That night, we arrived to the port. We didn't leave the ship there, of course, pirates were illegal, so we dropped the anchor at a certain distance and we got off in some boats and arrived at the shore.

- Where are we?- I asked Derek.

- On an island where pirates come and take supplies and rest.

No, that wasn't the best place for running away. I would have to wait for my next chance. I had a chance that night, but it certainly was not what I had expected. There was another familiar ship not far away. I stopped to look, but Derek pushed me gently into the inn. We sat to eat and drink. I was between Derek and the wall. It was unusual to see young women there, except for one or two that were taken as prisoners and entertainment until they got the ransom money. I felt bad for them. One was even younger than me. Derek went to talk to someone and I took the chance to sneak out and get the girls to follow me while the others were distracted.

- Hide over there, I will talk to my captain and I will come back for you and take you home.

The girls were still scared and did what I told them without saying a word. It must have been recent. I was going back when I bumped into someone. The pirate grabbed me by the wrist and took me back inside.

- There you were. You thought you could escape, didn't you? Where is the other one?

He mistook me for one of the prisoners.

- I'm not yours- I said-. I came with...

Suddenly, he slapped my face and I fell down. He was really strong. I had never been slapped before. It was shocking for me.

- How dare you slap a lady?- I said getting up-. You are not going to get away with this.

The man looked at me and laughed his lungs out. His comrades, hearing it too, started laughing as well. I put my hands on my hips, pretty upset about the situation.

- What a foolishly brave young lass. Are you sure it's one of ours?- said a pirate to the one that brought me in.

- Yeah, the other ones were really scared to say a word- said another one.

- Well do you see any other lasses around?- he answered and then turned to me-. If you aren't going to tell us where the other one is, you will have to be the entertainment for all of us in her place too.

He took me up stairs and that is when I started to panic.

- Derek!! Help!!- I yelled as loud as I could.

The pirate pushed me into a room and threw me on the bed. I didn't even have time to react. He tore my dress apart and just when he was taking off my underwear the door was kicked open and Derek came in.

- What do you think you are doing?- he said punching the man-. She's mine!

I covered up with some sheets, scared and embarassed. I fixed my underwear so that it would stay in place and looked at the dress. It wasn't wearable anymore. I was too shocked watching them hit each other, but when the man seemed defeated, I started crying. Derek came to confort me and embrased me.

- It's okay now, I'm here.

- I thought I... I...

- It's over now. I'll find you a dress, but for now, you will have to wear some pirate clothing. It will be more confortable for you and they won't mistake you again for a prisoner. Stay here, I'll be right back.

He left the room and I was afraid the man would get up and come for me again. He got up and looked at me.

- You should have said you were his lass. I wouldn't have messed with another pirate's lady, just as I wouldn't forgive anyone touching mine if I had one.

That said, he left and went down stairs. Derek came back up and gave me some clothes. He turned around so that I could get changed and after I did, he looked.

- It suits you.

He didn't smile. He was wearing a serious expression on his face. He took my hand and brought me back to my sit. The other pirates from our ship complimented my new outfit. I smiled at first, but then I saw Derek's face and my smile disappeared.

- Do you know where their prisoners are?- he asked.

- Well I...

- We don't get involved in other pirates' business, Jasy, understand? Unless we want trouble.

- I felt sorry for them, I had to do something- I said.

- Don't ever do this again. Let me handle this.

Derek walked to them and explained what had just hapened.

- How dare any of you touch my girl? You have to pay for this.

- If you find our missing prisoners you can keep one for all the trouble but you bring us the other one- the captain said.

- How much for the other one? We are talking here about a slap and and attempt against her honor.

- He won't go unpunished- the other captain assured him-. But I'll offer you a deal.

When he came back, he sat next to me and said:

- You're not getting dinner tonight.

- I understand... I guess I deserve it.

- I made a deal with him of mutual help and also had to give the money worth several meals, your share of meal, of course. After all, you just had to get yourself into trouble, didn't you? These are the consequences.

- I understand... Thank you for helping me, really- I gave him a kiss on his cheek and leaned towards him, resting my head on his shoulder.

I had no complaints. I was grateful he saved me and helped me even though it was my fault. He sighed and put his hand on my head.

- What am I going to do with you?

- Take care of me?- I smiled.

He smiled for a second. I could catch a glimpse of it before the food was brought. Everyone started to eat as if they hadn't had anything in days, but I had to admit it smelled so good and it had nothing to do with the food on board. My mouth was watery looking at the food. Even if I closed my eyes, I still smelled it. Oh the smell... My stomach started growling and I was so embarassed by it when Derek and the others looked around to see where the sound came from. Derek ate three quarters of his big plate.

- I am full now, you can have the rest- he said.

- Why is she eating from yours? Does she not get her own plate?- a pirate mate asked.

- She gave her share to someone else- Derek answered. Everyone looked confused, so he rolled his eyes and decided to explain-. She's responsible for the fuss made because of the two prisoners missing. She payed with her body and her next five dinners.

The rest of the crew decided to give me a bit of their food as well. Instead of finishing what was on the plate, as soon as they felt a bit full they left the rest on the plate and shared with me.

- That doesn't sound good, I was just abused a little- I said, but it didn't sound better-. Anyway a man did this to me- I pointed at my red cheek-. And he wanted to... have his way with me. But Derek came just in time so nothing really hapened.

- So that is why you have changed clothes. Don't worry Miss, we'll get you another dress. I think you were brave to save the prisoner girls- another pirate said-. But that just means more stomachs to feed.

- I will share- I said-. I don't have much, but this is what I can do until we take them home.

- They are not going home unless they pay- Derek said-. I'm not having freeloaders on my ship.

- Are you going to ask for ransom money?

- We'll see, but they are not guests, and they are not welcome. You just decided to invite them yourself without asking and considering we are already too many people to share the booty and the food. Of course you will share your part. You won't always be so lucky as to have our leftovers.

- I know, Derek, I'm sorry for dragging you into this without asking. I'll take full responsability- I assured him.

- I wouldn't have it any other way. Next time I will actually punish you, not just let you suffer the natural consequences.

- If there is a next time, do it.

He looked at me, surprised. He didn't expect me to act so humble about it.

- You have matured a little. It almost makes me want to spare you.

I finished eating and gathered the leftovers to take them to the girls. They looked grateful.

- I was able to get you on board of our ship, but we cannot afford taking you home. Too much money involved and we don't have that. I had to give up my share of meals so that you could eat too.

- Our parents can pay you back when we get home- they said.

- Well you must promise first you tell no one about who we are. All you know is that I helped you get home. Okay?

- Okay. But we see you are not like the other pirates.

- That's just your opinion. Anyone else would report us to the authorities- I told them very seriously.

- We will keep your secret.

- Thank you. Come with me, I will take you to see my captain, he allowed you to come and he payed for your freedom. You should thank him and not make him regret he helped you.

I took them inside while the pirates that took them as prisoners looked at us. They didn't look very happy. But then, something else caught my attention. In the center of the room, Derek was facing someone. He was standing with his back at us. Suddenly, the eldest girl looked horrified at Derek and said:

- You are Derek Blueseas! You killed my sister!

- He's Derek Blueseas? He sent to kill my sister too- the young girl said, but in a lower voice.