STRIKER
I woke up earlier as I tossed and turned in bed, probably the first night effect of being in a new place. Although this had been Dad’s home for decades, and I was here on his birthday and Christmas Eve.
I’d been staring in the mirror. My hands were still in my tie.
“Hey. You’re safe now.” The asset, London, was still hiccuping. Her fingers were digging into my gear, gripping me tightly, and I had no choice but to carry her. Despite my exhaustion, somehow, she eased it away.
Linden gave me a nod as he tried to contact someone on the phone, probably our client. While Kye was in the driver’s seat, Sax checked their ammo, and the others watched our six.
“Thank fuck,” Sax muttered as the hele came to view.
We reached the extraction point with a hammer.
“It’s gonna be okay. You’re gonna be okay,” I whispered to London. “You will be with your father in no time.”
“D-don’t leave me. I don’t wanna be alone.” That was the first time I heard her talk. Her voice was shaky and laced with fear but soft like butter.
I didn’t get too emotional while I was in the service. It was part of the training to be focused and leave the baggage behind, but I couldn’t help myself this time.
My heart warmed.
“I won’t. That’s a promise,” I said as I ran my fingers through her hair.
I ran my fingers through my hair again before leaving the walk-in closet. I grabbed my handgun from the drawer and slid it into the holster. Then I suddenly felt nervous, which never happened.
Drawing a deep breath, I climbed downstairs. Dad had an impressive 12-bedroom home on his 3-acre property.
“Look at my handsome boy!” he yelled from the main entrance.
I laughed. Tate Cade wasn’t just a fantastic dad—he was my best friend and was full of positivity in his fit body. He adopted me when he was just twenty-three. He said he knew I would be his son the moment he laid his eye on me.
“Dad.” I smiled as I wrapped my arms around him. Even though I was here on his birthday six months ago, I missed him, despite the fact that we constantly talked over the phone. It still felt different seeing him face to face.
“You’re really grown man now, son.”
I laughed again as we pulled away. “Seriously?”
His smile never faded. “You know what I mean.”
“What do you mean exactly?” I couldn’t help but smile.
“I’m glad you’re home.” He propped his hands on his waist and inspected me from head to toe.
“Did my suit meet your standard?”
“You look handsome even in your one-sie, son.”
“You’re my dad. You’ve been doing that to boost my confidence. Anyway, I’m moving to my house tomorrow.”
“Why?” His brows creased. “This house isn’t big enough for the two of us?”
“Dad, I’m twenty-seven. And I’d lived in my house for years before leaving Winterbourn.”
“Stay. This is your home, too, Striker. I don’t come home often, anyway, and if it makes you comfortable, I’ll stay at the penthouse.”
I shook my head. “No, Dad. I won’t let you do that.”
“You don’t have to, but I already made my decision.”
“This house is too big for me. Mine is okay.”
“Then go out on a date, fall in love, make babies, and settle down.”
I chuckled as I shook my head. “That’s a lot of pressure for someone not looking for a date. Let’s take it easy, okay?”
“I wanna take care of my grandchildren before I die.”
I raised my hand to surrender. “Okay. Don’t go there. How about you take care of your own.”
“I do take care of you.”
“I mean your boyfriend.” I shrugged off.
“I’ve been single for months.”
“What? I thought—”
“I’m single at this moment. End of the story.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I thought you and Tony were doing great. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m not sorry. Now let’s talk about you.” We walked out of the house. His driveway was massive. “Did you accept the offer?”
“I know you don’t want me to work in the firm again, but this is just temporary, Dad.”
“I know, Striker. Linus told me about the offer and asked me to convince you to help him.”
“So you and he also exchange recipes?” I lifted a brow.
“Your sarcasm doesn’t work on me. You need to get laid.”
“That’s riveting.” I went to my car, the Mercedes I would use for a few weeks. “Great advice.”
“Take care, and use your charm.”
“I love you, Dad. And It’s good to be back.” I paused and smiled before I entered the driver’s seat.
My phone rang before I drove off. It was Linden.
“Yeah?”
“Did you get the details?”
“Do I have to reply to your email, too?”
“You’re enjoying this too much, Cade.” Linden was the boss everyone could ask for. He was the coolest. Also the best friends anyone wanted.
“I love you, too, buddy.”
“Just take it easy.”
“Am I missing something here? Dad told me to use my charm, and now you just told me to take it easy.”
“Nothing like that.”
“I can do my job better if you just spill it on me. I can handle pressure, Linden.”
“You did great with Rome and Princess Royal, but this one is different.”
“Jeez. Thanks for the heads up, but I can take care of a little brat just right, brother.”
“Good. Good luck.”
Forty minutes later, I entered the gate to the house of my new employee. Technically, Linus was my employee, and she was just the subject that I would drive and protect and maybe ogle a little because she was just gorgeous and hot.
I exited the driver’s seat, and there you go—the Vanderford princess. I had to control my urge not to look like a dork teenager having a crush on the cheerleader and to keep my hands to myself.
London was just stunning. She wore a white corporate dress with a dark green coat over her shoulders and her black fuck-me-high-heels. Her full lips were the color of blood red, dug at my resolve. Wow. A part of me snapped.
“Ma’am.” I rushed to the backseat door.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Okay, I would pretend she didn’t know I would be her temporary driver because I could be working behind the desk while my five senses were dormant, and I still got paid without any risk.
A heartbeat passed between us before I spoke. “You’re gonna be late, ma’am.” I was still holding the door for her while her face contorted, her eyes glaring at me, filled with anger it was hard to draw.
“I’m calling Linden to assign a new driver for me.” She stomped her heels before she got in the backseat.
“Good idea,” I muttered just enough for her to hear before I shut the door close.
I went to the driver’s seat, latched my seatbelt, and drove off in a rush before she could change her mind climbing out of the car.
I stole a glance through the rearview. London was on her phone, probably going to call Linden. Her feminine, sweet, and alluring smell walloped me.
I stayed focused on the road and ignored my racing heartbeat.
“Why did you agree?”
“Ma’am?”
“Stop calling me ma’am.” She snapped.
“Miss Vanderford.”
“God, I hate you.” I’m still wondering why.
“How do you want me to call you then?”
“Just shut up.” I could feel she was vibrating with anger, flames reflecting in her eyes, but who cared? A part of occupational hazards.
“Why did you take the job?”
“I’m not as privileged as you, Miss Vanderford. When your father offered me a temporary job, I grabbed it. Nothing personal, ma’am.”
“Privilege, my ass. Of course, nothing personal. Why would it be?”
“What’s that—” I stopped. Don’t go there, Striker. “Your seatbelt, please?”
“I wish,” she muttered under her breath and went back to typing on her phone.
I drew a deep breath and focused on the task at hand—to drive her safely to work. But it was hard to concentrate when I could feel her gaze blazing with fire at me, and the space between us didn’t do much of a help.
There was a time I wished the situation was different about two years ago, but nothing had changed. She was still the moon and the stars.
“Why did you take the job? I need an honest answer, Cade?” So, she even knew my name.
“I answered that already, ma’am.”
“Fine. You’re fired.”
“Really?” I chuckled and looked at her through the rearview. And she was still glaring daggers at the back of my head and still looked hot as fuck. Jesus, how could she be so fucking breathtaking even when she was mad? “Your seatbelt, please?”
“Do you think you’re funny?”
“I’m not trying, but your father is writing my paycheck. He hired me, so you can’t fire me, princess.”
“Don’t call me that!” She just exploded. Her voice pierced my ears.
I hit the brake and stopped the car to a halt. I unlatched the seatbelt and turned to her. “I apologize if I triggered something, Miss Vanderford. It was not my intention. My mistake, okay? But bear with me. I will request my replacement if you can’t stand me until your work ends today.” It was a bluff. I took this job not only for her but for her father. “Just let me send you to your office. Would that be okay?”
“And leave again,” she answered me with what still puzzled me as she looked outside the window. ”That’s what you are good at.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing.”
LONDON I knew the moment I saw Striker Cade he would replace Reed. I was torn between talking to my father to hire another bodyguard, but at the same time, I wanted to see him. He didn’t even change for the last two years. He looked the same, so handsome, or even looked more striking in a suit. It worked for him perfectly. My stupidity got the best of me—my infatuation with him. Who could I fool with? It was more than just a crush. It was foolish to feel something for someone who didn’t look at me the way I looked at him in the first place—who wasn’t around and had no idea about my feelings. I guessed I was emotionally disturbed and mentally deranged. I’m damaged goods. Last night, I chose to stay at home rather than have dinner with Magnus because I couldn’t get the thought out of my head that Striker could be the replacement. I knew Dad was right about Magnus was not the right one and not good enough for me, but he was there, and that was what I wanted at that moment. For t
STRIKER London ignored me the entire ride. I couldn’t blame her. I mean, that asshole was disrespecting her and minding the food she wanted to eat. But I let my emotion get the best of me. And this was what scared me. On the first day, I was already screwing my job. London was perfect. She was hot. He could be supportive of his girlfriend’s goal, but instead, he wanted to control her. I was not against size 0 if that was the body size they wanted. But women, men, and other gender had the right to choose the body they like to look beautiful and confident in any size. What was wrong with people these days setting beauty standards according to what satisfied their ego by letting those women starve just to fit into society? I was not against anything. I myself maintained a healthy lifestyle. I ate healthily. I maintained fit. I jogged, ran, and went to the gym regularly, but not to gain likes or impress everyone. I did it for myself. Since their lunch was disrupted, Neke ordered t
LONDON I woke up with a hammering headache. The event of last night came crashing through me like a wave. I had no regrets about my behavior, though. Heat radiated through my chest at the thought of being single again. I didn’t know I needed that bad to be out of a relationship that I’d wasted the six months of my life investing in it. For what? Sex? Attention? To be relevant? I didn’t even know I was that desperate. It became clear that I didn’t need a man or a relationship to have a better life. Besides, I’d never depended my life on any man. So, why now? I rose and searched for a painkiller bottle in the medicine cabinet. Then my pills caught my attention. I refused to take it despite sometimes having nightmares and terrible falling asleep. I still chose to drink tea, which helped somehow. I took a caplet of painkillers. After I took a shower, I wore my working clothes and put my sunglasses on before heading down, where I knew Striker would be waiting for me. My face warme
STRIKER Days went by smoothly until the weekend. London and I were still strangers. She seemed guarded all the time, and I also kept my distance. Considering we lived under the same roof, I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t cross the line again. I couldn’t afford to break her trust. “I thought we were going as friends.” I turned to look at her, going to the non-existence backseat door. “Sorry.” She pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh. “I opened the door, Vanderford.” “Sorry, okay. I didn’t also realize it doesn’t have a backseat door.” She climbed in, and I shut the door before her. She was fastening her seatbelt when I got into the driver’s seat when she said, “I like your car.” “Really?” “Yeah. It’s classic. Where did you get this?” I was glad she appreciated the classics. I loved my Aston Martin DB4. I wouldn’t change it with anything. “Dad’s gift on my 25th birthday.” “Are you a Bond fan?” “Not really, but we happened to go to a car show in the UK, and I did
LONDONThere was just something about Striker Cade when he smiled. He lit up the entire place. He was like the moon, those stars in the night. When he entered my home office, just like that, he shone the brightest. He was just full of life.“Are you going out tonight, Vanderford?”“Going somewhere, Cade?”“No, ma’am.” He instantly lifted his gaze, meeting mine. “Sorry.”“Take a seat.”“Thank you.” He did sit on the couch. “I just wanna ask your honest opinion.”“Sure. Are you sure I’m the right person you should be asking for an opinion?”“I don’t know. You’re a guy.”“The last time I checked, yes, ma’am.” There was a hint of wickedness in his words. Was he flirting with me?I gave him the iPad. “Check these designs. Choose at least three of which you think are good.”“Designs? Clothing design? You’re asking my opinion?” His eyes widened, surprised and amused.“Just check those damn things, Cade.”He tried hard to hide his smile, arching a brow at me.“Fine. Give it back.” I urged h
STRIKER Someone roofied us. My worse nightmare just came true. That was why I didn’t sit and dine with my client and never let my guard down. I stayed focused because my client’s life depended on how I could handle a situation like this. And I should have followed my gut. There was something different in the taste of that wine that was off until it was too late. It was spiked. I could still taste it on my tongue. It instantly affected London before I realized it, and so did I. And all I could do now was pull her into me, protecting her from the worst possible scenario that arose. God forbid if something happened to her on my watch. I couldn’t forgive myself. My mind was awake, but my body fell weak first. When my call didn’t come through, I quickly typed SOS to the group, and I wasn’t sure if I had hit the send button. And now my job was over. I screwed it up—big time. And worse, London could be in danger because I let my desire get the best of me. *** I had never fel
STRIKER I met with the big guys at the office door. One opened the door for me, and the other just shot me a bored look. I drew a deep breath before I walked in and came face to face with my tormentor. Linus was there standing and patiently waiting for me. Then my gaze fell on my gun on his desk. Hence it was not in his daughter’s bedroom. I shook my head. I honestly didn’t know what to say. An apology wouldn’t suffice for what I did. And I felt utterly ashamed of my behavior. “No one, let alone my employee, had ever betrayed me. Who, I trusted him with my daughter’s life. I trusted you before. You gave me my daughter back, unharmed. And then this is how you repay my gratitude by sleeping with my daughter? You took advantage of her vulnerability and her fondness for you?” Fondness? Interesting choice of words. “I want you gone and never step in this house or my properties again. You will receive the full payment for your service, Mr. Cade.” He turned around. “Get your gun and get
STRIKER When the door squeaked, I felt it was her. Her presence just made the room too small for us. “You’re leaving again.” “I’m not.” I couldn’t even look her in the eye. I was guilty of abandoning her years ago. It was still my fault that her mind and emotions were so volatile and fragile at that time, and it felt like I took advantage of it and didn’t think of the consequences. When all I wanted at that moment was to reassure her that she would be okay, what I was doing was wrong. I got it now. “Dad fired you.” “It’s alright.” I put my gun in the duffel. “Yet, you can’t even look at me.” I couldn’t stand it anymore when she sounded so disappointed like that. I dropped what I was doing and stood up to meet her in the eye. “I will take the job offer permanently at the Cade premium. Desk job might suit me.” “But?” “No buts.” “Dad warned you, didn’t he?” “I’ll sort things out.” “You told me we would talk after you talked with Dad. What did he exactly say to you, Cade?” “