The Voyage Pt. 02

Just part of his dream.

He convinces himself he didn't actually hear a sneeze.

The sun is up, which means he should be too. It was a long, exhausting first day but they made significant progress. The favorable winds lasted into the night, at least as long as he was awake, and showed no signs of slowing down.

He dreamt of her last night - that troublesome minx. The next time they dock, he'll find someone to take his mind off her. An older woman with curves and plump round breasts. Someone who won't remind him of Ari. He needs to fill his hands with womanly flesh and toss a tough, experienced lady around. He'll find one that will moan instead of whimper when his palm reddens her rump.

But his thoughts always return to Arianna and the way her stubborn resistance melted. Her obedience and her modesty. Her wounded pride. Even at this great distance, she has an effect on him. The little tease needs to be pinned down and pleasured until she begs him to stop. She needs to see what she does to him and what her games get her.

But he can't think of that now. He dresses uncomfortably and exits his cabin completely distracted. Only half a day passes but it feels like ages when he returns.

He nearly drops his lunch when he sees a small figure curled up on his bed. His hand automatically touches the hilt of his knife. The stowaway snoozes soundly, face buried in blankets. The dark clothes and dark cap make it difficult to tell the age or the sex of the intruder.

"Explain yourself," he barks, immediately rousing her. She sits up and scoots to the edge of the bed away from him.

"Please don't be mad..." she grovels.

"Your father is going to hang me."

"But you practically invited me along," Arianna whines. Had that been his intention of showing her his ship, his cabin? Maybe so. "You showed me exactly where to hide." She smiles weakly.

"I'm sending you back."

"You can't. We're already so far!"

"I can - and will - do whatever I want. I should've let your father deal with disciplining you from the start."

"I'll tell him," she warns, sleepy eyes growing stormy. "I'll tell him what you did and then I'll tell him you kidnapped me."

"Don't be ridiculous, Arianna. This is no place for a lady. You're going back."

"No I'm not! I'll do anything you want. Please don't send me back. You can't! You know what could happen if you send me back on a ship with strange men. I'm safe with you and you're not turning this ship around."

And she was right, which infuriated him even more. He couldn't exactly drop her off at the next port and hope for the best. He didn't trust anyone enough to escort her home. Turning the ship around was unthinkable. She was smart to stay hidden for so long.

"Stay put. If you so much as touch this door, I will tie you to this bed for the rest of the trip." A small smug smile creeps onto her lips, sensing that she won.

"Wipe that grin off your face, young lady, I'm not finished with you yet." He expected fear but received a defiant pout instead.

"Be good and don't touch anything."

The sound of the door opening upon his return makes her jump, but she doesn't leave her perch atop his desk. It is the only place she can look out the window and she wasn't really touching anything. She only moved a few papers so she could sit crosslegged in the middle.

"What are you doing up there?" He sounds grumpy.

"I just wanted to see the water."

"Get down. I told you not to touch anything... and don't roll your eyes at me."

"You needn't be so cross. You want me here."

"You can't even imagine the things I want," he says darkly, his voice going soft.

"Like what?" Did she purposely disobey him and roll her eyes again or was it an accident? The way his eyes darken in response scares her a little and she tenses when he takes her face between his rough, strong hands. She can smell the sea on them.

"Like every time you roll your eyes at me, I want to fuck that pretty little face until they spill tears." She cannot hide the shock on her face or the blush on her cheeks. The room is suddenly stifling. "Or when you misbehave - like sneaking onto my ship, entering my room without permission, and touching my things - I want to lay you over my lap and spank you until you scream."

Her core clenches and she stumbles for words. "I... I'm sorry... I just wanted... I thought..." He hushes her.

"You just wanted what? An adventure?" She nods, not wanting to add that all she really wants is him.

"Well you're going to get what you want. You're staying and we're not turning around. Are you going to be a good girl and give me what I want?"

"Don't spank me again. I'm not a child."

"Now Ari dear, it wasn't that bad was it? And you learned your lesson."

"I want to go out on the deck. I'm tired of being stuck in here," she demands, refusing to answer his patronizing tone.

"Not if you can't even do what you're told in here."

"Fine," she tells him, stomping over to the side of the bed. She doesn't look at him as he slowly makes his way over to her and sits down. Immediately she drapes herself over his lap, not wanting to be told.

"No, not yet. Straighten up. You won't feel a thing through those trousers." She gawks at him. "Are you going to behave or not?"

The hot blush starts at her face and travels down her entire body as she fiddles with the laces. He watches intently. She pushes them down angrily and starts to take her position again.

"No... what did I say about those pretty panties the next time you misbehaved?"

"Nolan please," she whines, hoping he enjoys being addressed as such.

"Arianna. I meant what I said. I stay true to my word." She knows she's not going to win this. There's another feeling too. Her hands are shaking and her whole body is on fire. Her legs tremble as she slides her panties down, squeezing her thighs together for some scrap of modesty.

"Good girl," he encourages, keeping his eyes on her face. She doesn't make eye contact though and finally he pats his lap. She's almost relieved to lay across it and get this over with. "I want you to count them."

"This is ridiculous," she mumbles, earning her a sharp smack. She sighs but otherwise holds her tongue.

"This is my ship. I am the captain. And I will not tolerate your attitude."

"Two," she huffs after the next spank.

"The first was for back talking. It didn't count. Begin again from one." That was the last straw. She begins squirming and trying to slide off his lap, muttering her annoyance and how she rather go home.

"Arianna that's enough. You will stay still or I will figure out a way to send you home." She doesn't believe he really would, but she's unwilling to risk it. When she settles, he begins again.

"One" in a hard, determined voice.

"Two" falters a little after he spanks her harder. It's not the pain that arouses him though - it's the surrender, the control. With more effort she could've escaped his grasp onto the floor and he would've stopped pushing her. But her resistance was out of stubbornness, not fear.

"Three" is a gasp and he knows five is enough for now. She winces when he gently touches the red marks.

"Please don't tease me. Just get it over with," she whimpers. He feels instantly guilty.

"I'm finished. You were a very good girl." He feels her relax into him, so his hand travels up her back after rubbing her sore bottom a little more. He watches the tension leave her delicate spine

and her shoulders loosen towards the ground. She moans quietly when his hand massages her neck.

His opposite hand twitches, desperate to make her moan from a different sort of pleasure. But that could ruin this.

He can't help himself. He has to know what she feels like right now.

She's enjoying the hand on her neck. The poor thing has been sleeping on the ground under his bed. She doesn't react to his hand on her thigh, so he gradually caresses higher and higher, prepared for her to stop him. She jolts when his fingertips brush her nether lips.

"Sorry," he says quickly before removing his hands from her body and patting the bed. "Come lay up here. You'll be more comfortable."

She stands slowly and immediately grasps her own wrist, letting her arms hang modestly in front of her sex. The way she gnaws on her lower lip makes his breath hitch. Perhaps he should leave.

It's her move though.

She glances at the trousers and panties on the floor before deciding against them. A slight smirk graces her lips as she crawls onto his bed and puts her head on his pillow. Her upturned bottom is tantalizing but not as much as the way she looks at him over her shoulder.

"Keep rubbing my back?" she asks sweetly. He's too shocked to respond and she laughs nervously before taking her lip back into her mouth and turning away.

She continues blushing into the pillow, embarrassed, when his hands begin walking up her back. Every sigh, every subtle movement of enjoyment makes him ache for her. She snuggles into his blankets. Did she mean to part her legs a little more?

A quiet moan as the heels of his hands kneed her spine. A sigh as he massages the dimples of her lower back. Her legs separate a little more. She must be doing it on purpose.

A million thoughts race through his mind and he removes his hands to help him think straight.

When she arches her back slightly, it's an invitation he can't refuse. Her skin is so soft against his calloused palms. Her neck, her shoulders, her arms, her spine. Feeling every inch of flesh. He softly rubs her bum, but only briefly before moving down her legs, which relax and fall open farther, giving him a glimpse of the treasure between them.

When he reverses the journey, she tenses.

Nerves. But he'll take his time.

She still jumps a little when his fingertips brush the sensitive skin between her legs, but he doesn't pull away this time. He simply massages her upper thigh, occasionally rubbing the edges of her lips until she relaxes again.

If only he could see her face he'd know if she's smiling or blushing or cowering, but she keeps it buried in the pillow. Her legs close around his wrist when he slides a finger between her lips. It's a silent standoff. His finger rubs gently and she slowly relaxes.

She wants adventure and excitement. She's going to get it.

She whimpers when he slips his fingertip into the dampness, but doesn't make any movement to stop him. It's enough encouragement to continue massaging her from the inside out. She grows wetter and wetter from the gentlest of touches but he needs to see her face to be sure she's enjoying it.

"Roll over, Ari." She shakes her head wordlessly and pushes her face farther into the pillow. "I want to see your face... Now or I'll stop." She doesn't move.

The muffled "fine" after a few moments earns her tender rump a pat. Before he can get up off the bed though, she slowly lifts her head and rotates her body. She is breathtaking with rosey cheeks and a nervous smile. The modest way she closes her legs and rests her hand in front of her sex makes him weak.

She hadn't obeyed immediately though. She needs to experience the consequences. He smiles at the angelic figure in his bed and then leaves the room as her smile turns to a pout.

He returns later to her sleeping under the covers. Her pants are still on the floor.

"Dinnertime, Ari. Let's go." She awakes to his voice, rolling over and stretching under the blankets.

"I get to leave?" she asks, realizing what he just said.

"If you stop being so lazy," he teases. She throws back the blankets and hops out of his bed, still bare from the waist down. Modesty is overshadowed by excitement and it doesn't faze her to pull on her clothes in front of him. He stares in shock, cursing himself for the effect she has on him.

"Stay with me. Do you understand?"

"We're on a ship. Where am I going to go?"

"Arianna..." he warns.

"Alright, alright. With you. Understood."

People stop talking when the duo approaches. Some tip their caps politely, most regard her silently, and a few look as if they've just seen a ghost. He explains quietly that it's bad luck to have a woman on board.

"You don't believe in that stuff do you?" He only shrugs in response.

The meal doesn't look like anything that resembles real food. "You have to eat it," he tells her after a few minutes. "And it's not going to be any better cold. You wanted an adventure."

A man sits down across from her and chuckles at her forlorn expression, "You'll get used to it, princess. It's really not that bad. Use the bread to sop it up."

"My first mate, Remy," Nolan introduces. She looks up from her food for the first time to exchange pleasantries and is met with the most enchanting eyes. Their gray color is alarming at first but the uniqueness is beautiful. Remy's hair is dark brown but some strands are kissed by the sun. He wears his wavy locks in a bun high on his head, revealing jewelry in his ears. The hair on his chin and upper lip is groomed perfectly, which accentuates his sharp jaw. And his cheekbones...

"Nice to meet you, Arianna." His voice is beautiful too... But then he nearly spits out his food when she politely calls him sir. "You're sweet. I'm sorry. Maybe this guy likes that, but please call me Remy."

"I've been trying to break the habit," Nolan says, unamused.

"Just being polite," she mutters, resuming her inspection of the slop before her. She eventually pokes at it and eats a little.

Her mood improves as she meets more people, not one of which she calls sir. Some men avoid her - or perhaps simply avoid the captain - but most want to meet the stowaway, the privileged little princess who wants an adventure. Nolan even relaxes a bit and leaves her side while she sits on the deck and listens to the storyteller after dinner. She's always loved the Captain's stories, but this skinny old man with a beard to his waist tells them all better.

Mystical creatures. Foreign lands. Other cultures.

Her body begins to ache from sitting on the wooden deck so long. Her eyes grow heavy and the gentle rocking of the boat relaxes her. She wants to hear more though and attempts to convince Nolan she's not tired - nearly all she's done on this ship is sleep - when he suggests she go to bed.

"We'll continue tomorrow. Sweet dreams," the old man says as Nolan helps her to her feet. They return to his cabin in silence and he turns down the blankets on his bed.

"Where are you going?" she asks when he walks back towards the door.

"You'll be fine here. Goodnight."

"You're not going to sleep here?"

"No. Go to sleep."

"I want you to stay. Tell me a story." Her voice is so sweet and childlike.

"You've heard plenty of stories tonight," he responds quickly, trying to convince himself to leave.

"Then don't tell me a story. Just lay here." Her eyes burn into him with a wanton intensity. The mischievous little minx.

"Arianna, your father..."

"Isn't here," she snaps boldly, sounding twice her age.

"You don't even know what you're asking for."

"Then teach me, show me," she purrs.

"Go to sleep," he demands with his hand on the knob.

"Then I'll find someone else to show me. I'm sure it will be easy on this ship. Mayhaps Remy. He's..." But her voice trails off when he towers over her.

"You watch your mouth, young lady," he growls.

"Don't scold me. I'm not a child."

"What do you want? These rough old hands on you?" he asks, caressing her face. When she nods, his hand floats down onto her chest. Her heart pounds as he cups one small breast and his thumb rubs her nipple through her shirt. He gently applies pressure, laying her down.

His other hand deftly unties the laces on her pants and he pulls them off in one swift motion. She doesn't move.

"Want me to finish what I started earlier? Is that why you're being so difficult this evening?" She gasps when he touches her panties.

"I asked you a question, Arianna," he prods, rubbing her puffy lips through the fabric.

"Yes," she squeaks. He slips a finger beneath her panties and is shocked to find so much dampness. She moans when he gently rubs a spot that sends shocks through her body. The butterflies in her stomach nearly make her feel sick.

She grabs his wrist as the sensations start to feel too intense, but he doesn't stop. As his finger slides in and out, her body grips it greedily. The sounds she's making are getting louder so he hushes her, placing his other hand over her mouth. Her eyes are wild, looking at him over his fingers.

Her legs squeeze his arm.

"Relax, give in to that feeling," he coos, which triggers her very first orgasm. She whimpers as she explodes around his finger, her entire body trembling with pleasure. He's never witnessed such a reaction.

"Good god, you're perfect," he sighs as he caresses her. She's definitely tired now.

"What about you?" she asks with a naughty grin and glowing cheeks when he starts to stand up.

"You're not ready for me. Maybe in the morning," he laughs then kisses her forehead. She mumbles something but starts to doze while he strokes her hair.

Upon waking, he tries to slide out of her grasp, but he's tangled in her limbs. He doesn't want to wake her, but the sun is already up.

"Ari..." he whispers, rubbing her head. "I have to get up."

"Just a little longer," she whines, not even opening her eyes. When her hand slides down past his waist, he grabs her wrist.

"Go back to sleep. I have to work."

She sits up as he gets out of the bed. "Do I have to stay in here all day?"

He hadn't thought through what to do with her. Keeping her caged up created a monster, but he can't keep an eye on her all day long. The trouble she could get into... The men...

"Yes, I'm afraid so," he answers, sincerely sorry. "Don't look at me like that."

"I'll be good, I swear."

"You won't venture below deck. You'll not climb. Your feet will remain firmly planted on the main deck, preferably in my view. And you'll stay out of the way."

"Yes, Captain," she giggles, but apologizes quickly when he narrows his eyes at her.

When they step outside, the humid salty air soaks her skin. She takes a deep breath of it and stretches. The limber girl looks like she could fold over backwards if she wanted to.

He shakes away the image of her ankles by her ears as he pounds her.

A few crew members are watching her intently, others look from him to her suspiciously. Her noises last night...

Rumors were going to spread regardless. He can still deny most of them though. They can't continue sharing a bed. The decision is easy in the daylight. Saying no to her doe eyes this evening will be more difficult but he will... He must.

Arianna has only ever seen ships at her father's port - centers of commotion and chaos as they are loaded or unloaded. This ship is calm like the sea surrounding it. It rocks gently as the crew performs their chores. Many men are just standing around or staring at the horizon.

She walks to the edge, avoiding the crew manipulating ropes and pulleys, and looks down at the water. The height is dizzying.

"Careful there, little lady," a familiar voice warns. She turns to see Remy.

"Good morning," she greets, beaming.

"He let you off your leash this morning?" Her smile fades, not accustomed to being teased. "It's just a joke, princess. He's very... protective."

"He fears the consequences if anything should happen to me."

"Not on this ship, surely. Making port though..." She raises an eyebrow. "He can trust his crew - most of them anyway - the other crews, the locals, now those are the ones we'll need to worry about."

"Quit tryn't scare 'er," says a voice from behind her.

"If I was trying to scare her, I would've told her about what lives in the depths of the ocean or what inhabits the little islands where no one dares to build villages."

"I've heard the stories. I know that's all they are," she says confidently.

"You're sure about that? Have you ever been on a ship on a quiet night and heard something bump against the stern? Or listened to the strange voices in the wind,

beckoning to you when you pass an island too closely? I have. Maybe you will too before this voyage is over."

"You've nunt' to worry 'bout," the man with the odd speech mutters before scurrying off.

"Pirates cut off part of his tongue," Remy explains. "Speaks fairly well considering... I didn't scare you did I? You were enjoying hearing about all this last night."

"No, no you didn't scare me," she lies. Then as if trying to convince herself, "I'm here for an adventure. And I'm sure there are plenty of brave men around here who will protect me from seamonsters." She smiles with a sultriness beyond her age and Remy smirks.

"I certainly know I would, princess. Now I best get back to work before the Captain sees me slacking and you distracting me." He winks and she watches him walk away until a familiar fatherly voice snaps her name.

"Nolan," she answers politely.

"Whatever game you're playing, stop it."

"I don't know what you mean. Remy was just telling me stories. You know how much I love stories," she says innocently.

"Most of his stories are about the women he's been with, so unless you want to hear those, he'll run out soon."

"He said making port might be dangerous."

"Only if you're afraid of drunks and whores. You know as well as anyone who hangs around the docks. They're harmless and you'll be with me. Don't let Remy scare you. You'll see for yourself

tomorrow."

"We're docking? Where?" she asks excitedly.

"Jokhima."

"The swamps?"

"That's all you know about those islands?"

"I know there's patches of land so soft they can swallow you up before you can scream and sharp-toothed reptiles twice your length."

"All you know about this world is stories." There's a sadness in his tone.

"I guess you have a lot to teach me," she says softly. Her lower lip slips between her teeth as she stares up at him, neither of them saying a word.

"You have no idea," he mutters before turning away, leaving her to herself the rest of the day.

She's gracious for the freedom, but craves being around him. She makes him promise to spend the whole night with her and falls asleep on his chest.

He slips away in the night though and Arianna wakes alone. Stepping out onto the deck is different today. An odd smell mixes with the salty air, which sticks to her skin like a damp blanket. The sea is so calm but the ship hasn't stopped moving.

She's never been away from home and never dreamt she'd go so far. One day she hoped to get off Arista even if it meant marrying a man she's never met, but now she's left that entire island chain behind and will dock in the swamps today. Jokhima. A place she's only heard dangerous things about. Nolan will protect her though. And Remy...

"Arianna!" the first mate calls from above her. "Come up here. There's something you'll want to see." She scampers up the steep steps and he hands her a telescope. As she scans the horizon, he leans in with his face right next to hers and gently turns her head in the right direction.

"Is that Jokhima? It looks so far away." He backs away when she faces him with her questions. She seems perfectly comfortable with the closeness, but he knows better. Trouble can come in small packages and this little one is no exception. He's heard stories about captains killing because a crewmember slept with his whore. Not Nolan, of course, but what might he do if someone so much as touches this girl? For her sake and the sorry fellow who falls for her, he hopes no one has to find out.

"Yes. That's our first stop. We'll be there soon. Now run along." Her eyes narrow at his tone but she says nothing as she turns away, taking the stairs a little harder than necessary in her frustration. She roams around the deck a bit, looking for a perch from which to watch their destination approach, but also looking for Nolan. He's busy or avoiding her but he'll have to show up eventually.

She finds a stack of boxes to lay on, propping her head up on her hand so she can watch the water. The soothing sounds and rocking motion lulls her back to sleep. She has nothing else to do about this ship.

Any crewmember Nolan asked could've directed him towards her. They all keep an eye on her -- some out of fascination, some out of fear, some out of longing, but most just because she's something different. He finds her easily and gently wakes her, unable to resist smiling back at her sleepy smile when she opens her eyes. His face becomes stern again

when he asks if she's eaten, but she has not.

"Go eat now. You're too old to need a nanny." He knows he's pushed her buttons, but she's cute when she gets fired up. He can't resist. Plus, he has a reputation to uphold -- one that could be damaged by smiling at pretty little sleepy girls. She stomps off, obviously annoyed, and his hand twitches, wanting desperately to swat her rump as she passes him. Not something for the eyes of his crew though.

He doesn't see her again until the commotion of docking begins. Her excitement is contagious, drawing smiles from all, including Nolan. He steals glances at her between shouting orders.

"Arianna, here. Stay close. You'll accompany me ashore to find clothing more appropriate for a lady and then we'll dine together this evening."

"I like these clothes just fine." His eyes warn her not to argue. Her head whips back and forth, taking in the sights. He keeps glancing back, making sure he doesn't lose her. Here she is just as likely to wander off as she is to get kidnapped.

People near the docks recognize Nolan, but less so around the stalls of the market and the small shops. Rarely has Arianna been given a choice in her daily wardrobe, let alone shopped. Luckily her companion is more knowledgeable than she'd have guessed. A stab of jealousy surprises her.

How often has he shopped for women he fancies?

In a new dress, they set off for a place to dine. The tavern they enter is dark and loud. He tells her to sit and not move while he fetches drinks. She recognizes other crew members in the crowd and spots Remy already smiling and talking to a beautiful girl. "What are you doing down here?" a voice asks over her shoulder.

"I'm about to have dinner, ma'am," she answers, very unsure of herself and glancing around for Nolan.

"Ma'am? What's gotten into you, girl? Back upstairs. Now."

"A misunderstanding, surely. I'm..." Ari tries to explain.

"Quit mouthin' and get your lil' ass back to work. You're not allowed down here."

"But I don't..."

A man steps between them, but he doesn't look familiar. Arianna looks around for Nolan again but doesn't see him. Remy is out of sight too. Surely someone sees what's going on and will intervene.

"I'll take her up. Perhaps a discount for getting this unruly little one out of your hair?"

"I'm not going anywhere with you." They both ignore her. The lady grumbles something and the man hands her some coins. "You can't do that. I'm not leaving." Her voice rises in a panic.

He squeezes her arm painfully tight. "If you behave, mayhap I'll be gentle. Not another sound, understood?"

But she tries to escape his grasp and yells for Nolan. "Let me go! Nolan! NOLAN!" A chair crashes to the ground as she grabs something to hold onto. The noise causes some other patrons to take notice.

"Stop it, girl. Don't make a scene. You will regret it," he threatens, jerking her arm to get her attention. She yelps in pain.

"You're hurting me!" And he was. His fingers dig into her skin. "Leave me alone! Nolan!"

"Let her go," he says calmly, stepping through the crowd.

"And who are you? She's paid for. She's mine."

"I told you to let her go. She's not for sale." Nolan draws a gun and Ari stills.

"Nolan..." she whimpers.

"Did he hurt you?" He knows the answer. He heard her yelp and can see tears in her eyes.

"I... I'm fine..."

"Who do you think you are? Put that away. She your whore or something? Like 'em young, old man?"

"Don't call her that. Let her go now or face the consequence." He cocks the gun.

"You're just as likely to shoot your little whore as..." but his sentence ends in a blast and a wet choking sound.

"Arianna, come... no don't turn around," Nolan snaps as the man crumples onto the floor.

"You... you shot him. You could've hit me." Her voice cracks.

"He hurt you and called you a whore. Twice. Now come." He holsters his gun and raises his arms as if to signal he's not going to cause any more trouble. "Don't," he tells her, sensing the temptation to look back, but she doesn't listen.

Blood. So much blood. She can smell it. It's on her new dress. She can't move, can't look away. Nolan luckily chooses her other arm to tug on. Now she'll have matching handprints on both arms. She stumbles, slow to comply. The tears really start flowing when they exit the restaurant. She kneels down on the ground, her shaky legs no longer able to hold her, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Arianna... Ari come now. Let's get you back to the ship. Stop crying. Ari stop it please." Then to someone else after a loud sigh, "Go ahead."

Remy's voice is softer, more soothing, "Ari, you're okay. It wasn't your fault. We need to get you both back to the ship before anyone gets angry though, alright?" He rubs her back and helps her to her feet when she nods. "There we go. Mind if I go finish my dinner?" She shakes her head and Nolan grumbles something.

"She reminds me of my little sister. Have a good night." Remy disappears back into the crowded tavern and they're left alone again. She walks toward the ship when he places a hand gently on her back but says nothing.

"Sorry I scared you," Nolan says when the silence between them stretches on for too long. She doesn't respond. She hasn't even looked up from the ground. When they get to his cabin he tells her to wait there while he finds some dinner.

"No! Please don't leave me alone."

"You'll be fine. You need to get out of those bloody clothes and lay down. I'll bring you dinner... Ari please don't start crying again." He shouldn't have mentioned the clothes. "Come on." She follows, sobbing quietly, which starts to annoy him. He had killed men at her age.

Back in his cabin, she reaches to unlace her dress but balks at the drying blood. "Want me to help?" She nods. Once into her underclothes, she sits on the edge of his bed, still quite shaken but thankfully not crying.

"I know you probably don't feel like eating, but you should try."

"You killed him... And you almost shot me."

"I did not almost shoot you. I had a clean shot at a bad man. You should be thanking me. Look at your arms."

"He only caused this side," she says accusingly.

"I did not intend to scare or hurt you. What can I do?"

"Fuck me," she whispers with a small smile and intense eyes. Now it was his turn to feel a flicker of fear.

"That's no word for a lady." Is all he can think to say. She's trouble and he knows it, but he's losing control of both her and himself.

"You didn't say no."

"No, Arianna," he says sternly. The words hurt him too. "Your parents..."

"... won't ever know," she finishes.

"We can't..." He stops when she stands up. She takes his dinner from his lap and straddles him.

"I want to stop thinking about what happened tonight," she sighs into his ear and he can't take another second of it. He stands up, hands underneath her, holding her tightly to him. He drops her onto the bed with a roughness that surprises her. Good.

Her eyes grow wide when he unlaces his pants as if not believing her tormented teasing had succeeded.

"Are you sure?" he asks, getting harder from her shock. She nods.

"Will it hurt?"

"Probably at first," he tells her honestly. "I'm not going to until you ask for it."

"Nolan, fuck me... now."

He lays down next to her, his shirt unbuttoned, his pants unlaced. He wonders whether the point of her nipples, visible beneath her undershirt, is from the chill of the room or her excitement. She doesn't flinch when his rough hand cups her face. Her chin tilts up, tracking the tender kiss that lands on her forehead instead.

A soft gasp escapes her pouty lips when his thumb brushes her breast. He gently rubs one of the sensitive buds pressing against the thin fabric. She moans quietly.

His hand journeys down further, past her petite waist. She lifts her hips, ready to shimmy out of her panties but he shakes his head.

"Patience."

When he touches her there... between her trembling legs, millions of butterflies take flight in her belly. Even through the fabric, every touch is intense, waking something inside her. Her breath is uneven - excited, nervous. He realizes his is too.

Before he can second guess himself, he slips his fingers into her panties. She purrs prettily as he strokes her clitorous and begins exploring her damp folds. He has to take his time, needs her to enjoy it. If he's going to be her first, he must cherish this precious gift. Someday he'll fuck her the way he knows she needs. Someday his pleasure will be equally important, but not this night.

She reaches to fully free his turgid member. Blood beats a rhythm in her ears. The pleasure, the anticipation, the desperation to forget the events of the evening all threaten to overwhelm her. She wants to please him, wants more than anything for him to want her, to choose her. She reaches for him awkwardly, her inexperience threatening to ruin it all.

Her delicate, unsure fingers seeking his ever-growing erection is nearly his undoing. How can one so provocative be so innocent simultaneously? He reminds himself again that he must be careful with her. Another finger, slow and gentle, easing her into being able to accept his girth. He stretches her, his cock throbbing, eager to replace his fingers.

"Ready?" he asks. Her answer is a kiss. This, it seems, she has done before. Anger pulses through him, jealous of anyone she's ever practiced with. He hopes it's few. He rolls on top of her, positioning himself at her entrance and waits. "Ask for it."

"Please, Nolan." It requires every modicum of willpower he can muster not to thrust to the hilt the second she supplicates. He eases into her wetness, stilling when her eyelids flutter closed and her brow furrows.

He had told her it would probably hurt at first, but it's only a discomfort. She moans quietly as she grows accustomed to this fullness. When she opens her eyes, his face is so close, his eyes warm and compassionate. Her head spins. This is what she so desperately wanted.

He slips deeper inside, watching her intently, resting more weight on her delicate body. His sun-aged skin is a dark contrast to hers. Her braided hair has loosed red curls sprawling on his pillow. A deep sigh calms him, trying to focus on the needs and desires of the girl underneath him and not his own carnal impulses.

Not a girl, not anymore. She has grown and blossomed into a glorious young woman.

She hesitantly places her hands on his chest, trailing upwards through the coarse hair to his neck, clasping her hands behind. She pulls him towards her, lifting her head to meet his mouth. The lips of sailor boys are more akin to those of the housemaids and in this moment, she realizes she's never truly kissed a man. Kisses have always seemed a mutual, equal effort, but his mouth, his tongue takes charge of hers, leaving her breathless when he pulls back.

He never dared desire her in this way, but she's no longer a child - a point she's been trying to make clear, which is abundantly clear now. They've gone too far to turn back now, but doubt forces him to pause. She senses this, wrapping her legs around him in encouragement and he can take it no longer. Her whimper is of pleasure and surprise when he sinks nearly his full length inside her.

She clings to him, kissing him passionately. The muscles of his back and arms are firm under her grip as he drives into her. She buries her hands in his beard, gripping his face, not letting him break away until she throws her head back in a moan. Her body feels as if it might explode and the room spins around them. The muscles in her legs and feet spasm and cramp, locking tighter around his torso.

"Give it to me, Ari. Give in." His scratchy beard and the way he draws the skin of her neck into his mouth shoots a jolt of pleasure straight down to the apex of her thighs. He pumps harder and faster as her body grips him, waves of pleasure washing over her again and again.

Tears of ecstasy pool at the corners of her eyes as he slows and pulses inside her. The sensation of his warm seed inside her aching body is foreign, but not unpleasant. He slides out slowly, gently lowering himself onto the bed next to her, both of them panting. She nestles into the nook of his arm, her head on his heaving chest.

There are no words for this moment. Both appear to agree. They lie content in the quiet - only their slowing breathing and the waves lapping at the side of the ship. It's difficult to see her expression from this angle, but he suspects she's slipping into a satisfied sleep.

He, on the other hand, is restless, struggling with the decision he made... they made. He didn't force her into it, but mayhaps he should've had more resolve.

He must bring her home. Bring her home and confess.

Arianna awakes alone in Nolan's bed with sunlight shining through the window. She doesn't recall waking at all last night after...

If her body wasn't so sore, she might've thought it all a dream.

The clothing they bought together is stored neatly in a trunk. She pulls on the top dress, not disturbing the rest. Her hair desperately requires taming. When presentable, she opens the door but someone she doesn't recognize steps to block her way.

"Good morning. Excuse me," she says politely, but he doesn't let her pass.

"Sorry m'lady, but the Captain forbids you leave. I'll send word that you're awake."

She pouts on the bed a moment, but softens quickly. Surely he has good reason to keep her here. When the door opens, she jumps up excitedly.

"Sorry to disappoint," Remy chuckles, her expression obvious. "Your Captain is busy. I am to escort you to breakfast." She only nods, annoyed.

"Are you okay?" he asks, wide eyed at the bruises on her arms. When she turns her head to inspect them, he notices another dark mark, this one on her neck.

"I'm fine, thank you."

"And the Captain?"

"What about him?" She dares him to comment on the rumors, which after last night are all true. He smiles knowingly, brushing his fingers across that spot on her neck before sweeping a braid over her shoulder. A pleasant shiver scurries up her spine, unable to hide it. "Are you jealous?"

This surprises him. He didn't fully believe what the rest of the crew claimed, but his doubt dissipated at that. Here in the Captain's room stands a different creature entirely from that of the young girl who flits about the deck. Her smile grows the longer he is silent, but he has no response.

"Careful, girl. If the Captain catches wind of this..."

"He won't and I've grown tired of being careful. To breakfast?" He sighs loudly and motions for her to exit.

As they're finishing their meal, Captain Nolan approaches. Her small playful smile causes him to look from Remy to Ari and back. "Captain," his first mate greets.

"Good morning." Nolan responds. He doesn't look as if he's slept. "I have business ashore today. I'm placing the ship and the girl under your responsibility."

Then his eyes narrow at Arianna.

"If you so much as consider stepping off onto the docks, I will take you home to your father myself," he warns. Lucky for them all, her first experience in Jokhima was enough.

There's little to do on a ship that isn't sailing. Most of the crew aboard are nursing hangovers. Remy offers to teach her cards and they seek out a shady spot on deck. She doesn't share that she's spent plenty of time with servants and sailors - all quite adept at cards.

"Is the sailing life all you hoped it would be?" he teases while setting up the game he's just finished explaining. One she knows well, as it happens.

"I've no complaints on the sailing part. Not sure the docks are the place for me though."

"Right. Sorry."

"Let's not speak of it. What do you say to a wager? To distract from... you know."

"You've only just learnt the game and you have no money," he chuckles.

"Loser buys the first round upon returning to Arista," she offers.

"I figured you'd find a way to stay at sea forever. It suits you."

"Then I suppose I'll never have to pay up." They shake on it and she let's him win easily.

"Again. I think I'm catching on." And again she intentionally loses a harmless wager.

"That was a bit better, right?" It wasn't, but he nods, smiling at her. "Again." The third game is tighter, fearing he might suspect she's throwing.

"Now that hand was better," he compliments honestly. "Again?"

"Yes and this time if I win, you'll give me a kiss." She smiles innocently. A mischievous smirk curls his lips and sparks a twinkle in his enchanting gray eyes.

"And if I win, you'll stop teasing me and behave. The Captain doesn't like to share." As he places the cards on the wood boards between them, he considers letting her win, but that's a dangerous game.

She hides her glee at the hand she's dealt, considering the other cards as if she hadn't already made up her mind. Feigning unconfidence, she completes her turn.

"Looks like you're going to have to be a good girl," he jests, taking his turn.

"I'm not so sure. I think I have something." She watches his face as she lays an unbeatable hand. He immediately knows he's been played.

"You little..." He begins in a mix of amusement and disbelief, shaking his head.

"Lucky deal." She shrugs, grinning.

"No." His voice is not stern enough.

"Not lucky or no to our wager?"

"You tricked me."

"You never asked if I knew the game." He realizes this is true. He had assumed the daughter of nobility knew naught of gambling. He regards her warily, glancing around for onlookers as she leans forward onto her hands.

She crawls over the cards to kneel in front of him, resting on her feet, waiting for his move. He remains seated, trying to sort his thoughts. "A deal is a deal, but if Nolan kills me, I promise to haunt you."

"I'll take that risk." His lips meet hers gently. When she reaches for him, he deftly grabs each wrist, pinning her hands in her lap.

"Don't tempt me. The wager was only a kiss," he growls. The kiss continues though, slow and sensuous. He welcomes her tongue when it slips between his lips, but continues to hold her hands back. "You're playing a dangerous game. Nolan has quite a temper and I've heard the things he likes to do to..."

Her hazel eyes narrow. He's heard about redheads and their anger, but generally prefers olive-skinned brunettes.

"Whores?" she accuses.

"... to beautiful young girls." He kisses her furrowed brow as he stands up. "I would never associate such a word with you."

He pulls her to her feet. She's grateful. Her legs are unstable after that kiss. "And I wouldn't dare risk never feeling your lips again."

"Well you're rubbish at cards, so you'll have to think up another way to earn a kiss."

"Next time you can be the master and I the student," he grins. "You'll have to excuse me for a bit. I've things to attend to." She can't decipher between innuendo and jest, but smiles either way.

"Go wait near his cabin. He's due to return soon."

She stands in the shrinking shade a while longer, staring out at the other vessels. As she rounds the corner back to the main deck, she nearly collides with the Captain.

"What were you up to back there?" he interrogates.

"Remy had just finished teaching me cards." He's not pleased with her answer.

"I passed Remy and he had ordered you to my cabin."

"Which is where I was headed."

"Go on then," he commands cooly.

Once inside the cabin with the door locked, he instructs her to sit down on the bed. A dull ache starts between her legs. Her face and chest warm with anticipation.

"I need to bring you home. I'll take full responsibility. I shouldn't have..."

"No, please Nolan, no. What did I do? I'm sorry, please. I'll behave. I swear. I'll do anything you want."

He puts a finger on her lips, hushing her. She shudders. "Stop. Compose yourself. Don't leave the cabin."

He returns after dark with a bowl of hot stew. Her eyes are still swollen and red from crying. Tear streaks stripe her face.

"I'm not hungry." The anger he can handle. The sobbing he cannot tolerate.

"Eat. Now." Her only hope of staying is obeying, so she forces a couple bites down. "Can we discuss this like adults?" His words sting, but she nods.

"This morning I fully intended to bring you home."

"I'll do better, I promise."

"That's not... Don't interrupt." He sighs before continuing. "But... it's not my place. You're an adult. You made your choice." It sounds rehearsed, but then he adds, "I will protect you if you'll let me."

She nods slowly. "Did you send word to my parents?"

"Yes. They know you snuck onto my ship and that I'm looking after you."

A laugh starts deep inside and she can't stop it. The manic sound erupts from her mouth unbidden. She's relieved - that's certain - but there are so many other emotions.

It wasn't until after he took her virginity that he decided to send her home. She wondered what (or who) finally convinced him she's an adult. Did someone coach him on that speech? She's furious but gracious and it's all too much.

"Looking after me?" Her voice is shrill.

"Ari, keep your voice down," he says cautiously.

"They all know. It's not a secret. Who convinced you to let me stay? You didn't talk to me after... after..." But she already had a guess. "Was it Remy?"

"It doesn't matter," he grumbles.

"We kissed. It wasn't his fault. I tricked him, but if that convinced him to intercede on my behalf, I'm not sorry. And he warned me about you."

Without responding, he walks to the door. She stands to follow. "Sit," and then to someone outside, "You, fetch Remy for me."

"Captain?" When she hears him outside, she wants to melt into the pillow. The door swings open further. "Ah," he says, understanding.

The Captain pulls a stool out from beneath his desk and orders Remy to sit too. "She's not mine. I do not own her. Let her kiss every man on the ship for all I care... Understood?"

When Remy glances at Ari, she adverts her gaze. "Yes, Captain," he responds softly.

"Dismissed... both of you."

The night is warm and comfortable. She fills her lungs with the fresh air, glad to be out of the cabin. And at sunrise, they'll be out of Jokhima.

"Do you need somewhere to sleep?" Remy asks.

"I'm not sleepy, thank you."

"But you're not going to leave the ship, right? Or do anything rash?"

"That I am too tired for. No, I think I'll just watch the stars tonight."

"Goodnight, Ari."

Most of the sailors are ashore and there is little for the night crew to do, so the ship is quiet. She still chooses a spot out of the way so as not to be a nuisance. For the first time in her life, no one forces her to go to bed and she spends the night under the stars.

At the first glimpse of dawn, the ship begins to wake. She had dozed off. Her body aches as she picks herself up off the deck. She avoids the Captain all day, which requires little effort as he's busy preparing to depart Jokhima. She will not speak to him until he apologizes.

On the fifth day of Arianna and the Captain not speaking to each other, her resolve is weakening. On this day, Ari overhears Remy speaking to Nolan.

"We tried to wager who'll break first, but no one will bet against the girl," he roars, laughing so hard he clutches his stomach.

"How is she?" Nolan asks, unamused.

"She was made for the sea. Truly a shame they kept her locked up so long. Stronger than she looks too. She's good help. And I leant her some coin..."

"In exchange for what?" Nolan interrupts.

"Ah wouldn't you like to know?" Remy laughs, but ends the tease when the Captain remains serious. "I jest, I jest. She's brilliant at cards and even lucky at dice. Far better than I. She's already repaid me twice over."

Nolan sighs and rolls his eyes.

"Quit worrying about her or this'll be the voyage that turns your hair full white, old man. She's too busy collecting your crew's coin to get into trouble. And they can't stop coming back to lose more. Even those superstitious folk are warming up to having a woman on board. They've half the men believing the wind is fairest on the days her mood is fair."

"Spare me that nonsense, will you?"

"Take her back to your bed and we'll land a day early."

"Enough."

"On a serious note though, Sir. Mayhaps you should make amends before we make port. Might be less likely to get herself into trouble if she's back in your good graces. Only a thought."

"You've other plans than to watch her?"

"Watch I can do, but keep her out of trouble or control her, I don't stand a chance." Nolan joins in the laughing this time.

"Convince her to dine with me tonight in my cabin."

"Shouldn't you..."

"That's an order." Ari is already scurrying away when Nolan sends Remy off.

"Of course." He knows she'll take convincing, so it's best to start long before supper. When he finds her, she's watching a game of dice.

"The Captain ought invite me himself." She replies cooly. The sailors chuckle.

"I'm only following orders. I didn't ask to be a middleman in your little tiff." She frowns, but says nothing. "Let's leave it to fate, shall we?"

"Fine." The crowd has grown, drawn in by curiosity and further fueled by wagering over the outcome. Long days at sea can be quite monotonous.

"If I win, you'll graciously accept the invitation to dine with the Captain in his cabin this evening. If you win, I'll send your regards."

"And I'll dine." She draws out the word emphatically, giving it a meaning that far exceeds sharing a meal. "... with you."

Remy smiles and the sailors cheer, some clapping him on the back. They wager and joke, teasing Remy about his blush. They celebrate the likelihood of fair winds tomorrow.

Remy places his bet on the Captain so that he wins either way. The hollers from the sailors have drawn Nolan's attention now. She hopes he's jealous. The thought makes her ache.

Ari is not bashful about the situation. As she's said before, it's no secret. It's difficult to keep secrets on a ship. She's come to enjoy the attention, even the comments that would make a proper lady faint. They've accepted her as part of the crew and the teasing is rooted in affection, not animosity.

With all wagers placed, Ari and Remy shake on the terms of their agreement. A hush falls. The dice bump along the deck boards. Some of the sailors cheer. Remy accepts his win, which is truly his loss, with grace, lifting Arianna's hand to his lips to plant a gentle kiss.

"Of all the games to land victorious," she teases, for Remy rarely beats her at anything. A provocative smile dances on her lips.

"The fates wish you to dine with Nolan tonight. I'll make the arrangements. Mayhaps we'll still win a happy captain from my victory."

"Maybe next time... and we shall see about the Captain's mood."

"And the winds may yet still be fair!" a voice shouts, instigating chuckles and lewd comments.

She's not disappointed. Nolan is who she came here for. Kissing his first mate was fun, sensual, but she craves a different treatment. She's still angry with Nolan, but that intensifies her ache for him. She won't give in easy though. He'll have to work for it.

"Thank you for joining me," he says politely when she knocks on his door at supper time.

"I lost a game of dice to Remy," she informs him cooly, wondering how much he knew already.

"So I heard." He motions to his bed, "Come sit."

"If I'm only here to warm your bed, I'm not interested."

"I'd like to apologize if you'll stop making it so difficult." She replies with a huff and settles onto his bed. "I'm sorry."

She raises an eyebrow, prompting him to continue.

"I'm sorry for taking advantage of you."

"You didn't. I finally got what I've been asking for."

"Then for not treating you like an adult and trying to send you home."

"Do you still want to send me home?"

"No."

"Good." A small smile escapes even as she attempts to remain stern.

"Will you continue avoiding me?" he asks.

"No."

"Good." With that, he smiles genuinely. "Let's eat."

Conversation is slow to start - formal and restrained. Both are too stubborn to give in completely.

"I hear you're brilliant at cards and lucky at dice."

"Not today though. I lost to Remy who's as unlucky as they come."

"Mayhaps some of my luck brushed onto him today. I quite miss playing games." His words cause her cough on her supper so he pours her some wine. It burns her throat and warms her belly.

"Father doesn't let me drink."

"Your father isn't here," he echos words she's said herself, but his tone is sensual. Her core clenches. "He probably doesn't like you playing cards and dice either."

She shakes her head.

"Grant me a game? It's unseemly for the captain to gamble with his crew."

She notices a deck of cards on his desk that hadn't been there until this evening. It had been part of his plan the whole time. She takes another gulp of wine, then sets down the glass and picks up the cards. She shuffles deftly, the cards fluttering in her fingers.

"What's your game?" she asks, sitting back on his bed with aplomb. "And the wager?"

She had intended for him to win the first round, but he did so easily without her manipulation. Lucky.

"Your dress, dear," he says confidently. She stands to unlace her dress. It slips slowly off her shoulders. He draws in a breath when it puddles on the floor at her feet. She steps out of it and back onto the bed.

He's more than lucky. He's skilled... and unaffected by the wine. She's nearly naked by the time he loses his shirt. "Again?" he asks.

She doesn't like to lose, but this doesn't feel like losing. "Yes, but we may need to change the wager soon. I'm nearly out of clothing to lose."

Her expression is unreadable, giving no indication on how he should proceed. She's played along willingly enough so far.

"The winner receives pleasure.. by the loser's mouth," he proposes and she offers a handshake to accept. He wins easily, despite her effort.

"My crew must be terrible at cards if they think you brilliant."

"I'm much better clothed and sober," she giggles, standing to pour another glass. He shakes his head, moving between her and the wine. She looks up at him as she tugs the laces of his pants.

"Are you sure?" he asks, second guessing his approach.

"A deal is a deal," she coos, lowering herself to a kneel. He lifts her chin. "I want to, Nolan," she snaps, sensing his trepidation, her tone accusing him of patronizing her again.

He grips her hair with one hand and frees his cock with the other. She takes him into her mouth with a confidence that burns him with jealousy. He may have won her virginity, but his is not the first cock she's taken into her mouth. Unfounded rage boils up inside him. She's not his. But he has to ask anyway.

He jerks her head back, forcing her to look up at him. "Where did you learn to do this?"

She chuckles, knowing exactly what he's thinking. "Not with any of your crew. I learned long before stowing away on your ship, Captain." He fucks her teasing grin roughly, unsure whether her answer makes him feel better or worse. Her watery eyes are nearly his undoing.

He loosens his grip on her hair, but she continues bobbing her head, expertly taking his full length, eliciting a deep moan. He tries to take a step back to collect himself, to make this last, but she digs her nails into his backside, holding him there. He cannot resist. He spills his seed whether he was ready or not.

She slips past him for more wine.

"I told you no more," but she ignores him.

"Who are you jealous of?" Instead of answering, he takes her glass, downs it in one gulp, and wrestles her over his knee. The spank against her panties is only a warning, and it has the desired effect. She stops squirming.

"I told you no more wine," he whispers calmly.

"Fine," she snaps, but he's already sliding down her panties. "Nolan," she whines. She jolts at the first spank, harder than even the hardest smack last time.

Her skin is on fire after only two, but she cooperates, laying still and quiet.

The third makes her whimper, but it also makes the muscles at the apex of her thighs clench.

"I'm not jealous of anyone," he claims, rubbing her burning cheeks. "Because no one else gets to do this."

Then two in rapid succession make her plead, "Please..."

"Please what?" he asks, caressing again, fingers slipping between her red mounds. She tilts her hips in invitation.

He spanks her when she doesn't answer.

"Please... It aches."

"Your bum?" He accentuates the question with a spank. "Or your pussy?"

She nearly cries when he brushes her swollen nether lips. "Yes," she moans.

He tugs her hair, pulling her head back. "That wasn't a yes or no question." She can't help but squirm when he spanks her again. She's lost count now.

"My.. my pussy aches for you Nolan." Despite having just cum, his member springs to attention again. He moves as if she weighs nothing at all, tossing her on the bed and lowering his head between her legs.

His scratchy beard on her thighs makes her gasp and ache even more. The rough blanket underneath irritates her punished backside as she writhes. He pins her legs open with strong, confident hands.

A blush covers her entire body as he stares at her hungrily. Lewdly spread, she can feel a draft tickle the wetness between her legs. Modesty, a concept drilled into her from a young age, wins out and she attempts to shut her legs while her hands travel down, unsure.

"Hands above your head or I'll tie them there. It's your turn to be teased then pleasured." She can feel his warm breath as he speaks. She whimpers at the gentlest touch of his tongue.

"How many of those boys have returned the favor?" She shakes her head. "None or you don't want to answer?" He sucks on her too-sensitive clitorous when she doesn't answer the question, making her cry out.

"None... of the boys." She smiles that devilish grin when his head pops up to make eye contact. He raises an eyebrow.

She shrugs as if to ask "What?"

"A story for another time," he chuckles, unthreatened by curious young girls experimenting. He dives back between her legs, deepening her blush. She gnaws on her bottom lip, trying to keep quiet. His mouth moves slowly and deliberately, teasing her closer and closer to the edge.

He resists the urge to comply when she runs her fingers through his salt-and-pepper hair, pulling his head towards her. "What did I tell you?" he growls.

She obeys but whispers, "Please."

"Patience." His reaches beneath her, squeezing handfuls of the reddened flesh of her buttocks, lifting her hips to his greedy mouth. Enough to drive her wild, but not enough to send her over the edge.

She pounds the bed in frustration and grips the blanket. "Would you like me to let you cum?"

"Yes," she answers breathlessly, immediately. He adds a finger, curling it backwards. "Oh!"

"Cum for me, Ari." But his mouth doesn't stop as she shudders. Her quim pulses and throbs, but he doesn't let up. The room spins.

He rests her ankles on his shoulders, then plunges forward, no baby steps today. Her pussy grips his cock, still in the throes of orgasm. He pumps in and out of her roughly while she mewls and moans. She cries out - if anyone on the ship hadn't heard yet, they heard this - when he thrusts as deep as he can. He stills as his orgasm subsides.

Exhausted, they lay together quietly. He strokes her hair and her eyelids start fluttering closed.

"I don't want to go home," she whispers.

"The final stop of this voyage is your father's doorstep."

"Will you speak to him? Convince him to let me stay with you?"

"I'll be pleased if he doesn't kill me on sight," Nolan yawns.

Outside, the wind picks up and whistles through the window.