Taken By Storm (4 page)

“We’ll do it your way.”

“We will always do it my way, Burke.” She smiled.

He grabbed her chin and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. “Don’t count on that.”

S
torm was relieved that they would reach camp shortly. She had kept her distance from Burke since last night. She was still stunned that he had kissed her—not that it was a passionate kiss. It was over as fast as it started. It was the idea that he had the audacity to even do it.

And what had she done?

She had stood there speechless and watched him walk away and bed down for the night. She had not even reprimanded him or warned him never to do it again.

Why? Why hadn’t she reacted?

The last time she had been kissed was by her husband, Daniel. It was a quick kiss good-bye. It was also their last kiss. No man had touched her lips since then, not until last night when Burke had kissed her.

It had stunned her and made her consider Burke as a man and not just an annoyance. He wasn’t anything like her Daniel. Her husband had possessed a quiet strength and had often teased her about her demanding nature. He’d say it was her young age, she being barely twenty then.

She was, however, now twenty-and-five years, no longer a young lass in more ways than just age. She wondered over Burke’s age. He seemed older to her, perhaps thirty or more, or perhaps life had made him appear older.

Burke was the complete opposite of Daniel. The American was brash and vocal about his opinions and wants, where Daniel had been gentle in tone and demands—not that he didn’t get his way; he just did it with a gentle love.

She couldn’t see Burke being gentle. He exuded an arrogant confidence that demanded things be his way. Yet he had deferred to her, with reluctance, but again in the end it was for him to get what he wanted—his brother’s freedom.

She couldn’t blame him. She had fought so very hard for her husband’s freedom, but to no avail. She had lost him, and it had been her fault.

“How far are we from camp?”

She jumped and nearly tripped if it hadn’t been for Burke’s quick reaction. He slipped his arm around her waist and plopped her back on her feet to continue walking.

“You really need a keeper, and, lucky you, I’m available.”

Storm couldn’t help but smile at his grin. He wasn’t
handsome, as her Daniel had been. His features were more rugged, each line and groove a distinct map that proved he was a man who had traveled life’s trails with strength and had emerged victorious. He was a man you knew would be there for you in the thick of things and would never leave your side.

Her heart fluttered at the thought of such strength and honor.

“So, am I your keeper?”

Storm shook her head. “More like my jester.”

He laughed. “I like your sense of humor.”

“You are the only person who believes I possess one.”

“I can attest to it since I have seen it firsthand,” he said with a thump to his chest.

A strong chest, she thought. His shirt had spread wide, revealing thick muscles, and his shoulders were broad and in a way defiant, as if he challenged any who approached him.

“So I claim myself your official keeper,” he said emphatically.

“I don’t need a keeper.”

“This is, what? The fourth time I’ve saved you?” he reminded.

“You only think you’ve saved me. I can assure you that I can save myself.”

“When you can prove that to me, then you’ll no longer need me as your keeper.”

“I need to prove nothing to you,” Storm insisted.

“Afraid you do.” He was even more insistent. “You see, my father raised me to protect women. Not that I haven’t met women who can protect
themselves, but there comes a point when a man is needed.”

Storm laughed. “No, there comes a time when a man
thinks
he’s needed.”

“I disagree,” Burke said with a shake of his head. “You mark my words, there’ll come a time you’ll need me.”

“I don’t believe so, but I will keep your prediction in mind.”

“Good, then when the time comes you won’t deny my help.”

“I would never be foolish enough to deny
necessary
help.”

“Then you’ll be sure to accept it,” he said much too confidently.

“We’re home,” Tanin said, rushing past them.

Burke looked around.

“Don’t let your eyes mislead you,” Storm advised and took his hand. “Stoop,” she instructed, and together they ducked beneath a thorn-covered arched bush, then squeezed through a row of dense trees to emerge into a clearing.

“I’ll be damned,” Burke said.

“Be careful of your words, Mr. Longton,” Storm warned with a smile. “Some claim this is the devil’s lair.”

Storm was proud of the home she and her group had carved out of the forest. Homes were fashioned in the trees, pulleys were constructed to provide water and necessities, weapons were stored in the hollow of hundred-year-old trees. Life was lived here with purpose and joy.

“This is amazing,” Burke said, his neck arched back as he examined the housing in the trees. “It must have taken much work.”

“It was a labor of love by many,” Storm assured him.

“It would certainly appear that way.”

People called out hearty welcomes to Storm and she responded in kind. She watched as Tanin greeted his wife, Ellie, a tall, slender, red-haired beauty whom Tanin had loved since they were young. It always relieved her when she saw the two reunite in a hug. They were so very much in love, and Storm didn’t intend Ellie to suffer her fate of losing a husband.

“I know you will always return him to me safe,” Ellie called out with a wave.

“Count on it,” Storm said.

“That’s a strong promise,” Burke said.

“And one I intend to keep. Now let’s see where we’re going to put you.”

“Right beside you,” he demanded.

Storm raised her brow.

“I am your keeper.”

She poked his chest. “Not likely.”

He grabbed her finger. “I’m about to invest a large sum of money in you, which gives me the right to remain close by your side. Keeper or not, I intend to be your shadow while I’m here.”

“You are persistent.”

“Some call it demanding.”

“I’m the demanding one here,” Storm said.

“I thought you were commanding.”

“Finally you have it right.”

“Good, so where’s your place in the trees?”

Storm walked off with a shake of her head, leaving him to follow. He was right on her heels.

“Grab hold of me,” she said after wrapping her arm around a thick rope.

“Now there’s an order I can follow,” Burke said, slipping his arm around her waist and grabbing hold of the rope with her.

With a kick of her foot to the counterweight at the base of the tree they took flight, gliding up until they came to rest on a platform built between two thick branches.

Storm secured the rope to a broken branch and joined Burke at the wooden railing, his awe obvious in his wide brown eyes.

“It’s breathtaking,” he said.

“It’s safe,” Storm corrected. They could see the forest for miles in all directions. In addition, she had sentries posted at various positions throughout the forest. No one could approach the hideout without their knowledge. Their home was impenetrable.

Storm walked past Burke to enter her home tucked in the confines of the sprawling branches of the generous spruce.

It was one room, large enough to hold a narrow bed and a small table. A chest sat at the end of the bed, and pegs in the wall held a cloak and a nightdress.

“This doesn’t look big enough for both of us,” Burke remarked upon entering.

“It’s not,” Storm advised.

“I’m not leaving your side and don’t—”

“Follow me,” she instructed and walked out of the room around the walkway that circled the thick tree trunk to enter another room similar to hers, though it contained only a single bed and small bench with a candle on it.

Burke tried out the bed and shook his head. “This bedding needs stuffing.”

“That’s something that will keep you busy.”

“There’s that sense of humor of yours again,” he chided with a smile.

“We all pull our weight here,” Storm said seriously.

“You won’t find me slacking. I’ll do what’s necessary, though a good commander uses the talents of his troop and doesn’t waste them on petty things.”

“Which is why you’ll be joining Malcolm to hunt for food today.”

Burke nodded. “Now you’re using my talents wisely. What about my brother? Shouldn’t we see to sending the men right away?”

“I’ll see to it.”

“I want to be there when you talk with the men you send.”

“It’s not necessary,” Storm said and turned to leave.

He grabbed her arm and swung her around.

“It’s necessary to me. I want to know whom you send. I want to hear their plans and offer advice if called for.”

“We’ve been through this. Leave me to my talents
as I leave you to yours.” She reached out, placing her hand over his. “If it is your brother, my men will bring him back.”

Burke relented. “I should find Malcolm and go hunting.”

“A wise choice. Have him also take you to Janelle. She will supply you with clothing while she repairs your garments.”

“You have a seamstress?” Burke asked with a laugh.

“She is Tanin’s mother and a healer and excellent with a needle.”

“You have no talents with a needle?”

Storm had once enjoyed stitching garments for her husband and herself and was quite skillful with a needle. Daniel had remarked that she should start stitching baby garments, for it wouldn’t be long before a wee one was on the way.

She had started a wee garment, in hope that it would soon be needed, just the day before her life had plunged into darkness.

“Storm?”

She shook the painful memories from her head. “I have no time to stitch.”

He pulled her slowly toward him. “You should rest.”

“No time.” His brown eyes reminded her of the rich earth. She had loved to dig in the soil with her hands when planting her garden. It was almost as if she could feel its potent fertility.

That’s how it felt looking into his brown eyes—potent and fertile.

She yanked her arm free and stepped away. “Burke, about that kiss.”

“What kiss?” he asked, shaking his head. “If you thought that was a kiss, then you haven’t known a man. That was just a friendly peck.”

“No friendly pecks then,” she ordered, feeling her neck grow hot and knowing in a second her cheeks would glow bright red.

“Fine with me,” he said, walking past her to the door.

She took a deep breath, attempting to stem the tide of heat rushing to her face before she turned to catch up with him. She gave it a second or two and swerved around.

Burke stood in the open doorway, his hands clasped overhead to the frame and a wicked smile on his face.

“Can’t let you go without tasting a real kiss.”

She had no time to protest. He scooped her up into his strong arms and planted his lips against hers, soft, smooth, hard, rough; the mixture titillated and passion tingled her body down to her toes. When he finished, he set her on her feet, making sure she was steady before he released her and walked to the door.

“Now
that’s
a kiss,” he said without looking back.

B
urke rode down the rope with a fire in his loins. He had wanted to make certain Storm tasted a real kiss but he never intended to get such pleasure from it. She was a mere wisp of a woman, a beauty for sure, but not his type. He liked women large and sturdy with good hips that could bear him children without his worrying he’d lose his wife in childbirth.

No, Storm wasn’t his type. He’d forever worry about her. Lord, a good gusty wind would blow her away, not to mention what a harsh Dakota winter would do to her.

He shook his head. Why the hell was he thinking of her in Dakota Territory? He wasn’t here to find a wife. There were plenty of women back home interested in filling that position. He was here to find his brother, and he’d do well to keep his mind on that.

She lived in the trees
.

Damned if he didn’t admire the home she had carved out of the forest for her group. Only a woman with extraordinary strength and courage could manage to create and sustain a home in the wilderness. She really wasn’t that different from the women who braved the American frontier.

But she was so tiny. Where did she find the strength?

“Heard you are hunting with me today,” Malcolm said, coming up to him.

How did he know that? Storm had just informed Burke of it.

Malcolm slapped him on the back. “Storm gave orders to Tanin to relay to me and others before entering camp.”

“She certainly stays on top of things.”

“She devises plans before we even finish discussing the issue.” Malcolm shook his head. “She’s amazing.”

It was obvious the good-looking youth admired her. Burke also wondered if he had feelings for his leader, but then it wasn’t his business.

“Did other men receive orders as well?” Burke asked.

Malcolm nodded. “They already left camp.”

Burke almost swore aloud. Damned if she hadn’t played him for a fool, making him think she had yet to talk to the men she would send to rescue his brother when all along her decision had been made and the men sent on their way.

“Ready to hunt?”

He sure was. He was ready to hunt Storm down and give her a piece of his mind.

“I’d rather have gone with William and Philip than hunting,” Malcolm continued. “They’ve had the most success in rescues. Storm always sends them on the difficult missions. They’re the most skilled.”

Burke immediately regretted his anger. Storm hadn’t wasted a minute in seeing to his brother. She had sent her best men, and for that he was grateful. He would make sure to tell her.

“Come on,” Burke said. “I’m going to teach you a thing or two about hunting.”

Malcolm proved a skilled hunter, and with a few tips from Burke and an hour of practice, he was fast becoming an expert. In no time they easily snagged several hares.

“Is it true that everyone is rich in America?” Malcolm asked on their way back to camp.

“It depends on how you define rich,” Burke said, seeing in Malcolm what he had seen in so many young foreigners who arrived on the shores of America—the promise of hope.

“Money, land, food aplenty for family and friends,” Malcolm said.

“With hard work and some sacrifice, it’s possible,” Burke assured him.

“I heard those same words told to friends who left Scotland to seek a better life in Canada, only to discover more hardships.”

“Forging a life out of the wilderness takes courage, sustaining it takes hard work.”

“Especially if you’re an outlaw.” Malcolm laughed.

“How did all of you come to be together?”

“Storm has rules we all agreed to follow. One of them is never to discuss the group with strangers. You, Burke, are a stranger.”

He was candid and emphatic and Burke respected both.

“Storm’s quite a woman,” Burke said, attempting another approach.

“Can’t discuss her either. You need to direct all inquiries to Storm. She’s the only one with the authority to give you answers. She’s probably by the creek over there.” He pointed to a barely visible path to the right. “She usually washes up at the creek after returning from a mission. I’ll see that the women get the game for tonight’s meal.”

Burke nodded and followed the path, if it could be called that, the forest having reclaimed most of it. It did, however, lead him to the creek and Storm. She sat on the ground a few feet from the creek in clean trousers and a tan shirt, combing her wet hair with her fingers.

“How did the hunting go, Burke?”

He approached her with a laugh. “How did you know it was me and not Malcolm?”

“A couple of weeks in prison leaves a man with a distinct odor.” She held up a bundle of clothes. “I stopped to see if you spoke with Janelle. When I found out you didn’t I took the liberty of picking up some clothes for you.”

Burke took them from her. “Intended to find me, did you?”

“No. I knew once you discovered I had already sent men after your brother, you’d find me.”

Burke dropped the clothes beside her and stripped off his shirt. “I wanted to thank you for handling the matter so quickly and efficiently.”

He held on to his shirt and noticed that she kept her eyes focused on his face. He had never considered himself a handsome man; years spent out in the rough winters had toughened his skin and added a flurry of lines around his eyes. He probably looked well past his twenty-nine years.

“Feel free to strip and wash up, Mr. Longton,” she said to his surprise. “I don’t wilt at the sight of a naked man.”

“Seen naked men before, have you?” He had to ask.

“Yes,” she answered with a smile and shook her head, to fluff her drying hair with her fingers.

The silky black strands fell together like a fine piece of wool cloth woven to perfection. Her skin was the color of rich cream, and he wondered if the taste was as potent.

He turned abruptly and walked to the creek. He needed to cool off. He bent down and stuck his head in the refreshing cool water, and as he came up, he wiped his face and neck clean with his hands. He then rinsed off his arms and chest, not caring that the water ran down to soak his trousers.

He wanted to make certain he freed himself of the heat that had set his blood on fire and had him ready
to crawl out of his skin. And all because of a woman who obviously was familiar with naked men.

He dried himself off and marched back over to her. “How many men?”

“Excuse me?”

“How many men have you seen naked?”

“I don’t see what business that is of yours,” she said calmly.

“I don’t either but I’m curious,” he admitted.

“Your honesty at times amazes me.”

“My father taught me to be an honorable and honest man.”

“Do you wonder if your brother is like you?”

Burke tossed his wet shirt aside and sat down beside Storm. “I have wondered since first learning about him when I was young. Had anyone helped him? Was he still alive? Had he had a harsh life? My father searched tirelessly for him and blamed himself for what had happened.”

“He couldn’t have taken a babe to America with him. He did the right thing. It wasn’t his fault his sister-in-law died.”

“Tell that to a grief-stricken father who beyond death continues to search for his son, through his other son. I don’t intend to fail my father. I will find Cullen and bring him home.”

“What if he doesn’t want to go?” she asked.

“When he discovers the wealth that awaits him, he’ll go.”

“Tell me of this wealth,” Storm said, reaching for the clean shirt and handing it to Burke.

A cool autumn wind had suddenly interrupted
an otherwise warm day, and she offered him protection against it, handing him the clean shirt.

He accepted, slipping it over his head. “The Dakota Territory can be unforgiving and generous at the same time. My father claimed over three hundred acres. Longton Ranch raises the best cattle in the territory, not to mention the horses we train and sell. The town of Longton prospers also, thanks to my father’s generosity. He built the town, started the first bank, brought a doctor there, built a church and a school, all while remaining friends with his Sioux neighbors.”

“That must have been a feat.”

“If you knew my father you would know it was his nature to treat everyone fairly and honestly. He believed that a man was nothing without integrity. He lived it every day of his life. That was the attribute my mother so loved and admired in him, and, as she had often told me, made her feel so very safe with my father.”

“How lovely that she should trust him so unconditionally.”

“She told me he had earned it. He was a good man, a good husband, and a good father. She couldn’t have asked for more.”

“Your mother has also passed?”

“She died one week after my father. I expected it. They were too much in love to live without each other.”

“How sad for you.”

Burke shook his head. “No. I’m happy that they’re together. And once I find my brother, I know they
both will be at peace. My mother had looked forward to raising Cullen as her own and was just as disappointed as my father when he was not found.” He turned to her. “What of your parents?”

“Not worth talking about.”

“That bad?”

Storm shrugged. “I barely remember my father. He left when I was young. My mother thought I ate too much and was too much of a burden. She gave me away to a family, but after a couple of months they gave me to another family, who treated me decently enough.”

“That’s horrible,” Burke said, appalled at Storm’s loveless childhood. Was that why she rescued people? Had she felt so abandoned that she reached out to others suffering the same fate?

“It is the way of things here. You survive or you surrender. I prefer to survive.”

“I can see where you got your courage.”

She smiled. “Life gave it to me many times over.”

“What of the future?” he asked. “You can’t remain an outlaw all your life.”

“I don’t think of the future.” She turned to stare at the creek.

What she really meant was that she believed she had no future. She was an outlaw and would forever be hunted and perhaps one day caught. The thought chilled his bones. He could not fathom the idea of Storm rotting in a jail cell or, God forbid, being tortured endlessly, death her only chance to escape.

“You should think of the future,” he insisted.
“What will you do when your outlaw days come to an end?”

“I doubt they ever will.”

He didn’t like the hopelessness he heard in her voice. “You don’t know that for sure. Anything can happen.”

“It would take a miracle. This is my life and I accept it.”

“Why? You fight for others. Why not fight for your own future?”

“I do not live beyond this day, for I do not know if I will see tomorrow. I will do what I must and leave the rest to fate.”

“Not good enough,” he said adamantly. “Fate is what you make it. You said you’d rather survive than surrender. Leaving your life to fate is surrendering.”

A soft smile lit her face and sent a jolt to his heart. He convinced himself it was out of concern he felt for her. She was a young, beautiful woman who had the right to a good life. She needed a good man who would love her, protect her, and provide for her.

“Fate cannot be swayed, Burke. It is there whether we like it or not. But enough talk of fate. Let me tell you of the Scottish people. Hopefully it will help you better understand your brother.”

“If you’re an example of the Scottish people, then I already know something of them. They’re stubborn fighters who refuse to surrender even if it’s for their own good.”

“That we are,” Storm agreed, “but we don’t
surrender for we are bound to this land through generations who have spilled their blood for it, and its people will fight to their last breath to keep us free.”

How could he argue with her? He fought for his land and the freedom it brought him. He would die defending his land if necessary.

“So what you tell me is that my brother Cullen will not leave this land.”

“Would you leave yours?”

Burke shook his head. “No. It is my home. But many are leaving Scotland. There is a chance he may want to emigrate.”

“Many have no choice.”

“Perhaps Cullen won’t have a choice.”

“The wealth you say is his will grant him a choice,” Storm said.

He’d never thought of that. He’d just assumed Cullen would want to return to America with him and claim his share of the inheritance, though his return wasn’t necessary. The money was his whether he lived in Scotland or in America.

Burke rubbed his chin. “You have given me much to think about.”

“It is good to be prepared for all possibilities.”

“Even miracles?” he teased.

She laughed. “Are you promising me a miracle, Mr. Longton?”

“If it were in my power I’d make certain you get one.”

“You are a strange man.”

“Good strange?” he asked with a cautious laugh.

“I believe so. You demand and yet you have a tender heart.”

“Shhh,” he warned, pressing a finger to her lips. “That’s a secret that cannot get out.”

She nodded, assuring her silence.

He stared at her a moment, caught by the beauty in her blue eyes. The color had settled to the bold blue of a sky after an angry storm. He slowly slipped his finger away from her mouth, running it down her petite chin to stroke the gentle flesh beneath.

“You are beautiful.”

Her eyes remained fixed on his as if caught up in their depths, and then suddenly she turned her head away, his finger drifting off. She stood and walked away from him.

He watched her go even though he wanted to run after her and keep her beside him, just a bit longer.

“One,” she called out.

Burke stood but remained where he was. “One what?”

“One man,” she said, continuing to walk. “I’ve seen only one man naked, and he was my husband.”