I liked it too.
She hadn’t considered how he had felt about their encounter, and learning that he had enjoyed it only made her more uneasy. And more apt to think that he would attempt to kiss her again. She would have to speak to him about this and make it clear that he should never kiss her again.
Why not?
The question nudged at her mind. She did not intend to fall in love again and Mr. Longton would return to America when this was over. So what harm would there be in enjoying a few kisses with him now and then? It would be nice to have a man’s arms around her once again, share a kiss, a gentle touch.
Storm walked over to lean against the rock she had sat by last night with Burke.
Would it be so wrong for her to think of herself? Hadn’t she thought of others for most of her life? She hadn’t considered the consequences of her actions when she attempted her first rescue. It was simply necessary, and when it was done she had been marked an outlaw. With little choice left to her and a burning need to fight injustice, she set out to free the helpless with no regard for her own life and no thought of her future.
It didn’t matter anymore. Her reputation had grown, and as Peter had warned her, there were plans for her capture. She always thought it would happen someday and she’d be sent to Weighton to await her death.
Weighton housed the most wanted criminals, those whose acts branded them traitors to Scotland. She didn’t think of herself as a traitor, and many believed her a savior to the common Scot. However, the ruling class thought otherwise and they were the law.
So what was left to her but to enjoy what she could of the life she had left? Perhaps a kiss or two from Burke would brighten her day and lighten her heart, if only for a short time.
She glanced at Tanin, who was speaking with Angus and William. She had advised him long ago that when the day came that she was caught and sent to Weighton, he was to disperse the group and direct the members to make their way out of Scotland. He was not to help her, for they both knew he would die trying. Tanin had objected, but she insisted that she wouldn’t see Ellie suffer the pain of being a widow. He had finally agreed and given her his word.
Burke would never have agreed.
She smiled and whispered. “He would foolishly attempt to rescue me.”
Her smile faded and she recalled her husband’s words.
There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to save you, I love you that much.
She had felt the same, but unfortunately, she had been too late.
Chapter 14
It didn’t take long to determine that the market would pose no problem for them. The amount of activity kept everyone busy, with children laughing and running around the tables. A sleight of hand could easily go on unnoticed, and in no time the group would have the few items they needed.
Burke made his way through the market stalls, taking note of areas that were more private and therefore more conducive to a successful theft. He wandered along slowly, taking in everything he could, when out of the corner of his eye he caught a woman staring at him. She quickly turned away when he looked in her direction.
She certainly was no peasant, dressed as she was in silks and brocade and accompanied by a slew of servants. She was stunning, her auburn hair in a pile of ringlets atop her head with a string of pearls weaving through the mass of curls.
Though her features were sharp, she was a beauty, with milky white, flawless skin, and she stood a good seven inches over five feet. The servants followed her like an army of guards protecting her from anyone who came too close.
“Lady Alaina, I have a lovely silk for—” one of the merchants said drawing her attention.
Burke watched as she examined the rich purple material. She looked to be studying it, when actually she glanced out of the corner of her eye at Burke.
“Lady Alaina likes what she sees,” Malcolm teased quietly behind Burke.
“It’s my good looks. The women can’t resist me,” Burke shot back.
Malcolm laughed and slapped him on the back. “You wish.”
“Why else would she stare at me?” Burke asked with a smug grin.
“Maybe she thinks she knows you,” Angus offered, joining them.
Burke glanced again at the woman.
She was now staring after him and suddenly started to wave. A servant followed her line of interest, changing direction once she began waving.
“Let’s go. Storm’s waiting,” Malcolm said, picking up the pace.
