Authors: Lynelle Clark
knew she cared for him, trusted him, but could it be love?
Last night as she had read her parents' journals once again
she realised the love she had seen and the emotions she felt
for him were the same. She could not deny it anymore.
'I love you, Roberto,' she whispered, and light
dawned in the ochre eyes so that they were more of a rich
golden colour. Surprise and joy filled his face. The scar she
had come to love softened and creases formed over his
cheeks. 'Really?'
'Yes, I am sure.' He lowered his head and brushed
against her lips. 'Marry me.' She gasped with delight and
shock. Her body trembled and she stared wide-eyed up to
him. Did she hear right?
Marriage. Did he just propose?
'Marry me, my Rosa,' he repeated, this time louder.
She could not help but just stare as his lips touched her
once again. He was hesitant and soft at first before he took
her mouth hungrily. She leaned into him and returned the
kiss. She was warm and inviting and when he finally pulled
back she smiled. 'You know how to pursue a girl,' and
giggled.
'Does that means it is a yes?' he asked with a smile
breaking over his whole face.
She nodded. 'Yes.'
'Rosa, my Rosa.' and she vanished into his embrace
as he devoured her lips once again.
It was a while before they broke apart and he sat
down and held her hand, visibly trembling with excitement.
Roberto could not believe that this brave and
stunning woman had agreed to be his wife. She was
everything he wanted.
It was late when he returned her to her cabin, light-
headed with the love he felt for her. When he entered his
cabin Pierre arrived and informed him the pirate who had
attacked Rosa-Lee was ranting in his cell and not happy at
all.
Roberto dismissed the subject and Pierre looked at
the Captain in stunned disbelief. He knew Roberto was
smitten with Rosa-Lee but it was worse. He never thought
he would see the pirate fall for a woman like Captain
Roberto did for Rosa-Lee. It pleased him greatly.
†††
The next morning at six, the sailor was flogged.
When Rosa-Lee heard the first lash, she hurried onto the
upper deck, stepping closer till she was just behind
Roberto. The crew were looking at their crewmate with
disgust. The news had spread amongst them.
The man received ten lashes and was untied. When
he fell on the deck, salt water was poured over him. He
flinched without making a sound. When he spotted her
behind Roberto he smirked, his beady eyes sending a clear
message.
I will be back.
She shivered.
'Take him below,' Pierre instructed with a stern
voice. Roberto turned and saw her standing there. He
smiled, his love visible in the ochre depths of his eyes.
'Good morning
Môn Petite
, are you feeling better?'
'Yes, Captain, thanks once again,' she said
respectfully, lifting her lips to receive a soft kiss.
'Let's go and eat. I am starving.' She looped her arm
into his with a smile playing over her face.
After breakfast he took her to his grand cabin and
said, 'I want us to get married today.' She gasped. She had
hardly slept last night. The pure thrill of being in his arms,
of loving him was so new that it kept her up. She looked at
him in surprise and wonder, 'But why so quickly?'
'Why not?' came the gruff reply. 'I love you and
don't want to wait. Last night just confirmed how
vulnerable you are on this ship.'
'But you saved me. There is no need to be in a
hurry. Besides, I would love to have my parents present.'
'No,' he said, unexpectedly loud.
'No?'
'No, Rosa-Lee. I asked you to trust me and this is
the only way I know how to ensure your safety.'
'But Roberto, I can defend myself,' she insisted.
'Not against men like the Falcon and that pirate last
night. You are too precious to me. Besides,' and he
wrapped her in his arms, 'I want to love you.' He kissed her
breathless and she chuckled as she gave herself to him, her
arms around his neck. All shyness was gone as she gave
herself over to the bliss he offered. She understood what he
meant. She had never been with a man before and he did
things to her that were unknown to her but yet exciting. She
had to admit she wanted more than just this.
But still, this was too soon. And what would her
parents say of this sudden marriage? Her marriage to a
pirate
no less. As much as she cared for him, would her
love persuade her parents to allow this wedding to take
place? Her father was always clear in his feelings towards
pirates and for her to bring him home would ensure
heartache. She did not want to be the one who caused them
any more grief. Questions poured through her, bringing her
back to reality.
Her smile faltered briefly and she dropped her arms
to her sides. She tried to move away but he did not let her.
Roberto saw the change, stopped her, and lifted her
chin with a finger. His eyes were wary as he looked upon
her youthful face.
'What is wrong, Rosa?'
Her eyes were wide with concern and hesitance.
'Roberto.' She did not want to let him know about her
concerns and she pushed him away, her breath swallow as
she tried to gather her wits. But this was important to her. 'I
really want my parents to witness this occasion. You know
how I feel about them.'
Among others,
she thought, not
meeting his gaze. But he was a very perceptive man and
forced her back to him.
'That is not your biggest concern though?' She
swallowed. She could not lie to him or be dishonest.
'Rosa-Lee, look at me,' he insisted. 'It is because of
what I am, isn't it?' She looked at him in dismay. 'Roberto
... ' But he put a finger on her lips, quieting her. 'Rosa, I
know my occupation is not desirable for any woman, or her
family, but if you trust me everything will work out at the
end.'
'How, Roberto?'
'You will see, my love,' He kissed her softly.
'Roberto,' she whispered and clasped his arms. He
looked at her, his own thoughts buried deep in his mind
where she would not be able to see. For now he had to
convince her that this marriage was important not only to
him but to her safety.
'I know, my love, but once I have returned you
safely back to Portugal, we can talk to your father and have
the great occasion you want. But for now, my men will be
the only guests at our wedding.' His authoritative voice left
no room for argument. She looked at him with concern
etched in her mind. She knew her father would understand
once he was past the initial shock, but still, it could put a
damper on their happiness. She really loved the man that
stood in front of her. Her whole being cried out to be with
him. She touched his face once again. Worry and concern
stood out in the lines of his mouth and eyes and she want to
remove that. She wanted to be part of him. Another
question dawned on her and she started to chuckle, her eyes
filled with merriment as she asked.
'Who would marry us?'
'Pierre is also a captain,' he said as a smile softened
his own features and he pulled her closer. 'Does this means
yes?'
She smiled. 'Not to sound like a parrot but you do
know how to change my mind.' He chuckled as his mouth
once again captured her mouth.
Minutes later he released her and said softly, 'You
make me a happy man.'
'Yes?'
'Yes.' And he kissed her. 'Let me go to Pierre and
tell him the wedding is on.'
'You already talked to him?'
'Yes.'
'You are conceited, Mr Pirate.'
'I cannot help it, it is my nature, and you do this to
me, my Rosa.' She groaned when he kissed her again.
15
That afternoon, when the announcement came that
they were getting married, roars of laughter and cheers of
exuberance resonated all over the deck.
Pierre did the honours and married them. A feast
was prepared under the blue heavens for all to enjoy. The
celebration continued for the rest of the day and night.
Roberto was smiling non-stop, holding her close to
him, never once letting her go. She wrapped around him
like gift-wrap. She looked amazing in a white taffeta dress
with silver threads embroidered on the bodice, enhancing
every curve to Roberto's delight. Her hair waved behind her
beneath a tiara he had given her that morning. Rubies in the
form of a rose were imbedded in the tiara. She looked
ravishing as his gaze was on her, covering her with his
love.
Later in his cabin they melted together and she
allowed him to love her as he promised. All shyness
disappeared as he explored every inch of her. He took his
time in teaching her about her own desires and what
inflamed him the most. They only came up for air to eat
and bathe, then returned to explore once again the wonder
of the new found love.
She realized that she had so much to learn about
him but at that moment what they shared was more than
enough.
†††
Ten days later another storm hit the
Contra O
Vento.
Everyone scurried around to tie everything down to the ship. The winds were strong and icy cold against their
skins. Dark menacing clouds formed around them and
waves came crushing down, leaving them all drenched.
Rosa-Lee was helping when she felt strong arms
grabbing her from behind. A big hand covered her mouth.
Kicking, she was picked up as if she was a feather and
carried downstairs to her old cabin. She kicked against the
walls to stop him but he simply forced her legs under his
arm. She could not fight the strength of the hands holding
her tightly. Her door was slammed open and she was
unceremoniously thrown on her bed, drenched with the rain
still pouring down outside. When she finally could see who
it was she looked into the rat's small eyes, dripping wet
with lust, fixed on her. She scrambled away but he grabbed
her leg, bringing her closer to the edge.
'Finally we are alone, Señorita. They are all so busy
that they will not notice you are gone, and I am going to
take my time with you,' he snarled. He grabbed the skirt
and she could hear the material rip. One shoe fell with a
thud on the floor. The other she had lost during the
struggle.
'Your captain cannot save you. You are mine,' he
seethed. 'Did you really think that those lashes would stop
me? I want you!' He pulled her closer, pressing his full
weight on her as he spoke. 'I promise I will have you.' He
planted a wet kiss on her lips and she bit him. He slapped
her. Straightening himself, he tore at her clothing. Her
bodice laces were hanging loose in front of her chest. He