Burke was the complete opposite of Daniel. The American was brash and vocal about his opinions and wants, where Daniel had been gentle in tone and demands—not that he didn’t get his way; he just did it with a gentle love.
She couldn’t see Burke being gentle. He exuded an arrogant confidence that demanded things be his way. Yet he had deferred to her, with reluctance, but again in the end it was for him to get what he wanted—his brother’s freedom.
She couldn’t blame him. She had fought so very hard for her husband’s freedom, but to no avail. She had lost him, and it had been her fault.
“How far are we from camp?”
She jumped and nearly tripped if it hadn’t been for Burke’s quick reaction. He slipped his arm around her waist and plopped her back on her feet to continue walking.
“You really need a keeper, and, lucky you, I’m available.”
Storm couldn’t help but smile at his grin. He wasn’t handsome, as her Daniel had been. His features were more rugged, each line and groove a distinct map that proved he was a man who had traveled life’s trails with strength and had emerged victorious. He was a man you knew would be there for you in the thick of things and would never leave your side.
Her heart fluttered at the thought of such strength and honor.
“So, am I your keeper?”
Storm shook her head. “More like my jester.”
He laughed. “I like your sense of humor.”
“You are the only person who believes I possess one.”
“I can attest to it since I have seen it firsthand,” he said with a thump to his chest.
A strong chest, she thought. His shirt had spread wide, revealing thick muscles, and his shoulders were broad and in a way defiant, as if he challenged any who approached him.
“So I claim myself your official keeper,” he said emphatically.
“I don’t need a keeper.”
“This is, what? The fourth time I’ve saved you?” he reminded.
“You only think you’ve saved me. I can assure you that I can save myself.”
“When you can prove that to me, then you’ll no longer need me as your keeper.”
“I need to prove nothing to you,” Storm insisted.
“Afraid you do.” He was even more insistent. “You see, my father raised me to protect women. Not that I haven’t met women who can protect themselves, but there comes a point when a man is needed.”
Storm laughed. “No, there comes a time when a manthinkshe’s needed.”
“I disagree,” Burke said with a shake of his head. “You mark my words, there’ll come a time you’ll need me.”
“I don’t believe so, but I will keep your prediction in mind.”
“Good, then when the time comes you won’t deny my help.”
“I would never be foolish enough to denynecessaryhelp.”
“Then you’ll be sure to accept it,” he said much too confidently.
“We’re home,” Tanin said, rushing past them.
Burke looked around.
“Don’t let your eyes mislead you,” Storm advised and took his hand. “Stoop,” she instructed, and together they ducked beneath a thorn-covered arched bush, then squeezed through a row of dense trees to emerge into a clearing.
