Quicksilver Passion (56 page)

Not me.” He shook his head.

She closed her eyes but she could feel his curious gaze on her. She could never tell what had happened to her that made her fear men; it was too terrible, too humiliating.

Never mind. Your expression tells me more than words ever could. I suppose I never thought about whores . . .”

She felt the blood rush to her face. They were all the same, thinking of her that way, thinking of the pleasure her beauty could give them.
Leave me alone.”

If I’ve offended you—”

Offended? Drat it all! Why should I be offended? That’s what I am, right?” She glared up at him.

That’s the way I’ve grown to think of all white women.” He looked uncertain, defensive.

I don’t need you; I’ve got Al. I want to go back to the Nugget.” She managed to pull up on one elbow and the covers fell away. Silver grabbed the blanket and pulled it around her bare breasts.

Silver, I’ve seen everything you’ve got. I spent a large part of the night sponging you off with cold water to bring your fever down.” He rolled a cigarette.
Don’t look at me that way; it had to be done. I wouldn’t rape an unconscious woman.”

She saw the desire in his eyes.
But you thought about it?”

Shall I lie and say no? Of course I thought about it. In fact, I haven’t thought about much else but taking you since the first moment I laid eyes on you.”

She lay back down on the bed, and he leaned over and helped her pull the blanket up around her ears. His hand brushed her cheek and she sensed that he pulled away very reluctantly.

Al will be up here to get me. If you try anything, he’ll kill you when he gets here.”

The big ’breed looked amused.
I don’t have to worry about that for a while. With that blizzard blowing, no one will be going or coming for a couple of days.”