by Joan Davis
“You are welcome, Risa Landau. Is Risa short for something?” Samson asked.
Frowning, Risa said, “Yes, Clarisa. How do you know my name?” She hoped he wouldn’t start calling her Clarisa. She had always disliked that name.
As if he read her mind, Samson said teasingly, “I like the name Risa better.” He hesitated and continued gently, “I know your father. Anyway, I hope the rest of your day is a good one and it was a pleasure to finally meet you.” Again, he smiled and started to back away from her dock.
Risa’s momentary bravery deserted her at his words. She dropped her gaze and turned to walk towards her father’s house.
“Risa,” Samson called out softly behind her. She swung around and looked at him. “I think you’re beautiful too,” he said. His deep voice was a seductive throb against Risa’s chest. Risa’s face flamed again. She turned and ran up the dock and out of sight.
*****
Samson stood in the shower with his huge arms braced against the wall and let the hot water pour over him. Every muscle in his massive body was tense and throbbing. He couldn’t stop thinking about Risa. His body tightened as he thought about how her body had felt pressed against his in the lake. She had felt so small and delicate next to his enormous build, that Samson had felt intrigued and protective at the same time. It had taken all his self-control to keep his arousal at bay as he had guided them back to her side of the lake. Scaring her was the last thing he wanted. Now, here he stood lusting after a girl, no, a woman, who had been through hell and would probably never want someone like him near her.
There was only one problem with that theory. She had not pulled away from him in any real way. He didn’t think she even realized that she had been unconsciously massaging his scalp with the hand she had wrapped around his neck. She had continued to stare at him in an almost fixated way, and then she had told him he was beautiful. He could tell from her shocked reaction that she had not meant to say it out loud. Her large sad, soulful brown eyes had stared in embarrassment, but she had barely pulled away before she had settled back in his arms again. Where I wanted her, he thought, where I’ve wanted her for months. He had laughed in pleasure at her comment, but then his body had tightened. Suddenly, all he had wanted to do was to pull Risa close and taste her beautifully full mouth. She has incredible lips. “Jesus, what the hell is wrong with me?” he asked himself out loud.
Samson groaned in frustration. His constant fascination with Risa Landau had grown into an almost obsessive need. For months he had watched her from a distance. But today he couldn’t stop himself from going to her when he saw how far out she had floated in the lake. His protective nature had him in the water before he could think, and finally he had come face-to-face with Risa Landau.
After seeing her in Bill’s car that day, Samson had not caught sight of Risa for months. One day he had been working in his backyard and caught a glimpse of her sitting on the end of her dock. He had instinctively stayed out of her line of sight. Her tiny frame had been swallowed in an oversized t-shirt and shorts, much like today. Her pale face had been lifted to the sunlight and a small contented smile had played upon her lips. She had sat there for a long while until she noticed someone moving around on another property along the lake. She had quickly retreated to her house.
Remembering the information Conner had gathered about her abduction and rescue, Samson could totally understand her wariness. Not that Conner had learned much. It appeared that everyone involved with Risa’s situation was very protective of the facts and details. All Conner could find out was that Risa had been abducted in a home invasion. Her mother had been killed and her father had been critically injured and had barely survived. The police had spent two years on the original kidnapping case before closing it and declaring it a cold case. Bill Landau had continued the search for his daughter. He had hired several private investigators, but with no luck. Bill had sold his home and relocated to Dalton after years of putting up with the constant intrusion of the Cloverdale press. But he had continued to be a constant thorn in the side of Cloverdale, North Carolina’s law enforcement because he wouldn’t give up his search.
Once Risa was found, she spent months recovering in the hospital and Bill had her transferred to Dalton’s Trinity Medical Center as soon as he could. The only information Conner could gain was from a nurse, who happened to be the wife of a friend. She said that Risa had suffered severe abuse, malnutrition and had nearly died from her injuries. The doctors had been able to heal her body, but they were unable to heal her mind. She had existed in a type of catatonia. She would respond to simple instructions but was unable to communicate.
Once she was well enough to leave the hospital, Bill Landau had taken Risa home with him. As far as Samson could tell, Bill had spent much of his time taking care of his daughter. Seeing Risa sitting on the end of her dock that day, Samson had noticed two things: Risa was fully aware of her surroundings and she was extremely fearful of strangers.
Samson had found several old newspaper articles and news videos about the cult leader and his history, but they all seemed full of speculation and conjecture. For some reason, the authorities were keeping a tight rein on the details about the abduction. It frustrated Samson that he couldn’t find out more information despite Conner’s continued search, but he knew that if Conner, with all his security contacts, couldn’t get any details, no one could.
Samson had been watching from afar as Risa slowly began regaining her life. She made appearances at Maybell’s Diner with her father on occasion, and Samson had seen them both at various locations about town. He had been with Conner one afternoon having a late lunch at Maybell’s when Bill and Risa had come inside the diner. Bill led Risa to the back so they could sit at one of the windows that looked out upon Maybell’s prized garden. Risa sat next to the window and Bill sat right beside to her. Samson wondered why Bill had sat on the same side of the table as Risa until he watched what transpired during their lunch. One after another, people would make their way to the table where the Landaus sat. Watching Risa, Samson could see her uneasiness and fear build with each incidence. It got so bad that in frustration, Bill finally had their lunches boxed up and they left. Risa had appeared shell-shocked and exhausted.
The next time Samson had been at Maybell’s and had seen Bill come in with Risa, he had made a decision that he would run interference for them. Each time Samson had caught someone making their way towards their table, he would waylay them with a simple excuse and lead them away. After the fifth or sixth time this happened he had caught the silent appreciation in Bill Landau’s eyes and nodded in understanding. At least this one time Bill and Risa were able to eat their lunch in peace. Risa’s comfort and safety had become a priority for Samson. He had stopped asking himself why. It was just a fact.
Still, he had kept his distance. He had not wanted to add to the stress he could see in both Bill and Risa. In time, Bill had begun taking small carpentry jobs again. Although Samson had tried not to intrude on their privacy, he still felt a sense of duty to keep an eye out for Risa. He watched as she began to heal and blossom with every passing day. As her hair grew out, she had stopped wearing her crazy-colored skull caps. Her skin began to take on a slight, rosy glow, but she still appeared delicate and fragile. Risa was so unlike any woman he had ever been attracted to, and yet Samson was definitely attracted. Standing here in the shower with hot steaming water blasting against his body, he admitted he was truly enthralled by Risa Landau, and he didn’t have a clue what to do about it. He had always preferred experienced, confident, long-legged blonds that stood closer to his six-and-half foot frame. However, Risa couldn’t be more than a few inches over five feet. Her hair was black, like his, and though it had been wet and plastered to her head today, he knew it had grown out into a silky mop that seemed to have a mind of its own. He had seen her from afar several times, and each time her hair was in a soft riot of curling spikes that accented her large, dark brown eyes and luscious lips. Fantasies of
his fingers running through her hair as they kissed ran constantly through his mind.
Turning his face into the shower’s spray, Samson admitted to himself that he was definitely drawn to her in a powerful way. He couldn’t deny it. He knew it wasn’t just her body he wanted, but something deeper. Her intense eyes had melted into him and seemed to look into his soul. Her words had intrigued him and left him wanting to know more. He had never had this kind of deep reaction to any other woman. His body tightened with arousal as he remembered the feel of her curvaceous body pressed up against his. Until today, Samson hadn’t let himself think about her as anything but Bill Landau’s child. But Risa Landau was anything but a child. She was very much a woman. What am I supposed to do about this shit? What if she wants nothing to do with me? Samson asked himself, as he leaned his forehead against the cool tile.
He shook his head in self-disgust and finished his shower. As he dried off and dressed, he wondered how the hell he was going to control this need he had developed. He would have normally gone to his best friend Conner, but something had stopped him. He didn’t want anyone else involved in this. He felt protective of Risa, and he considered this between him and her.
*****
Risa’s restless nature reared its head as she watched the wind-ruffled the trees. The last week had been spent going from one medical appointment to another. Her doctors were pleased with her condition, and they still marveled at her improvement. That didn’t stop them from poking and prodding until she felt like a pin cushion though. She was grateful that it would be another month before the next round of appointments. Today she was free to do as she pleased. She finished drying the last dish from this morning’s breakfast and decided she had spent enough time inside the house. She quickly put the dishes away and made her way to the hallway. “Dad, I’m going out for a walk. Do you want to come?” Risa asked, leaning against the doorway to her father’s home office.
Bill Landau looked up over his reading glasses and smiled. “I’ve got a ton of paperwork to get through, but I can come if you want some company.”
“No, that’s okay. There’s a nice breeze, and I like walking in the woods when it’s nice out like this.”
“I know you do. Just take your cell phone with you in case you get lost.”
Risa rolled her eyes. “Dad, it’s not the Appalachian Trail. I’ll be fine.”
Bill gave Risa a mockingly stern look. “Take the phone.”
“Fine, fine, I’ll take the phone,” Risa gave in a held up her hands in surrender. “See you in a little while.”
Spending so much time in and around the lake had given Risa the confidence to move about outside without fear, but they both knew the phone gave her a feeling of added security. She waved and left the house with her cell phone tucked in the back pocket of her baggy jeans. Making her way to the wooded area next to her dad’s house, she set off on one of the trails that meandered in and out of the trees.
Because isolation and confinement had been her constant companions for so long, Risa relished the feeling of freedom that washed over her as she stepped outside the yard. She stood under the bright sunshine and took a deep breath. She let the sun’s warmth relax and fill her with a since of peace. Sunbeams washed over the woods, piercing the canopy of trees and gave the entire area an almost fantasy-like feel. Stooping to pick up a long, thick tree limb, Risa used it as a natural walking stick and made her way over and around obstacles along the path.
She turned and looked through the trees to the lake. The slight breezes caused ripples on the water that sparkled in the bright sunlight. As she took in the lake view, Risa smiled. It was always so welcoming and soothing. Despite the world around her being unfamiliar and new, the lake had become a trusted friend and confidant. She shook her head and laughed at her flowery thoughts. She then turned back and continued on enjoying the ability to investigate various plants or watch as small wildlife went about their day.
Just as she was about to take a fork in the path that would eventually lead back to her dad’s house, she heard a rhythmic hammering that echoed smartly over the lake. Disconcerted and instinctively panicked, Risa froze. It sounded like it was coming from up ahead of her. She knew that it was the same direction as Samson Knight’s property, since this wooded area was the only thing that separated the two homes. Curiosity overcame her wariness, and she decided to continue going down the path that led deeper into the woods. As the hammering grew louder, Risa once again stopped and hesitated. What am I doing? she thought warily.
It had been a little over a week since she had met him, and Risa still didn’t understand her unusual reaction to him. Instead of the dread and fear that she always felt with strangers, Samson had felt familiar and safe. She still got the feeling like she might have seen him before but couldn’t remember when or where that might have been. It was so frustrating because she wasn’t sure if it was a lost memory or a case of simple human forgetfulness. Wouldn’t she remember someone like Samson Knight? Sighing, Risa shook herself mentally and her curiosity overrode her fear. Despite being nervous, she continued on tentatively. As she neared the end of the path, the woods opened up to reveal a spacious yard and large home.
Risa leaned out a bit and cautiously looked around her. The house was beautiful with its cottage-like style and big, bright windows. It felt open and welcoming. From her vantage point she could see a large porch covered by the roofline and held up by a flank of sturdy posts. Ceiling fans turned lazily over several pieces of comfortable-looking outdoor furniture. It all looked so warm and inviting. The central porch steps led down to a beautiful deck, complete with railings and steps that led further down to the lake’s dock.
On the deck is where she spotted Samson. He was standing on a tarp that covered part of the wood slats, and he was hammering a nail into part of the railing. He was nothing short of amazing. Everything about him was beautifully masculine. Risa marveled at the shear mass of him. A shiver of awareness ran up and down her back. He stood well over six feet tall and every inch of him spoke of strength and power. Everywhere she looked there was bulging muscle and sinew. His silky black hair was loosely tied back with a strip of leather and hung down his back as he worked. The black tank top and ragged jeans he wore molded to his body, and with each swing of the hammer, Risa watched those muscles flex and contract. Standing silent, she watched as he continued to work. Her fascination with him grew with his every movement. She wished she could see his eyes, and then squeaked in surprise as his gaze met hers.
“Are you just going to stand there and watch, or are you going to help?” Samson suddenly asked, as he stood up straight and pinned Risa in place with his intense turquoise gaze.
Gasping in surprise, Risa jerked back a step and instinctively turned to flee but she stopped instantly at Samson’s next words.
“Whoa, I was just teasing. If you don’t want to help, I don’t mind if you just watch,” he said gently. He jumped down from the deck and slowly walked towards her. “It’s good to see you again, Risa.” His voice thumped through her chest as it had in the lake.
Risa swallowed and cautiously turned back to face him. She opened her mouth to speak, but she couldn’t get anything to come out. She wrapped her arms around herself and looked down in confusion. Say something, anything! I can do this, I can do this, Risa thought. Taking a deep breath, she tried again. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you. I was just curious when I heard to hammering,” Risa said hesitantly, and rubbed her chest bone absently. She didn’t know what else to do. Her head was telling her to run, but her soul was seeking something more, almost yearning. It was hard to resist its plea.
“Not a problem. I was just making some repairs and doing a little touch-up painting,” Samson shrugged. “It’s good to see you again. I haven’t seen you in the lake in a while.”
Biting her lip, Risa glanced back towards her dad’s house and then towards Samson. “I haven’t been able . . . I wasn’t home . . . I . . . uh . . . guess I should let you get bac
k to it.” She stammered disconcerted and a little shocked. Had he been watching for her the same way she had been watching for him? She often found herself looking towards his dock when she made her way outside and had been disappointed when she never caught sight of him. What was she doing? She wanted so badly to stay, but she barely knew this man. Instinctively, Risa felt for her phone in the pocket of her jeans and sighed with relief as her fingers brushed against it. Taking a deep breath she said, “Do you really need help?”
As if reading her mind, Samson said, “It’s always good to have help, but we can just sit and visit if that’s better for you.” He turned and headed for the four steps that led up to the deck. He turned at the bottom step and held out his hand coaxingly.
Risa moved forward slowly, and when she was close enough, she took his hand and let Samson lead her up onto the deck. His hand felt warm, and Risa felt surprisingly safe. Her tension started to lessen a little. Looking around the deck, she could see a couple of Adirondack chairs sitting on the large tarp. She spotted painting supplies nearby on a small patio table.
“I’m just doing some home repairs and maintenance and I was planning to repaint these chairs. The weather has caused the paint to fade and chip, so I’ve sanded them down and was getting ready to paint when you showed up,” Samson smiled. “Honestly, Risa, you don’t have to help. It’s just nice to have the company.”
Risa gave a small smile in return. “No, I don’t mind helping. I like to keep busy.” She shifted nervously and bit her lip. She didn’t know how to do this. Just talking to people was so stressful. What did they think about her? Would they ask about her past? How would she handle it? I should have never come here, she thought.
