please her completely as his mind grew cloudy and addled from the tightening vibrations of her center.
Evangeline strained to enjoy every sensation running through her body. She wanted to remember this night forever. How his sun-bronzed skin felt against her creamy body. How his lips and fingertips pleased her endlessly. How perfect they seemed to fit together. Their lips, hands and bodies melded together like a perfect united power. Like they were made to fit precisely in the mold that fate had carved exclusively for them.
The sound of James whispering her name repeatedly brought Evangeline down from her cloud of pleasure. She felt her body tremor once, then again, before finally her demanding orgasm broke both their bodies. Evangeline whimpered out his name, matching his own sound of release and climax. They now belonged to each other unconditionally; The pleasure they had both shared melding their bodies and hearts together in an intrinsic bond that would never…. COULD never be… questioned or intentionally broken.
James and Evangeline lay tangled together his bed, their damp sated bodies clinging earnestly to each another, exchanging soft kisses and intimacies for what seemed like hours to Evangeline. She was awed at how James had so effortlessly and affectionately captured her innocence, as well as her heart, in just the short span of this irrational evening.
She was captivated by the incendiary pyrate captain that lie exposed beside her, unguarded and defenseless, affection gleaming in his radiant sapphire eyes. And she inherently knew….That THIS was the way love was supposed to be, not forced or vile or controlled; But easy, effortless and flowing, both giving and taking affections with the understanding of bringing joy to the other, without the expectation of receiving anything in return.
Evangeline sighed and nestled closely beside James, her soul abounding with the serenity of knowing that she belonged wholly to him; And he was exclusively hers. She had everything she had ever hoped for in that moment. She smiled contentedly as she drifted into an exhausted but blissful sleep with James’ arms wrapped tightly around her satiated body; his professed love and ardor for her infusing and exalting her very being.
" Evangeline." Flint softly whispered, fondly basking in the splendor that was her. He chuckled quietly to himself, shaking his head in bewilderment as to how, in the short span of one chaotic evening, he happened to find himself reconciled to the fact that he was beyond smitten with an exquisite, yet complex, beauty he had just chanced to happen upon, all whist minding his own damned business on a balmy Nassau evening. Poseidon himself couldn’t have aligned this any more perfectly.
Flint was pleasantly jolted from his reverie as Evangeline lightly stirred from her peaceful slumber, her emerald eyes fluttering slowly open, a tranquil smile starting on her lips as the commanding silhouette of James hazily appeared into her line of vision. She groggily surmised that it must be somewhat in the vicinity of late morning, the sun dancing warmly on all of nakedness festively apprising her to that fact.
" Good morning, my Captain." Evangeline purred, stretching languidly to help chase away the lethargy of sleep and the fatiguing events of a most amorous evening before. " I do hope that rest didn’t evade you in the wee hours that stealthily came upon us."
Flint grinned widely, his appreciative gaze taking in her flushed cheeks, wildly tousled golden locks, and those tempting full pouty lips that he wished to ravish right that very second.
BUT…Flint’s calculating mind was racing, as he reluctantly forced his thoughts from pleasure to the more imminent questions screaming in his head at the moment. He had to take into serious consideration that Lord Powell, Lord Webb and half the British Navy were scouring the beach and most certainly questioning the Nassau natives for any whereabouts of Evangeline, to them, she was a prize well worth capturing for their own selfish agendas.
Flint had devised a strategy during his early waking hours to safely abscond them to a private abode on the outskirts of the far West end of New Providence Island. He knew he could not let them be found together on a pyrate vessel, and he did not have the amenity of the vast majority of his men aboard to defend or to sail them away from the absolute threat that he was certain was looming.
Flint smiled affectionately at Evangeline, he did not wish to worry her, but he was certain that the same queries were nagging at her thoughts also. Be calm but assertive, she must do exactly as he asked, or both of them would be swinging from the gallows, of that he was most assuredly certain.
"Good morning, my love." Flint placed a gentle kiss on Evangeline’s forehead, sweeping her up in a close embrace, closing his eyes in complete bliss as he felt her wrap her arms around his torso and bring her enticing body tight against his. He breathed in deeply of her sweet scent, his resolve almost slipping away again, but squeezing his eyes tight in determination, he mustered up the willpower to draw back from Evangeline and meet her captivating gaze head on with his.
" I do hope that you slept well, my love. " Flint let a slight smile touch his lips before his expression became contemplative. He sighed deeply before endearingly brushing his fingertips soothingly over her bare shoulder. " I am very thankful that our stars aligned and the fates brought you to me Evangeline." A slight blush rose on Evangeline’s cheeks as she apprehensively studied him from under lowered lashes. She could sense by the trepidation that flickered briefly his eyes that his thoughts mirrored hers on the subject of her father and ruffian of a husband.
" Not to try to alarm you in any way Evangeline," Flint spoke carefully, what he was about to propose to her was risky, but not as perilous as remaining on The Walrus, with no valid protection whatsoever. "I am quite positive that your father and your…..husband.." Flint swallowed hard, quelling the anger that rose of the very mention of Lord Webb. " I’m sure that they both are quite frantic and have alerted the authorities of your absence."
Flint took both of Evangeline’s hands in his and squeezed them reassuringly, noting the apprehension that flashed fearfully in her eyes. " I have devised a plan, my love, that will allow us to escape from here and settle us in a remote dwelling for now, that is, until I can construct a more permanent course of action that will warrant us a more enduring solution to the immediate predicament at hand."
Flint gently tilted Evangeline’s chin, so that she would observe the sincerity in his gaze. " That is, Evangeline, if you allow yourself to comply to this strategy with me." Hope glimmered candidly in his aqua eyes. He fervently prayed that she would consent to follow his suggestion. " It is, of course, completely your decision, my love."
Evangeline drew in a thankful breath and grasped James’ hands tighter, elated that he was not liberating her to deal with her perilous situation alone. It also seem to mean, to her, that he would be with her for whatever destiny decided to deliver them deliver them into; that it would be him and her, together, facing whatever dilemma came their way. She smiled resolutely at James and eagerly nodded her agreement. "I am all yours, James." She leaned in close and feathered a gentle kiss on James’ lips. " Whatever you think is for the best, I will do."
Flint released a loud breath of relief and drew Evangeline close in an intimate embrace. " We’re going to make this work, my love." As much as he didn’t want to let Evangeline out of the protection of his arms, he realized they should make haste and ready themselves for their departure. Kissing the top of her head, he drew back from her, his authoritative instincts instantly making themselves known to Evangeline.
" Get dressed, my love." He commanded gently, hastily slipping into his clothes and headed briskly towards his cabin door. " I need to make a few arrangements with my quartermaster. I shall return in short order."
Evangeline nodded and proceeded to don her attire as nimbly as she could. A coy smile played on her lips and she flushed a pale pink as the previous evening’s libidinous activities flashed through her head. Lack of her familiarity with intimacy noted, James tenderly brought out feelings she had never in her blossoming years of life experienced before. Hunger, Passion, Desire…..Love.
Yes. Though it had only been a few mere hours they had spent together, Evangeline had poured out her heart and soul and gave herself entirely to the man who had been her rescuer on the beach. She had no regrets….Beyond a shadow of a doubt this was destiny intertwining their essences together to unite them as one. She realized that it would be an uphill battle for both of them, but she was willing to do whatever was in her power to keep them together, as one…. forever.
Flint deftly moved through the crew’s quarters, thoughts whirling through his head as he hunted for John Silver. He surmised his carousing band of pyrates would be scattered throughout Nassau, he reasoned it would not be in his favor to try to gather them all, sober the lot up, get them on board and prepare his vessel for departure before he and Evangeline might be discovered. He could not risk that happening. He had worked out a plan, he just needed a safe place and a longer interval of time to have it all play out in their favor.
Flint was contemplative as he strode purposefully through The Walrus…. Why on earth would he be risking his literal neck and career for a woman that had just thundered into his life like a mid- summer tempest? But in the recesses of his very soul he already knew the answer to that query. Because Evangeline totally and unconditionally understood him; she didn’t brand him a monster or a miscreant for the "atrocious acts" he had committed; she accepted that he had carried out his agenda out of vengeance and his absolute fight for justice against a corrupt and unscrupulous empire that would quash any innocent that had the "audacity" to stand up to their tyranny. She knew…Because she had experienced the nefariousness herself firsthand.
"Captain Flint?" A guarded voice jolted Flint out of his musings, and turned abruptly to find John Silver straddling a bench, whittling a piece of wood into something unrecognizable, probably to aid to steady his frayed nerves, Flint silently surmised.
" Is everything alright, Captain?" Silver quickly lay down the carving, and met Flint’s harrowing stare with his own inquisitive gaze. It was quite clear to him that his Captain had quite a bit running through his mind at that moment.
Flint nodded curtly. " I need you to carry out some necessary tasks for me immediately, Mr. Silver." John could sense his Captain’s urgency, wordlessly noting that Flint was in full authoritative mode, and he jumped to his feet post haste, ready to comply to his decisive invocation. He still had a plethora of questions regarding their remarkable escapade last evening, but he wisely held his tongue, he knew Flint would trust him with his confidence at his own bidding.
Flint sighed heavily, not missing the curious look simmering in Silver’s dark eyes. He wearily ran a hand through his auburn hair, crossed his arms tightly across his chest and leveled a deliberate gaze in Silver’s immediate direction. He was positive Silver had a multitude of queries regarding the preceding evening, but he didn’t have the time to go into minutiae details. He did recognize though, that he had to relay something to him, as Silver was about to become an accomplice in absconding them from the ship to a venue much better protected for it was far off the beaten path and virtually unknown.
" Time is of the essence at this particular moment, but I can imagine that you are wondering who the woman is that I brought onto The Walrus last evening. " Flint eyed Silver cautiously, he knew he could trust his quartermaster with almost anything, but this situation he found himself in was extremely delicate and required unconditional loyalty if he and Evangeline were to remain essentially ghosts for the next couple of days or so. Their survival inherently depended on it.
Silver nodded carefully. He had spent a restless night puzzling over the obviously sophisticated beauty that had been ensconced the entire evening with his Captain, alone in his cabin, and he could have sworn he heard some, well, erotic outcries emanating from behind closed doors until the wee hours of the morning.
Flint returned Silver's nod with his own succinct one. " All I can tell you at this moment is that Evangeline....Yes, That is her name, Is in a menacing situation and I find myself embroiled wholly in her predicament."
Flint stared significantly at Silver, his tone turning somber as his glare relayed his seriousness. "First, I need complete and utter confidentiality from you. I also require you to ferry us off of this vessel as covertly as possible, to an abode on the far west side of Providence Island for a few days." Flint lowered his voice to a husky whisper, his unflinching glower burning fervently into Silver's confused amber gaze. " She is of the utmost importance to me Mr. Silver, I need to keep her by my side, protected and out of sight until we can assemble the crew and make certain The Walrus is at the ready for immediate departure to Ocracoke Island. "
Silver rose an astonished brow, his mouth most certainly agape, as he tried to grasp what Captain Flint was suddenly precipitating on him. He had known Flint to lay with women before, but not abruptly declare the next morning that they were of "utmost importance" to him and that they needed the security of his urgent round the clock preservation. But Flint’s intensity persuaded him not to ask any further questions, just do as he was commanded, he would be told the whole truth all in good time. "What would you require of me, Captain?"
Flint nodded, relief washing over his anxious features as he quickly laid out his preconceived scheme to his adept quartermaster. Silver nodded agreeably as he listened, his captain was sure putting a hell of a workload on him in such a short amount of time, but he was positive with his influence in Nassau, he would be able to deliver what Flint demanded in the brief allotment he was asked to produce in.
"And remember Mr. Silver…This has to be kept in complete confidence. NO one can discover any detail of our arrangements." Flint cocked his head, his steely indigo eyes gleaming with determination. " I trust you implicitly, Mr. Silver. You will be in charge while I am dealing with the complexities of this issue." A reassuring smile flickered on Flint’s lips as he clamped his hand on Silver’s shoulder. " I have absolute faith that you are up to the tasks at hand."
Silver swallowed hard and bobbed his head in affirmation of Flint’s confidence in him. He brought himself up to his full height, quite pleased that his Captain placed such credence in his abilities as quartermaster. " If you may, meet me on the West shore at half past noon, Captain. I shall have acquired all of the provisions that you have requested, and will have the horse and wagon at the ready. "
Flint nodded his assent at Silver, watching hopefully as his adept quartermaster strode purposefully off to perform his given tasks, his assuredness in Silver growing surer as he noted the tenacity in his step, and the strength in his backbone. It was a tall order that Flint had asked of Silver, but he was certain that his quartermaster was up to the responsibilities given him. He had to be.
Flint sat and gathered his frenzied thoughts for a moment, it had been a whirlwind evening and morning, he needed a moment to compose himself before returning to prepare Evangeline. He intuitively took notice of the angle of the sun peeking in through one of his ship’s gun ports, deducing that he had limited time to ready himself and Evangeline before making off to rendezvous with John Silver. He wasn’t going to make light of their situation, it was certainly going to be a risky endeavor, but t’was far better than being stranded with no assistance whatsoever. Making themselves scarce seemed like a far better option to Flint at the moment.
Flint mindfully hastened back to his cabin, where he found Evangeline sitting on the edge of his bunk, nervously twisting her fingers into knots, her radiant smile when she observed Flint entering the room, made his objective for them seem that much more attainable.
Flint gently sat next to Evangeline and calmly began to explain his intentions to her. Evangeline listened intently, then nodded, assuring him that she understood the hazards of what they were about to embark on, but she convinced Flint that with him by her side, she would be ready to confront them head on , if the need so arose.
A few moments later, as they made their way to the longboat, scant accompaniments included, Flint abruptly halted, pulled Evangeline closely to him and afforded a passionate kiss on her eagerly waiting lips. He reluctantly pulled back, a tenacious gleam flashing in his emerald eyes. "We’ll be just fine, Evangeline. As long as we are together, no one will be able to vanquish us."
Evangeline squeezed her tightly eyes shut and affectionately laid her head on James' shoulder. Her heart was fearfully beating furiously out of her chest, but as long as James guaranteed that they would be together, she would accompany him to the ends of the earth.
"Are you ready, my love?" James' smooth murmur brought Evangeline back to reality and she nodded her consent. She was eager to begin her new found life with her Captain, come hell or high water, more than likely they would have to experience both before they could have any semblance of a life together.
After a rough passage through the surging surf, Evangeline found herself on a beach slowly regaining her breath as she observed James' struggle to extract the long boat from the swirling eddies that threatened to pull it back out to sea. She winced as she heard James utter curses under his breath, wishing she could be of some assistance, but she feared she would be more of a hindrance instead of an acolyte, so she sat quietly, her thoughts fast forwarding to what was to occur next.
Evangeline smiled gratefully at James as he finally wrestled the troublesome boat onto the pearly sanded shore, watching in admiration as his intense gaze scanned the shore for any sign of danger, and she was sure, a sighting of John Silver with the provisions that he had promised his Captain that he would secure.
"Captain Flint!!" Evangeline whirled about as she heard a sustaining voice calling to James through the gusting wind. She immediately caught sight of the man who she had briefly met on the deck of James' ship, deftly commandeering a horse and cart, a copious, triumphant grin playing on his lips. " Over here!"
Flint sauntered decisively through the blowing sand to greet Silver, saluting him on his conquests, and after a concise conversation, he motioned Evangeline over to where the two men were making final preparations for their abridged venture.
After a brief, yet proper re-introduction, and a prompt farewell to Mr. Silver, Evangeline expeditiously found herself ensconced in the belly of the cart, along with the promised sustenance Mr. Silver had foraged for them. A substantial tarp covered her delicate frame, and she lie silently as James navigated the horse drawn contraption through the rugged terrain towards what would hopefully be their salvation for the next several days. This wasn't the usual mode of travel for a lady of her stature, but in no way was she complaining, she was with James, and that was all that truly mattered.
Evangeline must have dozed on the uneventful journey to the remote domicile that James was leading them to, for she awoke to the sound of James' foggy voice drawing her gradually out of her reverie. "Evangeline..." She shielded her eyes from the dazzling sunlight as James lifted the cumbersome tarp that was shielding her body from discovery. "We've arrived, my love."
James gently escorted Evangeline off of the wagon, her inquisitive gaze fluttering over the modest one story cottage that was to be their home for the next few days. She gasp in delight when she spied an obviously well tended garden on the fringes of the property. James had forewarned her that he may have to call in some favors to further cultivate his plan, so perhaps she could while away some time to do a little nurturing in the garden herself. It was very soothing for her soul to be one with the earthy essence of mother nature.
Flint and Evangeline took some time to unload the provisions into the house, and as they worked, Flint relayed to Evangeline what John Silver had professed to him on the beach before they departed to advance to the cottage.
" It seems that word in Nassau is that your father and Lord Webb have gathered quite an impressive search party to scour the island in search of any detail that may lead to your whereabouts." Flint took hold of Evangeline’s hand and squeezed it in reassurance, noting the dread that flooded into her eyes at the mention of her father and her estranged husband.
" Don’t fret, my love, " Flint soothed, " There are only a few certain people that know this residence even exists." Flint drew Evangeline into a comforting embrace. " We shall be absolutely secure here, I am quite certain of that. "
Evangeline sighed in contentment at the feel of James’ arms encircled protectively around her, and in spite of the dangers that lurked outside of their intimate world at the moment, she smiled as that familiar warmth sparking in her blood, eagerly raising her chin to capture James’ lips in a wanting kiss.
" Mmmmm…" Flint murmured longingly, and even though thoroughly spent from recent developments, entangled Evangeline’s fingers in his, impatiently leading her to the doorway of the cottage, his impassioned mind already picturing her unclothed her lush body interlaced endlessly with his, her crying his name in complete and utter ecstasy as he satisfied her time and time again. He knew right there and then that he would never be able to get enough of this woman, he was smitten, and he didn’t give a damn about anything else in the world in that very moment.
"Come, let me show you, my love," He rasped huskily, his emerald eyes glowing with a restless fire that only she could tame. "Let me show you the way love is supposed to make you feel ."
Flint glanced up momentarily from his letter writing , a contented grin playing on his lips as he took a break to marvel at Evangeline hovering about the plentiful garden that she was eager to cultivate while he worked at putting their affairs in a more permanent order. A throaty laugh rippled out of him as he observed her fluttering about, and he couldn’t for the life of him think of why she suddenly reminded him of one of those fast moving lizards he had come upon on Ocracoke Island many a time, Gilas, were they called? Perhaps… perhaps not, but he knew he had found the perfect little moniker for his new found love.
Observing Evangeline surreptitiously for a few moments more, Flint felt a flood of happiness fill the void that had been hollow for most of his adult life. She had erupted into his life like a sudden squall, capturing his heart almost the instant he laid eyes on her. He instinctively knew that she was the only woman in the world for him, and he wasn’t quite sure yet what the future held for them, but he did realize that if he ever had the misfortune of losing her, it would tear his whole world asunder. And he was determined not to let that happen.
Flint sighed anxiously as he brought his focus back to the correspondence he was penning that could change his and Evangeline’s future for the better. He had spoken to her about what he had in mind, and she agreed, even though she didn’t wish to be absent from him for an extended length of time, she realized that he had business to attend to that pertained to that was pertinent to what the future held in store for them. A future in which they could be together without the fear of reprisal from anyone or anything. And this letter could be the key that unlocked that promise for them.
Flint smiled in relief as he thoroughly scanned over the letter that he was hoping that would help propel him and Evangeline out of their coincidental predicament sooner rather than later. It had taken him a considerable stretch of the morning to properly pen his inquiry, but now that he was fully satisfied with his diction, he had to transport it into Nassau so that he could have it delivered through the appropriate channels.
Flint realized that he couldn’t parade right into Nassau with Evangeline by his side, and he didn’t wish to leave her unguarded, but after a great deal of convincing by her that she would be perfectly fine for the few hours that it took for him to stealthily complete his objective, besides, she reasoned, who else but John Silver knew where they were covertly sequestered, far out of the range of any prying eye or perceived menacing threat.
Against his better judgment, Flint ultimately relented, adamantly cautioning Evangeline not to wander anywhere off of the immediate premises, and to stay relatively out of sight, kissing her deeply before cautiously riding off to satisfy the business he knew had to be concluded. A contented smile played on his lips as his thoughts settled on the developments of the past two days. Being in absolute paradise, alone with his Gila, in their cozy secluded abode …He and her talking, laughing, making love…Gratified in the company of just one another.
During his necessary jaunt into “ town” Flint’s musings turned inward, he had never in his entire life felt such joy, laughed so much, actually for once experienced complete euphoria with another person who didn’t immediately label him as a murderous pyrate. Sure, his crew, respected and revered him, hell, dare he say, probably feared him too, but Evangeline cherished him, adored him, gave her entire heart and soul to him, even after he revealed his whole sordid world of pyracy to her.
It was true, as he was starting to find out, what they say…. You unconditionally just know when you have discovered your absolute devotion, a genuine soul mate, a passion like no other. And to him, Evangeline was all of that, and so much more. And he was determined to share a life with her, no matter what it took…or what the cost.
" Yes, but do you have any leads on where my wife may have disappeared to?" Lord Webb tried his best to keep his voice steady, but he was beyond furious that his new bride had taken it upon herself to seemingly vanish from the face of the earth with scarcely a trace. He sneered haughtily at the sturdy man standing before him, throwing all kinds of "what for’s" and "what if’s" his way , but it was not exactly what Lord Webb wanted to hear at that moment. He absolutely abhorred that he had to utilize a being of such low stature, but he was shrewd enough to know that in Nassau, the "law" wasn’t going to precipitate the immediate results he wanted. It was in the taverns and brothels that news traveled, you needed to use the resources at hand to get the guaranteed satisfaction desired.
The mercenary for hire that Lord Webb had resorted to paying a pretty penny for the opportunity of tracking down his wayward wife, smirked knowingly, a cavalier glint playing in his steely gaze. " Well, perhaps there have been some rumblings about your lady , M’ Lord." The imposing man leaned in on Lord Webb’s desk, towering ominously over Webb’s sitting figure. " I have been informed of some frantic gathering of provisions in town from a certain quartermaster of a ..shall we say…a most formidable pyrate Captain’s vessel, which I found interesting in light of recent circumstances, so I’ve had him secretly trailed by one of my agents."
The guileful man causally lit a cigarette, blowing plumes of acrid smoke in Lord Webb’s direction. "My agent has secured some credible information that I am going to personally going to investigate." He cleared his throat loudly, watching in subtle amusement as Lord Webb’s jaw promptly dropped from even the notion that his precious wife had possibly been in the sordid company of such horrid brutes.
Noting that he now had Lord Webb’s full and undivided attention, the hired hand came directly to his logical point. " I’m going to need to procure a few more resources, M’Lord, as I do not exactly know what I will be coming up against..Well…As you can imagine...You know how treacherous pyrates can be."
The retained operative did his best to hide his sneer as he regarded the high and mighty Lord's reaction to his insight. This was exactly the response he was garnering, a grin flickering on his lips as he watched Lord Webb pull out a black pouch which he fancied was filled with gold coins to aid his cause.
Anger, shock and outrage were burning in Lord Webb's veins as he tossed the additional payment towards his aide. " Bring her back to me unharmed." He hissed, his eyes flaring indignation and resentment. He rose slowly from his desk, his body shaking from the fury raging through him at the thought of his Evangeline being at the mercy of those vile barbarians.
“ I don't care to know what happens to any person who has detained my wife against her will." The furious Lord pounded his fist heavily on his desk to purposefully drive his point across to the arrogant con who was outwardly mocking him with his insolent demeanor. " If you locate Evangeline, it would be in your best interest if she comes back unscathed ." Lord Webb tilted his head, crossing his arms tightly across his chest in a show of self importance. "You will not like the consequences if one hair on her head has been harmed....You know exactly who I am. If I were you I would not take that as an idle threat....SIR."
The contracted proxy snorted derisively as he idly gathered the money pouch from the imperious Lord's desk, bowing facetiously as he deliberately backed out of the room. " Yes, M'Lord...Trust me....I understand perfectly."
Evangeline sat on the front porch of the cheerful cottage that had been James' and her hideaway from the past few days, her face tilted towards the mid morning sun, blissfully reveling in its’ warming glow. She almost couldn't believe how fortunate she was that James had appeared into her life when he did, and that in the short time they had together, their relationship had intensified into what they both knew now was love, more than likely the greatest love either one of them would ever experience in their lifetime.
To Evangeline, the thought of the all consuming passion that was ruling her heart and taking her soul asunder was the most extraordinary emotion that burned through her blood and controlled her every waking thought at this moment. Although she was basically an amateur when it came to amour, she knew from the bottom of her heart that this was real. What she and James had was true and impassioned love. And it surprised her a little to discover that she would fight tooth and nail to keep it that way.
Evangeline sighed in delight as she stepped off of the porch of the cottage to tarry about in the garden while she eagerly awaited James' return. It would do her a world of good not to dwell on his absence, working with her hands in the sustaining earth would ease her worried mind for a bit, she knew James would return soon and everything would be right with the world again.
She was so intent on weeding and tending the garden that she didn’t hear the clatter of horses that galloped up to the edge of the clandestine property, stopping abruptly as the men riding them noticed her presence, the obvious "leader" of the group, dropping down off his mount to further investigate the compelling woman working so fastidiously in the early afternoon heat.
" Good afternoon, ma'am." The raspy voice sent a shock wave through Evangeline and she jumped from the sheer surprise of it. She whirled around, bewildered that there was even a man that wasn't James standing just a few scant feet from her ... Her eyes darting nervously over his stealthy figure, somehow she had to force herself to stay calm and play this scenario out.
Her dislocated thoughts clicked into overdrive. James had made no mention of any of his crew making an appearance to check on her well being. So, she was hoping that this gentlemen and his assemblage were just random passer-bys. There was no possible way this stranger could know her true identity, he was probably just being courteous and extending an affable greeting as sometimes voyagers were known to do.
Evangeline swallowed her rising distress and compelled herself to smile politely at the curious fellow. Stay focused, she told herself over and over, exchange pleasantries and hopefully he will be on his way. “ Good afternoon.” She rose a bit unsteadily from her perch amongst the greenery, the forced smile still frozen on her lips. “ Is there anything that I can assist you with, today my good sir?”
Lord Webb’s hired henchman smiled knowingly at the delicate being standing demurely before him. Of course he already surmised she was the Lord’s wife, the information that was relayed back to him was ironclad; There was no one else on the island that came close to portraying her stunning characteristics, he could understand why the imperious Lord Webb was so taken with her beauty and grace.
The gentleman bowed slightly as he presented his best behavior to Evangeline, his keen senses on alert for anything suspicious that might lead to a sudden ambush by Captain Flint and his crew. Surely Flint didn’t leave this fragile flower alone, left to her own devices in a potential threatening situation? No, he knew Flint better than that, the notorious Captain was shrewd and cunning, one of the best to ever sail the Seven Seas, that was, of course, until he himself came upon the scene.
“Captain Vane, of the Ranger, M’Lady.” Vane flashed Evangeline his most amicable grin, his fingers tapping restlessly on the hilt of his sword, cautiously keeping one ear open for any hint of trouble. “ I wondered, if you may, M’Lady, kindly let Captain Flint know that I’m here to have a word with him?”
Evangeline gasped, nervously drawing in a shaky breath, again, James in no way mentioned to her that anyone was to come to call while he was on his mission, and a trickle of fear coldly made its way in her blood. Everything in her being screamed that something was amiss, this wasn’t all on the up and up, and somehow she had to bluff her way out of such, but she wasn’t exactly adept at trying to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes, especially someone as crafty as a pyrate Captain was apt to be. Keep calm, she reasoned silently to herself, and lie like you’ve never lied before.
“ Captain Flint, sir? “ Evangeline smiled as naively as she could, her heart pounding furiously in her ears. “ I beg pardon, Captain Vane, was it? I have no recollection of ever being acquainted with a Captain Flint . Perhaps you are mistaken sir?” Evangeline tensed, fervently praying that Captain Vane would somehow believe her and politely be on his way.
“Mmmmm." Vane murmured, cocking his head inquisitively at Evangeline, his piercing blue eyes searing straight into her soul, sending cold waves of dread through her body. She shivered slightly in the warm day's heat, an act not unnoticed by Vane, who sighed heavily and shook his head, obviously disappointed in Evangeline's contrary response to his inquiry.
This wasn’t usually Vane's type of endeavor, the whole kidnapping for pay kind of thing, but when word got around to him that Lord Webb's wife had vanished without a trace, and coincidently Flint's quartermaster was in Nassau gathering vital staples while the rest of Flint’s men were still whoring and drinking in the brothels, prompted a nagging curiosity in Vane.
It didn’t take long for Vane to put two and two together. Was the usually stalwart Captain Flint hiding a secret that he did not wish to share with the majority of New Providence Island? Was he willing to give up his formidable reputation and career as a dangerous and lucrative pyrate all to defend the honor of a clearly taken woman? This was something that Vane needed to see for himself. Then there was the added bonus of an old score festering in Vane that needed to be sated, Flint would get his, and it would be oh so satisfying if retribution would come personally by his own hand.
"Evangeline." Vane rasped in his gravely tone, noting the color immediately drain out of her lovely face. " Yes, I know who you are, love." A derisive smile touched his lips and he calmly held out his hand, considerately beckoning Evangeline to join him. " Your husband would very much like to recommence with the pleasure of your company."
Vane coolly watched as Evangeline struggled mightily with the troubling information that he had just bestowed upon her. He had also surmised that Flint was nowhere to be found at the moment, or he would have made a move on Vane and his men already. Now, all he was pondering was would this diminutive lady resist his efforts to return her to her appropriate status, or would she come peacefully, knowing that she was utterly alone, without anyone to stop him from imposing his resolute will on her. Discerningly observing the sheer panic flaring in her eyes, Vane silently bet that it would more then likely be the former rather than the latter.
Evangeline blanched , nearly fainting as Captain Vane called her by her God given name, and it took her a few moments to register that he was here to escort her promptly back to her ruffian of a husband. Complete hysteria gripped her senses. She couldn’t just stand there and let Vane forcefully haul her back to Lord Webb, yet she was entirely outnumbered by Vane and his men, still, she surmised that she had to make an effort to garner an escape somehow.
There would be no way that Lord Webb would be so understanding when he realized the truth about her and her pyrate Captain lover, she would much rather take her chances with the man who was resolved to drag her off, then answer to the reprisal of what her husband most certainly had in store for her.
Evangeline drew in a decisive breath, her fingers tightening their grip around the garden fork that was clutched in her grasp, and with a sudden lunge forward, she charged directly at Vane hoping at the least to catch him off guard, so hopefully she would have a chance to glean some semblance of a getaway.
But Vane, being the competent pyrate that he was, was ready for such a reaction, deftly capturing Evangeline’s arm and twisting it sharply behind her back, causing her to suddenly drop the proposed weapon, and with one swift move, Evangeline found herself crushed against Vane’s chest, helplessly pinned, while Vane tightly wrapped his free hand around her delicate neck, causing her to gasp in surprise as well as for a much needed breath.
“ Evangeline….” Vane’s abrading whisper caused a shiver of fear to run down her spine, and albeit all her struggling against a much more capable adversary, she found herself trapped, with no conceivable way of plotting any means of trying to flee.
“ Evangeline…calm down, love, I’m not going to hurt you.” Vane gradually lessened his grip on the desperate yet feisty woman, nodding curtly to one of his men to come assist with his newly acquired conquest. He adeptly handed her off to his crewman, instantly softening his gaze to attempt to pacify the obviously terrified lady that was now safely in his possession.
“I know that you are frightened, Evangeline, but believe me, this is for the best.” Vane reached out and gently caressed Evangeline’s cheek, hoping that she would calm herself and listen to reason. “ Your husband is worried sick about you, he wants you back where you are safe and sound, not in the clutches of a scoundrel, who lord knows what he’s devising for your future .” A sympathetic smile started on Vane’s lips . “ Believe me, I’ve had numerous associations with FIint, and I’m speaking in absolute certainty when I tell you he’s ruthless and untrustworthy, this is not where a refined lady like you needs to be. “
Evangeline whimpered in protest, but remained reticent. She eventually realized that there was no foreseeable way that she was evading this predicament, inwardly despairing that she would never lay eyes on her Captain again; nor feel his lips upon hers in a tender kiss, or delight at a gentle touch by his devoted hand. Her heart wept and she instantly became despondent with anguish. Tears ran freely down her cheeks and she fell limp against the henchman who held her captive. There was no fight left in her now; Let them do what they may with her.
Vane thinly pursed his lips, turning his gaze from her and abruptly to his men, his command bristling with authority. “ Take her to the arranged meeting point, I shall join with you shortly. “ His eyes narrowed with anticipation as he anxiously made his way towards the cozy cottage that Flint had apparently been clandestinely shacked up in, surely hoping that he and Evangeline would not so easily be detected. He turned for a brief moment as he watched his men escort Evangeline away from her recently discovered safe haven. “Just know, there will be no mercy from me if any inkling of harm comes to the lady.”
Vane nodded his assent as each of his men conveyed their complete understanding to him. He stopped for a brief moment as he stepped into the threshold of the abode, letting his eyes adjust to the shadiness of the interior. A wry grin touched his lips as he strode over to the meager table that adorned the center of the room, purposefully laying his “calling card” where he knew Flint was sure to discover it. A rueful laugh started in his throat as he exited the cottage, his senses tingling with the provocation of what he knew was to come.
“ I’ll be waiting old friend.” Vane murmured reflectively to himself as he swiftly mounted his horse to rendezvous with his crew, his heart pounding wildly at the thought of their inevitable confrontation. “It’s certainly going to be one hell of a reunion. ”
Toby Stephens as Captain Flint, Gabriella Wilde as Evangeline
Artwork by 
Fanfic from the series Black Sails created by Starz