Quicksilver Passion (54 page)

I know what you meant, damn it!” He came over and squatted by her bedside.
If you’re asking did I‘have my way with you’ while you were unconscious, I’m not that big a bastard, no matter what you think!”

But she was conscious now. The way he kept looking down at her made her shrink back against the bed.

You bet I want you,” he muttered almost in answer to her thoughts,
but I don’t have any use for a man who’d force himself on a woman; I couldn’t do it. Maybe you’re lucky; otherwise, when I had you stripped naked last night, you were sure tempting—”

You took my clothes off? Handled me?”

It was a tough job, but someone had to do it and the burro didn’t volunteer.” He grinned.

Silver felt as if she were blushing all down her body to her toes.
Al would kill you for it.”

Better I should have left you in those damp, bloody clothes?”

She didn’t have any answer for that.
How long—how long do you think before help gets here?”

He went back to the window and stared out. Past his shoulder, she saw snowflakes falling thick and fast.

It depends on whether my partners made it into town. For all I know, they’re dead in a drift out there somewhere, trying to bring back Doc.” His voice betrayed that he cared more about the old men than he would admit.

I’m sorry,” she whispered.
If I hadn’t gotten myself shot—”

No, it’s not really your fault.” He turned around to face her.
Bill’s a little deaf and they both think claim jumpers or dry-gulchers are hiding behind every bush and rock. Crazy old coots.”