Assassin Territory [Assassins Book 1] (25 page)

Wolf suspected he was as good as Lando. He knew Tony was in the market for a replacement, perhaps a replacement who would be encouraged to remove his predecessor. Wolf didn’t have the same idiosyncrasies Lando possessed. Though Wolf never once killed an innocent, he had his own innocent to protect. He sensed Tony was intrigued.

“Jackson, take Wolf’s friend up to the second guest room. Make certain she feels safe. I want Wolf to understand she will be well taken care of,” Tony said.

Wolf knew Jackson. The man wasn’t unpredictable. He was a well-behaved dog who liked men and Christy was safe enough. With dismay, he pried Christy’s fingers from his clothes.

Damn little thing could put Velcro to shame.

“You’ll be fine, sweetheart. You need to rest, in a bed. I’ll be up soon.” Wolf said.

Wolf watched with apprehension, trying to maintain a calm demeanor, as Christy was led away, her woeful gaze locked on him until she was out of sight.

* * * *

Christy lay back in the tub full of hot, soapy water. She resisted the urge to close her eyes, hearing Wolf’s warning as she was led from the room, away from him. He had once more seemed the doting boyfriend as he told her in his roundabout way not to fall asleep in the bath, it was too dangerous. Though he offered an endearing smile for the benefit of the other men, she could see the stern double meaning in his eyes. Christy shuddered, she was surrounded by maniacs.

Lando,
her mind screamed.

I’m coming, sweetheart,
she thought she heard in reply.

The man, assassin, Jackson had led her to a beautiful room. He showed her where the washroom was. He told her when he left he was locking the door for her own safety. Until everyone in the house knew she was here it was dangerous for her to wander. He promised to make certain everyone knew she was Wolf’s. His meaning was clear and she knew she gazed up at him, mouth wide, panic stricken. His smile was almost kind when he chucked her under her chin, told her she was cute but not his type. Then left, whistling.

Christy’s gaze wandered to keep her mind awake. The faucets were a golden color, the tub deep. Christy knew wealth and whoever owned the cottage had lots of it. The tiling was modern, the room airy with a small window in a rectangle shape way above her head. There was a double sink, sparkling with cleanliness and a facility for kings. After spending so much time in the forest, Christy had a new respect for plumbing.

Rising with a sigh and heavy heart half an hour later, Christy headed from the bath to the bedroom. She was surprised to find a long, spaghetti strap, satin, white nightgown draped across the bed and a tray covered over with a silver lid.

Christy fingered the satin gown. It had been so long since she wore real bed clothes. Glancing about, she noticed the clothes she had been wearing were gone, including her shoes. Christy sighed, realizing it was either the gown or the bath towel. She opted for the gown.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she lifted the lid to the tray. She picked up and sniffed at the single rose lying beside her plate.
These people certainly move fast,
she mused. There couldn’t have been roses in the house before her arrival, at least not with a whole houseful of men.

Christy lathered a small amount of honey onto her buttered toast. She ate with tiny bites, thinking about what Wolf said. Could she be pregnant already? It was a possibility. The only use Lando’d had for the condom was to carry water. She’d stopped taking birth control after her separation with Chad. She felt it would be a long time before she ever trusted a man to let him get that close.

A baby would explain the odd feelings and sudden distaste for things. Emotionally, she was overwrought; yet, she had been through, and was still going through, an ordeal. The longer Christy pondered, the more convinced she became.

Christy put down her toast and peeled the small banana. After taking a bite, she nibbled a cracker. Every suggestion Wolf made was honored. Steaming hot chocolate sat in a ceramic mug.

Christy returned the lid over the tray, keeping out the flower and her drink. She sniffed at the rose, trailing the delicate petals over her cheek. She understood why Wolf had done what he did. If these men knew she was Lando’s, she would be locked in a cold dark room with cockroaches, left to starve until they could use her to get to Lando. It was hard playing girlfriend to an assassin she hardly knew.

Christy knew in her heart if Lando found out she was here, he would come. He would be killed. There were too many of them. She didn’t need to assume they were armed; they kept their arsenal in plain view. The dark-haired man, Luke, looked like he could rip someone’s head off with his bare hands.

She shuddered at the image and her tummy protested. She ran a soft hand around her midriff, wondering. She hoped Lando would be happy if she were carrying his baby. Although not yet; he might be more distressed knowing he needed to save two lives.

Christy emptied her mug and crawled under the powder-blue silk, sweet-smelling sheets. There was nothing she could do against these men. She would have to trust Wolf and hope he would honor his promise. Vaguely she wondered if she were pregnant, would he charge Lando double? Again grateful she was wealthy, Christy closed her eyes, too tired to stay awake.

* * * *

Christy jumped, frightened, as the bed dipped behind her, awakening her. A quick hand went over her mouth, cutting off her reflexive scream.

“Careful, kitten. How would it look if you were to howl in terror of your lover?” Wolf cautioned in warning.

Christy turned in his arms, distressed as she saw he only wore tight fitting briefs defining a well-rounded, huge bulge. The rest of his powerfully built body glistened from the shower he must have come from.

Wolf removed his hand from her mouth.

“We can’t sleep like this together,” Christy whispered as harsh as possible. What was he up to? Her hand lifted to push at his hard bare chest.

“We can and we will. Listen, kitten, I know for a fact they’ll be keeping a close eye on the two of us. What would they think if they peeked in the door and saw me crashed on a chair?” Wolf reasoned. He stilled her hand.

“They would think you were graciously letting your poor girlfriend get some much needed rest,” Christy countered.

“Sorry, kitten, they know I’m not gracious. I’m overprotective, domineering, and demanding.”

“Which also seems to be a prerequisite of your profession. You’re just like Lando.”

“I’m not just like Lando, and you’re lucky I’m not another man here or you wouldn’t be arguing, you would be moaning and thrashing, begging from underneath me,” Wolf replied as if in warning.

Christy’s eyes widened. Terrified, shrinking from him, she tried to pull from his grasp at the fearful insinuation. She felt a moment of surprise at his cruelty after what she’d been through, she was positive he knew about Rick’s attempted rape. She could see Wolf realize he’d gone too far when his heated expression softened.

“Relax, kitten, I’m so tired a voluptuous, eager hooker wouldn’t interest me right now. I promise to be a good boy. So roll over; I’m just going to drape my arm around you so it’ll look good.”

Christy did as he commanded, but kept her eyes open, unable to sleep. It wasn’t long before she heard Wolf’s even breathing. Christy tried to relax and calm her own erratic heartbeat, breathing in through her nose and out through her mouth. It seemed to take forever but she calmed and became accepting of Wolf’s close proximity as he kept quiet and unmoving, and non-threatening. Her eyes drooped from exhaustion.

An ominous creak from across the bedroom had her gaze shifting. Christy’s breath almost stopped as she caught sight of their door opening. A large silhouette darkened their door. The light from the hallway settled over their forms.

Christy’s body stiffened and she felt Wolf grip her to him; an almost inaudible shushing sound reached her ears. Christy closed her eyes and steadied her breathing again. Only seconds passed before she couldn’t help herself and, turning, reached for Wolf fearfully, pulling him tighter.

Wolf tucked her securely into his side. His large body shifted, moving to cover over half of her. He trailed a lazy hand over her breast and kissed the hollow of her neck.

“You were wonderful, kitten, but it’s time to sleep now,” Wolf said suggestively, his throaty words deeply seductive.

Christy felt herself blush crimson from head to toe at the insinuation. She thought she heard a small, guttural laugh as the door creaked shut once more.

“Was that really necessary?” She pushed his weight off.

“No, but it was fun.” Wolf chuckled. He removed his hand from her breast and, it wasn’t long before she could hear his steady breathing.

It took Christy longer to fall asleep, but she eventually realized she was safe with Wolf. Worrying herself to death wouldn’t help Lando. Besides, she decided she preferred Wolf close by. Not necessarily this close, she thought, as she repositioned one of his roaming hands, but close nonetheless. She had an uneasy feeling he might expect her get a lot closer if they had to remain there for a while. Only time would tell.

* * * *

When Christy woke, she saw Wolf. He strolled into the room naked from the shower and he slipped into his underclothing. Christy turned away, blushing.

“Shy little thing, aren’t you?” Wolf said, then laughed.

“You could have dressed in the bathroom,” Christy grumbled.

“I’ve already seen you nude, I thought I’d return the favor,” Wolf casually mentioned. He cast an appreciative glance down the length of her with a predatory wink.

Feeling her blush deepen, Christy remembered how, like Lando, he watched while she changed. He claimed Lando demanded he keep a close eye on her, though Christy doubted this was what Lando had in mind.

“Get washed up, we’re expected for breakfast,” Wolf told her.

Christy felt her heart begin to pound. He expected her to eat surrounded by all of those men? “I would be too afraid. Besides, I haven’t any clothes to wear. Please let me stay here in the room.”

Wolf tossed her a bundle of clothing, then sat beside her on the bed, having pulled up his pants and not bothering with the zipper. He gripped her chin in a hard clasp and narrowed his gaze on her.

“You’ll do it. You’re going to come downstairs with me and be the doting lover. You’ll put on your cute little smile. Or I’ll be fucking pissed. Understand? Trust me, the last person in this place you want pissed is me.”

Eyes wide, Christy nodded. He was the only friend she had here. If he abandoned her she’d be killed. It occurred to Christy he could leave at any time. He could offer her over on a silver platter and pledge his loyalty. Instead, he was keeping her safe at the risk of his own life. Christy bowed her head; it was a sobering thought.

“I’ll get dressed,” she said, rising.

Wolf reached out and grabbed her wrist as she passed him. “I won’t let them hurt you.”

Her head still bowed, Christy nodded. “Thank you.”

* * * *

Christy entered the large dining room. The view of the lake from the room was spectacular. The beautiful polished oak table situated in the middle of the room could easily seat twelve. She noted it appeared all seats but two were taken. Wolf guided her to the seat next to Tony, who was at the head of the table. Christy offered the man a tiny cautious smile when he beamed at her. Tony rose and grandly settled her into her chair. He shook out her large white napkin and placed it in her lap.

“Would you care for some juice?” Tony asked politely.

“Yes, please,” Christy answered. What she really wanted was to cower under the table and throw the napkin over her head. She could feel every set of eyes focused on her.

She reached for the tomato juice and, dismayed, pulled the glass closer with a visibly shaky hand. So shaky, Tony placed his hand over her own to steady her. After Christy took a sip, Tony placed her glass on the table.

“Are you afraid?” Tony inquired.

“She’s just a little…” Wolf began quickly, but Tony lifted a hand to silence him.

“Let her answer.”

Christy gazed at Tony, the leader of a huge and deadly mafia family, knowing instinctively he would hear a lie. His eyes were dead, it was unnerving. His features appeared calm, but something about the man was off—or missing.

“Yes, I’m frightened. I’ve never been at a table surrounded by so many large and powerful men. Sometimes, Wolf alone is very intimidating.” It was the truth and she could see he believed her. She was, after all, small and defenseless compared to the brutes surrounding her.

“Being surrounded by powerful men can also be a safe thing. No one would dare break in here to hurt you,” Tony reasoned.

He placed a piece of buttered toast on Christy’s plate and offered her the choice of an array of spreads. Christy selected honey. She passed on the bacon, but tried the eggs Benedict. She ate a few green seedless grapes trying not to choke or shake. She could feel the tension in the room; never before had she known a group of men to be so reserved.

“I wish my father was here,” Christy heard a small voice say in the quiet room.

Surprised, Christy glanced around. She hadn’t noticed the small boy at the end of the table. It was no wonder she hadn’t noticed him; his small body could barely be seen past Luke’s massive chest.

“Your father has been notified he needs to pick you up here, Mark. I’m guessing it won’t be long now,” Tony said. He sipped at a steamy mug of black coffee, his gaze centered on the boy.

Christy could see the child hadn’t touched his breakfast. His tousled brown hair fell into his eyes. He looked close to tears. His head bowed from Tony’s steady gaze.

“Have you been waiting long for your father, honey?” Christy asked.

The boy nodded. “Three whole days,” he replied, and sniffed.

“You’re not going to cry again, are you, boy? Or should I call you girl? Your father would be mad if he showed up to see his son whimpering like a little sissy,” Luke said. He scowled at the boy.

“What a mean thing to say. You’re a bully,” Christy said, mortified. He was, after all, just a little boy. He couldn’t have been more than eight or nine.