What she really meant was that she believed she had no future. She was an outlaw and would forever be hunted and perhaps one day caught. The thought chilled his bones. He could not fathom the idea of Storm rotting in a jail cell or, God forbid, being tortured endlessly, death her only chance to escape.
“You should think of the future,” he insisted. “What will you do when your outlaw days come to an end?”
“I doubt they ever will.”
He didn’t like the hopelessness he heard in her voice. “You don’t know that for sure. Anything can happen.”
“It would take a miracle. This is my life and I accept it.”
“Why? You fight for others. Why not fight for your own future?”
“I do not live beyond this day, for I do not know if I will see tomorrow. I will do what I must and leave the rest to fate.”
“Not good enough,” he said adamantly. “Fate is what you make it. You said you’d rather survive than surrender. Leaving your life to fate is surrendering.”
A soft smile lit her face and sent a jolt to his heart. He convinced himself it was out of concern he felt for her. She was a young, beautiful woman who had the right to a good life. She needed a good man who would love her, protect her, and provide for her.
“Fate cannot be swayed, Burke. It is there whether we like it or not. But enough talk of fate. Let me tell you of the Scottish people. Hopefully it will help you better understand your brother.”
“If you’re an example of the Scottish people, then I already know something of them. They’re stubborn fighters who refuse to surrender even if it’s for their own good.”
“That we are,” Storm agreed, “but we don’t surrender for we are bound to this land through generations who have spilled their blood for it, and its people will fight to their last breath to keep us free.”
How could he argue with her? He fought for his land and the freedom it brought him. He would die defending his land if necessary.
“So what you tell me is that my brother Cullen will not leave this land.”
“Would you leave yours?”
Burke shook his head. “No. It is my home. But many are leaving Scotland. There is a chance he may want to emigrate.”
“Many have no choice.”
“Perhaps Cullen won’t have a choice.”
“The wealth you say is his will grant him a choice,” Storm said.
He’d never thought of that. He’d just assumed Cullen would want to return to America with him and claim his share of the inheritance, though his return wasn’t necessary. The money was his whether he lived in Scotland or in America.
Burke rubbed his chin. “You have given me much to think about.”
“It is good to be prepared for all possibilities.”
“Even miracles?” he teased.
She laughed. “Are you promising me a miracle, Mr. Longton?”
“If it were in my power I’d make certain you get one.”
“You are a strange man.”
“Good strange?” he asked with a cautious laugh.
“I believe so. You demand and yet you have a tender heart.”
“Shhh,” he warned, pressing a finger to her lips. “That’s a secret that cannot get out.”
She nodded, assuring her silence.
