Assassin Treasure (Assassins Book 4) (26 page)

“Dirk, our feelers in the underground are watching this new scenario with great interest,” Damien said critically, his voice tight with meaning and worry.

Dirk smiled grimly. He would be under close scrutiny to see if he could preserve his father’s position and power. There were others eager for the task. More than just two lives were at risk. Though the Darrens were explicitly after information on Tyler’s death, this was considered a direct attack on Dirk and the family. Would he crumble in defeat, or would he persevere? The thought weighed with him for a mere second. He would persevere.

“The Darren family time is over. No one steals what’s mine. I can’t help but feel Candy will aid us whatever way she can; she loves Sammy,” Dirk said with conviction.

The others concurred, though they silently wondered what she could do against the men who had her; their power was great, and she was alone and defenseless. Most believed she and the baby were already dead. Only time would tell.

Candy sat rocking Sammy, humming in a low soothing tune. She’d been at Tyler’s home for two days. As Tyler promised, the paternity test came back positive for his brother’s DNA. Though, the evil look he bestowed on her made her cower in terror, fearfully wondering what he had in store for her.

She paced anxiously when Sammy was taken from her for the paternity test. She howled out horrified they would kill her baby, covering her mistake by adding Tyler’s father admitted he had taken care of Tyler’s problems in the past. Surprisingly it was Tyler’s father who calmed her. He gave his word she would be able to see the infant once more, regardless of the test’s outcome, and he would be thrilled this time to keep one of Tyler’s ‘accidents.’ He returned later on in the day, handing Sammy over to her in a flourish, smiling happily with gifts for Candy and the baby he presumed to be his grandchild. Candy almost expired with relief.

Candy cringed when Tyler entered the room. He stalked her in a predatory fashion, as he always did when he was after information. He circled as would a vulture, his intent no less menacing; his words were like talons, sharp, cruel. He perched closely on the edge of the bed and gazed at her curiously until she felt the sweat bead on her forehead.

“Why did the assassin spare your life, bitch?”

It was a question he had asked before, hoping to trip her up. “I told you, he saw I was pregnant and I begged him for the life of my child; he showed mercy.”

“Why would a killer show mercy?” Tyler asked smoothly, running his hand over Candy’s hair.

Candy recoiled from his touch. “You’re a killer, you spared our lives,” she retorted.

“But I have wealth to gain, control. What could he have gained from you?” Tyler said as though pondering.

“He doesn’t murder children,” Candy said glaring at him. “There are some men, real men, who possess compassion for one so helpless.”

“Are you fond of him?”

“No.”

“Did he make you fall in love with him? In your fear, did you grow dependent for someone to be kind to you?” Tyler asked evilly. Candy’s tears began to flow. “He did, didn’t he? Poor little Candy. No matter. You’ll fall in love with me, you know. You’ll want my touch, perhaps I’ll allow it.”

“
Never,
” Candy spat. “You’re as loathsome and as vile as your filthy, disgusting brother.” Candy then looked at him terrified; her hand flew to her mouth. The truth was out. She trembled as Tyler chuckled.

“I’m neither stupid nor naïve, you bitch. My damned brother would only have been interested in you for only one thing. Was he going to screw you that night? Did you race into the assassin’s arms and lavish praise on him when my brother dropped dead?”

“No,” Candy sobbed. Her head bowed as her tears flowed.

“He found you, didn’t he, huddled somewhere? You’re very beautiful. Did he take you home as one would a puppy?” Tyler said and chuckled as she glared at him.

“He cares for me.”

“Not loves?”

“Go away,” Candy cried raggedly, she wished she could clasp her hands over her ears to keep out his hateful words.

Tyler rose, still chuckling. “He couldn’t even bring himself to declare love. How pitiful is that? Not even moved enough to offer you a lie. You really are a pathetic little bitch.” Tyler’s laughter rang out as he wandered down the hall.

She knew he found his attempts to control her emotions elating and enlightening. He had on more than one occasion declared the assassin was most likely finished with her and wouldn’t concern himself with retrieving her. The baby wasn’t his; he wouldn’t bother himself with another man’s child.

Candy put Sammy down in her bassinet and flung herself onto the bed, sobbing brokenly. She knew Dirk would come. He cared for her, but it was his grandchild he loved.

* * * *

Candy sat listless at the dining room table. She picked at her food having no appetite. Tyler had again verbally attacked her with contempt, calling her every vile, filthy name. Always done carefully out of range of his father. His derogatory comments about her need for acceptance weighed heavily on her. The more he spoke, the more understanding of her pathetic needs she became aware of. Dirk
had
seduced her. He preyed on her fear and aloneness and turned them to his advantage, rendering her more able to control. Still, within her heart she knew she loved him. He could never love her in return. She foolishly thought he wanted her, yet it was her acquiescence he coveted. Tyler was right, she was pathetic. To love a man who never wanted her, who openly admitted he would never love her. How could he have done this to her? Yet Candy had been happy, hadn’t she?

“Is the food not to your liking?” Tyler’s father asked.

“It’s fine, Howard,” she replied and dutifully took a small bite, willfully controlling the need to gag.

Candy couldn’t bring herself to call the man Dad as he requested. She missed James. Woefully, she wondered if his affection had also been a ploy. Her head slumped at the thought. The entire family couldn’t have conspired to deceive her so heartlessly, could they? A soft whimper escaped past her lips.

“Candy, my dear,” Howard said. He placed his hand over hers.

Candy’s tortured eyes looked into his thoughtful expression. “I miss him,” she sobbed in despair.

Howard’s gaze softened. “I feel so gratified, knowing my son was loved before dying. We are your family now, child. We’ll take care of you. Won’t we, Taylor?”

“Oh my, yes,” Tyler said dutifully, and when his father’s face turned from his own, he leveled a look so full of malicious contempt onto Candy’s trembling form, she cowered back in fear.

“There now, see, all will be fine,” Howard said soothingly.

“Perhaps it’s time I put Candy to bed. She’s still recovering from childbirth, after all, and needs her rest,” Tyler said, languishing back on his chair, his red wine swirling lazily in his glass.

“Yes, of course,” Howard conceded. “Take your time, my dear. You’ll be waited on by all means. Anything you need, just ask Taylor, he’s wonderful.”

Candy allowed Tyler to pull her into his embrace. He rubbed at her back in a soothing gesture and removed a wayward lock of her dark hair from her forehead. He informed Candy he told his father he thought it would be best if Candy came to care for him. Savannah would after all need a father. Candy must be required to stay within the family fold. His father readily agreed, Tyler said to her and laughed uproariously as she paled. Tyler then changed just as abruptly and sneered while telling her his pathetic old man had cast him such a heartfelt look of gratitude he almost hit him. The look was meant for Taylor, the
wanted
son. Candy could see the hate in the man’s eyes as he divulged the information to her, she shuddered with apprehension.

Tyler walked Candy to her room where Sammy lay sleeping peacefully. An older woman, who always seemed frightened and never spoke to her, was sitting reading in a far corner while watching the baby. She excused herself and left hurriedly at Tyler’s fierce, dangerous expression.

Tyler took Candy within his arms and kissed her passionately. Candy didn’t struggle, even though the taste of wine on his tongue made her want to vomit. She knew he would hurt her or threaten the baby unless she complied willingly. The marks he left on her were always in places well hidden. While he leisurely explored her mouth he fondled her intimately. His hands squeezed hurtfully at her breasts. Candy offered no response, even when his grip became brutal. Tyler gripped her hair and tilted her head back to look at him. Though Candy felt the blood drain from her face, she offered no other outward appearance at her distress.

“I know the baby can’t be the assassin’s. You haven’t been in his care long enough. Did he whisper sweet words to you, bitch? Did he offer you his protection and swear while he made love to you he would keep you and your brat safe? Did you eagerly accept his offer? Did you cry out for him to take you, so eager for acceptance?”

Candy reddened in humiliation. Tyler laughed at her expression.

“You are
hateful
,” she spat with seething fury.

“The truth hurts doesn’t it? I could be gentle, but I’m not a hypocrite. I enjoy your fear. Your trembling jaw makes me want you. When I squeeze your little ass and you cry, I want to bury myself into you. Soon enough, my little whore, you’ll be listening to my words while I screw you. But never fear, you won’t feel safe as you dance under me.” Tyler released her.

“Get out,” Candy hissed. “And here’s a truth for you; your simpering, bastard brother would have told him he wasn’t you in a heartbeat to save his own worthless, reptilian hide. His last words were about to reveal who he was, he couldn’t throw you under the bus fast enough, you evil shit.” Tyler remained undaunted, shrugging his shoulders as though he didn’t care.

“Soon, bitch, soon. Your assassin lied to you; he didn’t keep you safe. I won’t either,” he taunted as he swaggered out of the room.

Breathing raggedly, Candy raced for the diaper bag and began throwing items inside. She had to get Sammy away from this madness. Eventually, Tyler would tire of them both. He would no doubt figure out a way to dispose of his father; she’d be next. Who knew what would become of the baby?

She paused momentarily. She needed a plan. Candy slumped onto the bed feeling hopeless. The house was well-guarded. If caught, she would be killed. As long as she complied with Tyler’s rules, Sammy would remain uninjured. Only she had suffered so far. Candy cried with her despair. How many nights had she cried herself to sleep in Dirk’s arms? Dirk’s arms that had held her with such tenderness while he spoke soothing words.

Dirk could have been as cruel as Tyler. She had been frightened, yes, but within her heart she knew Dirk was a good man. He allowed no other to harm her or be cruel to her. She had been treated with the respect given as though she really had been one of the family. He made her laugh. Her body soared with passion when he touched her. But he didn’t love her. She knew Dirk would come. She knew he would kill Tyler and save them. She trusted him, she just needed to bide her time, she could do that for Sammy.

Once Tyler was dead, the threat to her life would be gone. Dirk wouldn’t want her anymore, the threat she posed moot. If the police ever caught up with her, she would claim she’d never seen Damien. She would tell them of Tyler’s attempted rape and claim she’d hidden from terror. She would swear she left before the attack on his life and ran only in her fear of the Darrens.

Candy curled up on the bed, tired from her thoughts. Dirk released Carrie’s mother because of his love for her. Candy would release Dirk. She hoped her shattered heart would heal as Dirk’s hadn’t. One day she would be loved, she vowed; she deserved that.

* * * *

The men were dressed all in black. Their huge, powerful bodies sinister in appearance. Dirk was surprised the Darrens hadn’t double vamped security knowing they had his wife and grandchild. Inwardly, he tensed wondering if they were at a different location. Not for a second would he believe they were dead.

Systematically, they stealthily made their way toward intended victims. A man was grabbed from behind, a quick snap of his neck and he dropped lifelessly to the ground without a sound. A wave of Dirk’s hand and the men scaled the wall surrounding the massive white house. The almost silent puff of a weapon was heard in close proximity as another man was felled. With steely determination, Dirk entered the home after disabling the alarm system. His ski mask was once more pulled down into place. No voices were used as Dirk’s hand was again in motion, his orders silent. All took direction without hesitation, working as a well-oiled machine. They were invincible.

Dirk entered a room with silent caution and approached a small mattress. His hand went over a mouth while his other pinned the slight, older woman to the bed. Her eyes flew open in panic. She whimpered.

“The girl and the infant?” Dirk snarled, only inches from her face.

She nodded as best she could with her face so captured. Dirk removed his hand, keeping it poised above, lest she scream.

“Please, don’t hurt me,” she whimpered pitifully.

His hand closed over her mouth once more. His grip on her grew brutal, she groaned in agony when he placed some of his substantial weight onto her chest. He snarled and demanded, “The girl and the infant.”

Again Dirk removed his hand, his eyes foreboding, daring her to disobey.

“Second room on the left,” the woman sobbed brokenly, gasping for air. Again, she whimpered a small plea while her body trembled beneath him; his grip loosened. He gagged her.

Dirk tied her swiftly and placed a torn piece of sheet to the top of her bed so his men would know she was secure and to be left unharmed. He then stealthily left the room, his heart pounding. They were here and they were alive. He trembled with relief. He would never let Candy out of his sight again. He had been terrified for her and Sammy. Dirk had agonized, fearing he would never hold them to his chest again. During the long plane ride, his thoughts fled to Candy’s beautiful face. The way she rubbed at his arms. The little ways she had of making his life simpler. She took care of him as he took care of her in a different way. His heart seemed to overflow when she begged him to make love to her. He knew the feeling he harbored for Candy wasn’t possession, but love. The thought almost knocked him to his knees.
I love her.
His broken heart had mended because of her and her complete acceptance to wait until he was ready to feel again.