Part 41 (1/2)
brother.”She eased his hands off her and placed a gentle hand to his face. ”This really is my choice.”Burke took her hand and kissed her palm. ”No, it isn't.””I'm the leader-””No. You're the woman I love, who I want to marry, have children with, and grow old with. We'll find another way to rescue my brother.”
”If there is none?”
”Your plan is not an option,” he said firmly, then wrapped her in his arms. ”I can't lose you, Storm. I love
you too much.”
He felt her tense and understood. To her way of thinking, they had no future. He would return to
America and she would remain behind in Scotland. But she wasn't aware of his tenacity, especially whenit came to protecting the people he loved. And d.a.m.n if he didn't love her with all his heart.”We'll work this out, don't worry,” he said, hoping to ease her concern and his own, for he worried that Storm was just as tenacious as he.
Burke often wondered how Storm secured some of the things she needed, and now, seeing the horse and carriage waiting on the road when he emerged from the forest, he wondered even more.
”Don't ask,” she cautioned before he could question her. ”Don't worry, it isn't stolen.”
He liked when she fussed with his s.h.i.+rt or jacket, as she did now, her tiny hands smoothing down his
collar and toying with his b.u.t.tons, until finally coming to rest on his chest. It was as if she wanted to touch him but needed to take a roundabout way of doing it.
”Be careful,” she ordered. ”And remember the earl is a deceitful man. Do not trust him. Keep to
business. Do not waste pleasantries on him, get right to the heart of the matter.”
”Do I look presentable?” he teased, wanting to see her smile. He had already changed into suitable garments that Philip had retrieved from his cabin.
She shook her head and smiled, and he felt a stab to his gut. Stocking cap, smudges, and all, she still was
beautiful and her smile confirmed it.”Your tailored black wool suit speaks of wealth as does that diamond ring on your finger.””It was my father's,” he said, holding his hand up. ”I hope to give it to Cullen.””I'm sure he will treasure it.”He leaned down and stole a quick kiss. ”I will free my brother. I am sure of it.””I am too,” she encouraged, though it gave him a start.He feared she kept her plan in mind, even worked on it, allowing it to grow, and he'd be d.a.m.ned if he'd see it given birth.
”You be good,” he ordered teasingly.
She grinned. ”I'm very good.”
He nuzzled near her ear. ”That you are, my love.”
”Tanin and I will wait here for you to return. The others will spread out around the manor house in case
you should need a.s.sistance. Remember someone is close by at all times.”
”I am grateful and I am confident,” he said and gave her a hug before climbing into the single horse-drawn carriage.
She reached out and took hold of his hand that held the reins. ”Take no chances. I don't want anything to
happen to you.”
He leaned down close and whispered, ”Love me, do you?”
She laughed softly. ”How can I help it?”
Her words reverberated in his head as the carriage bounced down the rutted road. In her own way, she
had admitted she loved him, and the joy of it overwhelmed him. He was going to make everything work
-from freeing his brother, to reuniting Cullen with Lady Alaina, to marrying Storm, to taking them all
back to America with him.
They'd be family, all of them, and his father and mother would have been pleased knowing that the ranch they had worked so hard to build would see family grow and prosper on it.
Burke entered the Earl of Balford's manor house with strength and determination, ready to do what he
had to, to protect the people he loved.
He had expected Lady Alaina to greet him, but a manservant escorted him to an ornately decorated parlor, where he was told the earl would be with him shortly.