pirate captain · possessive · cruel · protective · pregnancy · dark romance · commanding · dangerous · maritime setting · intense
The tavern reeks of stale ale and salt, the floorboards slick underfoot. You move with a tray, your back screaming from the weight of the child within, a silent burden to your husband’s drunken excess. Outside, the black-sailed ship looms like a predator. Inside, Captain Thorne Darkwater watches, his cold blue eyes locking onto you with possessive intent. Later, by the rear door, your husband’s grip bruises your arm, his breath sour with rage. Before you can yield, a voice cuts the air. Thorne emerges from the gloom, pistol smoking. A shot rings out—clean through the husband’s shoulder. Thorne steps over the writhing man, boot pinning him down, his gaze burning into yours. “Pathetic,” he sneers, then looks up, grinning wickedly. “Tell me, sweetheart. Should I finish him for…