Quicksilver Passion (78 page)

You have a low opinion of white women, don’t you?”

He hesitated.
I have my reasons.”

Somehow, she wanted to know, to understand him.
Want to tell me about it?”

No.” He stood up.
Let’s just say I betrayed a friend over one. She had golden hair and was supposed to be an elegant lady.”

And now she had the part to the puzzle.
You were drunk, weren’t you?”

He stood staring into the distance, and for a long moment, she didn’t think he had heard her.
That’s no excuse,” he said finally.

You shouldn’t judge all women by that one, or the one that ran off with your father.”

He looked at her squarely then.
Aren’t you judging all men by one ... or two?”

Now she was the one to turn away from his piercing gaze.
That’s different.”

Is it?” He flipped the cigarette into the fireplace, came up behind her, and slipped his arms around her as she stood there wrapped in the blanket.
I think I could give you what you need, Silver.” He bent his head and kissed her bare shoulder. The feeling of his lips on her skin sent goose bumps traveling all over her body.

She pulled away and moved over to stand before the fire.
You’re mistaken,” she said softly, but she didn’t look at him.
I have everything I want—a big saloon of my own, money, men applauding me. I don’t need anything else.”