Prisoner of Love (ML/AU/ADULT) (Complete)

[Mia Nora]

Part 35

Liz was feeling too restless to be still. She paced back and forth across her bedroom floor, battling with silent agony. Her thoughts were filled of Max. The haggard way he looked, the fire that had dimmed in his eyes. The words he spoke, that struck fear into her heart.

The man she had met with that fateful day was not Max. Indeed, she could recall when he stood tall and strong, radiating with absolute power and strength on his ship's deck, warming her with the very look in his golden eyes. He seemed so invinsible then, undefeatable.

And now it was proven that he was merely human afer all.

Liz sighed deeply and walked towards the window to stare out into the night sky. There was no moon tonight and the stars were scarce. Nothing but a dark void. She closed her eyes against the dark, dark night, unable to bear it.

"Liz!"

Liz's eyes snapped open and she jumped away from the window in fear. He name was called again in a loud whisper, from what could only be below. Her eyes darted apprehesively downwards.

"Liz"

There it was again, urgent, demanding. Liz turned frnatically around her room, searching for some kind of weapon to use. Her fingers tangled through her belongings before her hands landed on a large brass candlestick. She blew it out, plunging herself into faint darkness and removed the candle. Gripping the stick with both hands to steady herself she cautiously approached the window.

Rustling came from below, making her swallow a sudden lump in her throat. She was breifly relieved that she was on the second floor and whoever it was could not get to her. However that was before there was a loud thump and more rustling.

When Liz was close enough to see, her eyes widened in shock. A ladder, which she supposed could be their gardener's had been placed against the wall, making it ver possible for the intruder to reach her. Liz gripped the stick more tightly, her knuckles turning white at the effort.

Her head bent over the sill and she stifled a gasp when she saw a dark figure struggle unceremoniously up the ladder, and straight to her. She raised the candle stick over her head and back away so the shadow won't see her.

Anxiously she waited, trying to still her erratic heart, hoping that the hard pounding could not be heard.

Liz stifled a frightened gasp when a hand suddenly appeared to grip the window sill. It was so white and pale against the dark stone. She heard a few mutterings and a few curses drifted up to assualt her ears. And before she was ready, another hand joined the other and both were hauling up the body. Whoever it was appeared to be struggling Liz couldn't help but think with satisfaction.

When the stranger fell onto the floor in a heap Liz pounced, her stick held high abover her head, ready to strike.

"Stop where you are or I shall hit you. I have a weapon!" She threatened, albeit with a telling waver in her voice that she wished she could suppress.

The stranger froze. Liz feared he'd attack her anyway. And then..

"Liz? Is that you?"

The stick dropped from her fingers to clatter onto the ground.

"Maria?!"



"I do not understand. How did you find out where I live?" Liz inquired where she sat on her bed. Maria sat beside her. She gave her a slight smile.

" All I had to do was ask Liz. You're not exactly unknown here..my lady."

Liz flushed and lowered her eyes guiltily.

"Hey, hey. None of that..." Maria chided urging Liz to look at her once more. Her gaze was direct but with no accusation. Liz gave a little sigh.

"I do not know what to say Maria. I have lied to you. After you have been such a wonderful friend and companion to me during my time on the ship...I lied to you." Liz was full of remorse. "Oh please forgive me." She clutched at Maria's hand in a gesture of friendship and appeal.

She was startled when Maria smiled and chuckled. She patted her hand. " Oh don't worry yourself so much Liz. I'm not angry. A little annoyed that you chose to keep that little tidbit to yourself but not angry." She threw an arm around her. " In fact i certainly understand the need to keep your identity secret. You weren't in the most ideal of circumstances after all."

Liz couldn't help but blush at that. The tone and pointed look in her eyes reminded of things that made her heart ache.

"May i inquire though now how it all came about?"

Liz sighed and began her story, feeling a great weight lift of her chest.


"Absolutely not! That's insane!"

"Really Liz, it's a perfectly sound idea and an equally sound plan. What are you fussing about?"

Liz stopped her furious pacing to glare at Maria, who was still sitting on the bed, looking as if she hadn't a care in the world. She pointed an accusing finger at her.

"You know exactly what i am fussing about! it can't possibly work." she replied, exasperated. It was positively ludicrous, what she was suggesting. They wouldn't be able to pull it off, that is if she were inclined to do it in the first place! After Liz had poured her heart out and Maria had listened adn wiped her tears she had finally revealed her actual reason for seeking her out.

Maria sighed and pushed off the bed to face her squarely. " Yes it can work Liz. You're just afraid."

"You're damned right i am!" she said, incaring that she was cursing.

"Well ok, maybe i am too." she conceded. "And i admit, it is a little dangerous but-"

"A little!" Liz hurrumphed with a roll of her eyes.

Maria glared. "BUT...you don't want to see them died anymore than i do."

Max.

Silence stretched after her words. No.She didn't want to see them die. Didn't want to see Max die. Her fists clenched her robe inconciously at the thought.

When no more words passed between them, Maria decided to break the silence, for the first time, hesitant, unsure. " You do care for him don't you Lizzie? I wasn't wrong in interpreting what was in your eyes that night?" she asked gently.

Liz stared at her for a moment that seemed to stretch on for forever. "No you weren't. I love him."



Liz stared at herself in the mirror, awed and horrified. Was this creature truly her. Maria had done an amazing job. She could hardly even recognise herself. Her reflection gazed back at her. White painted face and red rouged cheeks,tacky blond hair piled haphazardly on her head, lips that looked like over ripe plums, eyes contoured by black paint..and finally..the dress.

Liz swallowed. It was so daring. A velvet red, a plunging neckline that exposed half her breasts, and a fitting to tight, it practically molded against her body. It was a prostitute's dress that Maria had managed to acquire from a brothel. Liz refrained from asking how.

Liz looked through the mirror at Maria as she came to stand beside her, putting the finishing touches on her face. She was much the same way, except she had a green dress.

"Maria.....are you uh..um sure about this?" she asked worriedly. She wasn't too comfortable with this. To go out in the middle of the night, and be at the mercy of drunken men on the streets, to have them look at her....Liz shuddered. It was not a pleasant thought.

Maria understood the concern in Liz's eyes and gave her an encouraging smile. " Don't worrie Lizzie. We'll be safe." While she spoke she dipped her hand into her skirt pocket and produced two shiny blades. Liz gasped and finally comprehended when she handed one to her. Her hand gripped it fiercely.

"Come. We must leave now." They made their way back to the door. Maria decided it would be safer to climb back down instead trying to sneak out the front door and getting caught. But Liz reasoned that it would be safer to go through the door and get caught, rather than risk a broken neck. Maria conceded.

Cautiously they tip-toed down the servant's starcase, taking care to listen for any suspicious sound or telling movement. When they reached the kitchen all was quiet. Liz's eyes looked around the dark place in a certain amount of wonderment. It was the first time she had managed to truely see where all her breakfasts, adn lunches and dinners came from. Amazing...

Maria suddenly gripped her hand and propelled her along. " What on earth are you doing? You look as if you've never seen a kitchen before, or know what it even is." she hissed.

And then the backdoor clicked as it opened silently, and they both hastily crept out, breathing an audible sigh of relief at their successful escape.



The darkness shrouded them, disturbed only by the flashes of moonlight from behind drifting clouds. Footsteps and drunken laughter echoed against the walls they plastered themselves to, fearful of anyone discovering them.

Liz followed closely behind Maria, infact she was so close that she ran straight into her hen she stopped abruptly.

"Ooof!" Liz exclaimed , raising protective hands to clutch at Maria's dress lest she tumble backward.

Maria whirled around to face her quickly. " Are you alright?"

Liz nodded her assent. " Why have we stopped?"

Fear and excitement lit Maria's eyes as she announced, " We've arrived."

Liz swallowed a sudden lump in her throat and nodded her understanding.

Maria grabbed her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. " Just follow the plan. Everything will be alright." And with that they both stepped out of the shadows, fluttering lashes and seductive smiles plastered on their faces.

The men chatting by the gates stopped and stared at the two young women as they approached. When the lamlights highleted their attractive features and enticing bodies encased in brazen dresses, their eyes darkened with sudden desire.

It had beewn a lonely and boring night for them so far, pehaps a little excitement is over due. And it looked like they just might get it.

Maria and Liz sideled up close and gave them coy glances from beneath their lashes.

"Hello boys," Maria greeted huskily. Liz wiggled her fingers at them in her own greeting.

The men straightened. One man, the one Liz recognised as being the one she had had the misfortune to associate with to see Max, smiled ferraly. His hands moved over his rumpled, dirty clothes, to try and straighten them in vain. "'Evenin' ladies. What brings you over to this side of town tonight?"

Maria's seductive laugh tinkled across to them in the night air. " What can we say, gentlemen. We had a need for some....excitement." she emphized the last word with a telling look .

The ,men certainly looked eager. Liz felt a moment of panic. What if they decided to take matters into their own hands and ruin their plans. She somehow managed to convey to Maria her worries because she turned to give her a conspiritual wink, which the men thankfully did not interpret- though it was not beyond them to think it meant that Liz and Maria thought they had captured some great men for the night. Liz want to snort a their largerly inflated sense of worth.

"Well then, you've come to the right place." He grinned to show missing teeth. " What're yer names pretty gals?"

Liz giggled. " My names Lola, an' this here's Daisy." She approached him, the wrinkle of her nose the only possible way she could convery her distate. She clutched at his arm and sidled up until she was pressed closely against him.

Liz gazed up at him seductively, and her voice was husky when she said, " What say you boys buy us some drinks..." she paused for effect, sharing a glance with Maria, and moving her hand up and down his chest, " we'll make it worth your while." SHe licked her lips.

It seemed to do the trick, and though Liz hated herself for doing this, she coldn't help but a feel a small frisson of satisfaction at her female power. Maria gave her a knowing smile from her place on 'George's' lap. She knew exactly how she felt.

The men had wasted no time in aquiring the drinks and they were all passed around. Liz and Maria both produced a small bottle filled with powder. They gazed suspiciously at it. "What the 'ell is that?" 'Richard' demanded, wiping remains of beer off his lips with the back of hand.

"Oh don't look at us like that boys," Maria chided teasingly. " This here's called an aphrodisiac." When they all just look puzzled she asked, " don'tcha know what that is?"

"hell no Daisy, we don't know no fancy words. Why dontcha jest tell us." George complained.

Liz looked around the room, amd made sure they were hanging on her every word. " Well then we'll tell you. An aphrodisiac makes your body hot and hard, and you'll be able to satisfy us for hours and hours." She had to swallow the bile in her throat to get the words out, especially when she felt a certain something grow beneath her where she herself sat on 'Clarence's' lap.

They all hastilly agreed to take it. Liz and Maria eagerly poured the powder into their drinks. When Clarence finished his drink he reached for Liz and started to awkwardly grope her. Liz tried to still him but he seemed adamant.

"C'mon sweetheart, let me pleasure you aall night like you want.." Wet smacking Liz threateningly approached her face and Liz shrieked. She pulled away too frocefully and they both tumbled to the floor. Liz started to beat at his back and yelling for him to get off her. He lay heavy over her, not moving an inch. then suddenly he was heaved aside and Maria stood over her, extending a hand. Liz took it greatfully.

It was only when she was standing fully that she realized they had all passed out. Maria grinned at her. " They're dead to the world hun." and started laughing. Liz couldn't help a few chuckles herself. She felt both relief and pity.

" I cannot believe they though the powder would turn them into virile men of the night." Liz said.

Maria shrugged. "Some men would believe anything, as long as it guarantees their pleasure."

Without further ado, they snatched the key off the guards and made their way into the compound. They only hoped they could sneak past the ones inside aswell.

As it turned out however it was no trouble, especially since most of htem were drunk, and half of them did not see the stick flying toward their heads.

"Do you remember the way?" Maria whispered as they carefully walked through the dank halls that Liz was familiar with.

"Yes. But i only know where Max is. I would not know where the rest are." SHe said worriedly.

"Don't worry, when we get Max out, perhaps he will know." Maria said as she followed Liz's lead.


"Max"

A whisper.

"Max."

Her sweet voice called to him in his dreams. She came to him as she always did in his day dreams, all warm and loving. Telling him that she loved him, he would hold her in his arms and kiss her until the passion between grew hot and they made love...He was delirious, that was for sure. She just wouldn't leave his head. And since her last visit to him, she wouldn't leave his heart.

He was going to die tomorrow and all he had left of her was a whisper.

"Max."

There is was again.

"Max!"

His eyes snapped open and he immediately sat up. And stared. Stared, and stared.

She was like an avenging angel, standing in the doorway, calling to him.

" Liz!" he choked out. He struggled to stand. She came towards him, her eyes bright....

"Liz?" he frowned. No it wasn't. This woman was blond, with too much rouge and a gaudy dress that would make a prostitute blush. Who was this? A gift from the guards so he can slake his lust for the last time?

Max's eyes blazed with anger. He was about to open his mouth and coldly order her out of his cell when her hand reached up and removed her blond hair. Silky brown hair tumbled down her shoulders.

"It's me again Max." she spoke, looking at him directly. " I know you said you did not wish to see me again, but i could not stay away." she visibly swallowed. " I had to save you."

Slowly he approached her, taking her in. He couldn't believe this was Liz. Yet his eyes would not betray, he just knew it was her. And she had come to rescue him. After all he had done, she came back.

When he was inches from her, he stared deeply into her doe eyes. His hand reached out to sweep away a few tendrils away from her face.

" Come on boys and girls. You can stare into each other's eyes later. We must find the others and get the hell out of her." Maria's voice intruded and they both snapped their heads towards her. Max regained his composure then.

" What the hell were you two thinking in coming here? Something could have happened to you. You could have been hurt!"

Maria crossed her arms across her chest and glared at him. " Watch what you say captain or we'll push you right back in that cell. " she threatened. Max turned to Liz to see her reaction. She was staring furiously at him too. He believed they would do it.

"Women." he muttered as he made his way out.

"Don't you take that tone Maxwell. We're saving you from a terrible fate. Is that all the thanks we get?" Liz demanded.

Max stopped and glared at her, a second before he brought her crushingly to him, his forehead against hers. " I cannot believe you came." he murmured. There was fire in his eyes. " Why have you risked your life for me? I should be putting you over my knee for what you'v done you foolish woman."

Fire met equally with fire. " Is it do hard to say 'thank you' captain?" she challenged.

Max gave a bark of laughter before turning to Maria. " I do not know what demon has seemed to possess you, but i cannot say i am not grateful for it. I've got to get to get to Michael and my crew, then make sure you both get to safety. There is no time to waste."


Maria stood in Michael's arms. They were kissing each other, murmuring words that Liz couldn't make out.

She stood to the side of a deserted part of town, watching Max giving orders and preparing for a swift getaway. She stared hungrily at him, taking everything about him in. Would he leave now, never to be seen again? Would it be worse to know now that he would be alive somewhere out of her reach forever, rather than dead?

She hoped they would all be safe. It would not be long before he would be reported missing, and heaven forbid what would happen if he was captured again. Liz shivered at the thought.

Michael finally pulled away from Maria and made his way to where Max stood. They talked for a few minutes before Michael motioned to the men and they all started to make their way into the night.

Max remained, and he turned, and slowly made his way toward her. Her heart beat irratically, her pulse raced. Her breath left her when he came to stand so close to her. For the longest time they simply stared at each other. Max then leaned down and feathered a light kiss on her lips, as if he just couldn't help himself.

Liz responded immediately, and before either of them knew it he was crushing her to him, his hands roving her body, his tongue delving deep into her mouth. It was a while before Max managed to pull away. His eys were blank and Liz agonized about what he was thinking, feeling.

His hands cupped her face. " Thank you Liz." he finally said huskily.

Liz swallowed hard.
His fingers trailed caressingly down her cheeks, his eyes moved over her, as if branding her to his memory.

" I do not deserve you." he said gruffly. " Take care, my beautiful, couragous sprite."

And with no more words spoken between them, he followed his crew, and disappeared into the night.


Part 36


Liz's eyes felt heavy with the exhaustion that had driven her to her bed as soon as she had climbed up the ladder and entered her room through the window, with Maria's assistance. Derrick stood watch over the both of them, his orders plain. Liz foggily recalled the words Max had used as he stared sternly at him. They were terrible and to the point. Derrick could not possibly misunderstand his meaning.

' Should anything happen to them, you won't live to regret it"

Derrick remained their large, looming shadow till Liz was safely through the window, and no doubt, till Maria was safely through hers. Her heart skipped a large leap as her mind and body were warmed with thoughts of Max.

Her eyes drifting open she stared sightlessly ahead, not seeing the dawn that broke over the horizon, or the beautiful painting of colours that greeted her eyes. She hardly felt the gentle breeze that caressed her from the still open window. All she could think about was Max.

Oh Max.

Tears filled her eyes as she remembered the tender way he had gazed at her, the gentle touch of his callused fingers as they trailed down her cheek. And the gruff way he had said goodbye.

Liz wondered if it was forever.

She couldn't bear the thought. She couldn't believe that he wouldn't come back.
It was an irrational thought she knew. For why should he?! He was a criminal, fleeing for his life. Should he return here, he would be hanged on sight! And why should he return in the first place? surely not for her?! Liz feverently hoped so regardless of her skeptical mind.

As far as she knew, she had not heard one word of tenderness, of love, of anything...to prove that he cared for her, even a little, even enough for him to want to never let her go, never live without her.

Liz closed her eyes in despair and buried her face in her pillow. He knew she loved him. She had as good as told him when she had come to him in his cell that first night. Granted he couldn't answer her because of the guards untimely return, but he ad plenty of chance the second time, plenty of time.

And he had not said the words she desperately wanted to hear.

I love you. I can't live without you. Come with me. I'll come back for you. I promise.

It was like a dagger through her heart, and she had returned home, hardly aware of the chilly, dark night, nor of her two silent companions as they walked through the streets. Maria brooding over Michael, Derrick his hand always close to his sword and pistol, keeping close eyes on them and the darkness around them.

Liz wondered where he was now. If he was alive and well. If he had successfully escaped the soldiers that will undoubtedly be looking for him now. It was to be his hanging today after all.

Liz felt her stomach heave at the very thought. Oh heavens. All of a sudden she was feeling rather sick.

Perhaps it was the vision of Max dangling in the air with a tight rope around his neck. His neck broken, his eyes blank and lifeless....

Liz couldn't control the urge any longer. She bolted off the bed and painfully stumbled to the chamber-pot that lay in the corner of her room. In seconds, the meager contents of her stomach were deposited in the pan.

To her further horror, that was also the moment that the door opened to let a young maid enter the room. No doubt to wake her and help her dress for breakfast. Oh lord, just the thought of it made her bend her head over the pot again to throw up once more. Except there was nothing left to deposit, only dry, loud heaves that alerted the maid to the fact that Liz was not in bed after all, but huddled in the corner emptying her stomach.

Her eyes widened and she gasped. "Oh my lady!" she exclaimed, rushing toward her, spying the chamber pot. " Oh my lady what's wrong, are you all right, are you sick? Should i call for a physician?" she spoke in a tone close to hysterical. Liz was mortified.

" N-no ......."

"Mary" she eagerly supplied when Liz could not figure out her name.

"...Mary. I am quite all right. I seem to have eaten something unagreeable yesterday. Nothing to worry about. I am fine." She lied.

Mary visibly relaxed, then seemed to remember herself, and stood and bobbed a curtsy.

" Should i assist you in dressing now my lady?" she asked demurely.

Liz felt terrible, and could not say she minded the help.

"Yes Mary," she spoke softly, wanting nothing more than to crawl back into bed and sleep the pain away.

In her own manner, Mary appeared to have picked up on her mistress's distress and was very gentle as she helped her wash and dress. Liz was determined to meet her parents for breakfast. She must have news of Max and she knew they could supply it. Word of his escape would surely have reached them, even at this early hour and they would be up and anxious. Liz knew she must seek confirmation about her worst fears. She hoped they would prove false.

Glancing at the mirror as Mary did her hair, Liz observed the paleness of her skin, her red rimmed eyes, and her trembling mouth. She only hoped no one else did. When Mary was done Liz did her best to compose herself and went down to the breakfast room to breath a sigh of eternal relief, or to die inside.

Her body trembling she walked through the door to the breakfast room, ready to confront her parents. However when she walked in, there was only her mother there, who was quietly eating breakfast as if it were an ordinary morning with nothing exciting happening.

Liz was not fooled.

"Good morning mother." she forced a cheery note into her voice. Lady Parker looked up, an anxious look crossed over her features at the sight of her daughter, but was gone in an instant. If Liz had not been watching for any sign in her mother's face intently, she would have missed it. Now she knew that something was the matter. Nancy smiled invitingly.

"Elizabeth sweetheart, how are you this morning? Did you sleep well?"

Liz walked to the table and took a seat next to her mother. "Yes mother. It was very restful." and said nothing more.

Nancy grew silent as well, as if unsure where to go from there. It was as if suddenly, her daughter was a stranger, and they never before have sat around the breakfast table and talked endlessly of anything and everything.

"Where is father?" Liz suddenly inquired casually.

Nancy grew suddenly agitated at the mention of Jeffery. Oh yes, Liz thought. They have definitely received news.

"Oh, he is in his study. Business you know," she waved her hand airily. " Something that required his attention." She was silent after that, and Liz contemplated simply asking her outright, but refrained from doing so. Let her mother think she was oblivious. She would go to her father instead, he would be the one with the most answers.

At the moment, a steamy breakfast plate was placed before her. Liz stared down at the contents in horror. The strong aroma filled her nostrils. When it should have made her mouth water and her stomach growl hungrily, all it did was make her feel sick.

Tearing her eyes away from the plate she shoved her chair back in a very unladylike way, at the present time not caring about her mother's astonished expression. Quickly she excused herself, not able to give an explanation. Instead she hurried upstairs to her room and gently climbed onto her made bed, where she lay for a full hour, waiting for the pain to go away. The effect this entire ordeal had on her was too large. She could not even look breakfast in the face!

There was a knock on her door. Liz opened her eyes lazily, and uttered a faint 'come in', thinking it was Mary or some other maid, or her mother come to check on her. Her mind raced to think of an excuse for her behavior.

"Elizabeth?" came the decidedly masculine voice.

Liz's eyes widened at the sound of her father's voice. She gingerly sat up to see him standing hesitantly by the door.

"I hope i am not intruding?" he asked.

"No-" she started but it came out like a croak. She cleared her throat. " No not at all father. What is the matter?"

Slowly he came into the room. " Your mother told me that you behaved very oddly at breakfast-" he paused, as if unsure how to continue," she believes it might be because of today's significance." He need not have elaborated. Today's 'significance' was Max's hanging.

"Father i-"

"No no, please Lizzy, do not say anything," he cut in quickly moving to the side of her bed to sit by her." I know it is something very unfortunate that should happen. I-I know that you did not wish for him to thus convicted. But..." he took a deep breath, " I hope you can understand that his piratical crimes also lay against him,and that my position as your father made me want justice for my daughter." He said in an emotion thickened voice.

His hand touched her hair. " You are my only child, and the thought of losing you was unthinkable. It would have torn me apart." Liz blinked back tears at the words and feeling coming from her father.

"Oh father," she moved in to hug him. He held on tightly to her. " I love you father.
Very much. I understand your need, but....I cannot help but feel terrible over the fact that this man never harmed me, but too care of me. It did not seem fair." she too, attempted to explain her own opposing position. Jeffery nodded his head, suddenly very sober.

"Well Elizabeth, it appears your wishes have been granted by some miracle." he said. Liz's breath hitched in her throat as those words ran through her mind.

"What?" whispered. She had to be sure!

Jeffery sighed in a resigned manner. His tone was both helpless and angry as he spoke. " I received word very early this morning, that he and his crew have escaped. It appears to have been some time during the middle of the night. They do not know how it had happened, but they believe that someone from the outside assisted them. The guards seemed to have been drugged, and hit over the head." He shook his head at his own words, as if he couldn't quite believe them. " They have searched and searched, and they are still searching, but there is not sign of them. They have..disappeared."

He was so intent on his thoughts that he did not see the visible relief and joy that lay in his daughter's eyes.

Liz thought that would be the end of it, however it appeared not to be so. It all began with the damning words that next came out of her father's mouth. " Lizzy...there is something you must know now."

Her eyes quickly turned suspicious as she watched him. She held her breath and wondered what he had to say.

" Lord Di Galvani is waiting in my study at the moment." The breath she was holding left her in a whoosh. " He was the one who arrived with the news.. He also told me, that the gossip will turn very vicious and wild over this, especially for you Elizabeth. He said that there will be suspicions and poisonous lies that would spread around about you and that pirate. They all know you had been abducted by him. There is enough gossip circulating about that, yet they have managed to remain kind and sympathetic to your plight. However now that he has escaped, tales will be told, about you, about him. This time, they will not be so kind."

His hand reached out to take hold of hers. " He is right Lizzy. I know how unhappy it will make you and the rest of us, should they turn on you. I cannot let that happen."
Liz swallowed a large lump in her throat. Touched by his speech, yet horrified at what he had to say next. She knew Lord Di Galvani. He did not come only to warn them. And considering her father's worried state, she knew he would agree to almost anything Di Galvani suggested to save his daughter any pain.

Her hands clenched tightly together she faced her father. " What did you agree to?" she demanded, trying to keep the anger and pain from her voice.

Jeffery wouldn't look her in the eye. He stood up abruptly, and gestured nervously toward her door. " Perhaps it will be better if you spoke with him yourself Elizabeth. Leastways, it should come from him." Liz knew there was no other recourse if she wanted an answer.

Nodding gravely she stood also and made her way past her father. He stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm. She looked at him blankly. He attempted a small smile.

" I love you Lizzy. I only want you to be happy."

Liz was too choked up with emotion to reply, but she nodded her head and smiled in returned. She understood. Her father was trying to save her, protect her, in the only way he knew how. She also knew it would be very hard for him to stand up to Di Galvani, being who he was. She was nevertheless apprehensive about what was truly decided in that study.

Whatever it was, it was enough to cause anxiety in her mother, and regret in her father.
Lord Parker preceded his daughter and opened the door that led to his study. Liz walked in, her heart beating frantically, her palms sweaty. She came face to face with the very devil.

Sean stood by the window where the sun rays streamed across, casting him in an unholy light. Liz involuntarily shivered. And even from so far away he seemed to notice, for his lips curved up in a cruel smile.

The trio stood in a long silence for a moment. Sean glanced at Jeffery and an unspoken message passed between them. Jeffery cleared his throat and made his way to the door.

" I shall-leave you to discuss things" he spoke hesitantly as he exited, closing the door behind him. It shut with an ominous click.

"Well Elizabeth. You are looking lovely this morning. It is as if you had not suffered the terrible ordeal you had." He spoke with such underlining mockery and sarcasm that Liz's ire was raised. She faced him squarely.

" You are mistaken my lord, it was no ordeal at all."

Sean gave a harsh laugh and looked her up and down. " I thought so."

Liz flushed beet red. Silence reigned.

Sean broke it. " I suppose you are wondering why i am here." he said pointedly.
Liz feigned ignorance. " To tell my father of the pirate's escape." was all she said.

Sean shook his head. " Do not play games with me. You know i need not have come all this way to relay a simple message." He stepped toward her and Liz couldn't help the single step she took back. Sean's eyes glinted.

" Then what have you come here for?" she asked, regardless of the fact that she dreaded his answer.

" I came for you...Elizabeth." she spoke her name deliberately.

Liz glared at him. " Why?"

Sean laughed. " Have you not guessed yet? I want you...because Max wants you. I would not hesitate to be rid of you if not for that simple fact. After all, you are no long a maiden are you." He spoke it as a fact.

Liz blushed in total mortification. " And what makes you think that you shall even have me?" she bit out, stung by his show of absolute confidence.

He gave her a look that said she should have known the answer to that one. " Your father offered you to me once, he did not hesitate to do so again."

Liz gasped. Shocked. Her father?! Her father had given her away once more to this-this beast? Oh heaven above.......Tear clogged her throat as she thought of her fathers words in her bedchamber, his regretful expression. It all seemed to make sense now.

Lizzy...there is something you must know now......He is right Lizzy. I know how unhappy it will make you and the rest of us, should they turn on you. I cannot let that happen.

I only want you to be happy.....

Oh father, Liz thought mournfully.

Gathering her courage around her she face Sean. " I will not accept you," she informed him coldly," and you cannot make me." She knew he couldn't force her to say yes. She thought she had stumped him there. She was wrong....

"You will accept me Elizabeth," he informed her causally. " because i can destroy the one person who matters to you most."

Liz's breath hitched in her throat as she stared at him in shock. " You-you're threatening to destroy my family-" she began incredulously, but was cut off by harsh laugh.

" No my dear Lizzy. After all..your family is more than one person." He gave her a knowing look. And slowly, every so painfully, it began to dawn upon her who he really was talking about.

" No," she whispered. Her eyes gazed up at him. " You can't get to him. Hes is gone. You can't get to him."

Sean came to stand so close to her she could feel his sharp breath upon her face. She fought the instinct to recoil. " I have my ways Elizabeth. He is out there, and he has nothing. I can easily find him."

She stopped breathing. Her eyes narrowed at him. " Then why haven't you already?" she demanded breathlessly. " Would it not have worked better to your advantage if he was already within your grasp? so you could better blackmail me?"

Sean shook his head. A small smile graced his lips. " That would just be too easy my sweet. Torturing you with doubts and 'what ifs' is much more satisfying. I could find me, and i could not. I could destroy him, or he could destroy me." He laughed then, as if the very last idea was quite absurd.

"However the important question is,." He gripped her shoulders, holding her cruelly still when she attempted to break free from him. His breath was hot against her ear.

Liz shuddered in revulsion and despair. " are you willing to take that chance?"

Oh heaven help her. Was she?!


Part 37

"You are despicable!" Liz spat out. Her fists clenched at her sides, her eyes glared coldly at him as he stood there nonchalantly, his mouth turned up in a cruel twist.

"So you have indicated many times." he only replied dryly. Then his turned serious and made impatient noises. " You have been delaying your answer long enough!" he stared intently at her. " It is time you made a choice. Time is wasting."

Liz was furious. " You dare come in here...threaten me with someone else's life, force me to make a choice no sane human being would wish to make, and have the audacity to ask me to be your wife still?!" She whirled away from him, unwilling to let me see how his horrible words were affecting her. " You're despicable."

A horrible shiver ran up her spine, and then she was crying out in pain, as strong, blunt fingers dug savagely into her arm to turn her back again. Sean's face was livid.

His eyes had grown dark and sparked with fury. " You little bitch," he hissed menacingly in her face. " Never," his fingers bit more harshly into her tender flesh, " speak to me this way. I warn you, i will not tolerate it."

Liz stared at him, her eyes wide with shock, her body suddenly trembling with fear. Her throat convulsed as she attempted to swallow. " Are- are you threatening me with violence?" she whispered.

Sean smiled grimly. " Like none you've ever imagined before my dear."

With a sharp gasp she tore away from him. She doubted she would have succeeded though had he not voluntarily let her go.

"You-you....I-" she shut her mouth. Her thoughts cluttered. Had she heard right? Oh heavens above, she has come face to face with a monster!

"Shhhh," Sean mockingly placed a finger to his lips, " no need to be frightened my dear. I assure you i will not act on any violent impulses.....as long as i am kept satisfied..." he paused and gave her a long measuring look, "..and do you know what i need right now to keep me satisfied Elizabeth?" he asked softly, deliberately.

Liz swallowed dryly, and slowly shook her head from side to side, though she knew she was lying. She most definitely knew what he wanted, but she also knew she couldn't give it to him...not willingly anyway.

Sean laughed, as if he had read her thoughts. " So what will you answer be Elizabeth? How do you feel about 'what ifs'?"

A long silence met his last words. Liz stared away from him. She saw Max. Saw the wild wind blowing through his hair and shirt, showing off his golden chest. His boots planted firmly on the wooden plank of his magnificent ship as it sailed gloriously into the sunset. She saw his whiskey eyes, that always made her drown within their depths. His hard, sensual lips as they curved into a wicked smile......and then she blinked.....and could not stomach what she saw next. It was something she had barely prevented....

Tearing her thoughts away she gazed blankly at Sean, who looked at her expectantly.
Her whispered words drifted across the room and reached his ears. " Very well my lord. I accept." Though in her heart, she was a long way from accepting.

The doors opened, and Jeffery whirled around in surprise from where he was pacing the floor worriedly. He truly hoped that things had gone well between his daughter and Di Galvani. He wanted no strife.

He looked questioningly from one to the other. Liz's face was stoic, unemotional. Sean's was unreadable. They stopped and looked at him. Discreetly he coughed, and slowly approached his daughter and place a gentle hand on her arm. He frowned slightly when she stiffened.

" Has everything gone well?" he asked gently.

Liz opened her mouth to speak, but Sean beat her to it. " Indeed it has Parker. You may congratulate yourself and us. There will be a wedding." His tone was smug. Liz hated him all over again at that moment.

Jeffery seemed to relax as bit. A hesitant smile touched his lips when he looked at Liz. " I see...well then....Congratulations Lizzie." he said and drew her into a a tender fatherly hug. A poor smile wobbled on her own lips as she tried to return his embrace.
Her eyes met Sean's. He smiled. She looked away in disgust.

"What?!" Lady Parker exclaimed. " But that is impossible, there is so much to do and prepare. Guests to be invited, a dress to be made, a reception organized..." she trailed off, looking incredulously at the man standing before her, as were Lord Parker and Liz.

" Ah my dear lady Parker," Sean put in smoothly. " I know that such things take time to plan and so on, however you must understand, time is one factor we do not have. Unless the ceremony is performed with the greatest haste, there will be tongues wagging." His concerned look was as false as his words. " If we were married i could better protect her as my wife than as my fiancee."

Lady Parker opened her mouth to protest once more, but Sean interrupted to say in a deceptively cajoling tone, " perhaps when this whole thing dies down we would have a real wedding with the dress and guests...." his voice drifted it off pointedly, and it left Nancy to think on the matter.

At last she nodded her head reluctantly. " Perhaps you are right my lord. As long as Lizzie is happy, so am I." She turned to look at her daughter. " What do you think dear?"

Liz could feel Sean's gave burning a deadly hole in her back. This was the moment of truth. Heaven above, he meant to marry NOW?! It would seem all hope of perhaps salvaging her freedom were lost. She knew what he meant to do by this. He meant to secure her word, her life in his hands, and make her his possession. All because of his hate for Max. And she would have to agree, bind herself to a monster for the rest of her life. All for the love of Max.

With a strained smile, she replied, " I do not mind mother. All that nonsense never truly appealed to me. A simple wedding with a priest will do." She really hoped she was a terrible liar.

Her parents still appeared unsure, especially her father. " Lizzie are you sure-" he began but was cut off by Sean.

" Please do not be concerned Jeffery. Your daughter knows what she wants."

Jeffery tossed Sean a slight frown before turning back to his daughter and giving her a questioning look. A look that only she could see held much more than a simple question. Liz swallowed painfully and nodded.

" Do not worry father. This is what I want." she had to force the words out of her mouth.

With a sigh Jeffery agreed to the plan. Nancy followed suit.


Sean ordered for a priest to be brought to them immediately. " It is best to have the ceremony performed now, while we have the chance, and still ahead of any vicious gossiping." He went on smoothly.

Liz was ushered away into her room to prepare her as much as possible. She cared not how she looked though. When she stared at the mirror at her dressing table, she saw nothing. A stranger. She barely felt Mary's hands as she tangled and twisted her hair, or when she was fitted into one of her unused ball dresses.

It was a shame too, because right then, any man would have looked on and thought she was the most beautiful creature in the world. Her hair pulled back in an intricate french twist, loose tendrils falling softly across her cheeks, and caressing her nape. Her dress was of a royal blue, molding perfectly to her body as it overflowed at her waist. Delicate lacing adorned the precious silk, and they swayed gently with ever movement she made..

Sighing she began to make her way towards the door. Too meet her doom. It opened suddenly, and her mother entered. With one look at Liz she gasped with delight. " Oh Lizzie darling you look positively enchanting!" she gushed.

Liz felt her face go an embarrassed red. " uh...thank you mother." she mumbled uncertainly.

Nancy gave her a gentle look. " You look truly enchanting my dear." Then she began to sniff. " Of if only you could be all dressed in white with a veil and you grandmother's pearls."

Liz couldn't help but smile slightly at the memory of dear Grandma Claudia. Oh what would she say if she could see me now?

" Come now mother, I never really cared for all that kind of fuzz. A simple ceremony is enough to satisfy me, as long as I am marrying the right man." she said softly, trying to hide the disgust and anger she was feeling. Lies tasted bitter on her tongue.

Nancy eyed her daughter carefully. " And is Lord Di Galvani the right man?"

No.

Liz was unwilling to lie outright this time. She gave her mother a steady look. " He's close enough."

Lies, lies, lies. When shall they cease?

There was a knock at the door. Liz tensed, knowing who it was on the other side.
A cloaked man walked slowly through and into the hall, a hood shielding his face, his back slightly hunched. A black book with the sign of the cross was held tightly to his chest. Liz swallowed as she imagined the vows she would be repeating from there in a short while.

" Good afternoon father. " Jeffery greeted. " Thank you very much for coming." He led him to the drawing room where the service was to be performed. " We appreciate you coming here on such short notice."

The priest nodded and replied in a raspy voice, that for some reason sent strange shivers down Liz's spine. " It is no trouble. Especially when the request is to unite a man and woman in holy matrimony."

Nancy hurried forward. " Would you like to relieve yourself of your clock Father?" she asked, already motioning for one of the servants to approach.

"No!" He fairly shouted and startled everyone in the room. He bowed his head. The hood hid his face even more so. " No please. I am..er...very sensitive to daylight. I prefer the comfort of my hood and cloak." He offered in that rough voice that left Liz's ear's ringing.

Curiously she gazed intently at him. Wondering if she had met him before. She was almost positive they hadn't. For some reason, her hand ached to tear that hood off his head and reveal his face.

"Come then." Sean's voice sounded. Impatiently he grabbed for Liz and pushed her along till they stood before the priest. " I'm afraid Father that this is a matter of haste for us. We wish to proceed with the ceremony as soon as possible."

Lord and lady Parker lined up behind them. The servants gathered by the drawing room door to watch. Mary hurried forward and handed a startled Liz a small bouquet of flowers.

With surprise Liz exclaimed, " Why thank you Mary!" she smiled at the young woman and clutched the stems tightly within her trembling fingers.

"No bride should have a wedding without some flowers my lady." Mary smiled hesitantly back and returned to her place.

With deep, not so calming breaths, she turned around and stood stiff as an arrow beside Sean, who finally motioned for the priest to begin.

He nodded, which caused his hood to fall back far enough to reveal the bottom half of his face.

Liz blinked a few times and her hands went numb.

"We are gathered here in the presence of God..." with fascination she watched that mouth move. Full lips. Strong white teeth, and a voice she knew not to be raspy, but husky, deep..smooth.

"....If there is anyone here that objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace." When he was met by silence, he continued.

" Do you Sean Williams Di Galvani take Elizabeth-" a pause. Silence filled the room. The priest looked hesitant.

" Claudia Parker," Nancy supplied quickly.

"Ah yes, forgive me..." he said softly.

" It is of no consequence...do continue." Sean interrupted impatiently.

A slight cough. " Yes ofcourse."....."Elizabeth Claudia Parker to be your lawful wedded wife? To love, honor and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

His answer rang out loud and clear. " I do."

The priest turned slightly toward her now. Liz felt herself tense, and she didn't know why. Though she could not see his eyes, she knew he was staring right at her. And all she could imagine was swirling amber eyes.

Blinking and mentally shaking her head she prepared herself. It was now her turn.
"And do you Elizabeth Claudia Parker take Sean Williams Di Galvani to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" His raspy voice seemed more pronounced now, rougher.

The words trembled on her lips. There was silence. Servants cast questioning glances at each other. The Parkers looked on in confusion. Sean gave her an impatient side-long glance.

"The words are 'I do' my dear." he prompted.

Liz swallowed. The priest moved. She knew he was about to raise his head.

" I do" she blurted out loudly. He snapped his head down again. Liz hid a relieved sigh. She did not know why, but for some reason, she did not want to see his face. She felt she would have to face something she could not bear to.

Her eyes darted to the hands that held the open bible. Fingers clenched tightly around the leather bound book.

Without prompting from the priest Sean grabbed Liz's hand and held it up to insert a gold wedding ring upon her finger. She hardly noticed the huge diamond that dominated the center.

" I now pronounce you man and wife." His voice seemed harder, " You may now kiss the bride."

Without further ado Sean held Liz in his arms and bent his head down to lay a kiss on her lips. Liz closed her eyes and prepared herself for the impact.

Except it never came.

She heard only a voice so familiar to her, she thought her heart would burst in recognition.

" Or, if you value your very neck, you would refrain from doing so." came the dark, dangerous threat.

Sean whirled around incredulously to face a long sharp rapier that lay against his throat.

Liz gasped in shock. Though her instincts had somehow alerted her of the fact, she had dared not hope. Not in her wildest prayers and dreams.

Her eyes watered with sudden tears, and she stared and stared. Not believing the sight before her. Swirling ambers stared right back.

"Max" she breathed.

[Mia Nora]

Part 38

Eyes clashed. Liz trembled where she stood.. No. She couldn't believe it. Oh god no. Her breathing became fast and shallow as she tried to comprehend the fact that Max was here. Max. Here. When he shouldn't; be.

Liz didn't know whether to smile or cry. He came back. It was no illusion. He was standing before her now in all his glory, staring fathomlessly at her, his sword still clasped in his hand, the tip still touching Di Galvani's neck.

One single thought kept churning over and over again her mind, scattering over her heart, wrenching at her very being.as she stared at him, alive and vibrant. Ready for battle., his eyes blazing like fire.

He came back for her.

He came back for me.

"Liz." A whisper in the air. Through her soul. A silent calling to bring her back to reality.

She blinked, and she broke out of her trance. Max turned away from her and glared at Sean. Sean's shocked eyes glazed over and turned angry suddenly. He attempted to move but the rapier nicked him.

The entire room gasped at the sight of red blood, as it trickled from a cut on his neck.

"Well well well. Look who we have here? I would I'm surprised to see you Maxwell...but..." He flicked a scornful glance in Liz's direction. " I can't say that i am."

"You shouldn't be," Max returned coolly. " You really didn't think i was going to give up that easily did you." The rapier dug a little deep, making Sean flinch backwards slightly. " After months of searching for you! I played it so many times in my head Di Galvani, the taste of justice was right at the tip of my tongue." he hissed.

Sean smirked, and cast another careful glance at Liz, who was standing transfixed. Watching. Listening. " So, you came back for the sake of revenge."

Liz's heart plummeted and she felt unbelievably crushed. What? Could it be? Was he really standing here because of a reason so petty? Or was she too conceited to imagine that he was here for her?

Tears inexplicably wobbled at the edge of her lids. The past horrors and endurances beginning to take their toll.

Max never took his eyes off Sean. " No Di Galvani. That wasn't why i came. On my return here i had already known i wasn't coming back to kill you." The steel blade moved dangerously across his skin, causing a scraping down.

Sean swallowed convulsively. " Then why did you come?"

A question that was all of a sudden churning in Liz's mind, as she listened numbly.

Max slowly removed the rapier from Sean's neck. " Because i was coming back for something infinitely more precious."

A dam of tears burst forth from Liz's eyes. Slowly they trickled down her cheeks as Max's eyes gazed meltingly into hers.

And she understood.

When Sean was done being astonished at such an answer he glared sneeringly at Max, then Liz, when he noticed them eyeing each other. "
Why how utterly romantic. But i am afraid there is only one flaw in your plan for a happily ever after Evans."

And before anyone in the room could blink, Sean drew his sword and aimed it straight at Max's heart.

Liz screamed. Lady Parker fainted, and Lord Parker valiantly attempted to catch his wife as she fell.

Steel clashed with steel.

" Not quite fast enough Di Galvani" Max sneered as he met Sean's blow with the swift parry of his sword.

"What the hell is going on here!?" Lord Parker suddenly burst out after he gently deposited his wife on the sofa to recover. He glared angrily from Sean to Max. " I demand an explanation."

Max looked at him. " Forgive me Lord Parker for ruining your daughter's wedding, but i couldn't allow it to happen."

Jeffery stared at him for a moment, then his eyes widened and he gasped. " It's you!"

Max gave a curt nod. " Yes." was all he said.

Jeffery was too lost for words. " But-but- you escaped-last night-you- you-"

"Father calm yourself!" Liz suddenly, ands swiftly intervened. Jeffery turned to her as she rushed to his side. She placed a comforting hand on his arm.

Jeffery immediately grabbed her and held her tightly to him. " Elizabeth! Don't worry my dear he won't harm you," he vowed whilst glaring at Max," I won't allow it."

Liz's breath rushed out of her a she was drawn to him. She almost smiled at the ridiculous words. Instead, she raised her head and shook him slightly. " Father," she said softly. When he didn't respond she shook harder. " Father!"

When he looked down at her she smiled slightly and cast a quick glance at
Max. " He hasn't come to hurt me father."

Jeffery's brows furrowed. " And how would you know?" he demanded.
"Because i never would....." Max's voice was loud and clear. When looked at him questioningly he ended, "...hurt her.

"But-"

"Enough!" Sean bellowed. He turned to sneer at Jeffery. " You foolish man. How can you just stand there and ask useless questions when you should be summoning the constable!" he derided. When Jeffery simply stood there in shock he growled. " Well do it!" With a flicked glance at Max Jeffery made his way to the door intent on informing one of the servants that had fled to go.

Max twirled his sword and darted quickly over a sofa to land gracefully in Lord Parker's way. He stared grimly at him. " I'm sorry my lord, but i can't allow you to do that."

"I-" he began but Max interrupted him.

"I know you do not understand but i can't have you involving the law." Burning eyes clashed with Sean's. " This is a private war."

"You're right. I do not understand." Jeffery spoke up. " That is why you-" he turned and looked between them. " both of you, shall tell me. I have a right to know!"

Max stared grimly at him His eyes grew dark and deep, as if what he had to reveal was something he didn't even want to think about.

Liz held her breath. She had endured so much during her journey with him. Pain. Euphoria. Fear. And by the end of it all....love. All with only knowing the man he was now, not the man he surely was. She asked not for a motive. A reason. She thought a pirate was what he had been born into. But staring into his pained soul she couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay in hiding.

" Perhaps than i should explain. " He started. Sean made a move toward him and Max raised his rapier as a warning. Sean glared, a sword in his own hand, but stood his ground.

Max continued, " You know me as a pirate. I conquer, destroy, ravish....and kill." he paused as if to weigh his words. " You may be right. But what you do not know, is that i have a motive." His eyes burned brightly. " And he was about to marry your daughter."

Liz gasped. Jeffery blinked. " marry my-" he turned to look at Sean.
"Yes" Max bit out. " Di Galvani."

Sean smirked. " Well Evans you flatter me truly. But frankly," hr waved his hand in a dismissive manner. " i do not quite see the connection."

"Yes you do you sonofabitch-" Max took a deep breath to calm himself. But somehow he couldn't hold it all in. He angrily turned back to Jeffery. "
That man you call a lord is not even worthy of his title. He is a lying, cheating, and murdering bastard." He raised his hand to silence an forthcoming words from Jeffery. " And i know that well my lord. I know because my family suffered because of him. I came for revenge."

Tears pooled in Liz's eyes as she listened. Why had she been so blind. Why had she not seen it? The inner rage. The bitter suffering that filled his heart. But what had happened? What could Di Galvani have done to inspire such.....fury in Max?

Jeffery turned on Sean, eyes wide with surprise. " Is that true?"

Sean snorted. " Lies. Nothing but lies. That man here," he waved his sword at Max. " Is a man I've never met before in my life till now. It is quite apparent he is trying to make excuses for his actions....so that you may spare him his deserved sentence."

"NO!"

Heads swiveled around to stare at Liz. Nervously she blinked and swallowed, reprimanding herself for her outburst. Hastily she pleaded with her father. " Father you can't judge him on the basis of supposed lies." She pointed at Sean. " He could be lying too."

"Well isn't that sweet." Sean sneered. " Your daughter thinks she is inlove."

Liz blushed and couldn't help casting Max a brief glance.. She blushed even harder when she realized his heated look was on her. She missed the look the in his eyes that revealed itself for a split second.

" That is the most ridiculous claim i have ever heard you utter my lord. " Liz spoke as firmly as she could.

"Lizzie is it true?" Jeffery asked. Liz inwardly groaned. Damn Sean..
Resolutely she turned and looked her father in the eye. " No father. It is not true. I do not think i am inlove with Max."

With that over with he looked at Max. " I wish to know what you meant when you said you came here for revenge."

Max inclined his head ever so slightly. " Di Galvani was what i thought once a decent lord with prospects and the desire to marry. And he particularly had his sights se on my sister, Isabel. She fell inlove with him immediately and he wooed her. They became engaged. But i am a cautious brother, and i had him investigated." He paused to give Sean a cold look. " Needless to say, the information i received was not what i excepted. Infact, it turned out Lord Di Galvani himself is not who expected him to be."

"What exactly do you intend to gain from speaking all this hmmm Evans?" Sean cut in. " There is nothing you can do. Lord Parker won't believe you. I will call it all lies. You are a criminal. Perhaps you can calculate the result?" he smirked.

"I am telling, because the hunt is over." His eyes glittered dangerously. " I intend to end it here and now." Then he turned back to Jeffery. " I shan't bore you with the long details of the past. Suffice it to say, my man of affairs discovered that Lord Sean Di Glavani is in actuality a smuggler and frequenter of the black markets. He lives in a dark world, a place i never wanted my sister to be touched with. But i was too late...." he paused and swallowed.

Liz's heart ached for him as she finally realized the woman he had been calling for in his fevered sleep had been his sister. Her name full of pain and guilt.

" She was so infatuated she actually disobeyed customs and decided to surprise him with a visit to his town house." He whirled around to glare menacingly at Sean. " She caught in bed with another woman," he hissed, " more exactly...my fiance." His sword shook in his hand. " She was devastated," he whispered," so much that she didn't feel she could live another day.. And she didn't.. You goddamned bastard. You felt nothing for her. NOTHING!" He shouted. " All you wanted was the money to finance your smuggling." He began to move threateningly towards him. " And when you found out, you fled for a new place. A new prey."

His rapier aimed before him, sharp and glinting. " But i was right behind you Galvani. And now it all ends here." He raised his arm to strike, but it never reached its target. A pistol cocked by his head and he glanced toward the sound. Jeffery stood there determinedly aiming it at him.

"Drop the sword." he ordered.

"Father!"

Max's jaw twitched. " I can't do that my lord.. You will have to shoot me to stop me."

Sean laughed where he stood. " I can rightly say it will be a pleasure....ahh but allow me," he reached for the gun. " Let me handle this Jeffery."

Wether he wanted to relinquish his hold on it or not, with Sean's superior strength he had no choice. The pistol slipped from his fingers.

"You are a brave man my dear lord Parker, but i am afraid you underestimate my criminal capabilities. And while i am thankful for that....I am afraid you know too much for your own good. You might be tempted to tell."

And with that spoken he aimed and fired. Liz screamed. " Father!"

Quickly she ran to him as he fell to the ground. She was on her knees by his side, cradling his head with her hands. " Father! Oh god are you alright? Tell me you are alright." Tears streamed down her face as she saw blood begin to pool out of his wound and soak his shirt. Shaking hands moved to cover it, hoping to stop the flow.. " Oh god" she sobbed. " Don't die please. Don't die. Oh i am so sorry daddy. So sorry" she whispered.

Max stared at them his entire being boiling with suppressed rage. He turned and lunged at Sean when he least expected it. " You bastard!" He landed on top and began pummeling him with his fists. The pistol and sword skidded across the floor as they scruffled.

Sean marginally recovered and managed to land a fist in his stomach. Max lurched above him, his abdomen still tender from his previous bruises. With a mighty heave Sean pushed Max off him and threw him on his back. Then immediately searched for a weapon. When he spotted the pistol he made his way toward it. Max rolled to his feet and tackled him from behind. They both fell with a resounding thud to the floor.

Fists flew and legs kicked painfully. Blood spewed onto the plush carpet. It wasn't until Sean managed to smack Max in the stomach repetitively and send him careening onto his back, groaning, that Liz realized they were fighting and looked up, horrified to see Max laying there, blood and bruises covering him. Sean staggered onto his feet above him and looked down on him.

Then he turned and stumbled to where the pistol was. Slowly picking it up he turned back to Max. He stared at him through swollen eyes. " You are a fighter, i must concede." he said, and pointed it at him. " But i-shall remain victorious....." he cocked the gun.

"Max!!" Liz screamed out. The gun fell and so did Sean as Max rolled over like lightening and delivered a swift kick to the backs of his legs. Liz managed to breathe easier.

"Not this time" Max replied as he struggled to his feet to his sword. Sean reached for his. They came up, swords clashing. Up, down, sideways, the blows were swift and deadly, but all expertly parried.

Sean attacked. Max ducked and quickly slashed at him. Sean winced and blood seeped from a cut at his stomach. He soon repaid Max by giving him
a deep cut at the arm, and another in the leg.

The cut was too deep, and seemed to be taking away his strength as he valiantly fought. He tried but he could not hold out any longer. Sean's sword clashed with his and it practically flew from his hand to clatter and clang on the hard wood floor.

Sean laughed and pointed his sword at his neck. " It is a shame that you could not leave thing back in England where they belong Max. Now you must die." And without a second thought, aimed his final blow straight at Max's heart.

A pistol exploded.

And Sean was lying dead infront of him before he could blink. Max stared at him for a moment before slowly looking up to meet the eyes of the shooter. Dark brown pools stared right back.

Liz trembled violently as she looked at what she had done. The gun still pointed at air where a man once stood. She looked at Max as she slowly, approached her. When he was right in front of her, he dropped to both his knees. The gun was now pointed at him and Liz dropped her hand, the gun hanging limply from her fingers.

They stared at each other for long a moment. Tears pooled from her eyes to slowly make their way down her already soaked cheeks. Her eyes moved over him. " You're hurt" she whispered.

Max didn't reply. He only raised his hands and tenderly cupped her face. Callused fingers wiped away her tear drops." You saved my life." he said softly.

She almost laughed at the ridiculous statement. "Ofcourse i did." she sniffed, " I wasn't going to let you die now was i."

Pained eyes stared back at her. " You shouldn't have" He dove his hands into her hair and tumbled it down. " Christ Liz. You killed a man!" he told her fiercely.

She shook her head and raised a hand to slowly trail it down his bruised cheek. " I let a man live." she corrected him. " The one who deserved to."

"Liz" he groaned and without warning, crushed her to him, burying his face in her hair. " Oh Liz.-" and then he suddenly pulled away from her to look at the man on the floor beside her. " Your father" he whispered. " Is he-"

"No." and then she was crying again. " Oh Max please. He needs a doctor, or he won't make it."

Nodding he struggled to his feet. " Where are you going?" she asked worriedly.

"To get someone to get a doctor." He opened the door to the hall and yelled. " Someone get here quickly. Now!" When a servant appeared he ordered, " Get a doctor here now! Your lord has been shot and he needs attention immediately!"

He shut the door and turned back to where Liz was and froze. They both did as they heard voices outside, and horses. Fearfully she whirled to look at him. " Guards" she whispered, " Someone sent for them. They've come for you."

"Christ!" he swore and made his way to the window. What he saw made him turn around and walked over to her. He grabbed her arm as he knelt by her side again. " Listen to me Liz. I-"

"You have to go." she said for him softly. He didn't say anything, only tenderly brushed her cheek and leaned in to kiss her forehead. Liz ached inside.

"Why did you come back Max?" she asked on a whisper.

He stared at her before finally answering. " Because from the moment you left my sight last night, i decided i didn't want to face another daylight without you." he said simply." I did not care anymore about my revenge. You were all I wanted." he sighed. " Not that it matters now.." he cast a brief glance at a dead Sean. " Finally atleast. It is over."

Max-"

Loud knocking sounded on the door. Liz started. " The guards. You have to go" she urged him quickly, " before they catch you."

"And what if i don't want to run anymore? What if i want to stay here with you and face the consequences?" he asked.

Liz stared at him for a moment. " You can't. Because if you do then you will be convicted for something you are not guilty of. I understood so many things now about you. I know-"

"No you don't know. There are many things you don't know. Things I've yet to explain." he cut in fiercely.

The door was heard to be opened and booted feet barge in. She looked desperately at him. " I do not care right now. All i care is that you live, and you cannot do that if you stay here. You must go!" she almost shouted.
But he would not go yet. " What you said to me in prison that night. Did you truly mean it?" he asked.

Liz didn't know why he was asking such questions now but she answered him anyway, if only to get him out of the house faster. " Yes. With my whole heart."

Before she knew what was happening he was kissing her, deeply, lovingly. " I do not know how it is possible but somehow you have captured my heart and would not let go. I would do anything for you."

"If you feel anything for me you stubborn pirate you will leave now and come back for me when it is safer or i will never ever forgive you!" she clutched him by the lapels of his shirt and gazed determinedly into his eyes.

When the royal guards finally burst into the room armed and dangerous, Liz was still trying to stem the flow of blood from her unconscious father. The doctor came in after them and Liz called him over quickly. " Doctor here please! Hurry!"

They all saw the dead man on the floor, the wounded man and his daughter. There was no sign of the pirate. The broken window explained why.


Part 39


The ballroom was alit with blazing candles that hung on crystal chandeliers and with the smiling faces of the guests as they twirled around with their partners as the sweet melody of the orchestra filled the vast room and beyond.

It was a beautiful night. The stars glittered in the velvety sky and the moon reigned regally among them, shining down upon the grand ball as it danced and drank its way through the night. It seemed as if it was a night meant for fairytales...If one found it in their heart to believe in them anymore that is.

Liz sighed deeply, taking in the breath of fresh air that she so desperately needed after spending so much time in the stifling ballroom. Her beautiful blue satin gown hugged her bodice tightly making it irresistibly hard to waltz even once without huffing and puffing and praying for a glass of water.

She leaned gratefully against the cool solid stone wall of the outside terrace, distractedly watching other couple entering and exiting..talking and laughing...it was most depressing really.

Loneliness shrouded her as she huddled more securely in her dark corner and closed her eyes, trying to make it all go away. But the images would not leave her, the voices, the caresses. An unwanted tear forced its way between her closed lids and trailed mournfully down her cheek. Sniffing, she hastily opened her eyes and wiped at it with her silken gloved hand.

It was no use, she thought miserably. Wherever she was, whatever she was doing it was always there with her. The joy, the hope that was with her as she watched him leap through the open window. The instant he was out of sight se knew, come hell or high water, he would come for her. And this time, he would stay.

What she wasn't prepared for however, was that he father would one day enter the sitting room where she sat absorbed in her sewing in a way to pass the time, and solemnly inform her that unfortunately the Hawk had been captured the day of the confrontation, and that he was hanged for his crimes that same night.

Liz truly did not remember anything at all after that. All she knew was that she had been motionless with shock, then she had shaken her head over and over again in disbelief, chanting 'no' that it could not be true. She could not recall any tears...just screaming..horrible, horrible screaming that she could not stop as the reality and the anguish washed over her. There was so much pain...more than she could bear. The last thing she remembered was her father's arms coming around her...and then there was nothing.

There was nothing for months. She lived her life in a shell of despair and crumbling faith that life was worth living. It was not until these last few weeks that her parents had forced her to begin to accept what had happened and go on with her life.

"He saw such life in you Elizabeth," he father told her softly, finally admitting to himself how much that man had affected her and made himself a part of her heart, " do not let it disappear."

"Oh god", she now whispered to herself in her dark haven, " why did you have to take him away from me? I worshipped you loyally in my religion...all I wanted was to be happy." She bit back a harsh sob, " All I wanted was the man I love." Her eyes lifted heavenward as she appealed to the moon, the stars...." If only you could bring him back to me."

Anger struck her, anger and hopelessness. She knew it was impossible. And she hated it. Hated it, despised it. It made her want to scream at the injustice. He should have fled safely, and then she should have come back to sweep her away on his ship where they would live in happiness and love.

She could hold it in no longer. The sobs broke out raggedly, and the tears streamed down her face with a vengeance.and she made no effort to hold them back. They were due for a long time. Perhaps a merry ball was not the most appropriate place but at least she stood in a dark corner where she could release all her pent up emotions in quiet seclusion.

But perhaps she was not truly alone, for she could feel as if someone was near. A presence more felt than seen. It was all around her, dancing,embracing. It warmed her as she sniffed back more tears. A cool breeze settled between the fallen strands of her hair. It was the win she thought. Here to offer consolation.

"Elizabeth" whispered across to her and she shivered. " Elizabeth" it repeated. Her breath came out in a gasp. It was so close.

"Open your eyes" it entreated, but Liz kept them shut, unwilling to make this surreal moment disappear.

"Elizabeth" it murmured so close to her ear making her sigh.

"Elizabeth...Elizabeth" why was it so loud now? Her brows furrowed in a distressed frown. " Elizabeth" It was almost a shout and it made her snap her eyes open to look around her in alarm.

There was a man standing before her, entranced, but too disoriented to make him out clearly she opened her mouth to speak in wonder, " Ma-" yet at that instant the man approached and she could see him clearly now.

Jeffery eyed his daughter in concern as he leaned forward. " Elizabeth are all right? I have been calling you for a while now."

For an instant Liz could not speak. Tears threatened discovery once again but she resolutely held them back. What kind of fool was she?...many different kinds she thought bitterly. Whatever made her imagine he would come back from the dead for her.

Biting back another sob she smiled at her father. " I'm sorry father, I must have been lost in my thoughts again."

Jeffery was not so convinced but he chose not to comment,. " Why were you out here all by yourself dear?" he gently reproached.

"It was too hot in the ballroom. I simply wanted some fresh air, that is all." Liz replied vaguely." But I am better now. Come let us go back in and enjoy some more dancing." Jeffery took her arm and they both left the terrace and were soon swallowed up by the crowd.

As soon as They entered the ballroom a green satin flurry of skirts came rushing towards them, blonde curls swaying this way and that.

Maria came to a stand still by Liz. " Liz I've been looking everywhere for you sweetie. Where on earth have you been?" she demanded promptly, hardly sparing Jeffery a glance, to which he could only shake his head ruefully.

Liz immediately smiled brightly at Maria to cover up her pain from her shrewd eyes. " Sorry Maria It just simply got too hot in here and I went out for a brief fresh of air." In demonstration she flipped open her fan and began to fan herself. " Whew...it was very much needed."

Maria seemed to relax somewhat and she quickly agreed. " Yes I know...it's absolutely stifling! Not only that but my poor feet are positively aching!" she complained as she lifted one leg off the ground and twisted it around to try and ease the discomfort.

Liz arched a brow," Someone has been dancing a bit too much I think."

"And no wonder!" Maria argued in defence, she waved a gloved hand ," Look around you, who wouldn't want to dance in such merry surroundings I ask you?!"

Liz couldn't help but laugh, " Come now Maria admit it...you just simply cannot say no to the gentlemen who keep asking you."

Maria blushed tellingly, then regained her composure and grinned, " Well, what can I say? I couldn't find it in my heart to refuse the poor men."

"Ah so it was an act of kindness now was it?" Liz teased.

"I am a kind person Lizzie." was all Maria said. They both burst into laughter.

Jeffery stood by and watched the two young ladies talk. He was glad Elizabeth had found such a wonderful friend. He remembered when Maria was introduced to him as Maria St. John, an orphan who's sole benefactor had recently past away leaving her to fend for herself. The Parkers had taken her in and quite frankly never regretted it once.

Jeffery smiled to himself secretly. It was a good story they had come up with he acknowledged, but he believed that his dear daughter under estimated the power of his memory. He remembered Maria quite well during that fateful night on the beach. But he said nothing of course.

He also quite vividly remembered Maria's...beau..to put it delicately. Somehow..after all the pain and distress his daughter had suffered-which he believed he played a part in causing- he decided he had to make it up to her and her friend in some way.

That was why, determindly, he had inquired after the fate of the Hawk's crew. He found out that most of them escaped. Only a few were captured. Later he found out that one of them was Michael.

After many negotiations his offer was accepted. Which was that Lord Parker could offer the prisoner a chance to redeem himself and serve him. It was up to the prisoner however whether to accept or refuse.

He remembered the day quite vividly.....

" What do you want?" Michael demanded rudely as he watched the lord approach him in his cell. He recognized him well. Very well, he thought bitterly.

Jeffery remained polite, "Mi-Mr. Geurin-may I call you Michael?" he asked.

Michael only grunted, and he took that as a yes.

"Michael, I came here today to offer you a chance."

"A chance to what?" Michael snapped back, not entirely sure where this was headed.

"To get out of prison and come work for me." Jeffery said simply.

Michael stared at him in shock before his eyes turned molten in sudden anger. " What is all this crap? Wanting to salve your conscience are you? Think you can set everything right by getting me out of here?!" He approached him menacingly, his fists clenched.

Jeffery backed away, not feeling too secure. "Look here. I did not come here for violence, I only thought to help-"

" Help? Help?!" Michael roared. "Why now? Why didn't you first help my friend? my captain?" He stared at him with absolute hatred. " You had the power-don't even bother trying to deny it-but you chose to let him hang. Why should I want to work for you, let alone let you help me out of here?"

Jeffery had no answer. He cast his eyes down in guilt. " I am sorry for the loss Michael. You are right. I could have stopped it...but I didn't." He raised his eyes to meet him squarely. "But now I'm here. For you. For Ms. St. John."

Michael's anger suddenly turned to confusion and suspicion. " Ms. St. John?"

" Young Maria" Jeffery explained gently, and before Michael could question him, he hastily offered, " and no, she did not ask me to do this. At the moment she is settled in all comfort at our home where she will be cared for."

"That is good" Michael said gruffly.

"You have an opportunity to begin anew Michael. I'll make no more excuses for my part in this tradgedy, but I am trying to make things as right as I possibly can here." Jeffery paused to take a deep breath. " I allowed one man to lose his life. Let me help another one regain his."

In the end...Michael accepted.



" Also I am feeling a bit annoyed." Maria confessed to Liz.

Without asking Liz knew what she was talking about. " Michael does not like such balls does he." she sympathized.

Maria huffed. " Not unless there was drinking and gambling."

"Well at the very least you do not have to add whoring to that list anymore." Liz offered, quite comfortable with the word because of her recent experiences.

Maria's face brightened slightly and she flicked a glance at the engagement ring on her finger. " Indeed not!"

And while Liz observed with the utmost happiness, Maria's good fortune...she could not help envying it as well. And that saddened her beyond any emotion.

This did not go unnoticed by Maria and she felt a pang in her heart for her friend. Why did fate have to be so cruel?

But before she could say a thing a young man stepped up to them and requested that Maria dance with him. She was about to refuse when Liz smiled and told her to go on. " We'll meet up later" she promised.

Maria could only agree, unwilling to upset her even more, and let the young buck lead her away.

Lord Parker then walked up to his daughter and took her hand. " Come my dear, let us go get some punch hmm?" he suggested and lead an unprotesting Liz through the room.

As soon as they got halfway to their destination however a young man approached them. He was was tall, lanky, with laughing blue eyes that warmed Liz considerably as they came to settle on her. "Good evening my lord," he nodded towards Jeffery and then smiled charmingly at Liz, " Miss Elizabeth....a pleasure" he bowed.

Liz only managed a small smile in return and a nod in acknowledgement.

"Mister Worthington. How do you do?" she murmured softly.

"Very well. Though I would be a great deal better if you would do me with the honor of a dance" he ended questioningly, his eyes snapping cautiously between herself and Jeffery.

Lord Parker had no objection. Indeed he was glad of the young man;s interest, perhaps it would distract his daughter from her troubles. He himself felt too helpless. Nodding encouragingly he released Liz's hand and stepped away.

Unwilling to be rude at that instant and refuse, Liz carefully placed her palm into his warm one and allowed herself to be led through the crush and onto the dance floor. Where Mister Worthington proceeded to place one hand at her waist and entertwine the other with one of hers. Her free hand rested at his shoulder.

Following the orchestra's sweet melody Liz took a deep breath and followed her partner in a sweeping waltz.

Keeping a perfectly respectable bodily distance between them they danced for the first few turns in absolute silence. Liz was too unsettled to attempt to ease the situation. Worthington was the one who finally broke the silence.
"You are looking mighty lovely this evening Miss Elizabeth."

Liz burst in a small nervous laugh. " I've been flattered enough tonight Mr Worthington I think, but thank you all the same." And she said no more.
Jack Worthington eyed the top of her head thoughtfully. "Permit me to be so bold as to comment...." he paused when she only looked at him curiously, " but I do believe you are troubled." he concluded quietly.

Liz's eyes refused to meet his at that point. " I apologize if I look like I'm not enjoying myself. Indeed you are a very fluent dancer-"

"That is not what I meant and I think you know it." He cut in sternly.

Liz stiffened considerably. " Mr Worthington I do believe you are trespassing on personal matters here and I would appreciate if you remained a respectful distance."

" I apologize. It was very forward of me. I just hate to see a beautiful young lady like yourself seem....distressed."

Liz's angry demeanor faded at his apology and she smiled slightly at him." It is no matter sir. Whatever..distress that I am in will soon be gone." she lied to reassure him of his sharp observation.

Jack sighed. " Very well Miss Parker. I just hope that whatever troubles that lay behind those pretty eyes are vanquished soon, before they begin to haunt you."

Oh but they already have, Liz thought miserably, and I cannot escape him.

However before she could reply and inform him that her troubles weren't nearly so bad there was a distinct hush around the ballroom. The music kept playing but the dancers and other guests seemed to slow down. Liz looked around her, watching as every woman's head turned in the same direction.
The talking slowly ebbed to hushed whispers behind flapping fans. Curious, Liz wondered who had suddenly walked through the front door. Jack too noticed and turned his head to look. Being a good foot taller he could see well above the heads of others though he still could not see the figure that stepped inside. For Liz it was futile to even try to look. It was very frustrating.
It must be someone of great importance to illicit such a reaction from the refined ton, Liz thought.

Waltzing very slowly, she kept her eyes glued in the same direction through every turn, feeling a deep urge to see who it is. At that moment, the orchestra's piece came to a melodious end and they halted in a flurry of swishing skirts.

The crowd parted and Liz spotted the butler Blakes as he stood solemnly by the door by a man hidden behind the bodies of other observers. He announced loudly and formally. " His Grace the Duke of Everington." and the man stepped forward into her line of vision.

Liz's eyes widened and she stared in utter and complete shock. Her mouth opened and closed, yet with no sound coming out. She could not find the will to breath.

"Ah a Duke. No other man could warrant such an awed greeting hmm?" Jack commented. He turned to regard her questioningly when she did not offer a reply. His expression quickly turned to concern when he noticed her wide dilated eyes and her ashen complexion." Miss Parker are you all right? You look like you've just seen a ghost."

Liz's only response was for her eyes to roll back into her head and to fall to the floor in a dead faint.


Part 40


Darkness shrouded her. Blackness danced around her eyes.

The first thing Liz realized and was thankful for, was that she was still breathing. She was not dead as she had feared upon waking from unconsiousness. The darkness was decieving.

She could hear voices around her. Muttering, murmuring, though she could not yet grasp the words. They were most definitely male however.

There was a sudden thump and whatever she was laying on shook violently, or so it seemed to her in her groggy state. She wante to groan in protest, but her lips would not obey her. She was forced to bear the horrible onslought on her senses in silence.

There was some shuffling and scruffing noises before Liz heard distinctly and clearly, the resounding timbre of her father's voice. "Enough of this nonsense! Mr. Worthington I beg you to restrain yourself, this is highly improper."

"Well then perhaps His..Grace," the word itself dripped with disdain," would care to explain why he-he...attacked Miss Elizabeth in such a manner!"

Attacked? Goodness, she thought groggily, she was attacked?! When? How? and by whom? All she could remember was dancing with..well Mr. Worthington...and then...she mentally frowned...the crowd went silent....someone important had walked into the room....Her mental frown deepened as she attempted to recall....
His Grace....the Duke of Everington....

And then the life was choked out of her. Liz's eyes snapped open as the memory reasserted itself . She rememvered seeing a man walk into her line of vision after Blake's announcement....and it was then she knew why she was lying here.

Miss Parker are you alright?..you look like you've seen a ghost...

She had! her mind and heart cried. Oh dear god.........

The shock sent her body into an uproght position as it all came back to her.

"Max!"

"Elizabeth thiank goodness!" she turned her head abruptly at the mention og her name and saw her father approaching her with concern and relief on his face. He kneeled by her side and inquired urgently, " are you alright Lizzie? do you hurt anywhere?"

Liz stared at him for a moment and then blinked a few times, attempting to regain her composure. " Er..yes-yes I'm fine. I'm unhurt." she replied faintly.

Then she looked questioningly at her father. " What happened?" and then before she could answer, her eyes wideneled and her pupils dilated as she recalled who she had seen. " Oh god Max....Father..Max...I-I saw him," she looked desperately into his eyes, " I saw him! He was alive..." she whispered.

Jeffery stared back at his daughter. " Elizabeth-" he back but cut himself off. Liz waited expectantly for her father to dismiss the idea as nothing but the unhealthly delusions of her mind that had conjured up his image. What actually came out of his mouth shocked her to the very cor eof her soul.

" I know you did Lizzie, because......" he took a beeath, " I saw him too.."

"What?" she whispered, wondering if her father was now seeing ghosts aswell.

"Something-something's happened Elizabeth, that even I myself can't believe," there was a note of disbelief and wonder in his voice, "Somehow...he actually escaped and...." his voice trailed away as he bent his head to think of how to put whatever had to be said into words.

That only served to put the rest of the room into Liz's line of vision. She was in a study it appeared...her host's she assumed. There were also two ment standing by the big oak desk. One, she recognized as Jack. The other....her breath caught when their eyes met....was a ghost, although the vibrant alive eyes told a different story.

" Came back for you," he continued huskily on behalf of Jeffery, who'd already noticed that she'd seen him and turned quiet. " Like you asked of me. Like I promised myself."

Liz's mouth opened and closed. Words failed her. All she could do was stare.

"Excuse me, but I feel I must interrupt this...strange moment. I confess I have no idea what is going on, but I would like to know who you are sir and what business you have laying your hands on Miss Elizabeth." demanded Jack into the ensueing silence. He glared squaredy at the Duke.

Max turned dark eyes on the other man. " I don't believe I owe you any explanations Worthington, but I will tell you this....I have every right to lay my hands on Elizabeth...after all, she isn't taken is she." This prompted a glare from Jack, who couldn't by any means refute that.

Jeffery decided it was time to break this little party ip before it further agitated his daughter. " Please gentlemen, I would appreciate it if you could take this quarall elsewhere. My daughter has been distressed enough this night..."

Jack Worthington looked about to protest but instead nodded, then bowed stiffly. He then directed a warm glance at Liz. " I hope you are well soon Miss Elizabeth." Then he turned without a backward glance and walked rigidly to the door.

Silence prevailed when the door was shut. Jeffery looked at his daughter who was staring unseeingly at the wall, and then at the man who couldn't take his eyes off her. He coughed awkwardly, " perhaps you should take your leave for now..your....grace, " That word felt too alien for him still.

Before he could reply, and Jeffery was sure a resounding 'No' was on the tip of his tongue, Liz snapped out of her daze and frantically exclaimed, " No!"

It was then she looked at the man before her in the eyes once more. This time she oculd not look away. Jeffery suddenly felt like an intruder and decided to vacate the room and give them some privacy. He tread swiftly on the carpted floor to the door, turning the knob, " I'll be outside if you need me." he offered though he doubted they payed any attention to him. He knew they needed to resolve this matter between them. Shaking his head, he stepped out and softly closed the door behind him.

The click was loud and nerve wracking in the deep silence that Jeffery left behind.

Liz looked at the man that stood before her. Tall, broad shouldered with slicked back hair and a sinful mouth. He wore a neat, starch white shirt with pressed black pants, shined shoes and an elegant black coat. Silk gloves encased his large, strong hands.. A true dark lord.

And yet all she could see was that dark hair of his wind swept , and that white buttoned shirt, open and billowing vigourously in the wind. Boots replaced his elegant shoes, and no gloves enveloped his rough but gentle hands as he gripped the wheel of his mighty ship with confidence and a radiating strength.

The man that stood before her was a lie.

"Max?" she whispered hesitantly. Her eyes suddenly unsure.

"Hello Liz." He said gently.

"I-I don't understand...you're....you're supposed to be-" she couldn't even bring herself to say the word. Dead.

Suddenly he was striding towards her, and before she knew it he was kneeling on the floor in front of her. Fire lit within his eyes. "I'm here Liz. That is where I'm supposed to be."

Liz swallowed thickly, not knowing how to reply. She gazed at him, pain, sorrow, anger and doubt shining in her doe eyes. She bit her bottom lip. Her hand raised up, as if to touch, feel that it was really flesh and blood that stared back. Her fingers lightly brushed his cheek. Warm skin greeted her fingertips and she swallowed a gasp.

" Are you a dream?" she mused wonderingly.

His lips drew up in a semblence of a smile, and Liz's heart fluttered. " No. I am very real." His hand came up and lightly ran down her face. Liz shivered at the contact. Before it could fall away however, her own hand reached up and gripped it. It felt solid, and so strong and warm.

She couldn't hold it in any longer. Tears burst forth on their own accord and streamed down her cheeks. She wasn't dreaming. She wasn't trapped in a horrible illusion. She certainly wasn't going insane. He was really here. Max. Max was here. And he was alive!

"I thought....I thought you were-dead." she whimpered, and before she knew it she was pressed against his chest, her faced buried in his neck. Her tears scalding his flesh as Max crooned softly to her. " Hush now, it's alright. I'm not dead." He held her encased within his embrace as if he wasn't ever going to let go. She didn't think she ever wanted him to.

She reluctantly pulled back and wiped her arm beneath her nose-very unladylikr- and sniffed. " I don't understand. Father said the Hawk-you- were.....hanged." The last word trembled upon her lips.

Max sat back on his haunchs as he explained somberly. " Your father wasn't wrong. The Hawk was indeed hanged."

"Then how-"

"It was all a ruse Liz. The guards captuered 'someone' they thought was the Hawk. I escaped. It was the only way."

Liz absorbed that piece of information." So you could begin a new life as a new man," she paused as she recalled how the butler had called him 'Duke', " as a Duke." She really didn't know what to make of that.

She was confused however to see Max smiling slightly. " No Liz. Not to begin a new life.....but to return to my true one."

It took a long moment for that to sink in, and when it did Liz's eyes widened and her jaw grew slack. No. It couldn't be true. Impossible! "Are you telling me......are you saying that....you are in actuality a Duke?!" her voice had risen by the last words and she promptly stood up in agitation, only to be thrust back down onto the couch by the hand that still gripped hers.

The room spun around her and suddenly she felt very faint.

"Don't you dare pass out on me again Liz." Max demanded as he stared determindly into her eyes. Liz blinked.

"At the moment I am very much tempted to." she murmued. Shock was becoming a regular occurance for her tonight. " I still cannot believe you are really here." she squeezed his hand reflexively. " If this were a dream I would wish I'd never wake up."

"But this isn't a dream you stubborn woman." Max growed as she let go of her hand and cradled her face between his palms. " I am here and alive. And I have come back for you, and I am not leaving without you!"

Liz hurled herself into his arms with a force that knocked him back on his knees suddenly. Her arms wrapped themselves around his neck tightly and his went around her petite body to mold it closely to his.

"I'm glad" she whispered.

She pulled back far enough to be able to look him in the eyes. His eyes shined and she couldn't help but drown in their mezmerizing depths. " I could hit you for putting in so much pain cap- your grace."

One hand held the back of her head tightly. " I could hit me too."

"But- you are here now. In my arms, before my very eyes. Alive." She squeezed his neck. " And for that I shall kiss you instead."

Max wasted no time. His lips connected her hers in a first tender, butterfly kiss that Liz savored on her lips, before diving once more for more of her sweetness. Plunging his tongue deep into her mouth tasting her, drinking from her like a drowning man. Liz twirled her own tongue around his, welcoming his exploration and thrusting hers into his mouth in return. It was a raw passionate kiss. It left her breathless and hungry for more.

They broke apart at length, both breathing heavily. When Liz managed to finally open her still tightly shut eyes she saw his already boring into hers, full of an unearthly light that she knew must be reflected in hers as well.

They were both kneeling on the floor by then, and Max placed his forehead against hers. " I have so much to explain." he bagan, but Liz placed a hushing finger to his lips. " I know" she cut in softly. Then she said, " Since I met you I have been on an adventure of the body and the heart. You have turned out to be so many different kinds of men Max, and I know that you will explain all of that to me, but you know what I think?"

"What?" he murmered.

" You are no duke to me, or even a pirate, or a man avenging his sister, or a man seeking revenge. To me," she took a deep breath, getting ready to make one of the biggest confessions of her life. She may have said it before, but this time, it was much more real, "...to me, you are the man I love. I-"

But she never got any further because he was claiming her lips again in a kiss that was robbing her of all senses. She couldn't understand how he could do that do her with a simple kiss. She supposed he always would.

When they broke apart once more Liz saw that he was smiling. For the first time since she had met him, this was the first time she had seen him smile with pure unadultarated joy. " And you know what my dear Elizabeth?"

"What?" she asked breathlessly.

"I love you too."

Liz's smile was wobbly in her attempt not to burst into tears again." If you came back jsut to tell me that, I'm certainly not disappointed."

The pads of his thumbs moved over the spots below her eyes, evidence that she had not succeeded. " But I didn't come back just for that. How do you feel about being a duchess?"

Liz's heart nearly stopped. Her mouth suddenly felt dry and she swallowed convulsively. " A duchess in general...or-" she babbled.

"No not in general....my duchess. Mine and only mine." He interrupted sternly.

" I like the sound of that." she replied softly and minutes ticked by as she was kissed beyond reason once more.

" I don't think I'm ever going to get enough of you. " he whispered huskily against her lips. " You light up my world."

"Then there shall be no more darkness in your life," She promised. And hers shall only be brighter.

"Do you remember what you said to me, that night in the prison, when you visited?" Max asked at length.

Liz frowned in concentration as she thought back to that terrible time. " I said quite a lot." she looked at him questioningly, " What was it I said?"

"You said your were a prisoner too. Of love."

Liz remembered. She couldn't believe she had said that. It was her first confession of her growing love for him. She hadn't understood how this could have happened. How on earth had she fallen in love with a pirate?!

Slowly she nodded. " Yes I remember. What of it?"

Max shook his head. " After you left, your words rang in my head, and when you came and freed me, all I could think of was that I had escaped one pison, only to become trapped in another. That was when I reaslized I loved you."

Liz smiled fancifully, " so we were both..oh say...prsioners of love then." she laughed softly at the silly thought.

" Do you suppose we shall ever get out? or is it a life sentence?" he asked wickeely.

"Oh I can most deifnitely confirm that this is for life.." Liz played along

"Excellent." he approved and promptly kissed her again.


It was much later that Jeffery and Nancy Parker were able to congratulate them on their betrothal. Jeffery and Max appeared reconciled after a lengthy talk in Lord Parker's study.

Michael was horrendously and voilently furious at Max for not telling him he was alive but he soon got over that and hugged him repeatedly, saying he was damn glad he was alive. There was even a hint of a tear or two in his eyes. In Max's too.

A month later Maxwell Evans, the Duke of Everington returned to England with his bride and duchess and introduced her to his mother who thought the world of Elizabeth and was extremely happy for her son.

Liz visited Isabel's grave one day to grieve for her and silently thank her for bringing her and her brother together. She also secretly informed her that had she been alive, she would be expecting to be an aunt not long from now. Her husband had yet to find out.

Elizabeth placed a hand on her belly and smiled.


The End