River of Desire: A Romantic Action Adventure/Thriller by J. K. Winn Page A

staggered down to the raft, grateful for Hart’s help. She had never been the maiden-in-distress type, but the trip was more important than her vanity. 
    When he helped her into the canoe, her leg twisted. She let out a gasp from the spasm that rode up her calf and his hand tightened on her arm.
    “Are you sure you want to do this? It seems unreasonable under the circumstances.”
    She gave him her warmest smile. “I’m fine. Now let’s shove off, Capítan .”
    He shrugged before prying the raft from its dock on the beach and hopping in. The raft slipped into the water and shot unsteadily downriver. Tropical sun beat down on Leah’s head, making her woozy. Even reclining, she was exhausted. Intermittent chills shook her. Her stomach churned and begged her to release its contents. She lay back with her head on the seat, fighting the feeling in her gut. She would not give in and fuel another of Dylan’s arguments about waiting another day.
    Within an hour, clouds moved in to cover the sun. For once she looked forward to the daily jungle rain, which fell even during the dry season, although with less ferocity. It would soon cool the air and bring a much-desired breeze to blow away her nausea. 
    Dylan watched her out of the corner of his eye. Nothing like a little snakebite would deter her. He’d see. She was stronger than he thought.
    The throb in her ankle had subsided a little by the time Dylan pulled the canoe ashore to give her another dose of the sap solution. He again removed the makeshift cloth bandage from her ankle and treated the wound. Every time he exposed the bite, it looked better. The red thread up her leg had turned hot pink. He acted pleased with his part in her progress, and she was secretly pleased with him, too. Although she had no intention of telling him, she had begun to trust his judgment and ability. She glanced up at him and noted how ruggedly handsome he was with his dark ruffled hair and sun-burnt skin. Given all those good looks and that cocky attitude, she didn’t want to deal with a bigger ego than he already displayed. “So, how’s it look?”
    “ It’s healing just fine. You’ll soon be running in the New York Marathon.”
    She laughed. “And you’ll soon be chief of the Machiguenga.” She touched one of the welts that had formed on his lower arm. “That really looks nasty. Does it hurt?”
    He glanced down at it. “Not as much as before.”
    “ I know I asked already, but I’m going to try again. Can I please cover those welts with my version of a magic potion?”
    He shrugged. “You’d do that for me?”
    His unassuming, even self-conscious response perplexed her. She wondered if his cocksure attitude was just a front to launder deeper feelings, feelings he wasn’t ready to share with anyone else. It made him even more attractive. “Remove your shirt and let me take a look at them.”
    He gave her a sheepish smile. “You know they’re not just on my upper torso.”
    She pulled down the corner of her mouth in what she hoped was a world-weary expression. “Drop your pants, too.”
    While he tugged his top overhead and slipped from his jeans, she prepared a cup of crushed chacruna leaf and water. When she looked up, he stood before her, naked except for a pair of skimpy jockeys. He looked like a man should, with broad shoulders and chest, narrow hips. And what a chest— pure dark down-covered muscle. She had the urge to run her fingers through the fur, but controlled herself. He was too hot to handle.
    “Turn around.” With fingertips, she spread the concoction over the angry red raised bumps peppering his back and legs. “Other side.” When he turned, the look of raw passion in his eyes unnerved her. Her hand began to shake and she had to control herself so he wouldn’t notice how he effected her. 
    Next it was her turn. After he treated her bite, they divided a snack between them and again pushed off downstream. The spinning in her head had subsided a little;