Quicksilver Passion (59 page)

Okay. If you must hear it: I never looked on a woman’s body and wanted her so bad as I wanted you last night. I’ve admitted it. Does that make you happy?”

She couldn’t hold back the tears that welled up.
I’m afraid and I’m hurt and I want to go back to the Nugget.”

Silver, don’t you understand? No one’s going anywhere for a while—not until a rescue team from town makes it through that snow. That is, if the boys made it into town. Otherwise, no one’s even looking for us—”

Al’ll be looking and if you’ve done anything—”

Silver, stop it!” He tilted her chin up with his big hand.
You’re safe; but it’s not because I’m afraid of Al. I gave my word to you. I won’t break it.”

She didn’t believe him, but she didn’t say so. No point in annoying him any further.

Her shoulder hurt when she tried to reach for the cup. He picked it up and slid his arm behind her shoulders.
Here, let me help.”

The heat of his sinewy arm seemed to be burning into her skin and his hand was hot on her shoulder as he steadied her. Silver started to protest, not wanting him to touch her, but she was too weak to sit up.
You could put pillows behind me,” she said, sipping the coffee.

I could,” he agreed,
but I like having you in the curve of my arm. You fit there so well.”

The blanket had slipped a little and she realized the swell of her breasts was visible as he looked down at her. Self-consciously, she reached to pull it back up. She knew from the feel of his arm that he was one of the most powerful men she had ever met. If he decided he wanted her, fighting him would be a futile gesture.

With a resigned sigh, she let him hold her like a helpless baby, spooning food and sips of coffee between her lips. He was close enough that she could hear his heart beat, smell the scent of tobacco and leather and soap on him.

Now,” he said when she’d finished,
I probably need to change that bandage.”

She glanced down, realizing he would have to uncover her right breast to do that.
I’m sure it’s fine and doesn’t need a new bandage.”