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“I’ve done everything in my power not to allow that to happen.”
“Why? I would think eliminating any collateral damage would help you sleep easier at night.”
I swirled the liquid in my glass, studying her intently, her words striking a different chord with me. Was there anyone truly innocent? “Nothing allows me to sleep at night, Candy. Nothing.” I hated that my thoughts continued to drift to the past but with her presence, it was difficult to think about anything else. “Sit down. I need to make certain you don’t have gravel imbedded in your skin.” When she hesitated, I pointed to the chair, keeping my eyes locked on her until she obeyed.
I pushed the drink onto the counter. “Stay right here. Do not move.”
She laughed. I was able to hear the sound as I headed to the half bath, gathering everything I needed. When I returned, she remained in the same place, staring out the window, unblinking. I moved closer, placing the hydrogen peroxide and several towels on the table. When I bent down, she bristled, fisting one hand, the fingers she had wrapped around her wineglass shaking.
Very tenderly I cleaned the scrapes, picking out several pieces of gravel, more furious than ever how she’d been treated. When I was finished, I shoved the items aside, brushing the back of my hand across her knee.
Candy immediately pulled it away, chewing on her bottom lip.
I returned to my drink, uncertain how to handle her. As before, my mind refused to let go the possibility she was playing me, but with every second that passed, I became more certain her near abduction had nothing to do with Rian attempting to be protective. Why take her? What good would that do?
Unless the target was actually the Walsh family.
The possibilities were endless.
“What are you fighting and why am I involved? Because I know you?”
“That’s possible, Candy, and it’s something I need to find out. That’s why I need you to be truthful with me.”
“Truthful. Just like you were with me.” She stood, walking away from me and toward the window. I sensed exhaustion was settling in, her body swaying.
At this point it wouldn’t matter what I said to her. She still needed time in order to process what she’d experienced.
Including with me. She was a fascinating woman in several regards. One minute she was fire and brimstone, prepared to take on the world. The next she was fearful, trembling even though she tried to hide her terror. As she stood in front of my window, she was experiencing both, hating me one minute then longing to indulge in the passion the next.
She took several sips of wine, her brow furrowed. Every subtle nuance intrigued me, enticing the continuing hunger I already had for her. If she had any idea what effect she had on me, it was impossible to tell.
“Why were you staying in that apartment when this is your home?”
Her question was a fair one, even though answering was more difficult than I’d imagined when I’d played out this scenario. “This is my private space, a location few people know exists. I need it to remain that way. My anonymity is what allows me to stay alive. The apartment was necessary in order to conduct business.”
“You were keeping tabs on someone or some entity. Right?”
“Smart girl. You are correct.”
“That includes my family.” Very slowly she turned her head in my direction, apprehension in her voice.
I took a deep breath before answering. “Your comment is one of the reasons we’re here. If I’d known you were associated with the Walsh family, I would have turned you away.”
“I’m not just associated with them. They are my family, although right now I’m not certain I care to admit it. And would you have turned me away?”
Now she’d caught me in a lie. I wouldn’t have given a shit what family line ran in her blood. That’s how strong my feelings had been. And they were only increasing. “I do what is required.”
“That’s not an answer and you know it.”
“Don’t ask questions you don’t want to learn the real answer to.”
“Don’t, Kirill. That’s just some mantra you learned. How many times have I asked you, begged you to tell me the truth? You came into my life like a bulldozer, pretending to be something you weren’t.”
“First of all,” I said as I walked closer. “You came into my life. Second, I’ve never pretended to be anything but a brutal man. If I’d laid out my lineage, would you have turned away?”
She opened her mouth, her lips forming a perfect O. Then she closed her eyes. “I don’t honestly know.”
“Fair enough. Why didn’t you tell me the truth about your family?”
