Coming Out of the Dark: Second Chance Series - Book 1

by Joan Davis

  Slowly Risa sat up to kneel next to Samson’s body. She carefully peeled the sheet away from him. His large aroused manhood stood proudly. Biting her lip, she reached out and cautiously circled his cock with her hand. It just barely fit around him. She slowly began the run her fingers up and down him the way he showed her. She knew what would give him the most pleasure. Glancing at his still peaceful face, Risa returned her attention to his manhood and leaned down to lick and suck at its head. Samson’s body moved slightly and Risa froze, but she resumed her lusty task with a smile as he relaxed again. She finally took Samson in her mouth and began to suck. Slowly, she lowered her head and took his thick member in her mouth, then slowly pulled back. Over and over she repeated the action and kept her lips tightly closed around his shaft, sucking deeply. She used her tongue to stimulate the bottom side of Samson’s penis and ran her fingers along the line of flesh that ran from his hip to his scrotum. Risa learned early-on that this was a particularly sensitive area and would drive Samson’s arousal higher.

  Samson arched his body as pleasure radiated through his entire body. He felt a wonderful suction on his cock. The tightness of his balls told him he was close. Waking fully, he reached down and threaded his fingers into Risa’s hair and arched his hips. Looking down, he saw Risa looking back at him with a hungry gaze, as she lathed his swollen member with her delicious mouth. He was ready to come in her mouth, but instead, Samson lunged up, grabbed Risa and yanked her on top of him. “Trying to start a party?” Samson asked in a low sleep-laden voice and smiled while running his hands erotically down Risa’s small, curvaceous body. He then cupped them under her buttocks and began pulling her thighs forward so that her legs were bent at the knee on either side of his body. He quickly donned a condom before it was too late.

  Risa groaned. “I was trying . . . Oh yes,” she gasped, as Samson raised Risa’s hips and slowly worked his rigid staff inside her tight, wet folds.

  Samson began thrusting his hips up as Risa began grinding her hips against him in a matching rhythm. He gritted his teeth, knowing he was close but wanting to make it good for Risa. He moved his hand between their undulating bodies and found Risa’s clitoris and began to create a pleasurable friction he knew would bring her quickly to orgasm.

  “Oh Samson, yes . . . more,” Risa panted. She loved when Samson took his time and drove her to the brink, over and over, before taking them both over the edge. In the last few days they had barely left the bedroom. But Risa also loved this intense and carnal side to their lovemaking. It made her feel sexy, wanted and maybe a little naughty. She moved against Samson frantically as she neared release. Samson growled low against her breast, and Risa tumbled quickly into a hard, shuddering climax.

  Samson roared at his own release as he continued to plunge into Risa’s body, over and over, until they both collapsed and lay breathing roughly.

  “Samson,” Risa said with a sweet contented sigh, as she lay sprawled over Samson’s body. “Did I tell you that I really, really like having sex with you? You’re so good at it.”

  Samson laughed hoarsely. “The feeling is entirely mutual, baby.”

  *****

  A few hours later, Samson pulled his truck into the driveway of Bill Landau’s lake house. After their conversation with Conner and Mik, Risa had become curious to see the changes that had been made to her dad’s house. It was the first time she had returned there since the attack, and she was nervous about how she would feel. As she looked out of the windshield, it was at once apparent that the windows and doors had been updated. The beautifully wide double-pained glass windows were a vast improvement over the old jalousie windows. These new windows gave the house an open and inviting feel that matched the new creamy siding that had been installed on the homes’ exterior. The solid-core front door was a dark red and gave the house a pop of color that it needed. Old landscaping had been replaced with fresh grass, trees and shrubs and bright mulch added accent.

  “Samson, it’s beautiful, but it’s a lot more than just window’s and French doors,” Risa said in concern. She knew her father was working double time trying to get back on his feet financially.

  “The house needed to be updated here and there. Don’t worry, I know a guy in the construction business that got us a few good deals on materials,” Samson teased.

  They exited the truck, and rather than go inside, Samson led Risa around to the back of the house. He greeted a few people who were working on various projects. Risa gasped at the changes. The beautiful, grassy lawn extended from the front of the house all the way around to the back and ended in the natural edging of the tree line. The first thing Risa saw was a lovely pair of wide French doors that opened out onto a brand new deck that matched the color of the house. The deck was low and had glass railings that allowed a clear view of the lake. Wide steps led down to a stone pathway that meandered to the lake dock. Potted plants and shrubs softened the deck’s edges and helped it blend in with the house. Looking around the yard, Risa noticed a few workers placing an obscure lighting fixture at the far corner of the yard. She looked around and saw other similar lights were strategically placed around the house and yard.

  Seeing Risa watching the workers, Samson said, “Conner’s people placed lighting throughout the property and a few of them are motion-sensitive. There is also lighting in and around the deck, the pathway leading to the dock and now on the dock itself.”

  Risa’s eyes were huge with surprise as she looked at Samson. “Samson I know we talked about it, but I thought it was just supposed to be a security system. I didn’t know all of this was happening. It’s too much,” she said, guilt beginning to eat at her. Her father had already given up so much for her. She didn’t want him spending money he couldn’t afford just to protect her.

  Samson pulled Risa into his arms. “Your dad is a smart man, Risa. He, Conner and I worked out a plan for all of this ahead of time. There were a lot of things that needed to change in order to make sure the security system works at its best. Every change that you’re seeing was done with that in mind. Buck O’Leary and a few of my guys from the construction crew have been volunteering their time and services to help keep the cost within reason. I was able to get almost all the materials at discounted prices, since I can run the purchases through my business. Bill is doing this for his own peace of mind, as well as for your safety. He is also being smart financially and has total cost control on this project.”

  Sighing, Risa nodded, but she was still a bit overwhelmed by all the changes, and they hadn’t even gone inside yet. Tentatively, she moved out of Samson’s arms and walked up the deck stairs and to the French doors. She paused as Mik suddenly appeared and opened the doors outward and smiling invitingly.

  “I was wondering when you would get curious enough to come and see everything.” he teased, stepping back so Risa and Samson could enter the house.

  Risa relaxed a little. Except for fresh paint on the walls and the new window profiles, the interior hadn’t changed much.

  “All the security features for the inside have been completed. If you look by the front door, you’ll see one of the control panels. There is another here in the kitchen and one in the hallway leading the bedrooms,” Mik said, while walking them through the house.

  Risa walked up to the panel in the hallway and looked at the electronic readout and buttons used to enter the security code. There was also a red button covered by a small, hinged peace of clear plastic. “This is a panic button,” Risa said quietly. She fingered the plastic cover and lifted it easily with the tip of her finger.

  “Yes, it’s for an emergency situation and . . .” Mik started explaining, but Risa couldn’t hear him. Her mind was in another place and time.

  Finally, the Renaissance Festival ran its course and was done. Life was normal again, with a few exceptions. Risa Landau Designs, the uniqu,e fledgling brand, had helped add a sizeable amount to Risa’s savings account. Risa’s new concern was trying to decide her future.

 
“Risa we don’t have to decide right away. We have plenty of time. You are still in your sophomore year of high school,” Bill Landau said, spearing another buttery carrot from his dinner plate and popping it into his mouth.

  “I agree. We can look into a ton of art or design schools until we find one that you really feel fits your needs. That’s what road trips are for, after all,” Risa’s mom said, smiling gently. “I know waiting is hard for you, but you don’t have to be in such a hurry. We have time, I promise you.”

  “Mom . . .” Risa said, rolling her eyes, “I’m not that bad.” At her mother’s astonished look, Risa continued, “Okay, maybe I am.” She giggled unselfconsciously. “But I just feel like I need to get my life started now. I don’t know how to explain it. I keep feeling like if I don’t keep moving, this will all stop,” Risa said, putting her chin in her hand and staring restlessly at her parents.

  Just as her mom was about to say something, there was a loud crash of glass and the sound of wood splintering that came from the kitchen. Everyone jumped, and Bill Landau flew out of his chair and into the kitchen. Sandy cautiously got up, gathered Risa close and followed to see what had happened.

  Sandy and Risa stopped and stood frozen in the kitchen entrance. Five large men in black robes had somehow crashed through the back door. All of the men wore distorted, frosted masks over their faces. Out of the corner of her eye, Sandy saw Risa cautiously raise her arm along the outside wall of the kitchen until she found the security panel. Shaking and wide eyed, Risa moved her fingers slowly until she felt the panic button and pressed it, sending out a silent alarm.

  “Who the hell are you . . . Oh God . . .” Bill yelled, and then cried out in pain. The masked men had surrounded him and one of them drew a large knife out and stabbed it into Bill’s abdomen several times. Sandy and Risa watched in horror as Bill sank to the kitchen floor, unmoving.

  “Bill!” Sandy screamed, as she pushed Risa back. “Run Risa!” Sandy screamed, and then flew across the room trying to get to her husband. Sandy was brought up short when a hand grabbed her hard around the waist and wrenched her backward. “No, let me go. He might be dying,” Sandy cried. She suddenly heard the high-pitched screams of her daughter, and seconds later, one of the masked men came back into the kitchen with Risa struggling in his arms.

  “Mommy,” Risa cried out in fear, trying to get loose.

  “Don’t hurt my daughter,” Sandy panted and screamed, “Why are you doing this?”

  One of the masked men came around the bar area and faced Sandy Landau. “We’re here for the High Priestess,” he said and looked back at Risa. He nodded at the man holding her, and the man began to take her away.

  “OH MY GOD! Don’t take my daughter,” Sandy screamed hysterically and tried to lunge away from the man who held her. Trying to get to Risa, Sandy screamed and clawed at the man but couldn’t get free.

  “Mommy . . . !” Risa screamed in panic as, the man holding her backed away, preparing to take her away.

  “Don’t be fighting us. This is her destiny,” The masked man in front of Sandy said.

  Risa watched her mother stare at the man until he suddenly lunged forward and ran a large knife from one side of Sandy Landau’s throat to the other. Blood spurted and ran freely down Sandy’s body and began gurgling out of her mouth. She turned stunned eyes to her daughter and lifted a hand, before falling to the floor, unmoving, her eyes lifeless.

  Risa screamed and screamed until her mind shut down and she fainted.

  The memories raced about in Risa’s head. Faster and faster, the images flashed in front of her eyes. I’m so scared. Sliding her shaking arm up the wall, feeling the alarm panel beneath her finger, pressing the large panic button. It was too late; her mother’s lifeless eyes, where was daddy? No one ever came to help, screaming and screaming and then the blackness. Risa stood frozen, staring at the panel as terrorizing memories kept flashing before her eyes.

  Mik stopped when he noticed Risa seemed frozen in place, staring at the security panel. He looked at Samson in concern. “Sam . . ?” Mik began.

  “Risa?” Samson called Risa’s name a few times and got no response. He saw the fixed look on her face and instinctively pulled her back from the panel and turned her around to face him. He met her blank stare and began calmly speaking to her and rubbing his hands up and down her arms trying to bring her back. After a few seconds, Samson saw her hand move, absently rubbing her chest bone. He saw that her gaze was now alert and focused on him.

  “It didn’t work. I pressed the panic button, but they never came to help us,” Risa said sadly.

  Taking a shaky breath, Samson met Risa’s gaze. “Listen to me, Risa. They did come.” Risa began to shake her head, but Samson stopped her. “Listen to me. Your dad told me that the only reason he survived that night was because someone must have pressed the panic button and alerted the police. You did that. You saved your dad, Risa.”

  Risa saw the truth in his eyes. “But it didn’t save my mom. Why did that man kill her like that? She didn’t do anything to him. He could have just tied her up and left her. She couldn’t have identified any of them, they all wore masks. Why? I don’t understand why,” Risa cried softly.

  Samson pulled her into his arms and said, “I know Baby. I’m so sorry you lost her that way.” Samson saw Mik quietly move away so they could have some privacy, and he was grateful. Risa cried softly and trembled as she held on to Samson for a while, before pulling herself together enough to finish looking at the house.

  Holding on to Samson’s hand, Risa looked into her bedroom and found it unchanged. The double bed was covered with a cheery quilt. A simple nightstand and lamp sat next to it, and a long, low dresser stood against the opposite wall. Next, they glanced into her father’s room and then stepped into the room that he used as an office.

  This room was the most animated. Since Risa had not wanted to have any of her artwork or materials around her once she was back home, Bill had placed a lot of the pieces in this room. Framed paintings of fairies, castles, dragons and other fanciful creations lined the walls. Along one wall were two rows of large clear plastic bins that held all sorts of art supplies and materials.

  Biting her lip and looking a little embarrassed, Risa glanced up at Samson. “Daddy used to buy me art supplies every time he went out. It drove Mom, crazy,” Risa said, looking at all the bins.

  “You could open your own store,” Samson teased, glad that she was distracted by happy memories now. Looking at the walls, he murmured, “You’re better now.”

  Risa looked at him, surprised. “Thank you. I haven’t worked with any paints yet, but I think my technique has improved a little. I think we better get out of here, or I’m going to be tempted to start looking through those bins, and it may be hours before I stop,” she said humorously.

  “We can take them with us, if you want,” Samson said seriously.

  Risa was tempted but decided against it for now. “Maybe later,” she said and looked at the pictures on the walls once more before moving out of the room. She followed Samson back to the living room where Mik was finishing up a phone call.

  Mik closed his phone and asked, “So what do you think of the changes?”

  Risa smiled and was thankful he was kind enough to ignore what happened in the hall. “You all have done a wonderful job. I know Dad must be pleased.”

  After a few minutes more of going over some of the new features in the house, Samson led Risa back to the truck. They took the rest of the day and explored the little shops in Dalton and ended up eating dinner at Maybell’s Diner. It was a good day. Later that night, while lying in Samson arms, Risa thought that it felt good to finally be home.

  *****

  “I told you to leave the bitch alone, damn you. What did I say? Stay away from her. It’s over, let it go. Do you want us all going down for this shit?” Bradley Saren practically screeched. “The cops and the D.A. have been all over my ass for days now because of you.” He paced around the
cell he’d been assigned to in the Cloverdale Town Jail. Today he was the only prisoner being held there. His lawyer had been fighting the transfer to the county lock-up facility.

  The man looked at Saren impassively. “We have to get the High Priestess back and force her to help us. It is the only way to rebuild the coven. She has to pay the price for her betrayal. She is the reason my brother died. She ensnared his mind, and you had to kill him for it. She has to be forced to give us her black arts,” he said knowing it was all a lie.

  Saren looked at the man in amazement. “Jesus Christ, you still don’t get it. There is no black magic, asshole. We were running a con, remember? I was just going to take the girl for a while to give the followers something to believe in. We were raking it in, and those losers were putty in our hands. What do you not understand about this? If you hadn’t killed her mother and almost killed her father, none of this would be happening. It’s your fault,” Saren sneered in frustration.

  Shaking his head, the man frowned and said, “You promised us we could rule over mortal mankind if we found the High Priestess and got her to use her black magic to help us. I kept her subjugated to keep her from escaping with her powers. She must pay for her betrayal and help us gain power.” He was confused, the lies, the truth, his brother’s death. Calmly, he reminded himself that they would all pay the price for their betrayal.

  Saren walked closer to the bars of the cell and stared at the prison guard that had been his long-time accomplice. “You have fucking lost you mind, haven’t you? Try to get this through your little pea-sized brain. There never was a coven, asshole. This was a grift, a con. We convinced those suckers to join our so-called cause and they turned over all their money and worldly goods to us. Remember all the money, asshole? You sure haven’t minded spending any of it, have you? The ‘High Priestess’ as you call her, was just a chick in a costume I saw at that Renaissance festival where we tried recruiting a few people. You do remember the fucking con, don’t you, asshole? I just wanted to take her for a few days, but you had different ideas. If you had just nabbed her off the street, none of this would be happening. What a fucking loser you’ve turned out to be.” Saren shook his head in disgust.