"Feehan, Christine - Leopard 02 - Wild Rain" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feehan Christine)

Christine Feehan
Wild Rain




THE small launch chugged up the fast-moving river at a pace that allowed the
group of travelers to see the surrounding forest. Thousands of trees competed
for space, as far as the eye could see. Creeping vines and plants hung low, some
sweeping the water's surface. Brilliantly colored parrots, lorikeets and
kingfishers flitted continually from branch to branch, so that the foliage
appeared to be alive with movement.
"It's so beautiful here," Amy Somber said, turning away from the forest to look
at the others. "But all I can think about is snakes and leeches and mosquitoes."
"And the humidity," Simon Freeman added, unbuttoning the top two buttons of his
shirt. "I'm always sweating like a pig."
"It is oppressive," Duncan Powell agreed. "I feel like I'm suffocating."
"That's strange," Rachael Lospostos said. And it was strange. The humidity
didn't bother her at all. The heavy trees and creeping vines sent blood singing
through her veins, making her feel more alive than ever. She lifted the
2 Christine Feehan

heavy mass of thick dark hair from her neck. She'd always worn it long in memory
of her mother, but had sacrificed it for the sake of a very good causeЧsaving
her own life. "I really love it here. I can't imagine anyone lucky enough to
live here." She exchanged a small smile of camaraderie with Kim Pang, their
guide.

He nodded toward the forest and Rachael caught a glimpse of a noisy troop of
long-tailed macaques leaping from branch to branch. She smiled as she heard the
rasping call of the sap-sucking cicadas even above the roar of the water.

"I like it too," Don Gregson admitted. He was the acknowledged and respected
leader of their group, a man who often visited the rain forest and raised funds
for medical supplies for regions in need.

Rachael stared into the rich, lush forest, longing growing in her with a
strength that shook her. She heard the continual call of the birds, so many of
them, saw them flitting from branch to branch, always busy, always in flight.
She had a mad desire to dive out of the boat and swim away to disappear into the
dark interior.

The boat hit a particularly choppy wave and threw her against Simon. She had
always had a good figure, even as a young girl, developing quickly with lush
curves and a woman's generous body. Simon pressed her close when he caught her
courteously, her breasts mashing against his chest. His hands slid down her
spine unnecessarily. She dug her thumb into his ribs, smiling sweetly as she
extracted herself from his arms.

"Thanks, Simon, the currents seems to be getting stronger." There was no