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Taken By Storm(72)



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.





Chapter 28




Storm was one of the last to retire for the night. Burke had left the campfire hours earlier, and she had no doubt he hoped she’d do the same. She couldn’t. She was upset.

Burke’s vivid description of America painted a desirable picture and had set many minds to thinking. Why not? There was no promise of owning land in Scotland. They would struggle their entire lives and have nothing in the end. At least America provided them with a chance for a decent life, and even if they struggled, it would be for their own land.