Quicksilver Passion (87 page)

Are you cold?” His hands were kneading her bare shoulders and the lace straps of her nightdress slid down her arms.

No—yes—I—I don’t know.”

He pulled her back up against his big frame and one of his arms slipped around her waist.
You’re like a fever in my blood, Silver. I keep hoping that once I’ve had you, I’ll realize you’re just another woman after all, just prettier than most.”

Just a pretty whore!” Her voice came brittle, and hard.

If you say so. I’ve never made any bones about what I want from you.” His other hand slipped across her breasts and he hugged her to him, pulling her back against him.

The arm across her breasts seemed to burn like fire, and without meaning to, she arched her back a little to press her nipples against the heat of it as the hand on her waist moved lower.
I—I’ve been everything you think I am, Cherokee, a pretty toy for a man’s amusement.”

No, that’s what’s driving me loco—those hard eyes and that soft mouth say you’re soft and defenseless and vulnerable.” He pulled away from her suddenly and took a deep breath.
I’m a lot of things, Silver, but I’m not enough of a bastard to take advantage of you. Here, I told you I had a gift for you. It’s not much, compared to the fine stuff you already own, but maybe, well, I thought you might like it.”

She felt him reach in his pocket, and take her hand. When she looked down, he had put a dainty chain bracelet with gold nuggets dangling from it around her wrist. Then he moved away from her. She turned and watched him cross toward the window.
You’ve spent all this time trying to get me to surrender and now you’ve changed your mind?”

He paused, his hands on the window frame.
I still want you, Silver.” He drew a long, shuddering breath.
God, how I want you! But I think I’m beginning to fall in love with you and that’s no good for either of us.”

It was because of her beauty,
she thought. No one ever wanted the real Silver, the person behind the pretty face. The lump in her throat grew until she had to swallow to hold it back. Tears rose in her eyes and overflowed.

For God’s sake, Silver, don’t cry! I feel like the world’s worst outlaw now!”

She stood there, shoulders shaking.
I—I don’t want you to go.”