The Assassin's Atonement

Chapter 2 Continued

Dipping my head in the water, I jump back up to the surface and push my wet hair back. My n*****s, pucker and goosebumps spread across my body at the feel of the cool air gliding down my skin. The sand feels good beneath my feet as the grains massage my soles.

After a few minutes, I look back to the beach’s surface. To my disappointment, Ewan’s gone. I don’t know why I care, but it still hurts. I don’t understand what this power is that he has over me. He looked so good. Ugh, I’m such a girl sometimes. Cleo would laugh at me if she could see me drooling over Ewan’s gorgeous body. Swallowing several times, I tamp down the emotion clogging my throat and dip my head back into the water again.

For an hour, I swim around until I’m exhausted. Chest heaving, I swim back to the shore, pick up my bag, and head to a cluster of nearby rocks. The large rocks lie flat between the ocean and sand. It’s a perfect spot to relax. My bag thumps against the hard ground as I stretch out over the smooth rock’s surface. Sorting through it, I remove a bottle of water, a sandwich and unfurl my towel. The waves crash against the rocks with small splatters, and the scent of the ocean’s breeze permeates my senses.

Inhaling deeply, I look off into the distance and observe as the beautiful milky clouds glide slowly across the clear blue sky. I close my eyes and arch my back as the heat of the sun permeates my skin. It’s such a serene moment that I want to savor it forever.

Using my bag as a pillow, I lie on my back and close my eyes. I don’t sleep, though. I’m too wired after seeing Ewan and too hurt by his coldness.

Minutes pass as I lie there, imagining his shadowed eyes and luscious lips. I wish we could have spoken a little longer.

I nearly jump out of my skin when a shadow passes over me. Opening my eyes, I face Ewan’s imposing form. His muscled body glows ethereally beneath the golden orb.

I observe quietly as Ewan squats down and places something next to me. I look down and gasp with delight when I see that it’s a pink cupcake.

“I couldn’t find a candle, but I figured it’s the thought that counts.” He mutters gruffly.

A warm smile spreads across my lips at his gesture. No one has ever done something like this for me. Biting my lower lip, I sit up, take the cupcake and dip my index finger inside of the delicious buttercream icing. The sweet concoction zings in my tongue, creating a delicious explosion of flavors. Moaning with pleasure, I sensually lick my finger. I know that I'm a tease, but I really want to see his reaction. And boy, do I get a reaction. Ewan’s pupils are so wide that his eyes are nearly pitch black. My body throbs with arousal at his predatory gaze.

“It’s delicious. I love it. Thank you, Ewan.” I mumble in a breathy voice.

Ewan’s jaw pops, and nostrils flair as he follows my gesture.

“Want some?” I extend the cupcake close to his lips and whisper. My voice is husky with desire as I wait for his response.

Ewan looks at the cupcake then glances back at my lips. “No, it’s all yours, Candy Cane.”

An airy laugh escapes my lips at the sound of my childhood name. I got the name Candy Cane after I dressed like one for Halloween. You see, even back then, money was tight. Since my dad wouldn’t spring for a costume, I decided to make one. I remember slipping on a pair of red leggings, an old ratty turtleneck, wrapping white toilet paper around my legs, arms, and chest; so I could look like a Candy Cane. Dad was so amused by my ingenuity that he began calling me Candy Cane. In fact, Candy is my stripper name.

“Your loss,” I murmur before I continue to devour the cupcake. In my defense, I pinch little pieces from the cake and eat them in a ladylike fashion. I even go as far as licking my fingers to see how far I can go before Ewan breaks.

Ewan sits next to me and watches the waves glide in and out of the ocean.

“It’s so beautiful here.” He mumbles with a relaxed sigh.

I swallow a piece of warm, spongy cake, then nod. “Yeah, I love the beach. If I had the money, I’d build dad and me a little shack by the beach and swim every day.”

Ewan rests his elbows on his bent knees, then glances back at me. “Where do you live?”

I swallow the last bite and rub my hands to clear the crumbs before I reply. “Not far,” I mutter vaguely. “You said you live close. Where do you live?” I change the subject again.

Ewan waves to an area across the beach. It’s pretty far from where we are, but I can see the rooftops and enclosures from where we are. “I live right there. My home is behind those trees.”

“Wow, I’m envious,” I mutter longingly. “I wish I could afford to live here. “

Ewan’s brow quirks. “What do you do?”

My face heats with embarrassment as I consider my answer. I can’t even imagine the look on his face if I told him that I was a stripper. Would he look down on me for doing what I had to do to survive? No, I can’t take the chance. “I…I work in one of the shops near the boardwalk.”

I point to the boardwalk near the pier. “And I study marketing and advertisement at the local community college when I’m not at my second job.”

My stomach flips at my response. s**t, I didn’t mean to tell him that I had two jobs. When will I learn to keep my goddamn mouth shut? Ears thrumming, I take a deep breath and start collecting my things. I feel uncomfortable with how the conversation is going. I don’t want to talk about my shitty life. At least, not to him.

Unfortunately, Ewan doesn’t miss my comment because he hones in on my misspoken words. “Jobs? You work two jobs? What about your father and Tamsyn?”

I wince at every question as if he’s hailing bullets instead of words.

Thankfully, I’m quick on my feet, and I quickly turn the tables on him. “How about you? What happened to you all those years ago? Everyone wondered what happened, but Stuart wouldn’t tell a soul. Dad thought Stuart sent you back to England. I thought Stuart killed you and buried your body.”

Ewan narrows his eyes at my change of subject. For a moment, he looks like he’s going to ask more. However, to my surprise, he doesn’t push for answers. “None of those things occurred. Stuart actually sent me to military school.”

My eyebrows rise with astonishment. Of all the scenarios I had running through in my head, I would have never guessed that he had been sent off to military school.

“Oh, well, I guess it could have been worse.” I open my eyes wide. “You could have continued to live with Stuart.” I jest in hopes of lightening the conversation.

Ewan throws his head back in laughter. “I never considered that. I guess you’re right.” He covers his lips as he heaves in amusement.

After a minute, He looks down at the sand, then turns back to me. “I have to go. Would you care to join me for breakfast?”

For a moment, I consider telling him no, but my mouth has a mind of its own. Stupid Mouth. “Sure. That sounds good.”

After I dry myself, I wrap my towel around my waist and lift my bag.

Being the gentleman that he is, Ewan takes my bag and leads me to his house. I can’t believe that I’m going to his house. As we walk, we talk about inconsequential things and joke around. It’s so mundane and surreal. I’m talking to Ewan. It’s like a birthday dream come true.

His house is large, with huge windows that light up the house’s interior. It’s the kind of house I’ve always dreamt of living in. “Your house is gorgeous,” I tell him as soon as we step through the door.

Ewan settles my bag on the kitchen counter and waves his hand to urge me forward. “Thank you. I’m still working on a couple things here and there, but I’m comfortable.”

My bare feet pad against the cool wooden floor, making me realize that I’m tracking sand everywhere. Looking down at my sodden bikini, I take a step back and mutter. “Can I use your shower? The sand is drying on my skin, and I don’t want to dirty your floors.”

Ewan runs his gaze intently across my nearly naked body, then clears his throat and waves his hand up the stairs. “Go up the stairs, turn right until you reach the first door. There’s an en-suite bathroom in the guest room.”

“Thanks,” I reply.

As carefully as I can, I make my way upstairs until I reach the room he’s talking about. The bedroom is large and airy, with large windows that illuminate the room’s fashionable interior. However, it’s the shower that catches my attention. It’s large with an overhead shower rain panel, white subway tiles, and white marble floors. I don’t hesitate to take my bikini off and slide into the shower. I don’t even bother closing the door. The heat of the water feels so good that my muscles instantly loosen. Closing my eyes against the soothing water, I enjoy the feel of the drops raining down on me and rinse my hair. Thankfully, I packed a travel-sized soap, shampoo, and conditioner in my bag.

My chest heaves as the pitter-pattering sound of the water heighten my arousal. I want to touch myself, but I know that right now is not the time. Perhaps when I get home, I’ll take the time to let my fantasies run wild.

Once I’ve rinsed myself, I step out of the shower. Unfortunately, there are no towels in the bathroom. “f**k!” I mumble beneath my breath as I search the cabinets but find nothing.

Seeing no other choice, I step out to search the room and nearly faint when I collide with Ewan. He must have also taken a shower because he’s wearing jeans, his chest is bare, and his hair is damp. In his hands, he’s holding a stack of folded towels.

“I…I thought you might need towels.” He mutters in a hoarse voice, his hooded eyes glued to my naked body. I don’t cover up immediately. I’m used to men looking at my naked body. And in this case, it bothers me even less because it’s Ewan.

“Thanks,” I murmur softly. Without blinking, I reach for a towel and begin to dry my hair. A flush covers Ewan’s cheeks, but he doesn’t look away. Instead, he peruses my naked body, his eyes heating as if he's memorizing every curve and swell. Biting my lip, I take the other towel from his hand and drop it down next to the other, which seems to snap him out of his daze.

“I…” He clears his throat. “…apologize. I didn’t mean to stare.”

It’s funny because he doesn’t sound the least bit sorry that he was staring at me. In fact, if his smolder is anything to go by, he’s aroused.

Moving closer, I roll my eyes with a shrug and caress my fingers across his chest. Ewan’s stomach contracts, but he doesn’t move away, which is a good sign. I can feel his heart beating wildly beneath his ribcage as his hands tighten into fists. I know that he wants to touch me. I can see it in his eyes.

“Do you think I’m beautiful?” I ask.

His ebony eyes burn with desire, and his lips tighten into a straight line. For a moment, I think he’s going to push me away. But once again, he surprises me when he crushes his lips against mine and molds his chest against my naked breasts. Sighing with pleasure, I wrap my arms around his waist, mold my hips against his zipper, and scrape the hard buds of my n*****s against his firm chest. Desire coils in my stomach, making my clit throb against his covered shaft. Groaning with pleasure, Ewan deepens the kiss and caresses his hands down my back until he reaches the mounds of my ass and squeezes and probes the firm skin. The sound of our heavy breathing resonates through the darkened room as we strive to get closer. I love the velvety feel of his tight muscles and luscious lips against mine.

“Touch me.” I mewl against his lips.

As if waking up from a dream, Ewan stiffens in my arms and pushes me away. I cry out when my back slams against the wall with a painful thud. “No, I can’t…you’re not Tamsyn!” Ewan gruffs out angrily.

My insides chill at the harshness of his words. Embarrassed, I reach for the towel and wrap it against my naked chest. I can’t believe this is happening. Swallowing hard, I stifle the tears of shame that threaten to fall from my eyes. He was imagining he was kissing Tamsyn instead of me. I’m such an i***t.

“You asshole,” I grit out in anger as I rush back to the bathroom, slip on my clothes, and gather my things before I stomp out the door. I’m nearly down the stairs when Ewan calls out. “Taryn, wait!”

But I don’t stop because if I do, I might do something rash. Before I reach the door, Ewan grips my forearm and turns me to face him. “Please, Candy Cane…stop. Listen, I’m so sorry. That was a cruel thing to say.”

Shaking my head, I swallow hard and give him my nastiest glare. “Then why did you say it?”

Ewan rubs his palms across his face and sighs. “I truly apologize. It wasn’t my intent for this to happen. Tamsyn was on my mind, and the rest occurred.”

Fury renders me speechless for a moment. I knew he was thinking it, but to hear him say it out loud only heightens my mortification further.

“You thought I was my sister, and you’re apologizing!” I grit out through clenched teeth. “For your information, Ewan─ I’m glad I’m not Tamsyn. And if you knew the real her, you’d be glad too. Goodbye.”

Giving him one last disappointed look, I rush out of the door and break into a run. I don’t slow down until I’m completely out of sight. Thankfully, Ewan doesn’t follow me. Of course, I didn’t expect him to. I’m such an i***t. How did a birthday that started out so well end up so horribly? I know that I shouldn’t be surprised considering what a s**t show my life has been. I was foolish to think that, for once, things would go my way. I mean, what were the odds that I’d run into Ewan after all of these years?

I guess it’s the universe’s way of telling me to be happy with what I have. Lesson learned