“Damn it, Damien! Whether she knows what we do or not wouldn’t prepare her for that! She’s been through enough trauma. One more good knock to her head will kill her for certain next time. There damned well better not be a next time! Now lie down beside her and get some rest. At least now we know she won’t be wandering off.”
“Is what you’re doing really necessary?” Damien asked.
“The crash needed to be covered up. We can’t appear vulnerable right now! You know I think we have a leak. Someone is on the inside. I need to find out who that person is and deal with them immediately,” Dirk snapped. Damien lowered Chloe to the bed. He carefully stroked her down to an exposed, bruised rib. His saddened gaze traveled up to his brother.
“He was a loyal man, my friend. He deserves better,” Damien said.
“Damien, he had no family except us. We’ll remember him. I needn’t remind you how many others are out there.”
Damien sighed. “Good night, Dirk. Close the door on your way out.”
“Sleep, little brother. Tomorrow we can talk. Your opinion is important to me. I know you think the vote was unfair and even harsh and unethical. Just remember, Tyr, Wolf and I are protecting more valuable interests. You might want to think on that now that Chloe’s home. I know you have feelings for her. You might just want to explore them.”
* * * *
Dirk left and Damien pulled Chloe to his chest. One thought stormed into his mind. Whether or not Chloe was the woman for him, Dirk would never again drug someone he loved when they were unwilling; he would stop him.
The thought astounded him. He had witnessed Dirk do so on numerous occasions and never once interfered, always thinking Dirk knew what was best, it had been grilled into him Dirk knew what was best. This time he felt he was wrong, and the sensation overwhelmed him.
There was a better solution; Dirk was just too tired to think on it. Putting others first was Dirk’s responsibility and number one priority, no matter how tired he was. Yet the burden shouldn’t rest on his shoulders alone. He should be able to depend on help from a reliable source. Damien would make certain he and his brother talked about this. He should have interfered on Chloe’s behalf; she was no match for Dirk. She was no match for any of them.
Being with her, touching her, her trust in him was beyond important. It was time for him to step into his own rightful place. Time he earned it and voiced a greater opinion other than just following blindly. Dirk deserved an opinion, Damien deserved to be heard. He should be that opinion. Damien decided perhaps he really was growing up after all.
* * * *
Chloe woke feeling groggy and disorientated, fumbling pathetically to get her bearings. She could see Damien watching her. He had showered and changed. There was a different look about his eyes this morning. Something Chloe had never seen before, and she was curious.
“Were you given permission to leave me to bathe, Damien? I might have woken and wandered off in my obviously dangerous, precarious state of mind,” Chloe stated bitterly as her eyes narrowed on him. Her look harbored a decided sense of hurt betrayal.
“I locked the door to the bedroom, but kept the bathroom door open,” Damien answered. His voice was unusually deep and throaty, his remorseful response to her obviously hurtful accusation. He moved to sit beside her on her bed. Their eyes never broke contact.
“I’m sorry about last night. I shouldn’t have let Dirk do that to you. I’m sorry you had to eat food out of my pockets when we were kids. I’m sorry I got you stuck in a tree and was unable to get you down. The list goes on and on, but not forever.
“I keep thinking back to one night when you were home for the holidays. How afraid you were when I declared I wanted you. I felt I had waited long enough and that since I was ready you must have been. You were so unsure. I gallantly reminded you I had always taken care of you, I would never hurt you.” Damien stopped for a moment as his eyes moistened.
“You didn’t hurt me. You were wonderful, and as always, patient and caring. I always knew my first time would be with you, I never wanted it any other way,” Chloe said. She could see his remorse and was moved by it.
“Your entire life has been run by my family, our decisions on what we feel is best for you. Every move you have ever made has been watched and controlled: your schooling, your holidays, your friends. Did you run from us, Chloe, those six months you were missing?” Damien asked urgently.
“I hid,” she admitted. “When I got that note I knew it had something to do with your family. I hated the job I was in; your dad had found it for me. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, I know he pulled a lot of strings for such a high position when there were dozens more experienced. I took the note as a sign. For once I was doing something without the ever watchful eye of the family.
“Do you know James had your people check up on me? I looked up once in the grocery store and one of his men was there, checking out the lettuce. But I know it was me he was checking out. Men with flowers would appear at my door; the flowers were from James.
“I’m not naive enough not to know the men were also in his employ. I know it was his way of keeping me safe, watching out for my well-being, yet I always on some level felt like I was in his own private fish bowl.” As Damien lowered his head Chloe continued on.
“I came home on my own. I wanted to be near you, Salvator. I missed James and Dirk as well. As fun as freedom was, I was always so scared whoever wrote that note would hurt me. Home is safe…at least I thought it was.”
“I’m so sorry you’ve been hurt while here. It’s my fault for not watching out for you. I’m so used to Dad and Dirk in charge I forgot I have my own responsibilities.”
“Is that what I am to you, your responsibility?”
“When you care for someone you watch out for them. I’m tired of saying sorry. It’s going to end now. Dirk would never allow me to stick a needle into Candy’s arm, neither would Wolf or Tyr with their loved ones. I never thought part of my profession would involve watching out for you with my own family.”
“But Dirk’s in charge,” Chloe said, wide-eyed. Damien could never disobey his brother.
“Dirk controls the family, yes. But I have a say. I’ve determined my voice will now be heard.”
It was then Chloe understood the new look in Damien’s eyes. It was maturity. He no longer possessed the cheeky little boy smile that accepted, happy to follow his father and big brother blindly. The steady look of a man, a powerful self-respecting man gazed at her. Self-assurance had replaced the need for direction. Chloe was overwhelmed. Somehow she was part of this new look.
“Salvator,” she whispered, now frightened. She was afraid how Dirk would react to this new chain of events. He was used to being in complete control; he had been born into the position, trained to take charge. He wasn’t going to appreciate his little brother questioning his judgment.
Damien gentled his look and cupped her face in one large palm. “Get dressed, Chloe. I’m taking you down to breakfast. I’m leaving the bedroom door locked because I want you to leave the washroom door opened. Just in case you need me. After breakfast we need to talk. I won’t be just one more man in your life who is taking control over you. I want to hear what you want, what you need."
Chloe nodded up at him. She moved to the washroom door and hazarded a glance back at him. “It’s only ever been you, Salvator. No one ever came close. Three years is a long time to wait between intimacies with the man you love.”
Damien’s now smoldering eyes deepened with understanding. “That will definitely be one of the topics we will discuss after breakfast.”
Chloe gave him a small smile and entered the large washroom. She removed her clothes, slid back the glass door panels, and turned on the faucets for a shower. The heated marble floor warmed her chilled bones, yet she shivered when Damien suddenly kissed her shoulder and ran a soft finger down the small of her back before she could step under the water.
Chloe turned in his arms. Her bare bre
asts pressed against his unclad chest. She stood up high on tiptoe to nuzzle his warm neck.
“You could always join me,” she offered. Her breath was heated desire.
Damien pressed his forehead to hers. One large hand cupped the side of her face, his thumb stroked her earlobe. Their gazes locked and held.
“First you need to go downstairs and eat something. I’ll wait right here for you, in case you fall. But we are definitely going to talk after breakfast. You’re right, three years is far too long.” Once more he caressed her intimately, running his hands along her bare bottom and breasts before turning her.
Chloe stepped into the shower and reached for the washcloth, leaving the glass doors partially open. She knew Damien was watching her every move. Ever so slowly, she ran the soapy cloth along her tummy, down her long legs, wishing all the while it was Damien who was bathing her.
She shivered once more thinking about after breakfast. Most certainly they needed to talk, but perhaps it could wait until after Damien satisfied a new, more eager hunger.
Chapter Nine
Chloe was surprised when Damien led her into the dining room, where both adults and children were sitting together for breakfast. It appeared Dirk wanted everyone as close as possible for now. Another even more shocking surprise was seeing Dirk and not James at the head of the table. James was seated near Candy, who was on Dirk’s left; a place for Damien was to Dirk’s right. Chloe gazed with concern, wondering just where she belonged. Did she belong?
“Come and sit beside me, my dear,” James commanded her.
Chloe moved to obey him immediately. She was startled as Damien’s hand shot out to stop her. She looked to Damien, surprised, who for some reason looked enraged. His heated eyes were fastened onto Wolf, who sat directly across from Dirk at the other end of the table, Casey to Wolf’s immediate left, Rhea to her mother’s left in a booster seat.
“Is a change in leadership again shifting, something I have been once more uninformed of?” Damien inquired coldly at this apparent change of events.
Chloe’s memories shifted to long ago. It had been over two decades since anyone occupied the end chair. It had once belonged to a trusted man who was killed quite some time ago.
Damien had explained to Chloe, somewhat in awe, the huge, well-respected, dark-haired man was almost as powerful as his father, like his second half or extension. A cherished brother of sorts, more than a right-hand man, as it would seem was now Damien’s new position, judging by the seat next to Dirk.
“We will discuss this after breakfast,” Dirk informed him, his eyes leveling onto his brother dangerously, as though brooking no argument, willing him to obey. A command Chloe knew Dirk was certain would be heeded without question or thought.
“It should have been discussed before breakfast,” Damien snapped in a heated reply. He seemed to ignore the unveiled threat in his brother’s tone of voice. Damien glared as coldly as Dirk, standing his ground. Chloe gasped in stunned surprise, looking from one man to the other, awaiting Dirk’s response.
* * * *
Dirk regarded his brother steadily with some surprise. He had felt certain Damien was uninterested in this new burden Wolf had requested; he was too much of a free spirit. He noted also how he was keeping Chloe from obeying a direct command from his father.
Interesting. He also noted, in his rising anger, Damien had yet to notice Chloe’s pale, strained face as she watched the brothers square off. Chloe was looking between the two with trepidation. To Dirk it looked as though she might bolt, or faint; neither happenstance was acceptable.
“Perhaps you’re right. We should have discussed this sooner,” Dirk conceded. Damien relaxed noticeably, though his scowl remained. “For now why don’t you let Chloe go sit with Dad. He’s been worried about her well being and would like her close. She looks as though she needs to sit regardless, Damien. I would also like you near me while we discuss other issues, brother.”
* * * *
Damien summed up the situation. He could see all of the children were now staring at him with huge, round eyes, as were the other adults. At Dirk’s offhand remark about Chloe, Damien took in her frightened, confused features; her slight body trembled against him. Damien had never before directly confronted his brother, especially when others were around and especially about powers of command. He could see she was unnerved.
“For now,” Damien finally declared. His eyes settled onto Chloe and softened. He gently cupped her chin, willing her to stop trembling, and offering support. “After breakfast I want you to wait for me in your room. I will come to you as soon as a few things are settled.”
* * * *
Chloe could only nod, mouth agape. Damien settled her, running a smooth hand over her silken hair, kissing the top of her head, and moved to sit beside Dirk. The two men locked eyes briefly; the challenge was undeniable. Chloe reached for James’ hand. He gave her a reassuring squeeze before pouring her some orange juice.
Throughout breakfast Chloe could see Dirk and Damien, heads close together and arguing in soft tones. She could see Candy’s concerned expression as at one time Dirk’s face reddened in anger. A raised, “Mine!” could be heard from an equally angry Damien, his eyes flashing.
Tension was higher than any had ever known it to be between the brothers. Through it all James sat, refusing to interfere. He seemed to be studying his youngest son shrewdly and with new, interested eyes.
It was with great relief when the women and children were released from the insurmountable pressure of breakfast. They scooped up their children and headed off with them to various rooms to await their husbands. Dirk informed them lock-down was still in effect until further notice. He wanted to know where everyone was at all times. His armed men were situated at various strategic points throughout the house in readiness. No one was to enter or exit without specific clearance from Dirk.
“Dad, will you escort Chloe to her room? I don’t want her falling or stumbling, she is still quite weak,” Damien asked. Chloe noted Damien’s eyes remained trained on Dirk.
“Certainly, son,” James replied. He assisted Chloe to her feet, and the two exited the dining room.
Even before Chloe reached the stairs, an eruption of heated, angry voices reached her ears. She winced as her name was thrown into the foray. A heavy hand smashed onto the table, causing her to jump and clutch James to herself with unveiled concern.
“We best keep moving, dearest, before things start flying,” James said, chuckling.
“Why are they fighting over me?” Chloe asked worriedly.
“To begin with, it’s not just you. There are other factors involved that do not concern you, sweetheart. But in answer to your question, Dirk has cared for, loved, and watched out for you your entire life as one would a brother, or even an overprotective father figure such as myself. He has always patterned himself after me, as is his position. He feels he knows what is best for you as he has been included in all decisions made where you are concerned.
“Apparently, Damien disagrees. Damien does not look at you like a sister or child, but as a lover, a very wanted and coveted significant other.”
Chloe turned crimson at James' statement. “Come now, you have been in love with each other since the day you were born and you first set eyes on each other; it was destiny. This new development is interesting, though I must say the timing is much to be desired,” James muttered.
“Our loving each other is wrong? You don’t approve?” Chloe asked with concern.
“No, my dear, of course I approve, you are perfect for Damien and already a member of this family. I’m wondering at Damien’s sudden desire at power,” James replied thoughtfully. “Normally he is eager to allow Dirk free rein. Though I had always hoped he would take more of an interest, I’m concerned. Now is not the time for family to be arguing amongst themselves.”
“I think Damien was mad because Dirk drugged me last night and I didn’t want him to; I was afraid,” Chloe admitted.
“Oh?” James asked, looking surprised. “It’s not like Dirk to frighten or upset you. He must be feeling a great deal of stress. Though with two attempts at family members, the death of a loyal comrade, a wife and new baby, not to mention a daughter and two grandchildren depending on his protection…”
“I admit I was in pain and tried to get to the kitchen. I had no idea about Dirk’s orders. Damien stopped me from wandering and getting injured. Dirk wanted to help, but all I needed was an aspirin and a few kind words. Damien knew that, but let Dirk drug me anyway, even though I was crying and begged not to be.
“When I woke, Damien was livid. It was apparent he had been thinking about it all night. He declared Dirk would never tolerate him drugging Candy. He was angry, but mostly at himself. He was different this morning, James. It was like he aged overnight into a grown man, a different man, intent on stepping into a new role.”
“Ah, I see. So it’s not necessarily power he seeks, but possession. He is finally tired of sharing you with his older brother,” James said astutely, smiling.
They reached Chloe’s room. “They won’t fight, will they, James?” Chloe asked with worry.
“Never in their lives have they come to blows. Don’t worry, sweetheart. Now that I understand it’s not Wolf’s position Damien seeks, but merely respect for you and his rightful place, I can help smooth things over. I will take care of this. I promise.”
Feeling a great deal of relief, Chloe closed her door to await Damien.
* * * *
“You will not drug her again!” Damien was thundering when James entered the room.
“She was in pain! She needed my help,” Dirk howled back, enraged his actions were being questioned, especially by his baby brother and in front of others.
Assassin Deception Page 10
