by Joan Davis
Samson turned her around, quickly picked her up and sat her down on the high part of the vanity counter. He tilted her face up until she met his gaze. Risa’s awareness of him flared to life, and her stomach clenched. “From now on you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do,” Samson declared. “If you don’t want pictures taken, no pictures will be taken. End of story.”
Risa nodded and stared at him wide-eyed. “Samson, why haven’t you kissed me again? Is it because I don’t know how to kiss like the other women you know?” Risa asked curiously.
Shock froze Samson in place. He stared down at Risa and tried to say something several times, but he was speechless. Her mind just seemed to jump from one subject to another without pause. It was disconcerting and intriguing, at the same time. His body hardened in response before he could wrap his brain around her question.
“It’s just that I never got a chance to learn. My parents didn’t let me date, unless it was with a group. I’m a fast learner . . . maybe if you showed me . . .,” Risa stopped in confused embarrassment at Samson’s continued silence. “Never mind . . .,” Risa never got to finish as Samson’s lips covered hers.
It was Risa’s turn to freeze in shock. That emotion quickly turned into a melting pool of arousal as her lips softened under his, and she tried her best to respond. She brought her hands up to clutch Samson’s shirt, not wanting to him to pull away. He was so warm, so exotic, so everything. To Risa, Samson was a drug that she couldn’t help but crave.
Samson braced his hands against the wall behind Risa’s head. He plunged his tongue into her mouth and coaxed her to respond. As her tongue tentatively began to duel with his, he slowed and deepened the kiss. Samson moaned, and it almost sounded like a growl of satisfaction. He had wanted this since the first moment he met her.
Risa moaned as her fingers slowly feathered across Samson’s abdomen. She felt his muscles clench at her light touch, and a thrill ran through her body. She inched her fingers up Samson’s chest, and she was soon able to sink them into his amazingly silky hair. She massaged his scalp as she desperately sought to bring him closer to her. I could become addicted to this, Risa thought, softly moaning as need tightened her stomach with pleasure. This was not a simple kiss but an erotic assault of her senses. I want him, I want to be his. I want him for myself, Risa chanted in her head.
Samson pulled back slightly and pressed kisses down Risa’s neck, but unable to stop himself, he returned to her mouth for another drugging kiss. He knew he should stop, but his resistance was gone. He felt as if his rigid cock was going to burst right through his jeans. All he wanted was to have Risa naked and her legs wrapped around him as he pounded into her over and over again, until they were both screaming in satisfaction. Without stopping the kiss, Samson dropped his arms down, grabbed Risa’s hips and jerked her closer to the edge of the counter top. He heard her little cry of need as his hand slid to the waist band of her yoga pants, and he started drawing them down over her hips.
Risa whimpered and squirmed as she sought to help Samson remove her clothing. Oh, please don’t let this end. The outside world was a distant thing to her. Risa’s one goal was to get as close as possible to Samson. She wanted him to surround her with pleasure and pull her inside him. All that mattered was being here with him. But suddenly, the outside world crashed in on them as someone cleared their throat loudly behind Samson. Risa jerk back convulsively. Samson cursed harshly and moved to block Risa from anyone’s view.
“Sorry guys, but Bill was getting worried, and I volunteered to check on you,” Conner said apologetically.
Samson cursed again, helping Risa right her clothing. After a few seconds he said, “Tell him we’ll be out in a few minutes.” His voice was ragged, uneven, and deeper than normal.
“Right. No problem, I’ll let them know,” Conner said and left quickly.
Samson was still breathing harshly. He looked at Risa, and she stared back. Her face was flushed and her eyes hungry and a little embarrassed all at once. He cupped her cheek and ran his thumb over her tender lips. “Now do you know why I hadn’t kissed you before now?” Samson asked with a raised eyebrow. “It was bad enough trying to control myself last night. I was trying to avoid showing you what a horn dog I am.” He lips twisted with chagrin.
A yelp of shocked laughter shot out of Risa’s mouth before she could stop it. She bit her lip and tried to stop her laughter, but one look at Samson’s face and she fell into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. Risa didn’t understand why she felt such a strong emotional connection to this man, but she instinctively knew she would do anything to keep it.
Samson smiled and stared at Risa, mesmerized. He had barely seen her smile since he had known her, so her laughter was an amazing gift. It changed her whole face. Her eyes twinkled and her cheeks glowed. The sound was so infectious that Samson couldn’t resist laughing too. He wrapped his massive arms her and squeezed her in mock revenge. It just made her gasp and laugh harder.
When Samson and Risa finally calmed down, and were able to rejoin the others, things were better. Risa felt lighter and was able to show everyone the telling bruise on her shoulder. Seeing it, the sheriff and D.A. knew the truth and after only a few more questions they prepared to leave, to continue their work. Before he left, the sheriff did promised more frequent patrols of the area, but he said apologetically, that he didn’t have enough man power to have someone sit surveillance twenty-four hours a day.
“Don’t worry about it. I have that covered,” Samson said abruptly.
The sheriff eyed him for a moment before nodding, and then he led his deputies out the door.
“Ms. Landau, my office will be in touch.” D.A. Addison said and then sighed in frustration. “When I told you we had all of them in custody, I really believed it was true. I am truly sorry; I didn’t mean to lie to you or your family,” he said regretfully.
“I know, thank you,” Risa said, accepting his apology and then watched as her father walked him to the door. She turned with a sigh and sat in one of the leather chairs. “I’m sorry I lost it earlier,” she said, noticing her dad watching her with concern. “I’m fine now,” Risa smiled reassuringly.
“That’s all that matters to me,” Bill Landau said. He looked over to Samson, who sat sprawled out in the other leather chair. “Thanks for taking such good care of Risa, but I guess we should get out of your hair.”
“I don’t think that is such a good idea,” Samson said with a frown. He looked over at Conner who was now sitting in one of the side chairs.
“I agree,” Conner said. “I’ve investigated this guy, Saren. He is nasty business. If his followers are out there doing his biding, neither of you is safe right now,” he said seriously. “His real name is Harold Bixby, but he has had several aliases. Bradley Saren is just the latest name he picked. I’ve had people running every check I can think of on him. He has a rap sheet that includes everything from check fraud and petty theft, to assault with a deadly weapon. Saren has been in and out of jail too many times to count. He suddenly went off the grid several years ago . . .”
“Off the grid . . .?” Bill asked.
“Yeah, it means he hasn’t been creating any paper or electronic trails,” Conner explained. ”Saren hasn’t been using any type of credit, no mortgages or rental agreements, not even a phone or a utility bills can be found in his name. I was able to get the police report from the time Risa was rescued though. I am now looking into the backgrounds of Saren’s followers that were killed in the gun fight with the police. I am also checking out the lone follower who was taken into custody. I don’t have a lot of information yet, but I have found out that both Saren and the girl they arrested won’t be getting out on bail before the trial.
“So, whoever attacked Risa got away, or wasn’t there the day the police found Risa.” Samson said grimly.
“How are we supposed to live normally with one or more of those bastards out there trying to hurt us?” Bill asked in frustration.
/> Samson shifted and leaned towards Bill. “That’s what I wanted to talk about with you. I think security measures should be installed inside and outside of your home. A customized system that will cover almost any circumstance,” Samson said. “I have a system here, and it’s relatively easy to maintain.”
“Samson I agree with what you’re saying, and I appreciate the advice. I’m just not sure I have the money for it. I hear security systems like the one you’re talking about are pretty pricey,” Bill said shaking his head. “Maybe I could get a home equity loan or something. Surely, the bank would consider home security a good investment,” he pondered hopefully.
“Dad, just take the money out of the trust you and Mom set up for me.” Risa offered. “I don’t need it and if it weren’t for me . . .” Risa started, but reared back when her dad slapped the arm of the leather sofa.
“Young lady, do not say another word.” Bill said angrily. “None of this is your fault. You had nothing to do with any of it. You did not ask to be taken against you will. You didn’t ask to be forced to watch as I was attacked and your mother was murdered.” Bill’s voice broke. “You did not ask to be held in a pit of hell and tortured. This is NOT your fault. Do you hear me? Enough! If it’s the last thing I do on this earth, I am going to convince you of that fact.” Bill stopped yelling and ran his hand over his face in worried frustration.
Risa opened her mouth to speak, but her throat was clogged with tears. She just sat and stared sadly at what was left of her family. Guilt ran deep in her soul despite his words. If I hadn’t begged you and Mom to allow me to sell my art at the Renaissance festival, Mom would still be alive and I wouldn’t be putting you through all of this. Those are the real facts, Risa said silently. She clenched her hands in her lap as horrible memories stormed through her mind of the night her parents had been attacked, and when she had been taken from her home. Like a violent strobe, the ghastly memories bombarded her mind. She didn’t know then that her father had survived. She had awoken in a strange room in a strange house, fear and overwhelming grief her only companions. She remembered screaming and begging to go back home. All she wanted was her mom and dad’s arms around her. He stomach rolled, remembering the blood, and the life draining from her mother’s eyes. She shook her head, trying to banish the images from her mind. She was grateful when Samson’s deep voice penetrated the haze. Risa was able to regain her focus and listen to the conversation.
“Bill, don’t worry about the cost. I will cover it,” Samson said and put up a hand when Bill began to shake his head negatively. “Hold on, let me finish. I’m not talking about charity. You know my company calls on you for carpentry skills on almost every job we do. You are the best master carpenter for miles around, and everyone knows it. What I am suggesting is that for a time, when you work for me, your labor will be at a reduced rate,” Samson explained. “It’s a win-win situation. You guys can rest easy knowing you and your home are secure, and for me, my company will profit as well. What do you think?” Samson asked with raised eyebrows.
Conner added, “Bill, my people will be doing the installation work on the security system, and they are all people who I personally know or have checked out. Let’s face it. I’m the boss so I can get a good deal for you. Please allow us help you out.” he coaxed, winking at Risa for affect.
Bill looked at Risa and took a shaky breath. “It’s a deal,” he said. He turned to look at Risa with love. “Little girl, the money your mom and I put in that trust is for your future. I love you for offering it, though,” Bill said, smiling at his daughter.
Risa gave him a wobbly smile in return and nodded.
Samson cleared his throat, bringing everyone’s attention back to him. “Now to the next subject,” he said. “I think you both should stay with me until the work on your home is completed. We don’t know who we’re dealing with or how many of them are out there. I would feel better knowing you were protected. You would also be close enough to your home to check on the progress, or in case you need anything,” he continued, listing the benefits, not wanting to admit that he wanted Risa close to him.
“Samson, we can’t impose on you like that,” Bill protested, a bit half-heartedly.
Samson replied, “Bill, you helped with the remodel of this place. You know better than most that I have more than enough room here for both you and Risa. It’s private and completely safe,” he finished, his eyes searching Risa’s face for her reaction.
Bill noticed the look Samson was sending to Risa. In fact, he had been noticing the looks passing between those two since he had arrived. He turned his own gaze towards his daughter. “What do you think, Risa? Would you be okay staying here while we have the security system installed?” Bill asked cautiously and noticed the blush forming on Risa’s cheeks.
Shrugging helplessly and trying to hide her reaction to Samson, Risa said, “I guess so. I just want everyone to be safe.” Don’t say no, don’t say no.
“Good,” Bill said with a sigh. He turned to Samson. “I really appreciate this, Sam. I was worried about that. I will be out of town several times in the next few months doing jobs, and I was already wondering how to handle it. I didn’t want to leave her alone without protection.”
“Like I said, it’s no problem. I work from home half the time and it will be simple to coordinate our schedules for when you’re out of town.” Samson said with sincerity. “In the meantime, I am also having a few of my most trusted friends keep watch on both of our properties, just in case anyone decides to visit again,” Samson said grimly. “I will introduce you to all of them so their presence won’t give you any concern.”
*****
The move to Samson’s home occurred with very little trouble. Samson and Conner had escorted Risa and her dad back to their house to retrieve all the items they would need for the next few weeks. As they parked in the driveway of Bill’s house, a caravan of trucks pulled in behind them. Three large men exited the trucks, and Samson introduced them to Bill and Risa. “This is Jose Rojas, Chris Sanchez, and Mikhail Zobrinskya. Boys, meet Bill Landau and his daughter, Risa Landau,” Samson said.
Risa had stood well back and just nodded cautiously to the men as introductions were made. All of the men kept their distance from her, and she was grateful. One of Risa’s biggest fears about meeting new people was that she could never know if they were one of the masked people from the cult. Any time she was in a store or restaurant, she constantly questioned if any of the people around her were there to take her back to Saren. The therapist was working on this fear with her, but Risa didn’t know if she would ever be able to live without that uneasiness in the back of her mind, especially after yesterday.
As Samson, Conner and her dad showed the men around the property, Risa was able to quietly study them. Her dad had a similar stocky build to that of Jose Rojas and Chris Sanchez. But where her dad had a graying crew cut and a more refined air about him, Jose and Chris sported an amazing array of tattoos on various parts of their tank-like bodies. In the case of Jose, tattoos were also prominently displayed on his bald head and neck. Chris’s head was covered by silky black hair that fell over fierce black eyes. She was fascinated by their body art, but their tough demeanor made her cautious about trying to get a closer look. Both men were of average height, but what they lacked in height, they more than made up for it in muscle.
Mik, or Mikhail Zobrinskya, was a different story. He rivaled Samson in height and build. Watching them, Risa noticed Mik said very little and always stood just outside the group. He had thick, shoulder length black hair, but there was an unusual patch of pure white that lay amongst the raven tresses. The contrast was stark and disconcerting. His slumberous, yet intense icy blue eyes, made Risa shiver as he continually scanned their surroundings. His tanned skin seemed to stretch tight over high, sharp cheekbones and a strong square jaw. His lips were full and sensual, and his look was foreign and unique. Mikhail’s gaze never seemed to stop moving. He continually scanned the area while list
ening to the conversation. Risa thought he looked a little lost into his own world.
Once the men were brought up to date, they helped load Bill and Risa’s things into Samson’s large SUV. Bill and Risa fixed them all a quick lunch of sandwiches. With everything accomplished, Samson, Risa, Bill and Conner headed back to Samson’s place. They made quick work of unloading and organizing Bill and Risa’s belongings in the two rooms they would be using.
Samson gave them a quick tour of the other rooms in that part of the house. The front entrance hall was the center location of the house and opened out into the large, spacious living room. Off to either side of the entrance hall were long hallways. One side led to several guest bedrooms and bathrooms. The other side housed Samson’s home office, another bathroom and the doorway that led to a fully finished basement.
Samson’s office was large, with enormous windows that looked out onto his front lawn and driveway. In front of the windows sat an enormous antique mahogany desk with an imposing leather chair behind it. Two low, comfortable leather arm chairs sat at an angle in front of the desk, and to the right side of the desk was a matching leather sofa that sat against the wall. On the far side of the office was a small conference table surrounded by several smaller leather chairs. Beyond the conference table stood a large built-in, dark cherry wood, bookcase and storage area. Masculine window treatments finished the look with understated elegance.
When Samson indicated the last doorway along the hallway, the tour suddenly ended for Risa. “This is the entrance to the finished basement. I installed a small kitchen and bar, a large entertainment area, weight room, and one more bedroom and bath. It comes in handy for family visits,” Samson said, opening the door. “You’re both welcome to use it whenever you want.”
Risa quickly backed away and walked swiftly back down the hall. As her dad called after her, Risa just waved and said she wanted to get back to her unpacking, and she disappeared into her room.