Assassin Treasure (Assassins Book 4) (22 page)

“You’ll have to ask her. You can soon. I’m only going for a short time and then will bring her here. She’s dying to see the twins and meet you; Rhea’s cold is better,” Wolf replied.

Candy’s eyes brightened thinking of the babies. Their little faces were so sweet. She was positive they recognized her when she held them; they cooed in such a delightful manner. Later, she and Carrie were going to stroll with them in the garden, under Tyr’s watchful eye. Candy knew Tyr trusted she would never harm his children, but he was still concerned for Carrie’s health. Candy wondered wistfully if Dirk would ever care for her the same way. She admitted she’d grown to love him a great deal; she was hopeful that one day his shield would crumble and he would feel for her the same way.

She was surprised when Wolf embraced her; she returned the hug happily. The man before her had no agenda. He didn’t have to be nice; he was after all Carrie’s brother-in-law, no real relation to her. A soft sound parted the two. Candy leaned past Wolf to see James scowling at Wolf. Wolf grinned at him a little smugly.

“Wolf was saying goodbye,” Candy said in way of an explanation, wondering why James looked so annoyed.

“Indeed,” James replied.

Wolf casually kissed Candy’s cheek and strolled off, not bothering to say a word to the older, obviously angry man. Confused at what transpired, Candy looked at James perplexed.

“Candy, I think perhaps I should mention something to you about your husband,” James began grimly. Candy sat on one of the wooden benches beside him. “When Carrie came, Dirk had a hard time accepting Tyr. I’m sure you noticed the animosity? You are Dirk’s new wife. I think until he’s feeling more comfortable and secure you should refrain from intimacies with other men,” James suggested.

Candy’s mouth dropped. “Wolf was just saying goodbye, James,” she spluttered.

“I know, Candy. Forgive me if my words were judgmental. That wasn’t at all what I was thinking. Your loyalty to my son never crossed my mind. I guess I should explain. Ever since Dirk was small, he’s had a problem with possessiveness. You see when Dirk was very young his mother became gravely ill. We almost lost her. The two had been inseparable. Samantha, my wife, loved Dirk beyond belief. He could do no wrong in her eyes, and he held her on the highest of pedestals.

“Dirk was kept from her, during her illness, me thinking it would be in his best interest not to see her in the state she was in. It wasn’t. He grew angry and withdrawn to the point I almost felt he would need medical assistance. Thankfully my wife recovered. When she returned from the hospital he was with her constantly, wanting to be by her side every minute, thinking she would be taken from him again. I tried to ease his fears, but I as well needed to be away for long periods of time; his mother was the only constant in his life. Of course I love my son, but their bond grew even stronger.

“When Damien was born, I was concerned Dirk would be jealous of the new baby, even if they are twelve years apart. Instead he became just as possessive of his brother, enamored of him and extremely protective. You see Damien is
his
brother, Carrie is
his
child, you are
his
wife,” James stressed, his eyes an open display of apparent meaning, hoping she would understand the pattern he was presenting before her.

“So it wasn’t just Carrie’s mother that wounded him,” Candy mused.

“No. When I heard about Carrie, I was astounded Dirk had stayed away from her for so long. His word means a great deal to him. I know he watched her from a distance; it must have eaten away at him little by little. It hardened his heart a little more with each passing day. At the time, I thought it was just his way of dealing with his profession; I should’ve realized there was more to it.

“Candy, I don’t think Dirk’s hesitancy to love you is because she hurt him, I think it’s because of what she made him promise. There is no greater way to harm my son than by keeping his loved ones from him. Love him, Candy. Reach out to him. You may be surprised with the end result.”

Candy stared at him astounded. He wasn’t threatening her. He was being kind to her on purpose. Suggesting an idea, not commanding an order to obey or else.

“I’d like to be loved; I do have feelings for your son,” she admitted shyly.

James smiled at her and placed his hand over hers. But at Candy’s look of concern, James chuckled. “It’s alright, my dear. I’m Dirk’s father, I ‘belong’ to him, therefore a hug or gesture from me is unthreatening to him and expected. Although, until he comes to the conclusion Tyr is also his I’d keep my distance from the man,” James said rolling his eyes.

Candy chuckled, then grew pensive. “James, will Dirk be all right today?”

“Have no fear, my dear, your husband is very skilled at his profession. The man he and Damien went to see is very smug about the police not having any evidence to convict him. The child is too young to testify what he did to her and the mother has been threatened viciously into silence. Her fear of the man almost had her comatose at what he vowed to do to her child if she spoke. I’ll spare you the gory details of what transpired, but I’m certain because of what occurred with Tyler you’ll understand the woman’s husband is furiously angry. His protectiveness is in override, it’s not revenge he wants, but closure to aid his terrified wife. She’s refused to leave the safety of her home, she sobs uncontrollably when her husband leaves her alone in a room for even a moment. She won’t let the child from her sight. Her fear will be less by this evening.”

“What an evil man,” Candy muttered, feeling disgusted.

“There is evil, Candy, and then there is evil filth. I understand you are confused by Dirk’s profession. How can one wrong make a right? I can only say that sometimes the law is unjust. Good caring people become frustrated; they are then turned into what they despise when they seek justice. Like war, my dear. Declare a war, and it’s suddenly not murder, it’s for a just cause. Dirk and a few others have declared war. This is their just cause. No other child will ever be assaulted by that man again.”

“My husband is a good man,” Candy said contemplatively. She couldn’t condemn him, he spared her life; she was an innocent. He had enough compassion to keep her instead of destroying her. She’d been alone and virtually penniless; no one would have missed her, not really. Now she had a family, a huge home. Candy didn’t wonder where her next meal was coming from. Before, she’d lain awake at night worrying if she would have to sell her beloved cottage or if it would be foreclosed on. At her mention of this, Dirk paid off the remaining amount and set up a fund for taxes and other expenses. Now she had everything she needed, almost; she wanted and needed for Dirk to love her.

“You look so sad,” James said, lifting her chin to meet his eyes.

“Do you really think it’s possible for Dirk to love me?” she asked with hope.

“In time, child. I’m certain Dirk’s heart isn’t shattered beyond repair. I think it’s hiding, waiting for an opportunity. Coax him from within himself. Be loving and caring, need him, want him. Eventually he’ll come around.”

* * * *

Candy settled into a routine as the weeks passed. In the morning, breakfast was leisurely with a great deal of bantering, although much to everyone’s relief Dirk and Tyr bantered for sport, not malice. Dirk remained the doting husband. He and Damien left twice to fulfill contracts and Candy pushed thoughts of what he was doing from her mind. She couldn’t stop him and she didn’t try. All business James and the others conducted was done behind closed doors. Candy was kept in the dark as to who her husband and the others hunted, she preferred it that way. Don’t ask, don’t tell.

She enjoyed spending time with Carrie and the twins in the afternoon. They talked of their past lives while strolling in the garden. Though James insisted his home was safe, it wasn’t a surprise to see a guard posted near them. Candy learned to ignore their weapons and converse with the man within. A great many were approachable and she felt she had made a few friends.

Dirk made love to her nightly. She loved being held in his strong arms, she loved the power of his body now, instead of being frightened of it. She loved his tenderness and his wild side. During one of their heated wild romps, Candy had cried out to Dirk she was in love with him. Then after, when she lay spent beneath him, she shyly told him she meant what she said, she did love him, in fact she loved him a great deal.

Calm seemed to settle over Dirk after her admission. He was still very caring and attentive, yet Candy could only describe his emotions as not forced. Something about the way he treated her was no longer almost mechanical, but magical. She wondered if he felt more secure around her, he knew for a fact she wouldn’t run from him, but to him. His tenderness increased. He was amazing. His power and passion were combustible.

Candy had been eager to attend an outing with James and Carrie. She begged and pleaded with Dirk to allow her to accompany them when the suggestion was brought forth. Dirk relented grudgingly, but only after insisting his father take more help. Dirk wasn’t concerned she would bolt; he wanted no one stealing his own private treasure from him. James seemed well pleased by his son’s protectiveness, as it focused for once on his wife instead of his daughter. Tyr was also grateful for Candy’s presence. Dirk spent a great deal of time with Candy instead of dogging Carrie’s every move, giving the couple much needed space.

Carrie and Candy strolled leisurely through the large mall. They each clutched a few small parcels, but the four men following after them carried the brunt of the packages. While three of the large men grumbled, James chuckled indulgently. Candy had worried only once, seeking Carrie’s aid while they shopped. James already spent so much on her, and she had no way to purchase items herself. Carrie smiled at her.

“Candy, you’re my father’s wife. Dad would be mortified if he couldn’t buy you what you needed, or wanted. When he returns tonight, I promise you he’ll be just as anxious to see your purchases, not from dread but to make sure you’re happy. Allow him his indulgence by satisfying your own. If you’ve ever wanted to go wild, go for it. I’m used to having money now. Before not so much, a simple earning on a scholarship, well sort of. After a while, when you know you can buy whatever you see, you won’t want to. I never in a million years thought shopping would have been boring.”

Both women chuckled. Feeling more comfortable, Candy browsed through items brought out for her to inspect. She remembered commenting the other day Dirk was in desperate need of new socks and a few other personal items. She picked these up as well. She didn’t see the approval in James’ eyes as she insisted to him Dirk would like blue socks, not brown, and Dirk only ever wore one type of cologne, a different one wouldn’t suffice.

* * * *

James was very pleased his young daughter-in-law was growing to know his son’s tastes. She wanted to please him because she cared for him. James was thrilled; Dirk was loved. Though he knew Dirk didn’t yet return that love, James felt it was just a matter of time. He couldn’t see how Dirk could resist the charm of the sweet, beautiful young woman for long. James had grown fond of her in a surprisingly short time. She was captivating. James felt certain Dirk was battling an emotion, love was a powerful thing. Once given a taste, the heart would seek more until its thirst was satisfied.

Candy was laughing at something Carrie said, and the two walked from the mall trailed closely by the four men. Though the men were ever watchful of dangers, it was hard to resist the charm of the two young women before them giggling childishly. Their exuberance and innocence were irresistible.

* * * *

From a distance, the man watched Candy. Surprise quickly dissolved to devious intent. He scowled thoughtfully as he cautiously followed the limousine that held Candy in the back seat safely sequestered between the powerful men. The man resolved Candy would remain within his sights, until he could get her within his grasp.

“I have something very important to do,” Dirk declared to Candy. Candy was crestfallen; he’d only recently gotten home. She was hoping to spend some time with him. Business kept him away, and she was missing him. Though her days were filled with Carrie and the babies, it just wasn’t the same as being with Dirk.

“I miss you, Dirk.”

He captured her to his chest. She nestled her head against him, listening to his heartbeat. Disengaging with a gentle squeeze, he moved off to begin packing.

“Candy, it’s you who’s important. How would you like for us to go away for a while with Carrie, Tyr and the twins?” Dirk asked. He began to randomly select his clothing from the dresser drawers. He was almost knocked off his feet when Candy threw herself into his arms.

“Oh Dirk, really? We really can?” she squealed, overcome with excitement.

Dirk laughed loudly and settled the both of them on the edge of the bed. “We really can, sweetheart. I think we could both use some fun in the sun. I know of a special place that’s secluded and will have many different things for us to do. Have you ever ridden a horse bareback on a sandy white beach?”

“Never!” She loved horses. Her memories slipped back fondly to the one year her parents were able to afford to send her to camp for a week. She’d ridden then and loved it.

“Ever swam in the ocean?” Dirk asked brightly.

“No, never,” Candy said, her face clouded suddenly, and she looked at him feeling a little hesitant.

“What is it, sweetheart?” Dirk asked, his voice filled with concern as she felt herself pale.

“Don’t laugh, okay? I’m afraid of sharks,” Candy admitted. Her thoughts shifted to that fateful day when Dirk drugged her, and she’d been terrified of being tossed from the plane into the ocean.

She tried to stop the memory, as it caused her a great deal of sadness to remember how terrified she had once been of her husband.

“Sharks are afraid of me,” Dirk said gruffly, playfully snapping his teeth. He snatched her up off her feet and pinned her to the mattress.

Candy smiled with fondness into his handsome face; he always knew how to make her feel better. She had no doubt he would take on a shark for her. The thought was astounding, and comforting; her husband was fearless. “I love you, Dirk. I know you’ll keep me safe, from anything.”