On his rump with his hands tight on the book over his head Jax sat for a minute realizing how this was the right end to his Night Bloom night or right beginning to the next day. He started to chuckle until he heard the sweet music of an oh so female voice dripped with concern. For him? Well that was sort of lovely. And in that minute only Jax decided he did truly need help. Oh yes, his battered male ego needed the concerned eyes and soft touch of whomever was behind that glorious melody. 

His chuckle shifted to a look of pain. He could have a hurt ass, not a problem. 

Jax slowly lowered the book glancing at the cover to make sure no mud splashed up. The first mate was pissed enough. No need to add any salt to that wound. As he lowered the book and found his sad eyes he looked to the woman who had run to his aid. His eyes started at her fine silk gown, the rich fabric, crafted stitches, shimmering color. His eyes ran up the curves of the silken dress to the tight fitted waist and the full chest that was snugly fitted into a wonderful taunt display of tease and promise between wealth and prize. Jax almost smiled. Until his eyes traveled over the soft curves of the light brown neck to find her eyes. 

Wait! Jax blinked and caught the beauty of those grays right with the threat they so easily conveyed. But she wasn’t the same. He knew the eyes by now, but damn if they looked different all dressup. And she sounded different he was sure. Oh it didn’t take long to know Tante Tonia was not playing with little boys now. Or maybe she was. Jax saw the polished boots right behind that silken green dress. The feet of a high ranked officer moved close to her. 

Even as her eyes made it plain to Jax to watch his step or more so his mouth, she let out a sweet song of lady concern and polished woman words. Jax didn't find it hard to let his face show slightly painful confusion as he handed to book to the surprised official and took Tante Tonia Ms Greene’s hand.

“Twas my mistake M’Lady.” Jax let his voice slip into the rough sailor sound. “Didn't mean to rough your ride.” He put one hand into hers and the other he used to push off from the road. Shaking and taking hold of her hand he stumbled against her briefly, getting close enough to feel the rise of her tight straped chest and then stumbled back before the soldier at her side eyes got too angry. 

Jax took a step and held out his hand for the book. “No troubles to you, fine Madam . Just let me shake the stars from me head and I’ll be out of ya road.” He shook his head and looked into those deep grey eyes again. What game was this mermaid playing now, he wondered. Not that he should know, oh best that he doesn’t. Still, he was finding some fun in the different sides of the Captains figure head. Oh yes, she was so like the woman that hung ornately on the bow of many a ship. 

“Ya’re kind to stop.” Jax spoke quietly glancing at the Commander sure that he wasn’t the one who pulled the reins to a halt. “Don’t concern yourself none. None at t’all. I will just..” Jax pulled away and stumbled catching himself before he fell. He wavered and tucked the book back into his jacket making it obvious he was having trouble walking. “Not hold ya up.” He let his words say he was fine while his legs wobbled and swayed.

He looked over the two to the fine carriage he had walked into and then shook his head. He looked to the Commander just to make note of the guy’s face, the new boy in Tante Tonia’s play yard. 

“Not keep ya.” Jax added and took another unstable step back. He winced making a painful face with each stumbled step. He could play this mystical mermaid game. Oh not as well as she, he was very sure. Still Jax found some pleasure in this hidden game.