Page 46 of Enchanted By a Pirate
"Whoever it was that convinced five of my men to mutiny."
She neglected to ask how it was that his men could be so easily turned against him. Freddy's accusations probably weren't completely unfounded. Since her disappearance, the captain had not led his crew well, with only her rescue on his mind. All it took was a sidelong glance and she could tell he was thinking the same thing.
"Where are the men who kidnapped me?"
"They're napping below deck. I'll take you to them once we're far enough from shore. I have to take the helm before we hit one of the rocks." As if on cue, they rushed past a rocky outcropping that jutted several yards high out of the water.
Anna watched as Chris took the helm and shouted orders to his men. Maybe it just seemed that way, but the men watched his every move and every command like a hawk. She truly hoped she was as safe on the ship as he had promised.
18
It was stormy, especially outside the bay and past the rocks. The captain maneuvered them safely out to sea, but Anna still felt herself turning green. She hoped the sea would grow calmer, otherwise, she'd be a wreck before the sun set.
As she stood at the railing, her fingers gripping the wood, Johnny approached her. He pulled the black scarf off his head and scratched his bald head. "Is it true what Freddy says?"
Anna glanced up. She was so dizzy she had difficulty focusing on his face. "Depends, what did he say?"
"Since when do you get sick at sea?" Johnny frowned. "Wait a minute, I'll get you something." He scurried off, his boots thundering across the planks. Anna focused on the sound in an attempt to distract herself from the nausea. A high wave rocked the Fortuna. Before she released her meager breakfast onto the planks, she closed her eyes and clung to the balustrade. Goodness, how was she supposed to get through the next few hours?
"Here."
Johnny had returned. She opened her eyes with difficulty and glanced at his round face. He smiled encouragingly and held out something towards her.
"What is it?"
"The best ship's biscuit there is. Nibble on it, it will help."
"Are you sure?"
He nodded. "Freddy says you've forgotten all of us. I don't know if that's true, but you can trust me. If the giant hadn't existed, I would have gotten the role of best friend."
Anna smiled and took the zwieback. "Thanks. Can I use it as…?"
"Hm?" He looked at her questioningly.
"Nothing. Thank you." She nibbled hesitantly on a corner. The salty, dry pastry was good for her stomach. As a fairy, she wondered if she was even allowed to eat anything other than berries. Where had that notion suddenly come from? Since when had she started considering it to be true? Was she actually a fairy? Her eyes wandered to the captain, who was standing at the helm, braving the raging sea. Was it because he believed it? Because she'd seen the sparkle in his eyes when he'd spoken of her wings? What would it feel like to have wings? To fly with them?
"Better?"
"Excuse me?" She glanced up, confused. She hadn't even noticed that Johnny was still standing next to her, staring at her worriedly. "Yes, thank you, it actually helps."
"Of course it does. It's the best ship's biscuit around. If you need something, you can find me in the galley. As before, you are always welcome there." Grinning, he bowed and turned around.
"Thank you." And she honestly was grateful. Her stomach settled down more and more with each bite. She considered hurrying after Johnny to claim all the zwieback for herself, but before she had eaten half of it, let alone put the plan into action,she was so full, she couldn't eat another crumb. Nevertheless, she kept the dry biscuit in her hand as a precaution — she wouldn't give it up so quickly.
As she studied the ship, she noticed the curious looks from the men. They hadn't known Anna's memories were gone until Freddy had told them. It was probably good they knew. It simplified the situation and prevented Anna from getting into silly situations. Still, it was strange to feel the eyes of the entire crew on her.
Even the captain kept looking at her. But his gaze wasn't curious, like those of the others. His was different — exacting yet worried. She was overwhelmed by a longing for him that drove her to him. Her strawberry-blonde hair whipped wildly as she walked along the railing and up the aft stairs to him. Her steps were already more confident than they had been a few minutes before and her stomach seemed to have settled.
"Are you okay, Ani?" The captain greeted her with a broad grin that made her involuntarily blush. When he saw it, he laughed. "You weren't that shy before."
"I'm not shy, but when a horde of strange pirates openly stare at me, it's a pretty unusual situation for me."
"Aye, but only my gaze should make you blush."
She grinned and peered out to sea. "How long will the strong wind last?"
"As soon as we are further south, the sea will grow calmer. Tonight, we can have an idyllic meal on deck, madam, if you will do me the honor of dining with me." He bowed to her.
