Taken By Storm by Donna Fletcher Read Free Book Online Page B

It did no good to dwell on them. He was dead, and nothing would bring him back. No amount of tears would ease her pain, though she had shed them endlessly.
    Nothing but time would relieve her suffering. It had been three years since his death, and still at times the hurt felt raw, as if it had been yesterday that she had felt his arms around her, his lips kissing her.
    She ran her fingers over her lips, recalling Burke’s kiss. Dare she admit that it actually felt good?
    She attempted to dismiss the thought as she quickly jumped out of bed and dressed with equal haste. Unfortunately, the disturbing thought refused to be ignored and lingered in her mind.
    She was being ridiculous. So what if she enjoyed Burke’s kiss? What difference did it make? It meant nothing, and there would not be another kiss. It wasn’t worth wasting her thoughts on.
    Storm slipped on a brown wool vest over her long-sleeved tan shirt, the morning chill reminding her that autumn had finally arrived. She descended the rope ready and eager for breakfast.
    Activity around the campfire alerted her to a possible problem. The mornings were always quiet around the camp. She and Janelle would share the morning meal, Malcolm sometimes joined them, but Tanin was never seen until after sunrise.
    He was there now, however, along with Malcolm and Angus, which meant something had happened.
    Storm approached them and they all turned quiet. “What’s wrong?”
    Tanin answered. “We received word that William and Philip were captured before they could reach Glencurry.”
    “Where were they taken?”
    “They’re on their way to Mullvane, where I was held,” Malcolm said.
    “Probably caught by the soldiers sent to find the escaped prisoners.”
    Everyone around the campfire jumped at the sound of Burke’s voice as he stepped out of the darkness.
    “I thought you were still sleeping,” Storm said.
    “You’ll find I’m an early riser.” Burke tossed a slim stick into the fire. “So what do we do about freeing William and Philip?”
    “ We see to that,” Storm said. “You remain here.”
    “I feel responsible for them.”
    “ I gave them the order, not you.”
    “Still, they went to rescue my brother. I can’t sit by and do nothing,” Burke said emphatically.
    “If I order—”
    “ If you order, which I ask you not to do,” Burke requested firmly. “You are short two men to help with the rescue. You know I’m skilled—”
    “And I know that you don’t—”
    “I’ll follow orders. I give you my word on it,” Burke promised.
    He was right about her needing the help, and though her men remained silent, she knew they thought the same. She had always considered their suggestions when an escape was planned and she had no doubt they agreed with Burke.
    “You promise you will obey my every command—” She held her hand up to prevent his quick response. “My every command, even if it means you leave me behind.”
    The shock on his face answered for him, but she had to admit he was quick to rein it in.
    “I’m not saying it would be an easy thing for me to do. My first response would be to protect you and get you the hell out of there under any circumstances. But I respect your command and will respect your orders. I can’t promise, however, that I won’t object now and again.”
    “But you will follow my orders,” she confirmed.
    “I give you my word.”
    “Then we appreciate your help in rescuing Williamand Philip.” Storm moved aside, making room for Burke to join them at the campfire. “We need to find them before they reach the prison.”
    “I thought the same,” Tanin agreed. “We should leave immediately.”
    “We’ll need to be careful of any soldiers that may have been left behind in hopes of finding the rest of us,” Burke offered.
    “True, and we’ll need to split into two groups and cover the two possible paths they could have taken,” Storm explained. “We’ll reunite where the two paths converge. And if