Quicksilver Passion (20 page)

But not you?” He watched her closely. She was actually trembling. Was she really afraid or was it an act? And if it was real, what was it in her past that haunted her so?
I won’t hurt you, Silver.” He blurted it out without thinking.

That’s what the others said!” She seemed to blurt her words out, too, without thinking.

Then it was almost as if she’d revealed too much. Her face became remote as if to keep her soul private. Her eyes were cold but her mouth trembled as she looked back at him.
Why’d you do it?”

Do what?”

Don’t play innocent with me—the silver heels on the slippers. I’m not stupid enough to think a shoemaker can afford something like that.”

You know, those shoes were just perfect tonight,” Cherokee said, smoking his cigarette and watching her small hands clasped around her coffeecup. They clasped and unclasped, tense and nervous. He stifled the urge to reach out and cover her two small hands with one of his big ones.
I think from now on, you’ll have a new nickname. I think the men will call you Silver Heels.”

She opened the cash box.
What do I owe you?”

He was taken aback.
Owe me? They were a gift!”

She smiled without mirth.
It’s my experience with men that they never give a pretty girl anything without expecting something in return. I’m obligated to no man. What do I owe you?”

He threw away the cigarette in disgust.
By damn! Just keep the shoes and forget it, all right?”

If you aren’t going to tell me, I’ll just have to guess.” Her tone was cold and hard as her eyes. She reached into the cash box and began counting out money onto the scarred table.