“I’ll be damned,” Burke said.
“Be careful of your words, Mr. Longton,” Storm warned with a smile. “Some claim this is the devil’s lair.”
Storm was proud of the home she and her group had carved out of the forest. Homes were fashioned in the trees, pulleys were constructed to provide water and necessities, weapons were stored in the hollow of hundred-year-old trees. Life was lived here with purpose and joy.
“This is amazing,” Burke said, his neck arched back as he examined the housing in the trees. “It must have taken much work.”
“It was a labor of love by many,” Storm assured him.
“It would certainly appear that way.”
People called out hearty welcomes to Storm and she responded in kind. She watched as Tanin greeted his wife, Ellie, a tall, slender, red-haired beauty whom Tanin had loved since they were young. It always relieved her when she saw the two reunite in a hug. They were so very much in love, and Storm didn’t intend Ellie to suffer her fate of losing a husband.
“I know you will always return him to me safe,” Ellie called out with a wave.
“Count on it,” Storm said.
“That’s a strong promise,” Burke said.
“And one I intend to keep. Now let’s see where we’re going to put you.”
“Right beside you,” he demanded.
Storm raised her brow.
“I am your keeper.”
She poked his chest. “Not likely.”
He grabbed her finger. “I’m about to invest a large sum of money in you, which gives me the right to remain close by your side. Keeper or not, I intend to be your shadow while I’m here.”
“You are persistent.”
“Some call it demanding.”
“I’m the demanding one here,” Storm said.
“I thought you were commanding.”
“Finally you have it right.”
“Good, so where’s your place in the trees?”
Storm walked off with a shake of her head, leaving him to follow. He was right on her heels.
“Grab hold of me,” she said after wrapping her arm around a thick rope.
“Now there’s an order I can follow,” Burke said, slipping his arm around her waist and grabbing hold of the rope with her.
With a kick of her foot to the counterweight at the base of the tree they took flight, gliding up until they came to rest on a platform built between two thick branches.
Storm secured the rope to a broken branch and joined Burke at the wooden railing, his awe obvious in his wide brown eyes.
“It’s breathtaking,” he said.
“It’s safe,” Storm corrected. They could see the forest for miles in all directions. In addition, she had sentries posted at various positions throughout the forest. No one could approach the hideout without their knowledge. Their home was impenetrable.
Storm walked past Burke to enter her home tucked in the confines of the sprawling branches of the generous spruce.
