“He’s right, Storm,” Tanin said after examining the wound. “It’s deeper than it looked at first glance.”
“Then bandage it, and Janelle can see to it when we reach camp.”
Burke pushed Tanin out of the way. “I’ll take care of it. Finish helping the men so we can get out of here.”
Much to Storm’s surprise, Tanin took off.
“I didn’t know you were in charge,” she snapped.
“I issued the same orders you would have and Tanin knows it,” Burke said and shook his head. “I’m not trying to usurp your command, and if you weren’t so stubborn you’d admit that this wound does need immediate attention. So let’s get it wrapped and you back to camp as quickly as possible.”
Storm marveled at how fast Burke worked. He tore her ripped sleeve off her shirt and used it as a bandage. She winced from the pain and he apologized for hurting her.
The man did have a tender heart and nice eyes. Storm really liked his eyes. They were deep brown and filled with confidence. He was a man who knew what he wanted and went after it.
“She’s lost some blood,” Storm heard Burke say.
She suddenly felt light-headed, weak almost, as if she were about to faint. The thought shocked her. She couldn’t faint. She reached out, grabbing the arm in front of her.
“Tanin!”
“It’s all right, Storm, I’ve got you.”
That wasn’t Tanin. It was Burke.
“You need to sit,” Burke said firmly.
She leaned on his arm and attempted to push to her feet.
“Stay put,” Burke ordered.
“I need to stand,” she said adamantly.
“Not when you’re about to faint,” Burke said.
She turned to Tanin, trying to shove Burke aside. “You know what to do.”
Tanin responded with a strong slap to her face.
Chapter 8
Burke lunged at Tanin with a roar and would have beaten him senseless if Malcolm and Angus hadn’t grabbed him and held him back.
“What the hell is the matter with you?” Burke yelled, his face red with anger.
“Mind your business,” Angus said harshly.
“She’s hurt and needs—”
“To stay on her feet and stay strong,” Angus finished.
“She’s a woman—”
“She’s our leader first,” Angus corrected.
“Let me go,” Burke all but snarled.
“Let him go,” Storm ordered sharply after shaking her head clear, and the men obeyed.
