Seduced in the Dark

CJ Roberts

eBook Edition

Copyright © 2012 CJ Roberts

All rights reserved.

******

eBook Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to others unless a separate copy has been purchased. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2012 CJ Roberts, Neurotica Books

www.aboutcjroberts.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Photo credit: Kurt Paris

Cover design: Pixel Mischief

www.facebook.com/PixelMischiefDesign

Edited by: K.A. Ekvall, S. Stevenson, A. Mennie, J. Aspinall, and Y. Diaz

A Note to the Reader

If you’re reading this and you haven’t read Captive in the Dark, turn back! You’ll be lost.

For the rest of you: Hello again, I’m glad you decided to continue this journey with me. As of July 2012, Captive in the Dark has sold over 10,000 copies. That’s incredible! It’s a goal I never thought I would reach, and honestly, I’ve been humbled by all of you.

You’ve made my dream come true.

I have faced adversity. I have had my share of rejection and heartbreak. I won’t say it’s all been worth it; there are some things I would give anything to undo. However, looking forward, I can honestly tell you: I have never had more hope.

Thank you.

“I am thankful to all those who said ‘No’ to me. It’s because of them, I did it myself.”

– Albert Einstein

This book is dedicated to:

My daughter. This book took many months to write. There were days I couldn’t play. There were nights I couldn’t tuck you in. You’re too young to understand why mommy had to work, but you forgave me anyway. Your love has changed me forever, and I will always aspire to be worthy of you. You are my legacy.

My husband. There are times when I try to express how much I love you, but words fail me. You’re a part of my soul and I cannot imagine my life without you in it. Suffice to say, if you ever leave me – I’m going with you.

My mom. When I think about what it means to be strong; I think of you. Thank you for never giving up. I know I wouldn't be a fraction of who I am without the love and support you give me. You're my inspiration.

M. McCarthy. Keep writing, little sister. Your day is coming. I love you.

K.A. Ekvall. You kick my ass girl and I love you for it. I can’t wait to return the favor, so please, write!

A. Mennie. A compliment from you is like rain in the desert: rare and precious. Thanks for believing in me.

M. Suarez. You had me at ‘I read Captive in the Dark as a result of losing a bet’.

My brother, Scott. Thanks for the amazing trailers, little brother. This almost makes up for all the spankings I took because of you as a kid. I love you. ;)

Pixel Mischief. You’re knowledge of graphic design transmogrification is only outmatched by your zest for kung-fu treachery!

R. Welborn, Y. Diaz, and J. Aspinall. I can never say thank you enough for the love and support you’ve given me. You have catapulted my hobby into a career. The friendship that has blossomed between us is one I hope to continue to nurture in the years to come.

Rilee James. What can I say, I f**king love you. Someday, we’re going to turn the camera on and the world will never be the same.

Lance Yellowrobe, and Johnny Osborne. With friends like you, I never know where my husband is, LOL! Love you guys.

These blogs: SamsAwesomness.blogspot.com, TotallyBookedBlog.com, Maryse.Net, you have been instrumental to my success and you deserve every follower you’ve earned!

Independent Authors. When the publishers won’t have us, we have the fans. Special thanks to Shira Anthony, Anthony Beal, Daisy Dunn, Rachel Firasek, Colleen Hoover, Sonny Garrett, Tina Reber, and K. Rowe.

Vino 100/The Tinderbox, Rapid City. Thanks for the good times, the great conversations, and the endless supply of quality booze.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Epilogue

“I’ve been doing this a long time – manipulating people to get my way. That’s why you think you love me. Because I’ve broken you down and built you back up to believe it. It wasn’t an accident. Once you leave this behind…you’ll see that.” – Caleb

Chapter One

Sunday, Aug 30, 2009

Day 2:

Vivisected. It’s the only word I can think of to describe how I’m feeling – vivisected. As though someone has cut me open with a scalpel, the pain not sinking in until the flesh begins to separate and my blood bubbles out. I can hear the crack as my ribs are flayed open. Slowly, my organs, wet and sticky, are pulled out of me one at a time. Until I am hollow. Hollow and yet, in excruciating pain – still alive. Still. Alive.