Part 42 (1/2)

Storm walked into the forest and Burke followed. He knew she wanted to talk with him and he knew she

would caution him. However, it was over and done. His brother would be free, and now all that was left

for him to do was to convince her to go to America with him.

He reached out, took hold of her arm, spun her around, and hugged her close before kissing her as if he'

d just returned from a long journey.

When he finished, he rested his forehead against hers. ”I missed you.”

”You weren't gone that long.” She sighed and brushed her lips over his.

”You missed me too.” He laughed knowingly, then kissed her again.

She playfully pushed at his chest. ”You are foolish.”

He hugged her tighter and rocked back and forth with her secure in his arms. ”Foolishly in love.”

She laughed and shook her head. ”This is no time to be talking of us. We-”

”Aha, you admit there is an us.”

He let her wiggle out of his arms.

”I want to hear about the earl. Did he accept easily or did you need to convince him?”

Soon she would need to face the fact there was an us. For now she was right. This needed to be

discussed and Storm put at ease. He didn't want her wasting another minute on a plan that no longerproved necessary.”He wasn't receptive at first, but the gold mine changed his mind.”

”Gold mine?” Storm asked, stunned. ”You offered him a gold mine?”

Burke shrugged. ”It had to be an offer he couldn't refuse, and I can't think of a soul who would refuse a gold mine.”

Storm shook her head and paced in front of Burke. ”This isn't good.”

”Why? The earl gets more than he should in exchange for my brother's freedom.”

Storm stopped and glared at him. ”Only a fool would refuse a gold mine and the earl is no fool. But he is

also a man determined to have his revenge. I do not trust this arrangement he has made with you.”

”I don't either. I know the earl is deceitful, so no papers will be signed until my brother is standing in front

of me. I also do not intend to arrive alone at the meeting. I shall have the captain of my s.h.i.+p with me and

several sailors.”

Storm shook her head. ”I still don't like it. I don't believe the earl will release Cullen. He wants him dead and he will see him dead.”

Burke tried to ease her trepidation. ”It will go well. We will plan and see that it does.” He reached out and stroked her arm. ”I know you were unable to save your husband from the earl, but we will save Cullen.”

Storm stepped away from him. ”You think I worry that your brother faces the same fate as Daniel?”

”It's all right that you do,” Burke said. ”I appreciate your concern.”

”My concern has nothing to do with my husband. It has to do with a man who deceives people and will

always deceive people. The earl cannot now or ever be trusted. He sets a trap and will see your brotherdead before turning him over to you, though after taking owners.h.i.+p of your gold mine.””Now you wound my intelligence,” Burke said annoyed. ”I'd never let that happen.””You won't see it coming.””I'm a cautious person-”

”Not cautious enough when it comes to the earl,” Storm warned.

”You managed to break into his prison and free your husband and he never saw it coming. I think I can manage the same.”