Assassin Treasure (Assassins Book 4) (17 page)

Dirk’s hands roamed over her, searing her flesh. Candy did nothing to stop him, too fearful of his anger. She tensed when his large hand rose to squeeze her breast. His fingers grazed over her nipple. His other hand moved lower to cup her bottom under her dress. She wasn’t wearing nylons and her skimpy lace panties were pushed aside as he explored. When he pulled her closer she could feel his hard arousal pressed against her. She shuddered, thinking of the massive length and where he’d pump into her. He was too big. Dirk groaned as he trailed a path of kisses down her chin to her throat.

Candy’s tears flowed. “My husband should love me, make love to me. Not just lust after me.” She cried harder when she felt one finger slip carefully around her folds, parting her. Her hand lowered to push at the offending hand, refusing him entry.

“Please don’t cry. I won’t hurt you,” Dirk soothed.

“
Yes
you will.”

Candy buried her face into his chest and mumbled a pitiful plea. He didn’t understand.

* * * *

Dirk drew in a ragged breath, calming his need. She sounded so small and frightened; her body trembled so pitifully. He didn’t want her to fear him more than she already did. He lifted her chin so he could rest his forehead against hers, not releasing her, he reluctantly stilled his roaming hands. Her skin felt so smooth, so soft. Her breasts were like firm perfect globes. It was torture to lie beside her and not take his fill of her on the nights he was home. He whispered soft soothing words while trailing his thumbs down her cheeks ridding them of the moisture. After a few moments Candy relaxed against him while he kissed tenderly at her forehead and cheeks.

“Oh, don’t stop on my account,” James drawled.

Both Dirk and Candy turned to look at the open doorway. Candy’s face turned a brilliant red. She pulled from Dirk’s arms, smoothing her dress with shaky hands.

“What is it, Dad?” Dirk asked annoyed. He wondered how much his father witnessed. He wondered if he watched as Candy rejected him.

“Candy purchased baby gifts. I thought she might be interested in viewing my great grandchildren,” James said, holding up two large parcels for his inspection.

“I’d love to see them,” Candy said, jumping at the chance. She moved at a harried pace to James’ side, as though she deemed him the lesser of two evils.

Dirk scowled. He wanted his wife coming to him when she was afraid, only it was him she feared the most. Wolf’s accusation stormed in his mind; if offered a kindness she would cower from Dirk behind another.
Damn the man.
He hated when Wolf was right. Well, he still wasn’t right about Carrie, the situation was different. Dirk decided he would prove that to Wolf. He would make Candy less afraid, he’d be the one offering her kindness, tenderness; he’d prove he was nothing like Tyr. He kept Candy only to keep her safe from harm, with no other purpose in mind.

Dirk strolled over to his father and took the packages in one hand, Candy’s arm in another.

“You don’t mind if I show off
my
grandchildren to
my
wife, do you, Dad?”

“Not at all,” James said. He smiled as he watched the two walk down the hall until they were out of view.

At one time, James had been very concerned about his son’s inability to control his possessive nature, now it seemed to be a boon. Chuckling, James headed for the living room and his bar. It had been a long and interesting day.

* * * *

“She’s so beautiful,” Candy crooned while holding Samantha in her arms. Carrie smiled at her from her bed. Though appearing happy to be home, she looked exhausted. Tyr sat on the bed beside her, hovering with a worried expression at her pale complexion.

Wolf looked down at Candy. He had a strange look she couldn’t decipher. “Won’t it be interesting for the children to explain one day that their aunt or uncle is younger than they are when you have a baby of your own?” They all saw Dirk cringe.

Candy stilled, feeling momentarily wounded, but realized Wolf was hoping to upset Dirk, not her. She sensed the animosity between the three powerful men. She saw a brief sparkle in Tyr’s eyes as the brothers exchanged knowing glances.

“Shouldn’t you be home protecting your own wife and daughter?” Dirk snapped. He reached for TJ, who Wolf had been cuddling.

“Casey is with a friend,” Wolf said with a wry smile.

“You have friends?” Dirk said.

Wolf chuckled. “You know Casey and Rhea are staying with Lando, Christy and their boy Logan. Rhea’s been sniffling and Casey was worried about exposing the new babies. I opted to send my wife and child to a
trusted
friend while I offer support to my brother. Besides, I wanted to see my new niece and nephew.” Wolf ran a soft hand over Samantha’s head while she remained nestled within Candy’s arms.

“She looks a lot like you, Wolf, except for the blue eyes,” Candy commented about the baby, studying her facial features.

“As a matter of fact, she resembles my daughter a great deal. Rhea wasn’t nearly this small, but they have the same nose,” Wolf said.

“Well, TJ looks just like his granddad; he has my eyes,” Dirk said smiling. The baby looked up at him wide awake.

“He has
my
eyes,” Tyr grouched.

“And my dad’s blond hair. He is both of you,” Carrie interjected before war was declared.

“
My
son is more handsome,” Tyr stressed.

“Both of
my
grandchildren are perfect,” Dirk retorted.

“You shouldn’t be arguing in front of Carrie. She has just had two beautiful babies and you’re all lucky you have them and each other,” Candy said feeling angry at their pettiness. She could see Carrie was becoming distressed, why didn’t they? If Carrie needed her help, it wouldn’t be with the two small babies but the two bigger babies. “And what does it matter who he resembles, he is still your son and your grandson. Grow up.”

Candy handed Samantha over into Wolf’s arms and marched through the door. She could hear Wolf’s laughter trailing her from the room.

“Candy,” Dirk yelled, following her, racing from the room.

“Do you mind,” Tyr shouted, he had flown after Dirk and disengaged his small son from the man’s arms. “Carrie needs to feed him.” Tyr marched back to his room grumbling as the baby began to fuss.

“Candy,” Dirk bellowed, catching up to her. He grabbed her arm and turned her roughly to face him. Candy was sobbing but trying not to.

“It’s not fair, Dirk. She has two of the most beautiful babies I’ve ever seen and I’ll never have one of my own.”

“Do you want a baby?” he asked with surprise.

“Yes. I always thought I would be a mother,” she replied.

Dirk’s face softened. He pulled her into his arms and held her, the anger on his face dissipating.

“We can have a baby if you want one. If you learn to trust me, accept me. I’ll admit the idea is a shock coming from you. I didn’t think you’d even consider having sex with me after such a short time. I never dreamed you’d want my child, or that I’d ever be a father again.”

“But will you accept me? Will you love a baby born of me?”

“I could love a baby, my baby.”

Candy lowered her head deeply saddened. He could love the part of himself in his child, but he would never love her. Carrie’s mother had taken his heart to the grave with her. But it would have to do. She could also love the part of a baby that was her; she would concentrate on that alone. She realized it didn’t matter to her Dirk couldn’t love her; she couldn’t possibly love a man who held her captive. At least if she had a child, someone in this mammoth of a house would finally love her, and perhaps her aloneness would lessen.

Her gaze rose to his. She could feel her body tremble. So many thoughts raced through her mind. It didn’t matter she hadn’t known him long, she married him. The sooner she conceived a baby, the sooner she would be safe, James told her so.

“I’d like to have a baby,” she declared, confirming her resolve within her mind. Her chin rose and she quashed her tremors.

Dirk smiled and he nodded.

* * * *

Candy lay on the bed fidgeting, her gaze jumped about the room then back to Dirk. Her heart thumped though she tried to calm herself. It was no use, she shifted nervously. Her fingers played with the bed sheets. It was late evening. Dirk had taken her back to his room then informed her he had a few things to do. She waited, and as the hour grew late, she wondered if he was ever going to come to bed. A question thundered through her mind a hundred times wondering if she’d lost her mind. She considered under the circumstances it was quite plausible. She was about to have sex with her captor, an assassin, her husband. Dirk was the most powerful man she’d ever met. If he wasn’t careful, he’d rip her apart.

Dirk was undressing. More of his body was revealed in the heavy moonlight, as each article of clothing dropped to the ground sounding oddly like bullets. She tried calming herself, insisting within her mind it wouldn’t be so bad, he had lain beside her naked. Dirk was very handsome, and huge
. Best not to think about that.
He strolled to the bed and lay down beside her on top of the dark silk covers. She could see every inch of him. If she could just still her wary thoughts, she would have to admit he was magnificent. Candy quivered when he trailed a finger down her shoulder. Dirk propped himself up on his elbow to gaze into her face. She knew she was a ghostly white.

“I won’t hurt you, sweetheart. I can be very gentle when I want to be,” Dirk said soothingly.

“Please want to be,” Candy implored on a frightened breath.

“Relax. I won’t eat you.”

Dirk lowered his lips to hers. His hand, calloused, hard and strong, explored her leisurely. She could feel the absolute strength in his touch and was grateful he was being gentle. She lay still, willing herself not to cry or run. Candy wanted a baby and realized this was the only way. She would be forced to endure his touch until they were successful; hopefully, it wouldn’t be so bad. He promised not to hurt her, and so far he was keeping his word. Her hands, fisted, were pressed to her sides.

“Candy,” Dirk said gruffly. “It’s all right.”

She’d gone to bed in her sweatshirt and panties; she hadn’t been able to bring herself to lie before him already exposed, or in one of the sexy, revealing night gowns she now owned. Her hands remained fisted as Dirk drew her shirt over her head. She immediately crossed her arms over her bared breasts. Her panties were the next to be peeled down; they dropped to the floor over the side of the bed. Dirk held her closely pressed to his side. She realized there was no turning back.

Dirk gripped her hand, carefully prying open her fingers and drew it downward to his hard erection. Candy almost bolted. She was right, every inch of him was big, and this part of his anatomy was no exception. He glided her hand over him until she realized this was what he wanted. Candy continued her own search even after he removed his hand to explore her. She ran her hand down his generous length; she shuddered realizing this mammoth thing would soon be moving within her. She moved her hand lower, he groaned when she fondled his warm round globes, her hand stilled instantly, assuming she hurt him. Dirk didn’t pull away and encouraged her to continue, pressing himself closer against her. She felt a strange wetness slide over her belly and when she looked down she could just make out the droplets of moisture on the head of his cock.

Candy felt a moment’s panic when Dirk moved over her. His hands spread her legs and he slipped between them. He felt so heavy and hard, she groaned. His arms were like steel bands, his muscled legs like tree trunks. For a moment she couldn’t breathe, until he shifted some of his weight onto his elbow. She could feel the tip of his hot wet cock pressing against her.

“Dirk,” Candy whimpered, she squirmed beneath him.

It was too fast, he was moving too quickly, she wasn’t ready; she sensed it. She could tell by the look on his face he wanted her right that minute. He tried to push himself within her but again she was able to wiggle away. Wetness began to spread between her thighs from his eagerness to take her. She pushed at his shoulders, her hand moved lower to shove at his cock.

“Wait. I need to tell you something,” Candy said as she pushed at him.

His hand buried in her hair and his mouth sealed over hers. Candy couldn’t move except to splay her hands on numerous areas of his body to shove at him.

* * * *

Dirk was too eager for her; he had waited so long, he was certain she was aroused as her hands travelled over him, exploring intimately, to excite him. It was working. Dirk promised the next time it would be slower. Using a knee he spread her wider beneath him and claimed her mouth with hungry passion. He was ready to explode. He was surprised at the thought; normally he had much more control. But she was so damned beautiful, and she was his. All he could think about was pumping himself into her, sliding every inch higher and harder into her heat. He trailed his lips over her jaw line and down her throat. He never tasted anything so sweet. She was so soft beneath him he could hardly control his want of her. His body burned with his excitement.

Good God she feels amazing.

“You’re all right, you’ll be fine,” Dirk said sensing her hesitancy.

He felt she was just skittish; it was their first time together after all. Dirk knew she was still afraid of him, but this had been her idea, she must have been thinking of him as he had of her. Once he moved within her and proved he could be gentle, she would relax and enjoy herself. She would remember the need for intimacy as it grew within her. Except he intended on making her forget any man she’d ever been with.

“Dirk, you don’t understand,” she said, she pushed harder on him, now fighting beneath him.

Candy’s hand hit at his chest. His cock pressed between her thighs wanting a quick entry, but she managed to shift her hips, avoiding him. She began struggling. He was growing frustrated. Dirk wasn’t in the mood for games. She encouraged this; she wouldn’t play coy and back out now. He’d lain beside her too many nights controlling his want of her; she was in his grasp, and he wouldn’t relent this time. He wanted to possess her. Candy shifted beneath him yet again. She was no match for his desire. Feeling a moment of vindictiveness at her teasing, Dirk captured her flailing wrists in one large hand pulling them over her head. He pinned her heavily to the mattress beneath her. His face was only inches from her own.