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The Billionaire's Pawn 8
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
The Billionaire's Pawn 9
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
The Billionaire's Pawn 10
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
The Billionaire's Pawn 11
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?” “
The Billionaire's Pawn 12
LONDON I sat across Neke at the coffee shop. “It’s just been twenty-four hours, right?” Who was I trying to convince? Neke or myself? Reed was back as my bodyguard. He could be less chatty, so bored I could die to death, or lenient if he wanted to. “Tell me why you like Striker so much. I mean, I get it. He’s hot and all, but why, of all the hedge fund guys or billionaire boys club, what did you see in him?” “I first met him two years ago.” “Wait. Hold on.” Neke held my hand. “What do you mean you met him two years ago? What happened then?” “He was a member of the team that saved me.” “You’re kidding. How in the hell did I not know that?” “He got another assignment, I guess.” I looked down at my hands. “I know I’m sick in the head. I tried to forget him, I swear. But he’s like a plague in my brain. It wouldn’t just let me. I mean, I’m so tired of hoping and waiting, and then he’s gone again.” “Oh, baby girl.” She held my hand, squeezing it. “I couldn’t fathom what you’ve been
The Billionaire's Pawn 13
STRIKER “Dad, thank you for meeting me.” Dad looked at me, confused. “Of course, anything for my boy. Are you okay?” I slumped my ass onto the chair before his desk. “No.” “What’s wrong?” He froze. Suddenly, he looked distraught and broken. The last time I saw the look on his face was when I told him I had enlisted in the Marine Corps. At first, he refused and cried, but before I left, he finally came along and respected my decision to join the service, and it felt like it was the first time I broke his heart. “Dad, I’m fine.” I rubbed my temple. “I’m sorry.” He came around across mine. “You said you’re not okay. And you wouldn’t be here if it’s not important.” “I swear I’m fine. Not in trouble. May I ask something?” “Of course.” The crease between his eyebrows was still there. “Wait. Am I holding you up? Do you have a meeting to go to?” “I’ll cancel in my schedule if you need me, Striker. What’s going on?” “I need your advice.” “What was your question?” “I was wondering
The Billionaire's Pawn 14
LONDON “I feel like I’ve been called to the principal’s office for misbehavior. It makes me nervous, Dad.” I kissed Dad on his cheek. I always loved his home office. I had plenty of good memories, and so as in those difficult times. “Have a seat, London.” “Thanks.” I sat on my favorite sofa. Dad couldn’t just throw it away. He re-upholstered it because he knew the recliner meant a lot to me. During my darkest day, I slept in here while he was working. “How was your date with Striker?” My brow arched. “Date? It wasn’t a date. We just met with his friends and had some fast food. The burger is good, though. And why did you have to fire him? What happened was out of our control, and we didn’t—” “Save your strength. I don’t wanna hear about it, London. What’s done is done. I have given you everything and anything you’ve asked because I wanted you to be strong and proud of yourself. One day, I will step down as Chairman and president, and you will take that position.” “I hope not too
The Billionaire's Pawn 15
STRIKER London had not said a word other than crying in my arms. What had gotten into Linus’ head to put his only daughter into this tough and ridiculous situation? I had no doubt he loved London—she was his life, but he went too far. I’d seen how much that horrible incident affected him. And why on the green fucking earth he chose me of all the capable men in the world? He could have chosen someone with financial stability, an excellent moral compass, a good pedigree, and a place in society. I knew myself. I was nothing special. In fact, I didn’t deserve to be her husband. London deserved a good man who could give her the world, the attention, and the love she deserved. When her breathing became even, I slowly placed her down on the couch and covered her with the throw. This house was the first property I bought when the sperm donor’s money made lucrative profits from my investment. Since high school, I never spent a penny from his child support. I never thought of returnin
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