Beautiful Disaster (A Pirate Romance book, Historical Romance) (17 page)

Chapter 33

Don’t kiss him…

You know you want to though…

That’s beside the point!  The point is, Isabelle, you know how badly if such a thing were to ever occur, you would be screwed.

Literally!  And what a way to go, hmm?

There is no way you should entangle yourself with somebody who doesn’t even believe in the concept of love or the notion of committing to a monogamous relationship.  It’s a waste of time and tears, and practically suicide. 

So we’re admitting that we might have considerably fragile feelings for a certain pirate?

It would seem that way, yes.  And now that we have that out of the way, we can focus on the biggest problem yet.  His manners of seduction, because, let’s face it, he’s been trying to get us to bed with fierce determination the last few days.

I actually find no problem with this current predicament. 

Which is why I’m the will power and you are the sexually frustrated romantic.

Oh.  Like it’s
my
fault Zach wasn’t the best in bed and just standing next to that damn pirate causes all senses to go into overdrive with desire because we both know how amazing a night in the sack with the notorious Johnny Clover would be.

I remember that dream, thank you very much.  But this is beside the point once again.  Isabelle doesn’t want to get hurt, and if she gets hurt, then so do we.  Face it; Johnny is irresistible because he doesn’t want to be tied down, and the romantic in her wants to do just that.

Yes.

But it’s illogical!  Bad things are bound to happen.  If anyone gets hurt, it’ll be Izzy, and to be honest, the pain is excruciating.

You know what logic’s problem is?

This will be great…

You’re afraid.  You’re afraid to get hurt.  Yeah, it’s smart, but it’s also sad.  Sure, in all likelihood, Johnny may not return Izzy’s feelings of something more than heated infatuation, but what if he does?  And what if we don’t take that chance?  Sure, logic is logic because the first thing it does is protect itself.  But you can’t protect yourself from love.  What Izzy – what
we
– need to figure out is if Johnny Clover is worth the fear and the pain we’re likely to experience.

…

…

Even if what you’re saying is true, and we decide to pursue something, we can’t, in good conscience, do it now.  Johnny has a war to be a part of, a group of people to save, and so forth.  We can’t distract him, and we can’t make him feel guilty for feelings he can’t force, nor could we distract him with a night of sex, no matter how hot it’s going to be.

Then what do you suggest we do, if you’re so smart.

We wait… And when – if – the opportune moment presents itself, we go with our gut instinct.  Our heart.

You know, what makes up the heart is you and me agreeing on something, no matter how crazy it seems.  Do you think that’ll happen, that we’ll agree?

I think we already have.

Thoughts like these were the reason Izzy couldn’t get to sleep some of the nights, and when she did, her slumber wasn’t incredibly fulfilling.  It didn’t help that the man who constantly raided her thoughts with his haunting face was sleeping beside her, usually with an arm strewn around her waist.  But at least, slowly but surely, she was working through her troubles…

--

“Land ho, capt’n!” a crew member exclaimed from the crow’s nest.

Izzy’s head had snapped from the menial task Johnny had assigned her to do – swab the deck – and she all but rushed to starboard to get a better look at where they would be docking soon.  A small frown tugged down the corner’s of her lips as she took in the sight.  Though there were numerous ships and whatnot scattered closer to the island, the island itself was rather small.  If the navy was to ever find this place – this secret location only pirate’s knew, as Johnny had told her – then they were done for.

Johnny swaggered right up to where Izzy was standing so his shoulder casually brushed hers.  He, too, looked at the island, with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.  When he glanced down to study to the woman next to him, he immediately noticed the somewhat disappointed frown.

“You underestimate it,” he told her.  It wasn’t a question, and she knew he knew her too well to argue.  “There’s nothing to worry about, darling,” he said, patting her shoulder a couple of times.  “You’ll be safe.”

“I’m not worried about me,” Izzy told him, though she refused to meet his eyes with her own.  She had always been told that her eyes gave away more than she expected, than she wanted other people to know about herself, and she hoped that by avoiding contact with Johnny, he wouldn’t recognize just how worried she was for him.

After the evening where he told her about what was expected of him – his role – in this war, she couldn’t stop thinking about what might happen to him.  Either he would lead the pirates to their victory, a triumphant and successful leader, or he would die a hero, sacrificing himself for something he strongly believed in.

Though if Izzy was being honest, she wasn’t exactly sure he believed in it.  Piracy, sure.  The right to piracy, of course.  But Izzy was certain that Johnny didn’t exactly see himself as a leader, and was uncomfortable with the whole notion of going into battle with men blindly following him.

Johnny glanced down at Izzy, taking in her profile for a moment before saying softly, “Well, love, are you ready?”

--

When Johnny and Izzy stepped on the docks, a short, thin-framed man approached them.  He told them his name was Pimms, and he was from the English pirate captain Watson’s ship.  He was to lead them to the awaiting brigade.  When they approached a thinly veiled door, Pimms knocked three distinct times before a portion of the upper-half of the door slid opened and asked for a password.  Izzy watched this with absolute awe.  She thought things like this only happened in the movie, and yet it was happening right in front of her.

The door swung opened, and everyone was quickly escorted inside.  Though many of the pirates currently lounging around in what Izzy thought resembled an eighteenth century lobby took notice of their leader, Johnny’s presence didn’t stop them from continuing their conversation.  Izzy was reminded of the Brethren Court from the third
Pirates
movie, except with many more people in a bigger room.  The pirates took notice of her as well.  Some leered at her, not expecting to see a woman in their fortress (although there were a few female pirates scattered about), while others were simply curious that one of the most notorious bachelors had a woman as some sort of acquaintance.  In fact, one pirate actually commented on the matter.

“Some wench finally tied ye down, eh Clover?” Charles O’Malley, known for his carrot-red hair and beard as well as being the representative for Ireland said, upon noticing the close proximity between Johnny and Izzy.

“I am not some wench,” Izzy said, completely affronted at the derogatory term and glanced over at the man who was smiling jovially.

Johnny smirked, wrapping his arm around Izzy’s waist, pausing only for a moment.  “I keep proposing, but she’s keen on turning me down,” he explained, and grinned charmingly down at the woman in his arms.

This statement caught the ear of the surrounding pirates.  So this woman actually meant something to Johnny?  It was obviously not any sort of family relation, and by the way she walked and spoke, they assumed she wasn’t of the prostitute persuasion.  So just who was this woman and how could she have possibly affected Johnny to the point where he would
continuously
propose marriage?  Was he daft?  Many believed so.  Was he under some sort of a spell?  Maybe. 

“That’s a firs’!” the Irishmen exclaimed, causing the pirates within earshot to start chortling with laughter.

“I intend to wear her down, though,” Johnny said, though nobody could hear him except for said woman. 

“Maybe if you asked me for the right reasons, I might be more willing to consider it,” Izzy snapped before wiggling herself free from his grasp.  Luckily, another pirate, this one from Spain, distracted Johnny, leaving Izzy alone with her thoughts.

That was a close one…

You know what I don’t get?  Why would a pirate, so intent on maintaining his freedom, who doesn’t believe in love, won’t even consider going steady with someone… Why would he continue to ask Izzy to marry him?

Even I can’t say.  Maybe he really does have… But no.  Let’s not get our hopes up.  The best advice I could say upon the matter is to be careful, be wary, and not succumb to temptation no matter how desirous it might be.  The reasons he continues to propose can’t be honorable unless his feelings really are true but have yet to be admitted. 

In all likelihood, it is doubtful, and thus, our defenses should be raised.

Chapter 34

“Gentlemen!” Johnny called, hoping that his voice was strong enough to catch the attention of the men currently occupying the room.  Izzy glanced up sharply at Johnny, giving him a pointed look.  Just because the room was primarily filled with men did not mean that he could completely dismiss a whole other gender.  Johnny caught Izzy’s look and smiled sheepishly before correcting the matter.  “And ladies, of course.”  Izzy smiled, pleased that he amended for his mistake, and took a couple of steps back so she could watch him. 

“Yes,” he continued, trying to find the words to say that would be taken seriously among these groups of men
and
women.  “Well, I’m sure you are all aware why I am here.”

“Surprised is more like it,” a voice called.  Though Johnny craned his neck in the direction of the voice, he couldn’t make out who said it, although many of the surrounding pirates murmured in agreement.

“I…” he began, thinking of some excuse to use, but after a long moment, ultimately decided against it.  “You’re right.  You’re absolutely right.”  This seemed to throw the pirates off, but Izzy smiled proudly, her eyes lighting up as she watched him.  When Johnny was honest in his manner of speaking, nobody could match him.  “Even I am surprised to be standing here in front of you.”

“Where were you these past couple o’ months?” another one questioned.  “Y’know the war was to ‘ave started sooner than now.”

“Yes, yes I know,” Johnny agreed, nodding a couple of times, his index finger caressing the tip of his chin.  “I couldn’t exactly tell you where I was because you wouldn’t believe me even if I told you.  But, what’s important is that I’m here now.  I’m here to do this.”

“Yeah, well not many are happy abou’ tha’,” another pirate said, though this time, he stepped forward.  Izzy saw that he was big, a couple of inches taller than Johnny.  And if need be, she was sure he could be quite intimidating.  “How do we know ye aren’t goin’ to just leave us again?”

“Trust is a tricky issue with me,” Johnny admitted, staring the man in the eyes.  “To be honest, I was perfectly content not trusting anybody and having them not trust me.  I cannot win you with words, I know, so I’m not going to try.  But I do hope that my presence here is helping the matter, however slight it might be.”  He was silent for a moment, his dark eyes scanning the faces of his audience.  “I can guarantee you, however, that I am willing to lead us into battle against the Navy.  I cannot promise you success, but I can promise you that we can damn well try.  The sea is ours, and I’ll be damned if some Royal Navy man is going to take it away from
me
.”  He stopped here, and Izzy noticed how his eyes were nearly black with seriousness.  She had never seen Johnny like this before, and was certain that if no one knew Johnny, they would probably be afraid.  She, however, found it oddly arousing.  “I know that some may not support me, and if this is so, please leave and leave now.  We are all going to battle, and some of us – most of us – may not come out alive.  However, if you choose to stay, then I would be honored to lead you.  Those of you who are Representatives, please come aboard my ship.  The rest of you can enjoy your stay here.”

With that, Johnny spun on his heel and started to walk out of the fortress.  Izzy wasn’t sure whether or not she should follow, so she stayed put.  When Johnny realized Izzy wasn’t with him, he glanced over his shoulder and nodded, indicating that he was waiting for her.  Once she caught up, the two walked out together.

--

“So,” Izzy said, tilting her head so she could catch Johnny’s profile with her eyes.  They had just boarded the deserted ship.  “What, exactly, are you going to do now?”  Her voice wasn’t judgmental or accusatory.  Merely, she was curious, if anything, and wanted to know (without yet asking) if there was anything she could do to help.

“Well, that depends if the Representatives decide to follow me or not,” Johnny said, and though he didn’t look stressed, Izzy could detect an edge to his usual laidback voice.  He glanced over at her and realized she probably had no idea what he was talking about.  “Representatives, darling, are those that are in charge of their region, country, and the like.  They make the decisions for their particular area.”

“How does one become a Representative?” Izzy asked, realizing Johnny was leading her to the galleys. 

“One inherits the position,” Johnny told her, “though lineage isn’t necessary.  The previous Representative can choose his – or her – replacement before… retiring, I suppose you would say.”

So it much resembled
At World’s End
then.  Or was it the other way around?

“Well,” Izzy said once they had entered the large room.  “I’m sure they will follow you.  You’re supposed to be their leader, right?  Did you inherit the position?”

Johnny shook his head and took a seat at the head of the table.  “No,” he said, and as he continued to speak, Izzy detected slight bitterness in his tone.  “No, I was born into my position, love.  I was Chosen, as you might say.  Though, ironically enough, I had no choice in the matter.”

“Well, surely you were chosen for a reason Johnny,” Izzy said as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.  “You know that, don’t you?  Everything happens for a reason.  And I’m sure that the reason that you were chosen out of everybody else was because nobody could do what you’re capable of doing.  You know, for someone who has a hard time with trusting others, it surprises me you have trouble trusting yourself.”

“I don’t discriminate,” Johnny said with a tired smile, though he felt his insides elated by her encouraging words.

“If it makes a difference,” Izzy said, looking at the table as she finally took a seat next to him, “I trust in you.”

Johnny’s lips twitched up, this time on their own accord, and he reached over and placed his hand over hers.  “It makes all the difference,” he murmured.

Before the two could talk anymore on the subject, the galley door opened and thirteen, fourteen, about seventeen pirates – all men – came in.  Some seemed wary about trusting the elusive pirate Clover, others were determined to go to battle no matter who was leading, while others were simply curious.  They all took their places at the long table and looked at Johnny, waiting for him to begin.  It seemed as though they didn’t even notice Izzy’s presence, or if they did, they ignored it.  All that was on their minds was battle, pure and simple.  And if Johnny could lead them into it, then they would certainly hear what he had to say.

“Well, Clover?” an Englishmen barked, narrowing his dark blue eyes in Johnny’s direction.  “What say you?  What be your plan?”

“Well gentlemen,” Johnny said, throwing an easy smile onto his face.  “I must be honest, I am quite surprised that you showed up.  That
all
of you showed up, I should say.”

“Yes, well so are we,” the Representative from Japan said before snapping a piece of the gum he was chewing.

“Enough chitchat,” the pirate in charge of Africa demanded, slamming his fist on the table, startling Izzy slightly.  “What is your plan, Clover?  You were already late showin’ up here which means the Navy is close by.  We only have little time before set sailing for battle, and this is our first time convening.”

“I see your point,” Johnny said, keeping his voice calm and his cool eyes focused on the man who addressed him.  “But I do have an ace up my sleeve, as it were.”  He shifted his eyes so they were now focused on the group before him as a whole.  “As is customary for pirates, I say we call a parley and have an old chat with Lord Shield and a couple of his men.  See if we can’t work things out with words.”

“Can’t work things out wit’ words!” the Irishman exclaimed as though Johnny was dense for even suggesting something as pointless as that.

“Yes, well we should try,” Johnny said firmly, “unless you are willing to lead your men into a battle –
to their deaths
– a battle that may have been worked through with words, we parley and discuss terms and agreements.”

“And if agreement is impossible?” the Representative of America asked, meeting Johnny’s cool eyes with his own.

Johnny sighed through his nose, as though he knew that fighting would be necessary, despite any attempts otherwise.  “If an agreement cannot be reached,” Johnny said slowly, taking care to articulate each and every word, “then we have no choice but to go war.  And that’s my final decision.”