She was gone, the honey that touched her lips, the eyes that took his words wide open and not repulsed by his claim, left his arms. Nicki was off to do her duty, her job. Jax was proud of that, strangely enough. He set his eyes on the bow of the ship and coaxed speed and direction with his hands on the wheel. “Come on, girl. Don't you fret on the kisses here.” He whispered to his Lady Ship. “You know she loves you too, just as I do. Just as the Captain does. We are yours now show us how you care for us.” 

The screams on the waves picked and rolled just like the sea. As soon as the song tried to tickle his ears again he licked his lips. The taste of her honey still lingered on them he was sure. Her left over sweetness was more powerful that a sting in his ear. He shook his head to cast off the song and it turned again to screams. He held tight to the wheel. He held tight to that taste.

Jax looked at the sails as they fluttered. Why were they not being tended to? With a stern face he looked down to the deck and saw men mesmerised by the song. Shocked he yelled but they did not hear him at all. He pulled the wheel quick making up for the slack in the sails and moving the booms as quick as the ship would turn. He was on his own here. He and the Dust Skate would have to dance to fill their sails.

Well, dance she would. He swung the bow and twisted the stern until the wind filled the slacking sails. As he judged his turns he saw the sea monster climb on board and devourer those who stood in frozen amazement that too late turned to horror. The sight was gruesome. Jax licked his lips to taste her honey. It was his defense. It was her protection.

When he saw the Captain go down he screamed from his post, “To his side! Antonia!” He was not sure his yell could be heard above the screams of men and sirens and the crack of thunder. 

Thunder? As quick as he shouted the sea and air had changed. In panic Jax felt sure the change was from the evil sea cows that fed on the crew and boarded his lovely ship. He fought to resist the pull, sure it was not done for their benefit. But in only a minute he felt the ship accept the new wind in her sail and Jax realized it would not be a fight he would win. They would head with the storm. They would run with the sky. He hoped his wondrous moon was guiding all of them. He prayed the wind was sent to aid. Years ago Jax had learn when to fight the forces of the sea and when to bend to their will and way. This was him leaning way over to fill the sails and ride the sudden huge waves. Run, over the waves, over the sea. Jax was letting the ship gian wind and speed. 

Slowly Jax curled his lips into his mouth craving again the taste that would reassure him, letting his tongue remember her. Wind and rain in his face, hands on the wheel and the sweetness of honey made hope rise inside him.