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.