Assassin Treasure (Assassins Book 4) (27 page)

Dirk slowly turned the knob to the bedroom door, gun ready. He realized it could be a trap, the woman could’ve been lying, but he doubted it. She’d been too afraid, too trapped in her terror. Dirk entered the room with caution; he could make out an empty bed in the moonlight. He heard a soft whimper and stopped short as the room was suddenly bathed in a brilliant light. His heart almost stopped beating. Candy and Sammy were indeed alive, but perhaps not for long. Taylor was holding Sammy within his grasp, a gun to her tiny sleeping head, the muzzle stroking her soft silky hair. Candy was sobbing while standing next to the man. Her body jerked as though she would flee to him, but stilled, and Dirk knew she wouldn’t run while the baby needed her. Dirk could see her tears as they dripped from her chin, her overwhelming fear apparent. He was enraged. No one frightened or harmed
his
wife.

“Put the gun down, Taylor,” Dirk commanded roughly, ready to lunge at the man, ready to rip his throat out.

“Surprise. It’s Tyler.” Tyler laughed uproariously before leveling the gun onto Dirk and firing his weapon. Candy screamed in terror.

Candy dropped to the floor, but not before snatching Sammy from Tyler’s cruel embrace. She cowered huddled protectively over the baby in a corner. Tyler sauntered a few steps forward.

“What the hell do you mean by storming my home and taking out my men? Damn you, you stupid idiot. I’m the one who fucking paid you,” Tyler howled.

Dirk hid behind the couch, his breathing rapid. His hand hurting like hell. Tyler had knocked the weapon from his grasp and he felt helpless. He could hear Sammy screaming. He peeked around the corner of the couch and could see Candy was trying her best to calm the baby, rocking back and forth almost frantically, half hidden behind Tyler. The man remained close to the two, not willing to give up his advantage.

“What do you want them for anyway?” Tyler shouted. “The brat’s not yours and the bitch was a pawn, your little whore. Do you miss her submission, is that it? Hell, I can list you off a bunch of woman who would be more than eager to fawn over you and spread their legs if you release them from their trapped hell.”

Dirk caught a glimpse of Candy’s tortured expression and realized what she must have suffered through these last few days. No doubt the man before him had skillfully manipulated her thoughts and fragile emotions. He was going to have to move carefully around her, certain her fear of him and men had escalated. His heart pained for her, but he would do anything to secure their safety.

“You leave now, Tyler, and you leave with your life,” Dirk shouted.

Tyler chuckled, his look was pure evil. “You don’t actually care for the little bitch, do you? She’s worthless to you. She must really be dynamite in the sack.” Tyler reached behind him and dragged Candy to her feet. His weapon was then leveled on her temple. It was apparent he reassessed her value, too, and Dirk cursed inwardly. He waited to make his move.

* * * *

“No, Tyler, please.” Candy wept in terror.

“Oh, I’m leaving all right. I’ll even let you have the damned brat. But the whore is mine now,” Tyler raged. The muzzle of his weapon pressed cruelly against Candy.

Candy screamed as Tyler jerked forward suddenly. Once again sightless eyes gazed at her from a face devoid of emotion. Tyler slowly sank to the ground, his weapon clattering to the floor. Dirk spun around and both stared at Tyr’s angry expression.

“No one calls my baby girl a brat,” he snarled fiercely, the mask up over his face.

“Dirk,” Candy sobbed and stumbled toward him.

Dirk was beside her in seconds, pulling her close as Tyr crowded them, wanting his daughter. Candy released Sammy into her father’s grateful arms and slumped against Dirk. It had been a long and terrifying ordeal; she was completely spent. She was vaguely aware when he lifted her into his strong embrace. It was too much, too much for her to deal with, too many deaths, too many close calls. Candy collapsed into unconsciousness within his arms.

Dirk squeezed her against his chest and was gratified she’d even called to him. With purpose he strode from the room. It was time to rally his men and head for home; they’d done well.

* * * *

Candy sat, unspeaking, with James in his study. He had demanded her presence, seeking her out. He was concerned with her well-being. James watched her intently. She’d been listless and melancholy since her return. Her appetite was nonexistent, her emotions seemed in turmoil. Her eyes remained tortured looking and he felt great pity for the strong willed, resourceful woman.

“Damien informed me Howard Darren pleaded for the life of his grandchild before he died. It seemed he was under the impression our Samantha was in fact named Savannah, and Tyler’s child.” James had been surprised at Candy’s tenacity and ingenuity and that she’d pulled it off. He was amazed at her brilliance and also very proud of her. She was definitely the wife of a powerful leader and deserved her rightful place at his son’s side.

“It was the only way I could think of to keep her alive; I would have done anything for her, suffered through anything,” Candy all but mumbled.

“He was cruel to you, wasn’t he, Candy?” James inquired kindly. He felt deep sadness for the young woman before him who’d been through so much. Her emotions seemed so shattered. Yet, he was proud to call her daughter.

“He said mean, ugly things to me, threatened horrible, unimaginable things,” Candy concurred, yet refused to elaborate about Tyler’s ranting.

“Sometimes a person can manipulate one so helpless with just the sound and tone of his voice,” James informed her.

“Or his words,” Candy said, her voice was subdued. Her gaze settled across the room onto a picture of Dirk standing beside his mother.

It was then James realized her thoughts were now reflecting to Dirk. “Candy, Dirk wants you,” James told her.

“But he’ll never love me. His pity drove him to care for me. He’s free now,” she replied. “I’m no longer a threat to Damien. No one can coerce me into telling his appearance. I’ll keep his secret safe at all costs, until the day I die.”

“Is that what you think Dirk wants? The only thing he wants?”

“Isn’t it?” Candy asked in a challenging way, the old familiar spark kindled for a moment. “Dirk has kept his distance since we came back. I think maybe he’s waiting for the right moment to tell me he wants the marriage annulled. I’m sure he blames me for Sammy’s kidnapping. Everyone does.”

“No one blames you, sweetheart. It wasn’t your fault. Candy, it will take time. Give Dirk time,” James said. He was startled she would even consider the notion, but with Dirk avoiding her, he could see why she would think it.

“What about
me,
James?” Candy asked raggedly, a fist held to her breast, for the first time confronting her father-in-law. “Always it’s what Dirk wants. What
he
needs. What about what I need for once, just once. Always forced to wait for him while he goes off, leaving me on the sidelines. Jumping at his moments of meager times he graciously allows me. I’ve been a good wife. I’ve never demanded what he couldn’t offer. When will it be
my
turn? When can I have something to call
my
own?” Candy broke down and sobbed.

* * * *

Both were unaware Dirk had just appeared outside the room and was listening to her last plea. He’d been waiting for an opportunity to tell her of his feelings but wanted to give her some time to heal.

Dirk rested his head against the door for a moment before sadly making his way to his room. She wanted her freedom, as he feared; she must despise him for what he’d done to her. He knew what needed to be done. He loved Carrie’s mother no less, and he granted her what she wanted. He would pack for her. Dirk would return her to the cottage she loved so dearly, only then would she really heal.

* * * *

“Why, James?” Candy said, sobbing on her knees, now before him. “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t he love me, Dad?”

“I don’t know,” James answered, his voice quiet. He reached out a tentative hand and stroked at her hair that fell over his lap.

“I’m so alone,” Candy whimpered. Her devastation was impaling. She clutched at the man before her, desperately needing someone.

For the first time in James’ son’s life, he grew angry with him. Dirk was being selfish and cruel. He didn’t deserve the woman before him. She was right, she had tried her best. James knew she loved his son, no matter the circumstances, or how it came about. She loved him with all her heart and soul. If Dirk couldn’t return the emotion, she deserved someone who would. Candy had without hesitation saved his great-granddaughter. Without thought to her own well-being, she stayed for Sammy and protected Damien’s identity. James would send her home, to a home he knew she missed. He owed her that. Yet her presence would be sorely missed. He liked having her for a daughter; he was proud of her. James was certain his wife would have loved her. That alone gave him resolve to do what must be done.

* * * *

Candy sobbed openly as her bags were brought down the stairs. Dirk informed her coldly a plane was waiting to take her back to Bancroft. His father approached him angrily and demanded he release her. The terms of the release had come with conditions James also demanded. Her cottage was already paid for; funds had been set up for her. She was no longer required to stay.

Carrie pulled Candy closely to her. They were more than friends. To one another they were family. Carrie cried as openly and allowed only Tyr to disengage her arms from around Candy. Tyr offered over his own huge hug and undying gratitude for the life of his child before releasing her. Candy turned stiffly to Wolf. Another friend who she respected and admired. She embraced him tightly while his wife and daughter stood by weeping at her departure. Candy had spent just a short time with Casey and Rhea; she had come to adore them.

“Thank you, Wolf, for coming for me,” Candy wept.

“If you need me, Candy…” he began.

Candy nodded, overcome with emotion. She turned and embraced Damien. She had grown to love him as a brother, a real brother. He hugged her tightly and whispered he would venture into dangerous bug-ville if she ever had need of him. Candy laughed through her tears, knowing he was serious.

James was before her. Candy cried harder as he held her tenderly. “You will always be my daughter,” he whispered.

“I love you, Dad,” she whispered into is ear. “I love your son.”

“I know, Candy. I’ll always be close to watch out for you until you don’t need me anymore.” Though the family was now Dirk’s to protect, she knew he was serious.

The only one not present for her goodbyes was Dirk. Candy’s heart was broken. She began to understand why Dirk refused to love again. The agony was unbearable, her heart felt beyond repair.

“I’ll miss all of you,” Candy said tearfully.

She turned and accepted the arm offered her. James enlisted the two huge brutes that were present on Candy’s first outing with him, insisting they would keep her well-guarded until she reached her destination. Candy no longer feared them. They had become familiar faces over the months. Men she joked with and teased. Men she was comfortable with. She went with them willingly, knowing they’d never cause her harm. She climbed into the limousine and buried her face against Deegan’s chest as they drove down the long winding driveway. Candy was devastated.

* * * *

Dirk watched her departure from an upstairs window. Once more his heart was in agony from his loss. The pain he was feeling was no less when his daughter’s mother had rebuffed him. Over the last few months, he battled his feelings for Candy. He came to realize he always knew he was more than just fond of her. Perhaps his heart had known the moment he set eyes on her he needed her. Now she was gone. He was alone. The all-powerful Iron Hand junior was alone. He couldn’t even command love.

As the limousine pulled from his sight, Dirk stumbled bleary-eyed to his bed, his head bowed in his hands. He had saved her. That’s what was important. He promised her his protection. She had promised him her love. Dirk’s eyes narrowed suddenly. She promised him obedience, but had declared love. She swore to him she loved him. He made her love him. Dirk swallowed heavily. He never asked her. Tyler was dead and the threat was gone, yet he never asked her.

What if the feelings he had for her were the same as the ones she had for him? Would it be possible for her to love him while no threat hung over her head? Why hadn’t he even asked? Dirk knew; the image of Carrie’s mother’s terrified face flashed before his eyes, her condemning look. He couldn’t stand another hurtful rejection; it would follow him to his grave. He was afraid. Shamefully, Dirk lay on the bed and closed his eyes. He was a coward. What kind of man hid from pain?

Candy sat exhausted on the couch in her cottage living room. She had cleaned until even the wooden beams sparkled and was done in. She’d been working on the cottage interior for two weeks. The weather outside was decidedly too cold to be out for long periods of time. Thankfully, it would be a while before the grass grew. There was zero interest in mowing the lawn as of yet.

Candy was amazed when she ventured into town and headed for the bank and discovered an astronomical amount of money had been placed in her married name in an account James set up for her. It came with a sealed note. In a private room, she opened the letter with trepidation and cried almost hysterically when she read what James had written. He planned on adding to her account regularly and claimed he would miss their outings together. Whether he could be near her or not, he wanted her to be spoiled. James called her his daughter, told her she was missed desperately and signed it: From your loving Dad. Hesitant at first, Candy thought not to spend it, then decided she wouldn’t hurt James’ feelings. Her cottage was filled with an array of antique furniture and simple little luxuries she’d always foregone in the past because of lack of funds. It had taken six men three days to winterize the interior, and the wood stove and heaters kept her toasty warm.