All Chapters of Blind Faith: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Z returned to his cabin, a feeling of elation lightening his steps. He had given Rai a chaste kiss on her soft cheek before telling her what time he would be by tomorrow.Two days, he smiled inwardly. They will be the best two days of her life, and possibly his.After pouring himself a bourbon, he sat down with his computer and made his plans. He had not been this excited about anything since the time he helped plan his parent’s fiftieth anniversary. The smile that agenda had placed on his mum’s face was something Z would never forget. Both of them had come home with stories to tell, and memories that lasted the end of their days.His father had shown such appreciation; it had set Z aback. As the middle son, he had never been Father’s favorite, and always felt a bit like the odd man out. Z was much closer to his mum than his older brother and younger sister. They stayed closer to the money and knew Father was looking to hand them down his enterprise.Z never wanted a part of Taylor

Lord, she was beautiful. Never had Z met a woman who experienced so much pleasure from a simple drive. These two days may prove to be more dangerous than he had anticipated.She handled the two-hour hike like a seasoned pro, as he described the beauty around them. She scented a Jeffery pine and reveled in its strong maple aroma. Odd seeing one this far north. The last time he experienced the hearty tree was in Oregon. He didn’t think they grew in this region.The trail he chose was flat and easy, but the destination was the real reason for taking it.“Oh!” she exclaimed, stopping short and closing her eyes. “There is a lake out there.”“How do you know that?”“The air carries its scent, and the sound ripples off the surface. By the echo, I’d say we were in some kind of a canyon—a rather large canyon that opens at the far end.” She pointed to where the canyon widened, lending a magnificent view of a distant mountain.“Yes, you have just accurately described Perseverance Lake. At t

Rai sank down in the bath she and Z were sharing, relishing in his soft caresses as he washed her feet and legs. Her body was elated and satisfied beyond any measure she could ever remember.“Is there anything in this life you do not enjoy completely?”She heard the smile in his voice and opened her eyes in response. “Many things.”“I’ve never known a woman so open in her love making,” he said.Rai sat up. “Z, that was sex, nothing more.”“Easy, Rai. I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just saying that it was refreshing to have a woman give herself with such abandonment.”Relaxing a bit, she sank back down. “You can thank my parents for that.” She smiled thinking of them and felt that deep familiar pain of not having seen them in far too long. Cliff would use them to find her. So long as her family did not know her whereabouts, they were safe.“Tell me about them?” He began massaging her foot.She loved talking about them, but there was only so much she could say without revealin

After a full day of touring museums and the local pub, Rai and Z returned to his cabin.He had a meat and cheese platter delivered to his room, along with fresh fruit and a bottle of Borolo. She dried her hair as she strolled from the bathroom to find Z staring out of the open window. The sea breeze carried his scent. Without a word, she sat on a chair beside him. He handed her a glass of wine.They drank in continued silence. Neither of them were very hungry; either because of the beer and hog wings they ate earlier or the dismal mood clouding their evening. It was their last night, and she didn’t want it to end.“I had a good time, today,” she said, hoping to lighten his spirits.The smile on his face brightened his response. “That was my goal, sweetling.”Sweetling, she repeated internally. No one had ever called her that before. Just then, she felt that old familiar pang in the pit of her chest. “Z, perhaps I should stay in my cabin tonight. Both of—”“No!” His sharp reply ma

Dressed in a pearl-grey gown with sparkling accents, Rai made her way to the formal ballroom where the awards were taking place. Going to these types of events were never her preference. Too many people, and too much movement of things on the table. She never knew what was placed before her, or even what fancy cups posed as possible accidents. It was best to keep her hands close and not reach for anything.She turned the corner and felt overwhelmed by the rush of activity cluttering the foyer. Not really knowing which way to go, she stood quietly and listened for clues.“Rai,” a friendly, familiar voice chimed. It was Sue from HR. “I’ve been keeping my eye out for you. Haven’t seen you at all this week.”“I’ve kept busy, I assure you.”“Good, good.” She took Rai’s hand. “Come. I have a seat for you.”Rai allowed the portly woman to lead her clumsily through the thick throng of co-workers to a chair near the end. Gauging by the sound of conversation, she concluded that she was the