Quicksilver Passion (74 page)

You aren’t fooling me,” she complained, the fear beginning to build in her again.
You’re just wanting to lie with me—”

Damned right! Now if I could only ease this ache in my groin, I could sleep!”

Silver stiffened and pulled away from him.

Her jerked her up against him.
Don’t be afraid of me, Silver.” His breath stirred the hair at the base of her skull.
I’ll never, never hurt you; nor will anyone else as long as I can stop them.”

Don’t believe him
, she warned herself, but somehow she did. With an exhausted sigh, she snuggled down in the blankets and slept deeply, hardly aware there was no lamp by her bedside to scare the nightmares away.

Silver blinked awake, trying to remember where she was, why her brain ached so. She heard soft breathing and looked up. For a moment, she couldn’t believe it. She lay curled in the arms of Cherokee Evans, her face against his naked chest. With a startled cry, she sat bolt upright in bed, pulling the covers protectively around her naked breasts.

He opened his eyes.
What’s the matter?”

Her outrage knew no bounds.
You rotten skunk! You know what’s the matter! You got me drunk and got into bed with me!”

And that’s
all
I did,” he grumbled.
I wish now I’d poured a little more whiskey down you.”

She slapped him hard and his hand moved in a flash, catching her wrist.
Don’t ever do that again, Silver. I haven’t done anything to warrant that. Remember, I could break you in half!”

Yes, that’s it! Go ahead and hit a woman! You big—you big—” She couldn’t think of anything bad enough to call him. Still holding her blanket, she climbed over him and out of the bed, then moaned aloud at her throbbing head. She plopped down on a chair and glared at him.
I hate the sight of you!”

Do you now?” He stood up and walked naked across the bare floor.
As I recall, last night when I arrived just in time to save you from being a wolf’s dinner, you were mighty glad to see me. Stop trying my patience, sweet darlin’. Like any man, I can only be pushed so far.”