He’d bet she didn’t weigh more than a hundred pounds. Maybe not even that. He had the most uncontrollable urge to kiss her belly, her mound, and the deep cleft between her breasts, but he didn’t. She might wake up and she’d be terrified. Why was he feeling so protective of her? A white woman had stolen his father and made his Indian mother weep. An elegant pale-skinned beauty with yellow hair had caused Cherokee to betray the best friend a man ever had. They were all alike, these white women. No matter what they appeared to be, they were all whores at heart.
It was a long night and he never left Silver’s side. Cherokee’s back ached from leaning over her, sponging her endlessly. At last the fever seemed to fade and she slept peacefully. He’d had no sleep at all and his head hurt.
One of her small hands was out from under the covers. He took it in his and kissed the palm, the way his Cherokee grandmother used to when he was a frightened little boy after the soldiers had taken his mother away. Here’s a treasure to keep,” he whispered and folded her fingers over her palm. Take it out when you need it and know I love you.”
She slept all morning, but he never closed his eyes. Cherokee stayed by her bed, afraid she might wake up and need something, or be frightened and he wanted to reassure her that everything was all right. Finally he couldn’t help sitting on the floor by her bed, laying his head against the blanket and dozing off.
Silver came awake with a start. Where was she? Who was that with his face next to her hand? She felt so weak, she wasn’t sure she could move. What . . . happened?”
Cherokee Evans jerked awake. That fever down?”
What happened?”
You came riding across the gully and my deaf old partner thought you were a dry-gulcher. He shot you.”
She craned her neck to look around the cabin. How long have I been—”
Here?” He brushed her hair out of her eyes and she pulled away from his touch. Sorry, Silver. I want to touch you so bad, I keep forgetting how much you hate it. This all happened yesterday afternoon. It’s morning now.
He looked tired and she wondered if he had had any sleep at all.
Want to go back to town . . .”
He shook his head. Sorry, there’s a terrible snow storm that started yesterday. Don’t you remember?”
Did she? She had a vague memory of trying to find shelter as the wind rose, and then the thunder and the pain.
Who else is here?” Surely some woman had been looking after her most intimate needs. Silver wasn’t sure, but she felt naked under the blankets.
Just us. Willie and Bill started into town to bring back Doc. I hope they made it.” The big half-breed’s rugged face furrowed into a frown and he went to the window and stared out.
The obvious horrified her. Are we—are we here alone?”
He turned from the window and grinned at her. Not quite. The burro’s in the shed out back.”
That’s not what I meant.” She was afraid now, but too weak to do more than raise her head off the pillow.
I know what you meant, damn it!” He came over and squatted by her bedside. If you’re asking did I‘have my way with you’ while you were unconscious, I’m not that big a bastard, no matter what you think!”
But she was conscious now. The way he kept looking down at her made her shrink back against the bed.
You bet I want you,” he muttered almost in answer to her thoughts, but I don’t have any use for a man who’d force himself on a woman; I couldn’t do it. Maybe you’re lucky; otherwise, when I had you stripped naked last night, you were sure tempting—”
You took my clothes off? Handled me?”
It was a tough job, but someone had to do it and the burro didn’t volunteer.” He grinned.
Silver felt as if she were blushing all down her body to her toes. Al would kill you for it.”
Better I should have left you in those damp, bloody clothes?”
She didn’t have any answer for that. How long—how long do you think before help gets here?”
He went back to the window and stared out. Past his shoulder, she saw snowflakes falling thick and fast.
It depends on whether my partners made it into town. For all I know, they’re dead in a drift out there somewhere, trying to bring back Doc.” His voice betrayed that he cared more about the old men than he would admit.
I’m sorry,” she whispered. If I hadn’t gotten myself shot—”
No, it’s not really your fault.” He turned around to face her. Bill’s a little deaf and they both think claim jumpers or dry-gulchers are hiding behind every bush and rock. Crazy old coots.”
She lay there, watching him, very aware that if he decided to make use of her body, there was no one to stop him. If she could keep him occupied and talking about something else . . .
Cherokee, those two—are they relatives?”
Nope. Friends of my old man’s. Just three old geezers always off looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. All my old man found was six feet of dirt near a mine in Nevada, after the white whore he left my mother for deserted him.”
She didn’t say anything else, afraid now that he would ask about her own past.
May I have some water?” She licked her dry lips.
I’ll have to help you hold your head up,” he said uncertainly, bringing over a dipper. I don’t think you’ve got the strength to do it alone.”
She tried to make a liar out of him, but as she struggled, his big arm went under her head and she felt the strength of him lifting her. Take it easy, Silver, I’ll help you.”
She couldn’t do anything but let him although the heat of his body, the sound of his heart beating against her ear, frightened her. She closed her eyes so she wouldn’t have to look up into his and drank deeply of the cold water. It tasted good, like melted snow. Did you ever eat snow ice cream?” she asked without thinking.
He didn’t lay her back down, just kept his arm under her shoulders. Snow ice cream? What brought that up?”
It was more than the cold taste, it was the security of his big arm around her. And yet his face told her his feelings toward her were anything but fatherly. Nothing.”
Who’s Elmer Neeley and Bart Brett?” he asked.
Her eyes blinked open and she stared up at him. I—I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.” She managed to pull away from him and sank back down on her pillow.
His face grew serious. Silver, you’re safe. Whoever these bastards are, I won’t let them hurt you. No one’s going to hurt you when I’m around.”
Except you?” she blurted.
Not me.” He shook his head.
She closed her eyes but she could feel his curious gaze on her. She could never tell what had happened to her that made her fear men; it was too terrible, too humiliating.
Never mind. Your expression tells me more than words ever could. I suppose I never thought about whores . . .”
She felt the blood rush to her face. They were all the same, thinking of her that way, thinking of the pleasure her beauty could give them. Leave me alone.”
If I’ve offended you—”
Offended? Drat it all! Why should I be offended? That’s what I am, right?” She glared up at him.
That’s the way I’ve grown to think of all white women.” He looked uncertain, defensive.
I don’t need you; I’ve got Al. I want to go back to the Nugget.” She managed to pull up on one elbow and the covers fell away. Silver grabbed the blanket and pulled it around her bare breasts.
Silver, I’ve seen everything you’ve got. I spent a large part of the night sponging you off with cold water to bring your fever down.” He rolled a cigarette. Don’t look at me that way; it had to be done. I wouldn’t rape an unconscious woman.”
She saw the desire in his eyes. But you thought about it?”
Shall I lie and say no? Of course I thought about it. In fact, I haven’t thought about much else but taking you since the first moment I laid eyes on you.”
&nb
sp; She lay back down on the bed, and he leaned over and helped her pull the blanket up around her ears. His hand brushed her cheek and she sensed that he pulled away very reluctantly.
Al will be up here to get me. If you try anything, he’ll kill you when he gets here.”
The big ’breed looked amused. I don’t have to worry about that for a while. With that blizzard blowing, no one will be going or coming for a couple of days.”
As if to reinforce his words, the wind rattled the windows.
Panic began to build in her. You mean we’re trapped here . . . together?”
That’s right. Does it scare you?” He smoked his cigarette and watched her. It needn’t.”
He was toying with her, watching her reaction. I’m not scared. You wouldn’t dare touch me. Al would—”
By damn! If I decided to take you, Silver, fear of your watchdog wouldn’t hold me back!” His voice was almost a threat. I’m not sure I’d even pay to sleep with you. I’ll bet you’re wooden and cold; I like response in my women.
I’ll bet you do! I bet the kind of women you like would leave claw marks all over your back.”
Have you ever left claw marks on a man’s back, Silver . . . or only on his face?”
In her mind, she saw Brett’s face that first time as he ripped her clothes away, the bloody marks on his face where she’d fought to protect herself. It took all her control to keep her voice steady. You try anything, you’ll find out!”
With that, she turned her face to the wall and listened to him breathe, smelled the scent of the tobacco he smoked. She felt so tired and so weak, but she must stay awake until help arrived. She didn’t trust the big ’breed not to climb into bed with her first chance he got.
I’ve got some coffee and some bacon and bread,” he said.
She was too hungry to refuse. If it wouldn’t be too much bother, I’ll see that you’re rewarded for all you’ve done for me when we get back to town.”
I didn’t do it for a reward,” he snapped, busying himself at the fireplace.
I’ll reward you anyway. I can afford it.”
You are a stubborn little wench, aren’t you? People always tell me I’m stubborn, but I think I’ve met my match.”
I don’t like to be obligated to anyone.” She turned her head and watched him fry bacon.
You shouldn’t be so scared of people, Silver. They’re not all after something from you.”
Couldn’t prove it by me.”
He fried bacon in silence, fixed her a plate, and brought it over. What we haven’t answered with all this talk is what you were doing out here in Mosquito Gulch.”
She stared out the window at the blowing snow. I’d been thinking about buying a claim; I wanted to look at some.”
You could have done that in town, sight unseen.”
I don’t buy a pig in a poke.” She didn’t meet his eyes as he poured coffee and came over to the bed. I like to see if what I’m getting is what I thought it was.”
I feel the same way,” he said. I had wondered what you were really like under those gaudy costumes.”
She was too vain not to ask. And?”
You’ll do.” He put the food on the chest next to her bed and sat down on a box.
Is that all?”
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.”
He acted as if he didn’t even hear her. He lay her down slowly, went over and got fresh rags and a pocket knife, and came back to her bedside.
She pulled the cover even tighter around her chin.
Silver, I’ve already seen your breasts. Don’t be foolish.”
She remembered then that she was his prisoner and that he was big enough to force her to do anything he wanted. With a resigned sigh, she pulled the blanket away from her right breast.
She felt her face burn with shame, but he didn’t say anything, just cut the old bandage away from the wound.
It looks better than I expected,” he said. At least it’s a clean wound; the slug seems to have gone through.”
Impulsively, she put her other hand over the exposed breast. I wish you wouldn’t look at me.”
Look at you?” he said softly, his voice intense with emotion. I’d like to do more than look at you, sweet. I’d like to spread my two big hands over those, feel the nipples go hard with wanting against my palms.”
She shrank back against the pillow, avoiding his eyes. Just change the bandage and get your hands off me!”
Teasing men into paying to touch you, that’s how you live, isn’t it? You’ve got me ready to pay whatever you want.”
He finished the bandage and she slid as far away from him as she could get on the bed. The feel of his big, calloused hands on her skin made her very aware of him as a man. Her muscles in her back hurt.
What’s the matter?” he asked. You’re frowning.”
I must have pulled some muscles when I fell from the horse,” she muttered without thinking.
I’ll rub your back.”
No, don’t touch me.”
But he was already reaching under her, lifting her. She had underestimated the strength of the man. She knew that as he turned her gently onto her face and began to rub her back through the sheet. Where does it hurt?”
Please don’t touch me!” She couldn’t stop herself from sobbing, Oh, please . . .”
You are indeed a puzzle, sweet darlin’,” he said softly. Do you want me to turn you over?”
No, I can manage.” She turned over clumsily, not wanting him to touch her again. His hands were big and hot and strong—and they aroused a yearning in her that she had never felt in her whole life. It was like playing with fire—exciting, yet dangerous.
She saw the hard bulge in his pants as he stood looking down at her. I’m not sure who the prisoner is,” he said, you or me.”
She cowered against the bed, avoiding his stare. She had no doubt who the helpless captive was. It wouldn’t take much to have him jerk the covers off her and throw h
imself across her naked, defenseless body. Silver had a sudden vision of herself lying spread-eagled, his dark, powerful body pinning her small, white one to the bunk.
Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking, all right,” he drawled, taking a deep, shuddering breath. I’d like to make love to you right now until you begged me not to stop!”
Not a chance! No woman really wants to be hurt like that. If there’s any pleasure, it’s for men only.” She was trembling, but she wasn’t sure if it was because he terrified her or aroused her. No, not that. No man had ever made her want to spread out under him, all defenseless and vulnerable while he dominated her and made her submit to his will.
He stood looking down at her for a long moment, his face full of barely controlled fury. If I could get my hands on the sonovabitch who hurt you, Silver, I swear to God I’d kill him!”
You’re not any better! You’ll be all over me, first chance you get!”
By damn! I gave you my word!” He looked as if he was mad about it.
And am I to really believe that means I won’t wake up with you on top of me tonight?”
Don’t tempt me, Silver, don’t tempt me.” His big hand reached out and caught one blond curl in his fingers. I haven’t had a woman for months.”
I thought you had Nellie at the Nugget.”
He shook his head. She was willing enough, but my body wanted you; it still does.”
She felt helpless in her nakedness. You could at least give me some clothes.”
Why?” He shrugged. You aren’t going anywhere.”
So I won’t have to worry about you seeing me naked.”
I’ve seen you naked.”
So you told me. Don’t humiliate me by reminding me.”
I didn’t strip your clothes off to humiliate you.”
That was what Bart Brett had said. I did it to hold you prisoners. She remembered Brett grinning at her, proud of his cleverness. Yes, my dear Silver, you will be naked and defenseless in my quarters so that I may gaze on you any time I wish like I would a work of art or any one of my other possessions. This way, you can’t escape. When I take you for a drive or to the theater, I’ll give you your fine gowns and jewels so I can show my pet off to other envious men.
Quicksilver Passion Page 10