For a fleeting moment, Victor’s mind exploded after reading the words on the parchment. This could mean many things for the crew. They could give in to his counteroffer. They could fight a battle. Or they could be chased after tirelessly until Governor Rohan got what he wanted. His port. His daughter. Alice. Oh, Alice. He looked at her; she was obviously distraught after reading the letter. Her body was nearly quivering on his, and her face expressed how confused she really was. What was there for her to be confused about? Either way, she was able to go home and be with her family, enjoying her elegant parties and fancy dresses. Unless…

At that moment, he got an urge to do something that may end badly – like with a slap in the face or a strike to the torso. But, this would truly tell him what all this tension that appeared between them really meant. He looked up to her slowly and moved a hand so that her ear rested between his thumb and the rest of his fingers, and he gently inched her closer to him. His mind was screaming all sorts of things at him: She is so young, you are a monster, she does not know what she is doing, YOU do not know what you are doing. But he continued to bring her closer to him, and then, he gently placed her lips to his and kissed her slowly. Almost immediately, a weight felt like it had been lifted off of him, and he moved his other hand up into her long, black hair as he continued.

Victor soon released her and met her gaze. “I, uh…” He wasn’t quite sure what to say. He wanted to make sure she was okay, knowing how innocent she was and not knowing what she truly thought of him. “I couldn’t help myself, Alice. I’m sorry,” he spoke in a hushed tone, but his devious facial expression contradicted what he had said. He was not used to the feeling of apologizing for his actions, especially in this nature, but he was also not used to women like Alice Rohan.

Alice's world seemed to stop as Victor's hand slid up to the side of her face. She was looking into his brown eyes, trying to read him and - perhaps - succeeding. She complied with the request of his hand, leaning in closer to him. At this position, they were almost on an equal level for once. Was she really about to do this? Everything she'd ever learned was screaming for her to stop this before it went even further. Even common sense was adding her voice. But desire and her heart overrode those thoughts, and her eyes fluttered close as he pressed his lips against hers. It was not a completely chaste kiss, and she felt how his other hand landed gently on her hair. He was a good kisser, and by the time he drew away from her, she was breathless.

That was what kissing was like, with someone you were attracted to. That was what kissing a pirate was like. His beard had been a little bit scratchy, but it was masculine and rogueish and a part of Victor. He looked cheeky and as if he was trying (and failing) to look ashamed when he apologised. This was something precious. This was something that happened once in a lifetime to girls like her. She gave her head a small shake, a smile that matched his spreading across her lips. "No... It's okay," she murmured.

She was shy, inexperienced with men and anything to do with romance. And yet, there was a little bit of instinct when she let her own hands travel from being near his arms to resting gently on his shoulders and then sliding up to the sides of his face. It just felt good to finally touch him like this. Hesitatingly, she gently pulled him down to press her lips to his again, more chastely than he had. She was unused and inexperienced at kissing, bumping his nose with hers before meeting his lips. He'd have to lead her, but that was okay. It was a time where men took the lead, not the women.

Victor was taken by surprise when Alice leaned back in to kiss him again. Being oblivious to a woman's desires was not something that ever happened to him, until now. He figured all of the blushing and awkwardness was perhaps just part of her nature. Of a refined, classy woman. But he had completely misread the situation, but he wasn't not upset about the thrill he got from being startled like this.

He lightheartedly chuckled at her inexperience - but not with malicious intent - he thought it was adorable. Adorable? Who had Victor become? He never felt a soft spot for a person other than his mother and brothers a day in his life. Part of him was confused by this, but the other part of Victor decided to indulge in the moment for what it was. Whatever it was.

He embraced her with more force as he kissed her passionately, a hand lightly gripping the back of her neck as the other one moved to her back. She did not seemed to have any hesitation which made the guilt that he could have felt nonexistent. Right then, he was only focused on Alice. Her beauty. How delicate she was compared to him.

But then, guilt began to crawl up Victor's spine once again. He had so many women before. He wasn't the respectable man she had probably always dreamed about this moment with. He thought that maybe he should, for once, be the responsible one in the situation occurring in his room at the inn.

He broke away from her and looked her in the eyes sternly. "Alice, I do not want you to regret me. I am sure there are many eligible bachelors at the port dreaming of yoi. I would hate it if you were saddened when you looked back on this moment." Vic brushed a piece of hair out of her face without breaking his gaze. "I do not want you to hate me."

Alice's breath came in shortened, soft gasps as Victor's hands slipped around her neck and down her back. She'd never been touched like this before. And she wanted to be touched more, and in different places - and oh, it was all so strange and new and wonderful. She just wanted more and more; it was like her Uncle Richard and alcohol. Once he started, he couldn't stop, and she wasn't even wanting to struggle for restraint. The feeling of him beneath her, as she slid her hands down to his shoulders and to his chest. Her hands stayed there, fingers gripping his shirt ever so slightly. His chest was firm and she rolled a button between her fingers as he pulled away with a more serious expression. Her heart sank. Had he forgotten that she was his prisoner?

But his words were different from that of scolding or rejection. They were caring. Her hands drifted down to her lap, back to sitting sideways on him. She thought for a moment, before glancing back at him as he brushed a piece of hair out of her face. He was suggesting that her sleeping with him might lead her to hating him. She bit her lip for a moment before speaking again. Her body was flooded with lust for him, and it certainly made thinking clearly a little difficult. "That's the trouble," she whispered, hands coming back to either side of his rough face. "They're dreaming of me. But I'm not dreaming of them." She looked into his eyes before leaning forward. "I am not sure that I am ready for all that. But I want..."

Frustrated with feeling like she couldn't put the feeling into words, she kissed him again, hands travelling up to his bun and pulling it out. She hadn't really seen him without his hair up before. She ran her hands through it, drawing away from Victor again. Alice was unsure of how he would react to her admissions and actions, but how else could she explain what was running through her veins?

Victor's original expression of concern turned back to a devilish one once she chose to embrace him again, sighing at how good her fragile fingers felt running through his hair. It would take restraint for him to not act on how he was feeling; he rarely ever had to stop himself. But for Alive, he understood, and he decided that his promise he made to be a gentleman while she was in his care would remain respected, for now. But that didn't mean he couldn't have his fun.

His lips moved slowly from her jaw line to her neck, and finally her collarbones until he looked back up to her. The thought of how new this was to her was driving Vic so crazy with yearning that he concluded it was probably best to stop now rather than torture himself any longer. "Alice," he said in hushed tone as he looked at her. Not quite knowing what to say, he kissed her once more gently before regaining eye contact. "I am exhausted. I would like to retire for a wee bit before continuing the day. You can join me. I promise, no funny business," he chuckled putting his hands up as if to show his innocence.

He lifted her off of him slowly before standing, walking over to the bed and laying down on his back. Vic patted his chest go signal for her to lay down with him. "Whatever my crew and I decide the best course of action is on how to deal with your father, I promise I will respect your wishes on returning home. You should not have to be away from your family any longer." He forced a smile - of course he did not want to bring her home, but she had a way of cutting through the selfishness he always knew. She deserved to be home.

And he didn't reject her. The feelings running up and down her spine were incredible, and more gasps escaped Alice's parted lips as Victor turned his attention to her neck and collarbones. She didn't know that his lips over there could feel so good. Her eyes closed, even a soft, quiet moan as he drew away. She wasn't sure what she wanted, but she certainly didn't want him to stop. She looked at him again, eyes slightly hooded with lust as he spoke. Her hands were on his chest again, but she drew away after his last gentle kiss.

After such frenzied excitement, the change of pace was slightly unwelcome. But she knew that she was teasing him - the idea itself was decadent. She, an inexperienced virgin lady, tempting a rogueish pirate. Rising, she also went to the bed and laid down gently next to him. It was narrow, and she draped herself along his side and slightly onto his chest. Her hand laid on his chest, and her head laid at the top of his arm. He was warm and large and smelled like man - and a little bit of something that was unique to him. She'd hesitated before coming to lie down like this, but hell - they'd shared a kiss, she'd sat on his lap. This felt somewhat more innocent than that - although, they were on a bed, and she was aware of every single place where they touched...

Victor broke the spell as he spoke, and Alice frowned a little, eyes dipping away from his face. Going home... She'd like to imagine that she could be stuck in limbo here. In this room, with him to herself, forever. No politics or breaking her father's heart. Just being. "You are kind," she murmured, tracing his chest with a finger. It was an action, without thought - and perhaps an excuse to touch him. She'd never touched a man like this before, and it was fascinating. A soft, almost bitter laugh escaped her. "I wonder if his welcoming gift will be a proposal from some old gentleman."

What if she wasn't a virgin anymore? Her green eyes flitted back up to Victor's face. She felt something more for him than just platonic affection. She didn't need to be scared of not being a virgin, not really. If her father found out some way, then he'd be hesitant to marry her off. If he didn't find out, then she'd have shared something precious with someone she actually liked (loved?) and who cared for her in some strange way. Alas, it was not so much the fear of her father; more the fear of the act itself. She had to think about this before giving it away. Alice had heard that it hurt - but he wouldn't hurt her...

"Are you going to fight him?"

Ah. The feeling of a woman's warm body lying on his. This was one of Victor's favorite sensations. He closed his eyes immediately and took a moment to really enjoy it and ran his fingers through her hair softly as she laid there in silence with him. It was probably the most peaceful moment by far on the island - so much so that Vic nearly forgot that they had just opened the letter. Until, that is, Alice asked him a question.

He sighed, not at her, but at the decision he had to make. He could not let The Blackstar look weak; they already had a reputation for never backing down from a battle. But he also had to look at the bigger picture. Their crew was the smallest it had ever been, and the ship had already taken a lot of damage in the past. Plus, they would not be fighting other pirates. They'd be fighting a military. He had to talk it over with the crew to see what they thought, and then make the preparations for whatever the decision may be.

He popped his eyes open and used his fingers to lift Alice's chin so that their eyes met. "I do not know right now, Miss Rohan. Lots of thinking to do, that's for sure, but..." Victor's voice trailed off as he leaned in to kiss her again, almost more passionately than they had before. As he pulled away, he groaned with a smirk on his face as he whispered, "Why must you be such a lady?" He chuckled and closed his eyes again. "Ah, don't worry, Miss Rohan. Soon you will find that I am irresistible." He smiled as he joked before wiggling his body to a comfortable position. "Well, let us get some rest, then. I foresee a long night ahead of us."

It was true. The men wouldn't let this decision happen without a lot to say. And Vic would have to listen and consider every opinion thrown at him. But, he knew they had to act quickly before too much tension arose between the two parties.

Victor's non-committal reply worried Alice. It meant that he was considering fighting her father and the military he had at his disposal. The Blackstar might be an impressive ship, but she had no idea if it could win against what her father had. It depended on the crew. She was more worried about her kidnapper's side than her own family's. It was a little wrong if she thought about it. And yet... As his lips met hers again, the doubts vanished from her mind. This was meant to be, she could feel it. There was no way that this could be wrong, if it felt so right. She let out a soft, 'mmm,' as he drew away. "Why must you be such a pirate?" she purred back, grinning with amusement and giggling softly at his next words. Little did he know that she had found that already.

His suggestion was welcome to her. Last night had been extremely taxing, and she touched the scab on her neck gently. "Alright then. Sounds good," she murmured, looking across and up at Victor. She felt safer than she ever had been like this. With his strong, warm body against hers, how could any harm ever befall her? She nuzzled into his chest, closing her eyes. Comfort was something that she'd missed these tumultuous days. The stress seemed to wash off her back with every minute that passed. Eventually she fell to sleep, relaxed and tired. In sleep like this, even nightmares could not take her.

Much to his dismay, Victor never slept better than when he had a woman by his side. The pull that the fairer sex had over him was daunting, making him feel weak. But it was much easier to give in to his desires than to fight him, so there he was, in a deep slumber with the warmth of Alice lulling him back to unconsciousness anytime he began to wake up. It was an especially good distraction with what was happening around them – curses, potential war, a multitude of decisions to make. Why would he attend to such matters when he could lay in bed with a beautiful woman all day?

Unfortunately though, the time did come where even Alice by his side couldn’t keep him asleep. He awoke slowly and groggily, staying in bed for a little while. She was still fast asleep on his chest, her breath light and rhythmic, and Vic did not want to wake her. She must have been exhausted; life on the sea took plenty more energy than one on land, especially the way Alice’s family lived. He slowly attempted to move his body from underneath her until he was successfully standing next to the bed. His eyes scanned her, lingering for moments on certain spots. She really was beautiful, deserving much more than she was being given. A girl like her did not belong on the sea with brutes like Vic and his crew.

He sighed as he wrapped his hair back up into a knot and made his way out of the room, eventually landing into the dining room of the inn. They had slept longer than he planned, as he noticed dinner being prepared with the women running around setting up the long wooden table. Victor searched for Madam Blue until he found her working feverishly in the kitchen preparing the food for the guests. Once he spotted her, he walked up behind her and put a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Blue,” he whispered, “whenever you have a moment, I need some advice.”

Blue wiped her hands on the cloth that was thrown over her shoulder and nodded, using a hand to lead him out of the kitchen to the dining room. They both took a seat at the long table. “What’s wrong, boy? You look happy and sad at the same time.”
This made Victor chuckle. “Ah, yes, that is probably accurate.”
Madam Blue gave him an understanding nod. “You do not know what to do with the girl, aye?”
He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Blue always had a way of reading him like a book. “Yes, Blue. I lose her either way. She will die if I keep her out at sea with me. But, I will never see her again if I return her back to her father.” He frowned faintly as he stared at the floor in front of him.
Blue reached a hand out and rubbed his knee, trying to comfort him. “Your ability to not sympathize with the enemy has always brought you much success, Victor. But no one can remain stone cold forever. There will always be someone, in your case, a woman, who will make you second guess yourself. Your morals. What you would die for. That is natural, boy. You know in your heart she belongs on land, with her family, her society. But, this witchcraft being used against you is going to make the effects of what is happening to you tenfold. You need to get to the bottom of not only your issues with the governor, but who else could be trying to harm you.”
It was a lot of information to take in. Blue was right, of course, she always was, but that didn’t make Victor feel any better about what was to come. There was still a fog of mystery lingering, making the view of the future quite blurry.

Madam Blue kissed his forehead and excused herself from the table, leaving Victor alone, picking at his nails, while the girls bustled around him preparing the table. A few of the girls made comments or brushed his neck or shoulders, but all Vic could do was force a smile. Once all the men sat, he'd have to lay out the options and get bombarded with feedback. He sighed as he rested his head in his hands and shut his eyes.

Alice slept easily, comforted by the warmth that seemed to surround her entire body. The slow rising of Victor's chest beneath her head only served to calm her more, and she was not even awoken by him moving away from her. By the time she did awake, the shadows were long and he was gone. For a moment, she panicked, forgetting where she was - before remembering the events from earlier. Had all of that excitement really happened? It could have been dismissed for a dream, if not for his room and the lingering scent of him on the sheets. She could still remember how he'd trailed his lips down her neck, the soft contact against her collar driving her crazy. How could something like that have such an effect on her? It was illogical... And completely and utterly magical.

Figuring that it was close to dinner time, she rose from his bed and straightened her skirts. She glanced back at the bed, a guilty smile coming to her lips. What if more had happened this afternoon? She didn't think that she would have regretted it, strangely enough. In any case, she'd probably end up back at her father if Victor's declarations were true. And unless some handsome bachelor came around (rather unlikely), she'd be doomed to a life with a husband who'd die before her. It was a conundrum, but only emotionally - Alice knew that she had no choice in the matter.

She closed Victor's door behind her, and made her way down to the dining room. One girl she passed in the passageway gave her a jealous look; after all, she was emerging from his room a good couple of hours after entering. Feeling a little self-conscious, she walked into the dining room. Already there was a delicious smell wafting through. She greeted the couple of men who'd already assembled, and slipped through them to Victor. The captain was looking rather tense. She let her hand trail along his back before sitting down on the other side of him. "Hello," she said, almost a little shyly. Something had changed between them now. She wondered if he felt the same. They were sitting a little closer than before, although she was unsure if he'd want his crew to know.

Victor was shaken out of an almost trance like state at Alice’s touch on his back, which made goosebumps rise on his skin. He looked over to her as she sat closely on his side, and then his eyes scanned the rest of the room to assure that no one was watching. With his focus shifted back to her, he winked and nodded to her. He couldn’t tell the men about what had happened; they would think that his final decisions on the matter at hand would be swayed by his personal feelings. He knew he couldn’t let that happen. As a Captain, he would have to make the decision that was best for the crew and for the Blackstar. Not for him or even for Alice.

Once the entire crew was seated, Victor stood up and tapped a piece of silverware on his mug. “Aye, my respected, feared, handsome men of the Blackstar. I have received news back from the Governor.”
This caused murmurs to rattle throughout the dining room.
“He gave us three options. Either we return Alice to the port but not gain our access back, a sort of forfeiture, we may meet him in battle tomorrow off the coast of Haruda with the outcome deciding our access to the port, or we run. We will obviously not choose option three – I will not have military trying to hunt us down. That would leave us with either surrendering Alice or fighting back. I would like to hear what you all think.”

The room quickly grew with the roar of loud opinions and rebuttals as the men spoke their minds.
“Give up the girl and let’s cut our losses! There are other ports to deal at!”
“Let’s blow the bloody Governor to bits!”
“The Blackstar can’t handle a battle! Give her back!”

The men were throwing around their opinions as Victor considered them all. Most of them didn’t want to fight a battle, and that Victor understood, but the thought of just forfeiting their beloved port and Alice just didn’t sit right with his pride. But maybe, just maybe, he was supposed to be the bigger person in this situation. He looked down to Alice for a moment before addressing his crew again.

“Alright, boys, alright,” he shouted over the crew to quiet them. “I will deliberate tonight and have an answer for you by first light. Now, calm down and start drinking, aye?”
“Aye!” the men yelled back, easily distracted by the alcohol being brought out by the women.
Victor plopped down in his chair and picked at the plate in front of him. He was not looking forward to the long night ahead. He took a large gulp from his mug and sighed quietly before continuing. He felt the warmth of Alice still next to him, and he fought the urges he had to grab her thigh or kiss her neck again. Instead, he took another big gulp from his mug. He did not want to think at all for the moment.

Alice seemed to shrink a bit as Victor announced the options that her father had given them. Even though she had not provided them, she still felt bizarrely responsible. Which wasn't right, considering she'd had no choice in being kidnapped. The pirates seemed split between two options, and her heart sank as Victor denounced the third. She'd been secretly hoping for such a decision; for a little more time with him. The world here, at sea, was rough and scary. He'd seemed the same, at first. But she'd grown to... Her eyes traced the line of his jaw, the bright spark in his brown eyes. She'd grown to love him. And perhaps, with time, the sea would be the same for her. If only she had the chance.

She glanced sideways at Victor as he sat down, itching to touch him in some way. But he seemed to be restraining himself now. She understood. It would look like weakness to the crew. Also feeling a bit shaken, she reached for the cup of wine that one of the girls had poured for her. Thanking her, she took a grateful sip. And another, and another, until it was finished. Wine didn't flow so freely at Great Inagua, and being drunk was most unladylike. She may as well enjoy it while she could. Picking up her fork, she twirled a piece of chicken around her fork and slowly ate, glancing every now and then across to Victor. The energy from earlier had dissipated into nothing, and she feared his feelings for her had too.

Jealousy spiked in her heart as one of the serving girls trailed a hand along his shoulder as she leaned over and poured more rum for Victor. Her bosom was most impressive, and she giggled as she walked on to the next tankard. Alice looked away quickly, continuing eating. She wasn't really that hungry, and she laid down her fork after a couple of bites. The wine was sending a good buzz through her veins, and she was relaxing more where she sat. Smiling idly, she folded her hands in her laps and glanced toward Victor again. "It seems your crew is split with decision."

“Ah, yes, that does seem to be the case,” Victor grunted as he set his fork down and adjusted his position so he could face her a bit. He unabashedly ogled her for a moment before grabbing his mug and taking another hearty gulp. He was beginning to feel the effects of the rum, calming his nerves a bit, which made him feel like himself again temporarily. He had finished his dinner and found himself feeling quite adventurous, so he shot up abruptly and signaled for Alice to follow him. When she obliged, they nonchalantly made their way out of the dining room out to the back of the building. A large ladder scaled the side of the cobblestone building reaching up to the rooftop.

“Aye, you first. I shall catch you if you fall,” he said calmly as he held the base of it firmly.

Once they both reached the roof top, Vic went to the edge and sat down, feet dangling off, and he patted the ground next to him to tell her to sit with him. “I know this must be very unladylike, and I do apologize, but you must have a little fun, Miss Rohan.” He chuckled as he grabbed the bottle he put in the breast of his shirt and took a swig. He overlooked the town below them and sighed at the sight - things were so simple on Isla Imorda. Much simpler than the sea. Or the port. His mind went back to the port and he nearly winced at the thought. He knew he would have to discuss it with Alice eventually, given how heated the table had gotten.

“Alice,” he started softly, meeting her green gaze, “I know I must seem like a broken record, but I want you to know you will remain safe no matter what my crew and I decide. What I had said when I took you on board is what I will stand by, although I have not been the perfect gentleman.” This made him laugh; the things he wanted to do to Alice were certainly not gentleman-like. He sighed again and looked back out at the horizon, smelling the salty air and offering the bottle of rum to her. “You shall be home soon, love. Your father will want you back no matter what decision I make. You know that, right?”

Alice followed Victor along and outside, wondering where he was taking her. She didn't balk at the ladder; she was calm and obliging from the wine. She got to the top and was admittedly a little nervous to sit on the edge; but he was there. So it was fine. She plopped down beside him quite closely, the urge to touch him terribly strong. She took his rum when he offered, taking a long sip. He was speaking about her father again, and the port, and everything else. She just wanted to forget about it. That was what the alcohol was meant for, after all.

"You've been perfectly gentlemanly," she murmured, leaning her head on his shoulder. "A gentleman... Pleases a lady. He is chivalrous." Her lips curled slightly, some sly amusement. Victor had certainly corrupted her thoughts a bit, if anything. She handed the bottle back to him, knowing she was tipsy. It was comfortable staying like this. "I know he'll want me back. Although perhaps I won't tell him the extent of your... chivalry." Alice let the words hang in the air for a moment, before turning her head on his shoulder. Her breath ghosted across the skin of his neck, before she planted a soft kiss on his cheek. She suddenly felt incredibly sad, and a hand came up to the other side of his face to turn his head toward her.

It was dark and mysterious and magical, the fires of many households looming out from the small town. Somewhere in the distance, drunken singing from a tavern could be heard. How many times in a lifetime did one experience this? A soft laugh escaped her as she looked up at him - moreso at herself than him, because why did she feel like she was going to cry? Leaning forward, she kissed him under the light of the rising moon, her hand drifting down until it rested at the neckline of his shirt. His chest was hot under her palm. She wanted to see more of him.

Victor was surprised, but not disappointed, with how forward Alice was being. He began to feel what he was avoiding earlier as he returned the passion, lacing his fingers through her hair at the back of her head and pulling her towards him. For a moment, the stress he had been bearing melted away, and all he could focus on was what she was doing to him – which was currently tugging at his shirt. This made him laugh without breaking away from her. The moon glistened on her pale skin and nearly illuminated her on the dark roof, making her look even more irresistible to Victor.

He began to kiss her neck, jaws, and ears again as he grabbed at her hair lightly that he still held in his hands until he finally made his way back to her lips. Her skin was so soft, and she smelled so good, and she was so fragile and small. She was unlike any woman Vic had met in his travels. Letting her go would probably be much harder than he anticipated, but he couldn’t let his mind travel there. No. It was going to stay on her. Though, he began to feel himself getting to the point of no return. How could he not be? He had a beautiful woman all over him. She had to be feeling what he was.

Instead of pulling away to speak up, he leaned into her ear and whispered softly. “Alice,” he began, pausing for a moment before continuing to speak. “Maybe we should go back inside, yeah? You have been drinking, I…” his whisper trailed off as he kissed her again. Would he be an idiot for stopping what was happening? Again? He had never before. But she deserved his respect and honesty. He still continued to kiss her passionately though. That he wouldn’t deprive himself of just yet.

Alice was lost in his kisses, feeling something building up within her stomach. It was intense need, for him, for what he was giving her right now and what more he had to offer. Her head tilted back slightly as he trailed his lips along her neck, gasping softly. Her hands slipped around to his back, fingers twisting into the rough fabric of his shirt. His words were hazy, and she had to blink a bit before coming to her senses again. As soon as she did, he was all over her once more.

"N-no," she murmured against his lips, pressing her forehead to his and closing her eyes for a moment. "I-I know, it's not the drink, don't say that." She didn't want him to think it was false, or that the alcohol had gone to her head. Although she might be less shy, she still knew what she wanted. Alice returned his favour, kissing him down his neck and grasping at his shirt. She undid one button, then another, before kissing the exposed skin. Her one hand paused over the side of his chest, feeling the beating of his heart. She looked up at him, smiling deviously. Oh, this was naughty.

The passion he'd exuded was no joke to her. She wasn't drunk on wine or rum; she was drunk on love. Giddily so. Her breath was shortened and her heart was beating in her chest. She'd fallen prey to one of the 7 deadly sins - lust. And she didn't even want to resist it. No wonder that people were tempted by sins. Alice wanted him to touch her, but she didn't have to speak to communicate. This was all action and physical and breathy exclamations. His heart's beating was fast as hers was; he was enjoying it just as much.

After she spoke, Victor smirked and nodded his head without wasting another second. He grabbed her and picked her up, moving her away from the edge of the rooftop, and as he sat down, he placed her on his lap so that she was facing him. His shirt flew to the side of them as he kissed her once more, wrapping a firm yet gentle hand around her neck as he did. He could see how flushed her pale skin was, he could feel how fast her heart was beating. Her innocence always amused him, now more than ever.

She seemed so sure, but doubts still flashed in his mind. He didn't know if it was the bloody curse or that he was losing his edge, but he thought about her differently than others. He wanted to protect her. Respect her. Be soft and kind to her. All things that did not come second nature to him. Instead, he was up on a rooftop with her, about to take something away from her that she was always told to prize. That no man would ever love her if she failed to keep herself "pure." Vic had always thought that was bullshit - he had never cared what a woman had done before he met her. But then again, he was a pirate.

But at the end of the day, Vic was a man. A man who had a gorgeous woman kissing his neck and chest and grabbing his hair. No doubts in the back of his mind could turn his attention away from her now. He wouldn't let the curse or where she came from inhibit the moment. He whispered in her ear softly as he nibbled at the lobe while running his hands over her torso. He was so glad he told her not to wear a corset the first night she was on The Black Star.

Alice moaned softly, embarrassed immediately by the sound that had escaped her. She bit her lip, but her eyes fluttered closed as his hands considered running up and down her body. His shirt was gone now, and she could feel his hard chest beneath her hands. It was unlike anything she'd ever experienced before. To be allowed to touch him like this, to allow him to touch her like that, was so intimate. If this was what she could feel for the rest of her life, she'd snatch at the chance. But she had only this night. And she would make the best of it, even if she became pregnant.

Wanting to be even closer than him, so that she wouldn't have to twist around - she did the unthinkable (at least, in her society). Breaking apart from him for a moment, she slid her one leg across to the other side of his lap - sitting astride. And when she crashed into him again, her arms wrapped around his neck and twisted into the hair at the back of his head. They were pressed together now, chest to chest. The heat from his chest was on hers, and she gasped again at his ministrations and the words in her ear. Such unthinkable ideas, so sinful and attractive in this moment. She could feel now that he wanted her; the thought was frightening and exciting. But the fire in her stomach told her that it was right, that if she didn't take this chance she'd regret it. He was driving her completely crazy, and she couldn't claim herself to be a lady anymore.

Alice knew now - she wanted it, she needed it. And he wasn't going to stop her now.

~About two hours later~

Victor and Alice were laying on his bed that was being illuminated by a single candle on the desk, both breathing heavily as her head laid on his chest. The window was cracked, and a slight, cool breeze would make the light flicker occasionally and move the sheet that was haphazardly thrown across them. Victor stretched his legs and grown quietly before pressing a kiss onto the top of her head. He tried his best not to thinking about whatever was going to come of the decision he’ll announce to the men tomorrow. Instead, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he strung his fingers through her black hair slowly.

They had made their way down from the roof and into the inn sneakily and tipsily about an hour prior. It was getting pretty chilly up on the rooftop, and the more they drank the more he feared they would fall off the edge. They had thrown on some clothes and carried the rest, laughing and shushing each other as they attempted to walk though nonchalantly until they made it to the door, and Victor fumbled with his key as he tried to open the lock. Tiny had caught then walking into the room together, and Victor as just smirked and put a finger to his mouth telling him to keep it between them. Tiny nodded quietly and scurried off as they finally had gotten in and picked up where they had left off.

The hand in her hair moved down to her arm and stroked it gently as Victor readjusted the position he was in. “How are you feeling, love?” He looked out to see the shining moon in the night sky. “It is late. You should probably get some sleep, yeah?” He stood up with a grunt and blew out the candle before returning to the bed and wrapping his arms around her.

Alice laid partially atop Victor, her face tucked into the crook of his neck. Her breath was still quick and her eyes were half-lidded with a mixture of fatigue and love. The feeling of his fingers in her hair was relaxing. She couldn't quite believe what had happened, but... it had. "Tired," she replied softly, a quiet laugh escaping her. She drew the sheet up to her chest as he left, her green eyes following him. In life, some men were beautiful. Not many were. He was.

She nodded at his suggestion, coming close to him again as he came to the bed. Snuggling into his chest, she sighed softly. She gave the tattooed skin a soft kiss, a hint of salt lingering on her lips as she closed her eyes. Bliss.

((Skip? @megatrash))