Whirlwind Groom by Debra Cowan Page A

time—”
    â€œUse…mine.” Sweat dampened her palms as she reached for her scalpel and handed it to him. “If you butcher me with your knife, you might damage my muscle. Use this.”
    He took the instrument, pushing her back down before leaning over her leg and aiming intently for the bite.
    â€œTie your kerchief around my calf about two inches above the puncture, just so it forms a light band. Keep the incision small and in the bite. That will help minimize the damage.”
    â€œI know how to do this. How do you—never mind.” He applied the bandanna.
    She shakily slid two fingers beneath the fabric to makesure it wasn’t too tight then turned her head away as he made small, shallow cuts in her leg. Between the burning agony of the wound and the slices into her flesh, Josie nearly passed out.
    She was vaguely cognizant of the fact that a man she barely knew had lifted her skirts.
    His lips touched her leg, the heat of his mouth lost under the fever of her skin. She felt the starch seep out of her. Her breathing grew more forced; her pulse raced. The wound throbbed ceaselessly.
    â€œHang on.” Davis Lee sucked at the wound and spit so often that Josie lost track of time.
    She curled her fingers into the blanket trying to keep from passing out. The inside of her mouth tasted as rusty as if she’d chewed old nails for breakfast. Fever built in her leg and moved through her body.
    After long minutes, she laid an unsteady hand on Davis Lee’s knee. “You’ve done all you can. It’s probably all right to start for the fort doctor now.”
    He dragged the back of his hand across his mouth, studying her face as if deciding whether to stop. “I’ll take you to Catherine. She’s closer and will know what to do. She’s a nurse.”
    Josie nodded weakly. If they hadn’t acted quickly enough, it wouldn’t matter what a doctor or a nurse did for her.
    Davis Lee dropped her scalpel in his saddlebag then moved to her side. “We’ll have to ride double.”
    She nodded, so drowsy that she was hardly able to control the movement. Another sign of a poisonous snakebite. She tried to remain calm, knew she had to.
    Davis Lee reached to button her bodice but her gaping corset prevented him. He cursed, grabbing hold of the stiff undergarment and dragging it off her body. “You don’t need this damn thing anyway,” he muttered.
    Josie didn’t even care that he’d removed it; she only caredabout breathing. He clumsily fastened several buttons, half of them in the wrong loop, but her bodice was mostly closed. She found his attempt endearing.
    He stood, settling his hat on his head as he stuffed her corset into his saddlebag. “I’m going to lift you into the saddle then climb on behind.”
    â€œI can stand.” Her tongue tingled.
    â€œThat’s a damn fool idea.”
    â€œThe important thing…is to keep the bite below my heart.”
    â€œYou’re fadin’ fast. We’re doin’ this my way.” He knelt and gathered her, blanket and all, in his arms, then gently sat her in the saddle.
    Wobbly, she curled her fingers into the sleeves of his shirt. He gently pried them off and folded them around the saddle horn.
    â€œHang on,” he said.
    â€œAll right.”
    He slowly released her then climbed up behind her, settling her in the cradle of his thighs. Her vision blurred as the drowsiness leeched her energy. Her head fell against his chest.
    â€œI’ve got you. Don’t worry about trying to hold on.”
    She snuggled one shoulder under his arm, her fingers closing weakly on the pommel.
    â€œOkay?”
    â€œYes.”
    He turned his horse, moved toward hers to pick up the reins and they started for town.
    â€œWhat about your cans?” she asked sleepily.
    He looked down at her, sounding amused. “I can get more.”
    Agony seared her leg and she felt herself