RAW Deception (Round 2 in the RAW Instinct Series)

Chapter 8

Trigger warning. Explicit sex.

Listen to the music: Coldplay - Everglow

Sunday

They gathered on the front patio of Canton's Cottage bright and early, all dressed casually in shorts and loose fitting shirts.

Raw called them closer. "Where's Uncle Stephen?"

Stephen came running up the steps. "Here I am. I'm here. Late, but here."

"Dad," Edward called out. "Are you okay for this?"

"Fine. I'm fine," Gregory said with a bruised and swollen cheek.

"Are you sure? We can do this some other time."

"Let's do this, Ed."

"Cool. Okay, listen up everyone. The trail we're going to follow starts beyond those Pine trees and meets up with the Rainbow Gorge Trail. The beauty of this area is unrivalled, and those that have visited it almost always fall in love," Edward said, hitching his backpack across his shoulder. "It's one of the most beautiful trails on Champagne Castle. It's an easy hike, about five kilometres long and should take us roughly two hours. Don't be put off by the steepness of some of the hills. We'll be hiking along the foot of Tryme Hill and through the yellowwood forest to the Ndumeni River Gorge. As the trail begins to ascend, the gorge narrows and a spectacular display of rainbows awaits. So have your cell phones ready for spectacular images. We'll stop for lunch and then make our way back again."

Shane helped Gregory with his backpack.

"Thanks. Here, let me help you." Gregory lifted Shane's backpack and hoisted it across his shoulders.

"Thanks for staying with me last night," Gregory whispered.

Shane trembled with goosebumps.

"My pleasure. You needed someone around."

"Joe is really a lucky guy."

"Let's not talk Joe, okay. Last night I watched you sleeping and I thought how lucky Ed is to have you as a dad. I also thought about what you said that I travelled hundreds of kilometres to be here, for what, to have the man I'm engaged to, spoil it? No way. I'm here for me. I intend to enjoy every minute of it."

"I'm glad to hear it. Just forget about life for a while."

Shane slapped Gregory's butt. "You have an amazing ass, by the way."

"You're asking for it."

"Maybe. But I'm engaged, remember."

"You won't let me forget."

The trail wound along the edge of the escarpment and dropped sharply; any misplaced step could mean instant death. Vast savannahs lay below, and a group of antelope grazed on the edge of the pass above them. Several Falcons had caught an updraft and swirled in circles. Small black and white Rockjumpers caught their attention as they traversed the edge until Champaign Castle came into view.

Storm clouds gathered and they stopped to take in the wonder of it. God had worked miracles here. It seemed the perfect place to find and be in love, and as they took a breather, Shane wrapped an arm across Gregory's shoulders.

"It's so beautiful."

"Just like you," Gregory whispered.

Shane turned to face him and stared for a long moment.

On the way back, Stephen slowly crept up on Shane and Gregory and eventually he walked alongside them. The tension was unbearable until Stephen spoke.