Read Pirate Code for Free Online Page B

as skinny as a maid’s broomstick; a deceptive appearance.
    She raised her hand to slap again but he moved quicker, caught her wrist. “I said I am sorry. I thought I…”
    “You thought? Jesamiah, when do you ever think?”
    “I was trying to buy your husband off!” he shouted, losing his temper, his expression like God’s wrath against murder. His hand grasped her other arm, his long, tar-grimed and callused fingers encircling her wrist as if they were a bracelet. “I was trying to swallow my bloody pride and do things legal and not kill the bastard! It didn’t bloody work, alright?” He shook her, once, pushed her away from him as he let her go.
    He strode to the bars of the cell door, clutched his hands around two of them, his knuckles as white as his face.
    “It didn’t soddin’ bloody work! ‘E was ‘avin’ none of it. I was as useful as fetchin’ a dead ferret to ‘unt rabbits!” Agitated, his speech degenerated into the clipped slang of a seaman and a pirate. He slammed his palms on the bars, rested his forehead against them and closed his eyes. Took several steadying breaths. Said calmer, “I failed. I’m sorry.”
    Coming behind him, Tiola slid her arms beneath his rain-damp coat that had once been blue but was now a faded grey, entwined them around his waist, her head resting on his back. Squeezed.
    ~ You will never fail me, luvver. You tried. Thank you. ~ Meeting no solid barrier now, she spoke into his mind, a more intimate, more loving and personal contact.
    He turned, hooked his arms around her, bringing her inside his coat close against his body, his chin resting on her head.“ No, I’ve failed you twice over, sweetheart. I’ve antagonised that ditch-wader of a Dutchman beyond sensibility, and now you’re arrested too. Messed it right up, ain’t I?”
    She shook her head, raised her face for him to kiss her. “You are hopeless, you know that don’t you?”
    “Aye, but you love me because I’m also handsome and irresistible.”
    “I do not love you at all. You are a prize imbecile and a degenerate sea crab.”
    “Oh aye, that an’ all.”
    They stood quiet, each enjoying the comfort of the other’s embrace, then Jesamiah sighed, moved her aside. “Sorry sweetheart, I’ve a need to pump ship.” He kissed her again, his lips warm and firm on hers, went to the bucket set in the corner and relieved himself with a satisfied grunt. Finished, re-adjusting his breeches, he settled himself onto the bench again, opened his coat for her to snuggle inside; as it often did, her closeness raised a throb of desire that twisted in his stomach.
    “So why are you in bad bread, eh? Pinched the Governor’s pocket watch ‘ave you lass?” He tried to make a jest of the situation. She laughed.
    “Don’t suppose you fancy a quick tumble?” he asked after a moment’s thought. “Contrary to popular belief, I’ve never done it in a cell.”
    She fixed a stern expression, said imperiously, “Do not push your luck too far, Acorne. I have not yet forgiven you.”
    He ran his fingers down his moustache. Grinned at her. “I take it that means no?”
    Feigning annoyance she slapped away his hand inching into her bodice, said in a serious tone, “Corporal Hornsea informs me I am to stand trial tomorrow morning.”
    Jesamiah’s chuckle faded along with his lust. “Like bugger you will!”
    “I will plead guilty to the charge. There is no sense in denying what everyone knows.”
    “No!”
    “Jesamiah.” Tiola put her hand to his cheek, caressed where she had slapped him, regretting her anger. “Jesamiah, I am grateful for your concern but it will do no good. It would be best to let the tide take us and get the thing done. I do not mind. A public punishment will be a small price to pay to be rid of Stefan and have you for my own.”
    “No, I will not leave it!” Fierce, his arm wound tighter about her waist, his stern gaze boring into hers. “You do not know what this punishment is do you?