Captured By Love pt III

Katherine lay on the bed, her stomach in a turmoil. She had been on board for four days. From the time they set sail she had been in the cabin, a pail by the bed. When she had boarded she was taken to the Captain's room, cursing him with every name she could think of, throwing a vase as he left the room. Edward locked the door from the outside. Katherine tried everything to open door, but finally gave up.

Later that night Edward had softly unlocked the door, entering as quietly as possible. He saw the broken vase on the floor. She does have a temper. He looked at the bed and saw her silhouette. The temptation was there, but that was not the way he wanted it.

A sudden tilt of the ship woke her up the next morning. She got up, walking sideways to the porthole. She saw clouds dark and ominous, waves rising, flowing over the top of the deck.

Katherine looked around and decided to hold on to the bed. Getting on the floor she put her arms around the leg of the bed. She could feel her stomach churning as the ship lurched from side to side. She felt the bile rise in her throat. She crawled over to the pail, having whatever there was left in her stomach. When she was through she crawled back to the bed post, clutching her stomach.

On deck Edward was yelling orders above the wind. The men were holding on, tying down the sails and cannon, trying not to get themselves washed overboard. He found it hard steering the ship. Several times he was knocked to the deck. He yelled orders for the men to go below. Most of the men left the deck except for Mason and Bennie, who stayed to help steer.

For several hours the ship tossed, the rain pelting the men like small stones. About midmorning the next day the wind died down, the clouds moving on. Edward was exhausted from having stayed at the wheel, as were Mason and Bennie.

Katherine opened her eyes, her stomach still in turmoil. Groaning she got up, her legs feeling wobbly. She went over to the pail and bent over. Having not really eaten for the past few days, all she could manage now was the dry heaves. She took a deep breath and crinkled her nose. "No wonder he didn't come near me."

She realized the bucket needed to be emptied, some of the contents having spilled on the floor. Opening one of the windows, she felt the breeze enter the room. She opened the other windows, letting the room air out. It started to smell somewhat better. Picking up the pail she poured the contents into the ocean. She was going to freshen up then saw the pitcher and basin were on the floor, broken, having been tossed around by the storm.

The door opened, Doc entering carrying a tray. He looked at Katherine seeing how pale she looked. He shook his head, feeling somewhat sorry for her. "Here, eat something." The tray contained a pot of tea, some sea biscuits, and cheese. "It's not much. The storm washed quite a few supplies over. The tea should help to settle your stomach."

Katherine blinked her eyes, not believing the roly poly man was the same bedraggled person, having now acquired somewhat of a pot belly. Edward came in, tired and wet. Katherine took a good look at him. He had filled out, the hours of working out having turned to muscle.

"Why don't you ask me? I think I'm better able to say. I am not feeling well, having heaved my stomach into the ocean. I'm bruised from having been tossed about."

Katherine picked up the teapot without thinking and threw it, barely missing him. Edward's smile soon turned to a stern look. "Clean up this mess! There are no maids aboard to clean up after you, milady." He turned and left.

"The insolent bastard," she fumed. She looked at the floor, regretting having thrown the teapot. Picking up the pieces she tossed them out the window. Finding a couple of old rags, she soaked up the liquid on the floor as well as the spilled contents of the pail. Doc returned some minutes later with a couple of pails of water, some soap, and towels. Katherine went about and cleaned up the floor, throwing back the covers on the bed to let it air out.

Putting one of the pails of water on the table, she stripped out of her clothes and washed herself. After drying off, she undid her hair, running her fingers through it. She spied something sticking out from the towel. She realized Doc ahd put a brush there. She could have kissed him, never had anything looked so good.

She bent and washed her hair. After drying, she began brushing it till it was dry. She saw the knob begin to turn. Hurriedly she ran and jumped in the bed, pulling the covers to her chin.

Doc came in with a bundle. "It was tough finding these, but I thought you might like some fresh clothes." She nodded and thanked him as he left. She was about to get the clothes when Edward came in. Seeing the pile of clothes on the floor, then seeing her covered up, her hair hanging down around her, he had to take a deep breath. "What a temptation! Does she know what she's doing to me?" he thought. He fought back the urge. Turning he went back out the door before he lost control.

Edward was at the helm when she came on deck. He nearly let the wheel go. The britches fitted her snugly, showing her rounded hips. The shirt she wore was almost too small for her as she had gathered it at the waist and had tied it tightly, outlining her ample bosom.

Katherine went to the starboard side and leaned against the rail. She looked out over the water, seeing it sparkle in the sun like tiny blue diamonds, the breeze gently blowing the little wisps of hair away from her face. As she stood there looking, all eyes were turned to her. Looking out over the water, little did she realize the effect she was having on the crew.

In another part of the ocean, a brigatine was being boarded, sails disabled, crew slain, and contents taken to the fast frigate. A man dressed in black, wearing a hood was the last to board. Going below, he went to one of the cabins. Upon entering the man saw a couple of women were cowering in the corner; one of the crew holding a sword in front of them. He motioned for the man to tie each of them to a bed post. Pulling out a small carving knife, he went over to the women, ripping their clothes off. He smiled underneath the hood as the screams of the women could be heard topside.

Katherine slammed the door as she entered the cabin. To be cooped up all day, having to wait until evening to be able to get any fresh air. "I'll go mad," she thought to herself. "I have to do something." She looked around. Over in the corner she saw a shelf which contained some books. She looked over the titles, choosing one, she sat on the bed and began reading.

"The Captain? I can think of no other man I would rather be with than him. He's a good man, fair to all except when you cross him, then he is relentless. Why do you ask?"

"The Black Devil." Doc said with disgust. "He is no man, this Black Devil. He is a killer, pure and simple. Doing things no real man would even think of doing. But he has yet to reckon with the Captain."

Edward came in. Doc turned and left. Katherine turned back to her book, the odor of food making her stomach rumble. She put the book down and looked at the tray's contents. She picked up a piece of fruit and ate, watching Edward out of the corner of her eye. He had taken his shirt off to wash.

Katherine blinked her eyes, her cheeks turning red as she realized she had been staring at him. She went over by the window to finish her fruit. "I've seen it before."

Katherine knew she had lied. In reality she had never seen anyone like him. His tanned skin added to his already good looks. His arms and chest looking as if they could crush her with no effort at all. His lips sensuous, making her wish they were on hers right now. She turned her back to him, trying not to let her emotions show.

Edward smiled, seeing the effect he had on her. "So she's not quite the ice queen as she pretends," he said to himself. Putting on a different shirt, he sat at the table and ate some of the food.

Katherine thought about it, then blushed. "He wouldn't dare do that!" she thought. Looking at the bed, images began appearing in her mind of what he would be like; his hands caressing her, his lips kissing her, branding her body as he held her. "No! I can't think like that!"

Edward was on deck at the helm. He had done everything he could to keep calm. When she had come out on deck, he had almost lost it. He saw how the pants had fit snugly, emphasizing the flair of her hips and the shape of her legs. It hadn't helped any as the shirt she wore was tied tight at the waist, her breasts pressing against the material. Again he pictured in his mind her body beneath him, his lips seeking the hidden areas he was sure no man had ever seen. He shook his head as he felt the warmth begin in his stomach and go lower.

The crew set about lowering the main sail and having the grappling hooks ready to throw. Edward guided the frigate as close as possible. The crew threw the hooks, pulling their ship as close as possible. The men were at the ropes, ready to swing over.

When Katherine stepped down, she wished she had stayed. Bodies were lying everywhere, bloated from the heat of the sun, the smell making her sick. She saw some had been hacked beyond recognition; heads dismembered, hands and legs in unnatural positions. Edward saw her begin to turn pale, her hand over her mouth.

Edward followed the crewman, Katherine behind. He took them to one of the cabins. As soon as they entered, Katherine felt the bile come to her throat. She turned and ran up the steps.

Edward turned his head, sick at what he saw. Two figures were on the floor, tied to the bed posts, naked, their legs bent in different directions, their skin peeled from their bodies. He saw the look of pain in the eyes of the dead women as he knew they had been slowly raped and tortured and left to die. He touched one of them, realizing that they had died not too long before they boarded.

As soon as Katherine was on the deck, she ran to the cabin. Tears came to her eyes as she thought of what the women must have suffered. She had seen cruelty but never like this. To maim and torture just for pleasure. She began to smell smoke. Looking out the window, she saw the ship was on fire.

Edward came in the cabin, seeing her look out the window. Going over to her, he turned her around, seeing tears streaming down her cheeks. He held her close to him. "I told you so."

He stood on the deck, seeing the smoke in the distance. "I will get you, Black Devil." He then thought of Katherine, of holding her close to him. She had felt good in his arms. He had to face it, he was slowly falling for her. She had felt vulnerable in his arms. How much longer would he be able to hold out?

Katherine tried to close her eyes, but the images of the women kept playing in her mind. She was grateful that Edward hald held her, a strong chest to lean on. Again, she closed her eyes, doing her best to get some rest.

Edward was at the wheel, several things going through his mind at once. The sight of the dead women had almost made him throw up. How could anyone so cruel call themselves human? His thoughts then went to the person below. Just the image of her in the clothes she wore was making him warm all over. It was worse as he pictured her body laying beneath his. It had taken all his control as he held her. She had felt so right in his arms. He was jolted out of his daydream by footsteps on the deck.

Katherine couldn't rest, the image of what she had seen crossing her mind. She had come up on desk to get some air. She was also confused by her emotions. When Edward had held her, it was like the world had been shut out, safe from whatever was there. Her mind then began thinking of his hands and lips caressing her, sending a tight spiral to her stomach. She began to shiver.

Edward had seen her come on deck, walking slowly towards the bow. He wondered what she was thinking. Had this afternoon been just something that happened or could there possibly be something more. Bennie came on deck to take over. Edward walked toward her.

Katherine didn't protest. He walked her to the cabin. When he got her inside he found a bottle of wine. Pouring some in a couple of glasses, he gave her one of them. "Drink this. It should help warm you."

Katherine took a couple of sips. The wine warmed her. He led her to the bed, making her lay down. He turned to leave. Katherine grabbed his hand. "Please stay here."

She nodded. Edward laid beside her. Katherine curled up next to him, then turned her face up to him. That was all he needed. His lips were on hers, feeling their softness as he priced them open to taste the inner sweet warmth of her mouth. Katherine softly moaned, her hands going up his chest to wrap around his neck.

Pushing him back, she stood up and began unbuttoning her shirt. The cool ocean breeze hit her exposed breasts, making her pink tips become hard. When she had finished undressing, she undid the braid, running her fingers through her hair as it cascaded around her.

Edward felt his body grow warm as she stood there like a sea nymph. Edward quickly shed his clothes. As he stood naked before her, Katherine gasped, her eyes traveling down his body, his desire before her. He gently pushed her down on the bed, then laid on top of her. Their lips met, Edward again tasting the sweet warmth of mouth. He kissed her cheek and neck, cupping her breasts, massaging them before taking one of the pink tips in his mouth. Katherine held his head, the sensation making her skin quiver.

He rose up, straddling her body as he looked down at her, his hands moving slowly down her body, stroking her thighs, opening them to see more of the dark curls that covered her womanhood. Running his fingers through the curls, he felt the heat coming from her, then opened the outer lips and slipped his finger inside, already wet with desire, massaging her, watching the expression on her face.

Katherine was breathing faster, moving her hips, groaning as his finger stroked her. She was getting that familiar twitch in her stomach, then felt it go lower. Edward bent his head, his tongue going all around her thighs. Raising her hips, he buried is faced in her slit, sucking the already enlarged bud. Katherine screamed at her first release, rocking her hips as she held his head; Edward drinking in her sweet nectar. Slowly he crawled up her body, aching to be in her. He entered her, Katherine feeling every inch of him.

Edward sucked in his breath as he moved. She had been made for him, a perfect fit. Raising her hips, he went deep in her. Katherine wrapped her legs around him as she moved with him. She had never imagined anything could feel so good. She dug her nails in his back as her body shook, her hips moving faster.

For some minutes they were still, then he laid to her side, pulling her next to him. Katherine lay her head on his chest and closed her eyes; Edward's arm and leg draped over her.

A knock on the cabin door the next morning woke them up. "Is it safe to come in?" Edward got up and put his britches on and Katherine put the covers to her chin. Edward opened the door. It was Doc. "I was just bringing the young lady some breakfast. I would have brought more food had I known you were here also."

Edward turned to see Katherine was blushing. To think some of the man may have heard them while they had made love. Sliding to the edge, the sheet still wrapped around her, Katherine picked up her clothes. Then she thought. "No use in covering up any more." She put the sheet back on the bed.

Edward took over the helm. Katherine stood beside him, watching him steer. He saw her curiosity and explained what he was doing. All that morning he showed her how the wheel worked and what the spokes meant. He let her take hold of the wheel, standing behind her, his hands helping her guide the ship.

know about the other parts of the ship. This surprised the crew somewhat, but they all showed her how to raise and lower the sails. Bennie taught her the various knots used, and after practicing on a piece of rope, became very proficient in how to tie and when and where to use them.

Mason, however, was a bit upset when she asked to be shown how to load, aim, and fire the cannon. She begged him to teach her. Finally, he relented. To his amazement, she caught on rather quickly, although she was a bit slow at loading. When she was not being taught by the crew, she was with Doc, showing him what she had learned from Momma Dees.

Edward raised his brows. "What do you think you could do against him? He's very handy with a sword from what I understand. And what makes you think I would let you be anywhere near the fighting."

When Edward wasn't looking, she got one of the younger crewmen to teach her how to handle the sword. She also got him to show her how to load a pistol. When Edward was on deck, she practiced with the sword in the cabin.

One day he almost caught her practicing with the sword. Katherine had just put the sword down as he came in the door. He looked at her, Katherine looking as if she had been caught in the act of doing something she shouldn't. He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. Katherine looked back at him, during her best to look as innocent as possible.

While Katherine was secretly learning to use a sword, Edward was becoming more frustrated at not getting any closer to finding the Black Devil. Katherine could see how it affected him. He began snapping at the crew. They in turn would find a place to hide when he would begin to yell. One day he snapped at her for no reason. Katherine had had enough. She snapped back at him, throwing one of the books and narrowly missisng him. At night she would turn her back to him, telling him to leave her alone. He finally went to sleeping in Doc's cabin.

One day one of the crew yelled there was a ship offr the port bow. Edward used his spy glass to see. It was another brigatine. He ordered the crew to prepare for boarding. Mooring as close as possible, they swung across, swords drawn. Katherine decided to stay behind, memories of another ship still fresh in her mind.

It was the same as the other ship. Mutilated bodies were strewn across the deck. Going below, they found more dead and tortured bodies. Everything that could be taken was gone. Edward went back on deck, giving orders for the ship to be burned. As he was getting ready to swing back over, he heard a sound, as if someone was screaming like a banshee.

Edward turned around to see a man run towards him, swords in hand. He would never forget the look on the man's face. He had the look of a man having seen the very devil himself. Edward got his sword in front of him just in time to block the man. He did not want to hurt him, but he had not choice.

As the man went to stab, Edward jabbed him in the heart. The man dropped the sword, falling to the deck. The man opened his eyes for a few seconds, but that was enough. Raising his arm, he pointed his finger to the east. Then he closed his eyes, his arm falling. Doc checked his wrist, shaking his head.

Taking a deep breath, Edward nodded, "but he did point that way," looking east. "That's probably the way the Black Devil sailed. How long would you say, Doc, these people were dead?"

Getting back on board, he ordered the brigatine set on fire. Going below, he and Doc entered the cabin. Katherine looked up from her book. She didn't say anything. Edward lookedat her, then went to the table and opened up the maps. Using their coordinates, he gaged where they were. Running his finger due east, he saw it ended at a small island not far from Hispanola.

"I can't remember, but I know when I was with Blackbeard we would stop to hid out. If I remember right, there is an inlet on the near side of the island. A river runs there which goes quite a way inland."

"Yes, its possible, but not at full sail. Perhaps one sail could be used. Any other way and you'll beach her. And if one were smart, they could use the brush there to hide the opening. If one didn't know the island, you could hide a ship this size and it couldn't be found."

Doc left the cabin. Edward lookd at the map for a few more minutes. He was now starting to get a feeling that very soon he and the Black Devil would meet. He turned to look at Katherine sitting in the bay window reading. The sunlight silhouetted her like a halo.

After their first night together, he had started staying int he cabin. When they made love, it was like everything around them disappeared, they being the only two people existing. Other nights they would lay there sleeping with their arms around each other. It was like the final piece of the puzzle had been put in place. He knew with her his life was complete, but did she feel the same?

Katherine could feel his eyes on her, even though she was doing her best to read. She too was thinking of how they were suited for each other. When she was in his arms, nothing mattered. Only that he was there, keeping her safe.

She didn't hear his footsteps, but rather felt them. Raising her head, he was standing there. Putting the book down, she got up, looking into the depths of his emerald eyes. Slowly he brought his head odwn, his lips covering hers, prying them open, his tongue tasting the sweetness of her mouth. Katherine moaned, her arms around his neck as he pulled her tightly to him.

Katherine watched him undress, her eyes traveling up and down his sculptured body. Edward positioned himself on top as again he claimed her lips, softly nipping her cheek and neck, his long fingers stroking her skin, going down her legs, then back to her thighs. Edward bent and took a pink nipple in his mouth, gently sucking, running his tongue over and around the tip, making it swell with desire. Katherine arched her back, her breathing becoming faster as her hands became tangled in his hair as he kissed the valley between her breasts before doing the same to the other.

Sliding down her body, he softly nipped the skin, opening her thighs, kissing all around, Katherine moaned in ecstacy, her chest heaving, begging him not to stop. Putting her legs on his shoulders, he opened her outer lips, running his tongue up and down her slit before taking the bud in his mouth, sucking it as it swelled. He pulled her hips closer, burying his face in her sweetness. Katherine rocked her hips, her body shaking, feeling that familiar twitch in her stomach go down to the core of her being. "OH GOD!" she cried, her body bursting as Edward drank her essence.

Kissing his way up, he was above her. Katherine pushed him on his back, getting on top, kissing his nipples, hearing low moans come from him. Slowly kissing her way down, she could feel his desire rub against her breasts. She licked around his thighs, hearing him groan, his hips rocking as she licked up and down his shaft, swirling around the tip, going lower and running her tongue over the two orbs, then licking back up his shaft til she came to the tip, taking him in. Edward raised his hips off the bed as he sucked in his breath. Holding her head, he moved his hips up and down, his chest heaving as she continued sucking him. Katherine stopped, sliding her body up his. Kneeling she braced herself, raising her body up and slowly coming down over his swollen shaft. Both gasped as she took all of him in.

Both moved together, her head back and eyes closed. Edward sat up, his arms around her, his face buried in her chest. "Kat!" he groaned, taking a pink tip in his mouth. Both moved as one, both in another world far away.. Edward rolled her onto her back, raising her hips, plunging deep in her. Katherine moaned loudly, feeling the twinge all over her body. Deward sped up, plunging harder in her as he felt himself ready. both were breathing fast, crying out as they came, shaking from their release.

A knock on the cabin woke them up the next morning. Getting up Edward quickly slipped on his britches, Katherine pulling the cover to her chin. Slowly opening the dor, he saw it was Bennie.

Edward's stern look make her silent. They went up to the deck. Bennie gave Edward the spy glass. Edward saw the island was a tangle of palms, bushes, and large vines, with a wide beach front.

Edward gave her the spy glass. Katherine looked at the island, slowly going from one side to the other. "It doesn't look like it's all that big. How could the Black Devil hide there?"

It took over half a day. Edward noted that the beach front went halfway around the island, then disappeared as the palm tress and mangroves came all the way to the water's edge. Something was missing. The ship was now back on the forward side of the island.

Bennie was able to steer within about 500 feet of the island. After dropping anchor they dropped the life boat and climbed aboard. Katherine begged again to go with them. Edward relented as Katherine began climbing into the board.

It was hard going. The vines and bushes were thick. Mason and a couple of other men hacked a path for the others. It was hot, the very air stifling. Soon all of them were covered in sweat. Katherine found it hard to breathe, her clothes sticking to her. All of them were gasping for air, and the constant biting of the mosquitoes kept them slapping their arms and face.

They walked along the bank, finding the trek just a bit easier. Edward estimated they had gone about half a mile when they came on a clearing. Not taking any chances, they went behind some bushes.

There were huts erected, with one large one back away from the river. They saw a roughtly built dock. They also saw something else. It was a small frigate anchored next to the dock.

They crept silently toward the sight. Katherine held on to Doc, determined to keep out of the way. Edward motioned for half of them to look in the huts, the other half to go with him to the ship. Katherine went with the group to look in the huts. The idea of looking on the ship did not appeal to her. She stayed outside while the men went to look in the huts.

A pair of eyes was watching the group going in and out of the huts. He saw that Katherine was alone. Silently coming up behind her, he put his hand over her mouth, pulling her against him. She kicked him and squirmed to get away from him. She then felt something sharp at her throat.

Katherine was being taken further away from the sight. She tried biting the man's hand, but found the point of the knife pressing against her skin. They were at the edge of the jungle, the huts getting smaller and smaller. She knew the man was going to kill her.

Edward was looking the ship over. He saw it was outfitted for speed, carrying more sail than it really needed. He had the men look in the cargo hole while he went into the cabin. It was sparsely furnished except for a bed, desk, chair, and a shelf of maps. He looked in the corner and saw a pile of clothes. Picking them up he saw a white shirt, black vest, britches and boots. At the bottom was a black hood. "We've found you, Black Devil, but who are you really?" He left the cabin to go back to the deck. He heard Doc's voice calling urgently.

"Captain, come over here! It looks like she's been taken into the jungle!" Edward saw the footprints and drag marks. Cursing under his breath, he took off in the direction of the marks. Doc told two of the crew to go after the Captain.

Katherine was wondering what she could do to get away. She was beginning to get sick as the man smelled as if he hadn't bathed in some time, his breath reeking of stale liquor. "It will be a shame to cut such a pretty throat. Maybe I could have a little fun before I do."

Katherine felt his hand come up to her breasts. She kicked the man again, this time making him yell. As she tried to run, the man caught her. Katherine slapped him, a large red mark on his cheek. She saw his brows furrow in anger, then a fist hit her in the stomach, knocking her to the ground.

Katherine was dazed as she laid there. Her breath left her as the man dropped on top of her, tearing her shirt open, his knife at her throat. She heard his lecherous laugh, feeling his hand squeeze her breasts. She slapped the man again, then tried to push him off. The man raised his knife then brought it down to stab her. With all the strength she had, she rolled just as he came down, stabbing her in the arm. Katherine screamed as she felt blood running down her arm.

The man was going to stab her again when he felt himself being picked up and thrown to the ground. He saw Edward standing, his eyes flashing anger. The man started to crawl away, but Edward went after him, catching the man and yanking him up with one hand, hitting the man with the other in the mouth. Edward pummeled the man with rights and lefts, knocking him to the ground, then picking him up and doing it again and again, his anger making him want to kill the man. The man was crying, begging for mercy. Edward yanked him up to a tree, then let go, turning to see about Katherine.

The man saw his chance to get away and stumbled further into the jungle, then they heard him scream. The two crewmen went to see. They saw he had stpped into a pool of quicksand and was sinking fast. He had his hand in the air, as if grasping for something, then he went under.

Edward went over to Katherine, who was lying on the ground, holding her arm. He knelt beside her, helping her to sit up. Katherine leaned against him, her body shaking. Edward saw the blood running down her arm. Tearing his shirt, he tied it around the wound. The two crewmen came back and told what happened.

Edward picked her up and carried her back to the sight. Doc saw them coming and saw the rag tied around her arm. "Let me take a look." Doc took off the rag. "Thank goodness it's not too bad. But she does need to get back to the ship so I can take care of it better."

Edward put Katherine down. "Can you make it?" Katherine weakly nodded. She leaned against one of the men as they began the trek back to the ship. When they reached the beach, Bennie was just coming up the beach.

Edward and the rest of the crew put what they could take with them to the side. Then he had Mason go on the ship and place gunpowder in various spots. With torches he had the rest of the crew set the huts on fire and everything around them. He told them to take what they had saved and get back to the beach. The crew picked up the boxes and headed up river.

Edward took his torch and went aboard the ship. "Black Devil, I may not have you now, but at least you won't be using this ship anymore." He touched the gunpowder and quickly ran downt he gangplank, dropping the torch on the dock as he ran as fast as he could away from there.

He was a good ways away when he turned and saw the ship explode, becoming engulfed in flames. Smiling, he ran up the river, taking the same path they had made back to the beach.

He sat next to Katherine, who was sitting on the bottom of the boat, holding her arm. He pulled her to him. Katherine leaned against him as they rowed to the ship.

Bennie and Doc were the first to climb aboard. Edward helped Katherine up the ladder. Bennie and Doc helping her to the deck. As soon as Edward stepped on the deck, he carried her to the cabin.

Doc was right behind them when they entered the cabin. Edward put Katherine on the bed, then sat next to her. Katherine looked up at Edward, her eyes still somewhat dazed. Doc poured some water into a bowl and took some of the cloths to wash her. He tore the sleeve of her shirt and washed the wound. After cleaning, he took a bottle that contained a foul smelling powder.

"This is going to hurt just a bit. The powder will help infection from setting up." He poured some on the wound. Katherine whimpered, a tear coming down her cheek. Doc then wrapped her arm with fresh bandages. "Now, just lie there and rest. Don't try to move it. I'm going to fix something for you." Doc left the two of them alone.

Edward brushed the hair back from her face. "What am I going to do with you? I should take and turn you over my knee and spank you, but it was my fault for letting you come along. Now do you see why I didn't want you along." He leaned down and kissed her. "I've got to get you back home. That way I know you'll be safe."

He laid beside her, his arm going around her. Katherine laid her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes, sleep soon overtaking her. Edward felt her warm breath on his neck. He closed his eyes, wanting to rest himself before taking over the helm. It would be at least 3 days before they got to Jamaica and her to her home.