1690, the era of the golden age of piracy, the waves lapped at the hull of the galleon of the Bloody Mary. Captain Susan Monticello stood behind the helm listening to the rustle of the sails in the Caribbean breeze. Her tan skin glistened underneath the hot sun, her cinnamon hair was neatly tied back to keep her eyes clear.
So that, she wouldn't lead her crew into unknown reefs that lurked in the uncharted waters. Her flintlock pistols shone brightly from their daily polishing, her rapier clicked against her leg as her ship rolled between the waves. She was very fond of the weapon earned from the dead body, of the most arrogant English captain she had the misfortune to meet. It was one of the main reasons she had set her base within those waters. With the Spanish and English navy's pushing further into their territory it wouldn't be long before they were captured. However, this was the life she chose to live and nothing in the world would ever take away her title, her crew, or her ship. At least not without paying dearly in blood for the right to board her ship.
Her motley crew was a mix of men and women, she had no fear that the men would ever touch her female crew members inappropriately. They learned the one and only time that some fool thought to take what wasn't theirs. For you see Susan knew her women would gut any man faster than they could blink if they thought to ever touch them without consent. She had personally executed the one fool who didn't heed her warning. It wasn't only the women she was protective of she would die for any man that sailed under her command. Yet she felt something was missing from her life as she stared out onto the blue waters of the Caribbean. For Susan, the life of a captain was a lonely one, sure she could take any number of men to her bed. However, that would only ensure that she was placing favoritism onto one of her crew. That was something she just couldn't afford, they needed to act as one when the time came for the call of battle. Not worrying which one of them was spending his night's in her bunk.
"Captain, lifeboat off the starboard bow!" her lookout called down from the crow's nest.
"Lower the mizzen masts, secure the jibs, let loose the topsail!" Susan barked out her commands as she turned her ship. Wondering if anyone was alive on board that small boat. Pondering how anyone could survive in the heat of the summer sun without water to sustain them. "Ready the pole hooks, and the ladder," she bellowed out as the small lifeboat drew near.
"Hook on Captain," called out one of her sailors.
"Good, now get down there and see if anyone is alive that we can help," Susan said with a wicked smile.
Matthew Whitsun dozed in the shade of his makeshift canopy he had fashioned from the torn, shredded remains of the sail he managed to salvage after the frigate he was on sank beneath the waves. For days he had sensed that after all the battles he fought in the French and Indian war he would finally meet his end alone in the middle of the ocean. Rationing what little food he was able to save in the faint hopes someone would rescue him. Unbeknownst to him at that moment that he dozed to sleep the heat off, his fate would forever be changed. He thought nothing of the jostling of his tiny boat as hard sole boots echoed off the seasoned boards. It wasn't until his canopy was flung off that Matthew knew she wasn't a delusion.
"This one appears to be alive!" Matthew thought as his dry eyes tried to focus, he thought he saw a halo hanging over her cinnamon hair.
"You, my fine man are truly lucky," Susan said, leaning over the rail. Matthew's heart raced as he looked up at those sultry chocolate brown eyes. "Now see, as much as I would like to help," she said, her eyes running over his disheveled attire. His unkempt sandy blonde hair had loosened from the satin tie, that all English men wore who thought it was the proper thing. His sharp jaw line was shaded in a blue tinge from his week-old stubble. Then the scar that ran his right cheek, studying every inch of it, her mind wandered exploring the possibilities of how he had obtained it. Then to those eyes, there was something about those stunning cobalt blue eyes. Something she knew all too well when she saw herself in her pearl encrusted mirror. Someone who had seen his own fair share of battle. "But unless you have some kind of specialty I see no reason to save you," Susan said, smiling sinisterly down at those eyes of his.
"How about this you find a free cabin, allow me passage to Charleston and I'll treat anyone on board free of charge until we arrive," Matthew said challenging her. How the light played across those brown eyes, he had to see that light again, Matthew had a feeling he would have to tempt fate to see their luster. "I don't know about you, but I don't think you find many doctors out here," Matthew said, smirking as a mischievous light played across her eyes.
"Very interesting point Mr.," Susan said twirling her hand.
"Whitsun, and I assume the Captain," Matthew said with a sly smile.
"That I would be Mr. Whitsun, now how do I know you speak the truth? For all I know you're some fiend trying to have his way with a ship full of women." Matthew swallowed hard as their cruel laughter filled the air.
"If you check my bag you'll see I speak the truth," Matthew said to the woman that loomed over him.
"It's true Captain, it's full of medicine bottles," said the female crew member raffling through his bag calling up to Susan.
"Well then, Mr. Whitsun welcome aboard," Susan said telling one of her sailors to lower a rope to haul up what merger belongings the man had. "Well, do hurry up Mr. Whitsun these are very dangerous waters to be sitting here," she said smiling evilly down at him. Watching as his weaken body tried to scale the rope ladder, smirking as her crew laughed hearty as he thrashed against the hull of her ship. "I suppose you'll get your sea legs soon enough Mr. Whitsun," Susan said, looking down at Matthew as he hauled himself onto the deck.
"Call me Matthew, Captain," he said, standing on unsteady legs. Taking his medical bag from her quartermaster telling him to follow. Descending to the lower deck, the wood creaked and groaned as the hammocks swung silently in the rows of berths that lined the cargo hold. Leading him to the stern of the ship, pulling out a small brass key, listening as the tumblers fell into place. Susan had kept two cabins at the ready just in case they needed to appear as a legitimate transport ship. However, it's been awhile since her schemes had taken her anywhere close to ports that would require such daring plots.
"Now Doctor while you are aboard my ship you will heed my orders is that clear," Susan said sternly staring Matthew down, resting her hand on her hip.
"Understand Captain," Matthew said, placing his bag on the small desk table that was nailed to the wall.
"Now to business," Susan said, watching as he unbuttoned his salt encrusted shirt. "There's something that's been cropping up around my ship I'd rather it is taken care of now before it hinders my crew."
"I see," Matthew said over his shoulder as he turned away from her. Her eye's running down his bare back, noting the wounds from musket balls, the scars from a blade she couldn't name. Her mind quickly banished those images as she watched his muscles dance beneath his skin as the fresh pearl white linen shirt slid over his skin. "How long has it been since you first noticed the symptoms?"
"A week, maybe two," Susan said, tilting her head, tapping her chin. Remembering when her quartermaster had informed her of the illness that had begun to show.
"I'll need two lanterns and a chair," Matthew said, turning to look at her as his nimble fingers fitted the slender button through its corresponding slot. "Unless of course you would rather this take place on deck under your careful eye Captain."
"If you wouldn't mind," Susan said smirking crossing her arms. Leading Matthew back to the upper deck, listening as the leather of his bag creaked as it swung on its handle. Setting him up on the Poop deck behind her as she took over the helm from her first mate. "Prepare to disembark you hearties! It's time we enjoyed the hospitality of Charleston," she said, her voice carried along the wind. Setting course north-eastward whispering to her first mate to lower their black flag that was flapping in the wind. To replace it with the one they normally used when they ran their smuggling operations to the colonies.
"Quartermaster!" Susan called out watching the pudgy man bounding across the desk. "See to our supplies," she ordered knowing it was a long trip to the mainland without a friendly port they could resupply for the grueling trip.
"Aye, aye Captain," he said before disappearing below deck.
"You all set up back there?" Susan asked turning around keeping one hand on the wheel. Noting how he had padded the storage barrel's that laid secured on their side's. Setting a wooden crate before them, a few inches lower than the lip of the barrels to give his patient's a sense he wouldn't be looming over them.
"That I am Captain, whenever you're ready to send the first one up," Matthew said looking out onto the forecastle. Watching as the ship cut through the water, the knocking of the pulley blocks as they banged against the mast. Looking away as she saw how the wind teased his hair, feeling her cheeks burn shaking the thought from her mind. Matthew watched as the first of his patients walked up the wooden stairs. Keeping the scowl from his face when he saw how poor her body looked. If he had to guess the woman weighed no more than a hundred pounds soaking wet.
"Any loss of appetite?" Matthew asked as the woman took her place on top of the barrels.
"Yes," she said, her curly brown hair held back by a red scarf. Watching his hands as he probed along her slender legs, wincing as he touched her thigh. Matthew could feel the swelling in her legs he just hoped it was what he thought it was. Holding the back of his hand to her forehead scowling when he couldn't discern between the heat of her skin from her time under the sun, or the fever he suspected was burning within. Matthew didn't need her to raise her shirt to see the tiny red dots that marred her mid drift.
"Open, please." Matthew quickly added he wasn't a fool to miss the signs of what kind of ship he was on. Seeing her bleeding gums solidified his hunch of what plagued her crew. Stepping away thanking the woman, telling her to send the next one. As the hour past into two sweat beaded along his brow as he labored under the harsh sun. Dismissing the last of her crew that was affected by the disease. "Captain," Matthew said, leaning against the railing that overlooked the deck.
"What did you find Doctor?" Susan asked trying not to look at the man. Her mind just couldn't keep her eyes from seeing how he looked in the late afternoon sun. How the waning orange light played across his skin, to how it set his blonde hair ablaze in the dwindling rays. Susan tried to ignore how her heart raced, how her skin heated whenever she felt his eyes on her.
"It's scurvy," Matthew said in a low breath. "I've seen it a few times it's easy to treat that is if you have the right remedy," he said, turning his head giving her a small smile.
"Which is," Susan asked, looking out at the darkening sea.
"Oranges, or oysters though they're had to keep."
"I see," Susan said, chewing on her lip. Havana was only two days away, she knew she could acquire the fruit from the seller she had past dealings with. Yet the man asked too much for such a simple thing, namely her adoring his bed which never once crossed her mind. "Martha, take over the helm," she commanded calling down to the woman as she worked around the main mast. "Come with me Matthew." How her body tingled as his name left her lips.
"Lead on Captain," Matthew said with a nodded. Following after her as her quartermaster and her first mate filed in after them as she led them into her cabin beneath the Poop deck. Matthew was in awe as he stepped foot into her private quarters. Items dotted the room that even his own family could barely afford. Spotting items from Africa, to the India subcontinent, to the Spanish treasure fleets that roamed the waters. Matthew wondered how many ships this crew had raided during their time sailing those blood-soaked waves. Eyeing the chests that lined the wall to his left. Pondering just what kind of booty they had plundered over the years. The highly carved rope bed that set secured to the other wall, it's overstuffed down mattresses covered in sheets that were better suited in the fine Lords and Ladies manners of his homeland. Yet he wondered to himself how it would feel as it contoured to the twisting bodies that it hid within its depths.
"Thanks to our fine Doctor here," Susan said, glancing up from the unrolled map on her desk. The flickering light of the whale oil lantern played across her eyes, Matthew could see himself falling into those brown eyes of hers. "We now know what is affecting our crew, with his knowledge we have a choice we either sail to Havana," she said, pointing at their current location on the map, drawing a line to the Cuban city.
"And deal with that vile pig," spat her first mate as her hand rested on the hilt of her six-inch dagger that rested on her hip. "I'd rather see that man bleeding out at my feet after I gut the fool, after what he tried with Anna the last time we were there."
"Agreed Caroline," Susan said, rising from her position nodding in agreement. Yet they couldn't take such rash action against the man he was just too powerful within the city itself, and one of the few that dealt with people with her kind of vocation. However, they needed the fruit which wouldn't be that expensive to her own coffers. "Tell me Matthew," she said, leaning against the seal of the stained-glass window behind her. Crossing her arms noting how his eyes studied her, smiling inwardly letting him view her to his heart's content. Her mind wondered just what had caught his eye, was it her breasts, her legs, hips, or was it her ass. It wouldn't surprise her if it was all of them it wasn't common to see a woman commanding her own ship. Was she an oddity to him? Was that why those cobalt eyes looked at her with such longing, or was it something else altogether? "Just how many oranges will they need to cure them?" The plight of her crew weighed heavily on her.
"Oh not much I say, an orange a day for the next two weeks should clear it up," Matthew said, trying not to blush knowing he had been caught staring at her heavenly face. His mind just couldn't help but take in the beautiful image before him. Her high cheek bones would have many of the women in his father's court envious, her sharp jaw line, her fine straight nose, Matthew knew she put every highborn he had the unfortunate pleasure to know to shame. Even the woman his family had betrothed him to (All done when he was halfway across the world and expected Matthew to fulfil his duty and marry that woman.) This was the reason he wasn't on a ship this second headed towards England. He needed time to figure out if he should return altogether. "Two barrels full should treat the ship so this doesn't happen again, Captain," Matthew said wondering what fate would bring.
"Then another two at Charleston and whenever you're in port," Matthew said, his military training kicking in standing at ease. Wondering how she would see this one simple gesture.
"And that's it two barrel's every time we are in port. This disease won't ever show itself ever again?" her quartermaster asked in disbelief.
"Yes, as long you give them one a day you shouldn't have this problem again," Matthew said nodding to the portly man.
"It's a simple fix Captain and not too expensive," Caroline said, smiling as an idea formed in her mind. An idea where they wouldn't have to deal with that lewd man within the walls of Havana. "Here Captain," she said, pointing to a small sandbar island. "It's only a day and a half away and we can gather what we need without having to pull into a port."
"Good. Daniel see that the course is changed," Susan said, rolling up her map glad to finally have something to do even if it was a simple transport job to her. "Caroline, see to rounding up a group to fetch our supplies once we get there," she said, sliding the map into the watertight leather cylinder.
"Captain," Matthew said stepping forward, "If I may, I wish to join them."
"Why?" Susan asked arching an eyebrow.
"There might be herbs I could use to augment what supplies I have with me," Matthew said, producing a list he had worked on while examined the sick crew members. Herbs that he knew grew within the region, while he wasn't naive enough to think that the island would have every single one. Yet if he could find at least four of these items it would be a blessing, Matthew knew his medicine wouldn't keep forever and the herbs were just a way to prolong their use.
"And all these have some kind of healing property?" Susan asked, eyeing the list skeptically.
"Yes Captain, though most won't have a use on this ship, but there are many that do," Matthew said, tapping the name of the cat's claw herb. "That single herb is as useful as morphine is just less deadly."
"I see," Susan said, looking to her quartermaster and first mate. Who looked at the man who might have saved their crew undo pain in the coming years long after his departure. "Then we will hunt for these herbs while you and the rest of the crew see to our food stores," Susan said, looking at Matthew taunting him to refuse her assistance.
Links flew through the hawsepiper in a loud hum, as the five-ton anchor raced beneath the waves to reunite with the lost items that lined the sea floor. Matthew stood on the forecastle out of the way of the working hands as they prepared to lower the rowboat in the calm waters of the lagoon. Looking out onto the forest that dominated the small island, listening to the faint animal life that lived within. The hurried steps along the deck drew his attention, the clanking of the musket rifles in the cabin boy's arms resounded across the quiet deck.
"You ready Matthew?" Susan asked having replaced her rapier for a machete to aid their trek through the dense foliage.
"Aye Captain, just waiting for the boat," Matthew said smiling warmly at her.
"Call me Susan," she said blowing softly in his ear. Noting how his body reacted as her hand gently ran along his arm as she moved off to check on her crews progress. Turning her body slightly to allow him to view her profile as she conversed with her quartermaster. All the while appearing not to study Matthew as he stood there so stalwart.
"We'll meet back here an hour before nightfall," Susan said as they gathered around the rowboat once they reached the white sandy shore. "We'll see if we need to stop at Nassau before heading to Charleston," she said before drifting off with Matthew in tow. "So Matthew how did you get those wounds?" Susan asked as she chopped through the entangled vines that blocked their way.
"I was stationed along the Mississippi at Fort Condor when the French and the Cherokee attacked," Matthew said, looking through the underbrush smiling when he found a mature cat's claw plant. "For days we held waiting for reinforcements to arrive," he said, using his knife to cut through its root's. "After the fourth day they had forced a whole through one of the walls," Matthew said placing the plant into the burlap sack. "Many fled their post within the medical tent," dark shadow's played across his eyes as he remembered that horrific day. "I, however, stayed knowing the people under my care were in no condition to defend themselves. It wasn't until I woke a few days later that I realize how lucky I was to survive that battle."
Susan said nothing for what if any words could she offer to him. She knew if she did, it would sound so vain, so condescending to the experience he had lived through. Yet she saw the darkness that all men have within, when they have seen far too much of men killing men. Of the screams of the dying begging for mercy as they bleed out on the cold harsh ground. Of the uncaring vultures circling overhead waiting to feast on the dead that lay at their feet. Of the guilt that they had survived when their own friends had not. Her body moving on its own, disregarding anything her mind voiced as her arms wrapped around him. Pressing her body against his, feeling his warmth soaking into her body. Her heart hammered against her rib cage, her skin heated as she felt his arms returning her hug.
"I'm glad you did," Susan said, looking up at him as the golden rays of the sun filtered through the canopy above them. Rising to the tips of her toes her lips brushed against his relishing in their softness. Susan's eyes flickered up looking for something within those cobalt eyes. Before leaning in claiming his lips as her own, her eyes widen in surprise when she felt Matthew returning her kiss. Moaning inwardly as his tongue darted into her hungry mouth, playfully teasing his tongue as hers swirled around his. Tasting his warmth, sensing his need as their embrace lingered what seemed like eternity to her. "Come," Susan said, quickly distancing herself, smiling to herself as she saw his glossy eyes.
Hours passed as the two transverse the forest in search for the herbs to aid her crew. Susan watched patiently as Matthew went about harvesting the healing plants. Orienting herself with the shape of the leaves, the color of the stem, the fragrance of the flowers if they had them. All in hopes that if the need ever came, she would know exactly which plant she needed. That was if Matthew chose not to stay on board, yet as much as her feelings were growing for the British doctor. She had to think of her crew first before she thought about her own personal needs. Coming upon a secluded waterfall a few hours before sunset, its cooling waters taunting Susan to escape the stifling heat.
"No peaking young man," Susan teased as she moved towards the water's edge. Stripping off her weapons, her clothes, before dipping her toes into the refreshing water. Sighing contently as she felt the cooling effect as she pressed deeper into the pool. Looking back hoping Matthew dared to be that bold, Susan saw the blue tinge through the strands of his blonde hair. Hiding her triumphant smile as Matthew quickly looked away. "Well are you going to stand there, or are you going to join me" Susan asked seductively over the roar of the waterfall. Watching how his body went rigid wondering how his English etiquette would enforce itself. Would it keep him from sharing the pool with her, or would it condemn him for spending time with a naked woman that wasn't his wife.
"I think it would be best if I didn't Captain." Susan could hear the frustration in his voice that he couldn't overcome the years of tutelage under British high-class etiquette. Smiling wickedly knowing that would soon be a thing of the past, however, for now Susan would not push him.
"So tell me Matthew why become a doctor in the British army? Surely your family could keep you from joining its ranks and send you off to some private school if they have one?" Susan asked if he couldn't join her she at least wanted to know as much about the man as possible.
"It's true they could have if they had known what my attentions were." Susan could feel the smile that was forming on his lips. "However, seeing how they already have an heir and my younger brother should something happen to Edmund. I thought it was high time to leave from under their grueling noses. It wasn't until I reached the new world did I hear word from my family. Telling me that they had pulled favors to get me posted to a less hostile area. Which I promptly turned down if I was going to survive it was going to be by my own two hands, not by what their wealth could procure."
"As any sensible man before him has done since antiquity," Susan said nodding her head. Growing to like him more and more while she listened to his soft voice over the cascading water. "So then what brought you to the Caribbean?"
Matthew mauled over his response, wondering if he should tell her about the betrothal that awaited him. "As I lay recuperating from the battle at Fort Condor I received a letter from my parents. Saying that once my tour of duty was over I was instructed to return home. To wed the daughter of some lord, I care not to remember. Yet, as I laid on the cot I wondered if I even wanted to return home. I mean it was my duty to my family to wed this woman I cared nothing for, nevertheless, I just simply couldn't see myself growing old with a woman that cared nothing about me or the world around her. Only what was proper in her tiny little world."
"How I envy you Captain," Matthew said, unaware that she had exited the pool. "To go where you wish, answer to no one other than yourselves, choose who will share your bed," he said the last part in a whisper. Yet Susan stood silently behind him hearing every word that escaped his lips.
"Then don't return home," Susan said, pressing her bare wet chest into his back. "I'm sure the crew would be astounded to know there's a doctor on board my ship," she said her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered softly. "Then maybe the handsome doctor will finally share a bath with his Captain," Susan cooed feeling Matthew's skin heat as she nuzzled his neck. "Just a suggestion," she said, tugging on his ear before gathering her discarded clothes. Covering her body as she passed in front of him, yet she knew he was watching as the sun shone down on her exposed back as she entered the shadow of the forest.
Days had passed since their excursion on that small island. Susan watched from the helm of her ship as Matthew went about his daily task. Checking on the condition of those affected by the scurvy, she could see the scowl on his lips when one of his patients had yet to take their daily remedy. Smiling to herself as he stood there watching as they peeled their orange, eating it in front of the doctor before he left to check the other's.
"Quartermaster," Susan said, calling down to the man as he studied the map in hand. "See that the crew eats an orange at breakfast and tell that to the cook as well. I don't want to see my crew disobeying the doctor when he told us of the simple cure."
"Aye, Captain," Daniel said quickly departing below deck. Susan waited Matthew to see that he could belong here, that his knowledge was valued just in hopes that he would stay.
"Pirate Hunter!" Her look out yelled down from the crow's nest.
"All hands man your stations! Deck cannons load round shot!" Susan yelled out as she watched the brig gaining on her slow galleon. "Load heavy shot into the in the rest, I want these bilge rats to know who sent them down to Davey John's Locker!"
Matthew landed hard on his shoulder as the ship listed hard to port as all forty-six cannons roared with a thunderous boom. While he wasn't averse to fighting, yet on a ship that was a whole new beast he had let to conquer. If they were to be boarded, they wouldn't give him any quarter knowing he was only a passenger on board. The sounds of the cannon balls reverberated along the hull as Matthew listened as Susan belted out orders. Covering his ears as the cannons returned their own answer to their approaching foe. Keeping out of the way as sailors ran to and fro delivering powder charges, and ignition caps, making his slow way towards the ship's armory.
"Captain what are your orders?!" Matthew asked as he buckled the sword belt onto his hip. His eyes going wide when he saw the foot-long wooden shrapnel protruding from her right abdominal wall. Bounding up the stairs ignoring the smoldering ship they were leaving in their wake. Knelling down at her side examining the damage while Daniel paced erratically behind him. While Caroline took control of the helm steering them away from the known trade routes. "Susan be still," Matthew said in a low whisper.
"How is she?" Caroline asked in between giving out orders to start repairs on the ship.
"Could have been worse," Matthew said, yet he had to stop the blood flow. "I need a stable bed, hot water, clean rags and lots of lanterns and I need it now!"
"Then her cabin will have to do," Daniel said placing a hand on his shoulder. Calling up a few crew members with a makeshift litter, carrying Susan as stable as they could on the choppy waves. Matthew sent the cabin boy to his room to fetch his medical bag. Normally his training told him just to remove the impaled wooden shard, yet if he did that and sewed her up, he knew she would still die from the internal bleeding. That was something he just couldn't afford to happen, setting his bag on Susan's desk after the boy fled to help with whatever was needed. Pulling out instruments he thought he never use ever again.
Taking the bottle of ether and a spare rag gently placing it over her nose. Though she was already unconscious Matthew couldn't take the risk of her waking up while they removed the giant splinter. After carefully removing it, inspecting the wound for any traces before sewing up the injured cavity wall. For days they sailed on dodging patrols all the while Matthew watched over Susan as her fever burned. Matthew stood over her desk, his pestle in hand, grinding the herds into a paste when Susan awoke watching the colored light's dance across his body.
"You better have a good reason for being in my cabin," Susan teased wincing in pain.
"Ah good, it was touch and go there," Matthew said sighing, "well someone had to watch you while the ship was repaired," he said, bring the mortar over to her bed. Pushing her gently back down onto her bed, "Now this will help with the pain and recovery," Matthew said holding out the paste. "Now I'll get Caroline," he said, as he approached the cabin door looking back after he had applied the paste to her wound. "A few more days Susan," Matthew said with an ominous tone. Knowing that he would have to make his decision soon.
"We pull into Charleston today Susan, are you sure this is what you want?"
"I know Caroline," Susan said, her finger's running through her ponytail feathering it out as she turned. Kaleidoscope of colors washed over her stomach as she buckled on her sword belt. "He must choose this life like we all did." She had thought long and hard over the past few days. She couldn't ask him to stay no more than he could ask her to leave. Yet Susan yearned to hear the words that he would stay. Not as a crew member no that would just cause problems, no as a passenger trading his craft to travel. That at least she thought was a good enough plan.
Seagulls cried overhead relieving the shrimp captains of their catch as the Bloody Mary slowly glided into the Charleston harbor. Matthew stood at the starboard railing dreading the approaching dock. The letter he had hidden within the pocket of his bag taunting him as the breeze gently tapped it against the wood. Whispering to give in to his families exceptions, yet Matthew just couldn't get her eyes out of his mind.
"Doctor," Daniel said, placing a hand on Matthew's shoulder. "If ever you change your mind you'll know how to find us," he said with a few soft pats before drifting off, shouting out orders as he went. Matthew's heart stilled as the gangplank kissed the weathered boards of the dock. Darkness rose with each step that led to a life he no longer felt. A life that seemed so long ago in his mind. Matthew felt his muscles tensing fighting against the gravity of his old life that meant to crush the new one.
"Matthew?" Susan's torrid filled whisper snapped him out of his internal debate. "Three days is all we can afford if you change your destination," she said slyly leaning against the railing knowing how the sun was silhouetting her body.
Matthew's fingers twitched slowly coming to life, parchment crinkled as his appendages curled into a fist. As he watched in awe of how the golden rays traced along her curves. No, he wasn't that man any more, something new had taken its place. Looking down at the last vestige of his former life, letting go watching the parchment floating down to the briny waves. Before walking back up the gangplank feeling their eyes on him.
"Captain permission to come aboard," Matthew said respectfully waiting for his answer.
"Granted," Susan said, cocking out her hip, causing the sun to glint off the silver engraved hand guard of her rapier. "What can the we do for you Doctor?" she asked with baited breath.
"A sudden notion sprung to mind as to what Sao Tome would be like," Matthew said accepting what fate would bring.
"Sao Tome you say," Susan said, pondering the outcome of such a trip. "Come let's talk in a more private manner," she said, her fingertips danced along his spine as she led Matthew towards her cabin. Nodding to her first mate to make the preparations as she looked back before closing her door. Taking his bag from him, pushing Matthew back onto her bed, her eye's running up his body, grinning madly at the realization that she had won. Over that etiquette that never truly sat well on his broad shoulders. Her hand running up his chest, her eye's surveying the man beneath her. Knowing that he was hers now and forever more as their lips touched. Their conjoined passion buried through her veins as she tasted the man she had fallen for. Her breath was caught in her chest as she felt his hands softly ran along the sides of her body. Her hands fumbled with her gun belt and then her sword belt. Dropping them onto the floor beside the bed as she moaned wantonly as Matthew cradled her breasts in his hands.
"Do you really want to go to Sao Tome?" Susan asked in a husky voice.
"Why not? I've never been, and I would think a new hunting grounds would be more suited for... a pirate captain," Matthew said with a mused smirk.
"Oh?" Susan said smiling down at him. How she loved to see that smile on his lips. "Then," her left hand ran up his hard chest, "if we are to undertake such a voyage I would hope the good doctor visits my bed every night," she purred as her right undid the buckle of his belt.
"Oh, making house calls cost a little extra," Matthew said coyly.
"I think I can cover the cost," Susan said with her own sly smile. Feeling the heat of his erection on the palm of her hand once it had been freed from the confines of his pants. Watching as his eyes fluttered as she gave that hard phallus a few gentle strokes. Kissing Matthew softly as she engraved its length, its size, every vein to her memory. Biting his lip as Matthew toyed with her harden nipples. She could feel her slickness wakening the longer he teased those light pink buds. Rubbing her hungry mound along his steel rod as Matthew gripped her ass. Watching how his eyes savored the image of her straddling his lap. Her head snapped towards the door as a knock echoed throughout her cabin. "What?!" Susan barked evilly.
"Captain? The men wish to know if it would be permitted for them to disembark?" Caroline asked through the wooden door.
"Fine. However, once the ship is resupplied we set sail for Sao Tome. I hear there are..." Susan grinned down at Matthew as his fingers worked to unbutton her shirt. "Ships just loaded down with gold eager to be relieved of such things. If they are not back by then, then they can seek other employment," she said ending her conversation with her first officer. "Now my good doctor where were we?" Susan asked before ripping open Matthew's shirt. "Mmm... yes, this will do nicely," she cooed as her hands ran over his chest.
"Do you like them?" Susan asked as her bare breasts stood proudly on display for Matthew. Gooseflesh raced across her skin as Matthew cradled her firm orbs.
"Oh yes," Matthew said enjoying the feel of her soft skin against the palm of his hand.
"Good. Come," Susan said beckoning Matthew forward, "they need to feel your lips wrapped around them." Her back arched as Matthew heeded her wanton order. Her fingers weaved through his golden locks enjoying the feeling of having a man to call her own after so many years alone. A devilish smile spread across her lips as she stared at the ceiling of her cabin as Matthew's hands gently slipped her shirt from her shoulders. "Hmm, this just won't do," Susan said in a tsk tsk voice as she peered down at Matthew. "A man shouldn't be clothed when a wanting woman awaits him, now should he?" she asked with a sneaky smile as she slid of his lap. "Matthew, come help me with this," Susan said salaciously tugging on the waistband of her pants.
Her chest heaved as she stood before Matthew. Watching how his hands made quick work the buttons that held those pants to her lips. Feeling her skin heat as Matthew kissed down her stomach, biting her lip as she felt the cloth leaving her hips exposing her bush to him. Her hands shot to his shoulders as Matthew inserted two fingers into her eager mound. Moaning loudly as his tongue flicked out to tease her aching bud. Her body shuddered as those appendages sought out the depths of her heat. Feeling her juices coating his skin as Matthew continued his assault on her womanhood.
"Yes Matthew," Susan cooed her voice becoming unsteady, "leave it to a doctor to know how to touch a woman."
"I do aim to please," Matthew chuckled as he slipped her foot out of her right boot then the other. Flinging her pants to the other side of the cabin. His eyes studying the naked woman before him. Knowing he had made the right choice in staying on board her ship and not rotting away from boredom in a stately manor. While he did love his parents he just hoped they thought he died either from his wounds or somewhere between America and England. Matthew had no wish for his mother to fret over the fate of her son.
"So my handsome doctor I do hope you like this body of mine?" Susan asked coyly.
"Oh, I think you already know that," Matthew smirked rubbing his thumb along her clitoris.
"Good," Susan said pushing Matthew back onto the bed. A predatory smile gracing her lips as she relieved him of his boots. Tossing them over her shoulder listening to the sound of the loud thud as each boot struck the floor boards. Then to the sound of the cloth of his pants flying across his thighs as she relieve Matthew of the last thing that kept her at bay. Susan licked her lips hungrily as she gazed down at that hard rod of his. "Now for the main course," Susan said flinging his pants onto her desk before climbing onto Matthew's lap. "For as long as we are together you shall always be taken care of here on my ship," she said positioning the head of his cock at her sweet paradise. "I pray we have all the time in the world to know one another, and then maybe you will show me England," Susan said sinking down on that steel shaft of his.
The End.
