54 Almost

Malachi stiffened. He didn't think she would boldly put her hands on his bare torso. Her touch was cool and soothing in the fever that was burning his body. He was still fighting the infection and even a cold bath didn't help. 

Having her very cold hands on his body did something else to him. He wanted her to cool him all over. Touch more of him but he knew that would inflame him in other ways that he did not wish to deal with. 

It was enough that she was dressed in this way that made his anger vanish so fast that it was embarrassing. He went from being utterly disgusted to being in awe. God. Animals could do better than him. 

"You are very warm," she said and he could feel her breath against the nape of his neck. His whole body went rigid. "You might be sick." 

"Well, I am of flesh and blood. What did you think would happen after torturing me?" He said steering his horse in the direction he wanted to go.