Page 79 of Surviving Love

A muscle worked in his cheek. “There’s a pit viper next to your head.”

Fear jolted through me, and it took every ounce of control not to jump up and run. “Seriously?”

“Yes.”

Behind him, I saw the others crowded around, looking panicked. Their worried expressions did nothing to calm me.

“Listen,” Jack said in a hushed voice. “I’m going to try and grab its head. Just stay very still.”

Panic shot through me. “Wait. What if it bitesyou?”

“Better it bites my hand than it bites you in the head.” His gaze was pinned just above my hair.

“Jack,” I mumbled. “Be careful.”

He gave a weak smile. “Of course.”

My heart was pounding hard from the adrenaline pumping through my veins, and I could barely breathe. As he inched closer, I wasn’t sure who I was most worried about, me or Jack.

“I’m going to have to get awfully close and personal.” He sounded breathless as he scooted between my legs.

“Be careful, Jack,” Sherry called out, wringing her hands.

I put my hand on his thigh, partly to balance him and partly because I needed comfort. The feel of his muscular leg under my palm calmed me a little. Even if I’d been furious at Jack earlier, I trusted he would do his best to protect me. Those two things seemed at odds with each other, yet I knew he’d try to keep me safe. Even at risk to himself.

He moved so fast, he caught me and the snake by surprise. His body covered mine as he struggled to get a good grip on the wiggling snake. The tail of the creature smacked my cheek, and I let out a strangled cry of alarm. But it was over as fast as it began.

Jack scrambled off me, holding the brilliant green snake just behind the head. The snake curled around his arm, and I shivered, watching it in horror. James was filming the whole thing, his face white and stricken.

“Jesus,” I hissed, crawling to my feet. I wiggled around, feeling completely creeped out. It was no secret snakes were a danger out here, but to have one take a nap with me was a bit much to swallow.

Jumping down off the shelter, Jack trotted out into the trees, disappearing from sight. Everyone crowded around me, slapping my back and talking at once. I was still shaken and feeling a little nauseated at what might have happened.

Jack returned a few minutes later, minus the snake. “You okay?” he asked as he stopped in front of me.

I nodded, my mouth so dry it was hard to speak.

“How did you notice the snake, Jack?” Sherry asked.

Jack grimaced. “Uh, I was looking for Mason to… uh… talk… and I saw he was sleeping in the shelter. Then I saw something move near his head.” He shivered. “I couldn’t believe my eyes, to be honest.”

“What if it comes back?” Mary asked, looking around nervously. “Is there a way to keep snakes out of the shelter?”

“Not really.” Jack sighed. “We already have the shelter raised, but usually snakes would avoid humans. I’m not sure why it came inside.”

“I’m just lucky like that,” I said quietly.

“Yeah, you actually are lucky.” Jack frowned. “If I hadn’t come over when I did, it’s possible you might have moved in your sleep and it could have bitten you.”

I shivered. “Thanks for putting that thought in my head.”

He laughed gruffly. “Sorry.”

James lowered the camera. “I’m going to tell the producers we need the snake wrangler to come back through. The guy cleared out a bunch before, but it’s obviously time for another pass.”

I rubbed my arms. “God. To think it was just lying there, watching me while I slept.”

“Are you sure it’s safe to sleep in there now?” Sherry hugged herself.