She thought to lie, but what good would it do? “I cannot have you near me right now.”
“Why?” he asked again.
“You distract me.”
“As you do me,” he said.
She smiled softly. “Then it is better I sit here alone.”
He looked ready to object, then shook his head. “I suppose you are right.”
“For once we agree,” she said, laughing softly.
“I leave reluctantly,” he said, turning away.
“I let you go reluctantly,” she said to her surprise.
He turned around. “Be warned, I will have a day of fun—and more—with you.”
Chapter 16
Once home Henry was made comfortable after Janelle pronounced rest and nourishment would heal his bruised and battered body. He had suffered no broken bones. It was as if his captors had enjoyed toying with him, like children tormenting a small, helpless animal.
Burke waited impatiently outside Angus’s hut. Being there was room for only one person in Janelle’s hut, and Peter’s injures required more attention, Henry was placed with Angus. Storm had ordered that no one speak with him without her being present. So here Burke stood waiting for her, anxious to speak with the lad, but respecting her edict.
He watched as she approached, Tanin walking beside her. It amazed him how refreshed she appeared after days of endless walking. Her step was spry, her movements not at all labored, and her lovely face glowed. She seemed invigorated and yet she had gotten only a few hours’ sleep over the last six days.
Tanin parted company with her when he reached his tree house, his wife standing at the base waiting for him.
Storm continued toward Burke with a smile.
Damn if it didn’t go beyond attraction. She had haunted his mind constantly since the night she had initiated a kiss, not that she hadn’t tormented his thoughts before that, but now she was forever planted in his mind.
He wanted to spend time with her, just the two of them. He wanted to get to know Storm the woman, not Storm the outlaw. He knew what he proposed could prove dangerous. She would not leave Scotland and he would not leave his home. How then could there be a future for them? And why did he even consider a future with her?
His thoughts and emotions were playing havoc with him, and damned if he knew what to do about it. What had his father warned him of love? That nothing would make sense. Nothing had made sense since he’d met Storm. Did that tell him something?
He shook the nonsensical thoughts from his head. Storm seemed a willing partner when it came to passion. Why not enjoy her while he could and leave it at that?
Maybe because she haunted the hell out of him day and night and he worried about her safety all the time. Did he really think that would change once she was out of sight?
“Something troubles you?” Storm asked once she was beside him.
“Trying to clear my head.”
“By shaking it?” She grinned and took hold of his arm.
He felt as if he’d been struck by lightning by her simple touch, so strong was the passion that assaulted him. What was it about this woman that made him respond so carelessly, so eagerly, so wantonly?
“I’ve tried that myself. It doesn’t work,” she assured him.
“It’s worth a try,” he admitted, glad she kept her arm hooked with his. “Anything is better than endless chaos in your head.”
“Haven’t you heard?’ she said with a tease. “There is wisdom in madness.”
“Only a madman would claim that.”
Storm laughed, though it quieted fast enough. “Sometimes I wonder if madness isn’t a reprieve from sanity.”
