“IknowI will never love again.”
“That doesn’t seem fair to you or your husband,” Burke said.
“Why do you say that?”
“You are young and have your whole life before you. It would not be fair to you never to know love again. And as for your husband, if he truly loved you as you claim, then he would not want to see you alone. He would want you to love again.”
“I could never love someone the way I loved Daniel.”
“Of course it would be different. Daniel was your first love. There is nothing like a first love, but don’t deny yourself the chance to taste love again. It may be a bittersweet taste at first but you never know. You may develop a liking for the flavor. All I’m saying is at least take a taste.”
Storm stared at him for a moment, and he thought that she would argue the point.
Instead, she said softly, “I’ll keep that in mind. And you, Burke? You mentioned once that you have yet to find love.”
“It hasn’t struck me yet.”
“Is that what you expect it to do, strike you?”
“Dead in the heart,” he said, slapping his hand over his heart.
Storm laughed. “It could sneak up on you and gradually claim your heart.”
“I think I’d see it coming,” he said confidently.
“I don’t know. Love can be sneaky,” she warned.
He shook his head. “It’s going to hit me fast and hard and suddenly I’ll be in love.”
“You know, Mr. Longton, love is the one leader no one can usurp.”
He stood and held his hand out to her. “I’ll keep that in mind, but you might be wise to do the same.”
Chapter 13
It took three days to reach Mewers and they camped in the dense woods that skirted the village. Storm and Philip had arranged a time and location to meet, and after instructing the men and posting guards, she and Tanin were about to leave for the appointed meeting.
“I want to go,” Burke said, approaching Storm as she tucked her dirk into its sheath at her waist.
“It’s not necessary.”
“Not to you, but to me it is, and besides, you’ve ordered us to stay put until you speak with Philip. What else is there for me to do?”
She reiterated her order. “Stay put.”
“No.”
His stance was as adamant as his declaration. His legs were spread, his boots dug in, and his hands rested firmly on his hips. He did not intend to be denied his request, and Storm couldn’t blame him. If it had been her brother, she’d make certain to be along every step of the way.
“I’ll follow whatever orders you give.” He winced. “Let me rescind that. I’ll follow any orders that don’t involve causing you pain.”
“At least you’re honest.”
“And always will be,” he confirmed with a sharp nod.
Storm gave it a moment of thought and decided there was no reason for him not to join them. “You can come with us but—” She walked up to him and poked him in the chest as she spoke. “You will in no way interfere if orders are given that should cause me pain.”
Burke looked ready to protest when she poked him again.
