Read Dragan's Redemption Book One of the Manor at Echo Lake Trilogy for Free Online Page B

She was not disappointed. “No , Dr. Reynolds , I do not think that I am ‘some kind of witch ’ .  That would not jive with my beliefs. ”
    “And what would those beliefs be dear tenant of mine.”
    Amira bristled at the sarcasm lacing his words.  Forcing herself to relax and smile she stated simply.  “I believe in God.  My belief does not permit me to practice the dark arts.”
    Thoughtfully , he looked at her.  “ But you do believe in them.  Interesting - a nd in what denomination do you practice your faith?”
    “Don’t you think that religion and politics should be left to better minds than ours , Dr. Reynolds ?”
    “No , a ctually, I do not .  Moreover , I have a feeling that your mind is quite capable of hand l ing the questions.”  Leaning in , he pressed her to continue.  “I really am interested in hearing what you have to say , Amira.”
    “I have practiced a number of denominations in my lifetime.  Not one ever made my heart peaceful, nor did I feel that I could follow the man made rules of any of them.  I guess you could say that I had an epiphany one day, and now I choose to follow my heart in terms of my faith.  I believe the God I pray to is an all-forgiving one.  It does not matter whether you have committed some heinous crime, if you are truly repentant and believe in Him, you will be forgiven.”
    Amira jumped when Dragan slammed his hand, palm down on the table making the c up s jump, spilling their contents while the noise reverberated within the tiny kitchen .  “How can you say that?  Not all is forgiven.  Sometimes there are circumstances that prohibit forgiveness.”
    “Not in my world.”
    “Then you are a fool and live in a fairy tale world.”
    “Hey!  You asked me a question . I answered you with honesty.  You do not need to be insulting.”  Amira watched in disbelief as he rose to his fe e t , turning angrily to walk out the front door.  Shadow immediately jumped up from his spot on the floor , running after his master.  Amira sat for a moment confused.  “Cripes.  What the heck?”
    Walking outside she saw hi m at the edge of her walkway looking out towards the lake and to the mountains that rose in the distance.  Quietly approaching, she stood a few feet behind him.  Amira knew he was aware she was there.  The sun had gone behind the clouds , and a breeze rose up over the water .  Pulling her sweater tighter around her body, she shivered.  He seemed to be filled with anguish about something and fighting some internal demon within himself.  Amira wanted to wrap her arms around his waist and give him whatever comfort she could.  His voice reached out to her.  “You can stay in the cottage.  It seems that Shadow has taken a liking to you , and I am sure he will be here often , especially on the days I am working .  I would appreciate it if you did not spoil him with too many treats.  If there is anything you need, please let Mr. Connor know or anyone on my staff.”  Turning his head, he caught the relief that passed over her face.  Knowing he was the reason for the relief warmed his heart.  To Amira , he seemed to want to say something else but instead turned and walked away from her.
    “Dragan!”  She watched him hesitate then stop , but this time he did not turn around.  Softly her words reached out to him – “There is a Buddhist monk named Thich Nhat Hanh, who once told me that you must embrace the roots of your suffering.”  Dragan’s body stiffened at her words.  Knowing she had h it home , her voice softly continued.   “ He said to me – ‘ You are fighting against the tide , and the current is too strong for you to fight.  If you are always fighting against the flow, then that will be your only focus. ’   I believe you are in the same spot I was in this life.  Stop fighting , Dragan , l et the current take you.  Only then will the doors be opened; only then will you have rest.”  Getting no response, she