Assassin Treasure (Assassins Book 4) (21 page)

“Well, it looks like things are better between you two,” James mentioned while pouring himself and his son a drink at the bar.

“We connected,” Dirk concurred.

“She looks happier, not as fearful or defiant,” James said.

Dirk settled his gaze onto his father. “She’s no threat. She’ll listen willingly now, and she is to be treated appropriately.”

James studied his son thoughtfully. “Is that some type of a threat?”

“No, Dad,” Dirk said with a soft sigh. “I finally got her to stop cowering from me, I don’t want to have to start all over with you. No more threats, no insinuations. Let her be until she settles around you.”

“I’m not a big bad wolf son,” James replied, eyes wide.

“We’re all wolves to her. Let her learn wolves are family orientated, protective of their own. Compassionate, fiercely protective to a point she’ll feel safe. If she’s shown even a meager kindness right now, she’ll settle further. I want to settle her further.”

“I’ll be the essence of caring,” James offered grandly, he could see this was important to his son. It wouldn’t hurt to handle the girl with patience.

Dirk gave him wry look. “Your acting sucks, Dad. Just be yourself, only calmer.” James chuckled.

It wasn’t long before the family was seated around the huge dining room table. Carrie had been allowed to rise from her bed more often now that her strength had improved.

“How was your honeymoon?” Carrie asked.

“I’m happy we went,” Candy said shyly.

“Perhaps we should discuss some type of family outing soon, once Carrie is up to it,” James suggested.

“I’d love to head back to France,” Carrie said wistfully.

“Perhaps,” James said casually, but his gaze remained centered on Candy. Every so often, her gaze would fly to Dirk who would immediately offer her some type of comforting gesture. James decided the girl’s feelings were indeed coming around. She would need no threats to keep her in line. He wondered what his son had done to her.

“What about you, Candy?” Dirk asked her. “Where would you like to go?”

Candy’s eyes saddened. “My cottage.”

“
Oh my God,
” Damien muttered and scratched at himself unconsciously.

“There must be a more exotic place you wish to vacation?” James chided. After all, the entire world was at her disposal, how could the woods seem so fascinating?

“It is exotic, and wonderful,” Candy said as her gaze drifted dreamily. “Every day you can discover something new and exciting. Places to roam that no other has been to in ages, if at all. The way the sunlight dances through the tree tops as though it’s smiling down on you, protecting you. The quietness, the beauty, the intoxicating fresh smell, the...”

“The bugs, the leeches, the poison ivy, the animal shit,” Damien snapped, looking annoyed, his eyes flashing at her.

Candy giggled. Dirk laughed.

“In time, I can take you back for a visit, but right now, it would be too dangerous. The police know about your cottage and will be watching it,” Dirk reminded her gently.

Candy sighed. Dirk cupped her chin in his hand and raised her eyes to his. “I have a safe house in the woods you might enjoy; I’ll take you there if you like.”

Candy looked at him with such gratitude the others were startled. “That would be so wonderful, thank you; I would like that.”

“Well, in the meantime we need to wait until my great grandchildren are strong enough to travel,” James declared. Everyone concurred.

* * * *

Dinner ended and Candy was caught up in Dirk’s strong arms within their room. He kissed her passionately wanting to taste all of her at once. Candy whimpered as he settled her beneath him on the bed. His body pinned hers as his hands roamed everywhere at once.

“You’re not afraid of me are you, Candy?” Dirk asked with worry, feeling her tremble.

“Sometimes you come at me so fast I feel like you’re going to devour me,” she said.

“I’m sorry if I frighten you. I don’t mean to come at you so fast. I want you. I need you, I’m sorry if it’s too fast. I promise I won’t hurt you again. Want me, please.”

Dirk controlled his impulse to yank at her clothing, so filled with his overwhelming desire. Instead, he stripped her slowly; kissing the areas he bared to heat them. He watched her gaze go from concern to interest. It encouraged him into tender patience. The ruse he played with her was becoming easier. It took no effort on his part to be the doting lover. He didn’t need to love her to make love to her. She was so beautiful, lying back onto the bed the way she was with her dark curls settled around her head like a halo. The dark curls at her nether region were the opening to her heaven.

She lay before him unmoving, and he knew she was accepting him. His clothes dropped to the floor at a harried pace. He went to her and she opened her arms. Dirk decided he liked the eager play to make her ready. His hands and mouth would ready her body, just as his words and actions would ready her mind into accepting the thought of loving him. His plan was well set into motion. Dirk kissed her.

* * * *

Candy kissed him back realizing she did want him. She allowed him to take her. She understood his possessiveness and his need to be wanted. An astounding thought entered her mind. Dirk claimed he feared no one, of this she had no doubt, but her all-powerful husband feared her rejection. She had the power to wound him by denying him. She felt a deep hope that perhaps he did care for her. She didn’t reject him; instead, she opened to him, encouraging him to take her. Dirk had been right. They could fight one another forever or find passion and acceptance. Candy wanted acceptance.

“Dirk,” she cried out.

Dirk’s lips traveled the length of her, stopping between her thighs. She opened herself, using her own fingers. Her one hand held the back of his head. Dirk pulled her closer, wrapping his strong arms around her legs almost crushing his face into her warmth. Candy felt a moment’s fear as his hands tightened around her, trapping her, until her desire sparked then burst into flames. It never took him long to have her writhing beneath his touch. His tongue invaded her deeply and her back arched to give him greater access. She wanted him just as badly, her fingers dug into the flesh of his arms that held her immobile.

His lips sucked at her, tugging her nub, his tongue danced in circles. She cried out when ever so gently his teeth grazed against her. He added a finger to tease and using his other hand, he gripped her fingers to make her fondle herself. Candy’s breath caught at the intimacy. Dirk was a skilled lover.

“Please,” she begged.

Her pleas had him dragging his body up over her, nipping her soft flesh as he covered her. His tongue licked first one nipple, blowing his breath onto it to harden it. He moved to the other. When both nipples strained toward him he rubbed his chest against them, nipples to nipples. She knew what he would do next. One by one her wrists were captured and held high over her head. His large hand then cupped her bottom, lifting her to meet him when he thrust. He collided against her and she gasped at his power when he entered her, plunging his entire length within. She had been ready for him, but not ready for her climax to take her so swiftly. Dirk grinned down at her; she knew he was just getting started.

They moved together as one, their breath became one, their hearts pounded in unison. Candy felt her need build within her again, and then again. Her tears of desire mixed with Dirk’s sweat as time stood still. She was rolling with him on the bed as he pulled her on top of him. She should have felt in control, but the way he lifted her and drew her back onto him she knew it was him who was in charge. Her hands clasped his wrists to keep her balance as he bucked wildly. Candy screamed out her release, panting for desperate air. Dirk flipped her over and collapsed on top of her. As always he remained immobile within her, trapping her to him.

“Dirk?” Candy whispered.

“Hmm,” he said lazily.

“When we go to your cabin, Damien doesn’t have to come does he?”

Dirk chuckled. “Damien hates it there. Why do you think I bought it?”

Relieved, Candy closed her eyes and settled sleepily beneath him, welcoming his weight. She was vaguely aware when he shifted his body to the side and pulled her snugly to his chest. His hands stroked her back and smoothed her hair. His lips nuzzled her neck. Candy was spent. Her eyes closed and she drifted into slumber.

* * * *

Candy was running. She was terrified. Tyler was only a heartbeat behind her.
She needed to get away. Her movements became slow motion. The end of the hall grew farther away until it was completely out of her line of vision, stretching eerily before her, fading into darkness. Her arms moved slowly, grasping at air, trying to pull herself along. She felt her body mass increase until she felt made of lead.

“Candy, I see you,”
his voice came at her in a rolling wave.

“
Go away,
”
she screamed, looking for a place to hide.

“I’m coming for you, Candy,” his sing-song, chanting voice antagonized.

“Please no, Dirk.”

She searched for him in the misty darkness.

* * * *

Dirk woke instantly, hearing his name on her whimpered plea. He could hear her begging him in her sleep, her frightened pleas for mercy. The thought saddened him. He was certain her fear of him had lessened.

“Candy?”

* * * *

Candy crouched under the desk as the room darkened. Her sobbing increased. She heard Dirk’s gentle voice in the distance. She strained toward the sound. He was too far away, he would never reach her in time, Tyler would get her; he would kill her.

“
Dirk, help me. You promised. I need you,
”
Candy screamed.

Tyler loomed before her, his sinister smile glared evilly down on her. His arms reached for her and she cowered back avoiding his grasping talon claws. His yellow teeth grew long jagged fangs that dripped saliva and blood. His eyes became black empty hollowed sockets, like mirrors, mirrors that reflected her own terrified face back at her. As she watched, her image seemed to melt and she could smell burning flesh. She screamed.

“Candy.”

She heard Dirk shout loudly. Suddenly he was in the room with them. He had come like he had promised after all. She would be safe. His arms opened wide. Candy raced to him while Tyler’s fearful image faded into a dreamlike, foggy mist.

“Dirk, you came, you came; I’m safe.” She wept.

“It’s all right, sweetheart, I’m here. You were dreaming. I’ll keep you safe,” Dirk soothed.

Tyler was gone. They were alone together. Candy pulled him tighter, realizing she was in bed with Dirk. Tyler was dead. She’d had a nightmare.

“It was so awful, I was so scared.” She sobbed against his chest. “He wanted to kill me, I cried for you, Dirk; I begged you to come and you did. You saved me like you promised. Thank you.”

“No one can hurt you. I’ll never let anyone near you,” Dirk promised, cuddling her beneath him.

Candy nestled her face against his chest; his hands roamed over her, calming her. Her breath quieted. She was safe, safely tucked away, wrapped in a bulletproof cocoon of warmth. Exhausted, she quieted, allowing sleep to claim her, knowing she was well protected within Dirk’s powerful arms.

* * * *

Dirk lay wide awake. Candy had called
for
him; she hadn’t been running from him. She wanted him, needed his safety and protection. He’d done it. He had manipulated her into wanting him, his protection. The beautiful exquisite woman held close to his heart was completely dependent on him. Dirk had no doubt in his mind it wouldn’t be long before she declared her love for him.

He shifted Candy to his side, she muttered something incoherent and he shushed her with soothing words while stroking her hair. Dirk wanted her to love him. He told himself it would be better for her, easier for everyone. He felt a moment’s misgiving he couldn’t return the feeling. He shrugged off his thoughts. Dirk might not be able to love her, but he would be good to her, he would care for her. He would remain the doting, caring husband that had eased her fears. She would never suspect anything. Eventually, in time he knew he would grow fond of her. He already liked her a great deal.

Staring down into her beautiful sleeping face, he decided he was fond of her. After all, she was his. She accepted him and called for him. Dirk decided he wanted her; he was happy he’d claimed her. His life could prove to be very pleasant with such a prize for a wife. He lay pondering about the child she insisted she wanted. Only now, she swore she just wanted his baby, there was no other reason. Dirk wondered what their child would look like. Happily, Dirk drifted to sleep thinking about a tiny little girl to bounce on his knee, or a strong strapping boy he could tussle with.

Candy strolled the gardens, lost in thought. Dirk had left a short time ago with Damien on an assignment. Candy swallowed hard when Dirk casually mentioned he had a job to do and would be gone for the remainder of the day. A stirring of fear settled in her belly. Dirk smiled down on her; he pulled her close and told her that tonight children would have one less pedophile to fear in the world.

Candy’s thoughts and emotions were conflicted. Murder was murder, regardless. But Dirk was her husband, for better or worse. It was odd to see a man hold a newborn with so much tenderness within his powerful arms and know that same man could be fearsome, and deadly.

“I was looking for you.”

Candy jumped, not having seen or heard Wolf approach. She gazed up at the tall handsome man who had been kind to her.

“I’m leaving now to go to Casey and Rhea. I thought I’d say goodbye.”

“Thank you for being so kind to me,” Candy said. She liked this man. Though his impassive look was chilling at times, he’d always been pleasant to her. Through his rough exterior, she sensed a gentleness.

“Are you happier, Candy?”

Nodding, Candy smiled. Like Dirk, she knew Wolf would be able to sense a lie. “Dirk has been very patient and gentle. I still have some fear of him, but not like before. He told me he had a job to do today, and I’m afraid. What if he’s hurt or killed? How does Casey stand it when you need to be away?”