If all white women were whores, why wouldn’t Silver let him buy her? He’d tried everything to seduce her, offered to pay all his hard-earned dust, to no avail. Maybe he just hadn’t offered enough.
He reached into his pocket, brought the small bracelet out, and watched it gleam in the moonlight. It was nice, but nothing compared to the jewelry she already owned. If he sent it to her, would she laugh at his small gift? When he had been facing her across the table this evening, why hadn’t he given it to her? Had he been secretly afraid she would sweep it off on the floor the same way he’d done the coins she tried to give him? Why the hell couldn’t he forget about her? There were other women in this town—women who’d offer, not only their bodies, but their passion. And all he hungered for was the shimmering, quicksilver sensation of hers.
Was she really afraid of men, or was she only a tantalizing tease? Was there more to this girl than just her beauty? There were a lot of pretty women; Savannah had been pretty. Silver seemed different. He almost sensed a soft, sensitive vulnerability that called out to the dominant, protective maleness of him.
He dropped the bracelet in his pocket with a sigh, and shifted his weight. He ought to go to his room. Instead he stood and watched her window. As he smoked and looked up, he saw her shadow pass before the drapes and then pass again. What had awakened her and agitated her so? He watched her shadow pace up and down a long time before he tossed the cigarette away. He wasn’t quite sure what he was going to do, but he wanted her to know he was out there ... if she had changed her mind.Although he didn’t want to admit it, even to himself, the kiss had changed things, changed the way he felt about her.
A little uncertainly, he crossed the street, climbed one of the roof posts, and swung up onto the little railed balcony that ran along the windows. Silver? Silver, are you all right?”
Silver froze and listened.Who’s there?”
Cherokee Evans.”
She went to the window, and looked out through the crack in the drapes. Go away! What are you doing out there?”
With the window closed, she couldn’t be sure what he was saying. She unlocked it, raising it just a fraction. Go away! What the hell are you doing on my balcony?”
He frowned. Worrying about you. I saw your shadow pacing. Are you all right?”
Go away! I’m fine. If Al catches you, or if the law sees you as he’s making his rounds, they might shoot first and ask questions later.”
If you’re worried about that, let me in.” He put his fingers under the window.
Drat it all, no! Go away!” She tried to close the window, but his fingers were in the way.
What should she do? She realized too late that she should never have opened the window. His big form loomed against the moonlight. Silver looked uncertainly toward the door. All she had to do was throw it open, scream loudly, and Al would come running. He’d pull both triggers on that shotgun without asking any questions and no jury would convict him for protecting his employer.
Silver, I’ve got a gift for you.”
I don’t want anything from you, just go away and leave me alone!” Her voice sounded ragged, even to her.
You aren’t all right. I can tell by your voice. What’s wrong? What’s happened?”
Nothing! Go away!” She wrapped her arms around herself protectively, and began to pace again. Even though she swallowed hard, she was afraid he might hear the choking sobs.
You aren’t all right; I’m coming in.”
All she had to do was run over, and slam the window down, he’d move his hands right quick! Then she could lock it. Instead, she stood there, watching. He raised it slowly. She backed against the door. Frozen with fear and indecision, she watched him climb through the window, and close it and the drapes behind him.
Get out of my room!” she snarled at him. Or I’ll scream for help!”
He smiled at her. If you were going to do that, you would have the moment I threw my leg across that sill.” He crossed the carpet, and stood close enough to touch. I don’t know what it is with you Silver, I don’t know if you’re teasing me, holding out for more money—”
I don’t need your damned money! I’ve plenty of my own!”
Then what does it take to get you?” He reached out and put his hand on her bare shoulder. It seemed to radiate animal heat.
Please don’t touch me.” She turned away from him.
Your words say that, but your tone says different.” He put both hands on her shoulders. She couldn’t stop the trembling that overcame her at his touch—the touch that brought back thoughts of the cabin. But more powerful, more terrifying memories overcame those.
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.”
Silver, I’m only human,” he said. I’ve had as much of this as I can stand. If I stay, I won’t be able to stop myself from making love to you and you don’t want a man to touch you.”
I’ve got good reason,” she whispered.
He gave her a long, searching look. I’ve no doubt of that. If I could get my hands on the sonovabitch responsible, I swear I’d kill him for it!”
And then she wasn’t quite sure how, but she was in his arms and he held her tightly and kissed the tears off her cheeks. Don’t cry, sweet darlin’. Oh, don’t cry!”
He swung her up in his arms, carried her, and sat her gently on the bed. Good-bye, Silver. I’m going back up to the claim. You won’t see me anymore. From now on when we need supplies, I’ll send my partners.”
He started toward the window.
She raised her hand in protest. Wait, don’t go.”
Cherokee paused, one foot on the sill. Don’t stop me, Silver. It’s hard enough to leave now. If I stay, I’m not sure I can keep myself from making love to you, and I gave you my word I wouldn’t.”
Please . . .” She slid
off the bed, moving toward him, afraid of what was about to happen, yet more afraid to let him leave forever. I—I release you from that promise. Oh, please don’t go ...”
And then he was on his knees before her, his arms clasped around her hips, pulling her against his mouth while he kissed her there.
With a low moan of surrender, she clasped his head against her body, dizzy with response his hot mouth created as he kissed her womanhood.
Chapter Ten
Cherokee . . .” She didn’t know whether to stop him or urge him on as his mouth kissed her there. His hands clasped her bottom and began to work her nightdress up her legs until his mouth was on her flesh, the tip of his tongue caressing and teasing. Her legs gave way under her and she collapsed into his arms and slid onto the thick carpet.
Tell me to stop and I will,” he whispered. Tell me you don’t want me to do this to you.” And his mouth caressed up her belly to her navel.
I—I don’t want you to ...” She tried to repeat it between gasping breaths, but could not seem to finish.
I’m yours to command,” he said more urgently, and she felt the heat of his breath as his tongue flicked her navel. Tell me not to touch you, and I’ll get up and leave.”
Don’t ...” She writhed under his kisses on her bare skin. What was it she was supposed to tell him? Oh, don’t stop. Don’t stop.
He pressed her breasts together with his two big hands and buried his face in the deep cleft between them. Automatically, she reached out to hold his face and guided his mouth to her nipple. He sucked there until she moaned with desire.
She must make him stop and leave her room. Any moment now, he would shove her thighs apart and throw his whole weight on her. While she wept and struggled to escape, he would ram into her, impale her on his hot sword of flesh and it would be agony; it had always been agony.
Very gently, he stood, reached down, and swung her up in his arms. He stood there looking into her face as if searching for answers. I don’t understand you,” he said softly, and his eyes were mystified. It’s almost like making love to a virgin.”
But of course in her heart, she was a virgin. She had been raped repeatedly, but no man had ever made her desire him so that she surrendered and wanted what he had to give. She thought that, but she didn’t say it; he wouldn’t understand and he didn’t care about her feelings. Like all the others, he only wanted a pretty plaything on which to vent his lust.
Silver?” He was asking with his eyes and she didn’t know the answer. If only he would hold and caress and kiss her, not wanting to do that terrible thing to her, not expecting her to want it, too.
While she struggled within herself for the answer to his question, he carried her over and sat her on the edge of the bed, her nightdress still gathered around her waist.
Silver, you’re trembling again. Are you really afraid of me?”
And then she couldn’t hold back the sobs. Not you, them!”
He gathered her into his arms and she wept against his shoulder, her long hair covering both of them. Who, Silver? Who has hurt you? I swear to God . . .!”
She hadn’t meant to tell him; she had never told anyone and Al had only guessed at some of it. She began to tell a little of it, sobs racking her, and he put his hand gently over her mouth. Don’t, sweet darlin’ don’t put yourself through that, it doesn’t matter. None of it matters.” He kissed the tears from her eyes. I’d better leave.”
No, don’t leave me! I’m so afraid, so alone . . .” She put her arms around his neck and pulled his face against her breasts.
I’ll stay awhile then,” he said gently, and then I’ll go. You’re shivering. Are you cold?”
A little.”
Then let me warm you. I seem to be good at that.” He lay down on the bed, still fully dressed, pulled her against his chest, and covered them both. She could feel his hard maleness against her but he only held her close and stroked her hair.
I shouldn’t have told you,” she said.
He looked down at her and she saw the confusion in his dark face. I don’t know what you are,” he said finally, and I thought I knew. I thought I knew about all white women.
His manhood felt rock hard against her body. If you—if you want me, I’ll let you.”
He sighed and she felt the tension in his big frame. If that’s the way I get it, if you’re only going to ‘let me,’ thanks but no thanks.”
You’re saying no?” She was shocked.
I’m saying I expect a little passion from a woman.”
She felt embarrassed. I don’t know about that.”
No, I really don’t think you do.”
Could she fake it? If she let him, would she lose him? Was she only a conquest, and once he had enjoyed her body would he move on to new conquests?
Almost shyly, she reached to kiss his lips and it seemed almost to startle him. Teach me,” she whispered. Teach me to like it.”
Are you sure you want me to?”
Did she? I—I know you’ll have to hurt me, but if you want me—”
He interrupted her by swearing softly. What kind of animal do you think I am?” He bent and kissed her sweetly, gently brushing against her lips until she opened them to his caressing tongue. His hand stroked her bare belly and then moved lower to cover her mound. His touch sent electric currents running through her, and when she gasped, he sucked her tongue into his mouth.
His hesitant hand gradually separated her closed thighs and he stroked along her velvet ridge until she shuddered, wanting him to touch deeper and he did, his fingers stroking and prodding. God, you’re built small,” he said. Any man could tear you open if you weren’t ready for him.”
She reached and took his large rigid maleness in her hand and knew he would hurt her if she let him take her.
He groaned aloud when she put her hand on him. Silver, I haven’t had a woman in months and you’ve had me ready to go since the first moment I laid eyes on you. You’d better take your hand away.”
She didn’t. The fact that it gave him pleasure pleased her as well, more than she would have ever guessed.
He bent his head to her breast while his fingers continued to stroke her insides. His maleness was rigid and wet with his seed and the scent of it excited her even as his mouth sucked and pulled at her nipples. Silver moved her hips restlessly, wanting him to touch her deeper. Her heart began to drum hard against her rib cage and she was sure he could feel it against his lips. His other arm was around her and his hand caressed her bare skin until she was breathing heavily with her mouth open.
That’s it, Silver, come to me, surrender to it. You want it, you know you do.”
She wasn’t sure what it was she wanted, but she spread her thighs farther apart, tilting her pelvis up for his stroking touch. Cherokee?” She was suddenly afraid of what seemed to be sweeping over her. Cherokee?”
Relax and let it happen,” he whispered with the tip of his tongue in her ear. Let it happen. Surrender to me . . .”
He was whispering to her, encouraging her, urging her, and she didn’t know what it was that he wanted. Certainly he could be getting no pleasure from this, and that was what sex was all about, satisfying a man’s body.
A tremor began to build deep in her, sweeping over her and she couldn’t control it, couldn’t stop herself from trying to cry out. When she did, his mouth covered hers, his tongue going deep so that her cry of release went only into his mouth.
She wasn’t sure what had happened, she only knew that when the room stopped spinning, he still lay holding her and whispering to her. That’s it, sweet darlin’, sweet, sweet Silver.”
She felt wet and warm from her belly to her knees, and more than that, she couldn’t stop herself from weeping, but she didn’t understand why. For the first time that she could remember, she felt she could turn off the lamp and sleep securely—as long as he held her and stroked her like this.
I’m not through,” he said, and before she realized what he was doing, he slid down i
n the bed. His mouth was on her, his tongue hot and caressing, stabbing deep within her body. It felt like a ribbon of fire inside as his hands stroked her thighs, spreading them for his eager mouth.
She found herself whimpering, tangling her fingers in his tousled hair, holding his face against her body as she used him for her own satisfaction. In moments, he had her writhing again while her hand stroked his throbbing hardness.
Silver lay gasping and spent, still holding him in her hand. She had never experienced desire before, much less ecstasy. It had been like quicksilver, sparkling, changing into something even more beautiful as she rode the crest of an emotional wave. Quicksilver passion.
She looked up into his eyes and saw the hunger there. She ran her hand down the length of his maleness, thinking how big he was, and that when he rammed into her, she would have to bite her lips bloody to keep from screaming aloud.
He must have seen her frightened expression in the dim lamp light. He shook his head. I won’t ever hurt you, Silver. I want to erase those ghosts from your past.”
He pulled her close and kissed her tenderly, then rolled over on his back, still holding her in his arms. If it’s going to happen, you’ll have to make love to me.”
She was embarrassed to admit she had never taken the initiative before and wasn’t sure quite what to do. Are you going to take your clothes off?”
If you want me to.” He stood up, and in the lamp light, he began to undo his belt and pull off his boots. He looked twice as big naked. He lay back down on the bed and put his arms under his head.
She hesitated, then bent so that her long locks fell like a pale silken shower over them both and she put her mouth on his nipple and was disconcerted at the way he moaned and caught her head, pressing it hard against his chest, encouraging her to do it again and again until his nipples were as hard and swollen as her own.
She slid down in the bed and kissed his sword, paying homage to his maleness in an almost pagan manner.
Quicksilver Passion Page 15