Captain Monster's male crew surprised me. On my first week in the Sea Urchin, some of them treated me with kindness, but most were hostile. They didn't take me, Maartje, or any other woman in the ship seriously. Some sailors flirted with me and even said some nasty things, so their respect for women was none. I had to rise to the challenge by changing my identity. I know what you're thinking and no, I didn't give them a fake name or made up stories about my life. Using the art of deception, I acted like a man. There were some days I was so eager to show them I could be part of their group that I talked about women as if I wasn't one. Although I sometimes had fun while pretending, it was mostly torture. I developed a strong friendship with the female crew, but the same only happened with the men after six months. After talking to the guys for several days as if I belonged, I convinced them eventually that I wasn't a damsel in distress. Even Quartermaster Devil had started appreciating my talents, so he let me help the boatswain adjust the sails occasionally. I still worked mostly as a swabbie and he always acted like a tyrant despite that one good attitude. Since I questioned punishments and responded to rudeness more than once, I gained a few extra scars on my back and got even more popular. I played my part so well that the men started treating all the women in the Sea Urchin better.

On a particular night, I talked with six other men on the forecastle deck. When I finished adjusting the foremast's sails, I climbed down the shrouds and sat to continue the conversation. Maartje, Sven and Laurens were there as well. Francis sat beside me and I caressed his back occasionally. He became one of my best friends and rarely left my side. Captain Monster tried to rape me once, but the dog showed up and bit his legs so many times that he couldn't walk for days. After that, the captain never tried violating me again. Yes, that's how spectacular Francis was.

"That was one hell of a day, mates!" I took a sip of rum. "I still can't believe my brother believed the RNN carried fire torches..."

Four men laughed. Maartje smiled widely as she heard my stories. Laurens held a rum bottle, but he barely drank from it.

"You're the best, Storm!" a guy said, giving me a pat on the back.

Some crew members called me Storm. Others referred to me as Eva and a few preferred Van Acker. Don't look at me, this was Maartje and Sven's fault! They were the ones who made the guys find out about my nickname.

"Let's go," I stood up and hid near the bowsprit. "Captain Monster is approaching! He'll see us!"

Sven chuckled, "The nickname you gave Fletcher is brilliant!"

At that instant, Captain Fletcher observed the land we approached. After weeks of constant looting and punishments, he finally decided to let us get some rest.

"Get ready! We're docking in Nassau," the bloodthirsty captain bit his lower lip as if stop sailing for a while bothered him. "Be back here tomorrow morning, or you're staying behind."

Sometimes I wish I could stay behind instead of putting up with you!

Nassau was a great place for pirates to hang out, so I'd finally get rid of Fletcher and Knight for a couple of hours. I usually walked with my friends when we docked somewhere, but I needed to be alone for a while on that night.

Francis whined when I was walking out of the ship.

"Don't worry, buddy," I hugged the dog and smiled. "I'll be back soon."

He barked and licked my arms. Once I realized Francis was calmer, I left Sea Urchin and went for a walk around the island. The moment to put the two tyrants where they belonged was approaching, so I had to relax as much as possible. I needed to spare my energy.

I smirked as I looked around, "Indeed, a lot of pirates seem to come here."

The restaurants and taverns were full of men wearing clothes similar to mine. Different from me, most of them wore cocked hats. Some smoked, others drank. I sighed, wondering If I would ever be close to my fellow pirates. Although Captain Monster's crew was friendly and appeared to respect me, how could I be sure whether they were really my friends?

I walked to the beach and sat by a coconut tree. The sound of the ocean was so calming... God, I could listen to that forever. My hair fluttered slowly as the wind blew. I closed my eyes while the sand brushed my skin, but quickly recoiled. I'd accidentally touched someone else's hand.

I blinked fast, "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to..."

"No need to apologize, guapa," a seductive male voice said. "I don't mind being touched by you..."

I gawked as I looked to my right. When I laid my eyes on the stranger, I suddenly felt myself getting warmer inside. He was the most good-looking man I'd ever seen in my life. He appeared to be a little older than me, had olive skin, thin beard, medium straight dark-brown hair and eyes of the same color. God, his body... It was unbelievably perfect. Also, I'd never met a man with such an attractive voice. His beauty was exotic. The red-haired sailor I'd thrown into the ocean was cute, but that guy was something else.

"Hey there, handsome..." I grinned mischievously. "What did you just call me?"

Did I just compliment a complete stranger? I need to stop saying what I think! Damn alcohol!

"I called you beautiful since that's what you are," his head was slightly downturned. "I'm Miguel."

I won't lie, I felt insanely attracted by Miguel. Was that a trap? Maybe he worked for someone who was out to get me? Honestly, I didn't care. I had to stop being paranoid at least once in my life.

I smiled coyly, "It's nice to meet you. I'm Eileen."

Yes, I lied to the stranger, but what else could I do? After all, I was a pirate, so giving my real name would be madness. Besides, sometimes it was fun to pretend... I said sometimes! I wasn't sure if the alcohol was what caused me to be so attracted to Miguel. My heart was beating faster than ever and I felt a strange will of touching him again.

"Eileen? What a wonderful name," he winked at me. "The pleasure is all mine, believe me."

"You're smooth. Not that I'm complaining..." I approached Miguel and tilted my head. "I like your accent. May I ask where you are from?"

"I'm from Toledo, Spain. What about you?" Miguel ran a hand through his hair as he analyzed my face. "You seem to be either English, Dutch, or French."

Besides cute, he's smart? My God... Control yourself, Eva!

I chuckled, "You almost got it right! My parents are English, but I was born and raised in Nassau."

"I see," the Spaniard got slightly closer. "By the way, what is a beauty such as yourself doing here alone at night?"

I turned to the ocean for an instant. What would my friends think if they saw me talking to that stranger? Was I making a mistake? My mind started bothering me with weird questions as if it wanted to make me forget about the Spaniard. No, I wouldn't let my mistrustfulness get in the way of fun.

"The ocean makes me feel alive," I sighed and closed my eyes while listening to the waves. "I come here whenever I can to calm down."

Yes, I lied three times, but come on! I had to create a persona... Besides, it was true that I observed the sea to relax. Miguel nodded and raised his brows, apparently intrigued. I desire him more at each second that passed by. I felt like a man multiple times after becoming a pirate, especially at Sea Urchin, and it was about time that I felt like a woman... if you know what I mean.

"I enjoy visiting el mar frequently as well," Miguel turned to the sea but kept eye contact. "It's magical."

You are much more magical than the sea... Damn it! Stop, Eva!

I got a little closer, "What about you? What brings you here?"

The Spaniard laughed softly. He seemed intriguing and I wanted to get to know him better. Besides, I hadn't gotten the chance to talk to any Spaniards before Miguel. I raised a brow, wondering if he'd try to fool me as I'd done with him.

"I walk around this area very often," he turned to me. "When I saw you sitting here, I felt you needed some company."

As Miguel put an arm around my waist, I felt an odd shiver run through my body. I usually would've recoiled, perhaps even threatened him with my cutlass, but I didn't want that moment to end. He awakened pleasant sensations in me. Besides, the last thing I needed was coming back to Captain Monster.

I grinned sarcastically, "Although that's very thoughtful of you, we both know you didn't come here to become my friend."

"I'd be more than happy to be your friend," his lips curled into a coy smile, "but you're too gorgeous for that, don't you agree?"

I tilted my head slightly downward, "Really? I didn't know you were attracted to women dressed as men."

"Eileen, you're perfecta as you are. Besides beautiful, you're unique and spontaneous," Miguel narrowed his eyes seductively while sliding a hand down my back. "No woman has ever caught my attention as much as you did."

Miguel must be really desperate. Why else would a guy like him come after me?

Despite being skeptical about the Spaniard's intentions, I couldn't suppress my desire. I wanted Miguel so bad that I didn't mind if I was just another woman for him. He was all that I needed that night.

Miguel winked, "Also, what interests me the most is what's under your clothes."

I felt myself blushing. It was as if the Spaniard knew precisely what I wanted. I sighed and looked away, wondering if I'd make a big mistake.

"Today's your lucky day then," I smiled flirtatiously, "because I want all of you."

I bit my lower lip so sharply that it almost bled. What was I thinking? I couldn't believe I'd said that to a complete stranger! I breathed faster than ever. That was the first time I'd let my desires take control of myself like that. He was so attractive and sweet that I couldn't resist. In addition, being a man for six months was exhausting, so I was desperate to feel like a woman.

The Spaniard approached me and slowly pulled me closer. My hands trembled a little as that situation was new to me. His smell of roses got stronger, making my body warm like a flame. He caressed my face as if touching a delicate flower. I closed my eyes, feeling the wind against my cheeks again, and Miguel pressed his lips against mine. God, that was the best first kiss I could've ever asked for... His tongue pushed past my clenched teeth as if it tried to reach my throat. I returned the favor, kissing Miguel even more passionately. Then he did it again, causing an explosion of amazing sensations in me. Damn, he was good... I guess he didn't mind my rum breath after all.

Miguel recoiled, "Do I have your permission to continue?"

My eyes widened. Miguel was more considerate than I'd given him credit for. I thought the Spaniard would keep going regardless of my wishes, but he caught me by surprise with his kindness, which made me like him even more. I took a deep breath, hoping to be ready.

I approached him, "Don't stop..."

His lips curled into a broad grin. Miguel slowly left a trail of kisses on my neck, taking my breath away. His hands ran down my waist and he removed my vest. I quickly took off his shirt. His body was unbelievably better without that layer of cloth... We removed the rest of our clothes and soon resumed our intimate moment. Miguel kissed me deeply again. As I looked at the stars, I hoped that night would never end. Our bodies were so close that they appeared to be only one.

His mouth was slightly open, "Dios mío, you're a dream..."

I chuckled, "Yeah, right."

"I mean it," Miguel caressed my face slowly. "You're simply wonderful, Eileen."

I let the Spaniard continue. He kissed me from neck to chest and I couldn't stop smiling as I felt him. Although Miguel touched my back more than once, he didn't flinch a single time due to my horrifying scars. In a few moments, our intimate moment reached its highest point. I felt like a woman for the first time that night and the feeling was even more pleasant than I'd imagined.

After that magical experience, we got dressed and walked around the town for a while. I was captivated by Miguel's warm voice. I wished to hear that voice for the rest of my life. Also, I wouldn't stop looking into his eyes, those amazing Spanish eyes... The Spaniard was so dashing that I couldn't pay attention to what he was saying, I just kept looking at him. I was beyond happy... For a reason I couldn't understand, I felt safe with him. His right arm was around my back while he talked about his life back in Spain. Miguel's smile faded as we approached the port.

I frowned a little, "What's wrong, Miguel?"

"Unfortunately, I'll have to leave. My friends are waiting for me and I'll be late if I stay here longer," Miguel sighed as his lips curled into a charming smile. "I loved the time we spent together, Eileen. You are extraordinary. I've never met a woman as remarkable as you."

I nodded and faked a smile, trying to hide my frustration. I felt myself blushing, which made me want to disappear. Miguel was so sweet and gentle... I didn't want him to leave. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't falling for the Spaniard... or was I? Anyway, I just didn't want him to go because he was so handsome, charming and sweet. I won't lie, I enjoyed his company a lot. Besides, I didn't want to see the bloody tyrants again. Anything was better than coming back to Sea Urchin... well, except for seeing Hendrika.

"Thank you. I loved spending time with you as well," I laughed softly as I felt my heart beating faster. "You're amazing."

Amazing? Really? Stop saying what you think, Eva! Control yourself!

Miguel chuckled and hugged me tight, pressing his body against mine. My eyes bulged and I gawked since I was expecting a handshake. Slowly, I returned the embrace. I closed my eyes while enjoying every second that our warm hug lasted. That was another first time: hugging someone I barely knew.

"I don't like handshakes," Miguel smirked seductively. "Besides, we're no longer strangers to each other after what we did at the beach."

I guess he has a point. Besides, I don't mind feeling him again at all...

I raised my brows and smiled. Although I wouldn't admit it to myself, I wanted to see Miguel again someday. While I admired the Spaniard's inviting eyes, he kissed my right hand. Besides blushing, I giggled. God, I hated giggling... it made me feel so stupid!

He took a step back, "Hasta luego. I hope we meet again, Eileen."

I waved goodbye and sighed, "I hope we meet again too, Miguel."

My heart was beating so fast that I thought it would explode. I couldn't believe how perfect that night was... Nothing could possibly ruin it! After suffering at home for years, uncovering lies, going through a shipwreck, and putting up with violent leaders, I deserved a moment of pleasure. I felt as if I was floating.

My eyes gleamed, "What a wonderful night! I feel like I'm glowing..."

"Is that how you felt when you tried to kill me?" a familiar angry voice said from behind.

I gulped. No, it couldn't be. Wasn't that guy dead? I curved and raised my brows. There was no way he'd found me. Angry voice, green eyes, fair skin, thin beard... and the medium wavy red hair.

It's him! The guy I threw out the ship!

I grinned flirtatiously, "What are you talking about? I'm sure I'd remember such a handsome man..."

His cheeks turned red and I couldn't tell if it was due to embarrassment or anger. Once he glared at me, it was evident that my strategy didn't work. The rage appeared to burn him inside.

"You won't deceive me," the sailor scowled as he pursed the lips. "Regardless of how stunning you look in man's clothes."

I forced a smile and pointed at a tavern, "Why don't we have a drink?"

The redhead reached for his cutlass. His expression was stern. My heart almost jumped out of my chest as he got closer. I didn't know what drove me crazier: the fear of dying or how anger insanely enhanced his good looks.

"What do you think you're doing, Dirk?" the man on his left said, widening his eyes.

So that's his name...

Dirk growled and struck a blow with his sword, apparently hoping to hurt my neck. After dodging, I kicked him between the legs. The redhead flinched, screamed in pain and dropped his cutlass.

Dirk ground his teeth, "Not again!"

His entire head got red as if all of his blood had gone there. Since Dirk was a little drunk, I took advantage of his slowness, stole the cutlass and took off running. A vast amount of sweat ran down my face as I breathed through my mouth. Dirk still chased me. I gulped since there was no way out.

I squeezed my eyes shut, "Damn it!"

When I was almost losing hope, I quickly entered a restaurant. Some customers screamed when they saw me with a sword. Afraid that Dirk would find me, I hid in an empty alley.

"I can't believe the redhead is alive!" I gasped as my eyes bulged. "What the hell just happened?"

Once I was sure the danger had gone away, I returned to Sea Urchin. Although I preferred spending more time exploring the city, I couldn't risk meeting the hotheaded guy again. A part of me wanted to see Dirk one more time because I found him interesting since the day we met. However, I wasn't going to take the risk. God, I never thought I'd experience so many emotions in such a short amount of time. In the same night, a handsome Spaniard gave me pleasure and an enraged sailor tried to kill me... How crazy!

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Foreign words/expressions in order of appearance: