Read Online Cera's Place by Elizabeth McKenna - Free Book Online Page B

by yourself? What about Sadie and the others? Are you able to protect them? Seems to me the more help you have, the better chance you have of getting rid of this vermin.”
    Frowning, she stood up. “I need to finish closing the saloon. You need to go.”
    “Wait,” Jake demanded, grabbing her wrist.
    She eyed his hand coldly. “Mr. Tanner, out of appreciation for what you did for Sadie, I have allowed you more latitude than I normally do when it comes to the antics of my customers—but I suggest you let go of me.”
    He released her wrist and raised his hands. “I’m sorry. Finish your drink at least.”
    Sitting back down, she observed, “You know, for a Yankee, you’re pretty good at that surrendering gesture.”
    Jake shrugged. “Sometimes, it comes in handy to give in a little. You should try it.”
    She rolled her eyes at his suggestion. “Sorry, but being weak doesn’t set well with me.”
    “Is that how you see it? Giving in is a weakness?”
    She didn’t bother to respond.
    “The way I see it,” he continued, “giving in is just another means to an end. There’s more than one way to get what you want.” His eyes twinkled as he held up his glass again in a toasting gesture.
    She hesitated, but then clinked his drink, watching him over her glass as they drank the rest of their whiskey.
    “Do you like to dance?”
    Caught off guard, Cera replied easily, “Well, yes, I guess as much as the next person.”
    Jake stood up and took her hand. “Let’s dance.”
    “Don’t be foolish. There’s no music. Isaac’s gone for the night.”
    “As good as a piano player as he is, we don’t need him.” He pulled her up and began humming a waltz.
    Surprised, she let him take her in his arms and guide her around the saloon. When he paused in his humming she asked, “That’s a beautiful melody. What is it?”
    “It’s by Johann Strauss. My mother loved music and dancing.”
    “She taught you well. You are a wonderful dancer.” She regretted the words as soon as she said them.
    His eyebrows shot up. “Why, was that a compliment?”
    Trying to save face, she gave an exasperated sigh. “No, Mr. Tanner, just stating a fact. Most of the men I’ve had the pleasure to dance with had a bottle of whiskey or two in them. It wasn’t always a graceful sight.”
    Jake laughed, spun her around, and pulled her back close. “You know, the waltz was considered scandalous when it first was danced. People objected to the men and women touching so intimately.”
    “You don’t say?” She focused on a point over his shoulder, avoiding his eyes, which were turning the shade of midnight. “Well, perhaps we’d better stop. I wouldn’t want to offend anyone.”
    “Is that what you want? Do you want me to stop?”
    Confused by his warm breath on her cheek, she didn’t trust her voice to answer. Every nerve in her body was strung tight and ready to break. Cupping the back of her head, he moved his lips over her jaw. When her body began to yield, his mouth found hers and demanded more. He pulled her hips against his, and she lost the ability to breathe.
    He kissed the length of her neck before releasing her. “Like I said earlier, I like you in my arms.”
    Closing her eyes tight against his words, she shook her head.
    Jake’s face reflected his disappointment. “That’s all right. I can do this dance a while longer.” He pressed his lips to hers one last time.
    After he was gone, she sat down, resting her head on her arms. For the second time that day, the tears came pouring out.
    *****
    Biggs’ bodyguards leaned against the storefront, hiding in the shadows. Quinn took out a cigar and ran it under his nose, inhaling loudly. Digging in his pocket, he found a match and struck it on the heel of his boot.
    Lewis smacked his shoulder. “Put that out, you idiot. You want someone to see us?”
    “Shit, leave me be. No one’s paying us no mind. I’m just trying to pass the time.” Quinn kicked the brick wall a few