5

They docked, and the crew went with their families. Garret lead her up the path to huge stone house. She stared in awe at it as they walked closer and inside. Once inside, she heard a familiar voice.

“Is that a Kitty Cat I see?”

She smiled and ran into Choi’s waiting arms. He swung her around and set her back down.

“Choi, it’s so good to see again.”

“You as well. I never thought I would ever see your lovely face again.”

Choi led her to the sofa and Garret excused himself to see to things. She was so lost in catching up with Choi, she forgot about what her and Garret had talked about, until Dominic was lead through the house. She stared at him and he gave her a wicked grin. All those thoughts came rushing back and she almost cried. Choi noticed and took her hand.

“Kitty, what is it? Who is that man?”

“Dominic, my husband.”

“So, what is it?”

“He said some things about Garret. I tried not to believe them.”

“So why do you?”

“Garret and I talked about it and turns out not all of it is a lie. Will you excuse me?”

“Do you need to lie down? I can show you to an empty room or to Garret’s if you would like?”

“Thank you, Choi, I would.”

He nodded and lead her upstairs. He opened up the door at the very end of the hall. It was a suit for a woman and she imagined that Garret had it set up for her. She dashed those thoughts aside as she followed Choi to the next room. She assumed it was Garret’s room, but it was confirmed when Choi opened the door. Inside was a red headed woman stretched out half naked on Garret’s bed. She was asleep and did not notice the intrusion. Keira stormed off back down the stairs and straight outside. Choi chased after her, but Garret came walking through.

“Kitty wait, it’s not what you think.”

“What’s going on?”

“Go to hell, Garret.”

He grabbed her arm as she tried to storm past, but all it got him was slap across the face. He held his stinging face as he watched her leave the house. Choi came up to him and Garret looked to him for answers.

“Sheila is here.”

“Great.”

He stormed up the stairs and slammed the door against the wall, waking Sheila. Once she saw who it was, she let a playful smile grace her face.

“Well, hello, there.”

“Get out. I told you never to come here.”

“After I heard you had strayed from the righteous path, I thought you would reconsider.”

“I brought her here, god damit. But of course, she saw you laying here.”

“You brought her here?”

“Yeah, and now because of you, I’ll be lucky to convince her to stay.”

“Good. Maybe she should leave. She chose someone else.”

“GET OUT!!!”

She jumped at the fierceness of his voice and grabbed her dress. She scooted past him and out the door. Choi watched Sheila dart down the path and to the second house on the island. He saw Garret stride down the stairs and head out the door in the direction Keira did. About halfway down the path, his heart stopped. He saw shreds of her dress on the ground and realized she had headed in the direction of the mountain. She could be killed if she hadn’t been already. He quickened his pace until he came to the clearing. What he saw made him hold his breath as his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach. She was on the ground looking eye to eye with a real she-cat.

Keira couldn’t get out of the house fast enough. She called her stupid for thinking her wouldn’t sleep around. She believed Jerry, but now how could she. His mistress knew her place as she lounged across his bed, just waiting for him. She let her tears flow freely and didn’t pay attention when her dress caught on the thicket and ripped. She had come to clearing and went to turn back halfway but fell backwards after tripping and true fear ran through her. She had tripped on an actual she-cat. She gripped the pendant around her neck and prayed. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Garret standing at the edge of the jungle and knew he had died on the inside. He couldn’t save her. She still cried from the pain that welled up inside from Garret’s betrayal and now with fear that she may die. The cat got closer and she closed her eyes and waited for the pain. She felt it’s breath as it sniffed her. After a long moment, she opened her eyes to see the cat sitting in front of her, staring at her. In that moment, it’s almost as if she saw herself looking back. She sat up and sat in front of the cat. She fingered the pendant and reached out with her other hand. The cat let her touch it.

Garret thought he had died when he saw the cat get closer and then he knew she was dead when she reached out a hand to it. He stood in shock as he watched her pet it. He let out a breath of relief when she stood up and began walking in his direction; it didn’t last long as the cat followed her.

Keira knew the large cat was behind her as she passed Garret and knew he wouldn’t dare do anything.

“You and I are not finished. We have much to discuss, again.”

He watched her, and the cat walk back to the house. She found Choi at the back door and almost laughed when she saw him turn shades paler. She walked right up the stairs to the bedrooms and felt a sense of power restored to her; confidence Dominic made her lose. That thought made her stop. She needed to see Dominic, just not now. She needed rest. She started heading to the empty room, then stopped suddenly in front of Garret’s. She took a deep breath, straightened her spine and opened the door. To her dismay, it was empty. She ushered the cat in and closed the door. She locked it behind her and sat on the lounge chair by the fireplace. The cat, whom she had named Star, laid her head on Keira’s lap. She scratched her head and sighed.

Garret walked slowly into the house, knowing everyone would question him if they just saw what he did. Sure enough, Choi asked first.

“What happened?”

“Later. Where is she?”

“Upstairs.”

Garret headed up and was going to walk straight down the hall; figuring she wouldn’t want to share his bed. Let alone his room. He was surprised to learn he was wrong. He was walking by and heard her voice in his room. He was about to open it but stopped at hearing her talk to the cat; trusting her with her secrets.

“Oh Star, what am I to do. I refuse to believe he would hurt me in this way, probably because I love him so. But if I am being honest, it’s been almost a full year since I saw him last. Do I even know him anymore? My gut tells me I can trust him, that I may be overreacting. After what Dominic has done and then what I went through with Pierce, I know I am being cautious. I don’t know what to do. I want to devote my whole heart and soul to him, but only if I know who he is now. He has killed men and I know better than anyone how it can change a person. Jared had that look in eyes after he came home the first time. Garret has a different look, though. Jared had remorse and guilt in his eyes. I can see remorse in Garret’s, but no guilt. He enjoyed his kills. I know I said I wish he would have killed Pierce, but I’m actually grateful he didn’t. I wouldn’t want him killing a man for me. You can’t even tell anymore what happened to me. Star, I wish you could give me advice. I wish my mother were still here, she would know what to do. Her and Papa were soul mates and they truly believed that. I love my father, Jared, and Ben, but sometimes it wouldn’t have hurt to have more female company. When the Duke convinced father to let me move into the town house, I was beyond happy. It got better when Olivia stayed with me. She knows more about me than anyone alive. The things I shared with her, especially about Garret. If he only knew. I don’t know if I’d ever tell him what happened. Do you want to know, Star? Okay, I’ll tell you. Right after Garret was disowned and stripped of his titles, father set me up with Dominic almost immediately. I hated every second of it. Anyone could see that my heart was with Garret and Dominic tried to take it. He was hitting me even then. Had I told Garret that night at the ball, he would have killed Dominic in the middle of the dance floor. He tried to force himself on me, saying that I would have no choice but to wed him. Garret wouldn’t want spoiled goods. Then when it came out that he was a pirate, I think I literally spat in his face. After that, he procured the license. The night before the wedding, I went to my balcony with every intention of jumping. I knew if I married him, I would suffer what I have. Had Olivia not stopped by that night, I may not be here. She convinced that Garret would take me no matter what. She made me laugh saying he and I were destined to be together and I still believe that. After Dominic found out I tried to kill myself, he bedded me like cruel man he had become. I was actually gathering my thoughts one night and was going to do it. I didn’t know how, but then I thought there was an intruder and I went carelessly, hoping I would die. And you know what happened? Garret showed up. He took me to my room and gave me this beautiful gift. Then he took me in his arms and the world felt right again. Thoughts of that one night kept me going for a month and were gone again when Dominic showed up. On his ship, he beat me, raped me, and finally locked me in his cabin after several attempts of trying to jump. I succeed once and prayed sharks would take me. Then Jared showed up. I knew I should have gone, but I didn’t want him to see the way Dominic had made me. The fire returned after Pierce captured us and I refused to let him bed me. I thought Dominic hit me hard, but nothing compared to Pierce. Then, when I was ready to give up, Garret was there. He nursed me back to health and renewed my spirits. Then I lost my Angel. I tried to kill myself the first couple days after. But once I was able to be alone, you would think I would try. I thought about it, but Garret never left my side, even though I had another man’s child. Then after that woman in here, I wanted to go again. When I tripped, and I saw the look in your eyes, I closed my eyes and wanted it to come. When I opened them and saw inside your own eyes, it was like I could see who I was before Garret eft London. That is who I want to be, and I know only Garret makes me feel as such. We should get some rest Star.”

She pat the cat on the head and went laid on the bed. She started to cry, when she heard sobbing in the hall. Garret heard her whole confession. After a minute or two when it became silent in the house, she went and unlocked the door. Garret sat with head down on his knees. His hands were raked through his hair. She knelt down and touched his arm. He looked up at her and his eyes were red from crying. He cupped her face and stared into her eyes.

“Is it true?”

“Is what true?”

“All of it.”

She took a moment as she saw the tear escape his eyes and began crying as she nodded her head and looked down. He brought her lips to his and kissed her deeply, which only made them both cry more. He looked at her when they broke apart.

“I love you and I would never betray your trust or your heart. I will always be here for you. Remember, I told you the only place you belong is...”

“By your side. No where we are or what we are doing. You said that when we were kids.”

“And I mean it still.”

She put her head on his knee and he held her for a moment. Then he felt breath on his neck and turned to see Star staring at him.

“Keira?”

“What?”

She looked up and saw Star and patted her head.

“It’s okay, Star, he’s good.”

Star then turned and went back to the room. After a few minutes, he carried her inside and locked door. He took her to the bed, set her down, and lifted her chin, so she stared him in his eyes. He was cautious of the cat by the door, but this would be worth the risk. She needed to feel how he felt. So many emotions ran through him and he wanted to know the torment he was feeling. He stared long at her lips as he saw the torment swimming through her eyes. She didn’t know what to do or even how to feel about him, but tonight, he would show her how he felt. He slowly claimed those lips that spilled all her hearts secrets to Star. He moved his hands down her back until it reached the small of her back and he pressed her against him. Without thinking, she traced the length of his arms and curled her fingers into his hair as he deepened their kiss. She was still confused about what she should do or feel towards Garret, but this, she knew this. She belonged in his arms like this. When he felt her surrender to him, his lips trialed down to her neck and kissed the tender flesh there and it sent goose pimples across her skin.  As he trailed lower to the edge of her dress, she thought she could no more. When she spoke, she didn’t even know her own voice.

“Garret, please.”

He looked up and saw a different kind of torment and slipped her dress of and laid her on the bed. Once she scooted to the head of the bed, he undressed and joined her. He was over top her staring at her naked body and took mental note of every curve on her. As she was breathing heavy, her breasts invited him to claim them, and he did. She gasped at the sudden move her made and groaned as she felt his tongue swirl around her nipple until stood straight. Then, he repeated the assault on the other. She locked her fingers in his hair and tried to yank him to her, but all she got was his hands pinning her arms to her side. She began to squirm as Garret’s mouth moved lower to her stomach, but he didn’t stop, and she grew fearful of his destination. He got to her middle and stared at her wickedly and attacked. She let out a moan that stirred his blood and he took pleasure of thrilling her and tormenting her in the same moment. She could feel the knot of pleasure in herself build as he continued, then she felt it explore as the heart rushed through her and straight to core. He leaned back and grinned as he came back to claim her mouth. Without hesitation, he plunged inside her and she cried out. He pressed their hips together as he went as deep into than he ever gone. She trembled beneath his body as her entire being was filled with him. She thought she would die of pleasure as he slowly moved against her and then quickened his pace as he went in and out of her. As she felt that knot form again, she began crying out his name and begging him for a release and he could longer control himself. He was crazed with all the feeling he had bottled up within the past couple days and didn’t know how to control them. He let everything out as they both found their release together. He collapsed on top of her and stayed there. She ran her hand through his hair and stroked his head tenderly as they just to right their breathing.  Once he had steady breath again, he lifted his head and looked deep into her eyes.

“This is what I want, and I only want it with you. I love you, Kiera, with everything I am. It may not be much, but it’s all I’ve got to offer you.”

“Oh, Garret. I am so sorry I was quick to think wrongly of you and so harshly.”

“Do not worry, my love. It’s what Dominic wanted; to drive us apart. I care for you too much to lose you over another man’s jealously.”

“My pride almost separated us.”

“Your heart won’t let it happen.”

She felt the tears and he saw them glisten in her eyes. He leaned up and took her lips and wrapped his arms around her as the drifted off to sleep. So much had happened, and he was afraid of losing her. His entire crew saw him sitting in the hall outside his room with troubled thoughts. They probably thought it was because of the cat. Then he remembered, the cat. He slowly glanced up and saw Star sleeping in front of the door. She had not moved since they came in hours ago. He let a deep breath out and relaxed next to Kiera. He had trouble sleeping, not knowing how to handle tomorrow. Pierre would come for a visit. Pierre was a nasty and cruel man and thankfully live on the other side of the island. But he knew by now that Sheila would have told her father that he was here and sent out because of another. It was then he realized he would be thankful for Star. She would protect Kiera, not that Kiera needed protecting. Finally realizing sleep was hopeless, he got up and dressed. Star perked up and moved closer to her. He scratched the cat behind the ear and knelt beside her.

“Tomorrow, I may be grateful you followed her home.”

The cat purred and moved over to sit by the bed and Garret left, leaving the door open. Jerry was in the kitchen when he arrived. He greeted him and set the bottle of rum in front of him.

“I’ll get some glasses down.”

“Thanks, Jerry.”

“What happened?”

“I went up to find her and she was in my room. I went to open it but stopped.”

“Why?”

“She was talking to the cat that followed her home.”

“Oh.”

“The things she said shredded m heart to ribbons.”

“What did you do?”

“What could I do? I sat in the hall and wept. All she had endured, and she believes me to be her savior. She must have heard me because she came out and sat with me. I ended up carrying her back into the room and something came over me. I wanted her to know how felt. The torment inside, the love I feel for her, all of it.”

“Did you?”

“Yes, like I never have before. And she and I are right again.”

“Then why do you look so miserable?”

“Pierre will no doubt show up, especially since Sheila ran home, no doubt saying the worst.”

“You are scared for her.”

“I am, but I may be grateful that cat followed her home.”

“She will be ok, Garret.”

“I hope so.”

“You should get some sleep, Captain.”

Jerry left, and Garret sat there for a time. He must have drifted off, because he awoke to Star nudging his hand. He just stared at her wondering how she got out, then remembered leaving the door open. He got up and followed her back to the room. As he neared the door, he understood why the cat had left. Kiera was tossing and turning and crying in her sleep. He rushed to her side and shook her awake. She stared up at him as the fear lingered in her eyes from her dream. In the next instant, she was in his arms and she tried to calm down.

“What happened?”

“It was just a dream, nothing to worry about.”

“Nothing to worry about? I’ve never seen as you as frightened as you just were.”

“Must be just everything going on.”

“Kiera?”

“I just can’t get it out of my head.”

“What?”

“Pierce.”

“Kiera, what happened with Pierce?”

“Garret, I…”

“Tell me.”

She took a deep breath and told him everything. How Pierce had taken them and tied her to the bed for the first couple days. He tried to entice her by showing her his member and Dominic could do nothing but watch. He was tied and gagged across the room. She told him of how Pierce tried to make her taste him, but he finally tied her with Dominic after biting him and drawing blood. From that moment on, he would hit her when she resisted. She told him that the night he came, Pierce had told her that Dominic would be leaving soon, then he wouldn’t care if raped her and beat her to death. She said he hit her hard enough to make swoon in and out of consciousness. She was ready to give in until she heard his voice. She told him how she wanted to fling herself to his arms when she heard him enter the cabin. She told him how she looked at Dominic and saw him pale and then wondered what he looked like in all his fierce pirateness. And how she refused to look him thinking she had to off that ship first. She told him she was afraid that if he saw what Pierce had done, he would have killed him in front of her and she wasn’t sure she could see him the same. She even told him how she was frightened of him for a bit after Dominic told her what he did to Pierce and then was ashamed of herself for telling Andy that he shouldn’t have stopped him. She began to cry as all of it rushed back to her in a flood of memories. He held her close while she cried into his chest. He held her until she fell back asleep. The anger that he felt inside scared even him and decided that Pierce had to pay. He wondered if she had this dream before and recalled her only crying out on nights he had left her side but settled down when he returned to her side. He then understood that subconsciously, she trusted him and felt safe with him. He laid them both down, telling himself he would not ever let her down in that regard. He held her close as sleep finally claimed him.