Taken By Storm (8 page)

I
t took three days to reach Mewers and they camped in the dense woods that skirted the village. Storm and Philip had arranged a time and location to meet, and after instructing the men and posting guards, she and Tanin were about to leave for the appointed meeting.

“I want to go,” Burke said, approaching Storm as she tucked her dirk into its sheath at her waist.

“It’s not necessary.”

“Not to you, but to me it is, and besides, you’ve ordered us to stay put until you speak with Philip. What else is there for me to do?”

She reiterated her order. “Stay put.”

“No.”

His stance was as adamant as his declaration. His legs were spread, his boots dug in, and his hands
rested firmly on his hips. He did not intend to be denied his request, and Storm couldn’t blame him. If it had been her brother, she’d make certain to be along every step of the way.

“I’ll follow whatever orders you give.” He winced. “Let me rescind that. I’ll follow any orders that don’t involve causing you pain.”

“At least you’re honest.”

“And always will be,” he confirmed with a sharp nod.

Storm gave it a moment of thought and decided there was no reason for him not to join them. “You can come with us but—” She walked up to him and poked him in the chest as she spoke. “You will in no way interfere if orders are given that should cause me pain.”

Burke looked ready to protest when she poked him again.

“Think twice, Mr. Longton, before you agree.”

Burke let out an agitated sigh. “I won’t interfere.”

“Your word on it.”

Another agitated sigh. “I give you my word, though reluctantly.”

Burke had proven himself an honorable man, and Storm knew he would keep his word once given whether he agreed with the circumstances or not. It seemed when it came to her, he was overly concerned, but then to him men were meant to protect women. He was doing what he had been raised to do.

“You’ll follow between Tanin and me. I don’t want you getting lost.” She smiled and shook her
head. “But then you wouldn’t get lost; you’re too good of a tracker.”

“True enough, but there’s no time to waste so it’s best I do as you say.”

Storm stumbled in jest, her hand to her chest. “Did I just hear you agree with me?”

He cracked a smile. “It’s easy to agree with you when you make sense.”

“I make sense all the time.”

“Women rarely make sense,” Burke said on a laugh.

“Amen to that,” Angus said, passing by.

Storm grinned and sauntered off. “Have your fun, but do remember that it’s a woman who leads you.”

They didn’t have to wait long for Philip to join them at the designated meeting place. He arrived shortly after them, and they huddled beneath a large spruce to hear what he had learned.

“They took a prisoner out of here just before my arrival,” Philip informed them. “It is whispered about in the village as if it is a secret that cannot be divulged.”

“Was a name mentioned?” Burke asked anxiously.

Philip shook his head. “No, though mention was made of the size of the man, and from what Peter told us, the description fits.”

“Then it could be Cullen,” Burke said.

“Don’t get your hopes up,” Tanin advised. “We have yet to learn of a name. We could be chasing after the wrong man.”

“Which is why we must free the young lad,” Philip informed them.

“He knows something?” Burke asked.

Philip nodded. “The lad spent a good two days with the man in the same cell.”

“He would know his name,” Burke said, excited.

“He would know something,” Storm said.

Burke agreed. “Enough for us to learn if it is my brother we chase after.”

“A good chance of it,” Philip said. “And with the prized prisoner gone and only the lad remaining, there is a bare minimum of guards around the prison.”

“Any idea where he may have been taken?” Burke asked.

Philip shrugged. “I can’t even make sense of why this man has been moved around as much as he has been. Usually a prisoner is kept in one location or perhaps moved once, but this many times?” He shook his head. “It makes no sense.”

“He’s right,” Storm agreed. “I’ve never known a prisoner to be moved as much as this man. Something isn’t right. Perhaps the lad will enlighten us.”

“The village has many items we can use,” Philip advised.

“Malcolm, Angus, and Burke will canvass the village tomorrow.”

They returned to camp in silence. With no campfire set, the group munched on the bread and cheese they had brought with them and retired early.

“A moment of your time?” Burke asked after the others had bedded down.

Storm nodded and they walked over to a large rock and sat with their backs against it.

“You seemed worried earlier about the prisoner being moved so often. Why?”

The half moon cast enough of a glow for Storm to see the concern in Burke’s dark eyes, and while she wished to ease his worry, she knew he’d prefer the truth.

“It’s as if someone wishes to hide this prisoner.”

“Why would that be?”

“I’m not sure,” she said, shaking her head. “But we aren’t dealing with a simple crime, which means it isn’t likely that you will be able to buy your brother’s freedom, if this man is truly your brother.”

“You can’t be sure of that.”

She shrugged. “As you’ve often said to me, you never know, though the evidence does prove otherwise.”

“I can’t have come this far to lose my brother this way,” Burke said adamantly. “Money speaks loudly and often erases crimes. It will aid in my attempt to free Cullen.”

“I agree that money can buy almost anything, but be aware there is that small segment money can’t buy.”

“I’ve yet to find something money can’t buy, Storm. It bought you.”

Her eyes narrowed and she sat up straight. “I was never for sale, Mr. Longton.”

“I apologize,” Burke said quickly. “I phrased that inappropriately. I admire your courage and conviction and meant no disrespect.”

“Then why say it?” she snapped.

“Frustration, foolishness, exhaustion? Have I found one that suits you?”

She laughed softly and relaxed once again against the rock.

“This is difficult for me, though I don’t like to admit it.”

“I understand. You don’t wish to fail your father. You gave your word, and your word is your honor.”

He looked at her, startled that she understood. “My father died with a smile when I gave him my word that I would find Cullen. He knew I would not fail him.”

“Yet this land and its people are foreign to you and you must depend on the assistance of a stranger to help you keep your promise. Which means you have no control over the situation, and that alarms you.”

“You are damned perceptive and damned beautiful.”

“It surprises you that the two mix so well together?”

“You are quick-witted,” Burke said with a smile.

“Part and parcel of being perceptive.”

“Your husband must have found you a handful.”

Storm smiled with joy. “Daniel claimed he wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Neither would I.”

Storm felt her heart catch and she quickly stood. “It’s best we turn in.”

“If you say so,” Burke said and stood.

“Good night,” Storm said and turned to leave.

Burke took hold of her arm and pulled her to him. “Not so fast, pretty lady.”

He leaned down and claimed her lips in a gentle kiss.

His tenderness did her in, or perhaps tenderness was what forced her response. Whatever it was, she soon found herself lost in a kiss that stirred her long-dormant passion. It had been so long since he had kissed her, and she allowed herself the pleasure of enjoying the taste of him.

He knew how to kiss, how to titillate with his lips and his tongue.

She pulled away suddenly and ran off without a word, her husband’s face vivid in her mind and her heart in pain at betraying his memory.

Morning found Storm busy with Tanin and purposely ignoring Burke. She didn’t wish to address her sudden departure last night, and least of all did she want to discuss their kiss. It had been a mistake and one she would not make again.

She finished with Tanin and intended to make herself scarce until Burke and Malcolm left, but then she turned to find Burke standing in front of her.

“Was my kiss that bad or that good?” he asked.

“Neither. It was a mistake.” She tried to push past him.

He held her in place. “I don’t think so.”

“It doesn’t matter what you think. Now let go of me,” she ordered him quietly and calmly, not wanting to attract attention.

“Not until I have an answer.”

“I gave you one.”

“Not good enough,” he insisted.

“You need to be going. Malcolm is waiting.” She gave a nod to where the young man stood near the edge of the woods.

“He can wait. I told him I needed to speak with you first.”

“This mission is too important to be held up by a kiss,” she scolded.

“My sentiments exactly, so give me an answer and be done with it.”

“I can order—”

His eyes narrowed. “An answer, Storm, here and now.”

She knew he’d go nowhere until she responded and she thought to lie to him, but she had a feeling he’d see through it.

“Like or don’t like,” he reminded. “It’s that simple.”

He was right. It was that simple, and she was being foolish. It would be her choice whether he kissed her again. Her answer would make no difference.

“Like,” she said, getting it over with quickly.

Burke grinned. “I liked it too.”

Her cheeks burned red as he walked away, and she turned so that no one would see her blush. She
did not have a problem baring her naked breasts to this man, and yet knowing that he liked the kiss made her blush like a young lass enamored of a lad.

But then removing her shirt had been her choice and had also been meant to put him in his place. The kiss was entirely different.

I liked it too
.

She hadn’t considered how he had felt about their encounter, and learning that he had enjoyed it only made her more uneasy. And more apt to think that he would attempt to kiss her again. She would have to speak to him about this and make it clear that he should never kiss her again.

Why not?

The question nudged at her mind. She did not intend to fall in love again and Mr. Longton would return to America when this was over. So what harm would there be in enjoying a few kisses with him now and then? It would be nice to have a man’s arms around her once again, share a kiss, a gentle touch.

Storm walked over to lean against the rock she had sat by last night with Burke.

Would it be so wrong for her to think of herself? Hadn’t she thought of others for most of her life? She hadn’t considered the consequences of her actions when she attempted her first rescue. It was simply necessary, and when it was done she had been marked an outlaw. With little choice left to her and a burning need to fight injustice, she set out to
free the helpless with no regard for her own life and no thought of her future.

It didn’t matter anymore. Her reputation had grown, and as Peter had warned her, there were plans for her capture. She always thought it would happen someday and she’d be sent to Weighton to await her death.

Weighton housed the most wanted criminals, those whose acts branded them traitors to Scotland. She didn’t think of herself as a traitor, and many believed her a savior to the common Scot. However, the ruling class thought otherwise and they were the law.

So what was left to her but to enjoy what she could of the life she had left? Perhaps a kiss or two from Burke would brighten her day and lighten her heart, if only for a short time.

She glanced at Tanin, who was speaking with Angus and William. She had advised him long ago that when the day came that she was caught and sent to Weighton, he was to disperse the group and direct the members to make their way out of Scotland. He was not to help her, for they both knew he would die trying. Tanin had objected, but she insisted that she wouldn’t see Ellie suffer the pain of being a widow. He had finally agreed and given her his word.

Burke would never have agreed.

She smiled and whispered. “He would foolishly attempt to rescue me.”

Her smile faded and she recalled her husband’s words.

There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to save you, I love you that much.

She had felt the same, but unfortunately, she had been too late.

I
t didn’t take long to determine that the market would pose no problem for them. The amount of activity kept everyone busy, with children laughing and running around the tables. A sleight of hand could easily go on unnoticed, and in no time the group would have the few items they needed.

Burke made his way through the market stalls, taking note of areas that were more private and therefore more conducive to a successful theft. He wandered along slowly, taking in everything he could, when out of the corner of his eye he caught a woman staring at him. She quickly turned away when he looked in her direction.

She certainly was no peasant, dressed as she was in silks and brocade and accompanied by a slew of
servants. She was stunning, her auburn hair in a pile of ringlets atop her head with a string of pearls weaving through the mass of curls.

Though her features were sharp, she was a beauty, with milky white, flawless skin, and she stood a good seven inches over five feet. The servants followed her like an army of guards protecting her from anyone who came too close.

“Lady Alaina, I have a lovely silk for—” one of the merchants said drawing her attention.

Burke watched as she examined the rich purple material. She looked to be studying it, when actually she glanced out of the corner of her eye at Burke.

“Lady Alaina likes what she sees,” Malcolm teased quietly behind Burke.

“It’s my good looks. The women can’t resist me,” Burke shot back.

Malcolm laughed and slapped him on the back. “You wish.”

“Why else would she stare at me?” Burke asked with a smug grin.

“Maybe she thinks she knows you,” Angus offered, joining them.

Burke glanced again at the woman.

She was now staring after him and suddenly started to wave. A servant followed her line of interest, changing direction once she began waving.

“Let’s go. Storm’s waiting,” Malcolm said, picking up the pace.

Burke reluctantly turned away and followed the men into the woods. They reached the campsite, the
others already there and waiting for them so that plans could be formulated for a combined rescue and theft.

It was determined fast enough that the mission didn’t seem difficult and that if all went as planned, they could be on their way home by noon tomorrow.

“We’ll just have to keep Burke away from the market,” Malcolm said with a laugh.

“Why is that?” Storm asked with curious concern.

Malcolm continued his teasing. “Lady Alaina found him appealing.”

Angus disagreed. “No, she stared at him as if she thought she recognized him, but wasn’t certain.”

“Your opinion, Burke?” Storm asked.

“That Lady Alaina isn’t as beautiful as you.”

The men snickered and laughed and made fun of the bold American.

“Tell me why you think Lady Alaina found you interesting,” Storm asked, ignoring her men.

“Who is Lady Alaina?” Burke asked, needing to settle that bit of information before he pursued a thought that had been simmering.

“The Earl of Balford’s daughter,” Angus answered.

“The man possibly responsible for my brother’s capture.”

“I get it,” Malcolm said, excited. “If you and your brother resemble each other, then it’s possible that Lady Alaina had seen your brother Cullen and then was surprised when she caught sight of you.”

Burke nodded. “She may have information that could prove helpful.”

“You’ll stay away from her,” Storm ordered so sharply that all the men turned wide eyes on her.

“She could be of help,” Burke suggested.

Storm maintained her authority. “I can’t have you jeopardizing the lad’s rescue.”

“I won’t—”

“That’s right, you won’t,” Storm said. “You won’t go near Lady Alaina, for the lad’s safety and your own.”

He could tell she was angry; her blue eyes blazed like a storming sea. God, he loved seeing the color of her eyes rage like a tempest; the startling blue always set his blood to boiling and his heart to pumping.

Storm continued, “If the Earl of Balford is responsible for your brother’s capture, then he’s also responsible for moving him from prison to prison, which means he has an intense dislike for Cullen. If Cullen’s brother should suddenly appear, do you really think that the earl will welcome him with open arms?”

Damn if he didn’t find her intelligence just as attractive as her gorgeous eyes.

She did not give him a chance to respond. “You’d put not only yourself in danger but my men as well.”

“Your men?”

“That’s right, my men.” Storm stood with a shout. “They would be the ones who would risk their lives to rescue you.” She pointed a finger in his face. “You, Mr. Longton, will do nothing without my permission.”

Burke stood, grabbing hold of her finger. “You think so?”

She yanked her finger free. “It’s an order; you have no choice.” She marched off.

The men coughed from the cloud of dirt she’d kicked up as she stomped away.

Burke started to go after her, but Tanin grabbed his arm. “I’d give her a minute or two.”

“Hour or two is more like it,” Angus said.

“Neither will really make a difference,” Burke said and went after her. Her anger disturbed him. She might resort to sudden anger when on a mission, but he had never seen her grow so militant when planning or discussing a mission. Something else had to have disturbed her.

“Wait,” he called out to her since it didn’t look as if she planned on slowing down or stopping any time soon.

Storm spun around. “Stop following me. I prefer to be alone right now.”

He caught up with her. “Too bad, I’m coming with you.”

“You are a persistent annoyance.”

“And you are angry. Why?”

She looked ready to lash out at him when suddenly she shook her head, turned, and walked over to a large spruce, its branches mushrooming out and creating a haven beneath, which she sneaked under to sit.

Burke joined her, noticing she had drawn her legs up near to her chin and wrapped her arms around them as if huddled in protection. He wanted to
reach out and pry her arms loose and tell her not to be afraid, that he wouldn’t hurt her. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt her.

“Talk to me, Storm. I’m a good listener.”

She rested her head on her raised knees, her glance directed at him. “I didn’t mean to get angry.”

“I know. You weigh your decisions carefully, even decisions made with no time to spare. You still give thought to each and every one of them, no matter how brief, though never unwisely.”

“You make me sound like a sage.”

“I believe at times you are,” he said. “It’s the mark of a good leader.”

Her head came up. “You’re right. A good leader must always see to the safety of her men, even the foolish ones.”

Burke nodded and grinned. “You’re referring to me.”

“I don’t wish to see you added to the list of those needing rescue.”

“Don’t worry, you won’t have to rescue me,” he said with confidence.

“Funny,” she said with a tap to her chin. “I recall rescuing you once already.”

He slapped his hand to his chest. “Must you wound my manly pride and remind me of that?”

Storm scoffed. “Somehow I don’t think your manly pride wounds that easily.”

This time he thumped his chest. “That’s because I’m a confident man.”

“Arrogant too.”

“That does help,” he admitted without remorse.

“Are all Americans like you?”

He smiled. “Only the lucky ones.”

Storm laughed, stretching her legs out and relaxing back against the thick tree trunk.

Relieved that he had eased her tension, he joined her relaxing against the tree. He had questions concerning the lad they were to rescue and the Lady Alaina, but they would have to wait. She looked so lovely sitting there, even dressed in lad’s garments. There was softness to her every curve and a defined beauty to her features. It could steal the breath if one gazed too long, or rob the senses, or make a man think on things that women deemed wicked.

Damn if he didn’t want to be wicked with Storm.

He wondered if perhaps she felt the same.

Hadn’t there been a spark between them on first meeting? Had he imagined it, or was it a clash between their need to take command? How would that work when making love? Who would take the lead?

The thought excited him and made him anxious to discover the answer.

“Nothing to say, Burke?”

He had plenty to say but time was needed to court the lovely lass and see if she was as willing as he was eager.

“I didn’t want to disturb your peace.”

“Peace is relative, Burke,” she said. “I have found it in the strangest of places.”

“We share a common interest, for I have done the same myself and know the serenity such places can bring.”

Her gaze locked with his. He loved her eyes, could get lost in them, could swirl in their stormy blue depths and never care if he were rescued. He had to clear his mind of her or the next thing he knew he’d be kissing her, and now was not the time or place.

“I’ve been thinking of the lad we will rescue,” he said to distract himself.

“I expected you to speak of him to me,” she said, her posture turning rigid.

He regretted disturbing her peace, but then it was necessary in more ways than one. “You claim to know my mind?”

“No, but I know what I would think if it were my brother we searched for.”

“And that would be?”

“I would think that if the lad could not provide me with sufficient information concerning my brother, then perhaps Lady Alaina could. I would want to know all I could about her and possibly find a way of talking with her, though not personally. I wouldn’t want to take the chance that my resemblance could in any way harm my brother.”

“Good, you agree with me,” he said, pleased.

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean we will be contacting Lady Alaina.”

“Why not?” he asked, attempting to keep the irritation out of his tone.

“Our first concern is finding out if this man we’ve followed from prison to prison is your brother. If he is, then we must find out why he is being moved so frequently and where he goes next. Once these questions are answered I have a feeling we’ll learn
what part Lady Alaina plays in it all, and then we can decide if talking with her is necessary.”

“That will take time.”

“Much will depend on what information we learn from the lad tomorrow.”

He let out a frustrated breath. “I’m impatient.”

“Which is why it is better that I am in command.”

Burke smiled. “You really like reminding me of that.”

Her smile matched his. “A little reminding is good now and again.”

“You know, you’re right.”

He grabbed hold of her chin and planted a kiss on her lips that just about curled both their toes. His tongue went deep, his taste hungry and his passion strong.

He yanked himself away, his body responding much too strongly.

“Just a reminder,” he said on labored breath and jumped to his feet and walked away.