Despite the horrible trap Dirk had prepared, at least I didn't end up in jail. I sighed in relief while remembering Nuria and the stranger saving our lives. She killed those SHA men so quickly! I was envious of her skills. Also, I couldn't stop thinking about Bosch's tragic death. I wanted to stare at my toes and cry, but the tears wouldn't come. The redhead's mistreatment had eliminated the few happy moments we experienced. Although I could only think of the good things when my father and uncle died, I wasn't able to do the same with my ex-husband. My only memories were his cruel words, the way he squeezed my bones, and the angry gazes... Everything someone would want in a marriage, right? I should've noticed earlier that I didn't love him anymore. Biting my lower lip, I observed how the stranger gazed at Miguel's sister. Dirk had never looked at me like that... I wish I'd seen those things before! Anyway, I took a deep breath and tried to forget my agony.

"I'm so glad you're alive!" Nuria smiled at her brother. "When mom and I found out scarlet fever killed dad, we thought the same had happened to you."

"How did you know about his death? Isn't our mother still in Spain?" Gálvez's eyes widened. "Dios, I missed a lot..."

"Everyone heard of Captain Alonso Gálvez in the Spanish colonies, so it was impossible not to know," Miguel's sister sighed pronouncedly. "Mamá moved with me to San Agustín, a city in La Florida, five years after you and dad sailed to the Caribbean. She wanted to feel closer to you two."

"I would've definitely visited you if I knew," Miguel knit his brows. "Is mom alright? I miss her so much!"

Nuria nodded, "She's fine. Strong as always."

"I'd love to introduce you to my mother someday, Eva. She'd be delighted to meet you," Miguel turned to me and grinned. "You two would get along perfectly."

I cleared my throat and forced a smile, "That'd be fantastic!"

Could Gálvez be telling the truth? I'd always imagined Miguel's mom as a furious woman wearing a giant crucifix. She'd probably hate to know he had a daughter out of wedlock with a Dutch criminal. It wasn't exactly a mother's dream to have such a weird family... Right? Perhaps my traumatic experience with Hendrika made me think of all moms as mean and intolerant.

"This is my husband. Not officially, of course, since we're wanted everywhere," Nuria brought the stranger closer. "I'm also his boatswain."

The man took a step forward, "Piacere. I'm Captain Giacomo Ricci, but you can call me Giacomo."

"As long as you treat my sister right, we won't have any problems," Miguel slightly narrowed his eyes. "If there's one thing I hate is men who disrespect women."

Ricci smiled, "You have nothing to worry about. Nuria is my everything."

"Why don't we have a drink? It'd be great to talk more with both of you," Maartje took a step back. "My partner and the kids are waiting at the tavern."

"There are little pirates?" Gálvez's sister grinned so widely that I wondered if her cheeks didn't hurt. "This is so exciting!"

I chuckled, "One of them is your niece. Miguel and I have a four-year-old daughter."

"You're married to the best captain ever? Well done, brother!" Nuria gave Miguel a pat on the back. "I'm sure you're a wonderful father. You took care of me really well when our mom needed it."

I couldn't understand why some people assumed couples got married because of a pregnancy. Miguel and I looked at each other, then back at Nuria... Yeah, her joy wouldn't last long. Francis whined, seemingly sad for her. I gulped, hoping I hadn't blushed... Don't judge me! My cheeks got red for no reason sometimes.

I bit my lower lip sharply, "Your brother and I are just friends."

"Really? How did you two have a child then?" Nuria raised a brow and smiled mischievously. "Friends with a baby is a new concept to me."

"Nuria, remember what I said about asking too many questions?" Miguel forced a smile. "It scares people away."

The Spanish woman frowned, "You don't have to treat me like a kid!"

"Let's talk about something else," Maartje sighed. "Why don't we go to the tavern now?"

Thank you for reading my mind, Maartje.

Giacomo sighed in relief, seemingly happy about my cousin's idea. The last thing we needed was an argument. Trust me, siblings can argue for hours if they want to... Yes, I'm speaking from experience! Luckily, the tension between Miguel and his sister ceased quickly. Francis barked as we arrived at the tavern. After everyone introduced themselves, Laurens and Giacomo brought rum. The kids played on the left side of the table while the adults talked.

Miguel sipped his drink, "Where are you from, Giacomo?"

"I was born in Florence, Tuscany. I worked in a merchant ship before a pirate hired me and sailed to the Caribbean," Ricci gazed at his rum glass. "He was extremely violent, un vero pazzo, so our crew chose me to replace him."

"Interesting story. Now let me ask the big question..." Maartje narrowed her eyes subtly. "How did you and Nuria find us today?"

Ricci scowled, apparently annoyed by the question. Francis whined as if he feared my cousin... Yeah, her suspicious face could be scary sometimes. Although I didn't trust many people, she was more paranoid than me.

"Nuria heard the noises when we passed by. We didn't hesitate to help after seeing the SHA attacking again," Giacomo pressed his lips together. "We've been looking for Captain Van Acker and the Ocean Storm crew for a while."

I tilted my head to the side, "You surely didn't want just a drink, so why did you search for us?"

"I thought an alliance would be helpful since the SHA won't stop chasing me," Nuria's husband sighed pronouncedly. "I know you're a great captain, but I also have a lot of experience, so this will be mutually beneficial."

Nuria smiled, "So... Are you joining us, Captain Storm?"

Maartje and Miguel turned to me. I gulped while gazing at Laurens, wondering what the right decision would be. Giacomo and Nuria didn't seem evil, but how could I trust them? Sweat flooded my hands as I remembered how Dirk and Sven had disappointed me. Nothing stopped other people from doing the same. However, I really needed an ally... Fighting three navies at the same time wasn't easy. Besides, I'd be glad to have another ship for the SHA to attack when I sailed... Don't judge me! Suffering with someone else always makes things better.

"Let's be allies. However, we must discuss the details later," I grinned mischievously. "There's no way boring subjects will ruin this nice conversation!"

"Molto bene. That's not a problem at all!" Giacomo smiled widely and shook my hand. "We have a deal."

"I like you, Eva. I'm muy happy we're allies," Nuria took a sip of her drink. "If you robbed on the streets as a kid like Miguel and me, you'll become one of my favorite people."

I chuckled, "As a matter of fact, that was my favorite activity."

Nuria gawked and smiled. I controlled myself not to laugh at her reaction... She was so adorable! Just like me, Miguel's sister sometimes seemed like a child. I drank more rum as she shot a mysterious gaze at Gálvez.

"Miguel, if you don't marry Storm, I will!" Nuria's eyes gleamed. "How come you aren't together? She's perfect for you! Una mujer maravillosa."

My cousin turned to Nuria, "You said what's been on my mind for years! Would you like to be my new best friend?"

Maartje and Miguel's sister laughed loudly. Gálvez grinned and shook his head in denial. I wondered why cousins and siblings are obsessed with our personal lives... Don't they have anything better to do? Probably not! I couldn't escape my nosy family.

Miguel raised his brows, "We can't let Maartje and Nuria join forces."

"Definitely," I chuckled. "Even the SHA would fear them."

My smile faded as I observed a couple holding hands at the entrance. Dirk's tragic death and his cruel words hit my mind like a cannonball. Even though I hoped he was in a better place, his mistreatment and violence were all I could think of... My hands trembled as the strangers looked at each other affectionately.

I swallowed my tears, "Excuse me. I need some air."

Francis whined, seemingly feeling my sadness. Laurens raised a brow, apparently confused. Miguel tilted his head to the side as if he tried to figure out what I'd thought. I couldn't tell them what was on my mind without crying.

Luna pulled me by the arm, "Where are you going? Can I be the captain while you're out?"

I kissed her forehead, "You're too young, sweetie. Don't worry. Your time will come."

I sighed after reaching the back of the tavern. Closing my eyes, I felt the ocean breeze... Thank God the beach was nearby! Nothing was better than the sound of waves to prevent me from freaking out in public... Crisis averted! I managed not to embarrass myself due to stupid emotions. I looked back as a warm hand caressed me slowly.

How does he always know what I need?

"I just wanted to see if you were alright," Miguel slid his fingers away from my right shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'll leave you alone..."

"Wait!" I held his hand to stop him from leaving. "Stay with me. Please."

We gazed at each other for a moment. I shook my head in denial and glanced away to avoid getting lost... Don't judge me! Friends can have hypnotizing eyes as well.

"Although I want Dirk to have peace, I can't cry for that bastard. Thanks to him, I can't see couples without feeling upset!" I let out a pronounced sigh. "I swear love will never come near me again. I won't let it."

He pressed his lips together, "I had the same feeling once."

Miguel glanced away, apparently upset. I cocked my head to the side, wondering what had happened... I'd make the person pay if I ever met them! Who'd be crazy enough to break his heart? Forget what I said. Please don't answer the question.

I walked closer, "Who hurt you?"

"Juliette Dupont. My first love," Gálvez bit his lower lip sharply. "She was a French woman who worked on my father's ship. We were together for two years until the bad things started."

"I want to punch her in the face already," I huffed. "What did she do?"

"Juliette manipulated me well. She made me feel guilty even when she was the one to blame," Miguel wouldn't stop staring at the floor. "I was so in love that I forgave her the first time she cheated."

I raised my brows, "First time?"

"The second was with an Armada officer. Diablo Rojo almost sank because of her snitching," Gálvez squeezed his eyes shut. "She showed no regrets when I uncovered her betrayal."

"What a crazy witch!" my eyes bulged. "I hope this woman smells like fish so that I can throw her to the sharks."

Miguel rubbed his forehead, "I'm glad Juliette's gone from my life. Can you believe she tried to blame me for her affairs?"

"Dirk did the exact same thing!" I chuckled nervously. "If he'd met Juliette, they would've gotten married."

Gálvez and I laughed loudly. Swallowing hard, I tried to imagine how Miguel felt after what that witch had done. Snitches were the worst... God, I never wanted to hit a lady so much in my life! Gálvez was the sweetest man in the world and didn't deserve to be hurt.

We both had our hearts smashed by a first love! How interesting...

"After breaking up with Juliette, I started having one-night stands only," Gálvez sighed. "I was determined to avoid love because I feared suffering again. The last thing I needed was getting attached."

My eyes widened. Miguel pressed his lips together, apparently trying to hold tears... How could a great man have dated such a she-devil? At least I wasn't the only one who'd been blinded by love. I wished I could keelhaul Juliette for what she'd done.

"I'm really sorry. I didn't know you'd also loved a bad person," I caressed Miguel's back. "Thank you for trusting me enough to share this."

"People like Juliette and Dirk show up all the time, but we can't let them destroy love," he grinned sweetly. "I just don't regret my one-night stands because they led me to you."

I laughed softly, "We indeed had a great time. I bet you didn't expect to become a father afterwards."

Miguel rubbed his neck, "Luna wasn't what surprised me the most. It was how fast I fell for you at that time."

I pressed my lips together, "I... Thank you. I'm glad I helped you... I think."

Well done, Eva! You've successfully talked like an idiot!

My face was so red that I wanted to shove my head in a hole. I looked in every direction, wondering if Nuria and Maartje weren't listening to the conversation. They'd definitely start talking nonsense if they were. Gálvez and I had history, but we were just friends! Stupid rosy cheeks...

"Ruben was right. I'm not the guy who sleeps with women without getting attached," Gálvez cleared his throat. "Anyway, I believe you shouldn't give up on love like I almost did."

I nodded while thinking about Miguel and Juliette's story... She was so cruel! I felt as if a hand smashed my heart while remembering Dirk. He didn't deserve to die, but he was as wicked as that crazy witch. Despite feeling better after listening to Gálvez, I couldn't think of love without wanting to puke... At least more people showed up to distract me. I smiled as Laurens came with my two girls. As usual, my daughters wouldn't stop talking.

Laurens walked closer, "They want to see Miguel. I tried everything, but they won't stop calling for him."

Tess hugged Gálvez's leg, "Let's play!"

"Go away!" Luna scowled and grabbed Miguel's other leg. "Daddy's mine!"

Gálvez and I laughed. How could kids be so lovely and competitive at the same time? That was unbelievable... I wondered if they'd continue competing after getting older. I nodded and Miguel went back to the tavern with the kids. Laurens laughed at Tess and Luna's little conflict while following them.

I hope Luna and Tess never make the stupid decision of marrying a bad guy...

When I thought I'd have some peace, a stranger approached. I slid my hand down my weapon belt, ready to attack him if necessary. He seemed a few years older than me, had long dark brown hair tied on a ponytail, eyes of the same color, light skin, and a thin beard. The man wore a black coat over his pirate clothes and a brown cocked hat, so he was probably a captain.

"You shouldn't be loyal to your man," the stranger winked. "Loyalty takes you nowhere. In the end, people always stab you in the back."

"I'm single. Also, your optimism is impressive," I smiled sarcastically. "This speech was rather motivating."

The guy shrugged, "I'm just realistic, minha querida."

I raised a brow, "Who are you, Mr. Tragedy?"

The man grinned flirtatiously, "Someone who'd love to get closer to you."

I frowned, wondering why the stranger was acting like that. Had he heard my conversation with Miguel? I hoped not! Perhaps he was a pirate who needed help... or a guy who wore pirate clothes to impress women. Regardless of his good looks, I wouldn't give him attention if he kept flirting. Another guy to annoy me... As if I didn't have enough things to worry about! I didn't move, showing I wasn't afraid.

****

Author's note: Hey! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone is well. Please vote and comment if you enjoyed this chapter and follow the "Battles and Secrets" playlist on Spotify. Also, please take a look at my aesthetic for Giacomo. It's right below the translations. For those who don't know, Florida used to be Spanish and the Spaniards called it La Florida. San Agustín, the city Nuria mentioned, is today's St. Augustine. Who's the mysterious man who talked to Eva? Is he a good or bad guy? Keep reading and you'll find out... :-)

Foreign words/expressions in order of appearance:

1. Dios means "God" in Spanish

2. Mamá means "mom" in Spanish

3. Piacere means "nice to meet you" in Italian

4. Un vero pazzo means "a truly crazy man" in Italian ("man" is implicit since ending in "o" refers to a man)

5. Una mujer maravillosa means "a wonderful woman" in Spanish

6. Minha querida means "my dear" in Portuguese (this refers to a woman since querida ends in "a") -> I'm finally using my native language in this story! Yay!!! However, I speak Brazilian Portuguese, not the one from Portugal. They're different like American and British English. :-)

I chose Giulio Berruti to be Giacomo Ricci because he fits Giacomo's description perfectly and I like him as an actor. If "Battles and Secrets" becomes a movie someday, I believe Giulio would be a great choice to play Giacomo. I hope you like my aesthetic!