5

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 their meal, and they had lunch in her office. 

I wasn’t sorry for my behavior, even if I went a little too far. I disliked Magnus already, and the way he treated London, she deserved better, someone who would accept her from in and out, her flaws and imperfections, not someone like that dick.

She didn’t even wait for me to open the door. She climbed out of the car. 

“Let me.” I offered a hand to help her with the other bag and stock of magazines in her grasp, but she refused and scowled at me. 

I stepped back, giving her space. Once she was in her house, I parked the car and took my duffel.

I didn’t know if she knew my sleeping arrangement, but I assured her father that I would keep an eye on his daughter 24/7. Whether she agreed or not, I would still follow my employer. 

I entered the back exit of the house. Opposite was the surveillance room. Reed briefed me before he left with Linus. I dropped my duffel in Reed’s room, where I would stay for a few weeks, then went to the CCTV room. So far, no movements. 

After I loosened my tie, I removed my jacket and the holster and rolled the sleeves of my shirt above my elbow. 

I was about to dial Linden when I heard a soft knock. 

It was the helper in her late forties. “Mr. Cade, I brought you snacks.”

I took the tray from her. “Thank you.”

“Lena.”

“Thank you, Lena.”

“If you need anything, sir. I’ll be just across the house.”

“I’m good for now. How about Miss Vanderford? Is she having dinner?”

“She usually just asks for a sandwich, sir.”

“Thanks.”

I munched the sandwich as soon as she left. Halfway to finishing my snacks, the black sports car stopped in front of the main entrance. I drank the water and rose from my chair. I knew who the visitor was—the dick boyfriend.

He entered the house, and I was already crossing my arms over my chest. When he climbed upstairs, my jaw clenched harder it would crack any moment. 

I broke my gaze from the monitor and went outside the house to breathe. The lawn was neat and well-trimmed. The flowers were blooming. I didn’t even know London loved plants. Well, I guessed I did now. 

I walked outside for a while, familiarizing the ground and intruders’ possible entrance and exit. Even though the house had a top-notch security system, I couldn’t take her safety for granted, considering a bodyguard was with her when she was grabbed.

Three days in the hands of those motherfuckers traumatized her. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what she’d been through at that time. 

Even if her father paid a twenty-million dollar ransom, those fuckers just took the money and wanted another amount before they released London, and that was how we came in. 

Thankfully, they didn’t touch her. Although she was still wearing the same clothes, she was physically okay, but her emotional and psychological state was another story.

“I came here to apologize, London, and not make you angry.” That was Magnus. His voice began to rise. That guy had anger and insecurity issues.

“Then apology accepted. I told you we’re good.” London sounded irritated as she spoke back. 

“Then come with me. Let me make it up to you. I’m driving.”

“I told you I can’t come with you unless I have my bodyguard, but you already made it pretty clear that he can’t come with us.”

“Why does he have to be a part of our daily lives now?”

“Why are you so pissed at him?”

“He’s an asshole. He couldn’t keep his mouth shut. He’s just your driver—”

“And hired to protect me and drive me, Magnus. You’ve never been pissed at Reed before. Why are you so mad at Cade?”

“Honestly, I don’t trust him. He threatened me. Have you seen that look? Fire him, and I’ll find you another bodyguard.”

London laughed. They were still in arguments. Magnus must have been so pissed right now. I ran inside and climbed upstairs to be with London if he ever got physical. I lowered my pace when I reached the hallway.

“Are you kidding me right now? I can’t just fire him. I told you that. I don’t have a say in whoever is assigned to me because Dad chose him, and he’s temporary. Just have a little patience until Reed is back.”

“Then let me call your Dad and tell him your bodyguard was rude.”

“Is he, though?” Holy shit! I enjoyed this very much.

“Why are you defending him? Do you like him?”

London barked out, laughing. “That’s ridiculous. Do you think I didn’t try? I’m sorry if Dad trusts him. But I can’t do anything if he trusts Cade with my life. Just don’t provoke him anymore.”

I couldn’t help but smile. That’s my girl.

“I will not provoke him if he acts like a driver and not a lunatic as if his opinion matters.”

“When it comes to my safety, Magnus, I suggest you won’t question him. He’s good at what he does. And you just cursed right to my face.”

“I think that guy has feelings for you.”

London snorted. “Don’t twist it. He was doing his job.”

I grinned the entire time, eavesdropping on them. Well, he was not wrong on that part. 

“I hope so. Jesus, he’s just a driver.”

“Will you please stop it? It’s a decent job. It makes ends meet. Have some empathy.”

“Wow. I can’t believe you have so much respect for that asshole.”

I blew a deep breath, clenching and unclenching my fists. I couldn’t believe I was hearing this. And I couldn’t believe London had terrible taste in man.

“He saved my life.”

“It’s his job to protect you.”

“You don’t understand.”

“Maybe I don’t. Look, London. Either you fire him, or I am the one who leaves?” What the fuck?

I waited for her reply, but it didn’t come. I was wondering what had happened in the room. Was London jumping to choose him? Were they making out now?

Silence stretched to a minute. I walked away and found myself on the balcony, wondering how it had ended. Then I heard strong footsteps. It was definitely not London.

I watched the car drive out of the property a few moments later. So, she didn’t choose him. Did it mean they broke up? My mind went reeling. I somehow felt a relief in my chest. Was London going to cry and get herself drunk?

Who cared?

I was going to be there for her this time.

Then I found London in her mini-bar, pouring herself a red wine. How predictable?

“I guess you heard everything, huh? That’s why you are here.”

I slipped my hands into my pockets when her robe barely covered her negligee. It was supposed to be a fun night for them, but my appearance somehow caused them trouble.

“Not everything, but I knew enough that you two fought because of your nosy driver.” I watched her down the wine. “Easy.”

“I’m gonna be fine.”

“You have work tomorrow. You need a clear head.”

“You also wanna be my mommy?” She glared at me. “Join me. What’s your poison? Bourbon, neat?”

I shook my head. “I don’t drink.”

“Don’t drink at all? Or at work?”

“At work.”

She poured whiskey into the glass. “Well, newsflash, buddy. You’re off. And I promise to stay put.”

I sighed as I slid into the stool. “So, that’s it? He left, and you didn’t stop him?”

“If I meant something to him, he wouldn’t leave after apologizing. I mean, he just apologized, and he wanted me to choose between my boyfriend and my bodyguard. It doesn’t make any sense.”

“And if he meant to you, you could have answered him immediately.”

She met my gaze, this time longer and filled with pain and longing. Now I was confused. Was it for me or for that asshole?

I sipped the whiskey she poured for me but didn’t break eye contact until she did. 

She grabbed the glass and sipped it with chic. “Where have you been for the last two years? You said you wouldn’t leave me.” She placed the glass down, her gaze on the red wine. 

I considered it was the wine talking, but she didn’t look tipsy.

Then I realized something. She remembered everything I had said to her that night. 

“I hated myself that I held on to that.” Her voice was so low I could barely hear her words, cadence with regrets.

“I-I I didn’t.”

“Whatever.” She emptied her glass.

“Vanderford.”

“I don’t wanna hear it.”

“I’m sorry.”

She drew a deep breath and pressed her lips together before she drummed her fingers on the counter. “Very well then. Now I’m single. I need a beauty rest. Good night, Cade.”