“I’m not that stupid.” He sounded insulted. “Besides, the money I had arranged to be brought here won’t be available to me for two weeks.”
“So you’re presently penniless and homeless.”
“Only for the moment, and, like you, I can take care of myself.”
His brown eyes flared, giving his rugged features a devilish appeal that momentarily stunned her. “Good, then I’ll see that one of my men makes sure you get to Dunwith.”
“What of the others?” he asked.
“Those prisoners unable to walk much farther will be left with friends who will see them moved to a safe location. The others will be given a choice to go off on their own or to join with my group.”
“What if I want to join with your group?”
She stopped short and glared at him. “Why would you want to do that?”
“Don’t want my help?”
He was obviously amused by her remark, a half smile highlighting his sweat-dappled face. She wasn’t at all amused. “No!”
“Why?”
“You don’t take orders well.”
“I don’t take them at all.”
“Obviously.” She admired his abrupt honesty. “Why would you want to join us? I thought you said you had personal business in Dunwith.”
“I do, but until my funds arrive, there isn’t much I can do. Besides, I’m sure you could always use an extra pair of skilled hands.”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so. My men are well trained to obey me. Can you obey me?”
“I can follow orders.”
“Can you obey me?” she repeated.
She could see the struggle in his eyes and in the pinch of his narrow lips. He was fighting with himself, though the answer was clear. He couldn’t obey a woman.
“I’ve been taught to protect women.”
“I don’t need protection. I need obedience.” She smiled when he cringed.
“I’ll do my best.”
“Not good enough. My men work together under my command. I never worry that they won’t obey me and they never worry that I will fail them. That is why we’ve been so successful in our rescues. Go to Dunwith, Mr.—”
“Burke, Burke Longton,” he said, holding out his hand.
Storm took it, his callused palm rubbing across hers and taking firm hold. The solid handshake told her he was a man who meant business, and that he didn’t let go of her hand told her he was determined to have things his way.
“Once my funds arrive, I’ll be on my way. Until then, let me help you.”
Storm tugged her hand out of his, crossed her arms over her chest, and eyed him with a suspicious glance. “What is it you really want from me, Mr. Longton?”
“The name is Burke, Storm. And what Ineedfrom you is knowledge of this land and its people before I attend to my business. I had thought my task an easy one but I have realized it is going to be more difficult than I first thought.”
“I have no time—”
“I will make it worth your time.”
