Taking A Risk

By Lyncee Shillard

If Leigh Ronaldson is one thing, it's predictable. What's wrong with having a routine? Apparently, it makes her boring or so her ex-boyfriend claimed as he dumped her. And her best friend agrees.

She decides to prove them wrong and books an extreme adventure in Ecuador. The hiking, kayaking, and camping she signed up for. She didn't plan on the hot guide who by just looking at her made her squirm with desire and definitely not the drug cartel who wants them dead. 

Nick Greco golden rule is never to touch a client. NEVER.  But rules can't be broken. Regardless of how hard he is.

Once the local drug cartel starts hunting them, he knows it will take all his skill to get out of the Amazon jungle alive. And if your life is hanging in the balance even golden rules can be broken... 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lyncee Shillard
• Release date: Jan 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393906438

Book preview

Acknowledgements:

I want to thank my editor Becky for helping with all my grammar challenges.

And Lia Davis for the amazing cover.

Chapter One

I f you can’t go, I’m not, Leigh Ronaldson stated. It’s that simple. We’ve already discussed this. The thought of going by herself had her stomach rolling as her lungs shrank making it impossible to breath.

Rayna shook her head. Her pale blonde hair fanned across the stiff white hospital pillowcase giving her an angelic look. Even in the hospital she looked like model. You have to go. I’ll be fine. Nothing is going to happen. It’s a routine procedure.

People die every day during operations. Leigh flinched as pain twisted her friend’s face as she tried to sit up.

Do you need me to get a nurse so she can give you something to make you more comfortable?  The steady beep of the monitor was the only answer she got.

Finally, No. I want you to go home and pack. Leigh, it’s the removal of my gall bladder. It’s bad enough I’m losing my money there is no reason for us both to.

Maybe if I call them and explain the circumstances, they’ll refund some of our money. They were scheduled to leave for the Amazon tomorrow.

Rayna wrinkled her face in a look of a mother’s hurt and disapproval. Leigh saw at least once a week and felt sorry for Rayna’s children when she had them.

Don’t do that. You look like an alpaca. Leigh shifted in the uncomfortable vinyl covered recliner.

I’ll spit on you if you don’t go. Take a ton of pictures for me and send them to that son-of-a-bitch David.

Leigh cringed at the mention of her ex-finance and reason for this insane trip. After he broke off their engagement, Rayna had been relentless in pressuring her to make some radical decision. To take a risk. Add spice to her life. Then six months ago, she’d shown up on Leigh’s doorstep with a stuffed pizza and a brochure. The next day, Leigh was booking an eight-day Ecuador extreme adventure tour. Kayaking, camping, and hiking.

Go Leigh. Rayna’s voice dropped. You have a great career. You’re the smartest, prettiest woman I know. But as much as I hate to admit it, the prick was right. You’re also the most boring.

Tears burned the back of Leigh’s eyes as cold boney fingers curled around her throat – choking her.  I’m sorry I don’t fight off terrorist or capture international spies like you, she whispered in a voice that she wanted to drip with sarcasm but instead it made her sound like an injured puppy.

Sweetie don’t be mad. I know my life isn’t something for a Lifetime movie but yours is more predictable than if the sun is going to set tonight.

I’ll send you a postcard. Leigh stood and walked out of the hospital room. She was content with her life, why couldn’t everyone else be?

THE SMALL PLANE SLICED through the thick clouds. The Eastern Cordillera of the Andes rose up to meet them. Leigh laced her fingers together in an effort to stop them from shaking. Clearly, the extreme part of the adventure began with the plan ride to the camp. She’d seen toy plans better constructed this one.

Shifting on the hard metal bench, she glanced to her right, and took in her three companions who also lacked the common sense required to make good life decisions. Like not boarding a plane made of scrap metal, recycled milk cartons, and rubber bands. The men were younger than her, that could contribute to their lack of wisdom. From their conversation, she gathered they were friends. At least they wouldn’t be dying alone.

It was Monday. She should be home cleaning her refrigerator. And enjoying red peanut M&M’s. Not dying with strangers.

How stupid could she be? As her grandma would say a chicken has more brains than to do this fool move. When they landed, she’d tell whomever came to pick them up she was returning to Quito. They could keep her money. A couple thousand wasn’t worth dying for.

She didn’t care that David thought she was the Queen of Boring. It did sting that Rayna did but that didn’t mean she needed to die. Nothing was wrong with having routines. Matter of fact, it made you happier and