A Pirate’s Wife Read Free

It was everything I hoped it would be.
    That one kiss held promises of a future we both knew was
    futile to hope for. But that kiss told me what he felt.
    He felt the same. His breath was warm on my face
    as his eyes raked over mine. He did not conceal the look of
    love as he whispered my name. It all told me that he felt the
    same way.
    In that few minutes we allowed ourselves the time to
    dream, to hope, to love.
    I love him. The emotion swept me from my feet, but
    I was not startled about it. It was a peace that settled deep
    within me and I know that this is the man I have lost my
    heart to.
    I have no remorse in loving Cisco Almaida .
    †††
    September 21, 1621
    It was a mistake. I shouldn't have kissed her. But
    how can I resist the one woman I truly love? She loves me.
    That was the most pleasurable wonderful thing that has
    ever happened to me. This lady, a woman of noble birth,
    loves me, an ordinary sailor man.
    She was worried about me. She kept on repeating
    that she would do whatever she could to make my life
    easier. But we both know it was a not to be.
    Captain Breno is a stern and vicious man. He
    seldom listens to anyone. Nor does he take advice from a
    woman, even one as highborn as Qonchita.
    What a beautiful name. It suites her. In my arms
    today she was far from the 'ice queen' others have called
    her.
    I love her.
    †††
    September 22, 1621
    Rosa-Lee was hard to control today and with all the
    strength she had she fought against me to be with Cisco. I
    could not blame her. That is where I want to be. In his
    arms. I can still feel them around me; still feel the touch of his lips.
    When she got away from me she ran up to him and
    held him as if her life depended on it. She refused to let go, even with gentle urging from him. She cried so loud that it
    drew everyone's attention. Captain Breno made it plain he
    was not impressed with her innocent display. When I finally
    did get her away I pleaded for Cisco's life. I was sure the
    vicious man was going to do something to him. But he said
    he would not harm his own crew.
    I really hoped that was the case. But when I tried to
    get Cisco's attention he refused to look at me. I am afraid
    for him.
    Faro made an attempt after that to console Rosa-
    Lee, but she was so scared of him that she sobbed and
    panicked to get away. He was not pleased about her open
    disdain towards him. He slapped her and dropped her on
    the deck. Every eye was on us. I felt so ashamed.
    Alfonso came and helped me with her and led me to
    our cabin. Cisco disappeared and Faro went back to the
    Captain's cabin, no doubt.
    The next day I heard the rumours that some of the
    slave girls entertained them during the night. One woman,
    robust and ample in her curves, sneered at me today. High
    and mighty, she looked down at me as if I am beneath her.
    Her dress revealed everything. Her yellow teeth
    were a sharp contrast against her pale skin. She reeked of
    alcohol and tobacco, Faro's favourite vices besides women.
    No doubt she was one of the favourites.
    How could he embarrass me like this? He has no
    respect for me or Rosa-Lee.
    I saw Kayla again, briefly. She looked down at me
    and refused to speak to me. What I did to her I don't know.
    †††
    September 22, 1621
    I cannot believe what I saw today. The captain
    flogged Cisco like an animal. My heart was ripped in
    pieces as I watched in horror, that giant of a man sprawled
    out against the ropes and flogged like a common criminal.
    They all laughed and joked about him, and like the
    man I know he is, he took it silently. His skin split open as
    blood seeped from his wounds. He was covered in his own
    blood from the shoulders down. How could he endure it?
    I tried to run to him but someone held me back.
    Sobs wracked through me as he arched in pain
    when the salt water splashed over him. He roared in agony
    and four men carried him away. He was limp between
    them. He had to be unconscious. When I wanted to go to
    him the captain