Taken By Storm (15 page)

S
torm rapped lightly at his door, and for a moment she thought perhaps that he had already fallen asleep. Then the door opened.

They stared at each other while thunder rumbled overhead.

“Cross my doorstep and you seal your fate, Storm,” Burke warned and stepped back, opening the door wide.

Storm didn’t hesitate. She stepped across the threshold and right into Burke’s arms.

He lifted her up against him and she wrapped her arms around his neck while her mouth met his in a kiss that ignited their passion in a flash.

She wrapped her legs around his waist as he walked with her across the room, and they fell on the bed still locked together. Still, they refused to relinquish their kiss. They fed off each other with
a hunger that apparently could not be satisfied.

Clothes were shed in haste and eagerness until they were spread out naked beside each other. Then hands began to wander.

Storm ached to touch him, all of him, just as he did her.

It was as if they had always known each other, familiar with every valley and mound.

“God, you’re beautiful,” he said, surfacing from feasting at her breast.

“You make me feel beautiful,” she admitted, running her small hands over his hard-muscled chest and loving the feel of him. His lean muscle stimulated her senses, as did the heat of his flesh.

He claimed her lips again, and she joined in the kiss until they finally nibbled along each other’s lips.

“I can’t get enough of you,” Burke said.

“I feel the same.”

“I intend to make love to you all night.”

“Promise?” she asked, fearing that this would be the only time they would have together and wanting to make the most of it.

Burke ran his hand down the length of her, settling faintly between her legs. “I promise.”

Storm moaned with pleasure when his fingers intimately explored her, and she was soon lost in a haze of passion that she wanted to linger in forever.

When his playfulness became too much she reached down and took hold of him. “I’ll have you now.”

Burke grazed his lips over hers. “Are you sure?”

“Do not tease,” she protested. “I know what I want and I want you.”

He nibbled at her bottom lip and then down along her neck to settle on her hard nipple. Then he rose over her like a majestic bird about to take flight and entered her with a tenderness that startled her more than if he had plunged into her.

“We fit,” he whispered in her ear before he settled into a steady rhythm that grew with each mounting thrust.

She grabbed hold of his shoulders and threw back her head, enjoying the cadence they set together. It flooded her body and soul, and she rode the rhythm until it peaked.

“Burke!” she breathed hard in his ear. “Oh God, Burke,” she exclaimed as she climaxed as she had never thought possible, the ripples of pleasure going on and on and on.

He collapsed on her almost simultaneously and she hugged him to her, wanting to keep him as close to her as possible.

She regretted when he rolled off her though he kept his body beside her. He took her hand in his to kiss it before laying their clasped hands on his chest.

Their encounter had been far from brief and yet she felt it was far too short. She wanted more, much more, and the thought concerned her, though for now she chose not to think about it.

“Damn, woman, but you’re a great lover,” he said with bated breath.

She smiled. “You’re not bad yourself.”

“We’re a match then.” He kissed her hand again.

A thunderclap startled her, and she jumped.

Burke turned and took her in his arms. “No need to worry. I’ll keep you safe and warm, since, of course, you’ll be staying the night.”

“I’m not going anywhere until dawn.”

He grinned. “That’s good because I planned on holding you hostage if you had thought otherwise.”

She laughed. “You think you could have held me prisoner?”

Burke shook his head, his grin wide. “Oh, sweetheart, I know exactly how to keep you prisoner.”

She giggled and snuggled against him. “You’ll have to show me how.”

“All night. I’ll show you all night.”

They laughed and kissed and teased until once again, their passion flared and they were lost in a haze of lovemaking. It continued all night, and when dawn finally peeked over the horizon, Storm fell soundly asleep in Burke’s loving arms.

Storm was the first to stir, then Burke, and they greeted each other with smiles.

“What a lovely night, with a lovely woman,” Burke said.

“Such romantic words,” Storm said, trying to keep reality away for just a while longer.

“You haven’t seen anything yet.”

She laughed softly and knew that she’d be wise to leave his bed right away, but she foolishly lingered.

He traced her breast with his finger and nuzzled her neck. “I love the feel and taste of you.

Thank God he kept his nibbles to her neck, or else
she’d be lost. As it was she was on the verge of attacking him, and that she couldn’t do. She had surrendered to one night of passion; there could be no more, or else she would be in danger of losing her heart.

The thought jolted some sense into her and she bolted up in bed. “There’s things I must see to.”

Burke tried to coax her back into his arms. “Nothing is as important as us at this moment.”

Storm threw the covers off her and hopped out of bed, grabbing her nightgown from the floor and slipping it on hastily. It tangled around her, being she had it on backward, and the next thing she knew, Burke was helping to untangle her.

His hands were gentle, smoothing the gown down and lingering in just the right places that sparked her passion with each intentional touch.

Storm backed away. “I need to go.”

“Can’t you spare a few more minutes?”

Storm kept her eyes on his face, if not she probably would have surrendered to her passion and his obviously growing passion.

“Now,” she said with the shake of her head. “I must go now.”

His outstretched arm stopped her when she tried to pass, and he shook his head. “I don’t think so.” He hoisted her up and had her on the bed in a split second, and in another, he had her nightgown up and him inside her.

It was a fast and furious mating that she thoroughly enjoyed. There was no preamble, no fussing, no playfulness, just fast, hard lovemaking that felt wonderfully delicious.

When it was over and their breathing returned to normal, he helped her off the bed and walked her to the door. “Now you can leave, but be warned, I’ll be looking for you tonight.”

Storm scurried out the door and didn’t take a breath until she was safely in her quarters. It was to be one night, no more. If she continued to make love with him, she was bound to fall in love with him. Besides, she already had feelings for the American.

She couldn’t exactly define them, or perhaps she didn’t want to. She made haste to dress, trying without success to avoid thoughts of the American. However, did she expect not to think about him after having made love with him?

She smiled and sighed, thinking how wonderful it had been and feeling a little guilty that she had enjoyed it so very much. Her climaxes had gone on forever with a little help from Burke. It was something she had not experienced with her husband, but then they had been young and inexperienced.

She finished dressing and warned herself to keep her distance from the American. It would do no good to get deeply involved with him.

But wasn’t she already?

She wanted to free Burke’s brother just as badly as he did. Cullen needed to learn he had a brother, and Burke needed to finally meet his brother. It was necessary for both parties, necessary for family to be reunited.

That was her priority, not intimacy with Burke. She had to keep that in mind or else she would find
herself lost with no chance of finding her way back again.

It was decided that William and Philip would go and gather the information on Lady Alaina since they were familiar with the man who had last supplied it. In the meantime, Burke scribbled a note to Douglas, the ship’s captain, and Malcolm and Angus were sent to collect more clothes and coins in case needed.

That left Storm, Tanin, and Burke to wait for their return.

By afternoon the camp had turned quiet; clouds still claimed the sky, though the rain had stopped.

Storm liked times like this when there were no pressing matters that needed her attention. She could just drift through the remainder of the day without worry. Such days were far and few between, so she took advantage when she could.

She made her way to the old church ruins. She didn’t know why, but she felt drawn there, and so she went and sat on the crumbled stone wall.

Had guilt brought her here?

The night Daniel had died in her arms, she had sworn she would never love again, never be with another man again, and never forgive herself for not saving her husband.

Now here she was, fresh from making love with another man and wondering if she could possibly fall in love again or even dare give it thought.

“Where is he buried?”

Storm didn’t startle; she had heard someone follow
her, and since Burke’s tracking skills were excellent, he had meant to let her know that he trailed her.

“I left his grave unmarked,” she said as he walked over to her. “I didn’t want anyone disturbing him. Sometimes graves are robbed for clothes or boots and I wanted Daniel to rest in peace.”

“Would you prefer to be alone?”

“No, I don’t feel the need to be alone,” she said, glad that he had joined her though she couldn’t say why. He looked handsome in his duster—it defined his character, wild and rugged and in command.

“What brought you here?” he asked.

She hesitated. She still hadn’t determined the answer to that question. She only knew it was the place she presently wanted to be.

“I’m not sure,” she answered honestly.

He reached out and took her hands in his. “No regrets, Storm?”

She smiled. “Not a one.”

“Good. I feel the same, and I wouldn’t want to think you came here to your husband’s final resting place out of guilt.”

“The thought had crossed my mind,” she admitted, retaining her smile. “But I can honestly say I don’t feel guilty.” She wondered why it didn’t disturb her but actually provided her with a sense of freedom.

“I’m glad for you; perhaps then you’ve finally let your husband rest in peace.”

Was that what she had done? Was that why she felt such a glowing sense of peace within her? Did she not only free herself, but Daniel of the burden
she had placed on them both when she refused to let him go, let him rest in peace?

“Sometimes, Mr. Longton, you make sense.”

“I thought I did all the time,” he said on a laugh and squeezed her hands.

She returned the squeeze, his humor and thoughtfulness appreciated, as well as his touch. His hands were warm, and she felt safe. How long had it been since she felt safe?

He drifted closer to her, slow and easy, and she thought to stop him. If he came any closer, she would kiss him, and she couldn’t chance that. She’d certainly want more from him—he was simply addictive, and that was not good for her.

Last night was their first and last time together.

It had to be, or else she risked losing her heart to him.

He was standing directly in front her before she realized it. His hand reached out until his fingers slowly stroked her face.

“Your skin is so soft. I love to touch you,” he said on a whisper.

She near shivered but instead grabbed hold of her passion and attempted to divert it, ignore it, and do whatever she could not to respond.

Burke, however, obviously had a different plan in mind, and she silently cursed his persistence. He took hold of her neck with one hand while his lips found hers and teased them with nibbles and kisses.

That he attempted to seduce her was obvious; that it was working was just as obvious.

“I think we should return to my quarters,” he whispered near her ear as he nibbled at her lobe.

Storm could do no more than sigh.

“My sentiments exactly,” Burke said and grabbed her around the waist and hoisted her off the crumbled stone wall.

She thought to deny him, deny herself, but somehow she couldn’t find the words. Before she knew it, she was naked in his bed and he was touching her everywhere, exploring every nook and cranny with his fingers and his lips.

She bit her lower lip so as not to make a sound, yet she wanted to scream out her pleasure. He moved over her and in her with ease and agility. Before she knew it, she was holding on to him for dear life as they simultaneously rode wave after wave of pleasure together.

When finally spent, they lay beside each other, hands clasped, breathing heavily, their passion fulfilled. And that was how the remainder of the day continued since neither of them seemed to be able to get enough of each other.

Only when night finally claimed the sky and the camp peacefully slept did Storm and Burke surrender to much-needed rest.

B
urke sat on the edge of the bed and knew he was in trouble. He and Storm hadn’t been able to keep their hands off each other since they’d fallen into bed together fours days ago.

The more they made love, the more he enjoyed it and the more he wanted to make love to her—and the more he feared he was falling in love with her.

But then he had feared that before becoming intimate with her. She had, to his surprise, worked her way into his heart. He couldn’t say when he first realized how he felt about her. It had just happened. All of a sudden, it was there.

Love.

It must have sneaked in when he wasn’t looking. When he wasn’t aware of it, never even considering it, and yet it had made itself known. He didn’t mind. He rather liked the idea of loving Storm. She wasn’t
your ordinary woman, which meant he’d never have an ordinary life with her. He wouldn’t be surprised if, once she arrived in America, she would find a cause to fight for and pursue it with gusto.

There was, however, one problem: How would he convince her to go with him to America?

He’d propose marriage.

That was a simple solution to his dilemma. But would she agree to marry him? She had been adamant about staying in Scotland. What made him think she would ever agree to leave her homeland?

Love.

There was that word again.

Would love prove to be the deciding factor in this difficult situation? Love would certainly not allow him to leave her behind. Someway, somehow, he would need to convince her that she had to return to America with him, preferably as his wife.

He ran his fingers through his tousled hair, having woken only a short time ago to find Storm gone from his bed. He didn’t like when she wasn’t there. He had fast grown accustomed to her sharing his bed, and he damned well favored her beside him.

She slept naked nestled against him so that anytime he woke in the middle of the night or early morning, he could touch or stroke her soft skin. He didn’t know how he’d ever sleep without her. She had in a very short time become a necessary part of him that he had no intention of relinquishing.

As far as he was concerned, she belonged to him. They committed to each other each and every time
they made love and she was going to have to accept that whether she wanted to or not.

She was his and that’s all there was to it.

Unfortunately, he didn’t think she’d see it that way.

He’d have to convince her, and if he wasn’t able to do that, then he’d have to take charge and make a decision—one he wasn’t sure she’d be too happy with.

He dressed quickly and went in search of Storm. They really needed to discuss their situation. William and Philip would probably return any day now and then what time would they have? This needed to be addressed and settled now.

Burke glided to the ground on the rope and found that he was too late. William and Philip sat at the campfire with Storm. The sun had barely risen, and no doubt Storm had sensed the men’s return, which was what probably had her leaving his bed so early. She had an uncanny sense that made her a good leader and proved advantageous for her time and again.

He wasn’t happy about postponing their discussion until this evening, but he had no choice. Right now, his brother Cullen’s situation needed discussing.

“Good news I hope,” Burke said upon joining them at the campfire.

Philip nodded. “Gratefully, Lady Alaina is a woman of habit.”

“Then there is a way for me to meet with her without her father knowing it?” Burke asked.

“She takes a stroll through the huge garden every day,” Philip explained.

William grinned. “Better yet, she’s by herself.”

“Her father prides himself on the safety of his land,” Philip said. “He would never suspect or even think one would dare approach his daughter on his property.”

“She’s not watched?” Burke asked.

“The property is watched,” William informed him.

“You will need to go in without being seen,” Storm said. “That will prove more dangerous than meeting with Lady Alaina.”

“Not a problem, watchful eyes can be diverted or misled,” Burke said with assurance. “I’d like to see to this as soon as possible.”

“You should wait for Malcolm and Angus to return,” Storm advised. “This way, if your meeting with Lady Alaina goes well, you’ll have all you need to approach her father.”

Burke nodded, knowing she was right, but anxious to get started. “When are they due to return?”

“Any day now,” Storm said and looked to William and Philip. “Get some rest, Burke, and I will formulate a plan and discuss it with you later.”

The two men looked grateful to be dismissed and walked with weary strides to their respective homes.

Burke moved to sit beside Storm. “What do you think?”

“It seems too easy, and that worries me.”

He wrapped his arm around hers and locked her
fingers with his. “The earl probably feels safe with my brother in custody.”

“Or could it be a trap?”

“For whom?” he asked.

“I don’t know. I only know that something doesn’t seem right and I believe you should be extremely careful when meeting with Lady Alaina.”

“Care about me, do you?” he asked with a grin, attempting to tease, yet hoping her answer did anything but.

She squeezed his hand. “You know I care for you.”

Her response disappointed him. What was he expecting? Did he think she would proclaim her love for him? Did he assume because love had struck him, it had also struck her?

“I want you safe,” she insisted. “I don’t want to have to rescue you, though I would if necessary. You can count on it.”

He stared at her for a moment. Was she trying to tell him the way she truly felt the only way she knew how? That she would risk her life for him as she had for her husband? Did he dare ask? Did he want to know?

“You’ll need to do this alone,” Storm informed him. “We risk detection if too many men are present. We’ll wait on the outskirts of Balford land. If you don’t return within an agreed-upon time, then I will send one man in after you.”

“Sounds reasonable,” he said.

“Reasonable or not, anything can happen, and we need to be prepared for any and all upsets.”

“Are you planning on going?” he asked, and wasn’t surprised when she shot him a startled look.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

He shrugged, as if it didn’t seem important, when it was of the utmost importance to him. “Could be dangerous.”

“Every mission is dangerous.”

“True enough, but this one even more so since the Earl of Balford would certainly claim a feather in his cap if he caught the infamous outlaw Storm.”

“Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.”

He brought their clenched hands to his mouth and kissed her hand. “I want to take care of you.”

Her eyes widened, their blue color softening momentarily before sparkling to a brilliant blue. He loved the shifting color. It made him feel as if he were either in the middle of a raging tempest or staring at a tranquil blue sky.

She stumbled over her words. “There is—is no need—no need at all for that.”

He kissed her hand again. “Do you really think I could repeatedly make love with you these last few days and not—”

She yanked her hand free and moved away from him. “We’ve enjoyed some time together, that’s all. It doesn’t make you responsible for me.”

He arched a brow. “Afraid I might have fallen in love with you?”

“That’s nonsense.”

“Why? You’re a beautiful, interesting, courageous woman and I love spending time with you. I love
making love with you, love going on missions with you, love holding, kissing—damn if that doesn’t sound like I’m falling in love with you.”

“Don’t,” she scolded, shaking a finger at him.

He grabbed hold of her finger. “You can’t tell me that I can’t love you.”

She pulled her finger free. “You can’t love me. It would never work.”

“Because you’re stubborn?”

Storm shook her head. “We’re two different people from two different worlds.”

Burke wanted to move closer, wrap his arms around her and ease her doubt, but he knew it was better to give her distance and let her savor his words until finally she took a taste and found them to her liking.

“We are more alike than you want to admit,” he said.

“We are nothing alike and our worlds are far different. You have wealth, land, security, and a future. I have nothing, least of all a future.”

He tapped his chest. “I am your future.”

Her startled expression told him he had struck a chord. She felt something for him and probably was afraid to acknowledge it, for then she would need to confront it and make a decision that would either change many lives or hurt one man.

Storm shook her head. “No, there can never be a future for us.”

“I don’t see it that way. Love is a commitment to me.”

“There is no
love
,” she snapped.

“You can’t command love and you can’t fight it. Love is always the victor, just like fate.”

“I don’t love you,” she said emphatically.

Burke laughed. “I think otherwise.”

She threw her hands up and shook her head.

His manner turned serious, his voice low. “I don’t believe you would make love with me the way you do if you didn’t love me. I can feel the ache in your body for me, the need to be close, to join together, to commit. It’s in every kiss, every touch, every embrace. It’s a pleading tremble in your body, heart, and soul that only I can satisfy. You know it as well as I do.” Burke caught the way she attempted to still the quiver that rushed over her body. “See, it speaks to you now, agreeing with me.”

She shook her head. “No.”

“You can’t deny the truth. It will surface eventually.”

She stood. “This discussion is over.”

“Not really, Storm,” Burke warned. “It’s only just begun.”

Malcolm and Angus returned by late afternoon, with Malcolm singing the praises of Burke’s ship and sharing stories the sailors had told him of America. Young Henry sat enthralled while others joined the small group gathered around the campfire. Burke knew without a doubt that he would be asked many questions about his home and that a few brave souls would soon be asking if they could sail with him.

It was human nature to want to make a better life
for oneself, and all it took was some hope and promise. America provided both.

“I’ll be working on Burke’s ranch,” Henry boasted proudly. “Then someday I’ll have my own land.”

The older men snickered and Burke jumped to Henry’s defense. “That you will, Henry. I know of a nice piece of land that one day just may suit you.”

“What kind of land?” Tanin asked, standing behind Henry, his arm around his wife, Ellie.

“Grazing land for cows and cattle and land for planting. I harvest enough food and then some to supply my ranch.”

“What of your tenants?” Tanin asked.

“I have no tenants,” Burke explained. “Men work for me and receive a decent wage and live in the bunkhouse.”

He could see by their expressions that they didn’t understand about a bunkhouse. “The men share a common shelter with beds for each.”

“What of the wives?” Ellie asked.

“Most cowboys aren’t wed, though the man who oversees the cowboys for me is and he’s provided with a house.”

“Besides wages?” Tanin asked.

Burke nodded and noticed that Ellie whispered in her husband’s ear. That there was promise of a future in America was too much to ignore. He was certain Ellie was probably suggesting the very same. What did they have here? What could they hope to have here?

He had watched Tanin. He was curious, a quick learner, and not afraid of hard work—all were
ingredients for success. Burke decided to put the thought in his head.

“You’d do well in America and would have your own land soon enough.”

Ellie smiled and squeezed her husband’s arm. “It’s something to think about.”

“My mother—”

“Could go with us,” Ellie finished. “I’m sure her healing skills would be welcomed.”

Tanin shook his head slowly. “Storm—”

“Will not stop you.”

All eyes turned to their pint-sized leader who entered the circle around the campfire.

“You are free men and women. The choice is yours.”

Silence followed her declaration, and Burke knew what they thought. The tiny, brave woman had saved their lives and provided them with shelter and a family of sorts. How could they desert her?

There was only one answer to that.

Storm had to go to America, and it was up to him to get her there.