My Assassin Lover

by My Assassin Lover [Whispers] (mobi)

  “Logan and Sam keep her very busy,” Lando said, chuckling. “Just this morning our wolf pup reached the counter top and made off with half of the special dinner Christy had prepared. She's very anxious to show off just how far her culinary skills have come since you first met.

  “Has Wolf mentioned to you we have a wolf for a pet? He's well behaved...most of the time. Just don't leave any unattended underwear on the floor, unless you don't mind it being dragged around as a fashion show,” Lando said and laughed. He gave a meaningful glance in Wolf's direction.

  Wolf could feel his face redden; it had been his underwear that the wolf had gotten a hold of. To his dismay, Casey laughed delightedly when seeing his sudden discomfort.

  “You never did tell me why you called the wolf Sam,” Wolf said, changing the subject.

  “When the plane we were on crashed, one of the people who was killed was Christy's boss, and her friend. We named him after the man,” Lando said, reflecting back. “I had only known the man a few short hours, but I respected him. Sam had tried to protect Christy from my, uh, somewhat rather lewd and suggestive remarks while aboard the plane. Christy had told me later that Sam had been kind to her when she was in desperate need of a friend and recovering from an abusive relationship.”

  “How awful and frightening that must have been,” Casey muttered. “I've always been terrified of plane crashes. I can't imagine being in one.”

  “I'm guessing your yacht sinking wasn't much fun either,” Lando said kindly to her expression of deep, sincere sympathy.

  “I was terrified. I would have drowned if not for a dolphin,” Casey muttered. “At least your wife had you. I was all alone for awhile.”

  “She didn't really quite have me,” Lando said a bit uncomfortably. “I think you both have something in common.”

  “In common and yet completely different,” Wolf replied.

  Intrigued, Casey was glancing back and forth between the two of them, but both remained stubbornly silent. When Casey sighed, Wolf leaned her head against his shoulder. It had been a long flight and a hectic car ride. She needed to rest, but he highly doubted she would feel comfortable enough to sleep until she finally settled.

  Wolf would be departing soon, leaving her alone with strange people. He realized her fear when she glanced quickly to Lando, then cast him the same lost, forlorn look which nearly melted his heart with compassion.

  Feeling Casey quiver beside him had Wolf pulling her close. He knew her fear of Lando was genuine. He thought he had best tell Lando to move carefully around her until she became used to him. He didn't think Lando would appreciate a blow to the head if he startled her.

  He didn't think Lando would hurt her physically, but Wolf knew his wrath was fierce. Grown, powerful, armed men had been known to seek safety when Lando was in a rage. Casey was tough, but he didn't want to come back to her cowering in terror in a corner, rocking and babbling incoherently, while Lando tried to justify his actions, sporting a bruise.

  Wolf cupped Casey's chin with a firm grip, forcing her look up at him. “You behave yourself,” he told her sternly. His eyes demanded she obey.

  Casey studied him with confusion. “Wolf, I'm no trouble, unless someone frightens me. Only then would I...oh. I will behave Wolf,” she promised.

  Lando watched the exchange with interest. “Something I should know?”

  Eyes narrowed in concentration, Wolf scratched at his head. “When Casey gets scared she...if you frighten her by accident, she will...well, she... Damn, Lando, just never sneak up on her and you'll be fine,” Wolf said, exasperated.

  * * * *

  Casey looked up at the huge chalet with interest. It was hard to believe this beautiful home was hidden out in the middle of nowhere. Shuddering , she realized Wolf had not been joking. Lando definitely wanted to remain anonymous. A slight, beautiful, light-haired woman stood before her, holding a baby.

  The baby was huge. He was also gorgeous, with his midnight hair and dark brown eyes. Casey was captivated. So apparently was Logan. He lifted his arms to the stranger, seeing her interest and immediate adoration. Casey reached for him and cuddled him, breathing in his unique baby scent. She ran a soft hand down thick, silky smooth hair, and a tender thumb across one pudgy cheek.

  “Oh, he is so beautiful,” she whispered. Logan babbled up at her.

  Christy looked upon them, liking the woman before her immediately. Though she loved her home and its serenity, Christy was eager for the company. She always enjoyed a visit from Wolf. This would be the first woman she would have been around in a very long time.

  “Well, since I've suddenly been replaced with a younger, cuter man, perhaps you will give me a hug,” Wolf said to Christy.

  She stepped into his arms and held him. “It feels as though you've come home.” She turned to Casey, who noted her eyes were glistening with emotion. “Wolf saved my life and took care of me while I carried Logan in his critical beginning. Without Wolf's care I might have lost Logan. We owe him a great deal. We're happy to finally be able to return the favor.”

  Wolf colored and shifted his feet about at the high praise.

  “Well, why don't we get Casey settled,” Lando suggested.

  Casey held the boy as they moved about the large chalet. The outside had been impressive; the inside was magnificent—huge chandeliers, a winding oak staircase, and a massive marble fireplace in the living room. There was a mix of polished hardwood flooring, carpeting and ceramic tile throughout placed strategically within the large open concept home. The entire structure was supported by behemoth beams, polished to a high sheen.

  Lando smiled proudly with the praise Casey lavished. She was well traveled and informed him she had never seen anything so uniquely grand or amazingly constructed. The fact Lando had designed it and built it had Casey looking to the man in awe now instead of fear. They walked up the flight of stairs, and down the hall lit by open high windows. Her room was beautiful and bright and, she noted, directly across from Lando and Christy, with her own en suite.

  Wolf reached over and removed the baby from her arms and, after giving him a sound kiss to his chubby little cheek, he handed the child over to his mother. He took Casey into his arms and held her closely.

  “Please don't leave already,” Casey begged. She thought they would at least have the night together. She had wanted to feel him close once more before he left her.

  “It will be fine, Casey. The sooner I go, the sooner you will be safe and I can return,” Wolf reasoned.

  “Can't you at least stay for dinner? It's ready. Unless Sam has made off with the rest of it,” Christy said.

  Wolf agreed when both women whined, pleaded, begged, and cajoled. He laughed suddenly. “I guess I better say yes before Lando starts offering death threats at both of your pitiful whimpers.” Both Casey and Christy smiled towards each other conspiratorially.

  Throughout dinner Casey cast Wolf her saddened expression. He could see her battling her fear of being left alone. He wished he could make her understand how much he would like for her to go with him, but it just was not possible. David might already have realized Casey was still alive. If it were him, he would know. Even if the yacht had gone down he would want proof, he would need proof, of Casey's demise.

  Wolf knew if he were David it was a route well worth taking. After all, the man had planned her murder; he couldn't take the chance of her resurfacing. Wolf needed to know Casey was safe to be able to concentrate on the task at hand. Taking her anywhere near David would be disastrous.

  When Casey's hand trembled while holding her wine glass, Wolf felt he couldn't resist the urge to still her fears; he owed her that much. He had said to trust him; he couldn't expect her to have blind faith.

  He cast a quick glance to Lando, noting he had also been watching Casey's unsteady motions, her pretense of eating. Slowly Wolf rose, standing before Casey. She looked up at him.

  “We need to talk, Casey.”

  Wolf slipped his hand into he
rs, excusing them, and led her upstairs to her room. She followed dutifully, like a poor little lamb to the slaughter. He couldn't help but feel compassion for her misgivings. Wolf turned her in his arms after locking her door. She clung to him.

  “I will come back soon, Casey,” Wolf promised.

  “I know.”

  Her voice was sad, but accepting. Wolf tilted her head back to search her expression.

  “Is there something else bothering you, sweetheart?”

  She tensed. “I'm just worried,” she replied evasively.

  “I won't hurt you. I promise not to kill David, what else is there?”

  “Wolf, will you make love to me? Just once more, before you have to leave.” Her hands clasped his to place them on her shoulders. “I just need to feel you near.”

  Feeling confused at the lost loneliness in her voice, Wolf nodded, wanting her, too. He slowly stripped her shirt from her. Each article of her clothing dropped to the floor. Casey made no move to touch him, but her eyes traveled over him as though burning his image into her mind.

  His fingers reached out to trail a path down her collarbone. His fingertips followed the circle of her dusty, rose-colored nipple; she shuddered as her buds hardened. Wolf watched her intensely. Her eyes filled with desire as he dropped before her, his hands traveling with his descent from her breast, to her ribs, to her waist, settling to cup her behind, pulling her towards him. He looked up at her. Her head was thrown back, eyes tightly closed, waiting.

  Wolf's fingers stroked her, parting her. Her body quivered when his tongue tasted her. He couldn't help his smile as she moaned deep in her throat. Her legs began to tremble, slowly at first, until her entire body quivered with each exquisite assault his tongue launched. It wasn't long before her hands buried within his hair.

  “Wolf, love me please,” he heard her whisper.

  He glided his hands up the swell of her behind. He captured her waist, and as he rose, he lifted her to him. By the time they reached the bed his shirt was off, and both were tugging at his pants when he placed her atop the satin sheets.

  Again she begged him to love her. Wolf thought he sensed something in the words she chose, a plea. She wasn't asking he make love to her, but begging he love her. Wolf shrugged the thought off. She knew who and what he was; she couldn't possibly want for him to love her. Her mouth was fastened onto the hollow of his throat and Wolf discarded his previous thoughts, becoming lost to her sensual exploration. She stroked his hard length they had managed to free.

  “Wolf.”

  “I'm here, Casey.”

  Wolf entered her quickly this time; he couldn't resist, feeling her pulling on his shoulders, demanding he take her. He was surprised at her frenzied response. He knew she loved hearing sweet and caring words, to feel his tender caress, but each time he began to speak she kissed him. He began kissing her back so heatedly they could both scarcely breathe.

  Their passion mounted, each taking everything the other could give, until Wolf thought he would lose control. Casey was clinging to him, her arms and legs wrapped around him as though she thought he might suddenly vanish. Wolf returned her powerful grip until she cried out. Her fingernails dug into his back and his own howl of release sprang from deep in his chest.

  Wolf disengaged Casey from around him. He stared with amazed wonder into her tranquil features. He realized, from her prone features, she was already asleep. His finger reached to capture a tear as it slowly made its descent down her soft, sweet cheek. She whispered his name and reached for him. Wolf cuddled her to his chest. His feelings raged, battling the volatile demons within. He couldn't love her; it was impossible for him to love anyone, wasn't it? Besides, she would not want that... Would she?

  Wolf kissed her lips, his head bowed into her hair. He would not fail her. She must live. He would allow nothing else. Perhaps he could not keep her, but that would not stop him from keeping an eye on her. He settled his dismayed thoughts by convincing himself he could watch her through the rest of her life. He would not be far on the sidelines if she needed him. She once accused him of being a guardian angel; he would become hers.

  Wolf held Casey to his chest. He had said his goodbyes to Christy and Logan already and he now stood with her on a large wraparound porch. The sun would soon be rising. Lando was discreetly standing off to the side, waiting to drive Wolf back to the small airport, where a plane awaited his departure.

  “You won't hurt him?” Casey begged.

  “I won't kill him,” Wolf modified.

  Resigned, Casey knew what Wolf meant. She would have to take him as he was. She would trust he knew what would be best. David would comply immediately or there would be trouble. Casey knew David; she honestly believed he would comply. Wolf was fearsome. Though David was not a coward by nature, he was still no match for Wolf. Not many were.

  “Please be careful, Wolf. Come back to me soon,” Casey begged. She would have liked to declare her love for him. She had come so close when they had made love, when she had begged for him to love her, yet knew he would not want to hear it. Not now, and not here like this. He had told her often enough he was a lone wolf. When he returned she was certain they would go their separate ways, but perhaps she could encourage a few more special moments. Wolf had promised to keep her safe. Once his mission was accomplished she was certain he would disappear.

  “I will return as fast as I can. Don't be afraid, Casey, you are safe here.”

  “I am safe with you,” she said, holding him, trying not to weep but failing miserably.

  Wolf broke their contact. He kissed her once more, wiping away her tears, and he left. Casey watched him go, sobbing. She felt a small, tentative arm wrap around her shoulder and welcomed Christy's embrace. The two women turned and re-entered the chalet.

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  * * *

  Chapter Fifteen

  * * * *

  Casey sat drinking a glass of white wine companionably with Christy and Lando. She had begged exhaustion and had retired to hide in her room shortly after Wolf left. Casey had been right in thinking she and Christy were kindred spirits; she expressed understanding immediately towards her fears and had told Casey if she needed anything at all she would be close.

  For most of the morning Casey had remained out of sight, giving in to her tears of frustration and her overwhelming sadness at being separated from Wolf. After they had spent so much time together, she felt an important piece of her was missing.

  Logan had been put down for a nap and Lando had encouraged her to sit with them. In fact, he had gone to her room and practically dragged her from it, insisting she needed to be around people and should not remain alone and cooped up all day. He had insisted the fresh air would work wonders. Casey had the distinct impression it was Lando who was dying to have her come and talk to them.

  Casey looked out over the large expanse of porch. The foliage surrounding the area was impressive. Massive trees surrounded their home like an impenetrable fortress, with small paths leading off to various areas, obviously made by animals. She was aware Lando was watching her. She remained undaunted, having been conditioned to this peculiarity from Wolf.

  “He will return soon, Casey,” Lando said. His deep voice broke the quiet tranquility of the day, though his tone was calming and somehow fit the rugged surroundings.

  Casey nodded, knowing it would not take him long to track down David. That was not her concern; she knew he would honor her request and leave David alive. Her distress stemmed from what would happen when he accomplished his mission. He would leave her. She looked over at Lando, and he seemed surprised with her apprehensiveness.

  “Thank you for watching me and welcoming me into your home,” Casey said.

  “No one can hurt you out here. I will cause you no harm,” Lando informed her, obviously wondering at her distress.

  “I'm not afraid,” Casey told him with a small, sad smile and it was an honest answer. During breakfast Casey had witnessed Logan romping
and playing with his bear of a father, and she had settled. The baby crawled around after the huge man, seeking his attention.

  Lando had been more than eager to play with the child. Tossing him to the sky and recapturing him in safe arms. He had cuddled his son to his powerful chest and nuzzled his neck, encouraging laughter, until Casey's own had resounded unrestrained. The whole while, Sam had bounded about on huge feet he had yet to grow into, yipping playfully. It was all too apparent how much Lando loved his family.

  “He will come back to you,” Christy told her.

  “Yes, he will return,” Casey said. Her tone was light, but it was obvious even to her own ears something was amiss.

  “Casey...” Lando began.

  “You were misled if Wolf told you I was someone he cherished,” Casey said to Lando. She looked at him, anguished. “Wolf wants me safe because he feels bad for me. Because he...he hurt me once and he feels he owes me. He tells me I'm an innocent and never should have been placed into the position I am in. That's what is really important to him. Once David is stopped, Wolf will go away. He doesn't want me. I am not someone he cherishes or wants close forever.”

  The pain radiating from her soul was an almost tangible force. Casey had not allowed tears to fall, though her eyes were burning. Her jaw was clamped tight to stop it from quivering. She kept her face impassive; nevertheless her glass shook so violently when she picked it up she was forced to put it down. She swallowed hard, waiting for their response at the deception.

  “You are mistaken,” Lando voiced calmly. “I don't feel I was misled. Wolf cares for you a great deal, I can see it.”

  “Why did he hurt you?” Christy asked.

  “It was my fault. We were on the island alone for quite some time together; all we had was each other. He let me get to know him after a while, although it took a great deal of prodding and coaxing on my part.” Casey shuddered before continuing.