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The Jackdaw Ch8

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Edward Kenway x Reader




   Edward still slept soundly when you woke, his breathing hushed whispers. The evening light filtering through the curtains gave his tanned skin a heavenly glow, his tattoos intricately curving along his chest. Years of sailing had tightened every muscle, scarred his skin twice over in various places. Before you realized it, your fingertips were tracing the outline of marred flesh that snaked across the bend of his upper arm.

   He chuckled, lips pulling wide into a grin. He turned onto his side, arms working their way around you until he could pull your body tight against his.

   "Careful," you chided, "Adé might walk in and throw you out the closest window."

   Edward seemed unphased, ducking his head beneath your chin until his lips could tug and pull against the tender skin. A soft moan rolled in his chest, his cold hands sliding beneath your shirt to find a feverish backside.

   A sigh whispered out of your throat, his name on your tongue.

   He lifted his head, pecking a quick kiss on your lips, hesitating in his next. "I don't want you on the Jackdaw." He shook his head, dipping his eyes away from you, ashamed that his words came out so harsh. "What I meant was that..." He unfolded onto his back, chest rising as he sucked down a deep breath. "I've an estate on the Great Inagua, a nice house you can live in. That's what you wanted, aye? Settle down. Live an honest life."

   You moved the pillow under your head, repositioning it until it was more comfortable. You didn't reply to his question or to his statement. You weren't even sure what the answer was. Your wants had changed or atleast, they had been somewhat morphed. You wanted a comfortable life, one of freedom and choice. Wasn't that the life the Pirates had led?

   "You're not safe on the Jackdaw," he blurted, seeing that his words had left you quiet.

   "I was never safe to begin with, Edward." You sat up without hesitation, pulling the shirt over your head and tossing it onto the bed. Edward's eyes bobbed across each scar, following the trails that some of them led across bone. "In my younger years, guards would sometimes catch me stealing. Other thieves attacked me from the shadows, seeing that I was easy prey. I had to work to stay alive. Had to get good or die."

   He rushed to sit up, taking your face between his hands. "You can be safe. Live a comfortable life, love. The whole island is mine."

   "You want to leave me alone on an island by myself." You bit down onto your growing smile, knowing well that it might upset him. He was being so considerate and caring, opening his heart to you. Edward, rough on the outside, had a gentle and sweet heart.

   "Not by your lonesome, no." His hands moved to your shoulders, eyes watching them move across your skin. He looked up, smoldering and serious, completely unlike himself. "A few others live there, a general store, a tavern..."

   You didn't want to leave the Jackdaw, or the boisterous crew you'd spent weeks with. You didn't want to leave Edward. You were certain of it. But you also liked the idea of finally settling down into a comfortable bed and not having to worry about the cold rain or the fire going out, or someone sneaking up on you in the middle of the night.

   "Think about it, love." Edward tilted his head, leaning ever so slightly to hover his lips above yours questioningly. You closed the small space, mouths molding against one another, his tongue exploring wildly, leaving behind the lingering taste of rum. His hands skimmed up along your neck and into the strands of your hair, brushing them out of your face.

   You turned your head away, an uncontrollable smile on your lips. "Alright, Captain. Let's get some fresh air. Before your crew thinks you've deserted them."

   He groaned, throwing himself back against the bed. "To Davy Jone's Locker with the crew. A few more hours."

   You stiffly slunk back into your shirt, easy not to rip open any scabs, throwing your legs over the side of the bed.

   Edward shuffled behind you, his hot, moist breath against the nape of your neck. He kissed and nibbled skin between his teeth, soothing the reddened flesh with a slow lick from his tongue. "A few more hours."

   You groaned, quickly getting to your feet before his caresses tempted you. "We've spent enough time in hiding. Adé can only hold the boys for a small time."

   "Aye, love, aye." He reached over his side of the bed, snatching up his clothes and sliding them back on. "Just so you know, I'm having my way with you after all this is over."

   You threw a smirk over your shoulder at him. "Who's to say I won't have my way with you instead."

   There was a glint in his eye as he holstered down his gear and weapons. "That a challenge, love?"

   "Perhaps." You waltzed over to the bundle of clothes, each step bouncier than the next.

   His boots clamoured on the floorboards as he made his way over, fingertips ghostly caressing down your arm. Edward helped you into the newly tailored jacket but you insisted on putting the rest of your clothes on by yourself. It was kind of him to give you one of his outfits, despite how strange the attire looked. You left the hood down but secured the buckles tight against your chest, hopeful it was enough to obscure your gender. Your rolled your tresses up onto your head, pinning them down before tying a bandana securely into place.

   "We'll head down, drink a few with the men." He eyed you over before giving a slight nod of approval. "Then we sail out in the morn."

   "I'm to assume none of my weapons survived the explosion?" You stiffly walked passed him towards the door, each muscle that rolled over bone ached and throbbed.

   Edward placed a soft hand onto the bend of your lower back. "We can get you a new sword. Your pistols were ancient anyways." He reached to one of the pouches strapped to his hip and untied it. "This is yours, love." He took your hand and placed the large bag into your palm. "Rest of it's on the ship."

   You tossed its weight, estimating how much coin was in there. "I don't understand."

   He tilted his head a bit, angling his eyes elsewhere. "I sold your stolen haul while you were healing."

   Your eyes slipped closed. "Thank you, Edward."

   "You should be," he chided. "Do you know how difficult it is for a pirate to let that kind of coin go?"

   "Speaking of pirates..." You chuckled before turning to face him. "I think it's best we tell the men who I really am."

   He rolled his eyes away for a moment, stance shifting onto his other leg. "Aye, love, if you think that's best. Let's make sure they're ripe with rum, first. And... let's tell them after we stop by the Great Inagua."

   You tied the bag of coin securely onto your hip, letting the long jacket obscure its presence there. "Why wait?"

   "That way if the crew votes you off the ship..." He snagged hold of your hand, squeezing it a few times. "Let me show you the place, love. Give you a grand tour. You can decide for yourself then. Decide if it's cozy enough for you."

   You pressed your forefingers against your strained eyes then nodded your head. "Alright, Edward. You win for now."

   His lips splayed wide into a childish grin, furiously contagious. You smiled in returned and followed him down the bakery's rickety steps. Downstairs was quiet, the sounds of a crackling fire and the soft whispers between people. Joey was leaning over the counter, speaking with the baker.

   "Mate." Edward gave a nod of his head. "We're gonna head over to the Old Avery. Joining us?"

   Joey tossed his hand, giving a slight nod. "A few more minutes, Captain."

   You patted his shoulder as you walked by, seeing his lips curl into a small smirk. Joey had been caring, like an older brother protecting his sister. He had kept your secret and even found you a place to sleep while healing. You owed the man more than you could express. No one in all your life had ever been that generous.

   It wasn't a long walk to the tavern but you were surprised at the number of stairs there were. You felt sorry for any poor fool that was drunk enough to fall down them and you were certain there had been a great number of drunken fools. It was a tavern in Nassau, after all.

   "I'll grab us some drinks." Edward squeezed your shoulder before moving past.

   You walked through the large deck, the sounds of a small band playing sea shanties, a woman's singing rising above the ruckus of shouted stories. A broad shoulder man bumped into you, no doubt addled with drink, but it still made you hiss from the sudden burst of pain against your wounds.

   "You've a problem," he growled, turning to tower over you.

   You didn't have time to make a reply. Or an apology, for that matter. Edward pushed the man back, stepping between the two of you. The music died, the shouts of the pirates were all but vanished. The crew of the Jackdaw rose to their feet, muscles tense with anticipation. A fight was about to break out, you could see it in the harsh stares between Edward and the stranger.

   You chuckled, slapping both men on the arm. "We're supposed to be celebrating, mates. Barkeep! A round of drinks on me! Drink your fill, boys! I want none of you one your feet by the night's end!"

   The tension slowly died, pirates cheering for their next flagon, and the band finally picking up a new song. You gripped Edward's arm, reminding him that he could back down. The man stepped back, somewhat grinning before turning away.

   You leaned a little closer to him. "Captain, about that drink..."

   Edward gave a nod, running a hand up along his face, pushing back his hair. "A drink, aye. I'll get on it." He waved a hand as if to wave away the moment that had passed.

   You sighed, hardly realizing you'd been holding in your breath.

   "Well played, lass." He lifted his mug to his lips, eyes rolling away from you. He sat down hunched over at one of the empty tables, a brown leather jacket and his skin smudged by dirt.

   "Excuse me?" You sauntered over, more hesitant than you wanted, uncertain if you somehow had given away who you really were. You glanced about to make sure none of the crew were close by.

   He chuckled lightly. No, you looked closer, finding a kindred spirit in her, recognizing a woman beneath all the layers of clothes and the red bandana holstering back her hair. You had looked somewhat similar, before Edward gave you his jacket. "Join me. No need to worry, dear, no one 'round here would notice. None of these sods."

   You sat down stiffly in the chair that was adjacent to her and leaned forward. "Who are you?"

   "James Kidd," she stated wryly. "And that's all you'll need to know for now. Keep my secret, lass, and I'll be keeping yours."

   Edward slapped down two mugs, taking a seat next to you. "Damn louts," he cursed under his breath. "You didn't open any wounds, did you, mate?"

   You pried yourself away from the stranger, leaning back in your chair to get a good look at the both of them on either side of the table. "Just a little sore, Captain. Nothing to fret over."

   One of the women that stalked the tavern sashayed over, swaying her hips more aggressively than necessary. "Well, if it isn't, Edward. Darling, why don't you invite a few of us girls onto that lovely ship of yours."

   Edward lifted a nonchalant hand. "Sorry, love, but my bed's still a little warm with someone else in it."

   He had called her "love", even if he had said it with less enthusiasm, it still blistered your heart. You pressed your tankard to your lips and sucked down a deep swallow, forcing yourself not to cringe at its bitter taste.

   "Now, Edward.” She huffed, snaking her arms around his neck and pressing her lips close to his ear. "You told me last night you weren't interested in taking anyone with you." She was even bold enough to slide down into his lap, lean hard against his chest.

   You turned your head away, the heat of jealousy all but hard to swallow and you were certain you'd have dragged her away otherwise. You focused on the ale, the tingle it left in your mouth and the warmth that bloomed in your gut.

   Kidd raised a brow at you, tilting his head with a sly sneer. Did he know? Of course he did.

   "Aye, that I did..." Edward's voice began to trail away, strangling to keep up the lie. "And I didn't technically take anyone with me. She was already there, love. Been there, you see."

   "Well, I'm certain she won't mind."

   "She'll mind," he tried to laugh. "And I mind."

   She shoved away from him, muttering under her breath about a few things before stomping off to find someone else who would find her attention endearing.

   "All my years, Kenway, never seen a pirate turn a lady down so fast. You ain't still hung up on that Caroline..."

   "Shut it, Kidd." Edward leaned over his drink, tilting the tankard slightly back and forth.

   Caroline? You drew in your bottom lip, eyes rolling about to anything around the tavern but your table, anything but Edward. You went to take another swallow from your mug but it was already gone. You snagged hold of Edward's, ignoring the brief glare he gave you as you chugged down his drink.

   "Must be quite the skirt to stay in your bed for more than a night." Kidd tossed him a wink before sloshing back a swallow. "You might just have to introduce me to her." His eyes rolled over to you, analyzing your expression which was no doubt gripped with some form of jealousy. Kidd was well aware of the situation or at least, some of it.

   "Introduce, aye." Edward narrowed his eyes for a moment. "But you won't be touching her, mate."

   Kidd chuckled, all too pleased with himself as he stood up. "I wasn't planning on it. There's got to be an easier tail to chase." He waltzed away, steps light as a thief's, glancing over his shoulder with a smirk.

   "Lass," Edward muttered as he leaned towards you.

   You shook your head, worried that if you spoke your voice might crack. It was hard to breathe, the hot air of the Caribbean becoming drier by the second. Your mind certainly felt a bit dizzy, on the verge of tipsy.

   He opened his mouth to speak but he hardly had time to utter a single sound.

   "Kenway!" Thatch held his arms open as he approached the table, dropping down in the closest chair. "Finally dragged your useless arse out of bed!"

   Edward leaned back in his chair. "Been talking with Adé, I see."

   "I don't think we've been properly introduced, Jack. Kenway's told me a good deal about you." Thatch reached out his hand and you slowly took it. His grip was tight, his eyes sharper than you'd have thought them to be. "Thatch at your service, my boy, Captain of the Queen Anne's Revenge."

   You forced a smile. "Sounds like quite the ship."

   He let go of your hand with an old, rusty chuckle. "Sure's hell better than the Jackdaw."

   Edward pointed an angry finger at the burly man. "You leave my ship alone, Thatch."

   "You're the one who named it after a silly bird." His words were harsh but his wide grin told a story of endearment. The two of them were close, that much you could tell. "Speaking of ships, Kenway, we should meet with Ben. There's some things to consider."

   Edward stretched out his legs and dropped his head into his hand. "And what sort of things are those?"

   "The island, boy." Thatch swallowed the last from his tankard before slapping it down onto the table. "Meet Ben and I here in the morning. We'll talk more about it then. Enjoy your time with your... bonnie lass." He stood up and clamoured his way across the crowded space, his voice carrying over the others.

   Edward whispered your name, soft so no one but you would hear it. "Follow me, mate. Let me explain."

   You slid your eyes closed, knowing he deserved a fair chance to explain himself. You were jumping to conclusions, this much you understood. Caroline could be anyone, a name Kidd threw at him to make things tense. Although, you weren't certain why Kidd would do this to you. You had only just met him. And the name painfully struck a cord. And you couldn't rightfully get jealous over a woman flirting with Edward. Women would flirt with him. He was devilishly handsome.

   You followed Edward up the dusty paths of Nassau, the silence strangling, the path up the hill leading further from the Old Avery and further from shore.

   You leaned against the short fencing along the road, pushing backwards onto it until you could sit comfortably. "So, Caroline."

   Edward paced a small circle, finally facing you once his words were settled. "I didn't mention her before because she doesn't matter now. She left me long ago, lass. It's been years... We've been separated ever since."

   You leaned forward, elbows into your thighs. "Separated?"

   He rubbed his hands against his face, a groan slipping free. "Separated, aye. She's my... wife." He slowly joined you on the fence, just as hunched over. "Things ended long ago. We don't even speak."

   You took down a breath. "You still love her."

   "No." He tried to turn in his seat, reached out and grabbed your hand. "I did once. But that love's no more, lass. I hadn't felt love for a long time."

   You sighed, still feeling the strange sickness in your stomach, an ill feeling of jealousy and betrayal.

   "You don't believe me."

   You shook your head, sliding off of the pole. "It's not that, Edward. I just.. I think I need some time to think about this."

   Edward quickly followed, gently holding your hand. "Don't, lass. Please, wait. Give me a chance to plea my case."

   You turned and faced him completely, examined every feature of his face, the scars and the stubble, the depth of blue in his eyes. "I don't trust people easily, Edward. What happened between us meant more to me than I think it meant for you."

   He took down a sharp breath of air, leaping closer before you had the chance to bolt. "Hold on, lass. That's not a fair assessment. I've slept around, aye. Those women at the tavern, I've dallied with a few..." He threw his hands into his hair, choking on his words. "None of them meant anything. I've not slept with a one of them since meeting you."

   You dropped your gaze, head bowing away from him. "I know, Edward. I know." It didn't make it easy, the idea that everyone of them had enjoyed a night with him.

   Edward stepped forward, his hands hovering over your waist before resting them there. "I care about you or else I wouldn't be here trying to convince you of it." He dipped his head down, craning his neck until he could peer at your expression, a hand lifting delicately to your cheek. "Don't leave me. Please."

   You chuckled breathlessly, half-gripped with embarrassment and sorrow. You gave an abrupt sigh. "I'm not sure I could leave you even if I wanted to."

   "I'll never give you a reason to want to leave," he promised, his large arms slipping around you, holding you against the firmness of his body. "I said I could be more, lass. If it means I get to keep you, I'll be more. I'll be someone you deserve."

   "Oh, stop!" You chuckled pulling away from him. "You're more than enough, Edward."

   He didn't let you pull far, his embrace nearly unshakeable. Edward's lips clamped onto yours, molding them until you thought bruises might form, his tongue desperate to reach every unexplored inch.

   You turned your head, gasping for air, his distinct taste coating your mouth. "The crew might see us."

   Edward swallowed hard, breathy but smiling. "The sooner we reach the Great Inagua the better, love." Something devilish possessed his grin, his hand taking yours as he headed back towards the docks. "No one'll check my cabin tonight."

   You couldn't resist him, not when he looked back at you with that cocky, toothy smile.
Oh, just some angsty Edward... No big deal... No crushed hearts here Nickderp 

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TwilighCreed's avatar
Bloody hell, of course Edward! Damn, his smile is killing me..