The stranger kept examining me. I raised a brow, wondering why he wouldn't stop doing that. I don't mean to brag, but I didn't blame him. I did look good in my purple coat... Don't judge me! Can't I love myself? Three people tried to convince me I wasn't good enough, but I didn't let them. My head hurt as I thought of how Bosch put me down countless times. I slowly stopped loving Dirk, so I shouldn't have stayed... How blind I was! I thought he'd improve his behavior, but people don't change. The truth is Bosch never deserved me. I couldn't believe he'd joined forces with the SHA... Wasn't cheating on me with Tamara enough? I shouldn't be bad-mouthing someone who died, but you saw everything he did. I squeezed my eyes shut to try and forget those horrible thoughts. The mysterious man took a step closer as if he felt my agony.

He lifted a brow, "You seem troubled."

"I'm fine," I crossed my arms. "You didn't tell me your name and why you're talking to me."

"I'm Captain Joaquim Faria, also known as Pilantra. I'm from Portugal," Faria smiled and held out his hand. "It's a delight to meet you, Captain Eva Van Acker... or should I say Storm?"

It's the Portuguese guy the SHA mentioned!

Gulping, I shook Joaquim's hand. If not even the SHA had found that pirate, he was probably great at hiding things. Had Giacomo and Nuria met him before? Perhaps they could tell me if he was a bad guy or not. I hoped the Portuguese man wouldn't give me too much trouble. After all, Atkins had said Faria robbed pirates... Who am I kidding? He definitely wasn't trustworthy! I should've left the moment Pilantra introduced himself, but a part of me wanted to give him a chance.

I tilted my head to the side, "How did you recognize me?"

"I've heard some men talking about your appearance," Joaquim slid his hand down my left arm. "It's not hard to find a blond lady wearing pirate clothes."

"You have a point," I recoiled. "What does your nickname mean?"

Joaquim glanced away, "Pilantra is a word in Portuguese to describe someone who uses... questionable methods to succeed. A cheater."

I nodded, "Really? Does that include robbing pirates?"

"I did that in the past, but I'm rich now, so I stopped," Faria chuckled. "Don't worry, I'm not lying to you."

I grinned sarcastically, "Coming from someone who's known to be dishonest, that's a relief!"

"My nickname comes mostly from my habit of selling booty for more than they're worth and lying about their quality," Faria smiled mischievously. "Again, I won't do that to such a beautiful lady."

I shot him a sarcastic gaze, "For some reason, I don't believe you. I wonder why that is."

"Really? That's too bad," Joaquim slowly slid his fingers over my cheeks. "I'll prove it to you."

I laughed, "Good luck with..."

Faria shut me up by pressing his lips against mine. He closed his eyes while aggressively sticking his tongue inside my mouth. I gasped, more confused than a blinded seagull... Yes, I make too many comparisons with sea-related things, but can you blame me? I'm a pirate! I scowled, feeling intense nausea and a slight warmth in my chest at the same time. He slid his hand down my back... and I knew exactly where he wanted to touch. I couldn't let that continue. Besides feeling nothing for Joaquim, I didn't want any romance after my traumatic experience with Bosch. I pushed Faria away and he widened his eyes, seemingly surprised.

I pointed my cutlass to his chest, "If you do that again, I'll rip off more than just your mustache."

"I wanted to know how the legendary Storm tasted like," Joaquim's lips curled into a provocative smile. "I thought you had a thing for Iberians. You seemed rather cheery with that Spaniard."

I rolled my eyes... What was wrong with people? Just a smile was enough for them to think nonsense? That was crazy! I shook my head in denial, wondering when everyone would stop making wrong assumptions. Also... Iberians? I wasn't sure what he meant. Probably something related to Spain... Don't judge me! I'm terrible at geography.

"Now you know she tastes like fish and rum! Happy?" I forced a smile and returned the sword to my weapon belt. "Enough stalling. Why did you really come to me?"

Joaquim sighed, "Although I'm interested in your beauty, what I desperately need is your help. We should become allies to defeat the SHA more easily."

"I've had the displeasure to meet them. We can talk in one condition," I narrowed my eyes. "If you promise not to kiss or touch me ever again."

He shrugged, "Fine, holandesinha. I promise."

"Good answer," I walked towards the tavern. "Let's go before I change my mind."

Joaquim nodded and followed me to my friends' table. Nuria pressed her lips firmly together as she locked eyes with the Portuguese man. They kept glaring at each other for an instant. Faria chuckled as if he didn't care... What a great start! Didn't you sense the beginning of a new friendship? Maartje and Laurens gazed at each other, then back at me, seemingly feeling the tension.

This isn't my definition of a pleasant meal.

"If it isn't the woman who ruined my business!" Joaquim grinned mysteriously at Gálvez's sister. "Did you miss me, Nuria?"

The Spanish woman narrowed her eyes, "Are you sure you'd like my sincerity?"

Miguel scowled, "Who are you and why are you bothering my sister?"

I took a step forward, "This is Captain Joaquim Faria, also known as Pilantra. He wants to discuss an alliance."

Giacomo ground his teeth, "Although we could use an ally, I won't talk to anyone who makes my wife uncomfortable."

"Joaquim and I had a small quarrel a few years ago," Nuria gulped. "We mustn't let this get in the way of a good alliance."

"Concordo. Let's leave the past behind us," Joaquim turned to Maartje and smiled. "I didn't see you there... What's your name, pretty lady?"

My cousin bared her teeth, "Don't even try!"

"Why not? Eva loved it when I kissed her!" Faria winked at Maartje. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it too."

Miguel's eyes widened, "He did what?"

I breathed fast, "It meant nothing! Besides, it was against my will."

"What's wrong with you two?" the Portuguese man raised a brow. "I thought you weren't together!"

Nuria turned to Faria, "I can't believe you forced her, Joaquim! You're even worse than I remember!"

"Exactly!" Giacomo frowned. "Mamma mia! What kind of idiot would do that to a lady?"

Laurens took a step forward, "Enough arguing!"

Thank you! Finally!

Francis barked, apparently agreeing with my quartermaster. Luckily, the children were too distracted playing. I hoped neither of them had paid attention to what happened... What a mess! How could someone cause a bunch of problems in so little time? Either Joaquim had a special skill, or trouble loved me.

"Let's deal with this drama later," my quartermaster sipped his drink. "Faria, why should we accept an alliance with you?"

Pilantra shrugged, "Isn't it obvious? The SHA hates us and, since they still exist, we know fighting them without joining forces isn't working."

I crossed my arms, "Giacomo and I already work together. Why would we want an alliance, especially after the mess you just created?"

Joaquim chuckled, "I might be a troublemaker, but I'm a great captain. The more vessels we have against those guys, the better will be our chances to win."

Nuria gulped her rum down and I thought she'd choke. She wouldn't stop biting her lower lip while gazing at Joaquim... What was wrong? Although everyone seemed annoyed by his presence, she showed it the most.

I sighed, "Could you give us some privacy for a moment?"

Faria nodded and left. I pulled my chair closer to Giacomo since he was the second captain in the alliance. I had to choose between joining forces with a creepy man and fighting the SHA with a lower chance to win... What a delightful situation! Wasn't that amazing? I wanted to shout due to my desperation.

"Should we work with the crazy guy or fight the SHA with fewer ships and hope for the best?" I took a deep breath. "None of the options are wonderful, but we must choose."

Giacomo sighed, "I'm not fond of Faria. However, I think we should accept him as an ally given the circumstances."

Miguel shook his head in denial, "I completely disagree. How can we trust a man who behaves like that?"

Maartje nodded, "I'm not in favor either. It seems like he'll bother us more than help our fight against the SHA."

"I want to punch him in the face too, but we must be rational," Laurens took a sip of his drink. "I've heard Pilantra is a powerful captain. He could help us greatly."

Nuria sighed, "Joaquim is the last person I'd like as an ally, but we shouldn't dismiss his help. Despite his annoying personality, he gets things done."

Giacomo caressed Nuria's hand, "You're worrying me, amore mio. What happened between you and Faria?"

"Nothing important," Gálvez's sister drank more. "We worked together, engaged in a horrible argument, and never saw each other again."

Why do I feel she's lying?

Miguel and I turned to Nuria. He raised a brow, seemingly thinking the same as me... What was Joaquim and Nuria's real story? She was killing me with that mystery. Why was I so curious? I'd officially become Maartje! Just like her, I wanted to know about other's private lives... How great! Francis walked closer to Nuria as if he wished to know what happened as well.

"Past issues aside, what should we do?" Laurens turned to me. "You're the captain, Storm, so make the final decision."

I felt jitters as everyone turned to me. I wish I was one of the kids at that instant! They didn't have to worry about those things... I sighed, trying not to panic. Joaquim's attitude wasn't the best, but what if he was indeed an efficient captain? We could finally crush the idiots who'd killed my uncle and ruined my happy plundering. If Faria was good at fighting like he was at kissing, we'd succeed... Don't judge me! That wasn't my favorite kiss, but at least Joaquim didn't show he wanted to get rid of me like Dirk did.

"Let's accept the alliance," I pressed my lips together while hoping I wouldn't regret my decision. "If Faria annoys us too much, I'll put fishes on his head and offer him to the seagulls."

Miguel chuckled, "I'll gladly help you with that."

I called Joaquim back to our table. Taking deep breaths, I approached him... He smirked, but I narrowed my eyes to show I wasn't kidding. Nuria wouldn't stop drinking.

Giacomo approached Pilantra, "You may join us, Captain Faria. Behave, or we'll break the alliance."

Joaquim shook Ricci's hand, "Working with you will be delightful."

"I'm glad everything is settled," the Tuscan man smiled. "Miguel, let's get more drinks and food for everyone."

Gálvez raised a brow, "The women here are strong, pero are you really leaving them with Faria?"

The Portuguese man smirked, "Don't worry, I'm not kissing your lady again."

"She's not my..." Miguel cleared his throat as if finishing the sentence was upsetting. "Just don't be disrespectful. It's not hard."

Miguel and Giacomo left. I tilted my head to the side, wondering why Gálvez was bothered by such a little thing... Faria shouldn't have kissed me, but it wasn't a big deal. Besides, I knew how to take care of myself.

I hope Miguel stops acting so weirdly...

I scowled as Faria whispered in Nuria's ear. She stared at her rum glass for a moment, seemingly worried. Maartje raised a brow as Joaquim and Nuria left the table... Guess what? I was even more confused! The two wouldn't stop acting strangely.

My cousin got closer, "Are we eavesdropping?"

"The answer is always yes," I smiled mischievously. "Laurens, you'll watch the kids for a while."

Before my quartermaster could respond, I followed Faria and Miguel's sister to the street right behind the tavern. Just like in old times, my cousin and I hid to hear the conversation... Why was that so fun? I felt like I was thirteen again.

The Spanish woman frowned, "I can't believe you mentioned that thing about your business! Why can't you keep your mouth shut?"

"Poor Nuria! So afraid I'll expose her rotten past that she ran when I showed up at that tavern in Havana," Faria laughed softly. "I thought you didn't keep secrets from Giacomo."

Joaquim was the one Nuria saw when I met her!

Maartje and I looked at each other... I couldn't believe it! Now two pirates who'd have to work together had issues... How wonderful was that? My life was about to get much easier!

Nuria crossed her arms, "My husband knows, you tonto!"

Faria raised his brows, "But your dear brother doesn't! I'm sure he'd love to find out what his sister did..."

She rolled her eyes, "Are you seriously threatening me because of a small revenue loss?"

"It was a huge loss!" Joaquim scowled. "I'll tell everyone what you did to my business."

"If you reveal my secret, I'll do the same with yours!" Nuria's lips curled into a cruel grin. "You admitted it, remember?"

Pilantra breathed faster. He gulped multiple times. Although I couldn't see the Portuguese man clearly, his panic was evident. Maartje frowned, seemingly confused... Another secret between my allies? How great! Nothing could be more delightful.

Joaquim ground his teeth, "You wouldn't dare..."

"Don't underestimate me," Miguel's sister raised her brows. "Your mask will fall faster than a coconut during a hurricane."

"Está bem! I won't say anything if you swear not to expose me," his eyes bulged. "No one can know. Ever."

"I swear," Nuria sighed. "Now, if you excuse me, I have a meal to enjoy."

Joaquim huffed and left after Nuria. Maartje and I gawked, completely clueless. What the hell was going on? Could Nuria and Joaquim be working for the enemy? It didn't seem so, but I wouldn't dismiss any possibilities. I swallowed hard, hoping they weren't hiding crazy things... Who am I kidding? Of course, they were! After all, it's my story we're talking about. Craziness has always been normal in my life. Between battles and secrets, I'd have to find a way to defeat the SHA. 

****

Author's note: Hey! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone is well. Please vote and comment if you enjoyed this chapter and follow the "Battles and Secrets" playlist on Spotify. Also, please take a look at my aesthetic for Joaquim. It's right below the translations. Will this alliance work? What are Nuria and Joaquim hiding? Keep reading and you'll find out... :-)

Foreign words/expressions in order of appearance:

1. Holandesinha means "little Dutch lady" in Portuguese

2. Concordo means "I agree" in Portuguese

3. Mamma mia expresses surprise or annoyance in Italian

4. Amore mio means "my love" in Italian

5. Pero means "but" in Spanish

6. Está bem means "alright" in Portuguese (not a literal translation)

I chose José Fidalgo to be Joaquim because he fits Joaquim's description really well. If "Battles and Secrets" becomes a movie someday, I believe José would be a great choice to play Joaquim. I hope you like my aesthetic!