Devlin's Curse by Lady Brenda

customers said nothing. She saw Devlin glance around the room as if daring anyone to intercede so she gave in and linked her arm with his and led him upstairs.
    At the bar, Mr. Leonard White, his eyes bleary with drink watched the object of his fantasies leave on the arm of Devlin Winter. He pounded down another shot of whiskey. A red mist formed over his vision and his head felt like it would explode. His sweaty hand fingered the hideout gun in his vest.
     
    Once they were upstairs, in her boudoir, Esmeralda pulled away from Devlin. Head held high she whirled to face him. “Why are you here in Virginia City? This is my house and my life and you are not privy to it. Haven’t you done enough? I want you to leave.”
    Devlin shrugged then took a seat in a large overstuffed chair.  His dark eyes assessed her, took in her beauty, which she had wrapped, in a new alluring package.
    “Esmeralda. Hmmm, somehow the name suits you now. I am not sure though that I might prefer you as you were before when you were so much more, should I say, pliant.”
    Esmeralda reached into her bodice and withdrew a playing card. The Queen of Hearts, rumpled and worn. “Your parting gift. I am returning it to you now. Please leave.”
    Devlin rose and took the card from her. He leaned close to her and inhaled her intoxicating fragrance. Esmeralda backed away she could feel the air between them thrum with energy. He moved quickly, reached out, and pulled her close. His lips captured hers and he kissed her deeply. For a brief moment she allowed herself to be swept away and consumed by the heat of his passion, she kissed him back.
    Yet he was the one to pull away. “It is not over between us, my sweet, but for now I will let you make the choice.”
    Esmeralda laughed. “Choice? Between the half- light and total darkness? I thank you, but no, I have survived so far. You need not worry on that score.”
    Devlin’s nostrils flared and he leaned closer to her again. “Demotic Blood? I can smell it on you beneath the scent of night blooming ceruse. Very clever trick but one day it will not be enough. I can’t make you a promise to stay away.” 
    Esmeralda inched backwards from him, her hand reached for her reticule. She pulled out a small deadly looking pepperbox pistol.  “Stand back Devlin, our association is ended.”
    Devlin stared her down his gaze that of a predator with Esmeralda as his prey. He walked forward until the gun rested in the center of his chest. She shook her head.
    “Do you think I am a fool? Are you certain these bullets are ordinary lead?”
    “Never a fool, my dear, naïve perhaps, but not a fool.” He pushed the gun away. “Let’s have a truce. I have some questions for you.”
    “You would do well to save your breath. I have nothing to tell you.”
    Devlin’s brows drew together. “No, not even to tell me why you are here in Virginia City? Are you not curious why I am here? Why both of us are here? I wonder what the old witch would think? Not being able to shield you with her roots and potions. I’m sure she would flay me alive.”
    Esmeralda sighed. “Wherever you go Devlin , death follows. This city has more than enough to offer. I am here for the gold. I don’t want anything to do with your business here. Red Bluff was enough for a lifetime.”
    Devlin reached out and touched a lock of her titian colored hair. “Make no mistake, my dear. That flame inside of you burns only for me. You long for my touch and my taste.” He tucked the card back into her bodice, turned away and left without a backwards glance.
    Esmeralda sat down heavily on the bed. She needed a moment to compose herself. He had taken her by surprise and she was furious at the emotions he’d evoked. At one time she had seen a glimpse of a soul in Devlin but his past actions had proven otherwise.  She was no longer a scared, desperate farm girl in need of a hero.
    A discreet knocking sounded at her door.  “Miss Jones, ma’am, there’s