Part 47 (1/2)

as he wanted to love you.”

Had she wanted that from the beginning? Had she been searching for someone to challenge her stubbornness? Her pain? Her hurt? And prove that she could truly love again?

”I am glad we rescued the American that fateful day, for he now rescues us.”

”He certainly does,” Storm agreed with a smile.

Tanin left Storm with her thoughts, and it didn't take long before various people joined her for a few

moments to express their appreciation for all she had done for them and the opportunity that they had been given.

By the time Burke joined her she had tears in her eyes.

He reached down and eased her to her feet.

”Your people are grateful,” he said.

”It is you they should be grateful to.”

He slipped his arm around her slim waist, and they walked from the campfire. ”Not really. If it wasn't for your courage and persistence none of this would have been possible. It is because of you that they have a chance at a new life.”

”I refuse to take all the credit.”

”Too bad, it's yours,” he teased and hurried her along. ”But if you feel you owe me something, then Isuggest-” He leaned down and nuzzled her neck.”How romantic.” She giggled and scrunched her neck, trying to prevent his sensual tickles.”You want romance?” he whispered, and suddenly scooped her up, flinging her over his shoulder. He grabbed hold of the rope and they were up to the tree house before Storm could protest.

She sighed and rested her head on his chest while he carried her into her small quarters. Then slowly he began to undress her piece by piece while gently kissing every exposed part of her.

Her pa.s.sion lit like an ignited flame, bursting with a quivering heat. She melted under his kisses, his

touches, and was aching with the want of him by the time he stripped naked and took her to bed.

”Lord, I'd love to take my time with you but I want you so badly I don't think I can wait.”

”I feel the same,” she urged, her hands reaching down to feel his readiness.

He groaned. ”d.a.m.n, but I love when you touch me.”

”I love the feel of you, especially inside me.”

He took her lips in a frantic kiss before saying, ”Then let me give you what you love.”

She grabbed hold of his arms, strong and taut as he eased himself inside her slowly and gently, until she

swung her hips up and took him in her with a solid push.

They both groaned and set a rhythm that had the bed rocking, their hearts pounding, and their bodies sweating.

Afterward they lay beside each other, hands clasped, while their breathing eased and their satisfied

bodies completely relaxed.

”Promise me you'll take no unnecessary risks,” Burke said softly.

Strange that he should say that since she was thinking the same herself. This would be one rescue mission that she wanted desperately to survive. The others never mattered to her, but then she didn't have anything to live for. Now she did.

Now she had Burke.

”I promise,” she said, and meant it with all her heart.

”I don't know what I would do if I lost you.”

The tremor in his voice told her just how sincere he was, and it touched her heart and quivered her

stomach. Lord, but she wanted a chance at a life with this man.

”I feel the same about you. I never believed I could feel that way again; perhaps I feared feeling that way

again. Now, however, I'm glad I have you to love. I forgot how truly wonderful loving and being loved feels.”

He leaned on his side and ran his finger gently over her lips. ”I want you to keep my love strong in your

heart while on this mission. Know I am with you at all times and know I will not let anything happen to

you.”

Storm kissed his finger and attempted to ease his concern and possibly her own. ”My stubbornness will not allow me to remain captured.”