talesoftheassassins

Arguably, the most fun part of Jacob’s job was being able to have the freedom to do as he pleases.

In London, following the downfall of the Templars, he felt infinitely more excitement. It was him, Evie, and Greenie versus the world, with nobody to tell him what he was supposed to be. For a time, it was perfect.

Then, the Brotherhood began reestablishing themselves in London.

It started with a few Assassins purchasing some land in different parts of the city. He figured it’d be fine after the diplomats left, but then they’d sent even more people.

His ‘freedom’ started to feel more like a job.

At least, up until the point that you got there.

Then, he’d found fun once more.

You were a master Assassin, who took her work very seriously. Evie had been practically buzzing with excitement when she realized who you were. Jacob didn’t really recognize your name, but he knew he’d never forget a face like yours.

There was grace in the way you move and in the way you fought. Every flick of your wrist or soft step of your foot was so purposeful and assured. Jacob was mesmerized with everything about who you were.

But you didn’t seem the least bit interested in him.

He’d tried to get your attention through various means, but you could read the signs from a mile away and dodged his attempts far too easily. Months of tiptoeing led him to this point.

There you sat, as poised as ever with a glass of something he could only guess cost more than most people would ever see in their lifetime. You were in a dress that accentuated every curve and left him drooling.

It was an undercover mission, and you looked every part the Duchess you were impersonating. He was in fancier clothes than he was used to, and his accent had been smoothed for the occasion.

He opened his mouth, presumably to comment on the fit of your dress. Before he could utter a word, however, you pressed a finger to his lips.

His heart stuttered in his chest at the gesture.

“Don’t,” you warned, and he had half a mind to take offense if he didn’t recognize the concentrated furrow of your brow.

You were listening to a conversation between two of your targets, and he understood to keep quiet as you did so. Eventually, however, the targets parted ways, and you finger drew a line from his lips to his shoulder.

“Did you get the information you were after?” He asked, noting the way you had yet to remove yourself from him entirely.

You hummed noncommittally, taking a far larger swig of your drink than you had previously.

“Love, I was-”

“I’m not a weak willed woman, Jacob,” you told him, quirking a brow at the gentle confusion that passed through his expression.

“I know that,” he confirmed.

“And your advances are flattering,” you explained, briefly squeezing his shoulder before letting your hand fall away entirely. Jacob nearly chased the contact. “But these are challenging times we’ve found ourselves in.”

He puffed out a breath.

If it weren’t for the glistening in your eyes, the near pleading that you didn’t want to deny him, he would’ve given up there. He wasn’t one to ignore someone’s intents. But, something was holding you back, and it wasn’t your own interest.

“You’ll find I like a challenge,” he grinned.

He was satisfied by the gentle smile that graced your lips.

“Convince me.”

Though the words were said playfully, Jacob could see the sheltered hopefulness in your expression. 

You were avoiding Edward, which was a feat in itself considering the Jackdaw was only so big and you were the most recognizable person on the ship, what with you being the only woman and dawning Assassin robes.

There were only two more days of travel, according to Ade at least. Then, you’d be back in England and free to never see the captain again.

You could live with that.

Ade had been helpful in your efforts to stay as far from Edward as you could. He didn’t ask why, the pain in your eyes and the hurt in your expression was enough to grant you his loyalty.

Thus, he’d inform you of when the captain retired every night so that you might sit on the deck and watch the stars.

The open sky, the gentle toss of the ship, the salty taste on your tongue- all of it reminded you of the beauty that freedom held. It reminded you of what you fought for.

Your sigh was lost to the sea breeze. This night had been cooler than most, but not enough to make you retreat back to the inner workings of the ship. You decided then that you should travel more.

Assassin work had you travelling at lot as it were, but you usually stuck to travelling by land. Before you’d ever made it onto the Jackdaw, your perception of boats was far less appealing. Now, you couldn’t imagine not sailing the seas.

“It’s cool tonight,” a rough, familiar voice sounded from above you.

You didn’t bother replying.

Clearly, Edward had figured out how you’d been so skillful in avoiding him. He’d taken the matter into his own hands and had tricked you.

You got to your feet, brushing the dirt off of your pants as you did so. You didn’t grant Edward a single glance, moving to slide past him without confrontation.

The captain had a different opinion on the matter, his hand landing firmly on your shoulder. On instinct, your head whipped towards the contact.

It was a mistake to look at him though.

His eyes, as bright as the sea on the warmest summer day, were full of confusion, and the smallest touch of aching. The smile he used to give you- warm and light and so very blinding- was gone, replaced with a deep frown.

“Lass.”

The rough burr had dwindled to a soft utterance, a gentle plea for you to stay. You knew he would let you walk away if you wanted. This was him asking you- no, begging you, to stay.

“Edward,” you replied, trying to keep your voice light and airy. Instead, it sounded like the last whisper of a dying man.

“What happened-”

“Don’t,” you interrupted. It was meant to sound stern, but the fight had been drained from you the moment your gaze met his. You were doing all you could to stop the onslaught of tears, but even now you knew it was a lost battle.

“I don’t regret any of it.”

It was genuine, honest. You’d never seen somebody bare themselves more to you than you did in that moment. Edward wasn’t just telling you, he was showing you.

Your breath caught.

“I don’t want to get hurt,” you admitted, deciding it was time you were honest with him as well.

A week before, the two of you had slept together after months of sexual tension. The problem was though, it wasn’t just sex to you. You loved the man and it scared the hell out of you.

But, you weren’t a coward. So you told him.

And he shut you out.

So you avoided him.

“I was acting a fool,” he told you, shame rolling from his tongue. “I’ve been hurt before.”

Hesitantly, you reached out a hand.

You sighed as the gentle touch of your palm met the warm skin on his cheek. He leaned into the contact desperately, moving the hand that wasn’t on your should over your own.

It was an intimate gesture, and you found yourself melting against him.

“I do love you, lass.”

You felt his words reverberate against his chest, listening to the wild thump of his heart against the smooth skin of your cheek.

“I might not be the best at showing it,” he continued, and you didn’t have to look up to know he was frowning. 

Memories were playing in his mind as he held you close.