Taken By Storm(85)

Storm turned blazing blue eyes on him. “I don’t take orders—”

Burke marched right up to her. “You’re going with me and that’s that.”

Storm took a step away from him. “We’ll discuss this at another time.” She turned and walked away.

“Put it off all you like, Storm,” Burke called out. “It doesn’t change the fact that you’re going with me to America.”

They packed up and were soon on their way home. Storm didn’t want to waste a minute of their precious time. Philip remained behind as a contact for Lady Alaina. He would bring them news when it became available and he would inform her of when to be ready to join Cullen.

They would have little time once they returned to camp. It would take three days to get to Weighton, and with only two weeks left, that didn’t give them much time to plan and execute a solid rescue.

Time was running out fast for everyone, and Storm wasn’t sure if success was possible. That didn’t, however, prevent her from trying. The journey home was spent wisely. She formulated a plan in her head, making changes, perfecting it, and praying it would succeed.

She kept Burke out of her head as much as possible—not that he didn’t force his way in. She was reminded of his intentions every time she caught sight of his determination. It was etched in every line and curve of his rugged face and in the glint of his dark eyes.

Of course, when her glance happened to stray to his lips, that was an altogether different thought. She would lick her own lips and be reminded of his taste, so pungent and powerful. His kisses never failed to awaken her passion. Even the mere thought of them could heat her desire, and it took much willpower to refocus her thoughts.

“Lick your lips one more time,” Burke warned from alongside her, “and you’ll find yourself being dragged off into the bushes for a rousing bout of lovemaking.”

“Promises, promises,” she teased.

“Don’t challenge me, Storm,” he cautioned, his dark eyes stirring with repressed passion.

Her own urges stirred like molten heat, and for a moment she was tempted to take his challenge. How much time was really left to them? Shouldn’t she make the most of the time left to her? Shouldn’t she taste his love as many times as possible before he bid her good-bye?

His love.

Wasn’t that what she would miss? His love, being loved, having someone to love?

“I won’t,” she said sadly and walked ahead of him.

He caught up with her and kept pace alongside her. “But you want to.”

“I won’t deny that I do. It’s just not the time or place.”

“Making love requires no specific time or place.”

She smiled softly, recalling the many times they had made love, and that none had been planned or expected. They made love simply because they felt the need and the desire to mate.

“You agree,” he said with his own smile.

“How can I not?” she asked, her smile spreading. “You have left me with wonderful memories.”

Burke reached for her hand and took firm hold. “We have many more memories to make together.”

She wished that were so. She wished things were different and that she could love this man freely, without any complications. Unfortunately, that wasn’t so, and she could not continue to think on such a dream. She had to let go.

Malcolm suddenly joined them and signaled Storm that someone approached.

Everyone dispersed in directions away from the approaching footfalls. Burke naturally went with her, since he rarely left her side whenever they were on a mission. It was as if he had proclaimed himself her chief protector.

No one seemed to mind, but then her men knew that if their leader had not wanted the American near her, she would have seen to it.

She and Burke took cover behind the trunk of a giant spruce. It was wide enough to shield them both, and the bushes that grew around it offered further concealment.

Malcolm and Angus had hurriedly climbed two big spruces and perched on branches in order to see who trailed them.

Both men signaled Storm that they had yet to determine who approached, so silence reigned, as did patience.

Malcolm was the first to signal that all was well, and soon they all gathered around once again.

“It’s Philip,” Malcolm said.

“He has Lady Alaina with him,” Angus added.

Gooseflesh rushed over Storm. Something had to have happened for her to come this distance with Philip. And it couldn’t be good.

It took only a few moments for Philip and Lady Alaina to finally appear. She seemed a bit out of breath, and Philip was quick to help her sit on a fallen log, while Malcolm graciously offered her water from the pouch he carried.