Chapter 8

“You’ll be Cut,” I said, touching his exciting breast.

I fell silent and studied him frankly. Hair like rain-drenched Pennsylvania coal drying in the sun framed a heart-shaped face with a wide, smooth forehead. His skin was nut brown with an underlying reddish hue. Close examination revealed why his gaze was so disconcerting. The eyes were restless black orbs liberally flecked with tiny golden splints that gave them an inner light. I have never seen eyes like that before or since—until years later.

His nose on anyone else would have been weighty, but its Roman curve perfectly balanced a generous mouth and strong chin that stopped just short of stubborn. Powerful, corded arms swelled with each movement. His chest made me think of fornication.