One week had passed after THAT midnight in my room. Jacob and I never had a chance to talk about the kiss. When the morning came, another naval ship was on our tail. We were able to escape but Labyrinth took some severe damage so we were forced to secretly anchor near an island for four days to make repairs.

After that, we noticed our funds were getting low because of the cost of repairs so we followed the route of one of our target ships for three days so we could loot. And there she was, just a couple miles away, Victoria! She was sporting a carved water sprite as a figure head. It was one of the most luxurious ships I had ever seen.

According to our inquisition, there were several dishonest Beckforth merchants aboard the ship and one corrupt noble by the name of Sir Adrian LePlue-- that means there would be more guards than normal! Victoria also hosts illegal auctions with stolen antiquities from native tribes that were conquered, and worse sometimes even women with exotic descent.

This time, I went with the group that would infiltrate Victoria. We were quite shocked that the guards we were expecting were not present so we explored the lower decks. Then, we heard loud cheers and claps. We followed the direction of the sound and noticed four guards on patrol in front of two wooden doors with golden knobs carved with the face of the water sprite similar to the figure head.

Sandlot and Urdel incapacitated the guards and Zaki opened the doors. There was an auction going on! The rest of the guards quickly fired at us while the guest ducked on the floor. We retaliated and since Lowen was in a sniping position, taking the guards down was not as difficult as how I predicted it to be.

Just like always, we separated the men and the women. Then, Jacob smiled at them and told them of our purpose. The only one who objected was the nobleman Sir Adrian LePlue. But since his guards were all killed in the heat of the combat, there was no power in his words anymore.

Thus, we began to loot. The women immediately took their jewels off and placed them in our sacks. Jacob and I headed straight to the valuables in the auction and placed them carefully in crates.

"We need to give these items back to the rightful owners," Jacob said. I nodded in response.

She was beautiful to behold but her hands and feet were bound in chains. I looked at Jacob and his eyes were glued on her. But, it was different this time. Usually, he would look at women flirtatiously but this time he looked at her with concern. She, however, looked at us with those doe-shaped light brown eyes with utmost curiosity. No fear… just curious.

Jacob sighed as he began to break the chains of her cage. "What's your name?" he asked.

The gyspsy looked at me first and smirked before looking back at Jacob, "Monika," she answered.

Jacob went into the cage and began to unlock Monika's chains.

"SHE'S MINE!!!" Sir Adrian LaPlue claimed.

Monika rolled her eyes, "Oh please…."

Jacob ignored him and continued on releasing Monika from her bondage.

"I SAID SHE'S MINE, THIEF!" LaPlue exclaimed again.

Jacob quickly turned and glared at the nobleman. "Be quiet you chauvinist pig!" he said, gritting his teeth. LaPlue cowered in fear at the sound of Jacob's angry voice.

"Thank you, sir," Monika said as she massaged her wrists.

Jacob smiled at her gently, "Jacob. My name's Jacob."

Monika smiled, "Why, thank you Jacob."

"You're welcome."

I cleared my throat and Jacob chuckled. Monika looked at the both of us and squinted her eyes as if she realized something. She quickly walked towards me and held her hand. "I am Monika, Miss."

Jacob looked at me with hopeful eyes. I know he wanted to know my real name but it doesn't matter anymore. I do not care about who I was before. What I care about is who I am at present and who I will be in the future. I happened to like my new name now.

"Darling, call me Darling," I answered and accepted Monika's handshake.

I saw Jacob sighed disappointingly. Monika looked back at Jacob and then whispered to me, "He is quite a handsome pirate, don't you think?"

My face turned warm so I knew I turned pink which Monika noticed right away. She chuckled teasingly, "Are you two--" she was about to ask but I cut her off right away.

"NO!! We are NOT!" I answered.

Monika smirked again and whispered once more, "Why not? Is he already spoken for?"

I gave Jacob a quick glance. He was already commanding the crew to take the treasures that we stole back to Labyrinth. "I don't know. Why are you asking me such questions?"

"Well… if you two are not in a relationship, do you mind then if I take my chances?" she teased and looked at me with a studying stare.

My ears turned pink. I was irritated right away. "What do you mean by that?"

She chuckled again and I know she's teasing. She looked at Jacob and stared at him from foot to head, "Look at him! Who wouldn't find him likeable? He's definitely a knight in shining armor," Monika said.

"I do not know what you are trying to get at," I replied.

"You are NOT attracted to him?" she asked again.

"WHAT?!" What is wrong with this woman? We had just met and she was already comfortable making conversations such as these with me.

"If you are NOT, well I definitely AM," she said candidly. "Do you think he will accept me as a member of his crew?" I looked at her with disbelief. Monika waved her hand, "Oh nevermind, I'll ask him myself," she said and walked to him.

My eyes widened as she linked her arms with Jacob. Jacob quickly looked at me and smiled apologetically as he unlinked Monika's arm from him. Monika turned to me and smirked again. She is definitely up to something.

*****

When we got back to Labyrinth and started sailing, Monika right away got along with the crew, especially with Puma, Wabi, Laurel, Fifer, and Tibet. She liked dancing and would dance to the beat of the musicians' tunes and songs. And when she danced, I could not help but to stare and admire her graceful movements. I began to feel annoyed again.

Thoughts began to cloud my mind as I watched her dance. Will she be another Zivi who would be a constant visitor to Jacob's room? Or will she be a Namibel who would want Jacob to father her child? Or maybe an Arella who would seduce him until he obeys her bidding? I groaned. One thing I learned about Jacob is that he is such a rake! He couldn't help himself especially when women were the ones throwing themselves at him!

"She's a dancing gypsy," Jacob told me and sat beside me. I rolled my eyes. 'Speak of the rake.'

"I see…" I said. My voice was clearly irritated.

"She was requesting if …"

"What? She could be a member of the crew?" I cut him off. "Well, she's easy on the eyes and I think she would be willing to accompany you in bed," I snapped.

Jacob's eyebrows met, "She requested if we could drop her off at Sirumaha. Her family lives there. They are nomadic gypsies. She was abducted to be auctioned off," he replied and looked at me sternly.

I widened my eyes with my sudden realization, "Oh…" I responded suddenly feeling embarrassed about my outbursts.

"I am asking if it is alright with you to drop her off," he said gently and looked at me intently.

I blushed. Suddenly, I'm lost. Why was he asking me for permission? So, without thinking I replied with, "Why do I care? It is your ship. You are the captain. You do what you want."

I closed my eyes after hearing what came out of my mouth. It sounded very rude. I looked at Jacob and saw him shake his head and clench his jaw. He gave me a forced smile and it scared me. Then, he stood up, "Very well milady. I will do as you suggest," he snapped and walked towards Monika and the musicians who noticed him right away.

Monika scrunched her brows and then turned to me. She smirked and then rested her lower arm on Jacob's shoulder. This time, Jacob did not take it off. Monika chuckled and looked at me again. She tilted her head to tease. I arched my brow in response.