Quicksilver Passion (63 page)

She jerked alert, and she realized he was staring at her.
Please, I’d feel better if I had some clothes on.”

His hard face softened.
When I come back from feeding the burro, I’ll dig out some of Willie’s clothes for you and help you into them. Willie’s small. His clothes will still be too big for you, but they’ll have to do. Your boots aren’t hurt, but then you aren’t going to be allowed out of bed anyhow.” As he watched, he went out the door.

Silver thought about it a minute. She wasn’t all that weak and she didn’t want him handling her under the lame excuse of helping her dress. She would find the clothes and have them on by the time he came back in. She sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. The rough pine boards felt cold under her bare feet, and she was a bit dizzy. She’d better sit here a moment to make sure she wouldn’t faint when she stood up.

Taking a deep breath, she wrapped the blanket around her body and stood up slowly. So far, so good. If she didn’t hurry, he’d be back inside and she wouldn’t be able to dress without him watching her. Silver took about three wavering steps and grabbed the back of a chair. If she could just sit down again for a moment ...

What the hell do you think you’re doing?” He stood there in the doorway, big as a mountain.

Just getting some clothes and I don’t need any help.” But as she took another step, she realized she might not make it. She forgot to hang on to the blanket as she grabbed for the edge of the table.

The blanket fell to the floor even as Cherokee crossed the room and caught her as her legs gave out.
You little fool, I told you to wait and I’d help you!”

She struggled with him, but she was no match for his strength. His hands were warm and hard on her bare skin as he swung her up against his rough, woolen shirt and reached down to grab the blanket.

She couldn’t do anything but press her face against him as he held her. His heart pounded strongly in her ear.

You’re cold,” he said softly, and he carried her back to her bed. She kept waiting for him to put her down but he only stood there, holding her, his hands burning into her bare flesh.

Drat it all! Then get me some clothes and get your damned hands off me!” she snarled at him and struggled, but it was futile.

He lay her down gently and paused, his gaze sweeping up and down her body before he threw the blanket down over her, walked to a trunk, and dug out a pair of pants and a worn but soft plaid shirt.

Here!” He threw the clothes on the bed.
You can slip these on under the covers if you’re so damned afraid I’ll see you.”

It was awkward and the movement made her shoulder hurt, but she managed to slip the clothes on under the blanket. That made her feel a little more secure.

It was a long afternoon. Silver pretended to sleep while she schemed. She’d have to wait for darkness before she could do anything. The storm seemed to be letting up outside; the snow had slowed to a few flurries. It couldn’t be all that bad outside—he’d said that to make her think she couldn’t escape.

She looked around, noting that her boots lay by her bed and an old jacket hung on a nail in the wall.

She had already made her plans. Yes, it would be dangerous, but not any more so than remaining trapped at close quarters with that eager stud of a man who got hard just looking at her. She didn’t have any faith in all that nonsense about
his word.” She knew men. Cherokee Evans was only waiting until he was rested and she was asleep. Then she’d wake up suddenly to find him on top of her, ripping the shirt down the front, forcing her thighs apart.

He looked exhausted from staying by her bed all night. No doubt he’d sleep like a rock once he dozed off. Better to take her chances outside in alluding him. That was better than waiting to get raped. As soon as he dropped off to sleep, she’d make her move. By the time he woke up in the morning, she intended to be heading down the trail, walking to meet Al and the rescue team that must surely be on its way!

By the middle of the afternoon on the day Silver rode out, Al was frantic. It had begun to snow heavily. At first he hesitated, thinking that any moment, he would see her riding up the street toward the livery stable.

But every time he pressed his face against the glass and looked out, hoping to see her riding in, he saw only snow flurries. His stomach began to hurt so badly, it was all he could do to keep from doubling over with cramps. Sweat beaded on his homely face and he went through two bottles of bitters before he gave up, grabbed a coat, and headed for the stables.

Miss Silver come in yet?”

The paunchy owner paused in pitching hay into a stall.
Not yet. We been wondering where she was. Mighty bad weather for a lady to be out alone.”

Al felt a sense of impending doom.
I tried to talk her out of it, but she’s headstrong. Wouldn’t listen to me.”

The other man scratched his head.
Just where was she so dead set on going?”

Al’s belly began to hurt again.
Something about a gold claim she wanted to see before she bought it.” He looked around the stable.
Saddle me up a horse, I’m going out to find her.”

The owner leaned on his pitchfork.
I don’t think I’d do that if I was you. As I recall, you don’t even know how to ride.”

Someone’s got to do something.” Al sighed and considered the alternatives.
It’s late afternoon. No telling where she is.”

Now, now.” The other man made a soothing gesture.
Could be you’re getting upset for nothing. The horse hasn’t come back without her, so maybe she’s stopped to take shelter with a friend someplace. You have any idea where she went?”

Said something about Mosquito Gulch.”

The owner shook his head doubtfully.
That’s pretty lonely country. Does she know anyone out that way?”