Quicksilver Passion (76 page)

She didn’t say anything. How could she tell him she and Al were both wanted back in Chicago on murder and robbery charges? Al was in love with her; she knew that was why he had done it. She would be forever beholden to him, and while she couldn’t return his love, it seemed enough for him to stay close to her.

Cherokee finished frying the bacon, made some coffee, and baked some biscuits in a iron skillet covered with coals.
Sorry there’s no butter or fancy jam.”

It’ll do,” she said, accepting a tin plate while holding the blanket tightly around her. The food tasted good and she found herself gobbling it.
I suppose help will get through today.”

Probably.” He sounded regretful, and to her surprise, she wasn’t sure how she felt.

They finished eating and he took the tin plate, frowning at her.
Your hair is a tangle; I wouldn’t want Al to think I hadn’t taken good care of his prize.” Cherokee sounded a little sarcastic as he reached for a brush.

I can do that myself.” She tried to take the brush from his hand, then realized her shoulder hurt when she moved it.

Let me,” he said.

With a resigned sigh, she let him brush her hair. Although she hated to admit it even to herself, it felt good.
You could hire out anywhere as a lady’s personal maid.”

Anytime you need one, just holler. I can’t think of anything I’d like better than looking after you.”

I don’t need looking after.”

That’s debatable.”

There was no point in arguing with the hardheaded half-breed. Once she got away from him, she didn’t ever have to see him again. Silver decided she’d pay him a nice reward for helping her. It dawned on her suddenly that he was looking down into the loose blanket at her breasts while he brushed her hair.

Drat it all! Here, give me that!” She jerked the brush out of his hand and began to brush her own hair, even though it made her shoulder ache.
You remind me of a stallion pawing and prancing about a filly.”