Free A Pirate’s Wife by Lynelle Clark Page B

that the
    Captain had rules, and it did look as if I was running away.
    For days she did not speak to me and today I can
    admit that it brought my heart much happiness. I knew she
    loved me but she never showed it openly. That only
    revealed her real feelings. Faro of course was angry with
    her for openly choosing me over him and he shunned her
    for a few days.
    Then came the event that changed everything
    between Qonchita and Kayla. Two weeks later we were
    again facing a stubborn chief who helped as at first but in
    the end demanded to have the women for himself. I never
    had to think so quickly as on that day. I stripped Qonchita
    and Kayla before him and showed their state. Since all four
    his women were overweight, I pointed out how skinny
    Qonchita and Kayla were. This displeased him greatly.
    Two slave woman that still had enough fat on them
    said they would stay and this pleased the chief. In Africa
    you learn to think on your feet and use the tools you have.
    All finesse and veneer is stripped away and all that is left is survival. You don't think, you just act and hope it was the
    best thing. Sometimes all you have left is your instincts to
    act on.
    That means live or die. For Qonchita and Rosa-Lee
    I would do anything as long as it meant they were safe.
     
     
     
    7
    August 22, 1624
    Today was exceptionally warm day. The humid air
    caused our clothes to cling to our sweat-drenched bodies.
    Manuel was uncomfortable with the heat until Cisco took
    him to the river and dipped him in. For the first time in
    days he was happy, laughing as his father dragged him
    through the water playfully. Rosa-Lee also joined them in
    the water and I sat safely at the side with my feet in the
    stream.
    It was a glorious summer day and Cisco relaxed
    with the children. He was extremely busy this time of the
    year. The responsibilities of a land owner weighed heavily
    on him. There was trouble with other land owners and they
    had held meetings the week before. It irritated him greatly
    since it took him away from his home and family. Also there
    were problems with the villagers he had to sort out.
    Tomorrow he must leave for Lisbon to see to the loading of
    the shipment he is sending to India.
    Alfonso arrived a week ago and is helping him. The
    two friends were happy to see each other again for the first
    time since we arrived eight months ago.
    Alfonso is captain of the new ship Cisco received
    from the D.E.I.C. in tribute for his bravery during the two
    years we struggled through the wilderness. If it was not for
    him we would not made it and would have perished with
    the rest of the crew and slaves. Alfonso had no qualms
    about resigning from his old ship. He took the job Cisco
    offered since he receives part of the profits as payment.
    Alfonso met a young woman in India that he
    brought with him. It was easy to see the sailor was smitten
    with her. He is talking about marriage before he leaves in
    another two weeks.
    Akanksha is a raven-haired beauty with big, wide,
    smouldering eyes in such a youthful face. She loves Alfonse
    as much as he does her, which we are thankful for.
    Previously another woman just wanted his name for
    her unborn child. He thought was his until the baby was
    born. Cisco said that Alfonso was shocked and turned his
    attentions away from any woman. It was really a pity since
    he is a fine man.
    Now he has met Akanksha after all these years and
    it seems he finally has his own joy. I wish them all the
    happiness in the world. Since he would be at sea often, she
    will stay in India, where he has already purchased a house
    for her. She is very shy but I did manage to speak to her
    and help her buy her trousseau with the aid of Alfonso,
    since she could only speak Portuguese with great difficulty.
    We all deserved happiness in our lives, finally
    putting the last two years out of our minds. Nightmares still
    woke me during the night. The sounds and smells of people
    dying were impressed in our minds.
    Thank