Quicksilver Passion (169 page)

He had betrayed the trust of a man who had befriended him.
I—I can’t. If he wanted you to know, I guess he would have already told you himself. Maybe he’s like me—proud. He don’t want your pity, miss.”

She took a deep breath, seemed to pull herself together.
Never mind, Keso, you’ve told me what I needed to know.” Her expression betrayed that she cared as much about the big, rugged half-breed as he did. “I’m going to him.” She turned to leave, then turned back around. “If I need you, where can I find you?”

At the Elephant Corral—you know, where the Duchess keeps her horses and fancy carriage.”

Don’t you have any folks, anyone who cares about you?”

Just Cherokee,” he said,
but that’s enough. The two of us are managin’ just fine without you.” He was sullen and resentful. If she and the man got together, Keso would be alone and not needed anymore.

I know you’re friends”—she patted his shoulder gently—
but you needn’t be jealous of me, Keso. I think he may need more help than either of us realizes. I’ll look after Cherokee Evans from now on.”

As Keso watched, she turned and hurried away down the street toward the Essex Hotel.

Silver almost flew through the streets. Breathlessly, she paused before his hotel room and rapped.

Who is it?”

Silver.”

There was a long pause, and for a moment, she thought he would not come to the door. Finally, he opened it slowly.
I—I wasn’t expecting you ... come in.”

She came into the room, which was still lit only by the fireplace, and realized now why he’d had no lamps burning the other night. To a blind man, it made no difference if it was light or dark, it was all the same.
Cherokee, I came because I love you. I always loved you. Somehow, we’ll work this thing out together.”

He closed the door and turned toward her.
I—I don’t know what you mean.”

Dearest, don’t lie to me. I love you anyway. If your handicap is all that’s keeping us apart . . .”

Oh my God,” he groaned.
I never meant for you to find that out until—”

She put her fingers against his lips to hush him and went into his arms. He drew her to him, kissing her hair.
Silver, there’s so many other things involved here, things that are so important—”

Don’t talk; just hold me. Is there anything more important than the fact that we love each other?”

He held her so tightly she could scarcely breathe. She lay her scarred face against his big chest, listening to his heart beat. He stroked her hair and she was content to stand, her arms wrapped around him. How they would manage financially, she didn’t know at the moment, nor what she would do about little Waanibe.

Sweet darlin’,” he whispered.
I’ve waited so long and so many things have happened.”

None of it matters,” she said.
It’s enough that you love me.”