That was the slowest week ever. Luckily, my friends and allies agreed with traveling for that strange dinner. My crew and I arrived in Havana before the big night, so we had to find things to do... Meanwhile, the anxiety wouldn't cease. Besides leaving the kids in San Agustín, I'd meet a woman who could get me rid of the SHA. Too good to be true, I know. What if my mother had lied? At least Andrew had a house in Havana where I could run to in case things got complicated... Maybe there were SHA men in the residence as well! Who knew? Alright, enough of my paranoid mind. It was late afternoon. Miguel was with me, but Francis had stayed with Maartje and Laurens. Walking with Gálvez calmed me down, which was exactly what I needed after almost getting killed by my mom. Miguel nodded as I slowly told him my mother's story.

"I feel bad for your mom, but why's she so stubborn?" the Spaniard sighed. "You two are muy physically similar based on your description!"

"My mother can't believe the truth because her impression of pirates is horrible," I glanced at the sun. "She thinks all of us are unscrupulous and violent."

Miguel raised a brow, "Even Ruben? Your uncle treated us with nothing but respect and love."

"She only sees him as the man who asked rapists to watch her," I bit my lower lip while recalling my uncle's death. "I wouldn't be surprised if she ordered his assassination."

"I don't think your mother went that far," Gálvez walked closer. "You said Andrew sent men to kill a random crewmember, so she probably doesn't know who the victim was."

"Nothing surprises me anymore," I rubbed my forehead. "Mom isn't crazy like Hendrika, but she's broken, which still makes her dangerous."

He shrugged, "Maybe you can help her once she realizes you aren't a liar."

"Only if the lady I'll meet tomorrow isn't evil," I took a deep breath. "I'm in her hands now."

"How will a dinner solve such a huge problem?" Gálvez chewed on his lip. "This is so strange..."

"Tell me about it," I shook my head in denial. "If I won a gold coin each time someone makes me crazy, I'd be the richest pirate ever."

Miguel winked, "You can't become something you already are."

"Very funny," I chuckled and narrowed my eyes. "Joking is my job. If you take it away from me, I'll punish you."

"Really?" his lips curled into a coy smile. "What would my punishment be?"

"Something ruthless," I grinned provocatively while approaching him. "I promise you'll never forget it."

He slightly downturned his head, "I wouldn't complain if you gave me a demonstration."

"I'll think about it since you're so hot... I mean, nice!" I cleared my throat and slapped my forehead. "I totally meant nice! It was the alcohol talking."

Hot? Seriously? Don't say that to a friend! What's wrong with you, Eva?

Miguel laughed softly. I really hoped he believed the alcohol excuse... Guess who the queen of embarrassment was? Me! Gulping, I felt myself blushing. My eyes widened, but I'd never been so relieved to see the SHA men. Breathing faster, I took a step back.

"The grandmas are here!" I pulled Gálvez by the arm. "Let's go!"

My legs burned as we ran from our enemies... How did they find us again? Had my mom betrayed me? I shook my head in denial, trying not to think about it. The men were so determined to catch us that they pushed everyone on their way... Yeah, I felt bad for the poor civilians. A man in an Armada uniform pushed a lady so violently that she tripped and all her things crashed against the ground... Are you sure pirates are the bad guys? Anyway, I turned left so quickly that I thought my hat would fall. I sighed in relief as we reached an empty alley.

I wiped the sweat off my forehead, "I guess we're safe now."

"There were too many malditos after us," Miguel looked around. "At least it can't get any worse."

Suddenly, more SHA men showed up, leaving us no way out. I gulped, feeling like an ant surrounded by wolves. I grabbed my broadsword and Gálvez did the same... Why Maartje had to walk with Francis that evening? Damn it! I needed his formidable biting skills.

I huffed, "You had to ruin it, didn't you?"

Miguel blinked fast, "What are you talking about?"

"It always gets worse when you say that!" I scowled. "Didn't life teach you anything?"

He chuckled, "If the universe listened to me that much, we wouldn't be arguing right now."

"Really?" I narrowed my eyes. "What would we be doing?"

"I don't necessarily have something in mind," Gálvez forced a laugh. "Qué locura..."

"Of course!" I shot him a defiant stare. "Because you have better things to occupy your mind with!"

If we argue, Miguel will like me less, so it'll be easier to weaken my emotions.

A guy cleared his throat... Why did he interrupt us? The argument was going so well! Once again, my perfect plan had been destroyed. When I turned around, I wanted to puke... Guess who it was? My English stepfather! I thought Havana would be free of SHA idiots since I'd have the important dinner there, but I was wrong.

Atkins took a step forward, "You said you two aren't a couple, but you surely argue like one."

"Last chance to accept my gold and leave us alone," I smiled. "Wouldn't that be better than my sword in your chest?"

The admiral pointed at me, "Attack them!"

I shrugged, "He clearly doesn't like to negotiate."

I took a deep breath as the conflict began. Miguel and I fought them fiercely. I hoped we wouldn't get too injured... or have our fabulous coats ruined. I grimaced once an RNN man sliced my shoulder, spilling some blood. With my skin burning, I stabbed the guy in the thigh, making him scream. Our swords clashed multiple times until I took advantage of a weak spot. He flinched once I struck my blade against his waist. I blocked my opponent after an attack and stabbed him in the stomach. I sighed as the guy crashed against the ground. Gálvez defeated his opponent a few moments later.

Miguel smiled sweetly, "You were wrong, Eva. There's nothing better than you to think about."

Why is he torturing me?

Praying my cheeks hadn't turned red, I looked away to hide my grin... Yes, I couldn't make Miguel mad at me! Are you happy? Back to the blood spilling... I'd defeated more SHA idiots after a few blows. Atkins ran away like a coward. Although we'd taken down many men, two remained. My eyes bulged as an Armada guy approached Gálvez from behind. Miguel was fighting the second man, so he couldn't see the bastard. I got in front of the idiot, so our swords clashed. I punched my enemy in the face, stopped his blade from hurting Gálvez, and stabbed him in the chest. The guy fell on the floor at the same time Miguel knocked the other man down. There was blood all over the floor.

"He could've killed me," Miguel gawked while observing the bastard. "Thank you for saving my life."

"I can't lose you," I caressed his back. "Besides, it's the least I could do after you jumped into that fire. I owed you."

"You owe me nothing. We should relax after tantas battles..." Gálvez shot me a mysterious glance. "I have an idea!"

My stomach fluttered as he gently took me by the hand. I hated myself for it, but I couldn't pull away. I followed Miguel to some small bushes near the beach. I breathed slowly to stop my heart from racing... Seriously, what was wrong with me? I gulped as the sky was getting dark. For a reason I couldn't admit, I didn't want that day to end... and it wasn't because I'd need to have dinner with the random lady the next night. I chuckled when Miguel grabbed a red hibiscus from a bush.

He didn't forget!

Gálvez looked deep into my eyes, "I couldn't say yes that night because of my father, but it's never too late."

"How can you be so cute?" I laughed while shaking my head in denial. "I can't believe you're doing this!"

"Time for the big question," Miguel offered me the hibiscus. "Would you go out with me in exchange for this hermosa flower?"

I bit my lower lip until I tasted my blood. Although I feared doing stupid things, I wanted to accept the proposition... and I wanted it so bad. I fought against my emotions more than ever, but what harm could that ride cause? Miguel was the best company, and I needed peace after that craziness with my mom.

"You don't need to offer me anything to go out with you," I sighed. "The answer is yes, but this isn't a date."

"Of course," he placed the red hibiscus in my hair. "This flower fits you."

"Seriously?" I chuckled. "I'm sure I look weird."

"You're always beautiful, but if you insist..." Miguel grabbed another red hibiscus and put it in his hair. "Let's look weird together."

We laughed. No, you didn't read it wrong, he really did that for me. My damn heart pounded again... Why wouldn't it stop? Stupid hibiscus! It was all the flower's fault... At least that's what I preferred to believe.

I raised a brow, "Aren't you worried people will laugh at you?"

Miguel shook his head in denial, "No te preocupes. As long as it makes you smile, I don't care."

My lips curled into such a wide grin I thought my cheeks would explode. That was one of the best days of my life. We ate, talked, laughed, danced... I couldn't believe it when I saw the night had come. I smiled more in a few hours with Miguel than in almost five years with Dirk. We got rid of our flowers and went for a walk at the beach. Closing my eyes, I felt the breeze. There was no fear, sadness, or anger... Just two weird pirates and hibiscus flowers.

"Thank you for today. I really needed this," I gazed at the stars. "Especially because I might die soon if the lady hates me."

He caressed my shoulder, "That will only happen if she's crazy."

"Please come for dinner tomorrow," I pressed my lips together while recalling the upcoming challenge. "I can't face her alone. Besides, SHA men might be there."

Miguel nodded, "Por supuesto. No problem."

"The last time I was this nervous was when Dirk attacked me," I squeezed my eyes shut. "If that bastard wanted me to hate love, he succeeded."

"So... you won't give love a second chance?" Gálvez cleared his throat. "Not even if somebody completely different from him shows up?"

I shook my head in denial, "I'll never love again."

Miguel sighed pronouncedly, seemingly thinking. I wondered what was on his mind... Had I said something wrong? I hoped not! I'd made enough mistakes already. Hurting him wasn't exactly my idea of fun.

Gálvez rubbed his neck, "Hypothetically, if you changed your mind, what type of person would you look for?"

"Not sure," I laughed nervously. "Probably a man who treats me right."

"What else?" he slightly downturned his head. "Again, hypothetically."

Taking a deep breath, I remembered Bosch's proposal. I hadn't asked myself Miguel's question before accepting to be Dirk's wife. I was so sure the redhead was what I deserved that I didn't think much. My eyes widened as I came up with a response.

"I want somebody who makes me happy, respects me, and loves me for who I am," I smiled while imagining the ideal partner. "I need someone who'll be my friend. I need..."

I need you!

No, I couldn't say that out loud. If I did, it'd become real. However, it was too late. I breathed fast once my eyes met Miguel's. Although my heart raced, the cause wasn't distress... It was pure joy. My stomach fluttered as he placed both hands on my face. Closing my eyes, I felt Miguel's lips on mine. I opened my mouth slightly, letting our tongues taste each other. My body felt warm inside once he pulled me closer by the waist. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I never wanted to let him go. I wasn't merely physically attracted to Miguel... The four-letter word had returned. Exactly what I'd felt for Dirk years ago, but much more powerful.

This was the best kiss ever! Why didn't I do this before?

We slowly let go of each other after opening our eyes. Miguel's lips curled into a sweet smile. We've been flirting, teasing, spending time together... and yet I pretended not to notice my feelings became stronger! Honestly, I didn't want to see the truth. My head was spinning. I wanted to regret the kiss, but I couldn't. A voice in my mind said I should do it again... Guess what? I didn't listen! My heart wasn't ready to accept love a second time. Bosch had broken me too much inside. Pacing, I avoided looking at Gálvez.

My eyes were frozen open, "I... I have to go."

Miguel took my hands in his, "Is something wrong?"

"I loved what just happened," I ground my teeth. "That's the problem."

I walked away. Even though I couldn't see Miguel's face, he definitely wasn't smiling. My stomach still fluttered, but some tears ran down my face. Things had gone too far. I wouldn't let my emotions control me again. My feelings for Miguel were clearly everything but weak. I leaned against a coconut tree once I was far away enough. Although my heart needed Miguel, I couldn't allow myself to be in another relationship. Staring at the sand, I hoped I hadn't made a mistake by letting my fear win. 

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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. All translations can be found below. This is one of my favorite chapters and now you know why... ;-) What does the future hold for Eva and Miguel after this major event? Will our dear captain stop fighting her heart? Keep reading and you'll find out... :-)

Author's birthday: I'm turning 20 on December 18th (YAAAY! 🥳 Age reveal lol 🤣), so feel free to drop me a happy birthday here! 🎂 The more heart emojis you comment, the more I'll feel your love... ❤ --->

I dedicate this chapter to my dear friend Rynstadoll

Foreign words/expressions in order of appearance:

1. Que locura means "how crazy" in Spanish

2. Tantas means "so many" in Spanish

3. Hermosa means "beautiful" in Spanish

4. No te preocupes means "don't worry" in Spanish

5. Por supuesto means "of course" in Spanish