Mischief In the Dark Read online

  Mischief In the Dark

  By

  Liza James

  More titles available at: Amazon.com

  Chapter One

  Walking through a haunted house alone on Halloween night seemed like a good idea in theory, but Sherri Phillips failed to take into consideration one very important fact—she was the world’s biggest chicken shit.

  So why the hell was she doing it? Because she’s a moron, that’s why. Oh, yeah, and to “conquer the rest of her fears now that she’d finally kicked her controlling, asshole of an ex-boyfriend to the curb.” What crap. She really needed to quit watching relationship experts on TV. With a deep, fortifying breath, Sherri grabbed the little Tiger-print purse she’d purchased to go with her costume and stepped out of the car.

  Halfway across the parking lot, the urge to race back to her car with her tail between her legs nearly overwhelmed her. Sheer force of will kept her stilettoed feet moving forward until she reached the double-door entrance into the old canning factory.

  For the past twenty years, the abandoned warehouse out on Route 41 had been home to the Jaycees haunted house. But after lightning incinerated the building last November, the old canning factory had seemed the perfect relocation choice. And it surely was as far as Sherri was concerned. Looked creepy as hell to her, and she hadn’t even made it past the entrance yet.

  She’d just paid for her ticket when the doors burst open behind her. Sherri turned to see a group of laughing kids pour inside, accompanied by a very tall man wearing a long black cape. When he pulled out his wallet and strode her way, her stomach did a little flip. Big mesmerizing brown eyes, incredibly full lips and a thick beautiful head of dark as sin hair, which he’d styled into the Eddie Munster V, held her captive. His shoulders were broad under that shiny black cape, his legs long and powerful in a pair of black jeans, his big feet encased in sexy black shit-kickers.

  Count Dracula had never looked better.

  He winked at her on his way past, and her knees went weak, like wobbly marshmallows. Geez, woman, get a grip. With a self-deprecating eye roll, she stuck her change in her purse and forced her legs to move.

  The young couples giggled as they grabbed their tickets and ducked under the netting of fake spider webs and a sign that read “Enter At Your Own Risk!”

  “Hey guys, I think I’m gonna to take off,” Dracula announced, giving one of the young men a thump on the shoulder.

  “Oh, come on!” one of the boys complained. “This place is supposed to be awesome. Four levels and over two miles of scares. You don’t want us to start calling you Uncle Pussy, do you?” he teased, making the others laugh.

  Sherri had been wondering why ‘Uncle Pussy’ was the only one dressed in costume when he suddenly turned and met her gaze dead on. A frisson of awareness sizzled between them, startling her with its intensity.

  Just as quickly, he returned his attention to the kids. He blew out a hard breath. “What the hell, let’s go. I’ve got a little time to kill before the party.”

  Sherri waited for them to go in ahead of her before following behind. Hearing how huge the place was didn’t exactly alleviate her fears, and while she wasn’t about to ask to join them, at least she could sort of tag along. Otherwise, with her luck, she’d get so damn lost no one would find her for days.

  They wound their way through a maze of dimly lit hallways with gory scenes set up every fifty feet or so. Ghosts and skeletons dropped from the ceiling, people dressed in all sorts of ghoulish makeup and masks jumped out and scared the crap out of them. And every now and then Dracula would glance at her over his shoulder, as if checking to make sure she hadn’t gotten lost or something.

  The girls pretty much screamed the entire time as the boys pushed and prodded them through the maze of hallways, teasing the poor things mercilessly. They couldn’t have been more than sixteen—seventeen years old, and Sherri cringed as it dawned on her that she was twice their age. And this was the most exciting thing she’d done in years.

  How pathetic was that?

  At least she managed to keep her own screams at bay, which was saying something considering she’d been on an adrenaline rush since the moment she stepped out of her car. Hell, it was a miracle she hadn’t peed her pants yet.

  Several zombies jumped out of the shadows and rushed them just as the theme to some old horror movie blasted through an overhead PA system. Sherri clamped her hands over her ears and let out a whopper of a curse. If her eardrums were intact when this was over, it’d be nothing short of a miracle.

  A six foot tall zombie dropped from the ceiling and ran straight for her. She rushed to get out of the way, but her heel caught and she stumbled backward, crashing into a metal door that flew open, depositing her on the other side. She landed on her back and the breath whooshed from her chest. When the door slammed shut, panic rose in her throat to strangle what little air she’d managed to suck in.

  It swung open a second later, and there stood Dracula, his gaze bouncing around the dimly lit room until it landed on her. “Christ, are you all right?” He had to yell to be heard over the music.

  She gave a hurried nod, unable to speak. When she finally sucked some air into her lungs, she managed a weak laugh. “My ass hurts, but not quite as much as my pride.”

  Grinning, he stepped forward, grasped both of her hands, and pulled her to her feet. “If it helps, I tripped yesterday in the parking lot at work. Don’t know what on, but I smacked my elbow a good one on the hood of my truck as I went down.”

  Her smile widened. “It does. Help, that is. Guess it’s true what they say about misery loving company.”

  “Even misery shouldn’t be alone.” He winked at her. “Come on, I need to find the kids and get the hell out of here. I’ve had more than enough of this freak show to last me a lifetime. I imagine you have, too.”

  “God, yes. Please get me the hell out of here.”

  But when they tried the door, it was locked. Dracula gave the knob a few hard jiggles, then proceeded to pound it with his fists. “Come on, kids, anyone, open the damn door!” No answer. He banged harder, but still no reply.

  The lights started to flicker. He pressed his ear to the door and cursed. “Wish they’d turn that goddamn music off.”

  “There has to be another way out.”

  Sherri spotted a door near the back of the empty room and rushed forward, Dracula hot on her heels. When that door opened, they high-fived each other and ran through it. A short corridor led to another door, also unlocked, which led into yet another hallway with several doors. And every single one of them was locked.

  Dracula gave his head a disgusted shake. “Come on, we’d better head back.” He reached the last door they came through and pressed the handle. “What the…son of a bitch. Locked, can you believe it?”

  “Locked?” Sherri’s heart did a nosedive into her stomach. She slapped his hand away and grabbed the handle, giving it a hard yank, then another and another. She leaned into it and shoved with all her might, shaking it with frantic desperation. Nothing. He was right. The stupid door had locked behind them. She gave it a kick and let out a whopper of a curse. This can’t be happening, this can’t be happening, this—

  “Easy, Tiger,” he said with a soft chuckle. “Someone’ll come back for us, don’t worry.”

  “I have a party to get to.” She paced away, her tail swishing behind her. “I knew this was a bad idea. Should’ve just climbed under the covers and slept till noon like I wanted to. But, nooo. I had to be spontaneous and conquer my fears.” She let out a delicate snort, slumped back against the wall and crossed her arms. She knew she was pouting but didn’t care. What a friggin’ nightmare. She eyeballed Dracula who’d decided to play around some more with t
he door. At least she wasn’t the only over thirty moron who’d donned a costume this year.

  “Yeah, I kind of figured. Costume party, right? Me, too. Must’ve been nuts to agree. ‘Come on, Will, it’ll be great. Enjoy your freedom, man.’” He gave his head a rueful shake.

  She pushed away from the wall and crossed the room to stand before him. “For me it was, ‘Come on, Sherri, live a little. Time to think about yourself for a change.’”

  “Friends. Gotta love ‘em.” He swiped his fingers through his hair and ran his gaze over her, from the tips of her orange and black striped ears to her shiny, black patent, four-inch spiked heels. He gave a low wolf-whistle and met her gaze. “I have to say, you’re the sexiest Tiger I’ve ever had the good fortune to be locked up with.”

  Sherri preened a little under his hot perusal, gave her tail a playful shake. Lord knew it’d been a while since she’d felt sexy and attractive. She gave her long, honey-blonde hair a toss and teasingly batted her blue eyes. “Why thank you, Vlad. You’re not so bad yourself.” She returned the appreciative once over, unable to help herself.

  Will reached out and captured her tail. In a cheesy Dracula accent, he repeated her words. “Why thank you, my dear. And may I add, you are one hot pussy.”

  Sherri stared at him for a split second, then burst out laughing. “Wow, that was bad. You should be arrested for that one.”

  His grin was sheepish. “Sorry. I was going for sexy suave.”

  “Uh, not even close.” She crossed her arms over her chest and rubbed her arms as a chill ran through her. The evening had been warm for late October, but at nearly nine o’clock at night, the temperature had dropped considerably. And her black mini skirt, which barely covered her ass, offered little relief from the cool air. Will wasted no time in sweeping off his cape and wrapping it around her, his hands lingering on her shoulders. He smelled incredible, a masculine combination of soap and aftershave.

  “I…thanks.”

  “My pleasure.”

  He cleared his throat and stepped back. Sherri turned to face him, and a moment of awkward silence ensued. They both chuckled.

  She bit her bottom lip and cast a quick glance toward the door. “I think we should start banging on the damn thing. I really don’t do well in confined places.”

  “Claustrophobic?”

  “Maybe a little.” Unable to help herself, she glanced around the dimly lit hallway. The fact that she couldn’t hear anything besides the sound of their breathing was less than reassuring. Even the music had finally stopped. “Don’t suppose you have a cell phone.”

  He shook his head. “Doubt we’d get a signal anyway. We’ll be fine, though, don’t worry. The haunted house doesn’t close for another couple of hours and—”

  The power went out as if a switch had been flipped, plunging them into complete darkness. With a squeak, Sherri launched herself in Will’s general direction. He caught her, crushing her in his arms as if he were as freaked out as she. They stood there, listening for any sounds that would assure them they weren’t alone. Nothing but dead silence.

  “Talk about fuckin’ creepy,” he whispered against her temple.

  “Great, thanks. Like I’m not scared enough.”

  “Sorry. Just starting to feel like we’re stuck in some bad horror film.”

  “Okay, you’re not allowed to talk anymore.”

  Will chuckled as he rubbed her back, relaxing her. She closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh. He smelled so wonderful, she was sorely tempted to lean in closer and get a big whiff. Holy Bloodsucker, was she turned on. Naughty thoughts began to run rampant through her sex-starved mind.

  Whoa, girl. Sherri cleared her throat and leaned back a bit. “I’m sorry. You must think I’m a big baby.”

  “I think you’re beautiful,” he countered in a near whisper. And although they were entombed in complete blackness, she could feel his gaze on her like a hot caress, warming her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.

  ‘Come on, Sherri, live a little. Time to think about yourself for a change.’

  Damn right. And let’s face it, when would an opportunity like this ever arise again? Not to mention she was a teensy bit scared of the dark. What better way to alleviate her fears than sex with a handsome stranger? A very willing stranger if the boner growing against her belly was any indication.

  She slid her arms around his neck and purred, “Such a gentleman. Don’t suppose we can change that?”

  He chuckled again, the sound deep and sexy as hell. “Oh, I think that could be arranged.”

  A heartbeat later, his warm lips settled on hers, and his arms tightened around her waist. She let out a soft moan and opened to him, meeting his tongue with wild abandon. Odd as it was, she wanted him more than she’d ever wanted anyone.

  And she wanted him right now.

  Chapter Two

  Swallowing her inhibitions, Sherri nipped at his lip and rolled her hips against the massive erection straining against the front of his jeans.

  He tore his mouth free and dropped his forehead against hers. “God, I want you. Right here, right now.” Breathing hard, his big body tense with need, he waited, as if for her consent.

  Wanting him—this absolute stranger—more than she’d ever wanted anything or anyone, Sherri very slowly caressed one hand down his back over his great ass and around to cup his massive erection. A hoarse groan reverberated in his throat, and his cock twitched in her hand. She let out a delighted laugh. Being bad felt wicked good.

  He took her mouth again, his tongue reclaiming hers as his hands did some exploring of their own. He swept his left hand under her mini skirt and curled it around one panty-covered ass cheek as he worked his right hand between them from the front. Sherri’s breath caught as he stroked her hot core through the silk of her panties, the friction against her clitoris turning her mindless within seconds.

  She was on fire, burning hotter and harder than she’d ever thought possible. And the fact that she was afraid of the dark was turning out to be a major turn on for her. Sherri could be anyone she wanted to be in the dark. And right now she was a lusty nympho, wanting nothing more than to be sucked and fucked by this gorgeous stranger. Even thinking the words caused a flaming in her cheeks, but she was beyond caring.

  Her ex had always insisted on having a light on when they’d had sex, so it was such an incredible relief to be enrobed in nothing but darkness. With only her sense of touch, taste and smell to guide her way.

  Will slid one finger under the hem of her panties and found her hot, wet center. “Hell, yeah,” he whispered against her mouth, his deep voice rough with desire. His other hand cupped her breast through her shirt, gently squeezing and massaging, driving her crazy with lust. Finally, he yanked her baby doll T-shirt up, exposing her bra. She quivered in anticipation as he felt around for the clasp, and then made quick work of the front-fastening, lacey little number that matched her black panties. When he pushed the cups aside and covered one aching breast with his warm palm, her nipple pebbled under his touch. He plucked at the tight bud as his fingers stroked between her legs, back and forth over her slick opening.

  Sherri’s head dropped back on her shoulders, and she bit down hard on her bottom lip to hold back a cry of longing. Oh God, he could make her come so easily. She felt as if she was on the verge of a mind-blowing orgasm, and the thought oddly frightened her. Suddenly, she was being lead backward until her back met the cold, concrete wall. Thank God for the cape.

  “I was right, baby. Your pussy is so damn hot. And I want to taste it. Taste you.”

  Before she could utter a protest—or assent—he dropped to his knees and pressed his mouth to her bare stomach. With his tongue, he drew lazy circles around her belly button before dipping in for a quick taste. Her breath came hard and fast at the thought of what he planned to do. A moan bubbled up from deep in her chest. Never…she’d never had a man do this before, go down on her. Eat her. Oh, God…

  Will reached
behind her and unsnapped her skirt, which fell around her feet with a whisper. Her panties went next, and she stepped out of them, kicking both aside along with the rest of her inhibitions.

  The first stroke of his hot wet tongue against her throbbing clit nearly brought her to her knees. Will held her to the wall with one large hand on her belly while his other stroked her slick folds in time with his tongue.

  Holy…moly, she’d had no idea how good it would feel.

  Her nipples strained and tingled, begging to be touched. Without thought, she captured both and pinched, twisting them ever so gently. She wanted so badly to move against his mouth.

  “You okay, baby?” His hot breath feathered across her swollen flesh.

  Swallowing hard, she nodded, then realized with a rueful silent laugh that he couldn’t see her. “Yes.” Was that thin creak her voice? Come on, Sherri, tonight you’re a woman who knows what she wants and takes it, no apologies or regrets. “Don’t stop.” She licked her lips and reached down to tunnel her fingers into his thick hair, guide him back to her throbbing mound. “Come on, bloodsucker, lick me, suck me, make me come. I’ve never come standing up before.”

  Hell, she’d never done anything standing up before. One time the ex had let her get on top, otherwise they’d always done it in missionary position. Well, and he’d asked her to suck his cock a few times, but even that had seemed to bother him more than excite him. No doubt about it, she was well rid of that loser. Her only regret was how long it’d taken her to bounce him from her life.

  “Your wish is my command, sexy lady.” Will used both hands to coax her thighs open wider, then he sank his tongue between her slick folds and went to town. His thumb drew quick circles on her clit as his wet tongue stroked back and forth over her swollen lips. Sherri recaptured her aching nipples, planted her spiked heels on the floor right up against the wall and undulated her hips against his incredibly talented mouth. Within seconds, a powerful orgasm ripped through her, and she cried out, fisting his hair with both hands, holding on for dear life as wave after wave of sweet pleasure rippled through her. She smiled into the darkness, replete and thoroughly satisfied.