《The Billionaire鈥檚 Pawn》


 Chapter 1

    STRIKER


    Inded this morning from Winterbourn after two years working for a good friend, Rome Langston. Then I woke up from a nap to the ck sedan waiting for me.


    I wasn¡¯t expecting anything when I arrived at the Vanderford estate, but what shocked me was how someone weed me with that stone stare of hatred that had me wondering for a second. You could have begun with, are you here for my father? That sort of thing.


    Sometimes, life was really shit. When you expect too much, you get less. When you were not Messi, who took home the FIFA World Cup Champion, or Ronaldo, who just became the world¡¯s most expensive athlete, nobody gave a shit about you.


    For instance, London Vanderford- the heiress to the Vanderford Group. I mean, who am I? That was the first thing that came to my mind. She probably didn¡¯t remember me. Thest time we met was two years ago. Things have changed a lot since then.


    My smile instantly faded as I met the coldest hazel eyes I¡¯d ever seen. I knew there were gray flecks in there-I¡¯d seen them up close. Right now, they looked like they could freeze hell and anything they fixated on-it was unweing and unsettling as she nted daggers at me, delivering an icy chill down my spine.


    I shouldn¡¯t be thinking something carnal, but she looked hotter, though, and the pictures she posted on her Instagram for her twelve million followers didn¡¯t do any justice.


    Despite the chill in my whole body, my posture remained strong. I thought she recognized me for a moment, but I could be wrong. It had been years. Thest time we met, she was terrified, shaking, and crying as she clung to me. And I was paid to be there to save her. Other than that, I was a stranger to her.


    ¡°Sir Linus will be here shortly,¡± said the old man¡¯s butler, Walton, interrupting my little musing.


    I nodded as I watched the only daughter and heiress to the billion-dor world¡¯srgest luxury brand and Vanderford Group as she descended the grand stairs.


    My chest felt like it had been set on fire as the Vanderford princess passed by. Her high heels echoed in the entire mansion, and I stood there as I rooted in ce. I guessed my presence didn¡¯t hold the same effect on her.


    I wasn¡¯t humiliated that she didn¡¯t give a damn that I was there. I knew where I stood. We were opposites in many ways. She was the sky, and I was the ground. She was the beauty, and I was the beast.


    London was gorgeous. Yeah, sure, I had the looks, thanks to my bastard sperm donor, but she wore more than my monthly ie. That was how significant our differences were. And she was dating that asshole-what was his name? Magnum? Marcus? Maximus? Okay, I shouldn¡¯t go there. I meant I was here to meet her father. That was all.


    When the echo passed, I turned around. That was it. And the princess left. She entered the car waiting for her, and her driver and bodyguard, Ezekial Reed shut the door closed.


    I¡¯d met royals and shook their hands. I had billionaire friends, so meeting privileged kids wasn¡¯t new to me, but I just had an eye on the forbidden fruit, and it would be just an elusive dream.


    ¡°You met London?¡± I recognized Linus¡¯s voice. Deep and husky.


    I faced him and offered my hand, but he pulled me into a hug instead.


    ¡°Wee back, son.¡± He patted my back.


    ¡°Thank you, sir. Good to be back.¡± Despite how disappointed I was with myself, a small smile appeared on my lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m assuming this is permanent.¡± He ushered me to the massive hallway, to the back door.


    I sighed. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°My guess Rome Langston was not happy with your decision.¡±


    ¡°Our agreement was a year contract, just for him to get acquainted with the country. I couldn¡¯t say no when he and the princess asked me for another.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d that you are here, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Me too, sir.¡±


    ¡°Your father must be thrilled.¡± He sat on thewn chair, and I took a seat across from him.


    A ssic bourbon bottle, rock sses, and a set-up chess board were on the table.


    I was assuming he meant my adopted. ¡°Dad is still on a business trip. You are the first person I have met since Inded. Well, if I don¡¯t consider Walton and your daughter.¡±


    He eyed me for a second before he spoke. ¡°London has changed a lot.¡± He shifted gears and paused with a deep sigh. Sorrow suddenly appeared in his hazel eyes. ¡°Since that incident.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. She¡¯d seen therapists since I couldn¡¯t make her open up. And her rtionship with Magnus doesn¡¯t help her either. I don¡¯t know what to do, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, sir. I am thest person you wanna ask for an opinion. I¡¯m truly sorry to hear that she¡¯s been struggling to cope.¡± I was still struggling to understand why she looked at me that way. What did I do wrong? And what was I doing here? ¡°Maybe she needs to be with the people she trusts, like you. Maybe she needs a break-a long vacation away from stress, visit ces that y significant roles in her life.¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want to be here. This is where she grew up, and she kept telling me that it¡¯s absurd for a grown woman to stay with her dad.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right.¡± I chuckled as I looked at the vastwn.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t talk to you, did she?¡±


    I moved the white pawn as I couldn¡¯t meet his gaze. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Not even a hi?¡± His brows slightly creased as he took the bottle of fine bourbon and poured us shots.


    I grabbed the ss he offered, even if I didn¡¯t drink at this time. ¡°I think she doesn¡¯t remember me. I mean, it happened so fast. I was wearing gear and mask-¡±


    ¡°She remembers you and knows you, Striker.¡± He made a move with his chess piece.


    ¡°Oh.¡± I stared at him for a moment. Then why she seemed to hate me? I sipped the amber liquid, ignoring the twist in my stomach.


    ¡°She asked me to look for you, but you left for Triberis Capria the next morning.¡±


    ¡°What did she ask me for?¡± I traded carefully.


    ¡°I think you were the only person she trusted at that time.¡± And I was gone. I felt sad, terribly sad, and guilty.


    My chest ached. If she could have asked for me earlier that day, I could have paid her a visit. And then what?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. A job was waiting, and I couldn¡¯t turn it down.¡±


    Linus shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡±


    ¡°May I ask how you know my arrival?¡±


    ¡°I asked Linden a favor and your father, but Tate doesn¡¯t know the exact date when you¡¯re back. Linden called me yesterday to say you¡¯re arriving in the morning.¡±


    ¡°This must be crucial. What can I do for you, sir?¡± I moved my knight. He had already captured three of my pawns, and I got two of his pieces.


    ¡°You¡¯ve greatly helped my family, and I owed you.¡±


    ¡°Sir, you don¡¯t owe me anything. I was just doing my job.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you were, but you kept your promise. And I wanna ask for another favor.¡±


    ¡°Anything.¡± I swallowed hard. I wished God that I would not babysit his daughter, who hated my guts.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking Reed to the Middle East since he speaks Arabic.¡±Shit. I knew where it was headed, and I had a feeling I would not like it. ¡°I¡¯d be out of the country for a few weeks.¡±


    I wanted tough my ass off at him. He could hire an entire firm. Hell, he could buy an entire security firm. So why me? And why now?


    ¡°Let me guess. I¡¯ll be the temporary recement.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and there¡¯s more.¡± Of course, there was.


    I captured his pawn, which he could have captured mine earlier with his Bishop, but either he didn¡¯t notice it, or he was waiting for me to make a wrong move.


    I leaned back. ¡°Oh, boy.¡±


    Linus chuckled. ¡°I want you to look after her.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s part of the job, sir, but that¡¯s not what you meant, is it?¡±


    ¡°I want you to be with her 24/7-¡±


    ¡°You want me to spy on your own daughter, too? You don¡¯t trust her or the people around her?¡± I narrowed my eyes at him.


    ¡°I trust her. She knows that.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± I raised a hand. ¡°Is she in sort of trouble? Does she have some threat in her life? Do you need extra security?¡±


    ¡°No. My head security is confident that we are safe.¡±


    I blew a breath as I felt like I was losing a game. ¡°You want to use me to get into your daughter.¡±


    ¡°If you have a daughter, you will feel what it is like to be a father who wants nothing but to see his daughter happy. I want her to live her life, and I don¡¯t see it happening soon. She has everything this life can offer, but something is missing. I don¡¯t see the sparks in her eyes anymore, son. And she¡¯s holding back.¡±


    ¡°It takes time to heal. And do you think I can help?¡±


    ¡°I do. Do everything in your power, and I will do everything to pay you back.¡±


    I looked at him intently. I opened my mouth to say something but had to shut it back.


    Linus must have seen something in my eyes-that he was putting me in a challenging position and that I might have to gamble something I had not done in a long time.


    ¡°Please, think about my offer?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not an offer, Mr. Vanderford.¡± I rose from the chair. ¡°You made your decision, and you¡¯re not giving me a choice here.¡±


    ¡°One hundred thousand for two weeks. Would that be enough?¡± I would dly ept it if it didn¡¯te from him. I meant, who in the fuck would offer me that kind of money? He was extremely wealthy, yes. My dad had money, too, not as much as Linus had, but it was an insult to me.


    I drew a deep breath since my blood started boiling.


    ¡°I¡¯m offering you because I trust you, and you are like my son. Don¡¯t take it as an insult, Striker. Of course, you have a choice. You can still say no.¡±


    ¡°What if she says no?¡± I let him win. He was not only winning in chess but also in this argument.


    He captured my King. ¡°Checkmate. I already discussed it with her but didn¡¯t tell her who will rece Reed.¡±


    ¡°My guess, she figured out the moment she saw me. Hence the re.¡±


    His smile didn¡¯t meet his eyes as he stood up. ¡°Please, think about it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need that money. I¡¯m still an employee of the firm. Linden will take care of my sry.¡±


    ¡°Does it mean you epted my offer?¡±


    ¡°You know when I do.¡± I offered my hand. And here I was, ready to gamble my heart to save thedy in distress.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He shook my hand. ¡°Thank you, Striker.¡±


    I left the mansion with a smile on my face. I should be terrified because I knew I would definitely break a lot of rules, I could feel it, but it would be the first time. So this would be fun.

 Chapter 2

    LONDON


    ¡°Why am I here, Dad?¡± I stomped my heels into the study and followed him to his desk. ¡°A call would do.¡±


    He ignored my little outburst as he sat calmly at his desk. ¡°You did not miss your father, London?¡±


    ¡°We had dinnerst week.¡± I rolled my eyes. I was supposed to have a sit-down meeting with my designers, but here I was in the middle of the day.


    ¡°And we were supposed to have lunchst Wednesday.¡±


    ¡°Dad, I told you I made a promise with Magnus.¡± Dad didn¡¯t like Magnus. He said he wasn¡¯t good enough for me. Every father probably had the same thought as him. He might as well ask his friend Linden to do a full background check on my boyfriend.


    I couldn¡¯t me him, though-all he wanted was the best for me. But it was not that I was asking for his approval for any men I wanted to go out with.


    His face soured instantly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say what you¡¯re about to say. You don¡¯t like him, and I got it the first time. Why am I here? And I miss you. Happy?¡±


    ¡°Are you?¡± His question almost caught me off guard. I knew it was more than that.


    I drew a steady breath like how my therapist used to tell me. ¡°I am, Dad. I promise I¡¯m getting there.¡±


    ¡°What do you want in your life, my baby girl?¡±


    ¡°I have everything, Dad. When you¡¯re happy, I am happy.¡± I pushed out the smile-the beautiful smile I could muster.


    ¡°You need a man who loves you unconditionally.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you love me unconditionally?¡± I joked, shaking off the tension in my lower belly, though I knew exactly what he meant.


    My rtionship with Magnus was not something I invested insting forever. Call me callous or shallow, but there were many things Magnus and I didn¡¯t get along. I couldn¡¯t say I fell for him during that six months rtionship. Something was still holding me back. When he asked me to move in with him, I said I was not ready, and he didn¡¯t ask why. He didn¡¯t even insist.


    ¡°Honey-¡±


    I looked away, outside the window. ¡°I¡¯m trying.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wasting your time in a rtionship that you are just using as your excuse. It won¡¯t make you feel better. When he asked you to move in with him, I knew why you didn¡¯t say yes. You don¡¯t trust himpletely.¡±


    I faced him. ¡°I trust him, Dad.¡±


    ¡°No, honey.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Have you told him what happened?¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± I picked up my phone when it rang. It was Neke, my assistant and my best friend. I rejected her call and sent her a quick message instead. I sat on the chair next to Dad. It seemed that I would be here in a while. ¡°You don¡¯t have anywhere to go?¡±


    ¡°Next week. I¡¯ll take Reed with me overseas for a few weeks.¡±


    I met my dad in the eye. ¡°Why? Those two goons you have are not enough? What about me?¡±


    ¡°Reed speaks fournguages. I will assign someone that I know you can trust.¡±


    I wrapped my arms around myself as a sudden terrifying memory rushed into my head, chills creeping under my skin.


    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be okay.¡± I felt Dad¡¯s hand squeezing my shoulder.


    ¡°I feel like I can trust Reed with my life. He¡¯s a good and reliable bodyguard.¡± I squeezed Dad¡¯s hand on my shoulder.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°So, what are you gonna do for weeks, Dad?¡±


    ¡°Meet some important people. Visit the new headquarters in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Your LH will expand too. So, how was your visit to the warehouse?¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I smiled. ¡°Really, Dad? Since when you¡¯re suddenly interested to know about my work?¡±


    ¡°I just want you to talk to me like we talked before.¡± I saw those pain again. I knew many things had changed over the past two years, but life changed, and nothing was constant.


    I changed.


    My rescue was broadcast all over national tv. It was humiliating and terrifying, and some med my father and me forcking privacy, for having a lot of money, and for publicly showing off what I had on social media.


    I almost died. I was traumatized. And that was what I got. People judged you for a tiny glimpse of the life they saw, and it was brutal, unfiltered, painful, and disturbing.


    ¡°We talked, Dad. Maybe because we both were busy, or maybe it¡¯s personal growth, but we¡¯re good. Our rtionship is good, and that¡¯s all that matters. I will make it up to you after your trip.¡± I rose from my seat and wrapped my arms around him. ¡°Please, take care of yourself.¡±


    ¡°You too, London. Call me every day.¡±


    Iughed softly. ¡°You are probably riding a camel or yachting. But, sure. I¡¯ll leave you messages.¡±


    My phone vibrated. I didn¡¯t have to check who it was. It was either Magnus or Neke. But that was ny-nine percent Neke.


    ¡°Who¡¯s my driver, Dad?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still asking for a favor. I wanna make sure I can trust him.¡±


    My mind went reeling, but I was sure Dad would take care of it. Considering what happened two years ago, he wanted the best man to protect me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Linden has a rmendation.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Of course.¡± I still felt sad. I didn¡¯t know why I felt so distraught. I mean, I didn¡¯t know that man personally. All I got was his name, but he did save my life even though he was paid for it.


    Everything was still fresh to me.


    His cologne hit my nose, and those cobalt-blue eyes stared at me as he asked if I was okay.


    ¡°London, are you okay? Look at me and nod if you can hear me.¡± His voice was deep, heavy with worry.


    I was in a state of horror and stunned as I met the man who had saved my life. He was cupping my face with his big hands as he looked right into my eyes, full of hope, begging me to trust him.


    I nodded shakily. I couldn¡¯t form a word. My sight turned blurry as tears poured down my cheeks.


    ¡°Sweetheart, it¡¯s gonna be okay. I won¡¯t leave by your side. I promise.¡± Somehow his words sunk into my head, and I held into them.


    And I held into that a little too much. Before I could even say thank you, he was gone. I never saw him again. And I still couldn¡¯t forget that look up to this date.


    And I hated myself. I hated that I trusted him.


    I was done with hopes-with hoping he¡¯d be there for me.


    It was stupid.


    I sighed deeply. I wasn¡¯t aware that Dad was watching me until I looked at him.


    ¡°If you want him to be your temporary bodyguard, I will make it happen.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need him. Someone is more capable than him.¡± I snorted.


    ¡°London.¡± I heard that warning before.


    ¡°Honestly, Dad. He could probably be on some tropical ind with his girlfriend or happily married and over of saving people. Who knows?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you a little bit curious to know more about him?¡±


    ¡°No. Not even a bit.¡± It was aplete lie. I was lost, feeling abandoned. I felt dependent in that short vulnerable moment, as if I had turned my life over to him. I gave all my trust, and he didn¡¯t even blink an eye or even say goodbye before he left. ¡°I wish him a good life.¡±


    ¡°He was-¡±


    ¡°Dad, please?¡± I raised my hand. ¡°He did his job, sent me home to you safe and sound. That¡¯s all. And why are we even talking about what happened years ago?¡±


    ¡°Because every time I mentioned Linden, I saw the minuscule hope in your eyes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    ¡°If it makes you find closure, I will find him.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± My chest constricted tightly. ¡°I thanked him once and moved on. I don¡¯t owe him anything.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true, London.¡±


    ¡°Dad, please. As I said, I wish him the best.¡± I picked up my bag and went to Dad to kiss him on the cheek. ¡°Enjoy your trip. I love you.¡±


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    I felt transference for my savior if there was a Stockholm syndrome for captors. I always dreamed of meeting him someday. And it was stupid to on to that foolishness.


    I went up for a while and used my bathroom. Before I shut the door behind me, I drew a long deep breath, basking in the silence.


    The hair at the back of my neck suddenly raised like someone was watching me that had stopped me dead in my tracks. My whole body shivered. My heartbeat echoed in my ear. It never happened in a long time. I became hyperconscious, but this time in a good way.


    I took my first step down the grand staircase and felt someone¡¯s presence. And then it went all slow-mo as I found him as if waiting for me to catch his hand, like the scene in Titanic where Rose was meeting Jack. As stupid as it may sound, I was beyond eager.


    But this is impossible.


    Ultimately, the universe had an ill sense of humor because this was a sick joke. Or my mind was ying tricks on me.


    Like every time I had nightmares, he wasn¡¯t there for me-it was just me, alone, coping with the horrible experience. To my surprise, I also saw the excitement in his eyes, a small smile curved on his full lips, those cobalt-blue eyes-the very same warmed eyes I had seen two years ago.


    But he left.


    I went to continue my cold-hearted mode, ignoring my pulse elerated as I broke my gaze.


    Even though the closer I got to him, the more I was sure he was here-the same stance, the face, and he even looked more attractive in his taper haircut, clean shave, and that sharp, strong jaw as if he used to clench it. And he looked hotter in his simple button-down white shirt and dark pants.


    My knees almost gave in as I passed by him. And I was instantly hit by the manly scent of him. And now all I could hear was my high heels, and my heart plummeted for him.


    I squeezed my eyes shut and let go of the breath I had held for so long as I reached the car waiting for me. I took a few deep breaths. After all these years, I realized my heart still beat for him.


    Damn him.


    Damn you, Striker Cade.

 Chapter 3

    STRIKER


    I woke up earlier as I tossed and turned in bed, probably the first night effect of being in a new ce. 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 huping. 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 andced 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.


    Iughed. 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 heid 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.¡±


    Iughed 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 d 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¡¯te home often, anyway, and if it makes youfortable, 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 ept 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 getid.¡±


    ¡°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.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°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 minutester, 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 ck 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 bete, ma¡¯am.¡± I was still holding the door for her while her face contorted, her eyes ring 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,tched my seatbelt, and drove off in a rush before she could change her mind climbing out of the car.


    I stole a nce 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, mes reflecting in her eyes, but who cared? A part of upational 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 zing 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 ring 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 utched 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 recement 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.¡±

 Chapter 4

    LONDON


    I knew the moment I saw Striker Cade he would rece 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 thest 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 ce-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 recement.


    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 two years, I tried hard to forget about Striker Cade, but I was still obsessed with the fact that one day, I would still see him, even if I hated myself for keeping that hope up.


    Now that he was in front of me, he was still out of my grasp. For God¡¯s sake, I had a boyfriend, and Striker Cade was my driver and bodyguard. How would the people react to my insanity? They already called me a privileged bitch.


    Of all the people, why him? What was in him that I couldn¡¯t find in Magnus? Or in the other guys? Is it some Knight in shining armor syndrome?


    I shook that thought away.


    Ignoring him opening the door for me, I passed by him as I entered the lobby of the Vanderford Tower. Security went to him to do his job.


    ¡°He¡¯s with me. Give him visitor¡¯s ID temporarily while I settle his keycard.¡±


    ¡°No problem, ma¡¯am. Thank you.¡±


    Striker took and pinned the ID on his well-tailored dark suit. If I was being honest, he looked too good in it than the people working in this building. He could pass as an actor or a model. I wondered what made him choose that job so dangerous.


    I punched my card into the private elevator. When it slid open, he allowed me to enter first before he followed.


    ¡°I¡¯m already safe here. You don¡¯t have toe with me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my job-¡±


    ¡°If you call me ma¡¯am one more time, I swear to God, I¡¯m gonna knee you in your balls.¡±


    He didn¡¯t react to my threat. He knew it was probably empty. ¡°Dully noted, Miss Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°You know, Reed calls me London. Oh, of course, you don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Noted.¡±


    I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be out of your hair once you enter your office. I have to familiarize the floor n of your office, Vanderford.¡±


    My brow arched. Vanderford, huh?


    I went straight to my office.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Reed?¡± Neke met me halfway, eyeing my new bodyguard.


    ¡°Dad took Reed with him.¡± Neke had no idea who Striker was, that he was one of those guys who saved my life. She didn¡¯t have to know all the details, even though I trusted her with my life. ¡°So I¡¯m stuck with the new guy.¡±


    ¡°Well, he looks so-¡± she didn¡¯t finish her words when she noticed me ring at her. ¡°Tall and straight.¡±


    ¡°Give him full ess.¡± I dropped my bag onto the desk.


    ¡°Got it. And your meeting with the designers for the spring is in an hour.¡±


    ¡°When I¡¯m gonna visit the warehouse?¡±


    ¡°If you finish early today, we can go after. That if you don¡¯t have dinner with Mr. Tucker.¡±


    I sighed as I leaned against my chair. ¡°I canceled our dinnerst night.¡±


    ¡°You can tell him you are still busy since the new collection is fast approaching.¡±


    I eyed her suspiciously. ¡°Why are you helping me?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m a good assistant and a good friend.¡± Neke was already my friend before things fell apart. She was the only person who never left me. She was also the first person I approached when I started this clothing line. I wanted to give her a good position, but she chose to stay by my side. I realized there were still many things to be grateful for.


    ¡°Do you know something I don¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go there, London.¡±


    ¡°I want you to be honest with me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m always honest with you. You know that?¡±


    ¡°But?¡±


    She shook his head. I always loved her curly hair. It suited her round face and dark skin. She looked fantastic. ¡°No buts. Anyway, do your thing. Just let me settle the ess card of your new hot driver.¡±


    My eyes narrowed at her, but she just giggled before leaving my office.


    I tried dialing Dad, but his number was out of reach. I focused on work instead. I grabbed my iPad and started sketching my new design. I had designers, but I also drew and shared my creations with them.


    After an hour, I was sitting in front of the designs for our spring collection.


    ¡°We¡¯re running out of time.¡± We had setbacks since I chose to use recyble fabrics this year.


    ¡°We¡¯re gonna make it. We have our winter collection ready. We can make it possible,¡± my head of designs said. His words always gave me hope and encouraged me to work hard.


    Everyone on my team knew I wasn¡¯t just a privileged, spoiled brat kid, but I worked hard to get where my clothing line was today.


    I still had the magazine of our winter campaign in my hand, and it was fabulous. I rose from my chair and put the magazine down. I started scanning through the designs on the rack. I scrolled over the copies two days ago. In my opinion, I still prefer to see them in pieces than in drawings.


    I grabbed them one by one, which caught my attention. ¡°I love these colors. So vibrant, lively, exudes sexiness and femininity and pride.¡±


    I went to the male collections. They were amazing. I stood before the sets of collections in the racks in awe. They were so colorful, making me prouder that these pieces were created with love.


    ¡°Wow.¡± My hands went over my mouth. They all apuded. ¡°You guys are amazing.¡± I joined them, celebrating our sess. ¡°These are amazing.¡±


    They thanked me with a smile on their faces.


    ¡°No. Thank you. As always, you impressed me. Thank you.¡±


    I went to my office only to stop to the voice of Nekeughing on her desk.


    ¡°So you like my outfit?¡± it was Striker who asked.


    ¡°Are you kidding me? You look like you just came out from a Tom Ford runway show. You know we have free clothes here, suits that you can wear. Once you¡¯re done, you can return them anytime.¡±


    ¡°Am I getting paid to wear those?¡±


    Nekeughed again. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Huh. Free campaign and ads.¡± Striker sounded amused, and he was actually smiling at Neke.


    ¡°And free clothes,¡± Neke added.


    ¡°Well, if I attend a party, I¡¯ll make sure to give you a call.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± I said shortly.


    ¡°Vanderford,¡± he addressed me.


    ¡°You¡¯re back. How¡¯s the meeting?¡± Neke asked.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°Magnus just called,¡± she said, but her eyes were pinned on Striker.


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯sing over and taking you to lunch. I freed your schedule. You¡¯re wee.¡±


    Striker cleared his throat. ¡°Nice chatting with you, Neke.¡± He then turned to me. ¡°Vanderford.¡±


    Before he could turn on his heels, I called him. ¡°In my office.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯ve met my assistant.¡± My tone came out harsh, making me inwardly cringe. I dropped the things I¡¯d been carrying on my desk.


    ¡°She seemed reliable, friendly, and honest.¡±


    ¡°You figured that out in one meeting?¡± I asked out of curiosity.


    ¡°Her actions were genuine. She looked me in the eye. My guess is she¡¯s more than just your assistant.¡±


    ¡°Did you find that out on her Instagram?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Striker had a great posture, probably from his training, but he also looked authoritative and assertive, as if he meant tomand. I wondered if he was bossy in bed. God, I should stop this obsession-this wasn¡¯t healthy anymore. ¡°She¡¯s your friend. You trust her.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I admitted. ¡°She never left my side when everything fell apart. I can rely on her and trust her with my life.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Before I could reply, the door swung open. Magnus entered with a huge grin on his face. ¡°Babe.¡±


    ¡°Hi.¡± I smiled and went to him to kiss him on the cheek.


    ¡°Ready?¡±


    ¡°Ready?¡±Yeah, for lunch. Crap.


    Striker was about to leave the office, but Magnus had to know that I had a new bodyguard.


    ¡°Magnus, my new driver, Striker Cade. Cade, this is my boyfriend, Magnus.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Tucker.¡± Striker held his hand out for a handshake.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± He barely looked at Striker.


    One thing I disliked about him was he didn¡¯t give a crap about the people who worked for me. If I didn¡¯t introduce Neke as my best friend, he would have treated her like crap. But when it came to my father, he treated him differently, like a king, like a god.


    Striker pulled his hand back, his jaw clenching. His mood changed. He wasn¡¯t embarrassed, though. It was something else.


    I took my bag before I grabbed the hand Magnus offered. Striker walked past us to the main elevator. I guessed he knew the drill.


    He let us enter first before he joined and punched the lobby button.


    ¡°So, you¡¯reing with me tonight?¡± Magnus started. I guessed I had to say yes. I had no more excuses. And for thest two months, we barely slept together.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°Where are you taking me for lunch? I¡¯d love some Gnhi.¡± I¡¯d been fasting intermittently for thest four months and lost a few pounds.


    ¡°No, babe.¡±


    I pulled my hand from his grasp.


    ¡°You¡¯ll gain weight. You can have some sds. Then a red wine for tonight at my apartment.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the purpose of intermittent. I can eat whatever I want if I¡¯m not fasting.¡±


    ¡°I think she looks great in any shape.¡± I gasped at Striker¡¯s words before us.


    Magnus snorted. ¡°What do you know about body shape, driver?¡±


    ¡°Magnus,¡± I warned him.


    ¡°What?¡± He turned to me. ¡°Where¡¯s Reed? What is this punk doing here?¡±


    I rolled my eyes and sighed. ¡°He¡¯s not a punk.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re defending him after what he just did. Isn¡¯t he supposed to drive you safe and mind his fucking business?¡±


    ¡°Watch your words, Mr. Tucker.¡± Striker tried his best to calm his tone, but his harsh words made me feel like a damsel.


    ¡°Or what?¡± He poked Striker¡¯s back.


    I crossed my arms over my chest as I shut my eyes momentarily. ¡°Magnus, please? I¡¯m starving.¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    When Striker turned to face Magnus, I held my breath. He was way taller than Magnus, not beefy, but I could swear it was pure muscle. He still looked calmer, though, which could provoke Magnus further.


    ¡°If you ever use another f-word to my boss, I will make sure you swallow your own tooth.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that to me?¡± Magnus took a step forward, coldly stating at Striker.


    While Striker blindly punched the stop button of the elevator, he smirked at Magnus. ¡°And why is that? Thest time I checked, I have sworn to protect my client  alone, so if my client is mistreated, I won¡¯t hesitate to eliminate the threat-¡±


    ¡°Okay. Stop. You two, stop.¡± I walked past them and punched the elevator on. ¡°Jeez, the testosterone level in this room is making me sick. I¡¯m eating alone.¡±

 Chapter 5

    STRIKER


    London ignored me the entire ride.


    I couldn¡¯t me 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 ording 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 regrly, 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 ept her from in and out, her ws 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 surveince 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 herte 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 ck 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. Thewn was neat and well-trimmed. The flowers were blooming. I didn¡¯t even know London loved nts. 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 dor 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 epted. I told you we¡¯re good.¡± London sounded irritated as she spoke back.


    ¡°Thene with me. Let me make it up to you. I¡¯m driving.¡±


    ¡°I told you I can¡¯te with you unless I have my bodyguard, but you already made it pretty clear that he can¡¯te 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.¡±


    Londonughed. 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,ughing. ¡°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.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I will not provoke him if he acts like a driver and not a lunatic as if his opinion matters.¡±


    ¡°When ites 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¡¯te. 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 momentster. 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 red 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 ss. ¡°Well, newssh, 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 ss and sipped it with chic. ¡°Where have you been for thest two years? You said you wouldn¡¯t leave me.¡± She ced the ss 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 ss.


    ¡°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.¡±

 Chapter 6

    LONDON


    I woke up with a hammering headache. The event ofst 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 rtionship 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 rtionship 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 cab. 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 sunsses on before heading down, where I knew Striker would be waiting for me.


    My face warmed as I recalled telling him somethingst night. In his defense, he had no idea what those words meant to me. He was there to rescue me and send me back to my family, yet I treated him like we were some kind of long-lost lovers that I expected him to stay and be with me.


    ¡°Morning, Vanderford.¡± That smile. He looked so fresh and hot.


    ¡°Morning.¡± I slipped into the backseat. My voice sounded even strange.


    The car drove off to the main gate. Then he stopped at the guard post and slid the window.


    ¡°Mr. Tucker is no longer wee in this premises unless Miss Vanderford says so.¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss.¡± Ian, the security on duty, nodded.


    ¡°Is that even necessary?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s your father¡¯s order.¡± He slid the window closed and drove smoothly to the road.


    ¡°So you told my father what happenedst night without asking me if it was okay or maybe Magnus and I are getting back together today.¡±


    He looked at me through the rearview. ¡°Are you getting back together?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s any of your business, Cade, but what I am trying to say here is, do you have to report everything to Dad? I don¡¯t want him to worry while he¡¯s hundreds of miles away.¡±


    ¡°No, ma¡¯am. I didn¡¯t tell him everything. I reported to him, yes. It¡¯s part of my job, but I left the juicy deets. All I said was Mr. Tucker thought you should fire me for being rude, and he left hurriedlyst night.¡±


    I looked outside the window. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°My job, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Stop with the ma¡¯am.¡± I shot him a look, but his focus was on the road.


    ¡°My apology. Having a hangover?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Then he surprised me. ¡°Here. Take this.¡± He offered me his tumbler.


    ¡°What¡¯s in that?¡±


    ¡°Trust me. If you took this before, you didn¡¯t have to take a painkiller.¡± How did he even know I took painkillers?


    I grabbed it from him. I couldn¡¯t precisely peek through what was inside, but somehow, I trusted that he would not poison me. I sipped the content and grimaced. It wasn¡¯t bad, but I¡¯d tasted a lot of fruits mixed into the blender.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I gave it back.


    ¡°Keep it. You need that.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s exactly in there?¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯re not gonna for that again every time you have a hangover.¡±


    ¡°Jeez. Secret recipe?¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°I could just search it on the inte.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my friend¡¯s hangover cure. And you won¡¯t find it on the inte.¡±


    My phone buzzed, interrupting us. When I checked the caller, it was Dad. ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s my baby girl?¡± He sounded happy, and I heard a gusty sound in the background.


    I smiled. ¡°Still pretty. Are you on a boat or something?¡±


    ¡°Just leaving the port. Striker told me. Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°That Magnus wanted you to fire my boy.¡±


    ¡°Wow. I didn¡¯t know you two were close.¡±


    He sighed deeply. ¡°Because he never breaks his words, honey. Please, don¡¯t mistreat him.¡±


    ¡°Really, Dad? I don¡¯t think I can hurt him, and he¡¯s a big guy. He doesn¡¯t report to me. Remember? And you can ask him if I¡¯ve misbehaved or been a pain in his butt.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear because I don¡¯t trust anyone other than him, and I know he will take care of you while I¡¯m away.¡±


    ¡°Dad, enjoy your day. I¡¯ll be fine, and I promise to call you or the firm if something happens, okay?¡±


    ¡°Good. That¡¯s good. Can you put Striker on the phone?¡±


    ¡°Hey, Tiger. Dad wants to talk to you.¡± I gave Striker my phone.


    ¡°Sir?¡± he answered as he held my phone and the other on the steering wheels. ¡°Of course, Mr. Vanderford.¡±


    I wondered what Dad had told him. It seemed long, but Striker was listening carefully.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best, sir. Yes, sir. Thank you. Have a great day.¡± He then returned my phone.


    ¡°What did he say?¡± My curiosity kicked in.


    ¡°The same thing he said to you.¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Take care.¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡±


    ¡°We only talked in less than two minutes, Vanderford. What do you expect him to say in that length?¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡±


    At the office, I took off my sses and met Neke in the office with the new ns and designs, and I was expecting the fashion show to be finalized this week with the event manager.


    She had not said a word, but she kept staring at me.


    ¡°What? Did my mascara smear or something?¡±


    ¡°You two really broke up?¡±


    My brows knitted. ¡°How did you know?¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Well, he just posted a picture at the Night Stalkerst night, and you were not with him, with the caption, when it doesn¡¯t even matter, with screwdriver emoji.¡±


    ¡°What the hell?¡± I tensed and felt like the color drained from my face. Humiliation filled me.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Neke held my hand and squeezed it.


    I closed my eyes and drew up my courage from deep inside, wishing it didn¡¯t do much damage to me. People on social media trusted anything they saw, even trash.


    ¡°Do you wanna talk about it?¡±


    I cracked my eyes open and went to my chair. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna talk about something irrelevant.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡± Neke just stood there, her eyes pinned on me.


    ¡°What is it, Neke?¡±


    ¡°Why did he say that? Is it still about the interrupted lunch?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Magnus can¡¯t get over it.¡±


    ¡°But what caught my attention was the emoji.¡±


    ¡°Magnus went to my house to apologize, and then he wanted me to fire Cade, which I couldn¡¯t because I did not hire him, and he didn¡¯t do anything wrong other than warning him not to curse.¡±


    ¡°Which, Cade was right, but a little overprotective¡­¡± she trailed off as she pursed her lips before continuing, ¡°of you. So what happened?¡±


    ¡°When I said I couldn¡¯t, he left.¡±


    ¡°And he went to the club instead. What did you do then?¡±


    ¡°I slept.¡±


    Neke barked out,ughing. ¡°Wow. The best breakup ever. I guess he¡¯s not the one for you.¡±


    I turned on myptop. ¡°I should have listened to Dad. I mean, maybe I just longed for a partner in crime, not a boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°Or you¡¯ve already known for a while that he was not the right one for you. You don¡¯t feel butterflies and tingles anymore, and you¡¯ve just been waiting for the tall, handsome white knight in a well-tailored suit toe along.¡± She was already grinning.


    ¡°I¡¯m lost, Neke.¡± That was a lie, but I would not give her the idea, and then she would push me to flirt with Striker.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a good liar, bitch.¡± She smirked.


    ¡°Right now, all I want is to focus on work.¡±


    ¡°And flirt a little. Anyway, I sent your schedule to your driver, sh white knight.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±Wait a sec. Last night?


    ¡°Can you call him in?¡±


    ¡°Sure. Wait. You don¡¯t have his number?¡±


    I stared at her.


    ¡°What the hell, London? You¡¯re supposed to have his number.¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t give it to me, so why would I? Reed was introduced to me, and I have his file.¡±


    ¡°Wow. You two are perfect for each other.¡±


    ¡°Stop it.¡±


    She giggled. ¡°Right. I¡¯m dialing him now.¡± She walked out of my office.


    A few minutester, the door swung open. ¡°Should I knock?¡±


    ¡°Not necessary.¡± I raised my gaze from the screen. He was still standing at the door. ¡°Come in. Did my father know about the breakup?¡±


    A small smile appeared on his lips as he stepped inside and went to the floor-to-ceiling window. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Are you gonna answer me with yes or no right now?¡±


    His smile faded. His expression appeared earnest. ¡°You¡¯re active on social media. I suggest you don¡¯t focus your energy on such trash, Vanderford.¡±


    I dropped my gaze. ¡°Thanks, Dad. I handle my own ount, so it¡¯s hard not to. And it¡¯s notplete trash.¡±


    ¡°What exactly do you want to attain, if I¡¯m not being too intrusive?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a tform where I could share a glimpse of my life with the people who believe and care about me, that includes my project, my cause.¡±


    He nodded and hadn¡¯t said a word since.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just about posting pictures of my butt, Cade. Social media has thergest audience with good media marketing. It helps me reach out with my campaign.¡±


    ¡°And the charities you supported.¡± He¡¯d done his assignment.


    ¡°Yeah, that too.¡±


    ¡°Then do what makes you happy. Just so you know, you can¡¯t please everyone. Just be contented with the people who truly care about you and believe in your cause.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I ced my fingers on the keyboard, and then I remembered something. ¡°Can you give me your number?¡±


    He chuckled and picked up his phone. Momentster, my phone chimed.


    It¡¯s not so hard to ask for someone¡¯s number, is it? SAAC


    ¡°SAAC?¡±


    ¡°Sorry. Old habit. It¡¯s my full name.¡±


    ¡°Also, my team. We called by surnames.¡±


    ¡°Oh. I see. May I ask a favor?¡±


    ¡°Of course, anything.¡±


    ¡°This weekend, it¡¯s Neke¡¯s birthday, and she usually celebrates it with her family. So, Magnus was supposed to be my plus one.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll drive you there.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± His gaze locked on mine.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to be my driver.¡±


    He nodded but still looked confused. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°I want you toe with me as a friend. Neke¡¯s family is tight, so-¡± I shrugged.


    ¡°I know how it feels to have a big family. My team is also my family. Their family is mine. And Neke had already invited me before I walked in. I told her if it was okay with thedy boss. So, we¡¯re going. What should I wear then?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Anything. It¡¯s not a masquerade or ck tie. Wear casual or as you like.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°No, Cade. Thank you.¡±

 Chapter 7

    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 tough.


    ¡°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?¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s ssic. Where did you get this?¡± I was d she appreciated the ssics. 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 didn¡¯t know he was paying attention to it.¡±


    ¡°Your Dad. He seems a good guy.¡±


    ¡°He is.¡±


    ¡°I met Mr. Cade twice. How about your mom?¡±


    ¡°I never knew my biological parents.¡± That was not entirely true.


    ¡°Oh?¡± She looked shocked as she stared at me. ¡°I¡¯m-I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be. Dad loves me very much, and I love him. I grew up like every normal kid, even if he raised me alone. He provided for my needs, and I experienced childhood and stuff. And he doesn¡¯t care even if I don¡¯t have a passion for running a business. He was okay with that. So, yeah. And I wasn¡¯t surprised when he told me I am his adopted son.¡±


    ¡°And you two look actually alike.¡±


    ¡°People don¡¯t know I¡¯m adopted, say that. And all Dad wants for me is to be happy.¡±


    ¡°Are you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. And grateful.¡± I stole a nce at her. London wore a blue casual dress and dark blue boots. She still looked stunning. ¡°You?¡±


    ¡°Grateful and happy.¡±


    ¡°Good to know. So what do I expect with Neke¡¯s folks?¡±


    ¡°If you get along just right with Neke, you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    We arrived at the address. Neke lived in a pretty quiet neighborhood in a two-story house.


    London went ahead of me. I picked up the gift I bought for Neke from the backseat.


    She smiled when she noticed I had a gift for her friend. ¡°I also bought a gift, and I thought it was from us.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what she likes. I hope this is okay.¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t mine as long as it¡¯sing from you. Now let¡¯s go.¡±


    I followed her, and she knocked on the door. It instantly opened as if someone was waiting for us behind the door.


    ¡°Happy birthday!¡± London pulled her friend into a hug.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Neke winked and grinned at me before they pulled away.


    ¡°Happy birthday, Neke.¡±


    ¡°Come here. It¡¯s my birthday, and I need a hug.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Well, then, a big hug for the birthday girl.¡±


    We hugged, and she whispered, ¡°Thank you foring.¡±


    ¡°Anything for you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Neke, now, Striker. Come on in.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    I heard London chuckle. It was probably because I called Neke ma¡¯am.


    Wow. At least twenty pairs of eyes pinned at us. It was like a Saturday family gathering. I was d I wore a shirt and pants, or I would feel like I was at the wrong party.


    ¡°My darling London. You look beautiful today,¡± said the olddy as she cupped London¡¯s face.


    ¡°You look gorgeous, nana.¡±


    And the olddy came to me, inspecting me from head to toe while Neke grinned from ear to ear.


    ¡°Don¡¯t scare him off, Nana. He ys an important role in my life,¡± Neke said.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you a good specimen, young man?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the first person to say that. Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Nekeughed out loud. ¡°You just had her at ma¡¯am, Striker.¡±


    Then Nana surprised me as she did the same as she did to London. ¡°You are a family now. Who gave you the name Striker, son?¡±


    ¡°My Dad, Nana. You can call me Aodhan or Asher or Cade, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Striker is just fine, dear. Wee to our humble home.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Then Neke introduced me to the bunch of heads that I only remembered at least seven names.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the backyard.¡±


    The weather was good. Guys were grilling some barbecue, and it smelled incredible. There was a long table with benches.


    We settled on the outdoor table with an umbre.


    ¡°It¡¯s not what you expect, if I may guess.¡±


    ¡°I have brothers, and we are pretty tight. I have billionaire friends, and we still do this with their families. But you, on the other hand, are inviting me for your birthday. I¡¯m honored to be here, Neke.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m grateful for another year with my family and best friend here.¡± She looked at London, who was smiling back at her. ¡°And you, my new friend. That¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. And you are so sure you can trust me.¡±


    Her thick brow arched. ¡°Yes. You genuinely seemed to care about my best friend. I mean, besides you doing your job. So I know I can trust you, and we can be BFFs.¡±


    ¡°Lucky you. I¡¯m in need of a BFF.¡±


    She replied with a chuckle.


    They served us a cocktail, burgers, finger food, and a side dish.


    Neke¡¯s parents came with her birthday cake. After we sang a birthday song for her, Neke made a wish and blew out the candle. Her parents came to check on us again, and her cousins brought some refreshments.


    ¡°I wish you all the happiness in the world,¡± London wished Neke with a kiss on her cheek.


    ¡°I wish you the same. May your dreamse true,¡± I said to Neke.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    We started digging. London just ate half of her burger, but she had some sd.


    We stayed for a while as they chatted together. When my phone chimed, I checked the message, one from Dad and the other from Linden. They both just wanted updates.


    We bid goodbye to the birthday girl and her familyter on.


    ¡°Do you wanna go somewhere else?¡± I asked London as we both settled in the car.


    ¡°I wanna go home.¡±


    ¡°All right. But if you need anything, text me, and I¡¯ll bring it for you.¡±


    Once we arrived at her house, she turned back to the woman I drove and protected. Maybe a while ago, she didn¡¯t want to be with a bunch of people alone, so she needed me, and I was there for her. That was all that mattered.


    Later tonight, I was going to update Linus. I went to my room and took a shower. Then I changed into jeans and a shirt before I went to check the monitors. Then I replied to my Dad and Linden.


    Before I could put my phone down, it buzzed again. To my surprise, it came from London.


    LONDON: Meet me on the rooftop.


    I didn¡¯t reply. Instead, I went up quickly, and London was on the lounge before the pool.


    ¡°I thought you wanna rest.¡± I sat beside her. This time there was no hint of makeup on her face, and she looked incredibly young and gorgeous. She wore a baggy sweater and sweatpants and tied her hair in a messy bun.


    ¡°The weather was nice. I loveding here with Neke, and we just talked and talked until we fell asleep. But she couldn¡¯t be here tonight, and I don¡¯t wanna be alone.¡±


    ¡°I thought my role as your friend ended when you left the car.¡±


    Her head snapped, and she red at me. ¡°You thought I was using you?¡±


    I shrugged and looked at the vast estate she owned. She had a great ce. When you looked up, it wasn¡¯t as beautiful as Winterbourn and Burkhese, but it was closed enough, and this was her home.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Vanderford. And I let you, so if it¡¯s helpful, I¡¯ll y along as much as you want.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re this dumb and sometimes a jerk.¡±


    ¡°Maybe. So you wanna talk?¡±


    ¡°Not anymore.¡± She rose to her feet, and I was scared she would walk away angry tonight.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just felt that way. Maybe because you don¡¯t know me well or trust me enough, and I know nothing about you, too. So why don¡¯t we get to know each other.¡± I patted the empty seat beside me.


    Sheid down instead and folded her arms over her chest.


    ¡°Are you cold?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    I drew a long deep breath before I started, ¡°I told you about my biological parents, that I never knew them. That¡¯s not entirely true.¡± I pulled the convertible sofa, and then Iy beside her.


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°Well, Dad told me in my early teen. Then one day, he told me about my biological parents. He let me decide if I wanted to meet my sperm donor. I never knew he met that man, but my mother died a year after I was born.¡±


    ¡°But you never met your father until now.¡±


    I faced her. We were just inches apart. She was within my reach, but I tried hard not to raise my hand and run my finger on the smooth skin under her jaw.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m not interested. Dad told me to hear his side, but for what? One Dad is enough for me. I¡¯m happy and grateful that Dad told me, even if it was hard for him, that he thought I would leave him for my father.¡±


    ¡°He raised you alone. It wasn¡¯t easy. My Dad was out of town all the time. My mother was useless.¡±


    ¡°Sorry to hear that.¡±


    ¡°Well, Dad dated a twenty-one-year-old college student. She had me at twenty-two, and Dad was already in histe thirties. My mother didn¡¯t want me. All she wanted was luxury, shopping, glitters, and all that. Dad gave her everything, even if she spent half a million a month just to have her as my mom, but she didn¡¯t care about me. She left Paris to buy jewelry and bags, leaving me alone with the nannies. When Dad found out, he divorced her and took everything from her. It was harsh, but Dad had enough.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡± I was speechless. ¡°Your Dad loves you very much. Even blind people can see it. I guess we have one thing inmon. GDOAT.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Yeah. Amen to that.¡±


    ¡°Can I ask something?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not there yet.¡±


    ¡°I know, Vanderford. I was about to ask why do you hate me?¡±


    She was quicker on her seat than the sh. ¡°I don¡¯t hate you.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°But you broke your promise.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

 Chapter 8

    LONDON


    There was just something about Striker Cade when he smiled. He lit up the entire ce. 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.¡±


    ¡°Thest 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 him to give me the iPad back as I narrowed my eyes at him.


    ¡°Easy, Vanderford.¡± He leaned back, crossed his legs, and scanned through the details.


    I watched his judgment earnestly, but I couldn¡¯t read his expression.


    ¡°Do you just design clothes?¡±


    ¡°Right now, yeah? Why?¡±


    ¡°Some people never show their design to others.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that you¡¯re gonna steal my ideas.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I will.¡± He went through page after page and still had no verdict.


    ¡°That bad, huh? Seen simr designs out there?¡±


    ¡°Is this for Autumn?¡±


    ¡°How do you know?¡±


    ¡°The colors, obviously the designs, the cut.¡±Hmm. I¡¯m impressed.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re good. Not just a pretty face after all.¡±


    I shot him a look. ¡°I¡¯ll try hard not to get insulted by what you just said.¡±


    Then there we go-that smile and his teeth were perfect and naturally white. ¡°Poor Magnus. His big loss.¡±


    ¡°Can we not talk about that jerk again?¡±


    He lifted his gaze to meet mine, eyes glittering. ¡°dly.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± I gestured to tell me the judgment.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing these are for all sizes.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve never gone to the LH in-stores or checked online, have you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± At least he was honest.


    ¡°Yes. And we are using eco-friendly material, and most are recyble from other Vanderford products.¡±


    ¡°Your designs are exceptional, Vanderford. I¡¯m proud of you.¡±


    I raised my brow, speechless.


    ¡°Yes. These designs are you. Hundred-percent London Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. It means a lot.¡± I went back to theptop and finalized the report. And then he picked up the pencil and started scribbling on the screen.


    ¡°Thank you for asking my opinion.¡±


    ¡°I trust your judgment, Cade.¡± My words seemed to stop him from whatever he was doing.


    ¡°You owe me dinner.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ***


    ¡°Vanderford.¡± He came from behind me in the dining area.


    ¡°Join me for dinner.¡± I looked at my side. Striker was tall, around six feet and two or three inches to my five-seven, and I still had to crane my neck to meet his gaze when I was sitting.


    There was a surprised look on his face. He was wearing a suit-to-impress. I knew his dad owned Cade Premium, but I still didn¡¯t understand why he chose a bodyguard job, which was too risky, in my opinion.


    ¡°Please?¡± I gestured for him to sit to my right.


    ¡°Um,¡± he hesitated.


    ¡°We¡¯re just gonna eat dinner, Cade. The dinner I owed you. Remember?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± A small smile appeared on his full red lips. ¡°I was about to ask if I could take off my gun because I was starving and about to order Chinese.¡± He rounded to my right and dly took a seat.


    ¡°We can have Chinese next time.¡±


    ¡°Looking forward to that.¡± He grabbed the table napkin and ced it on hisp. ¡°Do you eat Chinese, Vanderford?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± The look on his face was funny at first, then turned into a full-blown smile as my chef ced down the te for him. ¡°My favorite. Creamy steak fettine.¡±


    ¡°Bon appetit.¡± I chose a light meal tonight- the balsamic grilled steak arug sd with blue cheese and peaches.


    ¡°Bon appetit.¡±


    When we started our dinner, I felt like we had just had a date with light music in the background, and my chef brought a ten-year-old red wine.


    He took a first bite. ¡°Thank you. The food is delicious.¡± I liked that heplimented the chef, unlike Magnus. And here I was,paring them. I couldn¡¯t help it.


    Magnus had to say something, and I didn¡¯t know if he was trying to impress my dad or me, but he enjoyed showing off sometimes. Maybe that was one of the reasons why Dad never liked him.


    ¡°My pleasure, sir,¡± my chef said.


    He sipped the wine, and then he looked at me. ¡°You must be so bored to eat alone.¡±


    I smiled, ying along. ¡°Yeah. And I don¡¯t enjoy eating reheated food. Imagine a reheated pizza.¡±


    He nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Yeah. And reheated Chinese and fries. It gets too soggy.¡± He picked up the ss again. ¡°And this is a fine wine, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t get that idea that I open a bottle of wine because I n to invite you to join me for dinner.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no.¡± He was beaming as he shook his head. He looked so genuinely enjoying this conversation. ¡°I was about to ask if I could have another ss.¡±


    I hadn¡¯tughed this strongly for a long time, and tears formed in my eyes. I had to take the napkin on myp and cover my mouth as Iughed so hard.


    ¡°You can have the whole bottle after this dinner, Cade. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t charge you.¡± When I calmed down, I started eating again. The sd was so good, with just a good amount of dressing.


    ¡°So kind of you.¡± He seemed to enjoy his meal. I guessed that was really his favorite. I called his dad and asked about some of the food his son enjoyed, and Tate was delighted to share them with me.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t drink while you work, but the cer is always open for you. Just no bringing of friends here.¡±


    ¡°Friends?¡± His brow arched.


    ¡°You know what I mean.¡± I shrugged. I hope so. ¡°Women friends.¡± I cleared his throat. I had been dying to know if he was dating someone. I mean, he¡¯d been working for me for more than a week, and he just worked like clockwork. He never mentioned a woman in his life or talked about something personal. He was focused-too focused that maybe even if I stood naked in front of him, he wouldn¡¯t ever get distracted.


    ¡°I would never mix my work with pleasure. I mean, bringing women here in your house. I have a good work ethic. I think that¡¯s why your father chose me.¡± When his mood soured, I instantly regretted bringing this up.


    ¡°I know.¡± I put my fork down. ¡°I have no doubt.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s not gonna happen while I¡¯m your bodyguard.¡± He chuckled sadly.


    It suddenly piqued my curiosity. ¡°What¡¯s not gonna happen?¡±


    ¡°In my line of work, I can¡¯t get too attached to someone. It would be unfair if I couldn¡¯t be with her and give her the attention she needs.¡±


    ¡°So you would never date someone?¡± My words came out harsh and vain. ¡°That sucks.¡±


    He sighed in dismay. ¡°Right now. It¡¯s not my priority.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°But you will continue working in the firm all your life.¡±


    ¡°No. I have ns. My work here is only temporary and probably myst. My dad will eventually grow old and retire from working in thepany. And I will get bored too. There will be recruits in the firm. But running apany is not really my cup of tea, but when there¡¯s no alternative. I¡¯m more of an investor kind of guy. Well, since I came back, I haven¡¯t sat down and talked with my dad about it. I¡¯m just going with the flow right now.¡±


    We sat in the family room as I told him about my childhood. I loved colors and shapes, but this room wasfy and homey.


    Another bottle of wine arrived.


    ¡°I can¡¯t have another ss, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°I denied your refusal. You should have a ss. You¡¯re off tonight, and we¡¯re here sitting as friends.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lightheaded, aren¡¯t you?¡± He watched me as I rubbed my temple, refusing my offer.


    ¡°I¡¯m not drunk. Take this.¡± I forced him, and we tossed and sipped our wine.


    ¡°After that, you will be. And I can¡¯t get drunk until you are safe in bed.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t let anything happen to me, my white knight.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± His blinked off. His forehead contorted. ¡°Something is wrong.¡± He quickly tapped his pocket and searched for something. ¡°Vanderford?¡± Now he sounded worried.


    ¡°Um, Striker. I feel drowsy.¡±


    ¡°I know, London.¡± That was thest image I saw before my lids fluttered close. He pulled me closer as he quickly dialed someone on his phone.


    ¡°I think I-I¡¯m-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the wine. Fuck!¡±

 Chapter 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 toote.


    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¡¯te 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 felt so weary in a long time, and the bed was too soft for my taste. I sighed in delight until I heard hustles that made my body and mind fully alert.


    London. Fuck.


    ¡°London? London, wake up.¡± That voice instantly made me stiffen. My heart pumped wildly.


    Fuck. What the fuck is he doing here in my room? Why is he calling London?


    Wait. Was it four weeks already? I felt disoriented.


    Shit. I was quickly sitting on the bed. My eyes popped out as I stared directly into a mad bull, Linus, as if I was waving a red g into his face.


    Before I could say something, he just took the words out of my mouth.


    ¡°What the hell is going on here, Striker?¡±


    I blinked rapidly and shook my head.


    Jesus. Was I dreaming? I had a fun night in London, and this could be a dream.


    Then it hit me. The headache from the hangover was real. My throat and my lips were parched as if I was left to die in the desert.


    ¡°Get up!¡± He threw my boxers and pants, and I still caught it despite my incoherent and disorientation, not to mention my killer headache.


    I squeezed my eyes shut. I never sleep naked, and why was he in my room? My brain was still processing when he called his daughter again.


    ¡°London, wake up, young woman!¡±


    My eyes flew wide. I turned to my side. There, I saw London-probably naked, if not from the nket covering her body. She stirred and rubbed her eyes. Her hair was syed all over the pillow. She looked fresh and well-she looked well-fucked.


    My heart jackhammered in my chest, and blood rushed into my face and head. I was like a deer caught in the headlight, and the headlight was my boss.


    What could be more humiliating than being caught by your employer in bed with his daughter? This was the most embarrassing moment of my life. And I was still speechless.


    Everything didn¡¯t make sense. I would have remembered if I kissed London, let alone slept with her. I knew it. I knew myself.


    I bounced my gaze between them.


    ¡°Dad.¡± London was now fully awake, grimacing and holding the nket to cover her chest.


    ¡°Since when is this going on, London?¡±


    ¡°Dad?¡± Her eyes grew bigger as she realized her father was standing before her.


    Then I looked around. I was not my bed nor my room-it was London¡¯s. How did I get in here? I had no idea.


    ¡°Wait.¡± She looked at my side. ¡°Whoa!¡± She tightened the nket covering her chest. ¡°What the hell?¡±


    I raised my hand as I tried to open my mouth to say something, but I couldn¡¯t even gather my thoughts because nothing was adding up, making me look more guilty.


    ¡°You, young man. I trusted you with my daughter. It hasn¡¯t been two weeks, and you have already betrayed me. I trusted you to look after my daughter and not to get into the sack with her.¡± He was furious. I would feel the same if I were in his shoe. But honestly, I was shocked myself, and my behavior was uneptable.


    ¡°Dad!¡±


    ¡°Put your clothes on, Striker. I want you in my office this instant!¡± He pointed at me before he turned around.


    ¡°Dad, this is not what it looks like,¡± London tried to convince his father, but all the conclusive evidence was here.


    It still didn¡¯t add up, though.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± I rubbed my face.


    ¡°Cade,¡± she called my name softly.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t sleep you, Vanderford. I swear. Something went wrong. I couldn¡¯t remember anything. I should have. If there¡¯s something I¡¯m sure of, I didn¡¯t do it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so bad if you slept with me?¡± she sounded offended and confused at the same time.


    I faced her. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear your father? I broke his trust. I broke the rules of all rules. I let my guard down. This couldn¡¯t have happened if-¡± I stopped.


    ¡°So you¡¯ve never slept with your client. So righteous of you, Saint Striker. Well, you did a pretty good darn job, Cade. My father just caught us in a literallypromising position. Postpromising position, I guess.¡± She rose from the bed in all her naked glory. Her back looked soft and smooth, making my fingers itch to run them on those curves in the right ces. I even licked my lips. My cock came to life and turned hard like it never did before as my gaze dropped to her round, firm ass. ¡°I guess you saw me nakedst night, right? You just couldn¡¯t remember it. So sad. We might have enjoyed it a lot.¡±


    ¡°This is not a joke, London.¡±


    ¡°Your job is at stake, Cade. I get it!¡± She waltzed into the door, probably the bathroom.


    When her back was gone, I peeked through the nket. Yeah. I waspletely naked. Yet, I still had no recollection of how it happened. Well, that was a bummer.


    I threw the nket away and picked up my clothes on the floor. It really looked like we had fun. It was just so unfortunate and disappointing that it felt like I hit my head on the nightstand or headboard after we fucked-I couldn¡¯t remember anything.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I put my clothes on, but I couldn¡¯t find my gun. I went through her drawers. My gun wasn¡¯t there, only those hand creams, an eye mask, a journal, pain relieving gel, chapstick, remotes, and her birth control pills.


    I went out without waiting for London to return from the bathroom. I had to exin to Linus, but first, what would you say? That I screwed up?

 Chapter 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 out.¡±


    ¡°Sir, may I speak freely?¡±


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t want to hear it.¡±


    ¡°Sir, please?¡±


    When he turned back, a minuscule hope came to life. ¡°I would never ever betray you. I did as you asked. I¡¯d never broken any rules. I do my job diligently. I swore an oath, and I had never broken it. I-¡± I swallowed hard. ¡°I don¡¯t- I can¡¯t remember what happenedst night.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen what I¡¯ve seen, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Sir.¡± I met him in the eye. ¡°I would have-¡± Jesus Christ, I would only sound rude and disrespectful to her daughter. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, sir.¡±


    ¡°I want you to cut any ties andmunication with my daughter as soon as you step outside of this house.¡±


    ¡°Sir, that¡¯s a little bit drastic. I just promised her that I would never leave her the way I did two years ago. I can¡¯t do that to her again.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re willing to take the consequences?¡±


    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t ever fire him!¡± London just burst into the door, and the guys tried to stop her.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your decision, young woman. I trusted you to behave and not to scratch your itch with your bodyguard.¡± That was way out of line.


    ¡°Sir.¡± I pursed my lips tight.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m not done with you.¡± He pointed at me. ¡°And this is between my daughter and me. Nothing like this would have happened if you just did your job.¡±


    ¡°Well, I can sleep with any man I like, Dad. I was sleeping with Magnus, the man you dislike, and you didn¡¯t seem to mind. Why now? Because he¡¯s my bodyguard and the man who saved me?¡± London was making this situation worse.


    I squeezed my eyes shut. I couldn¡¯t listen to this anymore.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I wanted to point out. Where¡¯s your decorum, London Hester? I raised you better than that.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving, sir.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not,¡± London just ordered me. Without breaking eye contact, she told her father, which shocked me the most, ¡°Or maybe, I just like him very much.¡±


    I gave a warning look at London. ¡°Don¡¯t. Don¡¯t make this worse, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°I said that¡¯s enough,¡± her father just yelled at us and ordered his men, ¡°Take this young woman out of my sight.¡±


    Great.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m not done, Dad.¡± Her refusal caused those two guys toe over.


    ¡°Miss Vanderford, please?¡± The bulky guy asked first.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want another guy to babysit me. I want Cade.¡±


    ¡°You ended that choice the moment you slept with him.¡± Linus gestured to those guys to take London out of his office.


    ¡°Miss, please?¡± said the tall one.


    When London refused, they held her in her arms, and I didn¡¯t like it a bit. It didn¡¯t amuse me how they handled the situation.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch her.¡± My voice was calm, but it didn¡¯t show the same as how I felt inside. My jaw clenched harder to the point it might break. My blood started to boil when they ignored my warning.


    I rushed toward them when they didn¡¯t listen, still gripping her arms tightly. ¡°I said, don¡¯t fucking touch her. Ever.¡± I grabbed the tall guy¡¯s wrist and twisted it. He shrieked, loosening his other hand go from London¡¯s arm. The bulky guy just caught his buddy¡¯s attention. Before he could react, I did an uppercut on his chin and grabbed London on her waist to save her from falling. Then I kicked that asshole on his chest enough that it knocked the air out of his lungs. ¡°I did warn you, but you didn¡¯t listen.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t aware London wrapped her arms tightly around me, her face buried into my chest until I smelled her hair-a mix of flowers and vani. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°You two, out.¡± Linus¡¯ voice made me stiffen as I realized I had worsened the situation.


    The two guys got up and left the office, leaving me in an awfully awkward situation again.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked London one more time when I hadn¡¯t heard anything from her.


    ¡°Yeah. Thanks.¡± She blew a shaky breath.


    ¡°London, go up. I need to talk to Striker. Alone.¡±


    ¡°But, Dad.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Vanderford. We¡¯ll talkter.¡±


    She second thought at first, but I gave her a reassuring smile. When the door shut before us, I faced Linus again.


    ¡°You need to control your temper, Striker.¡± What happened had nothing to do with my temper. I just didn¡¯t like seeing their hands all over London¡¯s.


    ¡°May I speak freely, sir?¡±


    He replied to me with a re.


    ¡°I meant no disrespect, sir. What they did, grabbing her like that was wrong. She¡¯d been through a lot. I was scared the situation would escte and trigger something that happened to her two years ago.¡±


    ¡°Then you shouldn¡¯t have left.¡±


    ¡°When I said I would never leave her. What I was trying to say was, alone in that situation at that time.¡±


    ¡°Well, she was terrified. She was mentally traumatized, and then there you came, giving her the assurance of safety and security. One moment you were there, and then the next, you were gone. After she got out of the hospital, she trusted no one, and you were miles away. I was helpless, Striker. She slept in the firm for three days, where she could see familiar faces and trust someone. And it took months before I could leave her side. It broke my heart to see my daughter in that situation. If you were only here, she could be better by now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve hired therapists. It didn¡¯t work out. I printed your picture and gave it to her. Do you know what she said? I don¡¯t wanna see him again. That¡¯s when she started getting out of the house. I was supposed to be happy, but she was not the daughter I once knew. It felt like she was broken inside. Until now, something is not healed in her, and then these things with you and her happened.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you hire me?¡±


    ¡°I want my daughter back, Striker.¡±


    ¡°This won¡¯t help her, Mr. Vanderford. This is a trap. You can use me however you want, but I will just end up hurting her.¡±


    ¡°How can you be so sure?¡±


    ¡°She will get attached to me. I saw the way she looked at me. What she needs is to face the fact that I was only doing my job. And I am here to do my job. That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t do your job.¡±


    I snorted at how absurd that sounded. ¡°What exactly do you want me to do then?¡±


    ¡°Marry her.¡±

 Chapter 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 vtile 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?¡±


    ¡°Nothing that I can¡¯t handle.¡± I breathed deeply. ¡°What did you exactly remember?¡±


    She stared at me for a moment. ¡°We¡¯re having dinner.¡±


    ¡°And after that?¡±


    ¡°We-¡±


    ¡°We sat in the family room. And-¡± Fuck. I checked my phone and went through the call logs. ¡°I remember dialing Linden.¡± But it looked like I didn¡¯t. ¡°I swear I dialed his number, and he didn¡¯t answer. It doesn¡¯t seem like Linden. He always picked up.¡± I went to my outbox. ¡°I typed SOS to him, but nothing. It seemed like it didn¡¯t happen.¡± I stared at London in confusion.


    ¡°It was the wine, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Lena came to bring us the wine.¡±


    ¡°Lena was off yesterday, Cade.¡±


    I was more confused. ¡°I swear, it was Lena who handed you the wine.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s off every Friday night.¡± She came to sit on my bed, sighing deeply. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have forced you to drink.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. I should have just focused on my job.¡±


    ¡°You regretted it, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°No, Vanderford. Your father hates me. I broke his trust for something I could easily handle the situation. It never happened to me with my client before.¡± When I looked at her, she went silent. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for being a jerk.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I just wanted to give you the dinner I owed you. And we wouldn¡¯t know that something like that would happen.¡±


    ¡°Can I ask something?¡±


    ¡°What? If I feel something? A muscle ache or something?¡± She rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Sorry. I have to go before your dad sends the entire cavalry to throw me out of your property.¡± I sighed again and went to my bag.


    She held my arm when I took my bag. ¡°When am I going to see you again? Do you still wanna see me?¡±


    I stopped. ¡°Let me sort things out.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± She came to face me. ¡°Did my dad warn you not to see me, too?¡±


    ¡°Just give me two or three days, okay? Then I¡¯ll call you.¡±


    ¡°No, you won¡¯t.¡± She walked away to the door.


    ¡°London.¡±


    ¡°After another two years, maybe.¡± And that was it-she walked out and mmed the door behind her.


    I sent an SOS to the group chat as soon as I got into my car. One hourter, I arrived at our meeting ce, the restobar near the firm.


    ¡°Did you receive a call from mest night?¡± I quickly threw a first question to Linden before I could even sit as if my life depended on his answer.


    Linden just raised a brow at me.


    ¡°About what?¡± Sax Ryder asked. He was one of the team members to rescue London two years ago.


    ¡°This is a life and death situation,¡± I went into a 360 mood.


    ¡°No,¡± Linden answered quickly. ¡°What happened? Are you okay? Is London okay?¡± He knew London well, and so as Linus.


    ¡°I think someone roofied us,¡± I said silently.


    ¡°What do you mean someone roofied you?¡± Kye asked. ¡°Are you okay, bro?¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call right away? Or send me an SOS.¡±


    ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Linden asked again. Worry and confusion stered over his face when I couldn¡¯t find the right words to reply.


    ¡°Well, brace yourself because this is the most unexinable and ridiculous circumstance I¡¯ve ever been in. To make the story short, London and I had dinner-¡±


    ¡°Oh boy,¡± they chorused. Obviously, it was the worst idea. I knew it.


    ¡°Hear me out. We had dinner at her house, in her dining room. That¡¯s all. She even asked her chef to cook for me. It was a joke when I said you owed me dinner.¡±


    Sax and Kye weren¡¯t impressed, but Linden seemed amused if I read his expression correctly.


    ¡°So we had dinner and had wine after.¡±


    ¡°Wow. When can I have a single client like her?¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Sax elbowed Kye. ¡°Probably an old bald man is all you got.¡±


    ¡°Then she told me you¡¯re off tonight. She let me join her in the family room. Then these weird things happened. Lena, her helper, brought us another wine. When I asked London earlier, she said Lena was off every Friday night. I swear, it was Lena.¡±


    ¡°Then what happened next?¡± Linden inquired.


    ¡°I just had a sip of the wine because I know I had to keep my head clear and make sure London went to bed before I wrapped things up. She was slightly drunk, and she got a sip, too. She started babbling that she shouldn¡¯t get drunk, then got drowsy. I quickly realized that the wine was spiked.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s the wine bottle?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, man,¡± I told Sax honestly. ¡°I swear I dialed your numberst night, Linden.¡± I looked at him, and I got more confused when he shook his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, brother.¡± He showed me his iing callsst night, and I didn¡¯t see my name around that time.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if I hit the send button of my SOS to the group chat when I checked my outbox or thest message I typed. Na-da. As if it never happened.¡± I leaned against the chair. ¡°Then weird things happened. I woke in London¡¯s bed-¡±


    ¡°You slept with your client?¡± Yeah, my friends were so predictable.


    ¡°Have I? Have I fucking ever?¡± I gestured my hands. ¡°Are you all fucking serious right now?¡±


    ¡°This is London we¡¯re talking about, Cade,¡± Linden pointed out.


    ¡°Yes. This is London, but I still wouldn¡¯t do it as long as I work for her.¡±


    ¡°Just tell us what happened,¡± Sax was more interested in the juicy details, but he wouldn¡¯t get it from me.


    ¡°I have no recollection of what happened after that wine. I just found myself naked in London¡¯s bed. London was beside me, and she didn¡¯t remember anything, too, but our clothes were everywhere on the floor as if we had fun, or it was staged to look like it, and the worse part was-¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still the worse part,¡± Kye interrupted me with a chuckle. ¡°Aside from sleeping with the client. Wow.¡±


    Linden was smiling at me, and I didn¡¯t know why. My guess was Linus had called him already.


    ¡°You already knew,¡± I wanted to confirm it with him.


    ¡°Not this detail.¡±


    ¡°Did Linus call you before I arrived?¡±


    ¡°He called me to say he no longer needs your service.¡± That was all?


    ¡°Did he sound pissed or something? Disappointed?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    I didn¡¯t believe him.


    ¡°He found you in bed with his daughter this morning, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I looked down. ¡°I betrayed Mr. Vanderford, broke his trust, and he didn¡¯t want to see my face again.¡±


    ¡°Unless?¡±


    I lifted my chin to look at him. ¡°What made you think there¡¯s unless?¡±


    ¡°Well.¡± Linden linked his fingers together. ¡°I heard like this many times. First, from Cenric, Mykel, and thest one was your ex-boss, Rome, and now, you.¡±


    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t wait for my turn, bro.¡± Sax patted my shoulder.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t deserve me.¡±


    ¡°Then why are we still talking about this?¡± Linden shot back, clearly not impressed. ¡°You can just ask me for another assignment.¡±


    Right.


    I swallowed. I couldn¡¯t give him the correct answer because it would be unbearable. I wanted to see London again. Fuck, I wanted to see her right now. I wondered what her father told her after I left. I wanted to be there at this difficult time. Yet, here I was.


    ¡°You have your answer. But why do you think she doesn¡¯t deserve you?¡±


    ¡°Wait. I¡¯m lost, bro. What¡¯s going on?¡± Sax asked us. ¡°Do you know what they¡¯re talking about, bro?¡± He then turned to Kye.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t concern you anymore, Ryder.¡± Kye ignored him.


    ¡°She¡¯s just too perfect, beautiful, kind, talented, and she¡¯d been through a lot to be with someone like me. I mean, look at her. She has her life all figured out. Right now, I¡¯m jobless, and she¡¯s the CEO of her own brand. She¡¯s the daughter of a billionaire, and I¡¯m a nobody.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not a nobody, bro. Don¡¯t sell yourself too short. Her ex is the nobody,¡± Kye said, and somehow, it uplifted me.


    ¡°You know I know all your background, right?¡± Linden pointed out at me. ¡°Your dad is rich if we talk about money.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not talking about my dad. I¡¯m talking about myself.¡±


    ¡°How much is her worth without his father¡¯s money?¡± Linden shrugged.


    ¡°At least she has a job.¡±


    ¡°Figure that out, brother. And let¡¯s not forget that woman has been into you for two years. I didn¡¯t even know why you were so eager to leave the country at that time?¡±


    I suddenly felt ashamed to admit it. ¡°She was too innocent and beautiful, and I¡¯d never felt that kind of connection to anyone.¡±


    ¡°It scared you,¡± he added.


    I swallowed hard again. ¡°Yeah, it fucking terrified me. I was just there to help rescue her, but I couldn¡¯t put her down and take my eyes off her. I told myself, if I don¡¯t run away right now, I will only corrupt this girl, and she¡¯d been through tough shit than most girls her age.¡±


    ¡°She was twenty-one at that time. An adult, Cade. You were just a scaredy-cat.¡±


    ¡°I have nothing to offer to her.¡±


    ¡°Maybe all she needed was your presence, your attention, but it¡¯s never been toote. So what¡¯s your n?¡± He cocked an eyebrow.


    Seconds passed by, and Linden was still waiting for my reply.


    ¡°I have no n.¡± I shook my head.


    ¡°Are you fucking with us, Cade?¡±


    I saw the annoyance that shot across his face. ¡°What do you want me to do?¡±


    ¡°And let me guess, you already gave her your word to be with her,¡± he sarcastically remarked.


    I nkly blinked many times in a row before I nodded in agreement.


    ¡°What are you so scared of?¡±


    I grabbed the ss of cold water in front of me and drank it until empty. ¡°That I have nothing to offer to her.¡±


    ¡°She only needs you, not your fucking bank ount. She already has that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong. She doesn¡¯t need me. All she needs is to face the truth that she doesn¡¯t need a man like me.¡±


    ¡°Did you tell her that?¡±


    ¡°Fuck you, Linden.¡±


    ¡°So is it okay if she just goes out there and enjoys being single? Or you¡¯re willing to gamble that scaredy heart of yours and ept what has been blessed for you.¡±

 Chapter 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 gue 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 through, but if you really feel a strong bond with Striker, then maybe he¡¯s the guy. It would only be terrible if he¡¯s the bad guy and you¡¯ve fallen deeply for him. But he seemed a good catch.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say I¡¯ve fallen deeply. It¡¯s just sad that he doesn¡¯t feel the same. I know it¡¯s ridiculous. I didn¡¯t have this connection with any man. You see, I¡¯ve tried hard to be with someone, but I realize I¡¯ve been wasting my time.¡± I huffed, frustrated with my stupidity.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not a waste of time.¡± I knew Neke was trying to make me feel better, but I didn¡¯t think it was working. ¡°It¡¯s a learning experience.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe, I will just travel so far away. Perhaps I will meet my soulmate in Paris, Germany, or Asia. Or maybe I will fly around the world and enjoy jumping off the cliff, skydiving, or swimming with sharks in Gpagos. Maybe all I need is a whole new experience, and perhaps someone who is an adrenaline junkie will like me, not some guy who doesn¡¯t look at me how I want him to.¡±


    ¡°Have patience, my dear.¡± She suddenly widened her eyes at me as if she just got an idea. ¡°We should see his father.¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Mr. Cade. Why?¡±


    ¡°Ask him how his son has been?¡±


    I shook my head harshly. ¡°No. No freaking way. We would only appear desperate.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we?¡±


    When I went silent, she asked, ¡°Then what do you have in mind?¡±


    I slumped my back to the chair. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Do you know where he lives?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Give me your phone.¡± She offered her hand for my phone.


    ¡°No way.¡±


    ¡°Jeez.¡± She rolled her eyes, irritated.


    ¡°Tell me first, what are you gonna do?¡±


    ¡°I just want to say hi and ask him if he¡¯s okay and that you have your bodyguard back.¡± She wiggled her brows. ¡°Right?¡±


    I still shook my head.


    ¡°Fine. But if that guy doesn¡¯t contact you after twenty-four hours, like he said he would call you in two or three days, I will see him whether you like it or not. I¡¯m your assistant, and I¡¯m very resourceful.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    ***


    I wore casual jeans and shirts as I waited for Neke to arrive. We had a n today, but I was still hoping to receive a call from Striker.


    My dad finally left my housest night, but I was sure he warned everyone to inform him if I got a visitor. Sometimes, he treated me like his eight-year-old daughter instead of a fully-grown woman.


    I still wondered what Striker was doing now that he no longer worked for my dad. I was sure he could easily find a job in his father¡¯spany, or maybe he found another client to protect. I hoped she was ugly, an olddy, or a grumpy billionaire like my father.


    I checked the time on my watch. Neke would arrive anytime now. I went to my office when a new design idea popped up. I grabbed the iPad on my desk and went to the app. I was about to start a new nk canvas when something caught my eye.


    ¡°OhmyGod.¡± It was a baguette bag design, almost a clutch, except for the handle. Every detail was spectacr, ssy, and timeless. The pattern was almost middle eastern. It was just amazing. A barbie pink. The handle was synthetic leather. The buckle was my initials. How did he manage to put all those details in a short time? I was in awe.


    ¡°Wow. That¡¯s a damn good design. I didn¡¯t know you¡¯re also interested in bags.¡±


    I gave the iPad to Neke in a floral top. ¡°That¡¯s not mine.¡±


    Her jaw dropped when she saw the signature. She looked at me with her big dark eyes and then back to the design before closing her mouth. ¡°Remind me again why he took a bodyguard job? I suggest you marry him. Now.¡±


    ¡°Wow. I admire your enthusiasm, but he didn¡¯t even call me. Or even just texted.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a bummer.¡± She pursed her lips. ¡°Let¡¯s go and have fun.¡±


    When we reached her car, I looked at her. ¡°You know we can¡¯t go in your car.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I asked permission from your dad nicely and that your bodyguard can follow us.¡±


    I widened my eyes at her. ¡°You didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Call him.¡± She opened the passenger door for me. ¡°Get in, Lady Vanderford.¡±


    When I got in her car, I stared at her. ¡°How did you convince him?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Baby, here wee!¡± She drove her car off the driveway.


    Iughed at her. ¡°So where are we going?¡±


    ¡°When did youst have a great burger and fries?¡±


    I pursed my lips.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re missing a lot, best friend.¡± She smiled meaningfully at me. ¡°I think you should marry Striker. He looks fun and not to mention hot. And he looks well-hung, too.¡±


    My jaw dropped. My face burned as I looked at her in shock. ¡°Oh, my God! You didn¡¯t just-¡±


    ¡°Said he¡¯s well-hung? Don¡¯t tell me you just fantasized about his face and not the whole package?¡± Sheughed so hard. ¡°I mean,e on. Have you seen his ass in those pants? And those sinewy muscles in his biceps. He probably has nine-¡±


    ¡°Okay. Okay.¡± I surrendered my hands. ¡°Stop right now. I¡¯m not gonna talk about his-¡±


    ¡°His penis, dick, cock, junk?¡±


    ¡°Neke?¡± I was beyond amused. ¡°Stop it.¡±


    ¡°Admit it. How was the sex with Magnus?¡±


    I could bet my face was bright red right now. ¡°I¡¯m not talking about my sex life to my best friend. How about you, huh? When was thest time you had sex?¡±


    ¡°Yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Yesterday? Yesterday?¡± I asked in shock.


    ¡°Yes. You need to loosen up, London. Clean those cobwebs. Since you couldn¡¯t go out with me, I went to a bar and met a nice guy. He took me to his apartment, and bam.¡±


    ¡°Wow. I wish I were like you, you know. So spontaneous.¡±


    ¡°Well, since your white knight is free and not your father¡¯s employee anymore, why not just take the leap and bang him.¡±


    ¡°Jeez. Excellent advice.¡±


    ¡°You like him a lot, London. Seduce him.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°What are you scared of?¡±


    ¡°That I¡¯m not well-experienced, that I might disappoint him.¡± It was harder to admit, but I knew she wouldn¡¯t judge me.


    ¡°Silly. If a guy likes you a lot, he will never be disappointed. Sometimes, guys like inexperience because it¡¯s not about how she is well aware of sex. It¡¯s the connection, themon ground, the sparks, the anticipation, you know what I mean? And it¡¯s not just about sex; maybe he wants to know you first. And trust me. Striker is into you. He needs no seducing. Maybe it¡¯s just the job that kept him from asking you out.¡±


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s done a bang-up job of avoiding it since he¡¯s not my father¡¯s employee anymore.¡±


    Forty-five minutester, we stopped in front of the restobar.


    ¡°A restobar?¡±


    ¡°Let me guess. You haven¡¯t been here before?¡±


    I shook my head.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re about to taste the best burger and fries in town.¡±


    ¡°I doubt that.¡± I climbed out of the car.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± Neke came to me and inspected me from head to toe.


    ¡°What?¡± Confused, I asked.


    ¡°You look like a rich kid.¡±


    I rolled my eyes.


    She ruffled my hair, opened a button on my shirt, and red at my bag. ¡°Jeez. Next time, buy bags from your shop. And you¡¯re wearing Louboutin to a restobar.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s appropriate.¡± I red back at her.


    ¡°Whatever.¡±


    As soon as we entered, I smelled booze and grease, but it looked cozy, too.


    ¡°Come.¡± Neke grabbed my hand so that I could follow her.


    ¡°I can find my way, you know.¡±


    ¡°Guys!¡± she suddenly called someone.


    Then an overwhelming sense of familiarity hit me when a familiar face raised a hand.


    ¡°Ohmigod. Linden?¡± I froze in my ce.


    ¡°Hey, sweetheart.¡± He rose from his seat with a huge grin and walked in my direction. He pulled me into a hug, squeezing me.


    ¡°I missed you, too.¡± I chuckled.


    ¡°Really?¡± He beamed down at me. His team members were all giants, I must say.


    ¡°You look good.¡±


    ¡°You, too, sweetheart.¡± He still called me that.


    ¡°Really. Did Neke drag you into his?¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s my idea.¡± I froze at that voice. My heart started pumping so fast that it made me so nervous.


    Linden suddenly faded. My attention was on the man I missed, smiling down at me. Like always, that smile melts my heart. He was wearing a dark green long-sleeve shirt, sleeves slightly pulled up his elbow, showing enough of his strong arms.


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    To my shock, he pulled me into a hug, not the kind of hug Linden gave me, but the kind of hug that I had longed for a long time.


    When we pulled apart, I looked at him. ¡°I thought Dad warned you not to see me again.¡±


    ¡°I told you we¡¯ll talk in a few days. I¡¯m a man of my own, Vanderford. He can¡¯t dictate me, and I won¡¯t break that promise again.¡± He ced a hand on my back. ¡°Take a seat.¡±


    ¡°She never ate in a ce like this,¡± Neke started.


    ¡°You could have just told me.¡± I sat first to Striker¡¯s right.


    ¡°Why would I do that?¡±


    ¡°So, you didn¡¯t talk to my dad?¡± I tried to act not overwhelmed.


    ¡°I did. I told you. Since when did I lie?¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡±


    ¡°Remember them?¡± Linden asked, gesturing at the guys beside him.


    ¡°Of course. Sax Ryder and Kye Wilder.¡±


    ¡°See? She knows us.¡± Sax grinned at me. ¡°How are you doing, London?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Thanks.¡±


    Then the food arrived. The burger looked delicious and huge. The melted cheese alone was mouthwatering.


    ¡°Here.¡± Striker ced a te full of fries, sd, and a big burger. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind what I ordered for you.¡±


    ¡°This is exactly what I had in mind,¡± I lied, but now that Striker was sitting beside me, I didn¡¯t mind having fast food once in a while. Besides, this was me loosening up a little.


    ¡°Drinks? They have wine.¡±


    I smiled and widened my eyes. ¡°Oh, no. I¡¯ve had enough wine. I¡¯m traumatized.¡±


    Hisugh was almost a giggle. His smile reached his cobalt-blue eyes. ¡°They have good selections of drinks.¡±


    ¡°Just water, please?¡±


    The waiter took my order. Then I noticed that he was drinking beer in a pint ss.


    I snatched it while he was talking to the waiter and sipped it. It was nice. ¡°May I have like this, please?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± he asked me.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I nodded and put back his beer that tasted like c.


    When we started eating, I realized something was missing.


    ¡°Do you need cutlery, Vanderford?¡± As if he just read my mind. He then pushed them to my te.


    ¡°No.¡± I smiled and grabbed my burger, and took a bite. I knew I had sauce around my lips, but who cared? I put that thing down and grabbed the tissue Striker offered. ¡°What? Never seen ady eat a burger messily before?¡± Then I wiped my mouth while I was chewing. ¡°This is really good.¡±


    ¡°Better than the one made by your chef,¡± said Neke.


    Then I realized they were all looking at me, except Striker. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re d you came,¡± Linden said.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Stick with us, sweetheart. We got your back. That¡¯s a promise.¡±

 Chapter 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. Thest 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 why you never get married.¡±


    Finally, he beamed at me. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve met amazing people, but I thought if he loves me, I don¡¯t have to marry him for him to stay with me. And I already made a decision that I would not have another child. You are enough, and you made me happy, Striker. I¡¯m the luckiest Dad in the world.¡±


    ¡°I love you, Dad.¡±


    ¡°I love you, too, son. Now, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I need to decide in two days. If I say yes, I don¡¯t think I would be fair. If I say no, I will break that promise again, and I don¡¯t like the feeling that someone hates me. What should I do, Dad?¡±


    ¡°And you can¡¯t be more puzzling than that, huh?¡± He looked amused. ¡°You know we never keep a secret with one another, Striker. Just spill it. Drop the bomb. I can handle it.¡±


    ¡°I got fired. I don¡¯t have a job and can¡¯t see London again.¡±


    ¡°What got you fired? You can¡¯t, or you won¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°I screwed up, okay.¡± I felt ashamed admitting my mistake because I had never let my Dad down as far as I could remember. I was his only boy, he was always there for me, and thest thing I would ever do was disappoint him. Judging by the look on his face right now, I just did.


    ¡°You hurt London?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I told him the shorter version of what happened that morning. ¡°Her father fired me, and I¡¯m restricted from seeing her again.¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°That bastard.¡± He was quicker on his feet. ¡°I¡¯m gonna have a word with Linus. His daughter has a mind of her own. He can¡¯t do that to her and fire you.¡±


    ¡°Well, he gave me an option, and I don¡¯t think London will be so thrilled about it.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Linus told me to marry London.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± His voice came out a whisper, but he looked shocked as fuck. He hadn¡¯t blinked in seconds.


    ¡°I just promised I would never leave her again, Dad.¡±


    He sat back, sighing as if he had lost all his energy, but he didn¡¯t look pissed. ¡°I believe in marriage, son. I don¡¯t know if you are ready to settle down. And marriage is a lifetimemitment to your partner, to stay loyal, to stay through thick and thin, to share what you have and vice versa, to ept each other¡¯s imperfection, and to make sure that you hear her needs, her opinion, her sides, and be there for her. I know you are a good and responsible person, but I don¡¯t want you to make a mistake by rushing to get married and regret itter without knowing who you will marry.¡±


    I listened, and Dad was always right. He had a point.


    ¡°Take a breath for a moment. You are a man of your own. Forget about me being your father. Think of me as your friend. Would you listen to someone like Linus?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Forget about your promise because, in the end, your life will be on the line. You can¡¯t save everyone, son. If you¡¯re going to marry London, obviously, financially? It¡¯s not an issue. But will she marry you? Does she know about it? Do you like her? Okay, I know you like her, but are you willing to risk a part of you to be her husband?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m confused, Dad.¡± I rubbed my face with my palm. I suddenly had a severe headache.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. At least you didn¡¯t say you don¡¯t know. You have something in your mind. Get some air. We¡¯ll take about this in the morning, okay?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Dad.¡± I hugged him tight because that was all I needed.


    Before I left his office, he called my name.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Linus is not someone who just decides for his daughter easily. He thought of it carefully, and if he asked you and not her boyfriend, then he likes you a lot. Whatever his reason is, you¡¯ve earned his trust. And I know you, my boy, London will be the luckiest woman to be your wife.¡±


    I managed to pull off a smile. ¡°Appreciate it, Dad.¡±


    ***


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you put my boy through the toughest position, giving him an ultimatum.¡±


    ¡°Dad,¡± I warned him as they shook hands. Dad never filtered his mouth and said whatever pleased him, whatever he wanted to let out of his chest.


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t take a while for him to make a decision if he cares deeply about my daughter.¡±


    ¡°How can you be sure you didn¡¯t set that all up to force my son into marrying London? And they are not in love. They just metst week. What do you gain from this?¡±


    ¡°Dad, we already talked about this.¡± I sat across Linus and my Dad beside me.


    ¡°He did that, son. Why do you think he was there when suddenly you both got drunk?¡±


    I wanted to roll my eyes. I barely sleptst night. I felt like I was being robbed-my life was being robbed from me, but I also cared about London. How would she react when her father told him this shocking news if she hadn¡¯t known about it until now?


    So this arranged marriage thing would be life-changing for both of us after all. It was funny how I had just told London that I wasn¡¯t really to be in any rtionship, and now, I had just made the biggest decision in my entire life.


    ¡°If you think I did all this, tell your son to stay away from my daughter. That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Please, you two, just calm down. This is our lives. I bet you haven¡¯t told London.¡±


    ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°Just so you know, if you do this, forcing herself on me in marriage, you¡¯re going to break her heart, and if you don¡¯t allow her to meet me, you¡¯re breaking her heart as well. Why don¡¯t you just be there for us while we get to know each other.¡±


    ¡°How can I be sure you won¡¯t break her heart and leave her again?¡±


    ¡°Well, you won¡¯t, but I can do that too. Even if we¡¯re already married, the chances are big that this won¡¯t work out.¡± My words stopped him and made him think.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have any idea that she¡¯d gone through that. And believe me. I would never intentionally break your trust. And I would never intentionally hurt London or any woman. I felt ashamed that you had to see your daughter and me in that position because if I would sleep with her, I would not defend myself, and I wouldn¡¯t just sleep with her because it was your daughter or she was London. I would sleep with her because I liked her and wanted to be in a rtionship with her.¡±


    ¡°Are you in a rtionship with anyone right now?¡±


    I narrowed my eyes at him. ¡°No, and that would be so awkward if you found me in that position if I was with somebody.¡±


    ¡°I told you my son is a good man, Linus.¡±


    He sipped his coffee. ¡± I have no doubt, Tate. I wouldn¡¯t have told him to marry my daughter if I didn¡¯t know Striker was a good man.¡±


    ¡°I will marry London.¡± I instantly saw his eyes light up. ¡°Provided that you won¡¯t interfere with our lives unless I hurt her, then you can bury me six feet under.¡±


    ¡°I hope it won¡¯te to that, son.¡± Dad patted my back. ¡°And Linus, when did you be so old-fashioned, deciding for our children into a forced conjugal association? We are in the 21st Century, for God¡¯s sake. When our children be adults, they can live on their own. The only thing we can do is guide them and be with them when they need us.¡±


    ¡°I just want what¡¯s good for my daughter,¡± he said, which shocked me.


    ¡°And that good includes my son? By viting their freedom and autonomy to decide the choices of their rtionships. Well, shit, Linus. You just be the father of the year.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve talked about this.¡± I looked at Dad. ¡°I just wanna point out that that¡¯s not my intention, hurting London.¡± I faced Linus again. ¡°You won¡¯t give us money or help us unless we need you. I will do everything to provide for her needs and to make her happy. I will help her get through tough times. And no grandchildren talk unless it¡¯s our decision.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love to babysit your children, son,¡± Dad delightfully suggested.


    ¡°I¡¯d love to have grandchildren too.¡±


    ¡°No. Not until London is ready. And she will stay in my house.¡±


    Linus raised his hands. ¡°That¡¯s not my decision. Marry her, take care of her, make her happy, and never make her cry. Then we¡¯re good.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s settled then. We have a ring to shop for, son,¡± Dad said merrily.


    ¡°Now, how do you break this news to her?¡±


    ¡°Leave it to me.¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°Let me tell her first, and I know my daughter. She wille to you and convince you not to fall into the trap.¡±


    ¡°Well, this is definitely a trap, Linus,¡± Dad unapologetically said.


    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m not going to marry another woman than London, anyway.¡±

 Chapter 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 soon, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not rushing you to a position you¡¯re not ready for. You still have a lot to learn about running thepany. So far, you¡¯ve done an excellent job and made me proud.¡±


    I smiled delightfully. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°And I made my decision. It wasn¡¯t easy. I want you to know that everything I do is for your own good.¡±


    ¡°What is it all about, Dad?¡± He suddenly made me nervous. My hands began sweating.


    ¡°You and Striker are getting married.¡±


    My jaw dropped. I stared at Dad for a moment, unblinking, figuring out if he was messing with me or if this was some prank, but he didn¡¯t seem the kind of person to pull that trick on me.


    Then I startedughing as I got to my feet. ¡°Me and Striker?¡± I pointed at myself. ¡°Are you kidding? He and I are getting married?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Are you messing with me? It¡¯s not funny, Dad.¡±


    When his expression remained the same, I felt like my world had stopped. ¡°Why? We don¡¯t even like each other. I mean, what do we have inmon? We¡¯re not in love. Aren¡¯t we supposed to be in love, get to know each other, decide for ourselves to settle down, and talk about our future before we get married? Because that¡¯s what normal people do, Dad.¡±


    He sat on his desk, crossed his arms over his chest, unimpressed while listening to me.


    ¡°Dad, we cannot, for the love of God. What happened that night was a mistake, and we were not even sure we slept together. The CCTV footage outside my room was somehow just out of order. I don¡¯t even remember anything. And honestly, I don¡¯t care, but you can¡¯t force us to get married when I don¡¯t even know him.¡±


    ¡°I made my decision. It¡¯s final.¡±


    ¡°Well, let me spell it out for you. Since you won¡¯t get married and say I do, you don¡¯t have a say in my life. I¡¯m an adult. He¡¯s a man of his own, and I don¡¯t think you canpel him or force him to marry me because you feel it¡¯s convenient for you.¡±


    ¡°Well, youngdy, here¡¯s what I wanna say. You are going to marry Striker Cade-¡±


    ¡°Or what?¡± My chin started trembling. My eyes began to fill with tears, but I still looked him in the eye. ¡°Put me in a dungeon until I agree?¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I will shut down the operation of London Hester. How about that? And don¡¯t even think of your savings and investments. Do you remember the contract you signed? You won¡¯t get a penny from your inheritance if I die. Fifty billion dors will go to charities. Your savings won¡¯tst five years. Trust me, London. And I don¡¯t think you can cook or wash your clothes. You won¡¯t survive without my money. That¡¯s the fact.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you would do this to me, to your only daughter. And use your money and position to decide for my life.¡± I sat back, shaking to cry. ¡°This is drastic and derogate. This is unfair.¡±


    ¡°Life is unfair. I want you to secure your life and your future, London.¡±


    I wiped my tears. ¡°My future is not about marriage, Dad. I still have a lot of things to do, experience, and achieve. Marriage is not something I decide overnight because Striker Cade is in town.¡±


    ¡°Like dating worthless men. You¡¯re wasting your time.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just about dating. I have a lot of things to learn in my life. I thought of all people who would understand what my life had been like for the past two years was you. Have somepassion, Dad. And this is not what Striker would want.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a good man, London. Why can¡¯t you see that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen that for two years, Dad. That¡¯s what scares me. You¡¯re going to take that life away from him, his freedom, and how do you think he would react to this? He has so much life ahead of him. And I would only look so desperate to get married. I can¡¯t do that to him.¡±


    ¡°He wants to marry you.¡±


    I cried andughed. My emotions were everywhere, and I couldn¡¯t control them. I was torn between being grateful and sad. ¡°And why in the hell would he do that? Did you threaten him?¡±


    ¡°No. We had a sit down with Tate.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God. Wow.¡± I covered my face, embarrassed. ¡°I couldn¡¯t believe this was happening.¡± I could see the look on Striker¡¯s face. He must be confused and furious. ¡°That couldn¡¯t be. He doesn¡¯t like me. Why would he risk his life for someone broken and useless like me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t. Don¡¯t ever say that to yourself, London.¡±


    ¡°I am damaged good, Dad.¡± I wanted to point it out even if he had already decided. I still had the right to say what I wanted.


    ¡°You and Striker will fix whatever is damaged. He will be a good husband. Give this a chance.¡±


    ¡°This is a marriage we¡¯re talking about. This is not some dating game. Are you even hearing yourself right now? You can¡¯t force two persons to be together because you feel it¡¯s convenient for you.¡± I rose to my feet and looked at him one more time. ¡°This is the most demeaning thing you¡¯ve ever done to me. I may agree, but after this, we¡¯re done, and because I¡¯ve invested too much on LH, but you and I? Are over. I hope you are happy now, father.¡±


    ¡°You will thank meter for doing this, London.¡±


    I walked away from his office, hoping not to see his face for days. I couldn¡¯t believe he managed to convince Striker to fall into his trap. Whatever it was, I was going to find out.


    Once I was out of his property, I dialed Striker, and he picked up right away as if he was waiting for someone to call him.


    ¡°Vanderford?¡± Every time he called me by that name, I felt like I was his best friend. I was on his team.


    I shut my eyes closed the moment I heard his voice. I took a deep breath before I replied. ¡°Hey. Have a minute?¡± I wished he would not recognize the crack and shakiness in my voice.


    ¡°Yup. Pros of having no job.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°I need to talk to you. Where are you?¡± There you go, my voice gave in. I shook to cry in the backseat.


    ¡°Vanderford, what¡¯s going on? Where are you?¡± I felt the worry and alertness in my voice.


    ¡°I just came from Dad.¡±


    ¡°Put Reed on the phone.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Just do it, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± I tapped Reed on his shoulder so he could take my phone. I wiped my face and blew my nose on the tissue, but my tears kept pouring.


    ¡°London,¡± Reed called me, giving my phone back.


    ¡°What did he say?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m driving you to the address he gave me.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I nodded.


    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be okay, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. My life hasn¡¯t been easy for thest two years. Now that I found a friend, I¡¯m about to lose him too. And it¡¯s frustrating.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s always a light at the end of the tunnel, ma¡¯am. Been there, done that. Just don¡¯t lose hope.¡±


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re right.¡± I took a few deep breaths and rested my head when it started hammering. I knew I would have a migraer, but it couldn¡¯tpare to the pain I felt right now-I felt for myself, and I felt for Striker.


    I closed my eyes, hoping to rest, but I shook to cry again. Good thing, a few minutester, Reed said that we had finally arrived.


    The door opened on my seat, and I realized it wasn¡¯t Reed. It was Striker in distressed jeans and a shirt leaning toward me.


    I smiled sadly and took the hand he offered. I threw myself into him the moment I got out of the car, and I needed someone right now who would never judge me.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± That was all I could say.


    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be alright.¡± He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me so tight.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, we had rough days but pulled through, Vanderford.¡±


    I wiped my tears once I pulled away. I probably looked like crap, but he¡¯d seen me in my worse in the same clothes for days. I looked around. It was a two-story modern house with a sharp geometry design.


    ¡°Yours?¡±


    ¡°Yup. Not as big as yours, but I¡¯m proud to call it home.¡±


    ¡°I like it. It has all the elements of you from all angles.¡±


    ¡°Just by looking at it from the outside? Wait until you get in.¡± He was smiling at me. He looked amused and amazed at the same time. When he wiped a tear on my cheek, I had to look up not to cry again.


    ¡°Pretty much.¡±


    ¡°Reed, you can go. I¡¯ll take it from here.¡±


    ¡°Call me if you need anything, ma¡¯am,¡± Reed said before he went back to the car.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    His house was designed with grace and beauty, with an open concept in the receiving area, making it look generously spacious. I followed him to his personal space overlooking the backyard, open garden, and pool. It looked rxing and amazing from there.


    I took off my shoes and curled into a ball on thefy couch. His small gesture, covering my body with the throw, melt my heart.


    ¡°Can I take you something to drink or eat?¡±


    ¡°No wine, please?¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± He tucked a strand behind my ear before he stood up.


    Once he was gone, I closed my eyes. I just wanted to forget my problems for tonight, or I would end up in the mental hospital.


    ¡°Yeah. Don¡¯t worry. She¡¯s gonna be fine. Bye.¡±


    ¡°My dad?¡±


    ¡°Nope. Neke.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°Reed probably informed your dad by the time he left.¡±


    ¡°And you seem okay with everything.¡±


    ¡°Rest. We have time to talk about it. Here, I brought you water.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I sat down and took the water he offered. After I drank, I sighed and looked at him. I didn¡¯t realize he was also looking at me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. And enough with the apology.¡± He came beside me and wrapped his arm around me so I could lean on him. He seemed so on board with this, making me feel more terrible and guilty.


    I burst out crying again in his arms, just like the first time we met. ¡°This is so terrible.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here, Vanderford. You¡¯re not alone anymore. I¡¯m here with you.¡±


    ¡°How could you be so cool about this? What about your life?¡±


    ¡°I think my life started the moment we met.¡±

 Chapter 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 moralpass, a good pedigree, and a ce 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 ced 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 returning it to him either because he deserved it. If he cannot care for a child, he should get a vasectomy or use a condom-be responsible like any reasonable man. That was what came into my mind the moment I knew who was my biological father.


    The balcony was one of my favorite ces in the house as it showcased the backyard and garden spot, and I spent most of my time here alone. I even bought a telescope.


    Her phone suddenly rang from her bag. It was probably her father or, worse, her ex. I second-thought answering the call. I could not just sneak into her bag, invading her privacy, but the situation would escte if it were her father.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    So I had no choice but to get her phone. As soon as I answered the call from her father, I went inside to avoid waking her.


    ¡°Sir.¡±


    ¡°So you answer her call now?¡±


    Isn¡¯t it what you want?¡±She fell asleep,¡± I answered shortly but respectfully. I always respected him despite the fallout. I should treat him like my second father if he were to be my father-inw.


    ¡°Is she okay?¡±


    ¡°Besidesing here to me like you already have predicted, she was crying the entire ride, and she still cried until she fell asleep in my arms. What do you expect, sir? She would jump over the moon that you arranged marriage to a stranger like me?¡±


    ¡°I know you through and through, son. I love my daughter so much, and I would not just throw her to the wolf if I didn¡¯t know who you were.¡± I wondered how far he knew about me.


    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re not after my money.¡±


    ¡°Maybe after her money, if you die,¡± I said half-jokingly. ¡°But don¡¯t worry, and I am sure before you arranged everything, you also prepared the prenuptial agreement. And even if you didn¡¯t, I would be the first to suggest we sign it.¡±


    ¡°Very well, then.¡±


    Without so much thought, I said, ¡°London will stay with me tonight. I have a spare room for her.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m expecting you would say that.¡±


    ¡°Despite how you saw us together, I respect you and London and would never take advantage of her vulnerability. She came here to talk, and when she wakes up, we will talk.¡±


    ¡°I am not judging you, Striker. You¡¯re an attractive man, and she¡¯s a beautiful young woman. All I want from you is to take off her and treat her with kindness.¡± The word kindness made meugh.


    ¡°Kindness? Seriously, sir? What did you see in me exactly? I¡¯m dying to know.¡± I was stillughing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me say it, son.¡±


    ¡°Okay, sir. I won¡¯t insist.¡± I was still smiling when I heard a male voice in the hallway. ¡°Sir, I have to go. I think London is awake.¡±


    ¡°Okay, son.¡±


    I hang up the call, walking into the living.


    ¡°I¡¯m Reef, ma¡¯am. Reeford. Caretaker of the house,¡± Reef said calmly. He was a fifty-year-old man I trusted with this house when I stayed in my apartment.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Cade?¡± There was a wariness in her voice.


    I sprinted down the living room to find Reef with hands up while London was at the other corner.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Cade!¡± London ran in my direction, wrapping her arms around me.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. That¡¯s Reef, the caretaker. He keeps his beard long like a hobo, but you can trust him. He¡¯s a war veteran.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Cade. I was filling your fridge as you¡¯ve asked and found her going to the kitchen, and she ran away.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Reef. Thanks.¡± I wrapped my arms around shaken-up London. ¡°He¡¯s a good guy, I promise.¡±


    ¡°You left me.¡±Oh boy, these words again.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was talking to your dad and didn¡¯t want to wake you up.¡± I watched Reef walk to the back door. When I pulled away, I held her in her arms. ¡°Look at me, Vanderford.¡± There was still mistrust and horror in her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. What did he say?¡±


    ¡°Look.¡± I paused. ¡°I know you don¡¯t trust people you¡¯ve never met, and that¡¯s great. You shouldn¡¯t let your guard down. But you should trust me when I say I¡¯m here for you, and I won¡¯t let anything happen to you as long as you are with me, okay?¡±


    She nodded and looked embarrassed.


    ¡°I took Reef in. And PSTD is a real piece of shit. Reef is struggling to deal with it. It hit him hard, but he¡¯s getting there. I helped him get help. He lost his family halfway. They didn¡¯t want to deal with the horror of seeing him helpless every day. I can¡¯t let him go.¡±


    She nodded and took her phone from me. ¡°I was just shocked to see a man in your house. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I shouldn¡¯t have left you there.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± She went to the table with photos. I followed her, and she picked up the picture of Dad and me. ¡°You look cute here.¡± There was amusement in her tone. ¡°You wore braces?¡± She looked at me in disbelief.


    ¡°Yup. I didn¡¯t wanna frame that, but Dad insisted.¡±


    ¡°Well, this was your fifteenth birthday.¡±


    ¡°And girls didn¡¯t wanna kiss a boy with braces.¡±


    She giggled before she picked up thetest one. ¡°Wow. Is she a real-?¡±


    ¡°Princess? Yes. That¡¯s Carlott Laylin Jemaine Storm Gattewarde Braynburd, Princess Royal.¡±


    ¡°Wow. That¡¯s a mouthful, but she¡¯s beautiful. And the groom?¡± She clearly wasn¡¯t aware. At that time, she was still healing from that terrible incident.


    ¡°My ex-boss, a good friend, Rome Langston. He¡¯s in Winterbourn¡±


    ¡°Rome Langston? He looks familiar.¡±


    ¡°He is. His dad, Sterling Langston, was your dad¡¯s friend.¡±


    She nodded. Then she went to pick the picture of my team. ¡°The real heroes.¡±


    I chuckled sadly. ¡°Brothers not only measure by the blood running in our veins. They are the people I¡¯m proud to call my brothers.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe Cenric was actually in service.¡±


    ¡°Yup. He¡¯s a good guy.¡±


    ¡°So do you, Cade.¡± She smiled at me and patted my arm.


    ¡°Hungry?¡± I wanted to change the topic before she went 360 and discussed marriage. I let her follow me to the kitchen.


    ¡°Do you cook?¡±


    ¡°I can, but Linden is the best in the kitchen among us.¡±


    ¡°Then just fruits or sd.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not doing a diet to fit the social media standard, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing that for them. I want to maintain my size and fit into my clothes. And why do you keep fit? And don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s part of the job.¡±


    ¡°I want to live longer, so I stay healthy and fit.¡±


    My answer put a smile on her face. ¡°Can I stay here for a night? If you don¡¯t mind. I can crash on your couch.¡±


    ¡°I already told your father. And I have spare rooms, Vanderford. You¡¯re not sleeping on the couch. And you can stay here as long as you want.¡± I opened the fridge. Reef filled up everything. I could make us sandwiches, but London was already beside me.


    ¡°I change my mind.¡± She grabbed Greek yogurt. ¡°Can I have some berries?¡±


    I grabbed pus of berries. ¡°Do you want nuts?¡±


    ¡°No. Do you have gran?¡± She went to the ind.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I gave her a bowl and a spoon. Then I went to the cupboard to grab the gran pouch. ¡°Let me wash the berries. Do you need anything else? Syrup?¡±


    She looked at me with query.


    ¡°What?¡±


    She smiled and went into her task.


    I took some berries, washed them, sliced, and put them into the bowl before I ced and joined her on the counter.


    ¡°Do you like sweet?¡±


    ¡°I ate anything in moderation. Let me guess, your ex doesn¡¯t, but he likes to drink.¡±


    ¡°What do you know about Magnus?¡±


    ¡°Enough to know that he¡¯s a douche and should mind his own body. He¡¯s obsessed with keeping you in size 0 but not epting a permanent job.¡±


    She stopped. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Your father offered him a position in one of the subsidiaries, but he turned it down. He wanted to be the CEO of LH.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right?¡± She looked surprised-my guess was she didn¡¯t have any idea.


    ¡°Vanderford, I would never lie to you.¡±


    She looked pissed. I shouldn¡¯t have told her, but she would eventually figure it out anyway. ¡°That jerk. Why my LH?¡±


    ¡°Because of the sales. For a startup clothing line, you did a great job.¡±


    ¡°My team.¡± She poured half into a bowl and offered it to me.


    I took it. ¡°Thanks. You and your team did a great job. I¡¯m proud of you.¡±


    Her smile was bright and genuine. Her eyes lit up with pride. ¡°Thanks. You¡¯re jobless right now. Looking for a designer job.¡±


    ¡°No. Thanks for the offer, but I don¡¯t wanna work for my future wife. I still know my self-worth.¡±

 Chapter 16

    LONDON? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    After our yogurt dinner together, I couldn¡¯t even look him in the eye anymore.


    I was ashamed. Striker was a good man, and my father handpicked him for me for some reason, and he was okay with it-it was too good to be true.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You¡¯ve been awfully silent.¡± He sent me to the guestroom, opening the door for me. ¡°Is the room okay?¡±


    ¡°I should check in at the suite if I want a 5-star treatment, Cade. You¡¯ve been nothing but kind and hospitable to your unwanted guest.¡±


    He smiled at me. ¡°You¡¯re not my guest anymore, Vanderford. You know that.¡±


    I took a deep breath and looked up when my eyes stung again.


    ¡°No more crying. We will figure it out together, okay?¡±


    ¡°I came here to discuss my father¡¯s ridiculous arrangement with you. You can¡¯t do this. This marriage life is not the life that you want. Please, do something. Try to reconsider and change your mind.¡± I held his arms tight as I looked him in the eye, but nothing could persuade him since he had already made a deal with my father.


    ¡°I won¡¯t break my word with your father, Vanderford. I said yes, and that¡¯s not gonna change.¡±


    ¡°Why? Why did you say yes to this trap? Why me? I¡¯m a lost cause, a broken beyond repair.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t. Don¡¯t ever say that.¡± His face turned hard and dark. ¡°This is thest time I hear those words again, Vanderford. You¡¯re not what you say you are. You¡¯re a fighter. You¡¯re a strong woman. Keep that in mind. You won¡¯t be where you are right now if you are weak. What happened in the past doesn¡¯t define who you are today. It made you stronger.¡±


    ¡°Why do you wanna marry me, Cade? I wanna know. If you don¡¯t wanna fix me?¡±


    He chuckled, but more of a mock. ¡°Fix you? You¡¯re not broken. There¡¯s nothing to fix in you. And you can do it by yourself if you are. You don¡¯t need a man, someone like me, to be the person you want to be.¡± He looked down, holding my hands. ¡°To answer you honestly, I¡¯m not sure, Vanderford. I¡¯m still figuring it out. I could have easily said no and chose not to see you again, but-¡±


    ¡°But what?¡±


    ¡°I wanna see you.¡±


    ¡°Is it because you promised me? You broke it once. Why not do it again?¡±


    He lifted his gaze. ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to repeat my mistake.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a girlfriend or boyfriend? Girlfriends? I promise not to judge.¡±


    ¡°No girlfriend or boyfriend, Vanderford.¡± He went to open the door to the bathroom. ¡°There are clean towels and a new toothbrush. Let me know if you need anything. You have my number, or you can knock at my room in the corner.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Then I remembered I didn¡¯t have clothes. ¡°Um, Cade?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Do you really have to call me Cade?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Mind your own on how I wanna call you.¡±


    His smile was infectious. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. You were saying?¡±


    ¡°Can I borrow a shirt?¡± I shrugged as I looked down at my outfit.


    ¡°Of course.¡± He went out to the next door, his bedroom.


    ¡°Can Ie? You can say no.¡±


    ¡°You scared of an unfamiliar ce?¡±


    ¡°Not really. I can lock the door and windows. I keep the light open, though.¡± I followed him to his room and stayed at the door.


    His room was so clean and smelled like him, not the man cave I expected. It was big, bigger than mine, in light gray and white. The king-size bed was at the center, an abstract painting above the headboard, two bedside tables, a gray rug at the foot of the bed, a small chandelier hanging from the ceiling, a single gray fabric ent chair and the floor-to-ceiling windows with draping white curtains.


    When he turned around, he looked at me in a gesture. ¡°Coming in.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Haven¡¯t invited anyone in, but yeah.¡± He went to his probably walk-in closet.


    I took a peek. It was also white and gray with an ind in the center. ¡°You sure you don¡¯t smuggle drugs? And you look like a man who doesn¡¯t take a charity case from your father, but your house is big as mine, and Dad bought it for me. So how can you afford a thirty-five million dor house?¡±


    ¡°I might deal drugs, Vanderford. And my bodyguard job is just a front.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡± I smiled as I looked around. ¡°You¡¯re a neat freak. You are a more well-organized dude than me. I expected to see socks everywhere, clothes on the floor, and chargers on the nightstand. I feel ashamed right now.¡±


    ¡°And you just call me dude. Remember when I told you I¡¯m more of an investment kind of guy? I invest my money. My sweatpants might be too long big for you.¡± He went to open a drawer and pulled out blue boxers, another drawer for a pair of socks, then went to another door to pick a gray shirt.


    I took the clothes he offered. ¡°A big tall dude. Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Give me your clothes after you change. I¡¯ll wash them.¡±


    I narrowed at him. ¡°No thanks. You have enough trouble because of me.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how to operate a washing?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ll figure it out.¡±


    Heughed as he shook his head. ¡°If you say so, Vanderford. Just don¡¯t break my washing.¡±


    I walked out. ¡°I¡¯m going to my room now. Night.¡±


    After I had changed, I double-checked the windows and the door before I went to bed. I typed a short reply to Neke. She didn¡¯t reply anymore and probably sleeping right now.


    After an hour, I was still tossing and turning in bed. I couldn¡¯t sleep. I was mentally berating myself and forced to close my eyes. Maybe it was a new ce thing.


    God, this is so embarrassing.


    I picked up my phone and typed a message to Striker.


    LONDON: Still up?


    I hit send.


    Secondster, I didn¡¯t receive a reply. God, I wished I could unsend it. My face just heated. He was probably sleeping soundly.


    I sat on the bed and went to Instagram. I had one thousand three hundred new followers. I searched for Striker. His ount was private, Of course. I followed him. He didn¡¯t post regrly, some from months ago in Winterbourn. Thest picture he posted was a week ago with the caption, Good to be back home. Jeez, I just became a stalker.


    I just received a new message.


    CADE: Can¡¯t sleep?


    I quickly replied.


    LONDON: Yes.


    CADE: Open the door.


    LONDON: Okay.


    I went back to bed after I opened the door. A minuteter, he walked in a shirt and sweatpants.


    ¡°How can you sleep if you¡¯re on your phone?¡± He came to my left and ced his phone on the nightstand.


    ¡°Sorry, Dad,¡± I replied dryly. ¡°Did I wake you up?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t silence my phone.¡± He crossed his legs together above the nket.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Are you scared alone?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I remained seated. ¡°I just can¡¯t sleep. A lot is going on in my mind that needs answers. Anyway, I followed you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He turned to me.


    ¡°Your Instagram.¡±


    He smiled. ¡°You¡¯re stalking me?¡±


    I smiled back. ¡°Call it whatever you want, soldier.¡±


    ¡°Should I follow you back?¡± The smile was still there. He looked amused. If we stayed like this, we could end up a great partner.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to.¡±


    ¡°I will do itter. Do you wanna talk about-¡±


    ¡°The elephant in the room?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°If I can¡¯t change your mind, what¡¯s the point? I don¡¯t want you to regret it.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t if you won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± I faced him.


    ¡°I won¡¯t force you into anything. I will listen to you, do and give whatever you need. Of course, I will keep you safe and respect your wishes. I promised that to your father. I will be loyal to you. That means you should also be loyal to me if we get married.¡± He looked at me. ¡°I won¡¯t change anything. You can do whatever you want, do your job and anything that makes you happy, and go and meet your friends.¡± At least we were setting ground rules. ¡°The only thing that¡¯s gonna change is you¡¯re gonna wear my ring, and no boys allowed,¡± he said gently.


    ¡°So you¡¯re not gonna-¡± I hesitated.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t finished my words.¡±


    ¡°Sleep with another woman? No.¡±


    ¡°Are we?¡± I felt my face ming.


    ¡°If you wish to. It¡¯s all up to you. I told our parents about having kids that it¡¯s all up to you, but definitely not now.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡± I folded my arms over my chest. I didn¡¯t know what to say. He had all summed up in less than twenty-four hours.


    ¡°You can say whatever you want. It¡¯s our life now, and I told them you will stay here.¡±


    ¡°Do I have to say in that?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then I wanna stay in my house.¡±


    ¡°But I have to stay where you are.¡±


    ¡°Then stay in my house.¡±


    He sighed profoundly but didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°You wanna say something?¡±


    He shook his head.


    ¡°Okay, maybe we can stay here and there. But I¡¯m not sleeping in your bed.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my bed?¡± He looked offended.


    I pursed my lips because it sounded silly if I said it out loud.


    ¡°I slept with women in my apartment. This one is off limits.¡±


    ¡°Do you always have to read my mind?¡± I stared at him as if he was insane.


    ¡°So I was right then? But you slept with Magnus in your bed.¡±


    ¡°Wow. Now you sound like a jealous husband.¡± I grimaced.


    ¡°Well, you started it,¡± he snickered.


    ¡°Then I will throw everything in that room. Happy?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. He¡¯s your past, and it¡¯s not a big deal.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a jerk anyway.¡±


    ¡°How long did you date that guy?¡±


    ¡°Five months. Almost six.¡±


    ¡°You managed to stay with that guy for five months?¡±


    ¡°Judgy?¡± I shot him an annoying look. ¡°What about your exes? Tell me about them. Yourtest in Winterbourn.¡±


    He grinned, amused at how I reacted to this argument. ¡°How did you know I have a girlfriend in Winterbourn?¡±


    ¡°A hunch.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t had a girlfriend in two years, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Wew. Dry spell much. For what? Are you saving your chastity for the end of the world?¡±


    His body shook as heughed. ¡°I said I didn¡¯t have a girlfriend in two years, but I didn¡¯t say I never had hookups. A man has needs, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± I slid to lie on my back and put my phone on the table. ¡°You should give me a ring then?¡± I showed him my hand.


    He chuckled as he slid beside me but remained outside the nket. ¡°You¡¯re more excited about the ring than getting married?¡±


    ¡°Before I left Dad, I told him I don¡¯t wanna see him. Maybe we should elope and get it done.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want a proper wedding? You deserve it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the point? I mean, look at us. Is this even proper? He said he would donate his fifty billion and shut down the operation of LH. Since he¡¯s the chairman, he can do it in a heartbeat if I won¡¯t marry you.¡±


    ¡°So my worth is fifty billion dors to you, huh? You should grovel and beg if you care for LH this much.¡±


    I turned to face him. ¡°I¡¯m not marrying you for money, Cade. And LH is the only thing I did right.¡±


    ¡°Now I have every reason to marry you. It¡¯s not about your money or birthright. I want to show your father that you and I will be a great team.¡±

 Chapter 17

    STRIKER


    How did I end up in her nket, my arms wrapped around her, her hands slipped under my shirt, fingers wing my back as we kissed like there was no tomorrow? I had no idea.


    My thumb brushed along the side of her jaw, and I tilted my head, nting my mouth to hers as I imed her mouth in deep-suck on her tongue. The taste of the sweet vor in her mouth intoxicated me. Even if I wanted to stop, I couldn¡¯t. She consumed my senses.


    I didn¡¯t remember getting in her nket or kissing her, but yeah, we were doing it. And having a hard-on never got this hard-it fucking hurt.


    She did another dig of her fingers into the back. Her moan surrounded us. Her breasts pressed against my chest, her leg tightly wrapped around my waist as she thrust her hips, her core against my aching cock.


    It felt so good.


    We were burning, and we still had our clothes on. Our heartbeats were strong and steady as we thrust and moved our conjoined hips.


    I had to be dreaming because things like this didn¡¯t happen between us. Our connection was iparable.


    My eyes widened. My heart stopped. And I pulled away just enough, our lips barely touched.


    And London seemed to realize what we were doing. Her darkened eyes cracked open and were still filled with unsated lust and questions. Yes, she was turned on, like I was.


    As well as I was, I had a lot of questions but couldn¡¯t form coherent words. We were still in the same position. Seemingly none of us wanted to pull away.


    Then we burst outughing. Our voices echoed in the room. Our neighbors could probably hear us. That was how made us pulled apart.


    ¡°Were we dreaming?¡± we asked in unison.


    ¡°Jesus.¡± I fixed my sweatpants. I was still hard.


    ¡°We kissed,¡± she said humorously.


    ¡°We almost-¡±


    ¡°Yeah. What was that all about?¡±


    I looked at her, and she was still smiling, her hand on her face. ¡°We definitely remember if we slept together that night.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Agreed.¡±


    ¡°Definitely.¡± I ignored that I noticed her press her thighs together. For sure, she was wet. I could smell her arousal. I would love to continue what we started if I could predict how she would react.


    That kiss was something that I had no doubt would be forever memorable. I could still taste her on my tongue and felt the pain of her ws on my flesh and the way my cock almost burst from my boxers. I knew we had an undeniable connection-it was special, something I could look forward to in this unusual rtionship.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± I blinked at her question.


    ¡°I should go back to my room. Otherwise, we may end up more than dry-humping,¡± I joked just to clear the sexual tension in the air.


    ¡°Yeah. Sorry.¡± She grinned sheepishly. ¡°And you should do something with that.¡± I knew exactly what she meant.


    I dragged myself out of bed. ¡°I enjoy a cold shower, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Good luck.¡± She tried hard to hide herugh under the nket.


    ¡°Good night.¡± I didn¡¯t look back as I walked to the door. ¡°I will not lock my door. If you feel scared alone.¡±


    ¡°And then what?¡±


    ¡°I will sleep on the floor.¡± I closed the door behind me.


    I was true to my words. I would sleep on the floor. I couldn¡¯t afford to let that happen again. Although I would love to kiss her more, cuddle her, and even if it led to sleeping together, I wanted that to happen without some dream-induced libido influencing us.


    ***


    I woke up early. It was only five in the morning. After I talked and sent the details to Neke, I ran on a treadmill for a while.


    Neke seemed unaware of the arrangement between London and me, but she wouldn¡¯t hear it from me. I wanted her to know from my future wife since they were best friends.


    I stopped midway to find Reef and Linden in my kitchen, making breakfast.


    ¡°Thest time I did this was when I was protecting Cenric¡¯s ass.¡±


    ¡°And you think you could juste to my house and use my kitchen?¡± Of course, it was a joke. I joined them and took the smoothie Reef offered.


    ¡°I think we passed beyond that, brother.¡± He went to the pancake and flipped it using just the pan. The way he whisked the egg looked unbelievably satisfying. He then tossed some salt and crushed ck pepper into the bowl. Then he set it aside.


    ¡°How¡¯s thedy?¡± Reef asked.


    ¡°Good-¡±


    I froze at the voice behind me. London seemed to realize we were not alone. I turned to her. She still had my shirt and boxers, and socks on. If anyone wasn¡¯t aware of our sleeping arrangements, they could easily see us sleeping together. That was howfortable she was with me.


    ¡°Good morning, sweetheart.¡± Linden smiled brightly.


    ¡°Good morning, ma¡¯am,¡± Reef greeted her.


    ¡°Oh, hi. Good morning.¡± Her cheeks blossomed rosy pink.


    ¡°I crashed the kitchen. Come on here.¡±


    ¡°Um, Reef. Sorry aboutst night.¡± She smiled at him.


    ¡°My apology, too, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Just London.¡± She came beside me.


    ¡°No, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°No. Just London or I won¡¯t talk to you.¡±


    Lindenughed. ¡°You heard the prettydy.¡±


    ¡°London it is. You were born in London?¡± Reef asked.


    ¡°Yes, at St. Thomas.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know where it is, but it sounds fancy.¡±


    ¡°Kind of.¡± London looked at me. ¡°You¡¯re sweaty, Cade.¡±


    ¡°I just came from a ran and found my kitchen with our unwanted guests.¡±


    She beamed. ¡°I can¡¯t cook. And it would be embarrassing if I burned the entire kitchen down on my first day of stay.¡±


    ¡°Way more embarrassing thanst-¡± I couldn¡¯t finish my sentence, London elbowed me, and the two guys caught up quickly.


    ¡°So, there¡¯s more embarrassing than daddy dear-¡± Lindenughed out loud as he carefully rolled the egg on the pan.


    ¡°You knew?¡± London asked him before she turned to me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at him. Since your daddy fired him, I put two and two together, and now this?¡± He ced the omelet on the te, tossed some sliced cherry tomatoes, and set a sliced avocado on the side.


    ¡°Oh, we didn¡¯t sleep in the same bed,¡± she quickly defended us as she took the te from Linden. ¡°Thank you. Looks delicious.¡±


    ¡°And why not?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t answer him,¡± I said as I grabbed an OJ from the fridge. ¡°Vanderford, do you drink coffee?¡±


    ¡°Do you have tea?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know what she drinks?¡± Reef asked in a whisper.


    ¡°Why are you whispering?¡± Linden asked him, making another omelet. He put in a good amount of grated cheese. Once he was done, he garnished it with chopped herbs.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna offend our guy here,¡± Reef replied.


    ¡°I drink coffee.¡±


    ¡°See? She drinks coffee,¡± Linden chuckled a little.


    ¡°Strike, she¡¯s here,¡± Reef announced.


    ¡°Let here in here.¡±


    A few momentster, Neke walked in.


    ¡°Neke? What are you doing here?¡± They did a cheek-to-cheek kiss.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to work, right?¡± Neke asked. ¡°Because I brought your work clothes.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Thanks.¡±


    We joined them at the table as we had breakfast together.


    ¡°Oh, wow. You should open your own restaurant, Linden. This is incredible.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sweetheart.¡±


    Neke had the same reaction on her face.


    ***


    Linden left with Reef. London¡¯s bodyguard, Reed, arrived while she was still with Neke in the room.


    ¡°Reed.¡± We shook hands.


    ¡°Cade.¡±


    ¡°I have something to do today. Please, keep her safe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Neke went to the car first with Reed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be busy today, but if you need me, just give me a call.¡±


    London in white corporate dress was a sight for sore eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll be busy in the office, too. Are you sure you don¡¯t wanna work for me?¡± There was a pun in her voice.


    ¡°Sorry, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Misogynist much?¡±


    ¡°I like you just fine.¡±


    ¡°I love your design.¡±


    ¡°Design?¡±


    ¡°The bag.¡±


    ¡°I see. I have a part-time job at Cade Premium. Product design.¡±


    ¡°Oh. That makes sense. You¡¯re notpletely jobless.¡±


    ¡°I work from home, but if you need me and my opinion, just let me know.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. I keep that in mind.¡± She came to hug me goodbye.


    ¡°Take care, okay.¡±


    ¡°You too.¡±


    After I showered, I went to the jewelry shop to take the ring I had purchased. I just guessed her ring size. I hoped it fit her. The engagement ring was gorgeous, though, and I would choose this design if I had proposed to my girlfriend.


    I called Linus to inform him that London and I had decided to get married in a civil wedding, and he wasn¡¯t impressed, but that was not his decision anymore.


    It was lunchtime. I decided to visit London in her office. Everyone seemed bustling when I entered the premises, but I found Neke on her desk.


    ¡°Hey, white knight.¡± Neke yfully poked my chest.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Vanderford?¡±


    ¡°Nice. I like how you call each other. So what if you both are already married? Do you still call each other by surnames?¡± She knew, judging by the looked on her face. ¡°She told me. And she¡¯s in her office. You might wanna prepare your Kung Fu skills when you enter to dodge whatever she throws at you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I suddenly got worried. My mood soured.


    ¡°Just get in. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll exin.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I pushed the door, and I hadn¡¯t yet entered; she was already yelling.


    ¡°Get out!¡± She was facing the window as she pointed her finger in my direction. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna talk right now.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    She froze as she recognized my voice and finally faced me. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Vanderford, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    She breathed deeply before she met my gaze. She looked pissed, as if someone just wore her favorite shoes without permission. She went to sit on her chair, still not talking.


    I joined her as I sat at the desk. I found pens, pencils, and papers on the floor when I looked around. My guess was she threw them out of anger.


    ¡°Vanderford, I can¡¯t help you if you won¡¯t tell me what¡¯s happening.¡± I held her hand.


    She then lifted her chin, meeting my gaze. ¡°I¡¯m not ready to let people know I¡¯m getting married.¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°Then my father just did the opposite.¡± She rose from her seat, went to find something on the floor, and picked up her phone.


    ¡°Broken?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She started scrolling, and then she gave it to me.


    It was a post of her father on Twitter. Linus had fifteen million followers on Twitter, and he just tweeted-I¡¯m so thrilled my daughter, London, found the right man for her with ring emoji.


    Iughed as I was between pissed and thrilled at the same time. ¡°Unbelievable.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what made me furious. And look at the views and likes. He can¡¯t just delete it and forget it never happened.¡±


    ¡°I just called him before I came that we decided to get married in a civil ceremony, and he was pissed at me, telling me that you deserve a grand wedding.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not on him, is it?¡± I felt like she had something in mind against her father. ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡±


    ¡°Your father might not honor it, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll get married at the back of your house.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°He¡¯s right. You deserved better, but whatever you want.¡± I picked up the ring from my pocket and flipped it open. ¡°We have an unconventional rtionship, but I¡¯d love nothing more than to be your partner in crime for life.¡± I went on my knees. ¡°London Hester Marguerite, will you marry me?¡±


    Sheughed out loud before she gave me her hand. ¡°You know my full name. Yes!¡±

 Chapter 18

    LONDON


    I was furious at Dad. He was always one step ahead of me. He did not even ask my permission to announce my rtionship to his millions of followers on Twitter. Why did he have to do that before I could?


    I mean, yeah, he was my father, the billionaire, investor, phnthropist, capitalist, the chairman of the Vanderford Group,pared to me, just the daughter. I wouldn¡¯t even have a job and a clothing line in my name if it was not because of him and his influence.


    Then my day turned out to be great. I just got engaged. I still couldn¡¯t believe it was happening. I should have been terrified by the drastic change in my life, but I was inwardly giggling. And my ring was gorgeous. If I were to choose my own engagement ring, without a doubt, I would choose this one-a four-carat radiant cut with blue diamond side stones which fit perfectly.


    Right now, I was starving, and we just got down to the lobby for thete lunch. Earlier, Striker patiently awaited me and did another design-a dress. He had an incredible talent, but the downside was he didn¡¯t want to work for me, which was a bummer.


    The elevator door slid open, and we almost bumped into Magnus.


    ¡°Wow. So it¡¯s true then,¡± he said, mocking me with his disgust and arrogant look that made me want to punch his face. ¡°Your bodyguard? Seriously, I am surprised that you actually have terrible taste in men. I mean, why him?¡±


    Despite Magnus being egotistic and belittling my fiance, I heard nothing from Striker, and this was what I liked about him. He remained calm beside me and just stuffed his hands in his pockets.


    ¡°What do you want, Magnus?¡±


    ¡°You broke up with me for him.¡± He pointed at Striker.


    ¡°If I remember right, you left, and the next thing I knew, you went to the club and posted something on your Instagram instead ofing and talking to me like a man. And what were you expecting? Me crawling back in your arms? Well, let me tell you this. I would still choose him over you.¡±


    ¡°Can he ever provide your tasteful luxury? I mean, you¡¯re a CEO, and he¡¯s what?¡±


    ¡°An idealistic and loyal man. His job is honorable, and it doesn¡¯t matter if he sweeps the street. That¡¯s still a job. Why are you really here, Magnus?¡± I didn¡¯t know why I still wasted my time exining to him. I guessed I needed closure.


    He shook his head in disappointment. ¡°I can¡¯t fucking believe this.¡±


    ¡°You should leave, Tucker,¡± Striker said calmly.


    ¡°Now he talks. London deserves better than you.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. Even if it were the end of the world, we would never get back together. I realized now why Dad never liked him. He was a major dick, controlling, and egotistic.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more. She certainly deserves better than us.¡±


    ¡°Who do you think you are?¡±


    ¡°My son is the one you are belittling, young man. You should leave them alone and move on.¡±


    My face lit up to see Tate walking in our direction.


    ¡°Now, even better. Your son? You¡¯re gay. A gay father.¡± Heughed out loud and poked fun at Tate.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Tucker.¡± Striker¡¯s voice just boomed in the lobby. ¡°You can insult me all you want, but I would never let you do that to my dad. You should leave.¡± Magnus just pissed him. If Striker wanted to punch Magnus, I would never stop him because he just went a little too far.


    ¡°Homophobic much? Go ahead, insult me. At least I raised my son to have humility, to be respectful and humble.¡± He then faced us, smiling from ear to ear. ¡°Congrattions!¡± He pulled me into a hug. ¡°Wee to the family, and I can¡¯t wait to be your father-inw, dear London.¡±


    When I hugged Tate back, Magnus just noticed the ring on my finger, and I bet he couldn¡¯t even afford to give me an engagement ring like this. When I pulled away, Tate hugged and congratted his son, and Magnus was nowhere to be found-that served him right.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Dad?¡±


    Tate was still wearing that proud smile. ¡°To congratte both of you. Going somewhere?¡±


    ¡°We were supposed to havete lunch when that asshole interrupted us,¡± Striker replied.


    ¡°Go. Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Now that you¡¯re here, please join us, Tate.¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Oh, no, dear. I¡¯m not going to be the third wheel. Go, and enjoy your lunch.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Tate looked at his son with so much pride. ¡°I¡¯m happy and proud of you.¡±


    ¡°I love you, Dad.¡±


    ¡°I love you, my boy.¡±


    Once we were in the car, Striker went silent.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the Bond car?¡± I knew he was still upset with the unwanted intrusion done by Magnus. I wanted to lessen the silence and tension.


    ¡°At home.¡±


    ¡°So you just drove that to impress me?¡±


    ¡°Are you?¡± The humor in his voice was audible. d that jerk didn¡¯t ruin his mood.


    ¡°Kind of.¡±


    When he sighed, that was the time that I realized he knew how to hide his emotion.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    He looked at me for a second. ¡°What for? Your ex? You don¡¯t have to apologize, Vanderford. It¡¯s not your fault. If you were not there, I would have broken his face. He could insult me, but not my dad. That¡¯s below the belt.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I was sorry for.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologize for others¡¯ behavior. He¡¯s your ex and shouldn¡¯t havee to you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna inform the security to restrict him from entering the premises.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll update Reed.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Anytime.¡±


    This guy loved good food. He chose the Michelin-star restaurant. Just the omelet this morning was terrific.


    ¡°You have a reservation?¡±


    ¡°No, but I happen to know the owner.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± I held the hand he offered. Now we were like a real couple. My heart just skipped a bit, and I felt butterflies in my stomach.


    ¡°Yup.¡± We went upstairs, and a beautiful woman in her fifties weed us.


    ¡°Oh, honey. When you called, I jumped with joy. Literally.¡± She had the most brilliant smile.


    ¡°Hello, Celeste. Thanks for giving us a table on such short notice.¡± He kissed her on the cheek.


    ¡°You¡¯re a family, honey. And I couldn¡¯t wait to tell Rome about this.¡± She turned her attention to me. ¡°Hi, dear. You must be London.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡± We kissed on the cheek.


    ¡°He¡¯s a good man. Don¡¯t break his heart.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± I smiled.


    ¡°Good. Well, take a seat. The wine is on the house. And just a little trivia. This is the table where my son first brought the woman, now his wife.¡± She meaningfully smiled before walking away.


    ¡°Wew. No pressure.¡±


    While we were waiting for our order, we had white wine.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna be working with Dad as Product Design Director.¡±


    ¡°Really? Congrattions! When are you gonna start?¡± I was holding his hands as I beamed at him. I was happy for him because he had an amazing talent and would be a good and passionate director.


    ¡°Thank you. I haven¡¯t told Dad that I¡¯m epting the position.¡±


    I took my ss. ¡°To the new director.¡±


    We sipped wine, and our meal arrived. The presentation alone looked gorgeous and Instagram-able.


    ¡°Would you take the position if your dad resigns?¡±


    ¡°If I have no choice, yes.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the honesty.¡±


    ¡°I will always be honest with you. What¡¯s your dream job?¡±


    ¡°Not a dream job anymore. I always want to design my own dress.¡±


    ¡°Do you wanna design your own wedding dress?¡± His question made me stop.


    ¡°No.¡± I shook my head. ¡°I don¡¯t think I wanna do it. I might share some ideas, but that¡¯s the only thing I wouldn¡¯t do.¡±


    ¡°I think it would be great, Vanderford, but it¡¯s your dress, and you can pick the designer.¡±


    ¡°I love the ring.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but smile as I showed it to him. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful. And the blue stones, the color of your eyes.¡±


    ¡°I know it would look great on your finger.¡± He held my hand and nted it on his lips. ¡°That¡¯s the story behind it.¡±


    After ourte lunch, he sent me back to my office. I worked the whole time. I stayed for a while to finalize the final dress design. I was on thest piece when Neke left.


    Later on, Reed knocked and came to my office.


    ¡°London, are you ready?¡± He wasn¡¯tfortable calling me by my name, but I insisted. Reed was like the big brother I never had, just like Linden, who called me sweetheart.


    When I checked my watch, it waste. ¡°Oh, my God.¡±


    ¡°I came when I couldn¡¯t reach your number.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. I think I forgot to charge it.¡± I checked my phone, and I was right. The battery was drained. I got to my feet and gathered my things.


    ¡°I think so. Your father and Mr. Cade just called me asking about you.¡±


    ¡°What did they say?¡±


    ¡°Your father was just checking on you, and Mr. Cade-¡±


    ¡°Stop with Mr. Cade. I heard you called each other by Reed and Cade.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s your fiance now, London.¡±


    ¡°Just Cade. What did he say?¡±


    ¡°He asked me to check on you when he couldn¡¯t reach you.¡±


    We went to the elevator, and I asked if I could borrow his phone. I re-dial Striker¡¯s number.


    ¡°Reed?¡± He picked up right away.


    ¡°It¡¯s Ezeki,¡± I joked.


    ¡°Why I couldn¡¯t reach your number, Vanderford?¡± He sounded annoyed.


    ¡°I was caught up with work and forgot to charge my phone.¡±


    ¡°You made me worried.¡±


    ¡°Magnus can¡¯te to the building if you¡¯re worried about that. Should I buy another phone just for you?¡± Thest sentence came a little bit harsh and sarcastic. Okay, my reply was filled with sarcasm.


    I heard him breathe deeply from the other line. ¡°Can I speak with Reed?¡±


    ¡°About? You can tell me, and I will ry your message.¡±


    ¡°Tell him to drive you to my house.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m tired, Cade. I wanna go home and soak in the tub.¡±


    ¡°You can soak here.¡±


    ¡°No. I wanna stay at home tonight.¡±


    ¡°Fine. As you like.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I hang up the call.


    When I got in the car, my stomach twisted. I felt terrible. He was checking on me, and he just invited me to stay at his house, and I turned him down.


    Reed somehow noticed it. He looked at me through the rearview once and a while. Maybe I looked guilty.


    ¡°Can you send me to Cade?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    An hourter, Reef opened the door for me. ¡°Good evening, London.¡±


    ¡°Good evening. Is he here?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. In his office. At the end corner.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna go check on him.¡±


    ¡°Let me know if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I went directly to the door at the corner and knocked.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    I entered his office in a somewhat awkward manner because I felt awful. ¡°Hi.¡±


    He stopped whatever he was doing on the iPad. ¡°Hey. I thought you wanna go home.¡± He rose from the chair and walked in my direction.


    I met him in the middle and hugged him. ¡°Sorry about earlier.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. It had been a long day.¡±


    ¡°I was still bitchy.¡±


    He didn¡¯t seem to care. He was even smiling. ¡°I was preparing dinner.¡±


    Now I wanted to cry. I covered my face with my hand. ¡°Oh, my God.¡±


    He cupped my face and kissed me on my forehead. ¡°It¡¯s on me. I should have told you earlier. I just wanted to surprise you. I realized that it was a bad idea.¡± Despite my behavior, he was so considerate and still managed to smile. I didn¡¯t know if I deserved him.


    I was grateful. God, I was beginning to fall for this man.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m actually starving. Do you still have leftovers?¡±


    He took my bag. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the dining, and then you can soak in the bathtubter.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±

 Chapter 19

    STRIKER


    ¡°I¡¯ll ready the tub,¡± I said as I loaded the dishwasher.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need it. I just said to excuse myself.¡±


    My brows furrowed. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± She shrugged. ¡°Maybe I didn¡¯t like your tone or how you told me to talk to Reed when you could just tell me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m still adjusting to our situation and used tomunicating with my fellow CPO in that tone.¡± I nodded in understanding.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± She dropped her gaze.


    I liked that she was honest. Maybe our unconventional arrangement would work out even though we seemed to have nothing inmon.


    ¡°I felt ashamed of how I handled it. I should be grateful for saving my butt many times, and this arrangement, you literally saved my life, my entire future, and I should be begging for it, but here you are, trying to be kind, and you are the one who made all the adjustments to fit into my life.¡± She breathed deeply as she looked up. ¡°I don¡¯t know how I can repay you. I don¡¯t know what I can offer you. I mean, look at me. I have nothing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true. This arrangement happens for a reason. You have everything every woman has dreamed of having. You are beautiful, amazing, and strong. Every man wants to be with you, Vanderford. And I epted your father¡¯s offer because I wanted to do it. Stop beating yourself up.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Thank you for not making it awkward and difficult for me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. Do you wanna be alone or go to bed now?¡±


    ¡°Can you sit with me?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Go ahead. I will be there in a minute.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for dinner. It was delicious.¡± Her smile was controlled, and I didn¡¯t know why she suddenly became shy and detached.


    I watched her walk away to the family room. I took a deep breath, trying to think about my next move. I needed her to trust me for this rtionship to work out because I knew this wasn¡¯t just about bottled-up sexual tensions. This was a long-term rtionship that needed nurturing and a lot of patience.


    My phone rang on the counter, which caught my attention. It was Rome calling me.


    ¡°Langston, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Make me understand, bro. And here¡¯s what my wife and I havee to a conclusion. You bumped into her, and she recognized you. It was love at first sight, and now you n to elope. How are we doing so far?¡±


    ¡°So, you heard it from Celeste.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Cade. You are better than that.¡± He sounded thrilled. I could feel it from hundreds of miles away.


    When I was working for him, he urged me to go out on a date, and Princess Carlott was even ready to set me up with some nobles¡¯ daughters, but I was the one who refused because I still wanted to go back home. What happened to London and me, maybe, it was destiny, after all.


    ¡°You know who she is then?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, brother.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I remember her. Dad was Linus Vanderford¡¯s friend. You flew with me after a sessful rescue mission. How¡¯s she? London, right? My wife just followed her on Instagram.¡±


    ¡°Say hi to Princess. I already missed the little prince.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s listening, Cade. Come on. I¡¯m intrigued. If my mom was right, London was wearing an engagement ring. She wanted to congratte you but wasn¡¯t sure if it was yours.¡±


    ¡°News travels fast.¡± I chuckled. ¡°My guess is you read Linus¡¯ tweet.¡±


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Heughed out loud. I heard Princess Carlottughing in the background as well. ¡°Well, damn. I¡¯m happy for you, brother. I will disown you if my wife and I won¡¯t be your principal sponsors.¡±


    I joined them,ughing. ¡°I¡¯m thrilled, brother, but we might get married in the City Hall or before the judge.¡±


    ¡°Why? Is she pregnant?¡±


    ¡°God, no. We haven¡¯t-you know.¡±


    ¡°Wait. What I¡¯m missing here?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re arranged.¡±


    ¡°Holy fuck,¡± he reacted.


    ¡°Shit.¡± That one came from Princess Carlott.


    ¡°Language, sweetheart,¡± Rome chided his wife, only tough at him. ¡°How? Are you okay with all of this? I mean, she¡¯s beautiful. Storm even said, London¡¯s hot.¡±


    ¡°I said, if I were a guy, I would definitely shag her,¡± said Princess Carlott.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same thing, sweetheart,¡± he told his wife. ¡°You know what I think? You¡¯re the kind of man who can¡¯t be dictated to, especially regarding a long-term rtionship. I mean, this is a marriage, man. It¡¯s sacred, and you will be bound in holy matrimony. You will be forever tied to a woman, even if your status is married or divorced. Have you thought about that? I¡¯m not discouraging you, Cade.¡±


    ¡°Yes. How do you know Princess Carlott is the right one for you?¡±


    ¡°Good question. I can¡¯t wait to hear this man¡¯s answer.¡± Princess Carlott must be ring at her husband.


    ¡°Easy. You know, I wanted to throw her out of my office the first time I met her. At the same time, I couldn¡¯t. I mean, call me whipped. There was definitely a love or lust at first sight there. I thought she was hot that day. I couldn¡¯t fire her because I wanted to see her every day. And when things got a little deep. You know what I mean.¡±


    ¡°Oh, for God¡¯s sake, he¡¯s not a saint. Just tell him after we fucked.¡±


    ¡°Storm, please?¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    I was smiling the entire time as I listened to their banter. They were madly and deeply in love with one another. The way they looked at each other was cringy-sweet.


    ¡°Yeah. I knew either she would be my wife or I wouldn¡¯t be married. So, do you see her that way?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on. You would know it the first time you saw her.¡±


    ¡°Babe, every rtionship is different. Some start as friends. Some hated each other first. Some are like us, and there¡¯s this unexinable cosmic attraction they can¡¯t deny.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I guess Princess is right.¡±


    ¡°See?¡± They must have fist-bumped.


    ¡°Tell you what-a piece of advice from a happily married man. What never lies is your heart-so trust your heart and your gut. If you feel it, she¡¯s the one. Go for it. If you have doubts even for a tiny bit, run.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, brother. I think I have the answer.¡±


    ¡°Very well, from my family. Congrattions, bro.¡±


    After talking to them, I grabbed the sses and the bottle of wine before I joined her in the family room. I found London sitting, her feet on the couch.


    ¡°Hey. Sorry. I was on the phone with Langston.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I hope you don¡¯t mind. I turned on the TV.¡±


    ¡°This is your home too.¡± I ced the bottle and sses on the table. ¡°Are you tired?¡± I joined her on the couch.


    ¡°Not really.¡± She barely looked at me.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± She looked at the tv screen, but her mind was somewhere else.


    ¡°We should talk about what¡¯s bothering you. I will do the same, Vanderford.¡± I held her hand and pulled her closer to me. ¡°Come.¡±


    I wrapped my arm around her shoulders so she could lean against me. ¡°Tell me what¡¯s bothering you?¡±


    ¡°I have a therapist if I wanna talk about it. At least she¡¯s paid not to judge me.¡±


    I looked down at her even if she couldn¡¯t see me. ¡°Why do you think I would judge you? I want to know so that we can find a solution together. I¡¯m not perfect, Vanderford. I made mistakes. I¡¯ve done terrible things. Considering you have everything, and I don¡¯t, for a man like me, it¡¯s a big p, insecurity overload, but I didn¡¯t want to see it that way.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still not sure why you gave me this ring.¡± Her voice was low, but I didn¡¯t hear any uncertainty.


    ¡°You heard me talking over the phone.¡± That was my first assumption.


    ¡°I was supposed to get the wine.¡±


    ¡°Then you should have waited there and listened to what I said before you left.¡± I sighed deeply. ¡°I remember looking at you that night I first saw you. There was something in that first eye contact it was hard to ignore and forget. As stupid as it sounds, it seemed everything stopped, the time, and all I could see was how terrified you were. Your eyes never lied, Vanderford. At the same time, it was the first time that someone saw me-really saw me. I promised you that I would never leave you, and it wasn¡¯t just tofort you because you were terrified.¡±


    She nodded against my shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯d be lying if I said it was just to get the job done, but because I wanted to be there for you, it came from my heart. And then I realized after seeing you and your dad, those cameras shing on you, I knew there was no chance I¡¯d have belonged in your life. I didn¡¯t belong there. So I walked away. Then when I saw you again, it came back to me in a sh, and it hurt to see the look in your eyes. You hated me. That¡¯s the honest answer I can give you, Vanderford.¡±


    She lifted her head before she wiped the tears on her face. I didn¡¯t even realize she was crying until she sniffled. ¡°I don¡¯t hate you. I never did and couldn¡¯t. I was stupid, mentally derailed, and emotionally unstable to hold on to that promise. I mean, I felt it, I saw you, I felt we connected. My mind was jumbled. Clearly, after what happened, I wasn¡¯t thinking straight. That incident affected me physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t begin to imagine what you¡¯ve been through. I¡¯m so sorry I wasn¡¯t there for you.¡±


    ¡°I was horrified. I was terrified I wouldn¡¯t see the light of day. I wasn¡¯t ready to die. They threatened to cut me to pieces. I was so¡­.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± I pulled her into my arms, and she came straddling me. ¡°You don¡¯t have to continue.¡±


    ¡°I was so scared alone in the dark.¡± She shook to cry in my arms. ¡°When they threatened me, that was when I was ready to die. I even wished they shot me first so I wouldn¡¯t feel the pain.¡±


    ¡°You are safe now, Vanderford. I won¡¯t let anything happen like that again. I swear to you with my life.¡± I wrapped my arms tightly around her and cooed her to calm down. She was still shaking. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry that you had to go through that alone. I wish we had been there sooner. But I¡¯m here now.¡±

 Chapter 20

    LONDON


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± I ran away toward the bathroom.


    Things happened so fast. Days ago, I survived life as Vanderford¡¯s daughter and the CEO. No dramas-just work. I went home after work, put myself to sleep after dinner with my boyfriend, or a good movie with Neke. And here I was, opening my heart to a man, a stranger, who saved my life, and now, my fiance.


    Despite my past and who I was, Striker never judged me as a spoiled brat billionaire¡¯s daughter. Yes, I was a spoiled brat because I could get what I wanted if I wanted to. But that was not the case right now.


    Dad switched the game. Everything had changed- it turned 360 in just a snap of his fingers. His fortune, my future, and my legacy depended upon the man a few feet away from me.


    I blew my nose clean, washed my face, and removed the smeared makeup on my face. I pulled a clean towel and patted my face dry. Then I stared at myself in the mirror. I looked different than days ago, more mature, in a good way. And I saw a stronger me.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Concern filled those eyes as Striker came from behind.


    ¡°Maybe we should make a pact not to ask me that again.¡± I put the towel down and turned around.


    ¡°I just wanna make sure you talk to me. And maybe I should change my approach, like, hey, Vanderford. Did you feed your cat?¡± That broke me to smile.


    ¡°I always wanted to have a cat.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re a catdy, huh?¡±


    ¡°I like dogs too.¡± I cupped his face. He looked handsome and smelled clean. I could look at him all day and never got tired of it. ¡°That was the first time I talked about it that way. You really get to see the best in people. You are amazing, Cade. And I¡¯m lucky to wear this ring.¡± I raised my hand to show him the engagement ring on my finger.


    When he smiled and stared at me for long seconds, I showed my vulnerability in my eyes.


    I tiptoed, and he got the cue as he ced his hands on my hips. I didn¡¯t think twice. I shut my eyes closed and angled my face as I pressed my lips against his. He might have anticipated it since I made the first move-he sighed against my lips.


    My heart hammered in my chest. My skin burned. My body came to life. I could feel every inch of his touch even though we were both in our clothes.


    The first touch of our lips was feathery. When Striker moved his hands to my back, he parted his lips. I slipped my hands to the back of his neck and moved my lips against him. The kiss was light and sweet and passionate, the kind of kiss that made my toes curl. No rush. We were taking our time, exploring ourselves.


    When his tongue sought entrance, I let him in. The moment our tongues touched, I couldn¡¯t stop. I let go of a moan.


    My fingers dug into his hair and wed into his scalp. And I pressed my body against his-he was hard. Every inch of his body was rock-solid muscles against my soft ones.


    Our tongues dueled. Our bodies pressed together. And we fit perfectly as if we were one.


    With one long kiss, he pulled apart, kissed me on my forehead, and sighed, then hugged me tight again. ¡°As much as I¡¯d love to kiss you all night, I think we should take it slow.¡±


    Disappointed, I nodded, biting my lip. My eyes were still closed, afraid to see the reaction on his face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the couch.¡±


    I opened my eyes and looked at him. ¡°I think I¡¯m heading to my room now. If that¡¯s okay.¡±


    He smiled. ¡°Of course. Just let me know if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I rushed to get away from him. That was the warmest, sweetest, and toe-curling kiss I had in a while.


    Even dating, I had a hard time going out there. If the guys wouldn¡¯t ask me how I was doing after that incident, they looked at me as if I was about to break in just a tap of their finger. And I hated to see that look on their faces.


    My life stopped for two years. Then Magnus came. We just bumped, and thest thing I knew, I was in his apartment.


    I was scared, and it took me a while to get there, but I knew I had to fight that fear one way or another.


    Magnus liked sex with lights off, but somehow, he understood me. Then he suddenly became a jerk, watching me like a hawk, got jealous over nothing, and started minding my body so much that I had to starve myself to please him.


    I put the robe on and went to check the closet. To my surprise, there were some pajamas and undies in the drawer. I went to bed smiling.


    LONDON: Thank you for the PJs.


    I sent him a message. Secondster, he replied.


    STRIKER: You¡¯re wee.


    Then another new message.


    STRIKER: I enjoyed that kiss.


    LONDON: I did too.


    STRIKER: Good night, Vanderford.


    LONDON: Night, Cade.


    I replied before I put the phone down. I fell asleep quickly.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to find you; you can¡¯t run away from me again this time.¡±


    ¡°No!¡±I jolted to sit in bed in pools of sweat. My heart was racing as an overwhelming amount of fear rushed through me. Chills crawled down my spine. ¡°No, no, no.¡± For a moment, I felt suffocated. I felt so cold I was shaking as I dragged myself out of bed.


    My breathing was heavy. My knees were weak as I tried to hurry toward the door and called out for Striker even if I knew he couldn¡¯t hear me. ¡°Cade! Please help!¡±


    I managed to get out, but my world spun as I limped to his room. My sight began to blur as I banged against the door. I twisted the doorknob. The universe was in my favor at this time-it wasn¡¯t locked. ¡°Cade?¡±


    I must have woken him up. He caught me before I fell to the floor. I quickly snaked around his neck as I was so terrified my hands were shaking.


    ¡°London, what happened? Jesus Christ, you¡¯re shaking. Just take a deep breath.¡± He scooped me up bridal style and took me to his bed.


    ¡°Light.¡± I did as he said, but it wasn¡¯t helpful.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked, confused.


    ¡°L-light, p-please?¡± I darted my tongue out to wet my lips.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Sorry.¡± He seemed to panic, just like me. He was about to leave when I caught him on his arm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± He took a remote from the nightstand and turned on the light. He then came to bed with me. ¡°I¡¯m right here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared.¡± I curled into a ball beside him.


    ¡°I¡¯m here with you. I know leaving you alone in an unfamiliar room was a bad idea. I don¡¯t wanna pressure you into sleeping in the same bed with me.¡± He slipped his arm under my head and wrapped me in his arm.


    I did a couple of deep breathing until my heart began to calm. I closed my eyes as a familiar smell hit me. I mentally told myself I was safe now and would be fine even if I could still see the ck shadow behind my eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re cold,¡± he said to me calmly.


    ¡°You¡¯re shirtless.¡± And in his boxers.


    A few momentster, I started to get warm. My cheeks were burning.


    ¡°I¡¯m just gonna get sweatpants and a shirt.¡± He loosened his arms around me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go,¡± I said, tightening my arms around him.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He pressed his lips on my head. ¡°Tell me what happened.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Can I get you water?¡±


    I shook my head. The dark image in my dream still lingered in my head, at the back of my lids.


    ¡°Do you need anything?¡±


    I shook my head again.


    ¡°Do you always get nightmares?¡±


    ¡°No. When I¡¯m under stress, yes.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re under-stressed?¡±


    ¡°Kind of.¡±


    ¡°Because of the wedding?¡±


    ¡°Things happened so fast around me. I feel like I¡¯m falling into the dark.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t let that happen, okay? We can get engaged for a few months. We will hire people to do the wedding nning and stuff. Just focus on your work and yourself. Let me handle things, and I¡¯ll get help, okay?¡±


    ¡°I just wanna get it done.¡±


    ¡°I know. How about we get married in the courthouse or get a priest to marry us? I¡¯ll get Neke as your witness, my dad on my side.¡±


    ¡°Do you really wanna marry me?¡± I asked in hesitation as I was too scared to hear his answer.


    ¡°Yes. I won¡¯t propose if I don¡¯t wanna marry you, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get married in a courthouse. If Dad wants to be there, he¡¯s invited. If not, I don¡¯t give a crap. Let¡¯s p the marriage certificate on his face.¡±


    ¡°First, I will sign the prenup. I¡¯ll meet him tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to.¡±


    ¡°I told your dad that I will. That¡¯s not up for debate, Vanderford.¡±


    I lifted my chin to meet his gaze. ¡°I agree because I know I won¡¯t win.¡± I pressed my lips into his.


    ¡°Good. And you won¡¯t always win, Vanderford.¡± There was a humor in his voice that calmed me.


    ¡°We¡¯ll say about that.¡±


    ¡°Sure about that? I am maybe sailing in uncharted waters here, but I aim to win.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that sooner thanter.¡± I got a kiss on my forehead. ¡°Get some rest. Remember, I¡¯m here. Not going anywhere as long as you need me.¡±


    ***Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I woke up to the warm breath on my neck, an arm around my waist, and a hard-on poking on my butt. I should have been rmed, but I felt a light feeling in my chest instead. Striker kept his word. He didn¡¯t leave this time.


    Striker must have felt that I was already awake. He was about to pull his arm when I held his hand, and my naughty side awakened. I dragged it up to my chest, on my breast. And I wasn¡¯t wearing a bra underneath.


    He replied to me with a groan, his length hardened further, poking deliciously, creating friction against my butt. I encouraged him as I let him cup and knead my breast and pushed my butt into his hard-on.


    I was instantly wet, sensitized to his touch. My nipples puckered under his palm. His caress shot my skin to burn, and my chest was heaving when he did as I pleased. Then he went to my other breast, taking my nipple, rolling it between his fingers, and pinching down on just the right amount of pain.


    I let go of a moan.


    When he pressed his lips against the back of my neck, slightly biting, nibbling my skin, my clit pulsed, aching unbearably.


    When I couldn¡¯t take it anymore, I grabbed his hand, letting it slip inside my pajama bottom.


    ¡°Baby.¡± That was the first word he had said since he woke up.


    ¡°I want you.¡± I licked my lips wet. ¡°Please, touch me.¡±

 Chapter 21

    STRIKER


    ¡°Please, touch me.¡± Her words still echoed in my head.


    The beating of my heart was strong and steady as she still took hold of my hand inside her pajama bottom. I could feel the softness and smoothness of her skin, and I couldn¡¯t wait to feel the wetness between her folds as I slipped my finger into her bare pussy and ground my hard cock between the globes of her ass.


    ¡°I want you too, baby. More than just to touch you.¡± Fuck. I was hard as a rock, caged inside my boxers. The more she let those small broken breaths go, the more I wanted to take her from behind. ¡°I have wanted you for so long you have no idea. So long, baby. And you don¡¯t have to say anything.¡±


    A gasp left her as I let my hand move lower, and I knew she was aching to be touched as I was aching to be inside her. And fuck, yeah. She was bare, smooth, and soft. When I applied a small amount of pressure over her clit, she shuddered.


    I barely touched her, she was already responsive, and I couldn¡¯t wait to hear her scream my name. It might not be today, but sooner. I guaranteed I would have her one way or another, or I would lose my sanity. I moved my finger slowly down to her slit, and I was right. She was wet, drenched. I wet my finger and began rubbing her clit, adding a little more pressure.


    ¡°Oh, God.¡± The words tumbled from her mouth and pushed her ass into me, and it drove me crazy inside as she knew how to bring me to the edge.


    ¡°Do you want my finger inside you, baby?¡± My voice was deep, low, and raspy, letting go of the matched longing of her voice.


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡± She was breathless. Her fingers curled into my arm, and I didn¡¯t know whether it was a sign to take her slow or just savoring the sensation like mine.


    ¡°You¡¯re soaked, London. For me.¡± When I spread the bare folds of her pussy, I slowly slipped a finger inside and let it be there unmoving, yet she grew soaked even more. I slipped further and moved my digit inside, my thumb on her clit.


    She was tight. I wouldn¡¯t wonder why they didn¡¯t work out. Pride spread in my chest.


    When I added another digit, wedging in her, she threw her head back, and I leaned in to kiss her neck, sucking the softness of skin, licking the spot as I worked my fingers in and out, pushing deeper each time. More wetness dripping, covering my fingers.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stop, Cade.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± She was so damn ready for me. If I was not thinking straight that this was about her, I could have taken her right here, right now. I could have easily ripped the clothes off her and taken what I had craved for so long.


    As the tip of my cock dripped with pre-cum, I imed her mouth, swallowing her moan, fucking her with my tongue, and she moved her hips to the rhythm of my fingers inside her, rubbing her clit back and forth.


    Her back stiffened, and her moan grew louder. I knew she was close to her orgasm as I could feel her tightening around my fingers. And she became too sensitive.


    I pumped into her faster, and she thrust her hips into me harder until she kissed me hard, groaning out her orgasm. I didn¡¯t stop. I didn¡¯t slow down until she broke the kiss, throwing her head back, eyes staring up, her chest heaving, and screaming my name.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Yes! Fuck, yeah.


    ¡°You okay?¡± I asked as I ran my nose through her neck, nting tiny kisses until she felt ticklish while my fingers were still inside her.


    She sated from her climax, turned her head to me, and met my gaze. She swallowed hard before she nodded. We stared at each other for a while before I pulled my fingers, brought them into my mouth, and licked them clean. I watched her eyes widen, and her mouth parted. She shouldn¡¯t be my future wife if she thought I would not eat her.


    I smiled at her as I dropped my hand. ¡°Good morning.¡±


    She was still speechless as I got up from bed. I went to the bathroom and helped myself get off my hard-on. The cold water was as painful as fuck, but I would not jack off myself while I had a woman in my bed.


    When I calmed down, I went back to bed. She was already tucked with my duvet, staring at the ceiling in deep thought.


    ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°I wish you could stop asking me that.¡± She seemed rxed, with no hint of regrets or shame.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it.¡±


    ¡°Did you just-¡±


    ¡°Gave you orgasm?¡± I smiled when her face and neck turned red. ¡°You just blushed, Vanderford.¡±


    She pressed her lips together to hide her smile.


    ¡°What? You¡¯re not gonna look at me now?¡±


    She bit her bottom lip as she turned to face me and held my hand. ¡°That was hot.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s hot?¡±


    ¡°You know.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t talk in cryptic, Vanderford. What? Tasting you around my fingers.¡±


    She looked satisfied as she met my gaze. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too sweet to let it go through the sink.¡± I barked out,ughing. ¡°Jesus, I could have found nicer words.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me help you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not apetition. We share, yes. It doesn¡¯t matter if I give and you won¡¯t give back. I¡¯m fine with that as long as you smile and look happy.¡±


    She came to me to rest her head on myp.


    ¡°I thought you were brte.¡± I found myself running my fingers through her hair.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like this color?¡±


    ¡°You would be gorgeous even in purple.¡± My words put a smile on her face.


    ¡°You¡¯re too kind.¡±


    ¡°Just telling you the truth. You¡¯re beautiful, Vanderford. You deserve royalty, a rich, a well-educated-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want anyone.¡± A smile faded from her face. ¡°Nothing so high and mighty than the Vanderford attached in my name.¡±


    ¡°We talked about this, Vanderford. And you didn¡¯t let me finish.¡± I looked at her. ¡°I was about to say, but I don¡¯t give a shit. I want you, and I want to be your husband.¡±


    ¡°Considering Dad chose you. Then he must have seen something in you.¡± She pouted her lips.


    ¡°Oh, so just your dad.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t get apliment from me if you¡¯re fishing for it.¡±


    I chuckled as I shook my head in amusement. ¡°I¡¯m not fishing. I keep my ego in check, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°Hungry? But I can¡¯t make a mean omelet than Linden.¡±


    ¡°Just feed me.¡± She stood up in bed.


    ¡°Come.¡± I rose from the bed and offered my arms. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the kitchen.¡±


    She snaked her arms around my neck, her legs around my waist. Now we were like a real couple. I could get used to this, waking up in the morning with her in my bed. I wanted nothing but to care for her needs, feed her, and be her husband.


    ¡°What do you want for breakfast?¡± I asked as I carried her downstairs.


    ¡°I¡¯d like sliced fruits, bacon, pancake, egg, and um, I want coffee.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to your gym?¡±


    ¡°That can wait. I¡¯ll feed you first.¡±


    ***


    I went to Linus¡¯ office after I sent London to work.


    ¡°How are you, son?¡± He shook my hand.


    ¡°Good. Thanks for asking.¡± I went to sit across from his desk.


    ¡°Where¡¯s London? She didn¡¯t go homest night.¡±


    ¡°Do you really have to ask? She was with me. That¡¯s why I am here. She¡¯s stressing out about the wedding. She¡¯s having a hard time adjusting to our arrangement and living situation, andst night, she just had a nightmare.¡±


    ¡°Just be with her when she needs you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I am doing. Even if she doesn¡¯t need me, I still want to be there for her. And here I am asking you to give us the liberty to make our own decision about the wedding.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± His one-word answer had me stiffened. ¡°She¡¯s the only one I got. She¡¯s my only daughter, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Just hear me out first, sir.¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡± He seemed to rx.


    ¡°Just let us get married in the court or by a priest: you, my dad, our witnesses. When we can get back our footing, we can have the grand wedding you wish. Of course, even my dad wants to see his son get married to two to five hundred guests. But right now, it¡¯s not what we want.¡±


    ¡°Promise me you will give her the wedding she deserves.¡±


    ¡°I swear to you. I want that for her too.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± He nodded once.


    ¡°No more surprises, sir. This wedding is just for our families.¡±


    ¡°So you wanna get married soon?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what my fiancee wants. She gets it. If it¡¯s possible, she wants it today. So, I want to sign the prenup when it¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°You will have it by tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°There was one who escaped our rescue. Has he been captured?¡± I second thought asking him, but it was the right thing to do.


    ¡°No.¡± Dread shed on Linus¡¯ face as he confirmed it.


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why she¡¯s still scared of sleeping with lights off and still having nightmares.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°May I suggest something? I don¡¯t want to tell London until it¡¯s done.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± He looked curious enough.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask the firm to dig into that incident. I want to find that bastard and end this for good.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°I got this, sir.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to thank me. I¡¯m doing this for London.¡±


    I dialed London as soon as I got in my car.


    ¡°What do you want, Cade?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°You didn¡¯t miss me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m busy.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even have a minute for your future husband? I actually have good news, but since you¡¯re busy, very well then. Good luck with whatever makes you busy.¡±


    ¡°Striker Cade.¡± Her warning made meugh.


    ¡°Do you even know my full name?¡±


    ¡°Is that the good news you¡¯re talking about?¡±


    ¡°So you don¡¯t know. Anyway, I was with your dad.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re getting married the way we want.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank God.¡± She sighed deeply. ¡°That¡¯s the news I¡¯ve wanted to hear. So when?¡±


    ¡°Why are you so excited to be Mrs. Cade, Vanderford?¡±


    ¡°I want to shove the marriage contract to Dad¡¯s face and tell him he can¡¯t control me anymore.¡±


    Iughed out loud. ¡°Don¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°I was just kidding. But I want to get it done and start a new adventure with you.¡±


    ¡°Perfect answer. See youter, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the flowers. I love them.¡± I knew she would because I had her friend on my speed dial.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±

 Chapter 22

    LONDON


    ¡°So, how¡¯s the white knight doing these days?¡± A yful and humor yed on Neke¡¯s eyes.


    I raised a brow at her as I dabbed my lips.


    I still had bliss-effect on my system. I didn¡¯t know what came over me, but I didn¡¯t regret it even a little. I mean, I could be bold with the right person. I could be shy, detached, and skeptical of any person, but this morning, I grew closer to him, I trusted him, and we had this undeniable connection and sexual tension going on for a while.


    ¡°You¡¯d never been quiet when I asked about your rtionship.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s your guy? What¡¯s his name again?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you his name because I¡¯m not seeing him again.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding. I thought you and the mystery guy did quite amazing in his apartment.¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°My sex life is boring, but yours is about or already scorching. So, how¡¯s he?¡± She did a sign with her fingers.


    I shook my head. ¡°I told you we¡¯re taking it slow.¡±


    ¡°Wow. That¡¯s a first and a good thing, I guess. You and Striker have much time to get to know each other and enjoy your rtionship. Honestly, when you told me, I thought, nah, nah, I¡¯ve heard this before. This, whatever it is, is not going to end well. You are an independent-¡±


    ¡°Apparently not independent enough. I¡¯m still walking in Dad¡¯s shadow. I feel like I depend my life too much on him.¡±


    ¡°You are a woman of your own. You have a huge respect for your dad- What I was saying is you are a strong woman, and Striker is an alpha male. You both fight for opinions to be heard, but I know you have these sparks that could create a huge fire in a single strike the moment I first saw you together. I could even see and smell the sexual tension between you two.¡±


    ¡°Really? You figured all that out the same day?¡±


    ¡°Precisely.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± I shrugged. ¡°I feel like he¡¯s just too kind and going with the flow of this unconventional rtionship. Sometimes, I want to see him argue with me and tell me what he exactly wants. I feel like he¡¯s too considerate and just like filling and filling the bucket with his patience until he explodes.¡±


    ¡°I think I like thebination between you two. Striker is calm, and you¡¯re impetuous. You can be obedient, and he likes to control. You are stubborn and childish, sorry. He¡¯s matured. That¡¯s why he would go with what you want because he knows when to cut in. My unsolicited advice, my dear friend-give this rtionship a chance. And I can see that you¡¯re in good hands and like him a lot. That¡¯s a plus. Or I must say, you start to fall for him.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t deny it. I couldn¡¯t admit it, either. I just stared at Neke for a while before I took the ss of water and drank it.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I can see that he feels the same way too. Don¡¯t be scared. It¡¯s okay to fall in love and be crazy over him. He¡¯s not Magnus. Striker has good intentions. Judging by his friends, he¡¯s not the type who ys with your heart and runs away with your money.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. Appreciate it.¡± My phone rang, taking my attention off of Neke. ¡°Speaking of the devil-¡±


    ¡°The handsome devil.¡± Neke smiled wickedly. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna wonder how long it is down there.¡±


    ¡°Stop it.¡± My face burned thinking of it alone because I hadn¡¯t seen it, but I felt it, and it was humongous. I answered his call. ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Busy?¡±


    ¡°Not really. I¡¯m having a break with Neke.¡±


    ¡°Say hi.¡±


    I covered the mouthpiece. ¡°He said hi.¡±


    ¡°Tell him I¡¯m gonna castrate and hang his balls if he hurts you.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Neke said hi.¡±


    ¡°I believe she said longer than that, Vanderford. Anyway, I¡¯ll be at the meeting with the guys in thirty. I¡¯m sending the address to Reed if you wanna join us.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°That is if you¡¯re free. I wanna see you, too.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°See youter, Vanderford.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I asked Reed when it was past forty minutes, and we hadn¡¯t arrived.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Can I ask you something?¡± I asked in hesitation.


    ¡°Shoot away.¡±


    ¡°I wanna give Cade something. I don¡¯t know what he likes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the thought that counts. So the less expensive, the better, but more personalized. What¡¯s the asion?¡±


    ¡°I just found out that his birthday will be next week.¡±


    ¡°Small token that he can carry everywhere.¡± He parked the car.


    ¡°Thanks for the tip, Reed.¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Anytime. We¡¯re here,¡± he announced and went to open the door for me.


    Once out of the car, I stood before the beautiful suburban house. Reed went before me to knock on the door.


    The door swung open, revealing Linden with a broad smile on his face. ¡°Hey, sweetheart. d you could make it.¡±


    I went to hug him. ¡°Lovely home.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. Come in.¡± He looked over my shoulder. ¡°Come in, bro.¡±


    They shook his hand and talked behind me as I entered the house. It was lovely, very warm, and homey.


    ¡°Vanderford.¡± My man came over with the sweetest smile on his face. He leaned down to kiss me on my lips, which made me blush a little because I could feel these guys were watching us.


    ¡°Hey, London.¡± Sax and Kye waved their hands at me.


    Then I noticed a new face had the same body build as Linden.


    He came to shake my hand. He looked more serious than Linden but looked trustworthy. ¡°Beck Corbin, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°London Vanderford, sir.¡± I shook his hand.


    Beck broke into smiling as he gave the nod at Striker beside me. ¡°I like her already.¡± Then another two handsome men came out, probably from the kitchen, and they looked very familiar.


    ¡°London Vanderford.¡± The tall with curly dark hair and Greek tan skin just recognized me. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you. My wife is a fan. I¡¯m Cenric Wollf.¡±


    ¡°Hi. London. Say hi to your wife.¡±


    ¡°She would be thrilled.¡± He looked over his shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s the infamous ex-yboy, ex-asshole Mykel Creed.¡±


    ¡°I know him.¡± I smiled before I shook his hand. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you, Mykel Creed.¡±


    ¡°How?¡± With a brow cocked, Striker quickly asked.


    I lifted my gaze and focused on him. ¡°He¡¯s married to Adley Kross. Her K & B Designs is topnotch.¡±


    Striker finally let go of a breath and smiled.


    ¡°That¡¯s how we met. Well, formally met.¡± If I guessed it right, there was something dirty meaning behind those words.


    ¡°I also knew him before. He¡¯s a ruthless capitalist, just fighting ranks between him and Dad. So, I kindly hate his gut. Sorry.¡±


    ¡°I like her, Cade. She and Adley will be best friends.¡± He winked at me.


    Striker wrapped his arms around me securely and possessively. ¡°Careful. When women are together, they are a force of nature.¡±


    ¡°Even just a woman. Trust me. My wife is already a force of nature. She never backs down. Be ready after your wedding.¡± Mykel then looked at Striker. ¡°Congrattions. I¡¯m invited, right?¡±


    When we went silent, heughed. ¡°You¡¯re gonna elope, too?¡±


    ¡°They eloped to Vegas,¡± Striker told me.


    ¡°Really?¡± I stared at Mykel in shock.


    ¡°Yup. Their situation was kinda like us in the beginning,¡± Striker confirmed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t me her grandpa. I would definitely regret it if I didn¡¯t marry my wife. She¡¯s amazing,¡± Mykel proudly said.


    ¡°Enough of marriage talk. There are still single in this house, Creed.¡± Linden joined us. ¡°Sweetheart, let¡¯s have dinner. I cooked something for you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the asion? I can¡¯t wait to taste it.¡± I excitedly joined him in the dining room and stopped in the middle to see the food on the table. It was like a meat party. ¡°Wow.¡±


    ¡°I finally have reasons to have this dinner. My team, the people I call my brothers. I wish Rome were here, but I¡¯m still grateful. I prepare this dinner for you and my brother here, Cade.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Linden.¡± I was touched and felt the love that I had a slight mist in my eyes. I blinked off the unshed tears as I smiled.


    I sat beside Striker, Linden, Sax, and Kye. Across us were Mykel, Cenric, and Reed. The food was delicious. The steak was huge and melted in my mouth. I enjoyed a light conversation with the guys and was d they didn¡¯t talk about work that I couldn¡¯t rte to.


    Mykel and Cenric were billionaires but humble and down to earth. These guys had a tight rtionship, and I admired it a lot. Linden was still single, but he pulled the team together.


    ¡°This is delicious. If I put more in my mouth, I might explode.¡±


    The guysughed and didn¡¯t even know they were listening because my words were intended for Striker.


    ¡°There¡¯s still dessert, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God. Can I take it home?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°The steak is heavenly.¡±


    Beck raised his hand. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°From their farm,¡± Striker said.


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    ¡°You are very much wee to visit our ranch, London.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. I haven¡¯t traveled far bynd. By air, I have to have the whole cavalry with me, or Dad won¡¯t let me.¡±


    ¡°You have us, sweetheart. You will love the countryside. And you need a break from work.¡±


    I looked at Striker. He seemed only waiting for my approval. ¡°I just worked and worked for two years. I think I deserve a long vacation.¡±


    After the wonderful dinner, I went to the living room.


    Cenric went to the grand piano and started ying.


    Linden, Beck, and Striker were nowhere to be found.


    ¡°Sax, can I use a powder room?¡±


    ¡°At the right corner, darling.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I grabbed my bag and followed his direction. When I heard voices, my hand froze on the doorknob, and Linden just said my name.


    ¡°Why do you want to open a can of worms?¡± I thought that was Beck.


    ¡°I need to do this,¡± insisted Striker.


    ¡°Remember what happened to Cenric and Sadie?¡± Beck evoked. ¡°If you want to start your rtionship strong, it should start with trust and transparency. Without those, everything will fall apart.¡±


    ¡°I agree with Beck,¡± Linden said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell her now. She¡¯ll be terrified even more. Seeing her frightenedst night broke me. It had to be done. That¡¯s why I came to you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your decision, man. But I suggest you tell her sooner.¡±


    When silence followed, I quickly went inside the powder room. I stayed there for a while, staring at myself in the mirror, wondering what it was all about. Why was Striker not talking to me about something? And it seemed crucial. When was he going to tell me?

 Chapter 23

    STRIKER


    ¡°You barely said a word throughout the ride. What¡¯s going on in your head?¡± I sent her up to her room. She wanted to go home to her house, so I didn¡¯t insist since her mood seemed to have shifted tonight.


    ¡°I¡¯m just tired, I guess.¡± She threw herself into her bed and stared up at the ceiling with a deep long sigh.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it, Vanderford. You were chatty at Linden¡¯s earlier and still talked to me even if you were tired.¡± I went to sit on her bed, taking her shoes off one by one and cing them on the floor.


    ¡°I¡¯m exhausted, Cade.¡± She was pissed. I could feel it in her voice. I wondered what I had done wrong.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I rose from the bed. ¡°I¡¯ll be swamped with work tomorrow, but I can pick you up afterward.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you will be.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± My brows knitted, confused about how she suddenly acted like this, but she chose not to tell me shit.


    ¡°Why were we really at Linden¡¯s house, Cade?¡± She sat on the bed. Her eyes narrowed at me.


    ¡°Beck is always busy in the ranch, but when Linden told him that I am getting married and he was setting up a dinner for us, Beck came all the way just to meet you and congratte us. Even Rome wanted to fly here, but I told him we would have another wedding. We met once and a while at Beck¡¯s ranch. We were there because that dinner was for us, and that¡¯s what family does.¡±


    ¡°What else?¡±


    ¡°What else what?¡± My brows creased.


    ¡°So this is how you wanna y it? y dumb. Fine. Go.¡± Sheid back in her bed. ¡°See you tomorrow.¡±


    I went to her side. ¡°Vanderford, I¡¯m not leaving until I see the smile on your face. Or, if you don¡¯t mind, I want to stay here for the night.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be busy with whatever you¡¯re gonna do tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re meeting at your dad¡¯s office tomorrow for the prenup. I¡¯m sure Neke told you that. Then I¡¯m going to be at the firm. After that, Princess Carlott asked for a favor, so I have to do it.¡±


    ¡°You have an assignment at the firm.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I held her arm. ¡°Look at me.¡± She didn¡¯t. ¡°Vanderford, please? Just tell me already.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve already told me if you wanted me to know.¡±


    ¡°Whatever it is, maybe it¡¯s best you don¡¯t know. There are things in life that it¡¯s best not to know because they could be dangerous or hurt us. Ignorant is bliss.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not okay. You don¡¯t even wanna look at me before I go.¡±


    ¡°I thought we should never keep secrets.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°We don¡¯t.¡±


    She looked at me-the pain was deep in her eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you just lied to me right now.¡±


    ¡°London.¡± My chest ached.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to eavesdrop. When I heard my name, I couldn¡¯t help it. You, Linden, and-¡±


    ¡°And Beck.¡± I clenched my jaw hard. Jesus Christ. How am I even going to start without frightening her? I sighed exasperatingly. ¡°Sit down, Vanderford.¡±


    This time, she did as I said, still wearing that angry look on her face.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t wanna tell you because it would bring back bad memories. I hate keeping this from you, but I want to protect you and not trigger something. Please, don¡¯t make me do this?¡± I held her hand, but she snatched it back.


    ¡°Tell me, or you won¡¯t tell me, ever.¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± I knew where it was going, but still wanted to hear it from her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t marry someone I don¡¯t trust. To hell with you and my father.¡±


    I shut my eyes closed, cursing my breath. I let go a shaky breath before I looked at her again. ¡°Okay, okay.¡± I nodded. I was about to start, but my mind went nk-I wasn¡¯t ready for this. On the other hand, I had to tell her one way or another.


    ¡°Tell me, Cade, or leave.¡±


    ¡°It breaks my heart seeing you so terrified, even in your own house. That¡¯s not living if you don¡¯t feel safe in your home. I knew I had to do something when you came to mest night. So I went to the case officer.¡±


    I was starting to tell her, but she had already understood. I could see the horror on her face as she wrapped her arms around her.


    ¡°Why are you trying to dig it when it was over years ago?¡±


    ¡°Is it, though?¡± I looked at her intently.


    When she dropped her gaze, it just confirmed my suspicions.


    ¡°I understand trauma. I¡¯ve seen it myself. It destroys everything around it. It ys with our minds. I know you¡¯ve been through a lot.¡± I held her hand and never let it go. ¡°I know there¡¯s something inconclusive in the report. I read it myself. Either you couldn¡¯t remember or were not ready to talk about it. London, I know it¡¯s scary, but you are no longer alone.¡±


    ¡°I told them everything I remembered.¡±


    ¡°I know, baby. I know.¡± I kissed her hand. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry if I have to bring this up. I want a fresh start. I want you to sleep at night, not being afraid of anything. And I can¡¯t see the look in your eyes again. It kills me.¡±


    ¡°Will you stay with me tonight?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡± I quickly took off my shoes before she could change her mind and went to her side. I pulled her into my arms, and she curled into me.


    ¡°I will help however I can.¡±


    I kissed the top of her head. ¡°It would be a big help. Thank you.¡±


    ***


    London didn¡¯t even read the documents. She scribbled her signature and dropped the pen on the table as she looked at her father, ourwyers, and my father and me. ¡°Happy now?¡±


    ¡°This is necessary, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Is it, though?¡± She arched a brow at me and then at her father. ¡°He¡¯s not marrying me for money because, technically, I¡¯m poor. So what if this marriage won¡¯t work? Where do I stand in your charade, Dad?¡±


    Linus hadn¡¯t said anything, clearly unimpressed with his daughter¡¯s behavior.


    ¡°But don¡¯t worry, I will work harder to earn my own money. I will pay my bills and buy my own clothes, and I¡¯m sure Cade will take care of my food from now on.¡±


    I held my smile, but when I saw Dad, he looked more amused than me.


    ¡°Now your liabilities are secured. Can I go now?¡± When she rose to her feet, her father finally called her name.


    ¡°It¡¯s not my liabilities. It¡¯s your future. You will thank meter. And I have no doubt Striker will take care of you because he is a good guy.¡±


    ¡°You keep saying that. Is there anything you¡¯d like to add besides Striker¡¯s a good guy? How about asking him what he will get from marrying me? I feel like you secured my future but not his.¡±


    ¡°He can make you happy, guide you, help you run the entire business, not control or manipte you, or ransack my hard work. Thispany is my entire life, London. I can¡¯t just throw it away.¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°I offered Magnus a job. Instead, he wanted to run LH, and he wanted me to put you on the boards and give you your share. I told him I wouldn¡¯t pressure my daughter. She¡¯s just starting to learn how to run a business. I mean, who is he other than a struggling tech guy.¡±


    ¡°Then he stole ideas from his friend,¡± my dad said. ¡°I think they are still trying to settle the case, but he¡¯s gonna pay the damages since he just sold it to a foreign businessman.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why he¡¯s desperate,¡± Linus added.


    ¡°And how I didn¡¯t know about this?¡± she asked her father.


    ¡°I made sure you won¡¯t find out.¡±


    I pinched the bridge of my nose, disappointed.


    ¡°Do you know about this?¡± she asked me.


    ¡°I hate talking about your ex, but I know some. Linden told me yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡± She picked up her bag and walked to the door. ¡°I¡¯m still the sacrificialmb. Thank you foring, Tate. Sorry for the family drama.¡±


    ¡°This is your life and my son¡¯s now, honey. I will always be here for you if you need me.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡± I patted his back, and then I went to shake the hand of my future father-inw. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her.¡±


    I found London waiting for me in the elevator. ¡°Don¡¯t leave alone like that.¡±


    What I got was a punch to my abdomen. ¡°What was that for?¡±


    ¡°You knew, and you didn¡¯t tell me?¡± The door shut before us when Reed gave us some privacy.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you already know I hate your ex¡¯s gut. Thest thing I ever wanna talk about is him.¡±


    ¡°God, I want to punch you in the face right now.¡± Her scowl deepened.


    I held her arms to face me. ¡°Go ahead, baby. If it makes you feel better.¡±


    She met me in the eye. I still saw a wave of minuscule anger in those big hazel eyes. Then the least that I expected happened that caught me off guard, in a good way. She grabbed my head and smashed her lips into mine in a quick, hard, hot kiss. ¡°Jerk.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡± I licked my lips. ¡°If you wanna kiss me, all you have to do is ask or give me a sign. We could do better than that.¡±


    ¡°Did you just tell me I¡¯m a lousy kisser?¡±


    ¡°No, Vanderford. Great-¡± I was interrupted when the door slid open. ¡°It was just quick. I could kiss you right now, press you against the wall, hold your leg up.¡±


    ¡°You have lipstick,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Leave it. I want these guys to know that we just had an elevator kiss.¡± I held her hand as we walked out to the lobby.


    She shook as she tried hard not tough.


    I checked my lips when I entered the car. ¡°You lied to me.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I wanted to see your reaction.¡±


    ¡°Now you give me an idea. I might smear lipstick before I go home.¡± I put my hand on her thigh.


    ¡°Are you trying to make me jealous?¡±


    ¡°I wanna know if you¡¯re a jealous type.¡±


    ¡°Try your best, Cade.¡±


    ¡°Trust me. There¡¯s nothing to get jealous of.¡±

 Chapter 24

    LONDON


    ¡°So you¡¯re not a jealous type?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°What¡¯s your point, Cade?¡±


    ¡°Interesting.¡± Was he trying to annoy me? Well, then he started to get under my skin.


    ¡°Will you stop it?¡±


    He smirked at me, squeezing my thigh a little. ¡°I kinda like it when you are unbothered, but for guys like us, sometimes, we want to make sure our girls care for us.¡±


    ¡°Gee. There are other ways to determine whether we care about you. What might your ex have to say about it?¡±


    ¡°I lost my virginity in my junior year?¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡± I stared at him for a while.


    ¡°In college, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She looked surprised.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± He wasn¡¯t even ashamed to admit it.


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right?¡±


    ¡°I wish I was. Remember my picture with Dad?¡±


    ¡°You and your braces?¡± She grinned.


    ¡°Yes. Well, I still had it until sophomore. Imagine Cade, tall, skinny, and studious with braces, minus the sses. I was basically a nerd. I only gained muscles when I enlisted myself.¡±


    ¡°You? Skinny?¡± She arched a brow in disbelief.


    ¡°Yup. Maybe even if we bumped into each other at the time, you wouldn¡¯t even give me a second look.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re mean.¡± I smiled because he would probably be right. ¡°I went to a private school in high school.¡±


    ¡°Of course you were.¡±


    ¡°A private all-girls school.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°I lost my virginity-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I wanna hear it.¡±


    Iughed at him. ¡°When I was twenty-one.¡± Those words somehow stiffened his back. ¡°Before it happened, no one touched me.¡± I held his hand on my thigh.


    He sighed in relief. ¡°My first was with a girl who was in a bet.¡±


    I tried hard not tough but couldn¡¯t hold it much longer. I barked intoughter. ¡°Lucky her.¡±


    ¡°She had no idea because I watched porn. So I somehow know what I was doing.¡± He joined inughing with me.


    ¡°Well, I fell into another jerk.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna hear it, Vanderford. Truly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I wanna tell you.¡± I held his hand and kissed it. ¡°I¡¯m happy that you told me about it. I have liked this guy since high school. He¡¯s from boys, and I¡¯m from girls.¡±


    ¡°Another rich kid.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Then we finally went to the same university. His sister was my friend. It was her birthday party. So I could get in the club, drink alcohol, then things led to another.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± That was all he said.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Thanks for telling me. Appreciate it, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°How many exes do you have?¡±


    He looked down at me. ¡°I had one serious rtionship. Almost two years. She broke up with me when I decided to join the Marines. She doesn¡¯t like to date a military guy.¡±


    ¡°Do you still two talk?¡±


    ¡°I know where this is going.¡± He chuckled. ¡°No, Vanderford. Not interested in her anymore. I have you, and I have only an eye on you.¡±


    ¡°I told you I don¡¯t get jealous. If I won¡¯t sleep with you throughout our marriage, will you sleep with another woman?¡± My heart went wild.


    ¡°No.¡± Well, that was quick. ¡°Will you?¡±


    ¡°No. Even if with my permission?¡±


    He eyed me suspiciously with brows arched. ¡°It¡¯s still cheating, Vanderford. We¡¯re married. Why in the hell would I sleep with another woman if I had a wife?¡±


    ¡°Because you wouldn¡¯t get it from me.¡±


    ¡°My question is, do you wanna sleep with me?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I do if you want.¡± I was slightly taken aback by his question. I rolled my eyes and folded my arms over my chest.


    ¡°We both know the answer, Vanderford. I like you, and I know you like me. And I care for you. I will treat you as how a wife should be treated. I will provide all your needs with everything I can.¡± He parked in front of a modern cottage house.


    ¡°Where are we?¡±


    ¡°Where I came from.¡±


    I was even more confused by his answer. I climbed out of the car and looked at the house before us. I noticed an old yground with swing sets.


    ¡°I would still open a door for you, my future wife.¡±


    ¡°I know, but you don¡¯t have to treat me like a client.¡± I smiled. ¡°I¡¯m your fiancee now.¡±


    ¡°I just wanted to open the door to my fiancee. That¡¯s all.¡± He nted a kiss on my cheek and whispered, ¡°You¡¯re beautiful.¡± He went to open the trunk.


    ¡°Striker!¡± A woman in her sixties rushed in our direction with a big smile on her face.


    ¡°Avana.¡± Striker met her halfway and gave her a big hug. ¡°How have you been?¡±


    ¡°I was happy to receive your call yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Sorry I wasn¡¯t able to visit you quickly. Things have been pretty hectic.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, dear.¡± Then she noticed me. ¡°Hello, dear.¡±


    ¡°Avana, meet my fiancee.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re engaged?¡± The sparks in her eyes were delightful to watch. ¡°Oh, my Lord. Thank you. Hi, dear. I¡¯m Avana.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m London. Nice to meet you, Avana.¡± I offered my hand, but she came to give me a big hug.


    ¡°Oh.¡± I chuckled.


    Then two women joined us. Their names were Jodi and Martha. Striker went to the trunk and pulled out some boxes. Jodi and Martha came to help carry the boxes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help,¡± I suggested.


    ¡°They can handle it, dear. Let¡¯s head inside.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there, Vanderford.¡±


    I went with Avana. When I entered the house, a few pairs of eyes were on me. I blinked at the sight. These were kids around five to ten years old. Then I realized this home was an orphanage.


    ¡°What will you say, kids, when we have visitors?¡±


    ¡°Good afternoon, ma¡¯am,¡± they said in unison.


    ¡°Hello. Good afternoon.¡± I waved my hand.


    ¡°Hey, kiddos.¡± Striker came in carrying three boxes all at once.


    ¡°Just put them in the dining. Thank you, Striker.¡±


    When Striker came back, most of the kids went to hug him on the legs. ¡°Okay. I know you missed me. How long has it been? Six months?¡± He ruffled everyone¡¯s hair one by one.


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s enough, kids. Give him some breathing space,¡± Avana said. They all went to another room, probably the library or yroom.


    We settled on the dining table. Jodi served us some refreshments and left us just me, Striker, and Avana. When they started chatting, I rose to my feet and grabbed my ss of sweet tea. I looked through the window and imagined Striker ying out there.


    I checked the room. The kids were reading and ying with some puzzles, and others were coloring on coloring books. I left before they noticed me, wondering where these kids were from. I went back to the dining. Striker was handing an envelope to Avana.


    After we bid goodbye, I felt half of my heart left in that house.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been silent.¡±


    ¡°How long you¡¯ve been helping them?¡±


    ¡°I did as I could, even a small amount, and visited them once and a while. One of the reasons why I couldn¡¯t stay longer overseas is because I promised myself I woulde and visit them whenever I could.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m proud of you. Dad was right. You are a good person, and not everyone sees that.¡± I smiled. ¡°I wish I could kiss you right now.¡±


    His smile was wicked. ¡°Looking forward to that.¡±


    ¡°Dad helps me keep that building. His foundation gives some donations. When Princess Carlott found outst year, she started donating.¡±


    ¡°I was surprised she followed me and sent me a message.¡± I giggled like a schoolgirl. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I just chatted with a princess.¡±


    ¡°She was rebellious before she met Langston.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± My eyes widened.


    ¡°You won¡¯t believe it if I tell you she lived here for three years, worked as an executive assistant, punched her boss, then worked for Langston. That¡¯s how they met.¡±


    ¡°Like in some romance novels.¡± I beamed at him.


    ¡°Yup. Her Highness went to other countries and nted trees. She¡¯s very devoted to reforestation, a huge advocate of climate change.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a wonderful and empowered woman.¡±


    ¡°So do you, Vanderford.¡±


    After he sent me back to my office, he left. Reed was the one to send me home, and I hadn¡¯t heard from him since then.


    After dinner, I received his message that he¡¯d being homete. I went to study when my mind went to the orphanage house. I wanted to help, even in a small way. I sent an email to our advertising department.


    ¡°Vanderford, are you in there?¡± I thanked God he was home.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    When he emerged from the door, he was still wearing a smile, even if he looked tired. He came to me and nted a kiss on my head. ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± My question stunned me, but I couldn¡¯t take it back anymore. ¡°Sorry. You don¡¯t have to answer that.¡±


    ¡°I want to. I was in the hospital earlier and then went to the firm.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what?¡± My voice was filled with worry. ¡°You were in the hospital. Are you okay? Why didn¡¯t you call me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    I stared at him, waiting for him to tell me more.


    ¡°Oh.¡± He smiled. ¡°I just went to donate blood.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You donated blood?¡± I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that this man before me was beyond amazing.


    ¡°I have a rare blood type, so I¡¯m donating as much as possible.¡± He barely finished his words. I was already cupping his face and kissing him so hard. The world faded around us, just us. He instantly kissed me back with the same urgency. He tasted orange. I didn¡¯t like orange juice much, but I didn¡¯t care. All I wanted at this moment was to kiss this man and make him feel he meant so much to me.


    One moment I was on my chair, and the next thing I knew, I was on hisp. My heart beat fast and steady. My hands went down to the rippled of his abs. God, he was hard everywhere, even his now growing erection nudging between my thighs deliciously.


    Our kiss became deep, like there was no tomorrow. Then he pulled away just enough our lips barely met.


    When I cracked my eyes open, he was smiling. ¡°I should donate more blood often.¡±


    ¡°And donate kiss more often.¡±


    ¡°Thest time I checked, you donated kiss to me.¡±


    I smiled as I cupped his face and pressed another kiss on his lips. ¡°You deserve more, Cade.¡±


    ¡°I got enough. You¡¯re more than enough, London Vanderford.¡±

 Chapter 25

    STRIKER


    She was still staring at the ceiling, tugging her bottom lip between her teeth. I leaned in and let her feel the lightest caress of my lips on her exposed t tummy. Her muscles contracted against the touch.


    ¡°Really? None?¡±


    She shook her head. Okay. Challenge epted.


    I swept my tongue onto the belly button. Her body moved, her eyes squeezed shut, and her toes curled.


    ¡°Come on, baby. Give it to me,¡± I said as I teased the tip of my tongue on her belly button in a sensual dance that made her pussy wet, and I could see behind the ck negligee that her nipples puckered and as hard as pebbles.


    I moved up, hovering over her body, supporting my elbows, and made sure I wouldn¡¯t crash her with my weight. ¡°You¡¯re unfair, Vanderford.¡± I nted a kiss on her chin.


    ¡°You were mean.¡±


    ¡°I was not.¡± I kissed her again. ¡°Let me just make it up to you.¡±


    ¡°You always do that while you wouldn¡¯t even let me try.¡±


    ¡°I swear, you can do anything you want. You¡¯ll get tired of me.¡±


    When she rolled her eyes like that, I thought she was childish but cute. ¡°Very mature.¡±


    ¡°Just get off of me. I wanna go to sleep.¡± I held her hand when she tried to push me off of her.


    ¡°In that situation?¡±


    She stopped, ring at me. ¡°What situation?¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re wet, baby. Let me help you with that.¡±


    Her cheeks turned crimson. Her eyes were even narrower. ¡°I am not.¡±


    ¡°Come on, let me take care of you.¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No way. I wanted to join you earlier, but you pushed me away. So my lust is gone, thanks to you.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re not wet right now, fine, we¡¯ll sleep, and I won¡¯t touch you unless you want.¡±


    ¡°Why do you care so much about me, and you don¡¯t care so much about what I want for you?¡±


    ¡°I wanna marry you first before I sleep with you.¡± It was irrational. London was willing to sleep with me, it always had been, but I wanted it to be special. And fuck me, it fucked me in the head to control the urge, and to have a constant raging hard-on was not so much fun.


    She barked out,ughing. ¡°No wonder you and Dad just get along so well. He arranged a man for me, and you acted like some old-fashion man when you slept with many women before me.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I made that up. Forgive me. But what¡¯s in part of taking slow you didn¡¯t get?¡±


    ¡°You gave me an orgasm, Cade. You touched me. We kissed like it was the end of the world. We almost slept together the other night. What¡¯s so different this time of taking care of my needs and sleeping with me on our wedding night? Are you gay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I am.¡± I grabbed her hand and let her touch my hard-as-steel cock through the pants. ¡°You definitely can¡¯t make me hard, right?¡±


    When she tried tough and pulled her hand from my grasp, I held it there. ¡°Tell me if I¡¯m gay.¡±


    ¡°My bad. My apology, sir.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re getting married next week. I promise not to make you take another breath and give you orgasm after orgasm. And I promise to fuck you in every corner of the house or hotel room until you can¡¯t walk for weeks.¡± Before she could reply, I pressed my body against her, kissed her so hard, and delved my tongue into her mouth. Finally, she moaned and desperately arched her hips, searching for relief from the ache between her thighs.


    And I was also desperate to give her what she wanted. I slid my hand inside her skimpy shorts and found what I sought. She spread her legs apart as if she had given me her permission.


    I broke the kiss, and her lips were swollen and red. I quickly went down before she could protest. I gripped the band of hercy shorts and dragged them down her legs, making her gasp.


    She was gorgeous, just half-naked. Her creamy skin looked supple and soft. The lips of her folds were pink and bare. I flicked my eyes to her for a second, and she eagerly watched me through hooded eyes.


    I dropped and went onto my knees before her and syed my legs. Taking her ankles with my hands, I brought one over my shoulder. Her arousal hit my nose the moment I leaned down through her glisteningbia.


    ¡°I told you, baby. You¡¯re wet for me.¡± I parted her pussy lips with my fingers, and my free hand went to her breast, cupping the firm mound. Before she could take another breathless pant, my mouth was already on her pussy.


    ¡°Cade.¡±Just like that, baby. Chant my name.


    God, she tasted better than around my finger. With my fingers, I rolled her stiff nipple while I ate her. Her hands came to my hair with a hard tag. I licked and nipped her hard clit, making her pussy slick with need.


    She let go another long moan, getting herself lost in the sensations. I felt it, too, I was dizzy with lust and wanted to take it further, but this was only for London. I would have my turn soon.


    As I moved my tongue through her folds, Ipped her wetness, and there was much more dripping. It was hot, erotic, and mind-altering.


    Maybe this made it special-I was eating the pussy of the person I cared about the most. I¡¯d never had a chance to do this before or chose not to. But I never thought twice about going down on this beautiful woman because she meant more than anything to me.


    I moved my hand to another breast, giving the same attention as I did with the other, then I ran my tongue over her clit. My other hand went to my cock when the pain became unbearable, gripping against my sweatpants and began pumping it. I sucked the hard nub into my mouth, and she gave me the sweetest reward, moaning with my name in it.


    I growled into her pussy when I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. The pleasure I gave her and the impending orgasm brewing on my cock became more intense for us.


    ¡°Fuck my face, baby.¡± And she did as I asked, backing her hips against my face. I began fucking her with my tongue. The vibration from my growl, in tandem with my hard thrust, had her exploding, screaming my name, and pulling my hair. It was painful, but the pain turned into pleasure. Fuck the reputation I had to uphold. I needed toe, or I would have a heart attack.


    I continued stroking my cock, sucking and fucking as she came hard and long. It didn¡¯t take long, and I came so hard my body shuddered. My sweatpants were wet with my release.


    ***


    I woke up to the constant ringing of my phone.


    ¡°Is that your phone?¡± London curled into me, stirred, and loosened her arms around me.


    ¡°Sorry, baby. I have to answer it.¡± Dad called me at four in the morning when I checked the caller ID. This must be urgent. ¡°Hey, Dad. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Sorry to call you this early, son.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already morning, Dad. It¡¯s okay.¡± I rubbed my eyes and got up. When I looked down at London, she was already wide awake.


    ¡°My guess is you haven¡¯t seen the news.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I kissed London on the cheek before I got out of bed. I went down to the family room to turn on the tv. ¡°Which channel?¡± Before Dad could answer me, I instantly knew what he was talking about.


    I didn¡¯t realize the remote fell from my hand until London wrapped her arm around me. ¡°What happened? Who¡¯s in that ne crash? Oh, God, that¡¯s horrible.¡±


    ¡°Son? Striker, are you there?¡±


    I swallowed hard. ¡°Yes, Dad. I¡¯m here.¡± I didn¡¯t know that man. I wanted to hate him my entire life, but Dad never let me. He said I couldn¡¯t live and be happy if I held grudges. He was right. I was better than allowing my life to be get controlled by my past.


    The sh news continued. His face shed on the screen. The more I looked at histest picture, the more I realized he did have half of my DNA.


    ¡°Oh, thank God he survives and his bodyguards,¡± London rephrased what the reporter said. ¡°And the pilot and crew. Wait. That¡¯s Braddson of the Hover. The billionaire.¡±


    ¡°Dad, can I call you back?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m here for you, son.¡± When Dad hung up, I stared at the phone screen with many things rushing into my mind all at once, making me dizzy. I didn¡¯t know why I couldn¡¯t ignore the guilt of sharing that bastard¡¯s DNA.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± London looked at me and back to the tv screen.


    ¡°Yup.¡± I pulled her into my arms. ¡°Sorry I woke you up early.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°Are you close with Moses Braddson? With your Dad?¡±


    I snorted. ¡°I wish, Vanderford.¡±


    She looked at me intensely. ¡°You know him, don¡¯t you, sweetheart?¡±


    Somehow I managed to smile. ¡°You called me sweetheart?¡±


    ¡°Does it bruise your ego?¡± She wrinkled her nose.


    ¡°You can call me however you want, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°You look so miserable. What is it?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my father.¡±


    ¡°Who? Tate? Of course, I know. He was just on the phone.¡±


    ¡°No, baby. Moses fucking Braddson is my biological father.¡±

 Chapter 26

    LONDON


    Moses Braddson is his father. It kept repeating in my head. Wow. That was the biggest revtion I had in a while, and it was crazy. I mean,e on. Half of Striker Cade¡¯s blood founded the Hover Company, one of the top Aircraft industrialpanies in the world, and the Hover subsidiaries such as Hover Defense and Hover Space and Security. Moses owned seventy-five percent and was the Chairperson, CEO, and President. He literally ran the entire Hover and was a total badass.


    ¡°He is your father?¡± I asked again to make sure I heard him right the first time. ¡°Moses Braddson, is your father?¡±


    He nodded silently.


    ¡°Does Tate know?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Dad was the one who told me everything.¡± His eyes were still glued to the tv screen, showing how the firefighters, ambnces, and police cars rushed to the crash site.


    ¡°Are you okay? Do you wanna sit down?¡± I rubbed his arms.


    ¡°Yeah. Thanks.¡± He sat on the couch while I went to the kitchen to get him something to drink.


    ¡°Here.¡± I offered him water. His gaze barely left the tv screen as he took the ss of water from me. ¡°He and others were rushed to the hospital.¡±


    The report said the jet just took off when there was an engine failure, and the pilot dered an emergencynding that saved everyone on board.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Sweetheart, I know you¡¯re still in shock. Do you wanna see him?¡±


    His head snapped at me. He looked in pain, but the majority was anger. ¡°Why would I?¡±


    ¡°Sorry that I asked. I want to know what¡¯s on your mind right now. I¡¯m here for you.¡±


    ¡°He gave me up. What do you expect? I will rush to the hospital, kiss his ass, and say you¡¯ll be okay and get well soon?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Cade. I just figured out a moment ago that Braddson is your father. I don¡¯t know the extent of your rtionship. Judging by the look on your face, you are somehow affected by the tragedy.¡±


    He rubbed his face, looked at me, and gripped my knee. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I don¡¯t mean to throw my anger at you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. You must have been shocked to find out your father still exists.¡±


    He snorted. ¡°You have no idea.¡±


    ¡°Did he ever try-¡± I shrugged again. I had to be careful using words, or I would only trigger something inside him. ¡°To reach out?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Many times, but I refused. I guess he gets tired of trying. He stopped when I finished college, but he¡¯s still sending money and birthday card to me.¡±Aw. That¡¯s sweet. Braddson must have had a lot of regrets knowing his son turned into a good man.


    ¡°When you told me about your father days ago, I never thought it would be him. What do you have in mind?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t shake this feeling off that someone sabotaged his jet. I mean, he makes aircraft, rockets, and defense systems for a living. Doesn¡¯t his avionics tech check his jet before he flies? Besides, he¡¯s one of the richest men alive. If he died in the crash, it could create a catastrophe in the business world. He¡¯s a powerful businessman and literally controls half of the country¡¯s economy.¡±


    ¡°I thought the same thing.¡±


    ¡°And considering they¡¯re about tounch a new fighter jet, this must be coordinated to sabotage theunch.¡± Interesting that he kept tabs on his father despite his anger.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good theory.¡±


    His phone rang again. It was Tate.


    Striker pressed answer and loudspeaker. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re on speaker.¡±


    ¡°Hey, son. London, you¡¯re up?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Tate. How are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good. How¡¯s my boy?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Dad,¡± he cut in.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking right now-¡±


    ¡°And we¡¯ve been over this, Dad.¡± He seemed to know what Tate was about to say.


    ¡°Striker, you can hate him all you want. You have every right to do so, but you are who you are right now because he¡¯s not around. You are a man of dignity. And I¡¯m proud that I raised you and watched you grow into the good man you are. But this time, it¡¯s different. I¡¯d never forced you to see him, but you are about to settle down right now, and I know you still have conflict and pain in your heart. And I know this is hard for you, but I want you to see him, even just behind the door.¡±


    ¡°Dad, please?¡± His anger and pain seeped through his voice.


    ¡°No. I¡¯ve been lenient on you. I¡¯m not taking any more excuses. I want you to have a peaceful life with your woman. End of discussion, Striker.¡±


    I watched Striker scratch his head in irritation as he breathed through his nose. ¡°Fine. Just once, and I don¡¯t even know if he wants to see me or if his people will allow me, a stranger, to see Moses Braddson.¡±


    ¡°Then they have to find another job if they do such things.¡±


    He scratched his beard this time as he pursed his lips.


    ¡°London, honey, tell me if he went. If not, I swear I¡¯m gonna be so mad at him I will not attend your wedding.¡± Wow! That was so harsh.


    ¡°Dad, that¡¯s unfair!¡±


    ¡°I will, Tate. And I want you to be in my wedding, or no wedding is happening.¡±


    Striker turned to re at me. ¡°You, too?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Your dad is right. I want to have peaceful married life with you. I know there¡¯s a lot on your te right now, but please, settle this. You help me with my issues, so it¡¯s my turn to help you settle this because we are talking about our lives and our future, Cade.¡±


    His brows met for a moment. When I didn¡¯t budge, his anger finally dissipated. ¡°You¡¯ll pay for this.¡±


    ¡°Make me.¡± I raised a brow as a challenge.


    ¡°Okay, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Good. I have to go. We¡¯ll talk soon.¡±


    ¡°Bye, Dad.¡±


    The way he looked at me, I thought for a moment he would snap my neck or swallow me whole. But then he dipped his face into my neck, pushed me to the couch, and came on top of me. ¡°I¡¯m counting the day when I collect what you owe me.¡±


    ***


    We arrived at the hospital, and many media and reporters gathered around, making me nervous. Sometimes shes brought some bad memories. Thankfully, Reed found us an exit door.


    ¡°If we¡¯re not allowed to see him, we¡¯ll not insist. You can tell Dad that the security is tight and only family members are allowed to visit him.¡± He sounded nervous, kept squeezing my hand, and I¡¯d never seen him like this, even if it was the time when Dad found us in bed together.


    ¡°You¡¯re asking me to lie to your dad? Sorry, Cade, but I¡¯m not gonna do that.¡±


    ¡°Which side are you, Vanderford?¡± He sounded annoyed.


    ¡°Yours, of course, but I¡¯m still gonna tell him the truth.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re meaner.¡±


    ¡°You got this, sweetheart. And I will be with you all the time.¡±


    The medivac brought Moses from the crash site to the hospital. Tate said Moses was admitted to the 17th floor.


    His security details even guarded the exit. Reed showed his identification to one of the security team wearing an earpiece. I knew how it worked. Right now, he was talking to his team.


    After a few moments, he returned, denying our request and locking the door behind us.


    ¡°I told you this is a bad idea.¡± Striker held my hand and was ready to leave.


    ¡°Just a sec.¡± I knock on the exit door. The same security came in, shaking his head.


    ¡°Hear me, or I swear to God you¡¯ll never find another job again.¡± My threat was not empty. If he didn¡¯t hear me out, I would do anything to find a way to lose his job. This moment was crucial to my rtionship with Striker, and I would not hesitate to make whatever connections I had as a Vanderford.


    Finally, he unlocked the door. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, miss, but we have a strict order to follow that this floor is restricted and for the Braddson family only.¡±


    ¡°I understand how security matters work, but you might wanna consider calling your boss if Striker Cade won¡¯t be allowed to see Braddson.¡±


    ¡°Hold on a minute.¡± He went to check the list on his phone and shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, but you have to leave, or I will be forced to take an extra measure.¡±


    ¡°Oh, for fuck sake.¡± I knew this guy was just doing his job, and he was good at it, but I had no time for this. My man was losing patience, and I couldn¡¯t afford to go down without seeing his father. ¡°Call hiswyers, and I will wait right here,¡± Finally, Striker used that tone to shut this man up.


    ¡°That old man.¡± Striker pointed at the old bald man in a suit and called out. ¡°Wrenley!¡±


    It called the attention of the old man and came to us. ¡°Mr. Cade?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I promised my dad to see your client. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be here.¡±


    ¡°Of course,e in. Sorry for the inconvenience, but we suggested tightening the security.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°But Atty. Wrenley, I was advised not to let anyone not listed-¡±


    ¡°Then maybe you should find a new job,¡± Atty Wrenley pointed out tly. ¡°You don¡¯t know him, but it¡¯s about time you should. Let your heade to me if he tries to fire you.¡± He turned his attention back to Striker. ¡°Is he with you?¡± he was referring to Reed.


    ¡°Yeah. Ezekial Reed. And this is my fiancee, London Vanderford.¡±


    Atty Wrenley paused momentarily and nced at me before returning his attention to Striker. ¡°She¡¯s Vanderford. And you¡¯re engaged?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered without hesitation.


    ¡°Congrattions to both of you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I smiled.


    ¡°Anyway, I received a call from your Dad, but I just arrived and haven¡¯t been able to update the list. Your father¡¯s assistant, the crew, and one of his bodyguards are in bad shape,¡± he exined as he led us to the hallway. ¡°Your father, however, has acquired only a minor injury, but his doctor put him under sedation and in ICU for further observation. He¡¯s done with the MRI. We¡¯re waiting for the result.¡± He stopped in front of the door.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Striker said as he looked at the people around us individually.


    I recognized one of the major shareholders of Hover. Three men in ck suits were part of the details. The other two were probably newly appointed personal bodyguards. Thest one was a woman in her early fifties, who probably knew Moses personally.


    ¡°Striker?¡± I was right. She just called Striker by his first name.


    ¡°Beatreigh.¡± So they knew each other.


    Beatreigh approached Striker and hugged him tightly as if she¡¯d been longing for it. Striker hugged back awkwardly.


    Then she nced at me. ¡°You are?¡±


    ¡°My fiancee, London. London, Moses¡¯ sister, Beatreigh.¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°His aunt,¡± she corrected with a smile before we kissed on the cheeks. ¡°Congrattions, darling.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Beatreigh held his nephew¡¯s hands. ¡°I wish we were meeting under better circumstances.¡±


    Striker looked her in the eye. ¡°He didn¡¯t need me before, and I am sure he doesn¡¯t need me now. I am here because Dad made me.¡±


    ¡°He warned me not to see you to honor your request. But you are here now, Striker.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t stay.¡±


    ¡°Tate did a good job as a single parent.¡± She smiled sadly. ¡°I¡¯ve forgiven your father, but I¡¯m still mad at him for leaving you and your mother. I can¡¯t even imagine how hard it is to care for you at a young age.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna talk about it.¡±


    ¡°I know. I¡¯m sure your dad told you about how cowardly your father was. Bute to think of those things you¡¯ve experienced, friends you¡¯ve met, an amazing woman like your fiancee. You wouldn¡¯t trade her for anything, would you? You wouldn¡¯t have probably met them if your father had raised you. You¡¯d be a different person. I¡¯ve seen how his work consumed him. He¡¯s not a happy man, Striker, even though he has everything except the boy he sacrificed. Would you ever change a thing in your life?¡±


    Striker¡¯s face softened; if I¡¯d seen it right, he had a teary eye. When our gazes met, he smiled sadly at me.


    And I knew for sure that I was in love with this man.


    ¡°Go ahead. See your father.¡±

 Chapter 27

    STRIKER


    ¡°Go ahead. See your father.¡± It still rang in my ear. Beatreigh, my aunt. It was even strange to meet her face to face. I wondered if her son, Lake knew about my existence.


    ¡°Striker, wait,¡± she called me again.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    She held me and put something into my palm. ¡°Keep it.¡±


    When I checked it, it was a man¡¯s ring. ¡°Is this his?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± I offered it back. ¡°Keep this with you. You can give this to him when he wakes up. I won¡¯t stay long anyway. I leave as soon as I do what I promised to Dad.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just a ring. It¡¯s Braddson¡¯s ring. Whether you like it or not, you¡¯re the Braddson heir.¡±


    ¡°Well, let me spell it out, Beatreigh. He¡¯s still alive, and I¡¯m just a mistake. I¡¯m not seeing him again after this. So, please, take it.¡±


    Beatreigh just gave me a smile with a light nod. ¡°He never took that off, but it had to when he went for MRI. And hate him all you can, but fifty percent of Braddson¡¯s blood is in your veins. He is your father, and I am your aunt. Where do you think you get your stubbornness and tenacity from?¡±


    I looked down at the ring in my hand. It looked like tinum with the letter B-a si ring. I slipped it into my pocket and took a deep breath before I entered the room-like a hotel suite. The only difference was there were machines, tubes, monitors, and those eerie beeping sounds. There were many flowers sent by people I didn¡¯t even know and didn¡¯t give a shit.


    I breathed deeply again as I stood before his bed. The father I hated and avoided for many years was lying motionless before me, but right now, I couldn¡¯t even make myself hate him. I couldn¡¯t even yell at him. How many years had I prepared for this day and still failed to do so?


    I looked away when those emotions were too much to bear in my chest. I nced at Moses again, and somehow, our resemnce began to appear. It was uncanny, and I might look like him when I grew old. But I thought of how Dad would be proud of me for this moment.


    I chuckled bitterly as I took a step to his side. He had bruises on his face and arms and a sling around his right arm. He hadn¡¯t moved a muscle other than his regr breathing.


    ¡°Well, here I am. I never thought this day woulde, but I admired Dad for his persistence. Get better, Moses.¡± That was all I could say. What else should I be saying? He couldn¡¯t hear me anyway, so it was pointless. And maybe I just wanted it out of my chest.


    As soon as I went out of the room, London squeezed me into a hug with her broad smile. ¡°I¡¯m proud of you.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t disappoint my girl.¡±


    We left the hospitalter on.


    London went to workte. I, on the other hand, met my dad in his office.


    ¡°How¡¯s your father?¡± He met me with a smile that said he was proud of me.


    ¡°Moses is fine, healing.¡± I took a seat across his desk. ¡°How¡¯s the new product doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not talking about it. Tell me what the doctors said?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t talk to the doctor, Dad.¡±


    Dad shook his head and never hid his disappointment-he wasn¡¯t impressed with my reply.


    ¡°What do you want me to say?¡± I shrugged.


    ¡°You always shrugged when you didn¡¯t wanna talk about something, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Wrenley was there. I¡¯m sure you are more updated about Moses¡¯ conditions than me.¡±


    He got up from his chair and came to face me. ¡°I wanna know what happened. How did you feel?¡±


    ¡°It was okay.¡± I couldn¡¯t look him in the eye anymore. ¡°If I didn¡¯t know you love me, I thought you were pushing me away and wanted me to have a grand reunion with my sperm donor.¡± I looked at him. ¡°Well, news sh, Dad. That ain¡¯t going to happen. You can¡¯t push me out of your life.¡±


    Dad smiled sadly. ¡°You have such a good heart, Striker. I¡¯m not pushing you away. I¡¯m just proud of you. I was so scared when I found out that your father was still alive. I was so scared to lose you that if I told you, you would choose him because he could certainly give you everything this world could offer. And I prepared myself and epted that I had to share you with him one day.¡±


    ¡°You are the only dad I want, Dad. There¡¯s nothing more I want than to be your son. Look at me. I knew that he existed years ago, yet I am still here. I met him today, and nothing¡¯s changed. And you always told me that we¡¯re a team. Even if I get married, we¡¯re still a team, and London will be there to cheer us.¡±


    ¡°So tell me, how did you feel when you finally met him?¡±


    ¡°He was sedated,¡± I said calmly.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t wait until he woke up?¡±


    ¡°Dad, he needs to rest.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re making me ask you questions, aren¡¯t you?¡± He smiled.


    I sighed. ¡°I felt relief, okay? Happy now?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡± He nodded, still wearing that proud smile I¡¯d seen many times.


    ¡°I felt like tons of weight lifted off my chest. When I looked down at him, damn it, I couldn¡¯t hate him. Maybe people do change. He was a major asshole back then, or maybe he still is. My point is past is past. My life can¡¯t revolve around my hate for him. I¡¯m in a good ce right now, thanks to you. I¡¯m getting married, for God¡¯s sake. I have to let those anger and hatred go. I have to wee my new life with a good mindset and positivity, or I will be stuck in the past for the rest of my life. What else do I want, Dad? I have you. I have London, and I have good friends. I have so many blessings to consider than just hating a man from my past.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s still in your present, son.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± I epted the painful truth.


    ¡°You have to visit him again.¡±


    I shot him a re. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me. I agreed-¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s going to be out of the hospital tonight. The MRI result came out. So, he¡¯ll be recovering in his estate with his doctors around, of course.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re doing this to me. On purpose.¡±


    ¡°I love you, too. Now get out. I have work to do.¡±


    ***


    I¡¯d been staring at the ceiling for minutes while London hadn¡¯t said a word. I didn¡¯t know if she was waiting for me to say something or if she was reading my thoughts. I mean, I had a beautiful, hot woman next to me that needed my attention, but something kept my mind reeling.


    ¡°How many coatings do you think they made to achieve that bright color?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± I nced over at her, confused.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ve been staring at the ceiling for almost half an hour. I thought you studied colors, or maybe you appreciated the shadow from the chandelier.¡± Her sarcasm was evident, and there was a line between her brows.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, me too. But you know what? I¡¯m so sick of your excuses.¡±


    ¡°Excuses?¡± My mind was still processing at this moment. One moment she was talking to me, and the next thing I knew, she was gripping my face, giving me an open mouth kiss.


    I was too surprised to respond, and she took advantage of my gasp into her way to shove her tongue into my mouth in a wet open, mouth kiss. It was hot, and I was instantly hard.


    I finally got my bearings. I wrapped my hand around her ass, the other on her ample breast, and kissed her with the same intensity. I was still enjoying and exploring when her hand found my cock in my boxers. I groaned at the first touch of her soft hand around my girth. She unapologetically wrapped my cock around her fingers and began stroking it.


    One moment she stroked me, and the next thing came unexpectedly-she pushed my boxers down my thighs. Her mouth was gone. The kiss was over.


    My eyes flew open wide. My brain was still processing what had happened, but London destroyed my fantasy on so many levels, making it a reality.


    She spread my legs apart and went between my knees with her hand around my cock. The anticipation and excitement of feeling the tip of her tongue touching my shaft had me gasping for air, my muscles clenching, my heart jackhammering in my chest, and my eyes widened further. When she darted her tongue, I knew it was a home run.


    ¡°Vanderford?¡± I licked my dry lips. And she just read my mind. My head fell back. ¡°Fuck, baby.¡± My cock jerked against the first touch of her wet tongue. It felt so fucking good.


    She clearly knew what to do and how to let a man fall on her knees, even if our current situation was reversed. But fuck me. She had me at first lick.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Without a little mercy, she took all my length into her mouth with a good suck. I thought I saw the light of heaven.


    Fuck, yeah.


    She was good at it. I ignored a little pang in my chest and pushed aside the thought of how she learned to blow a man into blissfulness.


    ¡°Fuck, baby. Just like that.¡± She took me into her mouth, in and out with sucks, swirling her tongue around it. She knew when to tease and stop-it was torture and pleasure at the same time-it felt so damn good.


    When she began massaging my balls, her other hand around my length, I was delirious in ecstasy. My hand came to her hair, keeping a tight grip, twisting into my fist as I followed her with thrust, keeping control not to gag her.


    I looked down at her, taking all of me to her throat, her mouth stretched out, but she never backed down.


    Fuck. She looked so hot and sexy as hell, the hottest fucking thing I¡¯d ever seen. It fucking drove me mad inside, and my heart melted with pride at the same time.


    My arousal was heightening. I felt it at the base of my spine. My balls became heavy.


    I pulled her head away, withdrawing my cock out. ¡°Baby, I wanna suck your pussy, too.¡±


    She looked at me with lust brewing in her eyes. ¡°No. Tonight is all about you.¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to kill me right now?¡± My groan came out loud like a growl as she sucked me in back, deliberately, slowly, and painfully bringing a new height of my impending orgasm. My grip and thrust turned hard and desperate.


    One satisfying groan came from her with a hard suck, and my climax came unexpectedly and had stars dancing before my vision.


    ¡°London. Baby. Fuck.¡± The pleasure coursing through me exploded a gush of my release in her mouth. The ecstasy was never ending as I jerked and jerked until empty.

 Chapter 28

    LONDON


    He was lifting weights when he spoke. ¡°Dad wants me to see Moses again.¡± Since I¡¯d been staying at his house, he had to share his mini gym with me.


    I lowered the speed of the treadmill. ¡°What¡¯s your thought about it?¡± This topic was sensitive for him, so I tried not to suggest anything.


    ¡°I think I did my part thest time, but at the same time, if Moses wants to see me, I¡¯d give it a try.¡±


    ¡°Are you doing this for Tate or for you?¡± There you go, I just did it. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    He sat down, wiping off the sweat on his forehead with his shirt. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Vanderford.¡± He then linked his fingers together as if he wanted to tell me something, but finding the right words was hard.


    ¡°Come on, sweetheart. You know I will always have your back, whatever decisions you make. I would never judge you.¡±


    His smile was so sweet as he met my gaze.


    ¡°What¡¯s that smile for?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but smile back.


    ¡°You just made me smile.¡± He came to me, and I had to pause my workout and kiss him on the lips. He then breathed deeply. ¡°I think I¡¯m doing this for us.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± My chest lightened up. There, those stupid butterflies again.


    ¡°Yup. If he ys the right card, I might invite him to our wedding.¡±


    ¡°Give it a chance. I¡¯m not suggesting it. I want you to do what you feel is right. You know, it¡¯s hard without a mom. I literally grow up with nannies. I admire your rtionship with Tate. He¡¯s the best parent everyone could ask for. I think with him pushing you, he doesn¡¯t want you to regret not giving it a shot.¡±


    He nodded, still in thought. ¡°Will youe with me?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, sweetheart, but you have to do it alone. If you feel ufortable, you can leave anytime.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± He kissed me before he went back to his workout.


    ***


    ¡°What¡¯s the update on you and white knight?¡±


    It was the weekend. I got to spend time with Neke during our spa. Striker went to see his father, Moses, who was already out of the hospital.


    ¡°You keep calling him that. But we¡¯re doing fine.¡±


    ¡°So when is the wedding?¡±


    ¡°You are my best friend, Neke, and you¡¯ll be the first person to know, just like I told you, that Dad arranged me to Striker.¡± I smiled as I ignored her question. Thanks to Striker, he pushed me to get a spa. The Thai massage with hot stone felt so good on my back. I guessed my body had been screaming for this for a while now.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised he didn¡¯te with us.¡±


    I smiled as I remembered he wanted me to spend time with Neke. ¡°He actually wants us to do this together. He¡¯s also going to meet an important person, and I want alone to myself.¡±


    ¡°Getting tired of him already?¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°And it feels like you¡¯re not as excited as me for the spa.¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± She widened her dark eyes at me. ¡°Since when did I pass a spa? We can do this next week if you want.¡±


    After our spa in the afternoon, I still hadn¡¯t heard from Striker, but I knew they were still working on their rtionship and had years of things to catch up on. I was really happy for him for giving his father a chance.


    I met Dad in the restaurant for dinner. I thought I owed him an apology for how I treated him for the past few days.


    ¡°d that you decided to join me.¡± That was his greeting as I stood before our table.


    ¡°Sorry. It¡¯s been pretty hectic for thest couple of days.¡± I kissed him on the cheek before I sat across from him.


    ¡°So, how¡¯s work? Working on the next collection?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I have a few ideas.¡± I checked the menu, and he seemed happy to have dinner with me tonight. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s mostly Striker¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m happy to hear that you two work together.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s actually good with designs. I¡¯m surprised. You should have seen the bag he did. He gave me a lot of ideas on the colors. I even wanted to hire him to work with me, but he already nned on joining Cade Premium.¡±


    ¡°He can be more than that.¡±


    I had my order and gave the menu to the waiter. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I know you and Striker went to see Braddson.¡±


    My eyes widened. ¡°You know about it?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Since two years ago.¡± His admission blew my mind. So he knew who Striker was since before I found out, and he never mentioned it to me.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not my secret to tell, London.¡± He sounded slightly defensive, and I could feel there was more to it than he let on.


    ¡°Yet you knew. How?¡±


    ¡°I asked someone to do a full background check on him.¡±


    ¡°Why did you do that? Let me guess, not the firm.¡± I touched my chest as I felt like I was too naive and oblivious to this whole thing. But what he did was intrusive.


    ¡°Yes. Not Linden. I did it because of you.¡± His answer shocked me even more.


    ¡°What about me? How did I fit into this, Dad?¡± My stomach began twisting. I had a feeling that his answer would ruin this dinner, but I needed to know the truth.


    ¡°You were too caught up with what happened in that horrible incident. And nothing seemed to make you feel better. I wanted to track him down, but his boss, Linden, told me that Striker had a year contract with Rome Langston that he had to finish before I could hire him. Then he extended it another year. And you seemed to be okay. But I was so intrigued with that boy that I knew that there was more to him than met the eye. His dad is Tate Cade, but he chose to protect for a living. Then to my surprise, he¡¯s the biological son of Moses Braddson.¡±


    Somehow it became more evident to me. Dad¡¯s intention wasn¡¯t all about Striker would fit as a good husband. This was all but connections, building business rtionships with Braddson, personal gains, power, and influence.


    ¡°Is that why you chose him to arrange for me?¡±


    ¡°I know how you feel about him.¡±


    ¡°You used him. You used me, Dad. Will you use Striker to get a business deal with Braddson?¡±


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t concern you anymore.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been nning all these for two years, haven¡¯t you? I mean, Striker sure didn¡¯t know that you knew who his father was. This marriage isn¡¯t about me, after all. This is for your own benefit.¡± I felt disgusted. He disgusted me. I just said it out loud, and he seemed okay with everything. He didn¡¯t even flinch, validating my im.


    ¡°Lower down your voice, London.¡± He really didn¡¯t give a crap.


    I shook my head in disbelief. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this. We¡¯ll see if Striker still marries me after finding out you knew who he was before this crap.¡± I gestured my hands, disappointed. ¡°This madness.¡±


    ¡°If I were you, you should be wise and choose not to tell him until you were married, London.¡± He still sat there rxed, unaffected, while I was already fuming in anger.


    ¡°Or what, Dad?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t wanna humiliate yourself and hurt Striker. People know you are engaged. You are getting married, whatever my intention is, because I know you are in love with him.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re disgusting.¡± I wiped the tears from my face that I didn¡¯t know were there. I couldn¡¯t believe this was happening to me. ¡°You¡¯re now using my feelings to get what you want? How can you be so sure you will get something after this ridiculous arrangement?¡±


    ¡°Leave that to me.¡±


    ¡°What is it that you really want? Why can¡¯t you leave Striker and me alone? I¡¯m marrying him. Be content with what you have right now, Dad. Please?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m doing this for you, London. For your future.¡± There it was again-my stupid future when nothing was guaranteed. ¡°You will thank meter.¡±


    ¡°Did you spike our wine?¡± I looked him in the eye. I wanted to know the truth if he would do something to that extent.


    ¡°I did not do it alone.¡±


    ¡°Oh, God.¡± I shook to cry. Tears streamed down my cheeks. I stared at him in disbelief for seconds before I stood up. ¡°I came here to actually apologize for how I treated you. But right now, it sickened me to be your daughter. If you could do that to get what you want? I wonder how far this n of yours goes. I want nothing from you, Dad. From now, I don¡¯t give a damn about Vanderford Group anymore.¡± I walked away without looking back, even if he was calling my name.


    ¡°London, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Reed met me in the parking lot as I was about to crumble. He held me in my arms as he assisted me into the backseat.


    ¡°Everything is freaking wrong, Reed. Please, get me out of here.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± He shut the door close and ran to the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Where do you wanna go?¡±


    ¡°I need some fresh air.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to call Cade?¡±


    ¡°No. I can¡¯t let him see me like this.¡±


    ¡°You need him right now.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I know, but he¡¯s also dealing with his own issue. I¡¯ll call himter.¡± I kept wiping my tears, but they kept rolling down.


    After a few minutes, I calmed down, rested my head against the window for a while, and it had me thinking. What if we hold the wedding?


    ¡°We¡¯re here?¡± Reed announced.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± I looked outside the window. To my shock, I was in front of Linden¡¯s house. ¡°Why did you take me here?¡±


    ¡°You need someone to cry on, and Linden had a good backyard.¡±Yeah, I remember. Linden had some herbs, nts, and flowers.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He helped me climb out of the car.


    ¡°Go ahead. Just knock. He¡¯s expecting you.¡± I wasn¡¯t even aware he did that. I was grateful Reed was such a reliable person.


    I walked to his porch. I hadn¡¯t reached the door yet; it swung wide, and Linden smiled sadly at me with open arms. ¡°Come here, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry foring unannounced.¡± I retired into his arms and cried some more.


    He helped me sit on thefy chair in his backyard. He also covered me since it was a little bit chilly outside. When he came back, there was a steaming mug in his hand. ¡°Have some tea.¡±


    I gratefully took it. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Let me guess. My guy doesn¡¯t know you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna trouble him since we both are dealing with our own drama.¡±


    He sat beside me. ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯d appreciate that. For years I have known Cade. He always has these open arms, saving-the-day mindset. You can¡¯t stop him from doing that.¡±


    ¡°You all actually have some signs of White Knight Syndrome.¡±


    ¡°Ouch, sweetheart. It happens to be a part of our job, and we¡¯re getting paid for it.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I managed to smile at him. ¡°And I¡¯m grateful you have each other¡¯s back.¡±


    ¡°Enough about us. Why are you crying, sweetheart?¡±


    There you go. My eyes stung again. ¡°I can¡¯t do this anymore.¡±

 Chapter 29

    STRIKER


    ¡°Wee, sir Striker.¡± A butler in a white and ck uniform weed me. ¡°He¡¯s been expecting you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I didn¡¯t ask how. I didn¡¯t set an appointment to see Moses, but here I was, walking into the lion¡¯s den.


    Moses¡¯ estate was like I¡¯d never seen in the neighborhood. Ate renaissance-inspired luxurious castle in the middle of the woods, but I had passed with three levels of security.


    Passing through the longest hallway alone was tiring, but the whole ce looked rich in king-inspired interiors.


    ¡°How many rooms are in this house?¡±


    ¡°This one alone, sir, has thirty-three.¡±


    ¡°Is that his lucky number or something?¡±


    The butler smiled.


    ¡°So when you say alone, just this side?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    I nodded. I didn¡¯t know if I should be amused or amazed. We stopped in front of the elevator.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to walk if you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Of course, sir.¡±


    We climbed up through the red-carpeted grand staircases. I couldn¡¯t help but admire the whole ce. I¡¯d been to pces, castles, fortresses, royal cottages, and manors, but this estate was different. Somehow, it gave me different vibes in a good way.


    ¡°Maybe the elevator was a good idea after all,¡± I told the butler. After a few turns, we finally reach a door, maybe a sitting or a lounge.


    He knocked lightly before he pushed the two doors wide, revealing a massive room with another extraordinary interior. The color palette was lightpared to the outside, with a sky-high ceiling that made the ce more open and expansive.


    ¡°He¡¯s in the room, sir. I will bring you some refreshments. Anything you like in particr?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Thanks.¡±


    He left and closed the door behind me. Once I was alone, I looked around. The paintings looked like they were hundreds of years old. I was deciding which rooms to go to. Right or left.


    I chose left. When I knocked, a muffled voice answered, which I recognized instantly. I saw him sitting in front of the wide windows as soon as I entered.


    ¡°May Ie in?¡± I asked politely. He may be a major asshole, but I came to his home and should give him some respect.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to ask. Come in.¡±


    My pace was calcted. At the same time, I was looking around. It was typical but ssy, with a sitting room. Then another room adjacent to it had a bed.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be resting in bed?¡±


    I didn¡¯t realize he¡¯d been watching me. ¡°Come here. Sit with me.¡±


    I went to him. He still had a sling around his arm, strapped to the neck. But the view before him caught my attention-it was spectacr, a golf course that could fit two football fields and what seemed to be a spring.


    ¡°Beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Your great-great-grandfather had protected that area. I keep that as it is, even what¡¯s behind it.¡±


    ¡°This estate had been Braddson.¡±


    ¡°Hundred and thirty years. Braddson was coal-miners. Great-grandfather Timothy sold his watch and started his sweets and choctes, then his sons. Seventy years ago, your great-grandfather, my grandfather, kept the confectionery and began another venture. The Hover. I inherited it from my father. Beatreigh runs the confectionery, and I run the Hover. That wasn¡¯t easy. Everything hase from the sweats and blood of Braddsons.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯te here for a history lesson.¡± I remained standing. The spring just took my breath away, even from this distance.


    ¡°I know, son. You could have read it on the inte. I¡¯m just d that you are here. Beatreigh told me you visited me yesterday at the hospital.¡± His voice sounded pleased and felt like a stab to my chest.


    ¡°Dad insisted.¡±


    ¡°Tate¡¯s a good man.¡±


    ¡°He is.¡±


    ¡°I know you hate me. And I know you have a lot on your te right now. Congrattions, by the way. You should have brought London with you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. She¡¯s with her friend.¡±


    ¡°You know the pressure of filling one¡¯s shoe, especially from your father who had been admired and looked after by millions of people? It changed someone into something you wouldn¡¯t recognize anymore. I was that man. My father didn¡¯t just hurt me physically, but he went to great lengths to break me emotionally and mentally. I wasn¡¯t proud of what I¡¯d done. Striker, I¡¯ve done terrible things. God knows I¡¯ve made tons of mistakes. I know you don¡¯t want to hear it, but I will still say this. It was best for you without me. I¡¯m d you have a Dad like Tate. You grew up into a good man.¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re such an asshole.¡± I couldn¡¯t hear his excuses anymore. I didn¡¯t want to listen to his bullshit. I tried hard to shut off his words, but my emotions got the best of me.


    I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces upon hearing him admit that it was best for me without him in my life. What kind of man said that to his son? I guessed I had a good heart that ruled over my rage.


    ¡°I was consumed with my ambitions. My pride, my ego, when people started to acknowledge my work. My job devoured me. I lost interest-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in hearing your sob story. It¡¯s growing old.¡±


    He still continued, ¡°I lost interest in my personal rtionship. I was overly ambitious.¡±


    ¡°When you found out your girlfriend is pregnant, you threw her away. Yeah, I knew it already. As I said, it¡¯s an old story.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy.¡±


    I snorted. ¡°Did condoms not avable those days?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t apologize to me. I¡¯m doing great, but to my mother.¡± I snorted again.


    ¡°If I could only take it back.¡±


    ¡°But you couldn¡¯t. You said it yourself. I¡¯m best with you.¡± It pissed me off that he had the guts to apologize when I didn¡¯t need it anymore. ¡°Maybe try building a time machine instead of aircraft, defense, and security.¡± Sometimes life was such bullshit.


    He looked up at me with a sad smile on his face. ¡°You¡¯re just like your grandfather.¡±


    I wanted to take it as an insult, but I let it pass instead.


    ¡°You visited your mother¡¯s grave.¡± Finally, he changed the topic.


    ¡°Whenever I could, yeah.¡±


    ¡°That was the biggest mistake I¡¯d ever made in my life. I still have the guilt inside me. A lot of regrets.¡±


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t disappoint your father. I get that. Dad never pressured me to be the best in school or anything like that, but I still tried to impress him. And it never turned me into an asshole.¡±


    He dropped his gaze, releasing a huge breath. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t change a thing, Striker. You might be running a billion-dorpany if I raised you, but you wouldn¡¯t have met those boys like Linden.¡± I wasn¡¯t surprised he knew my friends, even my engagement to London. My guess, he knew everything about me. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have met Tate. You wouldn¡¯t have a good dad-¡±


    ¡°I think that¡¯s enough. I get it. If you are trying to shove all the good things that happened to me into my face, yes, I wouldn¡¯t change a fucking thing. I¡¯m happy without you. My life is stillplete without you in it. I have a good man who raised me as his own because my own blood chose his wealth and power over me. I get that too. It had been cleared to me like that blue sky. I have good friends. I love my fiancee-¡± Thest words stopped me. I just told my father, of all people. I inwardly chuckled. I just confessed that I loved London. I didn¡¯t realize I had fallen in love with her in such a short time. I knew I cared deeply for her, but I didn¡¯t understand what I truly felt until now.


    ¡°You can¡¯t buy that kind of experience anywhere in the world.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    When he rose from the chair, he grimaced.


    ¡°Easy.¡± For the first time, I held him, and he held me back. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I wanna give you something.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want anything from you.¡±


    ¡°I know, son.¡± He still walked away limply.


    ¡°In fact, I am here to give you your ring.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a family tradition. Once you receive it, you can¡¯t give it back.¡± He went to the bedroom.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m an exemption. You didn¡¯t give it to me. Beatreigh had me keep it until you woke up.¡± I followed him and stopped at the door. When he went through the bedside, I looked away.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t an ident that you have that ring, Striker. It¡¯s yours.¡±


    ¡°You could have given me a jet. I would dly take it.¡± I couldn¡¯t believe I had just said that out loud.


    Heughed softly. ¡°I don¡¯t think you will ept it. I know who you are, son. You don¡¯t do charity cases.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should get back to bed.¡±


    ¡°You can look.¡±


    Then I turned around. He just opened a safe behind the bedside table. Great. I just found out where his safe was.


    ¡°I am the only one who knows about the safe. And you are now.¡±


    ¡°So I also have to carry this burden with me.¡±


    ¡°You are my son. You may know nothing about me, and you hate me-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t hate you,¡± I just blurted out. I was angry, furious even, but not to the point that I hated this man. It came to my realization that I actually never hated him. Dad taught me well to see the good in people.


    ¡°I trust you with all my life.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the drugs talking. Maybe you just took more painkillers.¡±


    He walked in my direction after putting it back like it was before.


    ¡°Are you even allowed to stand or walk?¡±


    ¡°Yes. My doctor cleared me.¡±


    ¡°Cleared you to go home and rest. You can use that wheelchair. It has a remote, and all you have to do is press the buttons where you wanna go.¡±


    I heard a knock.


    ¡°That¡¯s Emory.¡±


    ¡°Your butler?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Then he offered me a stick.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°A USB, son.¡±


    ¡°I may not have billions, but I know what USB is, but what¡¯s in that USB is, I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Keep it with you, and I¡¯ll exin once we are seated. Emory, bring it here.¡±


    I had no choice but to take it. I slipped it into my jacket pocket. Secondster, Emory came in carrying a tray of a teapot and cups. He put them on the table.


    ¡°Do you drink?¡± my father asked me.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not.¡±


    ¡°Tea then.¡±


    I joined him back before the window. He then poured me tea into the cup.


    ¡°Does this tea worth thousands?¡±


    He chuckled, humor filling his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s just tea, Striker.¡±


    I sipped the tea. It was a good one, a little bit sour and bitter. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea. That¡¯s what Emory prepared for me. He said there¡¯s a healing effect.¡±


    ¡°Herbal tea. Tell me about this USB, Moses.¡± That was the first time I called his name since I came face to face with the father of the year, and it didn¡¯t sound bitter and hurtful.


    ¡°What¡¯s inside is worth Four hundred billion dors.¡±


    I almost dropped the cup. My mouth hung open. I swallowed hard and put the cup down in my shaky hand. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a four hundred billion dor project.¡±


    ¡°And you just handed it to me, huh? Just like that.¡±

 Chapter 30

    LONDON


    ¡°I can¡¯t do this anymore.¡± My chin trembled as I looked up at the dark sky that seemed to empathize with my situation.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Linden leaned his elbows against his knees as I got his full attention.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you.¡± I dropped my gaze and felt so guilty and embarrassed.


    ¡°I understand. If there¡¯s only one thing I¡¯m sure of, everything¡¯s gonna be okay.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that.¡± I wiped a single tear that rolled down my cheek.


    ¡°I know it because we¡¯re here for you. You¡¯re not alone in dealing with it. My buddy will not allow you to mope alone.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Dad.¡± My voice cracked. My chest squeezed tight at the thought that I would still push through the wedding because I was selfish and was doing it for myself.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me, London, but if you would take my advice, tell Cade everything. A foundation of a strong rtionship is trust. Build it with trust, and you both are gonna be okay, even if everything surrounding you seems to start falling apart.¡±


    ¡°What if he leaves me?¡± I cleared my vision. Though he was Linden and not Striker, I still wanted to see the truth from someone I trusted.


    ¡°Then he may have a reason.¡±


    ¡°God, I don¡¯t think I can take it.¡± I began to sob as I wrapped my arms around myself.


    ¡°Yes, you can. You¡¯re stronger than you think you are. You¡¯re a fighter, sweetheart. And let¡¯s not think about it. Cade is amitted person. He¡¯s loyal to the fault and selfless.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t marry him for a wrong reason.¡±


    ¡°If you care about my buddy, then it¡¯s not wrong. I¡¯ve seen how you looked at each other. It¡¯s more than just an arrangement, and that¡¯s not the only reason you are with him right now. You ought to be together. As crazy as it sounds, it¡¯s already written in the stars. All you have to do is take care of that rtionship and nurture it until it grows. Let it foster. Let it grow into something beautiful. Okay?¡±


    I nodded. My chest lightened slightly, but the guilt was still there, knowing I was keeping a secret from Striker.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I reached out to his hand, squeezing it. ¡°You¡¯ve always been there for me for years, and I never got to thank you.¡±


    ¡°Because you don¡¯t have to, sweetheart.¡±


    I stayed there for a while, Linden never left my side, but he gave me a little quiet to myself. The garden was amazing. There were wall nters, pots, beds, and a small greenhouse, and on the left side looked like poles were probably hydroponics.


    ¡°You built all these?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not aplex job, sweetheart. You only need basic tools and seeds.¡±


    I nced at him nkly.


    ¡°Sorry. Yeah. It didn¡¯te all together at once. It took time to look like this. I was nning on having a pool.¡± He shrugged. ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°You made the right choice. This is amazing. And considering that you have a talent in the kitchen, thises in handy.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought at first. Thank you, sweetheart.¡±


    My phone chimed, interrupting us. I checked the screen. It wasn¡¯t my father or Striker.


    ¡°Maybe our man.¡±


    ¡°Nope. It¡¯s Neke.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to call him?¡±


    I held his arm and shook my head. ¡°He has a lot on his tes right now. My issue with my father is thest thing I want him to waste his time on. But can I stay here for a while? It¡¯s okay to say no if it¡¯s too much to ask. I can go home.¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± He smiled at me. ¡°Stay as long as you want. Just heads up, my guest room is nothing like a five-star amodation.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°You are a five-star hospitable man.¡±


    ¡°Why, thank you, sweetheart. Hungry?¡±


    ¡°You heard my stomach growl, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    Lindenughed softly.


    ¡°I was supposed to have dinner with Dad, but things didn¡¯t go as nned.¡±


    ¡°Do you eat pizza?¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I widened my eyes. ¡°Who doesn¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°Any allergies?¡±


    ¡°Tomatoes.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± The look on his face wasical.


    ¡°Kidding.¡± Iughed, and it felt good. ¡°Not that I know of.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you to yourself. I¡¯ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°I can help.¡±


    ¡°Not tonight, sweetheart. But, thanks.¡±


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t crack an egg.¡±


    ¡°Not judging.¡± Heughed as he walked away.


    We had a great time. The pizza was spectacr, especially the homemade sauce. I enjoyed the thin crust with a little bit of chard on the edge. Man, why he hadn¡¯t had a restaurant on his own?


    I retired early. I¡¯d caused too much trouble for Linden already. The room had a moderate size, which was good. The bed was pretty well-made. It was homey and fresh.


    I went to bed after he loaned me his pretty big-size id shirt. Then I just sat there in the middle and got emotional again. Before I could cry to sleep, I was saved by a soft knock.


    ¡°Linden?¡± I called out his name. The door swung open, and instead of him, my man emerged. I couldn¡¯t even begin to say how relieved I was to see him.


    ¡°Hey, baby.¡± He sauntered toward the bed with a sad smile and a hint of guilt.


    ¡°How did it go?¡± I tried to lighten up and see the smile that I had missed.


    He came to bed and pulled me into his arms. He let go of a long deep sigh after he kissed me on the side of my head. ¡°Rough day, huh?¡±


    ¡°Kind of. You?¡±


    ¡°You could have told me.¡±


    ¡°Sorry. You¡¯re dealing with something your own.¡±


    He pulled back, cupped my face, and stared at me. I could even see the depth of pain in his eyes; I wished I could unsee it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get mad at me, please?¡±


    He leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. I sighed at his sweet gesture. ¡°Why would I ever be mad at you? And your problem is mine as well, Vanderford. I wished I was there with you, and it hurt, but I¡¯m d you came here instead of being alone in the house.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I told Linden not to tell you.¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t. He just sent me a text that I should head here. I know something has happened. The look on your face when I opened the door showed a lot of things that you didn¡¯t have to tell me.¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re here now.¡±


    ¡°And you are wearing his shirt.¡± He inspected what I was wearing.


    ¡°So you¡¯d rather watch me walking in his house naked instead?¡± I crunched my nose.


    He went out of bed and took off his suit jacket. I watched him with amazement as he kicked off his shoes, pulled his tie off, unbuttoned his shirt, unbuckled his belt, and when I looked up, he had a wicked smile on his face. He was also enjoying watching me.


    I rolled my eyes as I moved to the side to give him enough space. When he joined me back in bed, we were back in each other¡¯s arms as if we had done it a thousand times. It was soforting that I had him who I could rely on, who would be there for me during difficult times.


    ¡°What¡¯s in the pretty head of yours, Vanderford?¡±


    ¡°Just grateful you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°I will always be, but it would be great if you first called me before my best friend.¡±


    ¡°If you were not with your father, who would I call first?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if I was with the POTUS. I will stille to you.¡±


    ¡°Noted, sir.¡± I got a pinch on the butt. ¡°Ouch. Behave now, cowboy. We¡¯re not at home.¡± My cheeks burned as I remembered what I had donest night. It was just the sexual tensions between us could cut a thick cheese. Yeah, I was definitely into him. He was hot and oozed sex appeal without even trying. And damn, he was thick and long. He was definitely the biggest dick I¡¯d ever seen. He could be a top porn star. Striker was so blessed in that part.


    ¡°Hmm. Did you just think what I think it is?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± My back stiffened as I met his gaze.


    His smile was dirty, and he was amused. ¡°I know you are thinking about what happenedst night. You literally blew my mind.¡±


    I covered his mouth with my hand. ¡°Enough embarrassing me.¡±


    His brows knitted but still had humor in his eyes as he pulled my hand away. ¡°Embarrassing you? I thought you were awesome. I love the fact that you do what you want. I like that you are liberated in bed. It means a lot that you trust me enough because, honestly, I¡¯m ttered and honored. At the same time, I have this twinge in my chest that you are a pro in that matter.¡±


    My face burned even more. ¡°You think I¡¯ve done that to men-¡±


    ¡°Baby.¡± He shushed me and pressed a finger on my lips. ¡°That¡¯s not an insult, and I¡¯d rather not talk about other men. Okay?¡±


    I took his finger away. ¡°Don¡¯t shush me, you big-¡±


    ¡°Big dick. I know.¡±


    I rolled my eyes, amused deep inside. ¡°Your over-inted ego needs a check.¡±


    He justughed at me and squeezed me into a tight hug. ¡°I missed you today, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    ¡°Now tell me what happened.¡±

 Chapter 31

    STRIKER


    ¡°I¡¯d like you to take a look at it if you have time. And tell me about your idea.¡± Why the fucking hell he trusted me so much with such a huge project? I mean, what did I know about it?


    In my entire life, I was satisfied with a job that paid my bills. Things only changedtely, and I needed a regr office job before I got married. Although I had investments, savings, and properties, I never depended on dividend ie. I still needed a job.


    ¡°I doubt I can help. I don¡¯t have knowledge about that.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t checked it.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    After our dinner, his doctor came for a regr check-up. He advised the same thing. Moses needed bed rest, but we seemed to share the same DNA. He was stubborn as fuck.


    He went to bed after he took his medicine. As soon as the doctor left, he got up,ining to me. ¡°I¡¯m getting sicker in this house.¡±


    ¡°Too bad because you are not going anywhere.¡±


    He joined me in the same spot and sat in the wheelchair. ¡°I¡¯d rather spend my time with you than lying in bed. And I don¡¯t even need this thing.¡±


    ¡°You know, a lot of people in the world would be grateful to have the same privilege as you. Someone out there struggling to have this wheelchair or wants to lie in bed for a minute without thinking of the next meal he can provide if he doesn¡¯t get up and go to work.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯mining about. I¡¯m grateful you are here, and I want to spend my time with you rather than lie in bed. I apologize if you feel that I am being insensitive and ungrateful.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I shouldn¡¯t have said that in the first ce.¡±


    ¡°You can always express your thoughts. That¡¯s what makes a life worth living.¡±


    I knocked on the window to confirm my theory. ¡°So what¡¯s with the BR ss all about?¡±


    ¡°Protection, prevention.¡±


    ¡°Can I ask you something?¡± Call me nosy, but it has been bothering me since I watched the news on tv.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°What are the findings in the investigation of the crash?¡±


    ¡°Do you have ideas?¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Theory. I mean, it¡¯s absurd to have a ne crash for someone who makes aircraft for a living. Don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°It happens.¡±


    ¡°One in a billion possibility. So you mean, that¡¯s the one in a billion?¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to say, son?¡±


    ¡°I noticed additional securities on my way. I mean, it¡¯s prettymon for someone like you, a national security threat level, if something¡¯s happened to you. But did you receive any threatstely?¡±


    ¡°I always receive threats, son.¡±


    ¡°Moses, don¡¯t talk to me like I¡¯m eight years old. And I was in the service. I still work in the firm. Has your jet¡¯s engine been tampered with?¡±


    ¡°I had a few suspicions but can¡¯t confirm until I have the report.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s the wreckage now?¡±


    ¡°In the warehouse. Safe.¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°I want you toe with me on Monday.¡±


    ¡°I have things to do.¡±


    ¡°I wanna tour you in what we¡¯ve been creating for thest five years.¡± Designs have always fascinated me. It was tempting. It was not often I would get this opportunity. If I was being honest, I was excited inside.


    ¡°Raincheck?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re not supposed to work on Monday, Moses.¡±


    ¡°d you¡¯re not my doctor.¡± He chuckled, and he thought it was funny.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a pain in the ass, you know.¡±


    Then I saw that smile-so genuine and light. If he was not been such an asshole, we could have built a good rtionship, even as friends.


    ¡°What is it that you ought to aplish in life, Moses? I mean, you have everything this world can offer. What else do you want? Colonizing Mars? Building an inteary alliance with Aliens?¡±


    ¡°You will have the answers in that stick.¡±


    ¡°Great. I should sell this to the highest bidder.¡± My sarcasm made him chuckle.


    ¡°To answer your question. I have everything. I continue building an empire, but that¡¯s not the aplishment I wish to achieve before I die. Part of it, yeah. When you have money, you¡¯ll gain people¡¯s respect, you have power, and you can buy the things you want, but that¡¯s not the real contentment. The real contentment is to see the smile on the faces of the people you love. To share what you have with them. To spend your time with them, because let¡¯s be honest, nothing¡¯s permanent. We all die and turn to ashes. These days, it¡¯s rare to meet genuine people. Sometimes family, as you say, is a pain in the ass. At the end of the day, you still go home to them.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re saying?¡±


    ¡°I have that contentment right now.¡±


    I swallowed hard at his words. I didn¡¯t even want to overthink he was talking about me being with him right now, but it was enlightening and satisfying.


    ¡°You should get some rest.¡± At this time, he didn¡¯t resist. He went to bed.


    I left his room and closed the door behind me, with his words ying in my head. I wondered how it would have turned out if I had given him a chance years ago.


    Don¡¯t go there, Striker. It was too early to conclude.


    I met his butler, Emory, downstairs. ¡°He¡¯s resting. Will you give me an update?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Mr. Cade. I¡¯m d you came today.¡± He walked with me outside.


    ¡°How long have you been working for him?¡±


    ¡°My family has worked for Braddsons for three generations, sir.¡± Wow. They must have had good working rtionships if they were still here until now, and he was in his fifties.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Your father is a good man. He has ws and has made mistakes, but deep inside, he has a good heart. Thank you for your visit, sir. I hope to see you again. You make your old man¡¯s dreame true.¡±


    I got into my car and left with the thought of what Emory had said, and he knew who I was to Moses. I went home quickly, hoping to see London soon. I already missed her, but I gave her the time she needed to spend with her old man.


    I realized that maybe, this was what Dad had wanted for me all this time. I felt doubt, a rift, and a slight uneasiness for my estranged father, maybe because I hadn¡¯t built that trust yet, but it was a good start. I felt calmness deep inside, inner peace despite still having walls built around me.


    I went to my study as my curiosity got the best of me. I connected the USB to myptop. The first caution that appeared was SELECTED EYES ONLY. There were files, but STRIKER PROJECT caught my attention.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I clicked it. It was a fighter jet design n. It looked pretty badass with a brief overview of its structures, fromnding gear, propulsion, and empennage to fusge and wing designs. Based on this design, it hadn¡¯te out yet.


    I closed it and went to another file- A. S. H. E. R.


    ¡°What¡¯s with him and my name?¡± I chuckled as I clicked it. ¡°Whoa!¡± I took my face closer to the screen. It would look good in a projector, though, but I was more intrigued by the overview.


    I shook my head in disbelief. ¡°Is it even possible?¡±


    It was amercial space station. In my prediction, it would be, but not for another fifty or hundred years. It looked like it was taken from a futuristic sci-fi movie, but also realistic. It certainly amazed me. Well, what could I say? He and Elon Musk had the same vision.


    Another thing that caught my eye was the name of twopanies involved in the project. Braddson + Kross Industries. And it rang a bell.


    Before I could close the file, my phone chimed. I quickly exited and ejected the USB from myptop. I received a message from Linden.


    I dialed his number. He picked up right away.


    ¡°¡® Sup?¡±


    ¡°You need toe to my house?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I got your message. Right now? Is everything okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Then something is not. What is it?¡±


    ¡°Where have you been?¡±


    ¡°I asked you, you asked me. Great. Linden, what is it that can¡¯t wait?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t wanna believe me.¡±


    ¡°Try me.¡± I was already wearing my jacket back and slipped the USB back into my pocket.


    ¡°London is here.¡±


    ¡°London? My girl. My fiancee is with you?¡± I spelled it out as I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing right now. I sprinted out of the study to the hallway.


    ¡°Unless you have another girl name London. Yes, your fiancee is here, dumbass.¡±


    ¡°Is she okay?¡± I met Reef at the entrance. ¡°I won¡¯t be back tonight.¡±


    ¡°Got it, Strike,¡± Reef answered.


    ¡°Juste. She¡¯ll tell you anyway.¡±


    ¡°Just tell me if she¡¯s okay.¡± I pressed the speaker on my phone and threw it onto the seat before I drove my car off the driveway.


    ¡°Long story short, the dinner didn¡¯t end well.¡±


    ¡°Fucking Linus. I¡¯m starting to dislike that man.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go there, brother. He¡¯s your future father-inw.¡±


    ¡°And he¡¯s doing a terrible job. What did he do this time?¡±


    ¡°Ask London. She was pretty upset when she came.¡±


    ¡°Alone?¡±


    ¡°No. Reed just left after dinner.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, man. I owe you big time.¡±


    ¡°More like you owe me a lot.¡±


    ¡°Right. How can I rey your kindness, sir?¡±


    Heughed at my sarcasm. ¡°Tell me, where¡¯ve you been? London didn¡¯t tell me a shit.¡±


    ¡°With my father.¡±


    ¡°Is Tate okay?¡±


    ¡°The other one.¡±


    ¡°Holy shit! Since when? How did it go?¡±


    ¡°Seen the newstely?¡±


    ¡°Nothing interesting. Any specifics?¡±


    ¡°The billionaire aircraft ma? Does Hover Company ring a bell?¡±


    ¡°Wait. Yeah, Braddson. Moses Braddson. His jet crashed, and it¡¯s a miracle there¡¯s no fatality.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. The pilots were just good, I guess.¡±


    ¡°The jet was in pretty bad shape. I saw the news, but it¡¯s a miracle everyone survived, though most are heavily injured. So what does have something do to your biological father.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you didn¡¯t know about it, considering our line of work.¡±


    ¡°I know Tate adopted you, but I didn¡¯t dig into your past, man. I know you¡¯re a good guy. We¡¯ve been through shit together. You saved my ass. I saved yours. You are my brother. That¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    ¡°Well, Moses Braddson is my biological father.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck? Holy Moses! No pun intended. Well, shit!¡± Heughed out loud. ¡°You¡¯re not joking, right?¡±


    I sighed deeply. ¡°I wish I were, but yeah. Moses fucking Braddson is my father.¡±

 Chapter 32

    LONDON


    I spent an hour in a bathtub with wine that no longer appealed to me. I was more concerned with how to break to Striker regarding my father¡¯s true intention.


    I didn¡¯t tell himst night. I couldn¡¯t. I was too scared to face the consequences. I only said to him that I had some disagreements with my father. Judging by the look on his face, he wasn¡¯t convinced. He knew I was hiding something, but he somehow respected my decision for now.


    Right now, he was watching me like a hawk from the corner, but he hadn¡¯t said a word to me. I wasn¡¯t happy with his silence. And it hurt like hell, but I was a selfish bitch and wasn¡¯t ready to lose him. I couldn¡¯t bear it.


    ¡°The tub is big enough for the both of us.¡±


    He just remained there, his arms crossed over his chest, sighing constantly. He bounced his gaze between me and the view outside the window.


    ¡°When are you gonna see Moses again?¡±


    ¡°Monday.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°Then you should have a one-on-one with your dad?¡±


    ¡°Not a chance. He¡¯s not what I thought he was. Let him go to hell.¡±


    ¡°You urged me to see Moses, and I did despite how he abandoned me. Don¡¯t wait for that chance that neveres. Don¡¯t make it a habit of running away from your problem, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Is that based on experience?¡± My question earned me a re-if a re could kill, I was already cooked with water at a boiling point.


    I lifted my leg, showing him what he had missed. I truly admired his self-control, though it mostly annoyed me.


    I wish we could just fuck each other until we run out of breath. But maybe our rtionship needed more nurture than built with sex and choctes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be in the study when you¡¯re done.¡± As I said, his self-control was indestructible.


    ¡°If you say so, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t stay long, Vanderford.¡± He just walked out without a thought.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a bummer.¡± I rose from the tub since I was alone and got bored. I cleaned up and went to find my phone still in my robe.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You know what? I¡¯m tired of you ignoring me all day. No, every day. If I can¡¯t have you now, then I better go home and spend my day alone in bed. Bye.¡± I sent him a voice message.


    I was in the closet, looking for something to wear. I didn¡¯t have many clothes to choose from. I was checking between two dresses when someone came behind me that had me jumping, lifting me off the feet.


    ¡°Jeez! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?¡± The dresses fell from my hands.


    ¡°You were saying?¡± He threw me on his shoulder as if I weighed nothing.


    ¡°Put me down, Cade! Right now!¡±


    ¡°If you wanted to go, you could have left earlier. But that message meant something, baby.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that means I¡¯m tired of waiting for your head to be hit pretty hard by a damn rock before you realize we¡¯re in the 21st Century, and your ridiculous method doesn¡¯t work on me anymore.¡±


    ¡°I was nning to take you to beautiful ces or beaches, then spend the whole day and night with you because one fuck wouldn¡¯t be enough, Vanderford. But you are so stubborn and impatient.¡± He pped my butt cheek, and it stung.


    ¡°Ouch. That¡¯s not funny!.¡±


    ¡°You have no idea how much you drove me fucking crazy with your little stunts. You deserve more spanking.¡± He threw me to bed. I bounced up and down, and I ignored the lightheadedness I felt.


    ¡°So I got into you?¡±


    ¡°Are you fucking kidding me right now? You made me lose my goddamn mind every time you did something for me. The only thing that keeps me sane is thinking that what I do is something for us. You have no idea how hard it is to walk with a constant raging hard-on.¡±


    ¡°Serves you right.¡± I untied my robe, showing him how I was wet for him. Now I got his attention; I wouldn¡¯t back down. I wouldn¡¯t stop until I got what I wanted.


    ¡°My idea was dumb anyway.¡± He licked his lips as he watched me with such intensity it burned inside me. When he pulled his shirt off his head, I knew it would happen, or I swore I would go home.


    Now, I was speechless. I licked my lips, and my throat went dry. My heart hammered so hard. I took off the robe and threw it away. I waspletely naked in his bed. Goosebumps erupted all over my skin. My nipples puckered against the scorching look of admiration he gave me.


    ¡°Touch yourself.¡± He unbuttoned his jeans, and I couldn¡¯t wait to see him naked again-as if a sculptor made his body, blessed my God. Everything about him was perfection. Those thighs and the deep V between his hips were molded so fine. ¡°I wanna see how wet you are for me.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off him now that he waspletely naked in front of me. His erection stood with pride, massive and long. The shaft was teasing, those veins protruding.


    And I did it with pleasure, dragging my hand from my breast to the center of my abdomen down to my pussy. I gasped at the first touch of my finger against my clit. I was so sensitive and so aroused for him-I was so wet. I moistened my finger with my wetness before I began rubbing my clit slowly, applying a little pressure.


    My eyes shut closed, but I felt him. The movements of the bed made me pant in anticipation. I didn¡¯t stop until he took my hand away and shoved a finger into his mouth. I felt his tongue and his suck, making me squirm.


    I hadn¡¯t taken a breath in shock. He was already between my thighs, spreading them apart, making me vulnerable and exposed. I didn¡¯t care, though.


    I wanted this.


    I needed this.


    I wanted him for a long freaking time.


    Then he left a hot and fiery trail of kisses on my thigh. My clit pulsed and ached in anticipation, and he didn¡¯t disappoint me.


    The lick on my entrance hit a plethora of sensations that had me spinning. I felt so utterly feminine for him. He didn¡¯t care if I got fat. He let me eat whatever I want. He looked at me as if I was the rarest gem on earth.


    A long, satisfied moan left my throat as he sucked, nipped along my aching flesh, and drew it into his mouth. My wetness kept flowing. My face overheated that he had this effect on me, and I was enjoying it a lot.


    ¡°Oh, God.¡± My breathing went rugged as he did a dragging sweep of his tongue around my pussy. Then he flicked his tongue on my clit, making me more sensitive, and had me writhing. It was a pleasure and torture at the same time.


    I grabbed his head, gripped his hair around my fingers, and he rewarded me with a long groan of approval. The vibration had me turned liquid. He then fucked me with his tongue, sucked me, and nipped me, and my orgasm rushed from the surface.


    I was still frenzied, and he was already on top of me. His erection was rock hard pressed against my tummy, causing more wetness to pool between my legs.


    He crashed his mouth against mine aggressively. I tasted myself in him. It was intense, hot, and erotic. But I wanted more. We both wanted more.


    I opened my mouth and slipped my tongue into his to taste myself more. A deep groaning from him filled my desire.


    He broke the kiss. Pain crossed his face as I opened my eyes. ¡°Baby, I don¡¯t have a condom.¡±


    My jaw dropped. I was torn between being disappointed and aroused at the same time because I wanted to feel him, skin to skin. That was how I trusted him.


    Crap.


    My mind worked perfectly, but I couldn¡¯t believe I was saying this for the first time. ¡°Do we need one?¡±


    ¡°Maybe more. I¡¯m clean, I swear.¡±


    ¡°Sorry to bring this up, but this would be my first time sleeping without a condom.¡±


    He kissed me so hard, only to break it again and leave traces of kisses down my jaw, sucking the side of my neck. He moved his lips down my corbone and to my sensitive breasts, taking my nipple into his mouth with a good suck and nipping.


    Striker skimmed his hand down my belly as he went to pay attention to my other breast. My moan and groan grew louder, begging for more. I¡¯d grown impatient for this sweet torment.


    When he found me wetter, a feral growl left his throat. He wrapped his arms around me and rolled us over. I was on the top, and he was gripping my hips, lifting me so I could straddle him.


    ¡°I¡¯m yours, baby.¡± The moment he said those words, I knew I was his.


    He wasn¡¯t near inside me, yet I was already delirious. I took his erection into my hand, and we both groaned at the contact of his shaft against my clit. Then the tip of his cock was positioned at my entrance, waiting for me to make a move.


    It exhrated me even more. I grew even wetter. I wanted to close my eyes but couldn¡¯t miss seeing his face as he stretched me from his pration.


    He was nestled right in my center. As I lowered myself, he slowly glided in inch by inch, feeling his bulbous head stretching me. And he watched as my pussy lips enveloped his thick length until he was all inside me, until my pussy was t against his,pletely.


    I was so stretched and a little ufortable, and it burned that I thought it reached my womb and I¡¯d split in half.


    We stared at each other momentarily to absorb the feeling of being one without movements and words.

 Chapter 33

    STRIKER


    She is exceptional.


    I couldn¡¯t look away or shut my eyes close and miss the most beautiful woman on top of me. And she felt incredibly good.


    London hadn¡¯t moved, so I gave her time to adjust as I was all hard inside her, and she was so stretched.


    I skimmed my hands all over her hips, to her abdomen, and her perky tits. I cupped them, paying attention to her puckered nipples, pinching them, and it spiked something inside her, clenching around me.


    Her eyes started to flutter close as she bit her bottom lip and braced her hands on my chest.


    ¡°Ride me, baby.¡±


    She rose and pushed back down, doing exactly as I told her. With each rise and fall, her clit grazed my base, and it grew her drenched. She bit her bottom lip harder as if drawing strength from it.


    I held her in ce as I met her in the middle, thrusting into her. A gasp escaped her lips. Her eyes squeezed shut, and she threw her head back as I thrust faster and faster, bringing her closer to orgasm.


    She grew more sensitive, and the sensation was more intense. And I got greedier, gripping her hips, pushing all in, and groaning from the sensory overload. And London took me all until I was balls deep.


    Moaning, she let me fuck her hard and gave her way to intense pleasure. A hoarse cry broke from her throat as ecstasy filled her, and another orgasm shuttered her.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    London was liquid for several moments. I wrapped my arms around her and rolled us over. Still catching her breath, she hadn¡¯t found the strength to move. I mmed my dick into her in one swift move, and she cried out.


    ¡°Too much?¡± I asked through gritted teeth as I saw tears pooling in her eyes.


    ¡°I want more.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it, baby. Wrap your legs around me.¡± When sheplied, I began my thrust slow and easy.


    ¡°Faster.¡±


    I mmed my mouth against her to shut her and then mmed in and out of her so fast and hard the bed rattled. I had to grip her hips so I couldn¡¯t drag her to the head of the bed.


    Her moan matched my own hoarse voice of pleasure as I continued pounding into her.


    We were one. Our body conjoined. We fucked like there was no tomorrow.


    ¡°God, Cade!¡± She screamed my name as the pain of forcefulness brought her to another height of her ecstasy. She was almost into her orgasm. I could feel her squeezing me, mping around me. Then I withdrew, and my tip nudged her clit, the sensitive spot that brought her to the edge.


    Her climax came unexpectedly. A gush of wetness seeped through her. While she was still absorbing her ecstasy, I rubbed her clit with my thumb.


    ¡°I can¡¯t!¡± she shouted.


    ¡°You can, baby.¡± I was sweaty and still catching my breath as if I¡¯d been running a mile an hour. My groan grew louder. My cock grew harder. My balls were heavy. I could feel the tingling over my spine. ¡°You can give me one more.¡± I kissed her quickly before I grabbed her legs and put them over my shoulders. In this position, I could see us as one.


    I mmed into her hard, once, twice, and the third time had her head thrown against the pillow, and she looked magnificent as she came. Her eyes rolled back-her skin rosy pink.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± I pulled out and pushed back. Hard. Again and again, bottoming out.


    I fucked her hard like a madman, and she let me without any objection. My dick thickened. Beads of sweat dotted my forehead, and my jaw locked tight.


    A deep groan rumbled in my chest. The sound of the flesh pping against her had her climaxing again.


    ¡°Cade!¡± A high-pitched cry filled the room.


    I continued to pump into her hard and fast. It brought me in shock as her inner muscles clenched around me, bringing me to the brink of my own orgasm. Mye loaded on and on, emptying inside her as I fell on top of her. I could see the ckness dotted in my vision with exploding stars.


    A few momentster, it came to my senses that I might have crashed her, but I knew she was okay as she ran her fingers on my back, but she hadn¡¯t said a word.


    ¡°You okay?¡± I nted a kiss on her lips.


    ¡°If you think you broke me, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not that fragile.¡±


    ¡°I think having five orgasms would never count you as fragile.¡± I pulled her into my arms.


    ¡°Oh, God.¡± I could feel her eyes rolling. ¡°You¡¯re gonna use that against me, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°It depends.¡±


    ¡°On what?¡±


    ¡°If you will give me what I want.¡±


    ¡°What exactly do you want?¡±


    ¡°I need to trade wisely.¡± I cupped her face so that she could look at me. I leaned in to kiss her lips. The moment our lips met, she kissed me, skimming her hand around my neck and raking her fingers through my hair. She seemed extremely satisfied, and that was all I needed.


    We kissed for a few moments. I grew hard again when she snaked her leg around my thigh. London was giving me what I wanted. She didn¡¯t think twice about taking my hard dick and positioning it at her entrance. In one swift move, I was in her.


    This time, we took it slow. We absorbed the feeling of being one as a couple who cared for each other very much.


    I felt it. I felt her. The sensation, the friction, the heat-the intimacy we developed-we felt it.


    She moaned, and I moaned. We moved in tandem. Our ministrations had pleasure coursing through us, exploding into a million tiny pieces, bringing us to our own orgasms. Together.


    We made love.


    We cleaned up together in the shower room.


    ¡°We¡¯ll just clean up. I need food with lots of calories.¡±


    ¡°We are just cleaning up, baby. Nothing more.¡± I tried hard to hide my smile. ¡°And once we¡¯re done here, I¡¯m feeding you,¡± I agreed with her, though I had something more interesting in mind that involved a lot of exertion.


    ¡°Good idea.¡±


    We settled on the couch when our food arrived. We ended up with burgers and fries. London wasn¡¯t kidding when she said she wanted a lot of calories as I watched her take a huge bite of her burger.


    ¡°Am I starving you, Vanderford?¡±


    ¡°I am hungry,¡± she said with her mouth full.


    ¡°I bet your father never taught you to talk while your mouth is full.¡±


    ¡°Good thing he¡¯s not here.¡± She chewed carefully and then stubbed the fries into the ketchup. ¡°Gonna eat, or you¡¯re just gonna stare at me?¡±


    ¡°What can I say? You¡¯re a sight to behold with mayo at the corner of your lips.¡± I wiped it with my thumb and shoved it into my mouth.


    ¡°You know why I like you.¡±


    ¡°You like me?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but smile. I knew she liked me, but it gave me little butterfly flutters in my stomach to hear her admit it.


    ¡°A little.¡±


    ¡°Just a little, huh?¡±


    A rosy pink blossomed on her cheeks. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°So why do you like me?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry?¡±


    ¡°Watching you indulge in fast food amazes me.¡± I grabbed my burger, unwrapped it, and took a bite.


    ¡°You never disgusted with the food I prefer.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t eat that every day. You take care of yourself. Every now and then, we have cravings. And judging by your naked body earlier, you haven¡¯t gained a pound.¡± I watched her blush again. ¡°For a confident woman, you blush a lot, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Then stop looking at me like I¡¯m your dessert.¡±


    ¡°You just read my mind right, but you haven¡¯t told me what happened to you and your father. What really upset you, baby?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna talk about it right now, please?¡±


    ¡°But you will when you¡¯re ready.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Eventually.¡±


    ***


    I spent some time in the study and gave London her time to herself as she had Facetimed Neke.


    The four hundred billion dor project still intrigued me. I put the USB in my safe, then here came the question, how would my involvement in this benefit the project? Moses asked me to take a look at it. I did. Then what now?


    I dialed Dad. It rang for a while before he picked it up.


    ¡°Am I interrupting you, Dad?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m having dinner with a friend.¡±


    ¡°Do I know that friend?¡±


    ¡°Yes, son. Linus.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I see. Extend my regards. I¡¯m not gonna take much of your time. Take care.¡±


    I yawned. When I got back to the room, London was already in bed. ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you.¡± Her eyes were still glued to the screen of her phone.


    I joined her in bed. ¡°What¡¯s so important you can¡¯t take your eyes off the screen.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s hot.¡± I didn¡¯t quickly get jealous, but I instantly felt a squeeze in my chest, which wasn¡¯t pleasant.


    ¡°Who the fuck-¡± I snatched the phone from her hand.


    ¡°Hey. A little respect for my privacy, please?¡±


    I narrowed at her. ¡°I don¡¯t need it with my future wife. And I don¡¯t hide anything from you.¡±


    ¡°My phone, Cade.¡±


    I checked what had been taking her attention from me and eventually gave it back with a twist in my lower belly. She was typing an email. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the only guy I want to fuck, jerk.¡±


    I wanted to be pissed for calling me a jerk, but looking at her with that angry face was. I couldn¡¯t. Besides, it was all my fault. And for the love of fuck, I trusted her. Maybe this was what jealousy and love felt like-it ruined a rtionship.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You could have just told me you¡¯re writing an email.¡±


    ¡°Trust issues much?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, okay?¡±


    ¡°I should be the one with trust issues, but when ites to you, I feel like I can trust you with the world, not just my life. If you want to check my phone, bag, orptop, all you have to do is ask. I¡¯m an open book, Cade.¡±


    ¡°Yet, you still haven¡¯t told me why you are so upset with your father. He was having dinner with Dad earlier anyway.¡±


    ¡°They might be nning something.¡±


    ¡°Why did you say that?¡±


    ¡°Our wedding, I mean.¡± She went silent for a moment before she faced me. ¡°Can we get married next month or the first week of another month?¡±


    I stared at her for a moment before I had my brain back working. ¡°This week, you can¡¯t wait for another day. You even wanted us to elope. What¡¯s changed?¡±


    ¡°You have a lot on your tes right now?¡±


    ¡°About Moses?¡±


    ¡°And other things.¡±


    ¡°Baby, what I have on my te won¡¯t stop us from getting married. Unless you changed your mind and didn¡¯t wanna marry me anymore.¡±

 Chapter 34

    LONDON


    What had gotten into me? Striker was right. Last week I wanted to give my father what he wanted so that I could have my payback. Right now, I just watched the man I loved walk away from me, and I didn¡¯t even stop him. He didn¡¯t even finish his food. I felt terrible.


    Yes, I loved him.


    It wasn¡¯t hard to fall in love with the right man. He was great, kind, thoughtful, loyal, and selfless. He always thought about my needs above everything else.


    ¡°God, what should I do? I need a sign.¡± I looked up. I didn¡¯t pray much but believed the big guy was up there.


    I searched for Striker everywhere in the house until I remembered his favorite ce.


    ¡°I thought I found you here.¡±


    He had whiskey in his hand. He took a sip and didn¡¯t even look in my direction. This was all my fault.


    My father dragged him into this arrangement, and Striker didn¡¯t think twice about helping me. Me being an ungrateful bitch just hurt his feelings.


    I sat beside him, cing a hand on his thigh. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°What for?¡± His gaze was still pinned on the beautiful view before us.


    ¡°Sweetheart, please?¡± I gripped his thigh a little tighter.


    ¡°I heard you, Vanderford.¡± He was still mad at me. He had every right to because I mistreated him.


    ¡°You can¡¯t even look at me.¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    He leaned back and emptied the ss in one gulp.


    ¡°I thought you don¡¯t drink.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not working, am I?¡±


    ¡°I still wanna marry you, okay? I just thought that you might wanna postpone it since-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still getting to know my father?¡± He faced me this time, ring. ¡°What¡¯s that have to do with our wedding? I won¡¯t invite him anyway because he¡¯s a stranger to me. You, on the other hand, you¡¯re still hiding something from me. Do you ever trust me? Or what we have, what¡¯s been going on between us, are nothing but lust and sexual tensions?¡±


    ¡°Of course, this is more than just sex. I told you I would tell you when I am ready.¡±


    ¡°You already said that. I wonder what¡¯s so difficult in telling me what happened that you must keep it to yourself. But don¡¯t worry, London. I can get the truth, one way or another, if not from you, from your father, himself.¡±


    ¡°I fought with my father, okay? I said something terrible. It was not my best moment, but I¡¯m tired of him controlling everything, including my life and yours. I made a mistake, and he always used that against me by shoving it into my face that I couldn¡¯t stand on my own two feet and was a spoiled brat. Maybe he¡¯s right. I¡¯m not strong enough, and I still need someone like you in my life.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean you made a mistake? We made mistakes, Vanderford. That¡¯s what makes us human.¡±


    ¡°How I got kidnapped because I didn¡¯t listen to him. I sneaked out of the house to go to the Night Stalker Club. I was already twenty-one and still lived in his house with a driver and a nanny.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t your fault. Your father has money. That¡¯s why there¡¯s always a threat to your life. If you didn¡¯t sneak out and rebelled against him, you wouldn¡¯t even find out how strong you are. And he¡¯s wrong.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re strong and didn¡¯t need a man to stand on your own feet. My presence in your life isn¡¯t about keeping you safe by protecting you. Everyone needs a partner, an emotional connection-an intimacy.¡± He caressed my cheek with his thumb. ¡°I am here with you because I like you and want you. I want you in my life. And looking at you right now, I don¡¯t think I can stand watching someone touching you, kissing you than me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I hurt you. I didn¡¯t mean that.¡± I kissed him on his lips. ¡°Will you forgive me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not necessary. It just caught me off guard.¡± He breathed deeply. ¡°Do you still want to marry me?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I answered honestly, without hesitation. ¡°Do you wanna marry sooner or in the next few months?¡±


    ¡°We get married now or next month or next year. It¡¯s the same. I¡¯m still marrying the same woman.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll get married online?¡±


    ¡°Online?¡± His brow arched.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll apply online. What do you say?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s make it official, baby.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s official. It¡¯s legal, Cade.¡±


    He scratched his brow.


    ¡°We¡¯re getting married again anyway.¡±


    ¡°I think I know what to do. Leave it to me, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± I kissed his lips hard. ¡°I trust you, sweetheart.¡±


    Striker then scooped me while we were still kissing, carrying me bridal style in his arms. I snaked my hands around his neck. His lips moved over my jaw and down to my neck and ear, biting my earlobe. ¡°I want you so fucking bad.¡±


    ¡°Then take me.¡± I let my head fall back and closed my eyes as he licked my ear and ran his tongue along the side of my throat. My heart beat erratically, thinking of another orgasm waiting for us wherever he wanted to take me.


    I couldn¡¯t help but moan.


    I was celebrating internally when he kicked the door with his foot and shut it behind us.


    ¡°Wet for me, baby?¡±


    ¡°One way to find out.¡±


    By the time he put me down on my feet, I was already shedding my clothes. I was standing naked before him in less than five seconds, and so did he.


    ¡°Wrap your legs around me.¡± He didn¡¯t have to say it twice. His dick was hard, and he stood proud, poking my lower belly. He cupped and gripped my butt, and I did as he said. At the same time, his shaft nudged my clit. With just one lift of my butt and pushed down, he was inside me.


    My eyes widened in shock. At this angle, he was so deep it shook something inside me. He didn¡¯t waste any time. He held me tight without an escape, pushing me up in down around his cock.


    One moment we were in the middle of the room, and the next thing I knew, he pressed my back against the hard t wall as he pounded into me mercilessly. A gasp left me.


    ¡°Oh, God. Cade, don¡¯t stop.¡± My breathing became short and quick.


    ¡°You¡¯re so fucking tight, baby. You felt so fucking good.¡± My heart plummeted with his words as he shut me off with a groan, iming my mouth and swallowing my moan. He worked his length inside me, pushing a bit deeper each time, fucking me with his dick and tongue in my mouth.


    I was delirious. It felt so good.


    My orgasm was right at the surface. My breathing became frantic as I ground myself back. Then I shuddered hard and threw my head back against the wall, staring up at the ceiling in delight.


    He thrust into me faster and harder, and I clenched so hard around him that I broke the kiss as I screamed out his name as I came.


    ¡°Fuck yeah. I¡¯m closed.¡± Despite how stretched I was, he was still massive. I could still feel his girth growing hard. After several thrusts, he stilled, his muscles strained in his body as he buried deep, his head in the crook of my neck, and groaned out his orgasm.


    As soon as he got his bearing, he took us to bed. When I thought I could finally take a rest, I was wrong. He was still inside me, and my wetness was pooling. He began kissing me again with his thrusts slow and steady until he grew hard again.


    I admired his strength. He gave me another orgasm after orgasm until I had no energy left in my body.


    We cuddled for a while as we caught our breaths.


    ¡°You always intended to give me two to three orgasms a night?¡±


    He smirked. ¡°If I count it right, you have eight tonight. But who¡¯s counting, right?¡±

 Chapter 35

    STRIKER


    ¡°So, this is where everything happens?¡± Watching from the top behind the ss wall was fascinating how an aircraft was machinery assembled.


    ¡°Yes.¡± There was pride in Moses¡¯ voice. Considering what he had done to the Hover to be at the top of the business industry, I expected that reaction.


    ¡°Do you ever feel guilty that your fighter jets will be used to ughter people?¡±


    I got his attention. He looked at me. ¡°Son, you¡¯re once a soldier. Tell me why you did what you did. It¡¯s to protect your country. The same as the pilots who fly these jets. They have the same mission, not just to end life, but to monitor, be in the line of defense, and protect those down there. I do what I think is in the best interest of the people. If there are no bad guys, then no guns and jets like this one.¡±


    I thought I wasn¡¯t thinking of questioning him. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    The door swung open. A man around his age walked in. ¡°Mr. Braddson, it¡¯s nice to see you on your feet again.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good as new. Thank you.¡± Moses introduced him as the director of mechanical and structural engineering. ¡°This is Striker Cade. Striker, meet the man behind the sess of thetest fighter jets. Dn Carter.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± I offered a handshake. I always felt starstruck meeting the people behind a fantastic design.


    ¡°I¡¯m just doing my job,¡± he said humbly.


    ¡°I admire your work. It¡¯s truly unrivaled, especially the Striker Project.¡±


    ¡°Striker Project?¡± He shook my hand. He stole a nce at my father before he looked back at me. Wariness shed over his face. I didn¡¯t know if he pretended he didn¡¯t know about it or if it was ssified, but my father wouldn¡¯t have given me ess if it was.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. He has the copies.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t he need-clearance?¡± So, hence the selected eyes only.


    ¡°He¡¯s my son.¡±


    He stared at my father for a second, unblinking. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry, sir,¡± he apologized to my father before he faced me back. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Mr. Cade. You¡¯re the thirteen people to know about A. S. H. E. R.¡±


    ¡°Just thirteen?¡± I asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Yes. The POTUS, the selected Kross and Hover¡¯s boards of directors, and me. You¡¯re the first non-member to have the copy.¡±


    Great. ¡°That¡¯s another secret I have to carry on.¡±


    ¡°Wee to the Hover, Mr. Cade.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    When Dn left the visual room, I turned to my father. ¡°Why did you give me ess? It¡¯s not that I¡¯m gonna be joining the team. I don¡¯t have experience and expertise in this field. And I¡¯m not a member of your board.¡±


    ¡°After the crash, I realized I could die today or tomorrow. It¡¯s best you have knowledge about the future project. Even if you didn¡¯te to visit me, I was going toe to you. And you don¡¯t have to be a member of the board. I will appoint you sooner if I will be ill or some circumstances happen to me.¡±


    My mood soured. As much as I¡¯d love to spend time with him, I wanted to know if there was a real threat in his life. ¡°If you are in danger, you better tell me now, so I know where I stand, Moses.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. You can¡¯t push me away every time I want to see you. You¡¯re an adult and about to settle down. You can hate me, and I know you don¡¯t want to do anything with the Hover. But this isn¡¯t a request. If I die, this is my legacy and yourpany, whether you like it or not, and I¡¯m not changing my Last Will. So suck it up, son.¡±


    I chuckled and shook my head. ¡°Then I¡¯m selling thepany as soon as I have it. How about that?¡±


    ¡°Well, if the future project doesn¡¯t interest you. And I thought you¡¯re a friend of Mykel Creed, married to Lex Kross¡¯ granddaughter.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t qualify me to give any advice.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need an advisor. If you only-¡±


    ¡°If I only what? Talk to you? Give you a chance. You¡¯ve gotta be shitting me right now.¡±


    ¡°Okay, son.¡± He raised his hands. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the warehouse. I have something to show you.¡±


    ¡°I think I have enough tour for today. You know I have work, right?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re upset and irrational.¡±


    I groaned. ¡°Well, you just handed me a close book project that gives me the right to be upset.¡±


    ¡°You can be upset right now, but this is not just for you. You¡¯re getting married and building a family. Your children will have their future. If you want to sell thepany, go ahead. Just ensure you know how to start from scratch or where to invest your money.¡±


    ¡°Can we not talk about it right now? You¡¯re still here alive and walking, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°You have to think about your future.¡±


    ¡°Now you sound just like Linus.¡±


    ¡°You can be contented with what you have right now because you¡¯re still single. Your fiancee has high maintenance. With the intion, by that time your children will go to school, the college tuition will be five times the price today.¡±


    ¡°Moses, please?¡± I walked out of the visual room as I started to get pissed. He followed me down and joined Briggs. One of his security team members drove us out of the building to the warehouse.


    The doors slid wide, making me chuckle. I shook my head in amusement. ¡°This is your warehouse?¡± I saw the different types of fighter jets. It was like a museum. ¡°Prototypes?¡±


    ¡°Not all.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    We went through the disys. Then we stopped by the wreckage of his jet. The cockpit crashed. The rudder was intact, one jet engine was damaged, and the body had almost split in two. Just staring at it, it frightened me. How did no one die? I was grateful not everyone survived. It was indeed a miracle.


    ¡°Have you ever flown an aircraft?¡±


    ¡°A fighter jet, no. Only hele. What¡¯s the forensics say?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m giving you the reportter.¡± I doubted that. He could have just told me if he was interested in sharing it with me. I still wondered why he shared a hundred billion-dor project but this report.


    ¡°Okay. Where¡¯s the ck box?¡±


    ¡°Safe now.¡±


    I nodded, walking away as my emotions started to jumble. It was the biggest realization on my part. What was it like if that crash happened and he died? He died without giving him a chance. Maybe this was a life lesson or something.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked behind me.


    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s just horrific.¡± They were there because of Moses. ¡°How are those guys with you?¡± I even forgot to ask.


    ¡°They¡¯re recovering, stable, and wellpensated. I¡¯m not that cold-hearted, Striker. I care for my employees.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say you are. You¡¯re only an asshole to your son.¡±


    ¡°I wanna meet your fiancee. Let¡¯s have dinner if it¡¯s not too much to ask. Your friends are very much wee. I¡¯ll talk to your dad.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll ry your invitation. Let¡¯s get out of here.¡±


    We had lunch together. Sometimes, I felt so little sitting next to him, insecure, and if I was being honest, he intimidated me. People who passed by knew him. I hated that kind of attention. I valued privacy very much, yet here we were.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like your food?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nice, Moses. Do you ever get tired of being recognized by strangers?¡±


    ¡°Part of the job, son.¡± He sliced his steak, worth my weekly expenses. ¡°Of course, that¡¯s why I chose to be in that house where I have my privacy.¡±


    When I looked down at his te, he asked. ¡°What?¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°I can eat meat. I¡¯m healthy as an ox.¡±


    ¡°If you say so.¡± I started digging for my favorite fettine. I was d they served it here, but the presentation was pleasing.


    ¡°Where do you n to get married?¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t have a big wedding, Moses. Not until a year or so.¡±


    ¡°Why do you have to wait that long? I can hire someone to your preference.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, but we can manage. We even want to elope.¡±


    ¡°Why rush? Is she carrying my grandchild?¡± His brows knitted.


    I shrugged. ¡°No. She¡¯s not pregnant. I guess I was just too excited to marry London.¡±


    ¡°Are you happy?¡± His question stiffened my back. I wondered if he knew something that I didn¡¯t. Of course, without a doubt, he did. He¡¯d been keeping tabs on me since he found me.


    I stared at him. ¡°With London? Yes, very much.¡±


    ¡°Very well. That¡¯s all I wanna hear.¡± He dabbed his lips and rose from the chair. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    I watched him go to the hallway. My mind went back to his invitation. Of course, I would have to ask Dad if it was okay with him.


    ¡°Well, look, who¡¯s here?¡±


    Groaning, I put down my cutlery and turned around as I recognized that voice. ¡°Tucker.¡±


    ¡°For a bodyguard, I¡¯m surprised you can afford to eat in the kind of restaurant like this one. How many months did it take for you to make a reservation?¡± There was this smirk again. He took his phone out with a big grin on his face. Jesus Christ, what was wrong with his man? An attention seeker, a clout chaser, and a man loaded with insecurity.


    I stood up. My appetite soured. He just ruined my lunch. ¡°What do you want, Tucker?¡±


    ¡°You stole my girlfriend away from me.¡± He poked my chest. ¡°Dickhead.¡± And here I thought he was broke, or maybe the tech he stole paid well. Or would this woman pay the bill? Asshole.


    ¡°Thest time I checked, she broke up with you and chose me.¡± My jaw locked. Even if I wanted to break his jaw, I was in a fine restaurant, and I was with my father, and Briggs could handle him just fine.


    ¡°Magnus, can we take a seat?¡± A woman in a pink dress to our right called out.


    ¡°You already have a date and still haven¡¯t moved on? Does she know you still want my fiancee back?¡± I tipped my head to the woman he was with.


    He raised his phone and pointed at his angle. ¡°Guys, look who I found. Do you know who this guy is?¡±


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked, feeling my privacy was intruded upon.


    ¡°Showing the world which London chose over me.¡±


    ¡°Is everything okay over here, Mr. Cade?¡± Briggs came over.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I nodded at Briggs.


    ¡°Sir, stop what you¡¯re doing, or I may have to confiscate your phone.¡± Briggs went to Magnus.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± He raised a brow at Briggs as he looked at him from head to toe before he slipped his phone back into his pocket.


    ¡°Mr. Cade¡¯s CPO.¡±


    ¡°Magnus, are we having lunch or what?¡± The woman called again. What kind of dick was he prioritizing his hatred over his date? Poor woman. She didn¡¯t know who this guy was.


    ¡°You better go to your date, Magnus, before you humiliate yourself.¡±


    ¡°This is not over, Cade.¡± He pointed at me before he walked away.


    I shook my head, pissed off.


    ¡°Is everything okay, sir?¡± The manager came.


    ¡°Yeah, thanks. Just exchanging pleasantries with an old acquaintance.¡± I took back to my seat. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Briggs. It¡¯s my fiancee¡¯s ex.¡±


    ¡°Alright, sir. Let me know if he¡¯s harassing you.¡±


    ¡°Do you realize I was once a CPO? I can depend on myself just fine.¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡°I know, sir. But my boss wouldn¡¯t be so impressed if I did nothing. You¡¯re a part of my job now, sir.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    My father came back. ¡°Did I miss something?¡±


    ¡°Nothing interesting.¡± I smiled.


    ¡°Where do you go after this? You can go over to my office.¡±


    ¡°Maybe next time. I have to see London.¡± I buttoned my suit, and we went out of the restaurant.


    ¡°All right. Call me if you need anything. You have my number, right?¡± he asked as we stopped before his ck Rolls-Royce.


    ¡°Yes, Moses, I have your number.¡± I offered my hand for a handshake- instead, he hugged me. ¡°I had a great time. Thanks for the tour.¡±


    ¡°Anything for you, son.¡±

 Chapter 36

    LONDON


    ¡°So, what do you say?¡± Striker asked his dad.


    I decided to join him and get away from work for a while. If I was being honest, I needed a long break. I couldn¡¯t focus. There was a lot going on in my mind.


    ¡°I wanna know your opinion.¡± This must be hard for Tate. He loved Striker so much like his own blood. And I could see it right now. He was scared.


    ¡°Dad, I won¡¯t go if you don¡¯t wannae with us.¡±


    ¡°What does your heart say?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what my heart said.¡± His answer was fast. ¡°You are my dad. Although you put me up on this, I would not cross the line. You will always be the first person I ask for advice when ites to him.¡±


    Tate got up from the chair and walked toward the window. He didn¡¯t look at his son again. ¡°Did you two have fun?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by you don¡¯t know?¡± Still, he was not facing Striker.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, Dad. I mean, I haven¡¯t killed him. So I guess we are civil.¡±


    He sighed deeply. ¡°We¡¯re going then.¡±


    ¡°Really? Are you sure?¡± Striker sounded surprised.


    ¡°Yes. Tell your friends, as well.¡±


    ¡°I thought I could take Linden with us. Just him. I¡¯m sure Sax and Kye will be working.¡± He paused. ¡°Dad, are you sure about this?¡±


    This time, Tate came to his son. ¡°Striker, I would disagree if I wasn¡¯t. You¡¯re going to be fine.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about me, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Then what is it exactly?¡± He cupped the back of his son¡¯s neck and smiled at him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna hurt your feelings.¡±


    ¡°Nothing can hurt me to see my son happy. That¡¯s all I want for you. I¡¯m sure you know this moment wille when you give Moses a ce in this heart.¡± He pointed at his son¡¯s chest, where a hearty. ¡°I¡¯m proud of you for getting this far.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Dad.¡± The scene before me gave me a teary eye as Striker hugged his dad tightly. ¡°You will always be my dad.¡±


    ¡°I know, son.¡± When they pulled apart, Tate was wiping his eyes. ¡°Now go. I¡¯m sure you two have somewhere to go.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon, Tate.¡± I kissed him on the cheek.


    ¡°Please, take care of my boy,¡± he whispered. ¡°I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.¡± His words froze me in ce.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I stared at him for a moment, wondering if he ever did me wrong. He loved his son so much to hurt him, but what was that all about?


    ¡°Nothing, honey.¡± He shook his head, and I saw those eyes filled with agony.


    I walked out of his office, still pondering what that was all about. Tate was a good man. His son was living proof. I couldn¡¯t think of anything he could possibly do wrong to people.


    I couldn¡¯t take my mind off of it. I was probably overthinking it, but it was hard to shake it off. I joined Striker in the elevator when he kissed my hand.


    ¡°What¡¯s that all about?¡± I smiled despite feeling a twist in my stomach.


    ¡°I always find it difficult to talk to Dad about Moses. I don¡¯t want to hurt his feelings, but you made it easy for me. I know you got my six.¡±


    ¡°My six, huh?¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°My back. Sorry. Old habits.¡±


    ¡°I understand it, though.¡± I didn¡¯t let his hand go. I kissed it too. ¡°The least I could do after what you did to me.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not talking about what happened in bed, right?¡± His smile was naughty, but I pretended not to care.


    ¡°No, Cade.¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°What I mean-¡±


    ¡°I know what you mean. I was just messing with you.¡± He kissed the side of my head. ¡°I will do everything for you. And you know I always get your six.¡±


    ¡°I hope that¡¯s not my back, literally.¡±


    Heughed, the kind ofugh that was free because he was happy. I just watched himugh, his face lit up, and crow¡¯s feet were on the side of his eyes. He looked genuinely pleased.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked, still smiling.


    ¡°I¡¯m just happy for you.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Am I overdressed or under-dressed?¡± I asked him again. I was wearing a deep emerald maxi dress with spaghetti straps.


    Striker strolled his gaze at me from head to toe once again. ¡°I think you look absolutely stunning.¡±


    ¡°And you cleaned up pretty well, sweetheart.¡± He wore a ssic gray fit suit, making his eyes stand out. I thought he looked hot, and his stance oozed power. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that if you wanna be there on time.¡±


    ¡°Bummer.¡± I hid my smile before I climbed into the car.


    ¡°You two look lovely,¡± Reed said as he nced through the rearview.


    ¡°See? Even Reed said you look lovely.¡±


    ¡°He definitely won¡¯t tell me the truth.¡± I stole a nce at Reed. ¡°Are you nervous?¡±


    ¡°Why would I? It¡¯s just a dinner. We sat over lunch. He seemed cool.¡±


    ¡°Cool?¡± Well, that was an interesting choice of words.


    ¡°Yeah. Moses didn¡¯t push too hard. He knew his limits, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Well, then. You can let my hand go now.¡±


    He chortled. ¡°I am holding your hand because it¡¯sforting, and I wanna hold it, not because I am nervous.¡±


    ¡°Just messing with you, Cade. We can always walk out if you feel ufortable around him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, baby.¡±


    Throughout our ride, Striker seemed calm about the whole dinner thing. But he had not sat between his dad and Moses, though. I had nothing to worry about. I guess if the universe wouldn¡¯t y with our fates tonight. And I trusted Striker.


    We arrived at the estate. Dad had the most extensive home, but this one was like a royal pce. It was a chateau in the middle of nowhere. The whole thing was huge, and Moses didn¡¯t take his safety lightly.


    As Reed drove through the driveway, I felt humbled. Striker never talked about how rich his father was. I knew Moses was extremely wealthy, but it didn¡¯t sink in until now.


    ¡°Thank you, Reed.¡± Striker helped me out as Reed came over to open the door for me.


    ¡°This is a pretty big estate.¡± Reed wandered his eyes around.


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s Moses Braddson,¡± I told him.


    Two cars followed-the first was Linden¡¯s, and the other was Tate¡¯s Cadic.


    Striker went to help his dad. ¡°You made it.¡±


    ¡°Breath, Striker. You¡¯ll be fine.¡± Tate patted his son¡¯s back.


    ¡°Why is everyone think I¡¯m gonna copse?¡±


    I chuckled as I joined them.


    ¡°Well, this is something.¡± Linden joined us. ¡°How are you, sweetheart?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good, thanks.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside,¡± Striker said as he ced a hand on my lower back.


    ¡°Wee back, Sir,¡± the butler said.


    ¡°Thank you, Emory.¡±


    ¡°Wee, Mr. Cade, Miss Vanderford, Mr. Linden.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I smiled as we followed him to the foyer with a rich, luxurious sitting area.


    ¡°Sir Moses will be here shortly,¡± Emory dered.


    We sat except for Striker.


    ¡°Are you nervous?¡± Linden made fun of his best friend.


    ¡°No. Why would I?¡± Striker shoved his hands in his pockets as he made a face.


    ¡°Do you need a bathroom?¡± Linden continued torturing him, making me chuckle.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Take a seat, son.¡±


    ¡°Dad, if he asks something, don¡¯t say yes.¡± My mouth hung as he rushed those words out.


    ¡°Like what exactly?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Anything.¡± He shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna owe him anything.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s your father, Striker. Children like you don¡¯t owe anything to parents like us.¡±


    ¡°Just saying.¡±


    Emory came back. This time he wasn¡¯t alone. Moses was with him. He looked precisely like Striker, especially the jawline-the older version. No one would question their rtion to one another.


    We rose from our seats.


    ¡°How are you, Tate? I¡¯m d you came.¡± He went to shake hands with Tate.


    ¡°For our son.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you in person, Mr. Braddson.¡± Linden extended his hand.


    ¡°So do I, Gabriel.¡± He gripped the hand tight, cing a hand on top.


    ¡°Just Linden, sir. And I¡¯m d you are doing well.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Linden.¡±


    Then he came to me. ¡°I¡¯m honored to meet the woman who owned my son¡¯s heart. You look lovely tonight.¡±


    We kissed each other¡¯s cheeks. ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure to meet you, Mr. Braddson.¡±


    ¡°Just Moses, London. Can I call you London?¡±


    ¡°Of course, sir. Moses.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°I met your father many times. I hope he¡¯s doing well.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for asking. He is.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± He joined us in the sitting area after he hugged his son.


    I couldn¡¯t help but watch Tate¡¯s reaction. He seemed pleased to see his son meeting Moses.


    ¡°How are you doing, Tate?¡±


    ¡°Are we doing this?¡± Tate replied.


    He nodded subtly. ¡°Thank you for allowing me to meet my son. I¡¯m grateful.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s an adult. He can decide for himself,¡± Tate said proudly.


    ¡°You know he wouldn¡¯t see me if you didn¡¯t push him.¡± Moses had a point. It wasn¡¯t that Striker couldn¡¯t decide on his own, but he had a huge respect for Tate. He loved his dad very much and was scared of breaking his heart.


    ¡°Will you please, stop talking about me as if I¡¯m not around.¡± He sounded annoyed.


    Linden just watched them with a smile on his face. I wondered what was on his mind right now.


    I ced a hand on Striker¡¯s thigh. He put his hand on top of mine, squeezing it, showing me that he got the message right away.


    When Emory came, announcing the dinner was ready, that was the time the little tension between them dissipated.


    I sat beside Striker on the dining table while Linden was across us. Moses and Tate are on both sides.


    The setting was elegant, with ssic candbras and fresh flowers. The dinner started with hors d¡¯oeuvres.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t said a word, Linden.¡± Moses caught his attention.


    ¡°I¡¯m still processing, sir.¡±


    ¡°You had my son¡¯s back for years. Thank you,¡± he said delightedly.


    ¡°My job, sir. And Cade is one of the best men I¡¯ve ever met. He knows that. And we are brothers. That¡¯s what brothers do.¡± Linden gave a good reply. I gave him credit for that.


    ¡°I¡¯m pleased to hear that.¡± Then his gaze found mine. ¡°How¡¯s LH, London?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re working on new collections.¡±


    ¡°And your promo is a good gesture. You know how much it means to Striker.¡±


    ¡°What promo?¡± Striker asked, particrly to me.


    ¡°Um, nothing.¡± I smiled.


    ¡°Oh, he doesn¡¯t know? I apologize,¡± Moses followed up.


    ¡°Vanderford, what¡¯s he talking about?¡± he stared at me. I knew I had to tell him one way or another before things got a little awkward.


    ¡°Um, two percent of the entire sales will go to the, um-¡±


    His brow arched, waiting for me to finish my sentence.


    ¡°The orphanage,¡± Tate finished it for me.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I grinned sheepishly as I felt guilty for not telling him.


    ¡°Wait. You did that for them?¡± The surprised look on his face was cute.


    ¡°Um-huh.¡± I shrugged. ¡°I hope you¡¯re not angry with me for not telling you. It was supposed to be a birthday surprise, but you look already surprised. I guess it still works.¡± Yeah, like what Reed said, it was the thought that counted.


    From surprise, he was now beaming. ¡°The best gift I ever have. Thank you, Vanderford.¡± He kissed me on my forehead.


    ¡°You deserve everything you have right now.¡±


    Instead of the next course, his birthday cake arrived.


    ¡°What the-?¡±

 Chapter 37

    STRIKER


    ¡°What the f-?¡± I stared at them one by one when the cake arrived. I was surprised that I even forgot my own birthday. I mean, I knew it was my birthday month, but I usually celebrated it with my friends at the bar and a cake with Dad.


    ¡°I thought you could celebrate it with us today and tomorrow with your Dad,¡± Moses said.


    I was even more surprised when my friends came to join us. Sax, Kye, Reed, Reef, Cenric, Beck, and Mykel were around. The only person missing was Rome. He was far. I understood why he couldn¡¯t make it.


    ¡°Wow. Guys, I don¡¯t know what to say.¡± I sighed in contentment, and I thought I had gotten teary-eyed.


    Emory ced the cake on the table and lit the candle, and they started singing for me.


    ¡°Happy birthday, dear Striker. Happy birthday to you.¡± They ended with apuse.


    ¡°Make a wish, son,¡± Dad said.


    I drew a deep breath and made a wish internally. I wish eternal happiness, love, and good health to those I care about. Then I blew out the candle.


    ¡°Happy birthday, sweetheart.¡± London smiled before she kissed me on the cheek.


    ¡°Thank you, baby.¡± I looked around. My heart was filled with love from these guys. ¡°Please take a seat before you make me all cry.¡±


    They chuckled and took a seat one by one-the dinner filled with delight andughter. The tension between me, Moses, and Dad was gone. This was a family dinner, indeed, a special family dinner.


    ¡°So, whose idea is this?¡± I asked, but none of them admitted.


    ¡°Mine, Striker.¡± Moses raised his hand. ¡°I had help from your dad.¡±


    ¡°Thank you both. This means everything to me.¡± I looked at them. ¡°And Moses, I¡¯d officially like to introduce you to the people I care about. These are my friends, my family. And guys, this is Moses, my father.¡±


    They just stared at me in silence with funny looks on their faces, except for Mykel and Linden.


    I gave them a questioning look.


    ¡°You¡¯re serious,¡± Sax said. ¡°I mean, when I got here, I thought something big was going on, and thest time we celebrated your birthday was in the pub in Winterbourn. But I now see the resemnce. Is he really your- you know?¡±


    ¡°Long story short, but yes. He¡¯s my biological father.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Kye reacted first. ¡°Sir, nice to meet you,¡± he said warily before everyone followed.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s have dinner.¡± Dad seemed to enjoy sitting around with everyone.


    ¡°Sir, I apologize for the interruption, but someone wants to talk to you.¡± Emory came with an iPad in his hand. He then pressed the button.


    The face of Princess Carlott with Prince Caeden came to the screen first. ¡°Hey, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness?¡± My eyes widened as I watched Rome join them on the couch.


    ¡°Hey, Cade.¡± Rome waved his hand. ¡°Happy birthday!¡± they chorused.


    ¡°Caed says happy birthday, SC.¡± Princess Carlott held the little Prince¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Thank you, guys. Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°And from the Royal family and my family here, congrattions. I¡¯m happy for you. We are happy for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Princess.¡±


    ¡°You have everything, Cade. Treasure them, and always follow your heart. It can¡¯t go wrong. I may not be with you, but you will always be my brother. Happy birthday, man.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Langston.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t take much of your time. I know you are celebrating with your family. Enjoy your day. Say hi to everyone.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re listening.¡±


    ¡°Bye, birthday boy.¡±


    ¡°Bye.¡± I waved my hand. Then the video call ended.


    I sighed as Emory left. I faced the table again. I felt lucky to have met such incredible people. I was surrounded by my friends and the people I loved. I met my father, and we started to get along. What could I ask for more? I had a woman beside me who meant a lot to me. ¡°I¡¯m immensely grateful.¡±


    ¡°Are you okay, son?¡± Dad asked.


    ¡°I am.¡± I was speechless. I seemed to have lost words. ¡°I am extremely happy.¡±


    I heard my two old men sigh.


    The dinner went well and was delightful.


    ¡°You¡¯ve never been this speechless, brother,¡± Cenric said.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yeah, I guess. I never had.¡± Iughed softly. ¡°Seeing you all here for me, I¡¯m overwhelmed with the love and support.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s real happiness. You don¡¯t have to say anything. You just feel it,¡± Beck spoke out.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait for another celebration.¡±


    I smiled at Reef.


    ¡°From my family, happy birthday, Cade,¡± Mykel said.


    ¡°Thank you. Well, since you are all here.¡± I looked at London, and she smiled at me. ¡°I¡¯m taking this opportunity to invite you all to our wedding this Saturday at Beck¡¯s farm. We have decided to have a micro intimate wedding. Just be there. You don¡¯t need to bring anything.¡± I turned to my Dad and Moses. ¡°And no wedding is going to happen without you both. So be there, please?¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding us? This is our son¡¯s special day. We¡¯ll be there, Striker.¡± Moses affirmed.


    After dinner, Cenric and Mykel left early. The rest stayed. We gathered in the backyard that could fit football fields. Moses and Dad began ying golf.


    ¡°How does it feel watching them get along?¡±


    I turned my head at Sax. ¡°They talked since before. It was just me who wasn¡¯t ready to face Moses.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re extremely fucking rich.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I shook my head. ¡°His wealth is not mine. I won¡¯t be turning into one of those nepo kids. I work to get what I want. I will work hard to get to the top.¡±


    ¡°So you think I¡¯m a nepo kid, too?¡±


    I turned my head to my right. ¡°Baby, you have real talent. You earned that degree. You¡¯ve repeatedly proven that you don¡¯t need a Vanderford attached to your name to earn people¡¯s respect. I don¡¯t see nepotism when you have created your own brand from scratch.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right, sweetheart.¡± Linden stood up. ¡°I¡¯m going to take this opportunity to ride one of these carts. Beck,e with me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going too,¡± Reef seconded.


    London chuckled. ¡°Reed, this is Cade¡¯s birthday. Loosen up and get some drinks or go y football.¡± Just as London finished talking, the lights in the backyard lit on, reminding me of a football match-the real football. ¡°You don¡¯t have to sit with me, Cade. Go and have fun with your friends.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t y in this.¡± My excuse was to sit with her. I looked at my outfit.


    ¡°That won¡¯t stop you from having fun.¡±


    ¡°I wanna be with you, baby. This is me having fun. Suck it up. And besides, I¡¯m still living this moment.¡±


    She yfully hit me on my thigh. We watched them y golf for a while in silence.


    ¡°What other surprises you have on your sleeves, Vanderford?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, Cade.¡± She leaned in, resting her head on my shoulder. ¡°So, we¡¯re getting married, huh?¡±


    ¡°Unless you will change your mind before Saturday.¡±


    ¡°Suck it up.¡± She gave my word back. ¡°I¡¯m gonna be your wife on Saturday.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait.¡± I looked down at her, and she lifted her gaze, meeting mine.


    We stared at each other for a while until I leaned toward to kiss her. She sighed as her lips brushed against mine. Our kiss was light and slow, just what I wanted, a feather-light kiss, no dicking our way or grip-filled lust, just pure gentleness. Completely wonderful.


    My heart beat steady thumps.


    I touched her cheek and kissed her one more time. We straightened in our seats as we watched the guys ying.


    ¡°How many rooms are there?¡±


    ¡°Wanna get one?¡± I smirked.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t thinking about that when I asked.¡±


    ¡°Thinking about what exactly, baby?¡± I teased her.


    She paused for a moment. ¡°Oh.¡±


    I chuckled as I teased her further. ¡°We can stay if you want to.¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t invite us, Cade.¡±


    ¡°But if he will?¡±


    ¡°Do you wanna stay?¡± She looked at me with interest.


    ¡°Not a bad idea. I mean, we could use a room.¡±


    Sheughed out loud, covering her mouth instantly with her hand. A rosy blush blossomed on her cheek.


    ¡°Did you just think something naughty, Vanderford?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t. It¡¯s just we never spent a night in the hotel room.¡±


    ¡°Is it on your bucket list? We¡¯re gonna have a suite to ourselves on our wedding night.¡±


    ¡°No. After our wedding, where are we nning to go?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a surprise.¡±


    ¡°Should I bring my passport with me?¡±


    I smirked. ¡°Keep it with you in case we need it.¡± We definitely needed it.


    ¡°Alright.¡± She held my wrist. ¡°You should tell me, so I will have ideas on what to put in my suitcase.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of that. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take care of you, baby.¡±


    London rose to her feet.


    Emory appeared at the same time. ¡°Sir, I¡¯ve prepared a room for you if you decide to stay, and of course, your friends are wee.¡±


    ¡°Does my- Moses know?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. He has the helpers readied rooms for everyone.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Emory. Thanks for letting me know.¡±


    ¡°Your room is on the third floor, thest door to the right.¡±


    ¡°And her room?¡±


    Emory looked confused.


    ¡°I¡¯m messing with you, Emory.¡± I shook tough. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought, sir. You and Miss Vanderford will share the room.¡±


    ¡°Moses doesn¡¯t have a problem with that, does he?¡±


    ¡°No, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    We went up. This time we used the elevator.


    ¡°I like this house, big but weing. You feel uneasiness when you enter a house sometimes?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I wrapped my arm around her, but I noticed a camera inside. ¡°Moses is paranoid.¡±


    ¡°What made you say that?¡±


    I pointed to the camera in the elevator.


    ¡°Understandable, considering he¡¯s one of the richest men on earth.¡±


    We entered the room. The double king-size four-poster well-made bed in beige velvet matched the bench at the bottom.


    ¡°Well, we had a long day,¡± London announced, kicking off her shoes before she went and threw herself in bed.


    I followed her as I took off my jacket. ¡°It was fun.¡±


    She grabbed me in the tie as I crawled to bed with her. ¡°We could have more fun. What do you say, fiance?¡±


    ¡°I was thinking the same thing.¡± I smashed my mouth against her in a brutally hard and possessive kiss. The first time I saw her wearing the emerald dress, I wanted to rip it off her body and fuck her, but I gathered all my strength because we were both invested in this dinner. But right now, there was no stopping me from doing what I wanted to do hours ago.


    Our kiss turned demanding, coaxing, and rough. And I craved for her for hours. My erection pressed against her lower belly, and my hand zipped down her dress, the other kneading her tit. She was also busy loosening my tie and unbuttoning my shirt.


    I broke the kiss, panting. ¡°Our clothes are getting in the middle, and I didn¡¯t like them very much.¡± I rose to my feet, fumbling to get rid of my clothes. She did the same with a broad smile on her face.


    ¡°Why are you smiling?¡±


    ¡°Why are we in a rush when we have all the time in the world?¡±


    ¡°Because I wanted to fuck you the moment you wore that dress. It took every strength I had to y cool when all I could think was rip that thing off you.¡±


    ¡°Okay. You don¡¯t have to rip this off.¡± She showed me the dress in her hand before dramatically dropping it to the floor. She was now wearing ckce strapless bra and tinyce panties.


    ¡°For the love of- Fuck. Me.¡± I stared at her just like the first time I saw her naked in my bed. She looked incredibly hot, beautiful, and sexy.


    ¡°Are you just gonna stare at me?¡± She gestured her finger to call me.


    ¡°God, baby.¡± I found my hand around my dick, stroking it. ¡°You¡¯re fucking hot.¡±


    ¡°This fucking hot can change her mind in five seconds if I won¡¯t see you in bed, kissing me.¡±


    Before she could finish her words, I was already in bed, on top of her.


    ¡°It¡¯s past midnight. Happy birthday, sweetheart.¡±


    Ten secondster, I was inside her, groaning in ecstasy.


    Definitely the best birthday ever.

 Chapter 38

    LONDON


    I loved the white gown. It was a minimalist, simple, but elegant off-shoulder wedding gown. Striker hadn¡¯t seen what I would wear. It was a surprise.


    I faced the mirror, looked at myself, and turned to see if I had made the right choice.


    ¡°You look beautiful, dear.¡±


    I smiled andunched to Tate. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    He hugged me, but not tightly so I wouldn¡¯t crumple his suit and my gown. ¡°Don¡¯t ruin your makeup. The ceremony hasn¡¯t started yet.¡±


    When we arrived yesterday, I instantly loved the ce. It was beautiful this season, and Beck¡¯s wife, Maeve, and his twin sister, Becka, were amazing people.


    ¡°Sorry. I¡¯m feeling a little bit overwhelmed.¡± I breathed deeply. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I will be a good wife to your son, Tate. What if-¡±


    ¡°No, no, no, London. Don¡¯t go there. You¡¯re perfect for Striker. You¡¯ll be a good wife and, hopefully, a mom to my grandchildren, okay?¡±


    ¡°Maybe I can see Striker before we get married? I wanna see him, please?¡± I begged when I felt too uneasy.


    He widened his eyes at me. ¡°No way. It¡¯s bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s true. I just wanna make sure he¡¯s into this.¡±


    He held me in my arms, forcing me to look at him. ¡°My son is his own man. He can¡¯t be constrained into doing something against his will. He¡¯s here because he wants nothing more than to be your husband today. Do you hear me?¡±


    I looked up. I didn¡¯t want to mess up the makeup. My makeup was light and natural. Neke¡¯s friend, Reign, a professional makeup artist, did a great job. Reigh made it look effortless and did exactly what I wanted for my hair,  and she just strengthened the natural wave in my hair.


    Since we wanted to keep the low profile, we kept my wedding under wraps- no photos on social media.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I blew a shaky breath. ¡°I promise I will take care of your son, Tate.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all I want to hear.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, what do you mean when you told me you hoped to forgive you?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°It was nothing. I just want you and Striker to be happy despite both of you being forced into this.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± My father¡¯s words suddenly shed back in my head.


    The door creaked slightly, and Moses came in. ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    I nodded, ignoring the twist in my stomach. Was I ready? I didn¡¯t know. I suddenly felt nervous and anxious. But all I wanted was to be with the man I loved, and I had not told him how I felt.


    ¡°We can¡¯t give you any advice. We¡¯ve never been married, but I can only show how much we care for our son. He¡¯s what matters to us in this world. You¡¯re going to be a good wife, London.¡± Tate¡¯s words gave me hope and strength that despite how Striker and I brought into this arrangement, I had his full support.


    ¡°Thanks. That means a loting from both of you.¡±


    ¡°Just love our son unconditionally. Now, let¡¯s go before he thinks you¡¯re running away.¡± Moses offered me his arm since I asked him to walk me down the aisle.


    I didn¡¯t invite my father. It was harsh, I knew, but I didn¡¯t feel sorry for it. Although Striker argued with me, I still did what I wanted for my wedding.


    ¡°I can do it.¡± I hook my hand around his arm and let go of a shuddering breath.


    Tate went out ahead.


    The ceremony would be held under the tree where Beck and Maeve married. The tree meant everything to them too, and so as for us now.


    As I got down from the house, I felt lightheaded. Maybe I was too nervous and excited at the same time. Heck, I was a nervous wreck.


    The ceremony was a little bit far from the house. So I had to ride in a bridal car. The vintage beige car looked beautiful. I wouldn¡¯t dare ask where they got it considering Moses could make everything possible at a snap of his fingers.


    When I finally arrived, Moses was already waiting for me. The cellist began ying, and I realized it was my favorite song-an original soundtrack of a blockbuster movie. How did Striker know? I had no idea. Nheless, I was impressed.


    When he said he got this, I believed him. He made a white country wedding possible in three days.


    As we started walking, the small venue took my breath away. Everything was white, just like how I exactly dreamed of.


    I wanted to cry, but Moses patted my hand as we entered the floral arch. Instead of a carpet, the ground was covered with petals and smelled divine. The chairs and the flowers between eachntern were all white as well.


    Then my man came to view. He looked effortlessly gorgeous in a dark tux-his groomsmen in white.


    ¡°Your son looks handsome, sir.¡± I didn¡¯t know why I said that, making him chuckle.


    ¡°You both are perfect, honey.¡±


    Then I came face to face with him as his father handed me to my groom. ¡°Hi.¡±


    He didn¡¯t say a thing. I knew he understood what I said because he stared and smiled, but not a single word. Instead, he lifted my hand and kissed it.


    Neke came to take my bouquet- a mix of wild roses and cherry blossoms that came all the way from Japan yesterday.


    ¡°We are gathered here today to witness the joining of two beautiful souls in the marriage celebration of Striker and London.¡± He then began with a short sermon about the importance and essence of marriage.


    ¡°We celebrate the love that Striker and London have for each other and, as friends and families, give recognition to ept their vows. Striker Aodhan Asher, do you take this woman to be your wedded wife?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Will you love her, honor and keep her, in sickness and health, forsaking all others, and keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°London Hester Marguerite, do you take this man to be your wedded husband?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Will you love him, honor and keep him, in sickness and health, forsaking all others, and keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Striker, do you have your vows?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He faced me. ¡°You look stunning, baby.¡± He took a deep breath. ¡°The first time our eyes met, I knew you took something from me that night. You took my heart with you. Since then, I didn¡¯t stop thinking of you, and I knew one day, you would be my love, my life partner, my wife one way or another, or I would be forever alone for the rest of my life. I love you, Vanderford.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile, and our friends just aw to his vow. It was beautiful.


    ¡°Do you have your vows, London?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I smiled at him though my eyes were already misty. ¡°We met in a circumstance that was too hard to tell when someone would ask me, but I wouldn¡¯t change a thing. Since then, I have loved you from afar. Today, I promise to be loyal to you, respect and love you, and be your best friend and partner. I love you, Cade.¡±


    ¡°I, Striker Aodhan Asher, take you, London Hester Marguerite, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.¡±


    ¡°I, London Hester Marguerite, take you, Striker Aodhan Asher, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.¡±


    ¡°I love you, too.¡± His smile was bright, and he looked so striking.


    ¡°The rings, please?¡±


    Mykel¡¯s son Jax came.


    ¡°With this ring, I pledge to you, my love and my life.¡± He slipped the eternity wedding ring into my finger.


    I held his hand. ¡°With this ring, I pledge to you, my love and my life.¡± I delightedly put the wedding band into his finger.


    ¡°Should anyone present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.¡±


    I looked at everyone, and they seemed happy and smiling when no one objected. But I couldn¡¯t forever hold my peace because I had a secret I couldn¡¯t carry anymore.


    ¡°I-I-¡± I raised my hand. ¡°I object.¡± Everyone gasped. I swallowed hard as I looked at our officiant. I justpletely ruined my entire wedding.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I still heard Striker ask me with so much confusion.


    ¡°I need to talk to him first.¡± My chin trembled.


    ¡°Do you need privacy?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Even if I said no, our friends started leaving to let us talk alone.


    ¡°Vanderford, what¡¯s going on?¡± The pain in his eyes was so deep I couldn¡¯t unsee it, and it broke my heart that I was causing it.


    I looked at our guests, to his dad and father, who looked distraught.


    ¡°Hear me out. If you still want to marry me, then he will pronounce us. But I can¡¯t take it anymore.¡±


    ¡°London, we can talk after this. It¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I sniffled. My tears fell. ¡°It¡¯s about my father. He drugged us so that he could force us into this.¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I had theories that he did that, but I didn¡¯t care because I wanted to be with you.¡±


    ¡°He knew who you were since before we met again. He knew you¡¯re Moses Braddson¡¯s son. He wanted this union to be a business deal. He wanted your father. This has nothing to do with us, Cade. He used us as his bridge to settle a business deal. I¡¯m sorry, Striker. I should have told you sooner.¡±


    ¡°Is that all? This is what you¡¯ve been keeping from me and have been acting weird.¡± He wiped my tears with his thumbs.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I nodded. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    ¡°Well, do you still wanna continue?¡± He smiled. Why was he smiling? Shouldn¡¯t he be running away instead?


    ¡°If you want to.¡± I swallowed my guilt down. At the same time, I was terrified that he wouldn¡¯t want to marry me anymore.


    ¡°You should have told me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna lose you.¡±


    ¡°Are you guys done?¡± Sax yelled.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Striker called them back. They went back to their seats.


    Neke came to retouch my makeup. ¡°You¡¯re so silly. Good thing your mascara is waterproof.¡±


    I sighed deeply. I had no secrets anymore. Finally, I could breathe freely. And it felt good to be out of burden.


    ¡°You had us all worried,¡± Linden came back as Striker¡¯s best man.


    ¡°Striker and London. By the power vested me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss.¡±


    Striker cupped my face and said before he kissed me, ¡°You will pay for that stunt, Vanderford.¡± The kiss was different than what we had shared before. It was pure respect and devotion.


    ¡°It is with great honor and delights that I present to you, Mr. And Mrs. Cade.¡±


    The apuse erupted, breaking us apart.


    ¡°Well, Mrs. Cade.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Vanderford-Cade.¡±

 Chapter 39

    STRIKER


    I almost had a major heart attack. Maybe that was the feeling of dying when you couldn¡¯t breathe, your heart was crushing, and you started seeing ckness.


    The humiliation didn¡¯t ur to me at that time. All I could think of was, why was she breaking my heart? Why at this moment when we were about to be husband and wife?


    Right now, I watched her dance with Dad after I had our first dance earlier as husband and wife.


    I respected her decision of not inviting her father, but I still wished Linus was here as he witnessed how happy her daughter was with me. He was the reason why I had my wife right now, so I still owed him.


    Looking at London dancing with Dad was beautiful and heartwarming. And I still pinched myself that that woman was my wife.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Linden joined me.


    ¡°Yeah. Why?¡±


    ¡°Well, considering what happened earlier, I thought you needed to sit down.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°When are you going to get married, Linden? I mean, how many weddings of your friends you¡¯ve attended? But never yours.¡±


    ¡°No pressure, huh?¡± He was my best man because I couldn¡¯t think of anyone. He had been there for me through thick and thin. What we had was beyond blood-it was sacred. He was my brother, after all.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Moses reced Dad. London weed him with open arms. I was touched when she chose Moses to walk her down the aisle. My rtionship with my father was strained from the start, but I¡¯de to realize that time had healed everything, and here we were, taking our time. And maybe this was what maturity looked like.


    ¡°Well, buddy. Maybe you should go and dance with your wife.¡± Sax put his arm around my shoulder.


    ¡°You should get married, Sax.¡±


    ¡°Sax? Maybe his soulmate is in another universe.¡± Kye joined in.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for you, brother, but don¡¯t count on us,¡± Sax said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t close any doors yet. Guys sometimes marryte. I¡¯m still counting on all of you.¡± I smirked.


    Linden, Sax, and Kye shared looks as if I was crazy.


    I shrugged as I walked away from them. ¡°Never say never.¡±


    I reached the dance floor covered with petals. When you had money, things seemed possible. I argued with Moses first. I didn¡¯t want him to spend money because it was my wedding day. Since Linus was out of the picture, I could cover all the expenses, but it was our wedding gift from the father, who was never in the picture for twenty-seven years. I thought maybe, this was his second chance.


    ¡°May I have a dance with my wife?¡±My wife. It still sounded strange to my ears, but this was it. I was married. I just made my vows to a beautiful woman who almost caused me a heart attack.


    ¡°Congrattions. Guard your marriage with love and trust.¡± Moses handed her to me.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I took my wife¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Hey, sweetheart.¡± She changed from her beautiful wedding gown into an ethereal chiffon white dress. When she smiled like that, it took my breath away.


    ¡°Hey, baby.¡± As she ced her hand on my palm, I put my other hand on her back, then closed the gap between us, making her gasp.


    ¡°Okay, cowboy.¡± She widened her eyes at me but still smiled, the most beautiful thing I¡¯d ever seen tonight.


    ¡°You almost give me a cardiac arrest, Vanderford.¡±


    Her smile faded. Pain crossed her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I forgave you.¡±


    She took her hand and wrapped her arms around my neck instead. ¡°I¡¯m so so sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. No more crying, okay?¡±


    ¡°If I cried, maybe it was tears of joy.¡±


    ¡°We can agree on that.¡± I kissed her on the cheek, and we got back to dancing.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful here,¡± she said, looking up at the sky. The reception was supposed to be in the tent, but I knew the sky would be clear tonight, and the night sky was perfect and majestic.


    ¡°Moses offered his house to us. He will move to another property if we take his offer.¡±


    ¡°The Chateau? He¡¯s giving us the chateau?¡± She looked surprised. So did I when he told me.


    ¡°Too big for us, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. The maintenance and bills alone would be too much.¡±


    She was practical. I liked that. I suddenly remember what we did in that room, making me smile. ¡°He¡¯ll pay for everything, but I love my house. We can go and visit him there once in a while and enjoy the room amodation, right? Like once a month.¡±


    ¡°Why are you smiling at me like that?¡±


    ¡°I thought it was a pretty room.¡±


    ¡°Silly.¡± She smiled back, closing our gap. Our lips almost touched as she whispered. ¡°You¡¯re naughty tonight, Cade.¡±


    I kissed her lips. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to be alone with you.¡± We swayed back to the music and did her spin. After that, we went to our table.


    The meals were delicious. I didn¡¯t realize we were both starving until the menu was served.


    ¡°Thank you for making my dream intimate weddinge true.¡±


    ¡°I was afraid I wouldn¡¯t meet your expectation.¡±


    London held my hand, squeezing it before she ced it against her cheek, and gave me that teary-eyed look. ¡°It exceeded my exception, and I love everything about this. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Anything for you, my wife.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re married. I¡¯m a wife. I have a husband,¡± she chanted as she looked at her hand with her rings. ¡°Oh, my God. I¡¯m married. Well, damn.¡±


    Linden tapped the spoon against the ss, catching everyone¡¯s attention. Then he stood up. ¡°I just want to say congrattions to the newlyweds. The first time I met Cade, we didn¡¯t get along immediately. I thought he looked like a rich kid. What was he doing here? Not that I¡¯m against it, but when you get to know this man, he has a big heart. He would never leave you hanging.¡±


    I looked at all my friends, Beck and Maeve, sitting beside each other. Mykel and Adley looked so in love with their beautiful kids. Cenric and Sadie. Who would have thought he would find love in the enemy¡¯s daughter?


    My wedding was more special because my Dad and Moses looked happy for me. Could I ask for more? Yes, hoping what we had would be forever. I treasured these people before me, and no amount of wealth could rece them.


    ¡°Cade is the kind of person who will always get your back. And I knew the look in his eyes the first time he told me about London.¡±


    I began to smile. He was not going to say it, was he?


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen that look many times in my brothers. And I know you and London are going to have a strong rtionship bound by your love, trust, and respect for each other. I¡¯m truly happy for both of you. Congrattions!¡±


    I raised my ss and sipped the Champagne.


    ¡°That was beautiful, Linden,¡± my wife said.


    ¡°I memorized it, sweetheart,¡± he joked.


    ¡°What did he say when he talked about me?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. We don¡¯t kiss and tell, baby,¡± I told her before Linden could spill the beans.


    ¡°Listen to him,¡± Linden said.


    ¡°Fine, but he¡¯s gonna tell me about it, or he¡¯s sleeping in the other room.¡±

 Chapter 40

    STRIKER


    I hugged and bid everyone goodbye before getting into our getaway car.


    My dad came and hugged me tight as he began getting all emotional. ¡°Have fun.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be back soon, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush it. I want you two to enjoy your honeymoon.¡±


    ¡°We will.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna be okay, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± He swallowed hard as if he wanted to tell me something. He should be happy for me, but right now, he looked shattered.


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m going for a honeymoon, not to the war.¡±


    ¡°I know, Striker.¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°But I¡¯m not going until you tell me what¡¯s wrong.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± He wasn¡¯t convincing.


    ¡°I swear, and you know me. I¡¯m canceling our honeymoon. I¡¯m not going anywhere until I get the truth from you about what¡¯s going on. And you never keep a secret from me.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk when you get back. Your wife is waiting.¡± He was about to turn around, but I was not letting it go. Something was bothering him, and I¡¯d never seen him this devastated.


    ¡°No, Dad. Tell me what¡¯s troubling you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna hate me for this.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± I shook my head. I could never hate him.


    ¡°London was right.¡±


    ¡°About what?¡± I just watched my dad in tears, and I¡¯d never seen him cry other than when I left on my first assignment that he thought I might note back alive.


    ¡°Linus was not working alone to set you and London up.¡±


    ¡°How do you know all this?¡± I locked my jaw hard. I felt like I knew what was about toe out of his mouth. And it was terrifying.


    ¡°We did it together.¡±


    I stared at him momentarily as I tried to wrap everything around my head. ¡°You and Linus worked together to set me up. Why in the hell would you do that? You could have just told me that I should marry London. I would find a reason for that.¡±


    ¡°Almost two years ago, I went to him to borrow money. Then he asked about you. He was so interested in knowing you that he didn¡¯t even think twice about lending me his money, but I didn¡¯t tell him who you really were.¡±


    ¡°Why did you ask for money from him? How much did you owe him?¡±


    ¡°He let me wait for a month before he gave me his decision. By then, he figured out who you were.¡±


    ¡°Nobody knows about my life, Dad,¡± I denied. ¡°I am certain Moses did something for the truth not toe out.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Linus, son. And your father wants nothing but to tell the world who you are. He is proud of you. I initially denied it, but Linus showed me evidence from your birth and the DNA report. I must say, he quite had a good source.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it,¡± I still denied it even if what Dad said was prettypelling.


    ¡°I had no doubt Linus would get what he wanted, and that includes your connections.¡±


    ¡°My connections?¡± Iughed out loud. ¡°He¡¯s wrong.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t sell yourself short, son. Your friends are billionaires. You are close to the Royals, and your father is one of the richest men on earth. You¡¯re worth billions. You know your life is at risk since Moses found out you¡¯re his son. You didn¡¯t even realize he paid people to look after you, and he was right to do that, or you could have ended up like London.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t exin how did you end up working with Linus. What does he want from me?¡±


    ¡°He wants your father. He wants to be involved with the project Moses is working on.¡±


    ¡°Project?¡± My mind was about to explode. How did Linus know? And here I thought only a few people knew about the project. I didn¡¯t even tell Dad about it. Did Linus have a mole? He knew the corporate spy and the consequences if someone got caught.


    ¡°I have no idea, but he was sure there¡¯s a project.¡±


    ¡°Why he didn¡¯t just go directly to my father? I know nothing about it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, son, but he believes you will run the project in the future, if not sooner.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this. He used me and pretended he didn¡¯t know my father. Well, let me tell you, Dad. He won¡¯t get anything from me now that I know what he wants. I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s been manipting me all this time.¡±


    ¡°Be careful, son.¡±


    ¡°Why did you go to him in the first ce? Could you have just asked Moses? He owes you that much.¡±


    ¡°I have pride, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Look where it took you. And you pretended to look surprised when I told you about marrying London when you knew it along when you¡¯ve been conspiring with him all this time. Why did you lie to me, Dad?¡± I was beginning to get pissed, but I had a flight to catch. This could wait, and I knew for a fact that this issue would be there for a while. But what intrigued me the most was what Linus wanted with the project.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Striker. This is not how I have imagined telling you.¡±


    I blew a shaky breath. I felt my strength leave me the moment he admitted to working with Linus. ¡°Is the Premium secured, Dad?¡± I had to ask because this had been his life¡¯s work, and I would do anything to save it for him- even if I had to sell my soul to my father.


    He nodded, but he couldn¡¯t even look at me anymore. He was ashamed. I got that, but he wouldn¡¯t deal with it alone anymore.


    ¡°Dad, I want you to tell me the truth. Does Linus has a share in Premium?¡±


    ¡°No. Premium is safe. You have to believe me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been keeping secrets from me for two years. And I wish I was here when you were going through tough times. I¡¯m sorry, too.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, son. I just feel so ashamed. I just sold you. What kind of father would do that to his child? I am worse than Moses.¡±


    ¡°Hey. Hey.¡± I hugged him tight. ¡°We¡¯re in this together. Don¡¯t beat yourself up.¡±


    ¡°What did you use the money for?¡±


    ¡°One of the shareholders had lost his faith in Premium. So he wanted to invest in a newpany. I had to buy his share.¡±


    ¡°So you saved thepany. What¡¯s wrong with that? I thought you¡¯re badass, Dad.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t answer anymore as he looked at me. Dad was carrying a lot of pain and regrets, and I felt terrible for him.


    ¡°How much do you owe him?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your son, Dad. You can¡¯t stop me from worrying about you. You can¡¯t stop me from helping you. How much do you owe him?¡±


    ¡°I paid twenty. I still owed him sixty.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    He was about to say something, but he just shook his head.


    I raised my finger to warn him. That never happened before. ¡°This is not a negotiation. Take care of yourself. I¡¯ll be back before you know it. Don¡¯t worry about it. I love you, Dad.¡±


    I went to Moses, waiting in his car. He went out as soon as he noticed me.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you leaving yet?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a private jet. So it can wait, right?¡± I smiled.


    ¡°Is Tate okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Will you look after Dad while I¡¯m gone?¡± I sighed deeply and long.


    ¡°Of course,¡± he answered without hesitation.


    ¡°Thank you for the jet. It¡¯s nice.¡±


    ¡°No worries. Go ahead and enjoy your honeymoon.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Moses.¡± I hugged him tight. ¡°Do check your employees. I think you have a mole.¡±


    ¡°Will do. Thank you, son.¡±

 Chapter 41

    LONDON


    Something¡¯s wrong.


    The moment we climbed up Moses¡¯ new private jet, I knew something wasn¡¯t right. I could feel it. I could smell it in the air.


    It took a few minutes for Striker to talk to his dad, and they seemed in an intense and emotional conversation. When he came to me, he seemed to have carried the entire world over his shoulder.


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± I asked him as he joined me.


    ¡°Yeah. Why wouldn¡¯t it be?¡± He held my hand and kissed it. ¡°It¡¯s our honeymoon.¡±


    ¡°And may I remind you, Cade, that I am your wife, and I ought to know everything, I mean everything, especially when he seems troubled. Otherwise, how can I be a good wife if I can¡¯t help him?¡±


    ¡°Point taken, but Dad just got emotional as if I¡¯m joining to fight against Russian-Ukraine conflicts .¡± Something he wasn¡¯t telling me, or maybe he wasn¡¯t ready. I could work on that.


    ¡°So where are we going?¡± I looked around. The jet was new. The interior was ssy, elegant, and customized, way better than Dad¡¯s. I guessed the pros of being married to the son of one of the wealthiest men on earth. ¡°The jet looks fantastic.¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t agree more.¡±


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me our destination.¡±


    ¡°We willnd at Winterbourn and then travel to Burkhese.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to Capria?¡± My eyes grew big.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God! It¡¯s awesome.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you like our destination.¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding me? You¡¯ve been busy for thest couple of days while I just sat in my office and did nothing. You deserve a good getaway.¡±


    ¡°With you. And I want you to have a great time.¡±


    ¡°I already am.¡± I smiled from ear to ear.


    The captain announced overhead that the jet was taking off. I secured my seatbelt. I was not afraid of flying as long as the light was on.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.¡± I cupped his face and kissed him.


    He instantly responded, kissing me back. ¡°Me too, baby.¡±


    The take-off went smoothly. A few minutester, we were thousands of feet above the ground.


    As soon as the seatbelt sign was off, the cabin crew came to bring us a bottle of Champagne and sses and strawberries covered with chocte.


    ¡°This is also a part of your n?¡± I asked my husband as I picked a strawberry.


    ¡°No. I think it¡¯s part of the menu or maybe a newlyweds package.¡±


    I giggled as I bit the savory fruit. ¡°You didn¡¯t just say that.¡±


    ¡°Well, Moses said he will take care of our travel ns.¡±


    ¡°He really loves you, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°I guess, in his own entric way,¡± he said with a smile.


    ¡°To forever.¡± I clinked my ss with him before I brought the ss to my lips and took a sip. He did the same.


    ¡°Come here.¡± Striker patted hisp, and I went to him willingly. ¡°Thank you for making me happy.¡±


    ¡°You do make me happy, too, Striker Aodhan Asher Cade. I like your name.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re taking my name, right?¡±


    ¡°I wanna be Cade. London Cade. It does have a ring to it, right? It¡¯s perfect.¡±


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re not doing it to rebel against your father. But it¡¯s all up to you. Take it or not. What matters is that I am your husband.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m proud to be your wife. I hope you know that.¡±


    ¡°I know, baby.¡± He leaned forward, and I leaned in until our lips met. Sparks exploded behind my eyes before they fell closed. Our kiss grew deep to passionate from slow dancing. I wound my arms around his neck and pressed my body against him. My dress came up, and his hand went to my thigh, squeezing a little until I open for him.


    As much as I loved and enjoyed kissing him, the crew coulde at any moment. I pulled my lips away.


    ¡°You¡¯ve never dreamed of sex on the ne?¡± A smirk curved up his lips.


    ¡°Wait here?¡± I asked in amusement.


    ¡°We¡¯re newlyweds. They¡¯ll understand. There¡¯s a room over there.¡± He pointed at our backs.


    ¡°If it¡¯s on your bucket list.¡± I got up from hisp and smoothened my dress before I walked to the aisle and went to the door. A single-sized bed was covered with a red duvet and petals on the floor.


    Striker came from behind, wrapped his arms around me, and started nting kisses on my neck. It didn¡¯t take a long time. My dress fell to my ankles. I was wearing cute whitece undies. He didn¡¯t waste more time. He unhooked my bra and let it drop to the floor. Then he went on to undress himself.


    He was back on me in less than ten seconds, slipping his big hand into my panties. A groan escaped his throat when he found me wet and ready.


    ¡°You¡¯re always ready for me,¡± he whispered. His breathing created a warm effect against my ear. As he slid his finger into my slick folds, he licked the shell of my ear, making me gasp.


    I hadn¡¯t faced him, but I knew he waspletely naked as he pressed his hard muscles behind me, and his cock was at full mast, poking my lower back.


    He bent down, pulling my thong down my feet. I stepped away from it.


    ¡°Ahh.¡± The soft bite shocked me. It stung, but at the same time, it turned me on. I began to pant in anticipation and grew wetter as he licked the spot where he bit me.


    ¡°Bend down. Hands on the bed. Spread your legs apart.¡±


    ¡°Cade, maybe-¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Do it, baby.¡±


    I did as he said and felt utterly exposed, but I trusted him. Before I could say another word, I felt the tip of his tongue on my tiny hole.


    ¡°Oh, God.¡± My hands fisted into the duvet. My knees wobbled.


    ¡°You might wanna tone your voice down,¡± he warned me and went to drag his tongue from my clit, to my wet folds, up to my hole. My face burned. It was mortifying and erotic at the same time- it was hot.


    Then he plunged into me and went to my ass again.


    ¡°Cade,¡± I whispered his name.


    He didn¡¯t listen. Instead, he fucked me with his tongue. He went down on me every time, but this felt different- wild and bold.


    I grew restless, and the sensation of each plunge struck me like a bolt of lightning,pletely unavoidable. My head was thrown down, pressed against the mattress as I bit my lip so hard it could bleed.


    He continued, alternately fucking me and licking me and biting the cheeks of my ass. When he pressed his thumb against my forbidden orifice, orgasm rushed through me. Then he held me before I fell. I was still panting when he grabbed me by the waist.


    I was still incoherent with my orgasm when he had me on hisp. I was soaked as he let me sink down onto his massive length. I gasped at the sudden pration. I felt so full in this position, and it felt so good.


    He began his thrusts, slowly at first. To get his tempo, I had to stifle my moan. Then it turned wild and demanding. I bounced on top of him, but I couldn¡¯tin. I was losing my mind in ecstasy.


    We were sweating. We were both panting, but nothing could stop us. It only took a finger pressed against my swollen clit, and I threw my head back- the pleasure consumed me. My voice gargled in my throat. My orgasm began to build so fast.


    He was also close. I could feel it inside me. A bit on the crook of my neck proved my theory, but nothing could stop him now.


    My body shook. I gulped a few breaths of air and moaned his name as he fucked me hard from behind. I wanted to reach for him. I wanted to kiss him. I wanted to see his face as we came together for the first time as husband and wife. And he seemed to hear me.


    He held my hips and turned me around to face him. Then he sunk me into his length without mercy, his hands kneading my breasts. This time I cried out in wild abandon. I didn¡¯t care if anyone heard us. All I wanted was toe.


    My own orgasm raced through me. I clenched around him one after the other. Gust of liquid pooled through me. Then he groaned out, muscles strained everywhere as he came inside me.


    Once we could properly move again, he pulled me and put me beside him as he wrapped his arms around me.


    ¡°Well, that was something.¡± I turned to face him and pressed my lips against him.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the reaction I want to hear.¡±


    ¡°What do you wanna hear then?¡± I arched a brow. ¡°Oh, you have an amazing dick, husband. You shook my world.¡±


    He shook as he tried to hold hisugh.


    ¡°Oh, you have a talented tongue, and I love it when you do that.¡±


    He was stillughing.


    ¡°Jeez. Your inted ego, Cade.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m awesome, though.¡±


    I got up from bed. ¡°Go ahead. Whatever floats your boat.¡± I went to the adjacent door. It was a small bathroom withplete toiletries.


    Striker came behind me, kissing my neck. ¡°I know we have a lot of things to learn from each other, and I want you to be vocal and honest if I do something you don¡¯t like, okay?¡±


    ¡°And you will do the same.¡± I pulled out some wet wipes and cleaned up myself.


    ¡°Of course, baby.¡± He kissed me on my cheek before he left. ¡°You¡¯re the best.¡±


    You¡¯re the best. That was all.

 Chapter 42

    STRIKER


    Wended in Winterbourn at King Kamrun International Airport. The weather was chilly and windy. I was hoping it wouldn¡¯t get worse than what was forecasted.


    As we stepped out of the jet, our rides were already waiting for us. Reed was behind us. Then a familiar face appeared.


    ¡°Langston?¡± I was surprised he came all the way to wee us.


    ¡°Congrattions!¡± He pulled me into a brotherly. ¡°Look at you, a married man.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m officially a married man.¡±


    ¡°Wee to the club, brother.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, I guess. Please meet my wife, London. Vanderford, this is Rome Langston.¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡± They kissed cheek to cheek. ¡°Nice to finally meet the woman who stole my brother¡¯s heart.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you too, Rome. Do they call you Rome around here?¡±


    ¡°Just call me Rome.¡± Heughed. ¡°Look at us. Rome meets London. And you call her Vanderford. Isn¡¯t that a coincidence?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go there, Langston.¡± I smiled. ¡°You¡¯re married to a princess, and she¡¯s married to me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I thought.¡± Rome still looked amused as he showed us our ride. ¡°Join us over dinner before you head to Burkhese.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to meet your wife,¡± London said.


    ¡°She¡¯s excited to see you, too.¡± Rome had this smile that showed you he was blissfully happy as a married man.


    As we rode in a separate vehicle, London went awfully silent.


    ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes, I don¡¯t feelfortable riding in an SUV. I feel ustrophobic.¡±


    Fuck. ¡°Shit. I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t know that.¡± I quickly turned on the light. I hinted at the driver when he caught my attention.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± She held my hand tight.


    ¡°We¡¯re not far from the manor.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re heading to the manor?¡± She met my gaze.


    ¡°Yeah. Rome spent a few months there before their wedding.¡±


    ¡°So, I¡¯m meeting a princess tonight?¡± Her face lit up as she stared at me. I could see the excitement dancing in her eyes; it was a good way to divert her attention while we were still in the vehicle.


    ¡°Yes. The Crown Prince, Prince Thayer, and Princess Kennedy will probably be there too.¡±


    ¡°Kennedy?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s American by birth.¡±


    ¡°So the Prince and Princess married foreigners?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nice. And no drama?¡± That had me chuckling.


    ¡°No. The King and Queen love Rome and Kennedy.¡±


    After almost an hour, the car entered the driveway.


    ¡°I want to freshen up before I meet them.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Rome weed us to the manor. I was just here months ago, single, and never thought I would be back married. I was happy, and I loved my wife. It was a good thing, I guessed.


    We excused ourselves for a while. Rome showed us to the guestroom. More likely, it was big as a whole apartment.


    When London went to the bathroom, I cleaned up myself and put on a new suit. I fixed my hair to look decent in front of our royal hosts.


    London came out with a new ankle-length blue gown. I thought she looked exquisite.


    ¡°Wow.¡± That was all I could say as she rendered me speechless again.


    ¡°Is this okay?¡± She looked unsure.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re used to having someone choose dresses for you and do your hair and makeup.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve learned from the best, too, since I started working.¡±


    ¡°You look amazing, baby.¡±


    ¡°You too, sweetheart.¡± She sighed. ¡°Why do I feel suddenly nervous?¡±


    I smiled. ¡°They¡¯re great people-no need to worry. Actually, Princess Carlott and Princess Kennedy are the coolest. Trust me. Prince Thayer is a little bit stern, but only at work.¡±


    ¡°Okay. So should I curtsy?¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily. Just address them.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I forgot everything my etiquette teacher taught me. She would be so pissed at me upon learning this.¡±


    ¡°I just learned that before I flew here,¡± I told her honestly.


    A soft knock interrupted us.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    ¡°The prince and princesses have arrived, sir.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I held my wife¡¯s hand as we walked through the door. We reached the living room, and just like old times. Rome and Princess Carlott never treated me as their employee. I never felt like an outsider throughout my two years of stay.


    ¡°Look at you.¡± Princess Carlott was already on her feet, walking in our direction.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    She kissed me on the cheek. I was surprised, but I was not their employee anymore.


    ¡°Your Royal Highness,¡± my wife addressed Princess Royal.


    ¡°Oh, my. Your photos didn¡¯t do justice.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure finally meeting you in person, Your Highness.¡± They kissed, and London was dragged away from me.


    I went to shake hands with Princess Thayer. He always looked regal, and Kennedy looked lovely as always.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you just left us to get married.¡± Kennedyughed softly. ¡°You looked different.¡±


    ¡°Is it a different bad or a different good?¡±


    ¡°You look happy, Cade. In love.¡± She patted my chest.


    ¡°Love conquers all,¡± Prince Thayer said as he hugged me. ¡°Congrattions. You deserved to be happy.¡±


    ¡°That left the three musketeers,¡± Princess Carlott said.


    ¡°Who?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Really, Storm?¡± Rome chuckled.


    ¡°Yeah. Linden, Sax, and Kye,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Aw.¡± London had her hands full when the royal kids went to her. ¡°Can I take you all home?¡±


    The parents all looked at me, beaming.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You should make your own.¡±


    London might have felt all eyes were on her when the room went silent.


    Her eyes were bright as we caught her attention. ¡°Oh, I can hold them, right?¡±


    They all barked outughing.


    ¡°Yes. They¡¯re not fragile, and I won¡¯t sue you. I promise.¡± Kennedy was still smiling. ¡°My kids like you and Caed, too.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. That didn¡¯t happen often.¡± Princess Carlott elbowed me.


    ¡°What is it, Princess?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure she¡¯s not pregnant? Sometimes women tend to draw kids when they¡¯re expecting.¡±


    My heart skipped a bit. ¡°You¡¯re kidding.¡±


    She faced me. ¡°Don¡¯t you two have ns?¡±


    ¡°We have, but not now.¡±


    ¡°Then when you have sex together unprotected, you shouldn¡¯t be surprised.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I hid my smile. I just remembered what we did on the jet earlier.


    We settled into the dining area. The heir apparent was on the host chair with his wife. London and I sat across Rome and Princess Carlott. The dinner had started with a light topic.


    ¡°So you haven¡¯t traveled here, London?¡± Prince Thayer asked.


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t, Your Highness. I fell in love with Winterbourn right away. It¡¯s fresh and green.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re about to see Burkhese. Greener than here. While Guardion is the opposite, it snows most of the time,¡± said Princess Thayer.


    ¡°I have a pretty good idea,¡± Rome said. ¡°I almost died in the storm.¡±


    ¡°Professing his love at the wrong ce, in the wrong time,¡± Princess Carlott affirmed, chuckling.


    ¡°Oh. That bad?¡± my wife asked.


    ¡°Well, I just came from the States. We were like cat and mouse at that time. We¡¯re engaged, but-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re ying hard to get,¡± Princess Carlott cut in.


    ¡°Because you hurt my feelings, Storm.¡±


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t do something stupid, you wouldn¡¯t realize how much I love you.¡±


    ¡°Because you were a dick.¡±


    ¡°Language,¡± Prince Thayer cut in between Rome and Princess Carlott.


    ¡°You loved me, but you didn¡¯t wanna marry me. I mean, who does that? Now you¡¯re telling me I was the one who was ying hard to get.¡±


    I watched my wife the entire time. She enjoyed watching the two banter. Maybe she could rte. She said she loved me in our vows. I didn¡¯t know if it was scripted to convince our guests that we were in love. But it didn¡¯t matter. One thing only mattered to me was that I loved her.


    ¡°See that look?¡± I heard Princess Carlott, and that brought me back to reality.


    ¡°What look?¡±


    ¡°Never mind,¡± Kennedy said as she cut her meat and asked my wife, ¡°He¡¯s not dumb, is he, London?¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Maybe. Sometimes.¡± Oh. So, she was ying along.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡± I bit a small piece of my meat. It was soft, tender, and perfectly well-seasoned, just like the vegetables.


    ¡°I hope you will enjoy the amodations. Weddings are special asions here, and you both are family friends now. We want you to feel at home and hope we can be there at your grand wedding.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Your Highness. It means a lot to us.¡±


    After the wonderful dinner, we bid goodbye to everyone.


    ¡°You¡¯ll visit us soon, right?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll do our best, Princess Carlott,¡± my wife replied.


    ¡°Just Carly when just us.¡± She kissed my wife.


    ¡°You two, enjoy.¡± Rome hugged me.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    In less than two hours, we would reach Burkhese. It was already early in the morning when I arrived. The Prince Apparent was not kidding when he said about amodations.


    A sedan and an SUV were already waiting for us.


    ¡°Reed, I¡¯ll drive the car. You go with the SUV. We¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°Okay. You know the drill.¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡±


    We went ahead with the Sedan after I got the address of the cottage.


    ¡°I wish I could post this on my Instagram.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°I was advised not to post while still in the same location.¡±


    ¡°Later then, baby. Take some photos. Do whatever you want?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Cade.¡± She pressed a kiss on my cheek. ¡°This ce is like in the forest but not.¡±


    ¡°I had the same reaction when I first came here. They took care of their environment seriously.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. If Princess Carlott had traveled to other countries to nt trees, she would have had a pretty good idea about mother nature. And they¡¯re friendly and humble. Did you meet the King and Queen?¡±


    ¡°Yes. King Isodore is stern ten times than Prince Thayer, but his wife, Queen Aimbrose, is theplete opposite. She¡¯s so calm and sweet.¡±


    ¡°Can I ask you something?¡±


    ¡°Anything, baby.¡± I leaned in to kiss her lips-it was quick because I was driving, but she still granted me.


    God, I loved this woman. She cared for me, and she looked happy. I could feel it. And those eyes never lied.


    ¡°What did you and Tate talk about?¡±


    ¡°Baby.¡± I sighed.


    ¡°I thought we don¡¯t keep secret.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t, but this is different.¡± I had a pretty good idea about keeping secrets. I may not be a spy, but I did this for a living. I kept my client¡¯s privacy seriously. At this moment, I wasn¡¯t ready to share it with London for some reason.


    ¡°What¡¯s so different? Are you doing this to me because I didn¡¯t tell you immediately about what I fought with Dad?¡±


    ¡°No. That was over, and I was done with it. What matters is we¡¯re together now, and nothing can tear us apart, even your father.¡±


    Her feature turned hard. ¡°You¡¯re right. It¡¯s none of my business. Maybe it¡¯s too personal. I understand that we still have to set boundaries.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that. I don¡¯t want boundaries, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we have to. Besides, we¡¯re still learning and adjusting to this whole marriage situation. I¡¯m okay with that.¡±


    ¡°Well, I am not.¡±


    ¡°Well, I am.¡±


    I stopped the car at the side of the road and faced her. She was angry, and I also started to be pissed. ¡°Why do you want to know?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s not so confidential, why is it so hard for you to tell?¡±


    ¡°Maybe it is.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± She turned away, crossed her arms over her chest, and red at the road ahead.


    I didn¡¯t want to discuss and ruin my day because I felt I could use a nap right now. Or maybe a long day of sleep.


    We reached our destination, and she hadn¡¯t talked to me again.


    I gave her the space she needed. She was mad, and I didn¡¯t want to fight because I nned to handle the situation on my own. And I had to find out who the mole was.

 Chapter 43

    LONDON


    We finally arrived at the European-style cottage. It was prestigious. It reminded me of a countryside farmhouse. The entry began with a beautiful fountain made of bricks. The entire home was thoughtfully designed withrge stained ss windows, limestone walls, beamed ceilings, and wood doors.


    Behind it were brick pathways, a fire pit, and a pool. The lushndscape and trees enhanced more privacy.


    In a few hours, the sun would rise, and I was exhausted. I hadn¡¯t napped since our wedding, and I would grow horns if I couldn¡¯t get enough sleep.


    As soon as the caretaker left, I went to the room. The bedroom was all white, except for the curtains and rug, and it looked cozy and exquisite.


    I went to my luggage so that I could change. I noticed Striker enter the room.


    ¡°So we¡¯ll just pretend that we¡¯re okay.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re okay,¡± I replied shortly. ¡°I¡¯m exhausted.¡±


    ¡°Me too. I feel like I could sleep the entire day.¡± He came from behind, wrapping his around me. He still smelled good and could wrap me in his arms until I fell asleep. Considering how tired I was, it would beforting if he could give me a back rub. But it was not going to happen.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired, Cade.¡± I held his hand so that I could get away. I went quickly to the room from the right, the bathroom, and locked the door behind me. I sat there for a while and tried to rx my mind.


    This was my doing, too. I shouldn¡¯t me Striker for hiding something from me. He was also a victim of this sham arrangement. And I did this to myself. I didn¡¯t fight enough. Dad took advantage of my vulnerability. Now, I was starting to pay for it.


    It just hurt so much that Striker never trusted me. He was my husband, and I thought we were partners, but I was wrong to assume. He chose to keep whatever they talked about with Tate all to himself, and I knew it was something important.


    So his vows meant nothing to him. It was just a scheme because everyone was listening. He was just like my father. And what was worse, I couldn¡¯t believe I had fallen for the ruse.


    After a quick shower, I wore somethingfy and dried my hair. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I wanted to cry, shave my head bald, or maybe get a tattoo.


    So this was a disaster then, not a honeymoon.


    When I got out of the bathroom, Striker was still in his clothes, but he was already in bed, asleep, slightly snoring. Great. Just great.


    I tiptoed to the other side of the bed andy on my side. I was so damn worn out. Exhaustion took over me quickly.


    I woke up in the middle of the night to a full dder. I was tucked nicely with the duvet in Striker¡¯s arms. He must have woken up and changed. He was already wearing his pajama bottom but shirtless.


    I got up slowly and emptied my dder. I felt like I refueled even though I only got four hours of sleep. I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and went out of the room. I checked my miscalls and messages. I had from my father and Neke.


    I replied to Neke and returned a call to my father because I knew what he wanted to talk about.


    ¡°London, I¡¯m d you call me back.¡±


    ¡°Just say it, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am upset.¡± It was pretty obvious. His voice was harsh. ¡°So, did you fulfill something of getting married without me? Is this rebellion will go on?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still getting married again, ain¡¯t I? Isn¡¯t that what you wished for?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t think I wouldn¡¯t find out?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a secret. And if you care, you could have attended if you wished to be there. And I knew you would find out because you seem to have eyes everywhere.¡±


    ¡°You insulted me, my daughter. Don¡¯te running back to me if you¡¯re in trouble. No doubt your husband will help you with that.¡±


    ¡°You did this to me, Dad. You used me and yed with our lives. What exactly do you want to aplish here?¡±


    ¡°That is none of your business.¡±


    ¡°So, are we really going to do this? You¡¯re going to hate me after what you¡¯ve done to me when I should be the one resenting you.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have disrespected me. I will still get what I want with or without you. Don¡¯t worry. You can keep your business for now, but I¡¯m no longer spending a penny for you.¡±


    ¡°Do what makes you happy. Maybe you should find your own happiness, get married, and have a family. By that time, you don¡¯t need a brat like me anymore. I wish you all the best, Dad. Despite how we parted thest time, I still care for you. I still love you and will forever be grateful for taking care of me alone. Bye, Dad.¡±


    After I hung up, I let out the pain inside my chest. It had been there for a long time. I sobbed to cry alone on the couch, somewhere so far from my friends. And I couldn¡¯t do anything. I felt helpless.


    This marriage had caused me so many things-my life, my life¡¯s work, and my rtionship. When I thought I could have vengeance for what he did to me, I gained nothing but heartaches and unbearable pain.


    I was wrong when I thought I would finally find happiness with Striker. I just lost the love of my father because I met him that night. I had no doubt Dad loved me, but that was not the case anymore. He wanted something in return.


    I had a good life. I was happy with my job, with my best friend, with my clothing line. I even had a boyfriend. I had guidance from my father. I was contented with my life when it was just the two of us. Why did I just throw it all away? Now I had nothing-only a husband who never trusted me.


    I went outside when the sun rose. It was beautiful and peaceful, indicating a new day ahead. I would have enjoyed cuddling with my husband this new day, but we didn¡¯t even get married for twenty-four hours-everything soured and went from hot to freezing cold between us.


    I just didn¡¯t like secrets. I¡¯d been in hell and back, and he should understand that trust meant so much to me.


    I went back to the room. Striker was still sleeping. He must be so exhausted from the wedding preparation that he slept this long. I grabbed my crossbody bag and shut the door behind me. I found a bicycle parked outside, and it looked in good condition. I pedaled out, hoping to find some shops or cafes nearby to focus my time on.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 44

    LONDON


    The weather was beautiful. I could barely see fluffy clouds. The fresh air blew through my face, and it felt so good just to roam around, leaving my problems behind and without a bodyguard stalking my ass.


    I passed toward the small street called Kylian. Across the street were some establishments from a flower shop, a souvenir shop, a bookstore, and an antique store. I felt lucky when I spotted a coffee logo to my right, a bakery, and a restaurant.


    I silent my phone and took some pictures. I couldn¡¯t remember I¡¯d ever experiencing things like this just strolling by myself.


    I smiled in delight as I took a cross toward the coffee shop and parked my bike. They must have had a pretty good coffee. I noticed the tables were almost upied early in the morning through the ss windows. When I pushed the door, the aroma of cocoa and freshly brewed coffee hung in the air, mingling with the smell of baked goods and sweets. I felt like I had a mini-orgasm or I was too hungry.


    I ignored the tiny pang inside my chest as I went in line with some folks. After a few minutes, finally, it was my turn.


    ¡°What can I get you, miss?¡± thedy staff asked. Her ent was simr to the princesses, almost British but not.


    I was staring at the menu and hadn¡¯t made a choice.


    ¡°You¡¯re new in town?¡±


    I looked at her and smiled. ¡°Yes. Do you have a suggestion?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re American.¡±


    ¡°The ent always gave it away, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Kind of.¡± She smiled back. ¡°We always love to have Americans in our country. You should try our hot chocte. If you want shots of caffeine, try our own version of Americano. It¡¯s dedicated to Princess Kennedy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, wow.¡± And I just met her yesterday.


    ¡°Maybe I should try the hot chocte.¡±


    ¡°What sprinkle would you like-¡±


    ¡°London.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re name is London?¡± She looked surprised with a cocked brow.


    ¡°Yes. Why?¡±


    ¡°Well, Princess Kennedy, then we have Rome, the husband of Princess Carlott, and now I just met another city, London.¡±


    Iughed. She had no idea I just had dinner with them. ¡°Well, we just love your country, I guess. That is why we ended up all here. Do you have orange zest?¡±


    ¡°We do. Just find a table, London. I¡¯ll bring it to you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. How much?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s on the house.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. I can¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s rude to refuse a drink. I¡¯m Teoni, by the way.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Teoni, but I¡¯ll pay for the cinnamon roll.¡± I took a few shots. ¡°They look so delicious.¡±


    ¡°Tag me if you don¡¯t mind.¡± Teoni was smiling at me. ¡°Teoni Cafe on Instagram.¡±


    ¡°Will do.¡± I didn¡¯t care what she thought. Then I remembered I didn¡¯t have their currency. Crap. ¡°Do you ept cards?¡±


    ¡°Yes, dear.¡±Oh, thank God. Otherwise, it would be so embarrassing.


    After I paid, I went to the table in the corner and checked my phone. I had three miscalls from Striker and another from Reed, making my heart race.


    Crap. They were awake.


    I was about to return the call when his name shed on the screen.


    ¡°Vanderford, where are you?¡± That was his greetings.


    ¡°Good morning, Cade. So you didn¡¯t imnt a tracking device in my body, right?¡±


    ¡°I woke up, and you¡¯re not in bed, and I couldn¡¯t find you anywhere in the cottage and outside. The only missing here is the bike. Where are you? Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m near, and I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ming to you. You¡¯re in Kylian?¡±


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°I worked as a COP. I could easily find you if I want to.¡±


    ¡°Creepy much. Then why did you have to ask? Did you trace my phone?¡±


    ¡°Baby, just give me five, and I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    ¡°I wanna be alone.¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re still upset. I just gave you time to restst night because I didn¡¯t want to argue, and we were exhausted. Wait for me, okay? We¡¯ll talk about it once I¡¯m there.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m over with it. You don¡¯t trust me. It¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Vanderford, where did thate from?¡±


    I felt like I was going to cry again. I looked up to hold my tears. ¡°Dad hates me. I talked to him this morning, and he just abandoned me. I have nothing left, and I am here in the middle of a country I didn¡¯t even know.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here, baby. Why are you talking like that? You have me. I¡¯m sure your father is just upset that he wasn¡¯t invited to his only daughter¡¯s wedding. If I were your father, I would feel the same. That was why I told you to reconsider it, but it was your decision, and I respected it. Just give him some time, okay? I have to change. I have to hang up now.¡±


    I put my phone down. Then my hot chocte and cinnamon roll just arrived. The smell was heavenly. I mouthed Teoni a thank you.


    I took a snap because it was Instagramable. Then I took a sip of it. It was pure delight.


    A few minutester, the door chimed. Then I noticed something. Striker had just walked through the door with Reed.


    ¡°Striker Cade is back.¡± Teoni pulled him into a hug. ¡°You missed Burkhese already?¡±


    ¡°Good to see you again, Teoni.¡± His smile was ear to ear, as if they knew each other very well, causing my chest to tighten at sight between them.


    ¡°And who¡¯s with you?¡±


    ¡°A friend of mine. Reed.¡±


    ¡°So you guys have one-syble surnames. Great.¡±


    Strikerughed as Teoni shook Reed¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m looking for my wife.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fucking married?¡± Sheughed out loud. ¡°Congrattions! Your breakfast is on me.¡± Then she stopped. ¡°Wait. Does your wife happens to be by the name London?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°That beautiful woman over there?¡± She pointed at me, and I had no choice but to wave my hand.


    ¡°Go ahead. I got this.¡±


    Striker joined my table and kissed me on the forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t leave like that without even leaving me a note.¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t care. And you two seemed pretty close. An old friend? An old me, maybe?¡± Thest words came out bitter. Maybe I was. Who knew who he had slept with while he was here?


    A smile broke out on his face- the kind of smile that brought me to my knees. ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t get jealous.¡±


    ¡°Who said I am?¡± I said defensively.


    ¡°Really? Now you wanna lie to me?¡± He reached out for my hand, but I pulled my hand back.


    ¡°Why would I?¡±


    ¡°Jealousy is a useless emotion, Vanderford. Teoni is an old friend. While Rome and the princess stayed here, I often came for a coffee. She was nice. We¡¯re just friends. I swear. And besides, she¡¯s not into guys.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± I felt like my cheek med. I sipped my chocte drink instead. ¡°So, why are you here, Cade?¡±


    ¡°My dad was working with your dad to set us up.¡±

 Chapter 45

    STRIKER


    I was exhausted.


    I hadn¡¯t had a good sleep after my birthday.


    Despite Moses taking care of the expenses, I was hands-on in wedding preparation, even if I hired people to make it possible in three days. I still wanted to see for myself that it woulde out exactly how I wanted- London¡¯s dream wedding. And it exceeded my expectations.


    Then I woke up, and London was already sleeping in bed, curled into a ball on her side. I was supposed to rest while waiting for her to finish in the bathroom. Then I just fell asleep. The worse thing I¡¯d ever done for her.


    I took a quick shower and wore my PJ bottom. When I came back, London was still in the same position. I covered her with the duvet and wrapped her in my arms. She didn¡¯t even stir.


    This wasn¡¯t exactly what our first night together would look like, but she was beside me, and we both needed to recharge. What mattered most was that we were together.


    Hourster, I woke up in an empty bed. It was unusual. I usually woke up before London and watched her sleeping for a few moments before I got up from bed.


    After using the bathroom, I went out and expected to see my wife, but she was neither in the living room nor the kitchen.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my wife?¡± I asked Reed since he was the only one around.


    ¡°You¡¯re asking me your wife?¡± He chucked. When I didn¡¯t answer, he said, ¡°I thought she was still with you.¡±


    My brows knitted in confusion. ¡°No. I woke up alone, and I thought she was here.¡±


    Reed took onest sip of his coffee and stood up. I followed him to the living, to the back door. ¡°London?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll check the front.¡± I passed through the pathways to the front. I still saw nothing. London was maybe angry, but she wouldn¡¯t risk running away alone, considering I was still working on capturing thest man responsible for her kidnapping.


    ¡°She¡¯s not there,¡± Reed told me, dialing her number. He waited until the call had just ended. ¡°She¡¯s not picking up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call her on my phone.¡± I went inside the house to get my phone. I checked her things. They were still here.


    ¡°Cade, did she answer?¡±


    ¡°Vanderford must have woken up early, got bored, and gone out.¡± I dialed her number. I just wished she had left me a note or something. The call ended. ¡°She¡¯s not picking up.¡±


    When I started to get worried, I took a deep breath. She was probably wandering around the area, but I couldn¡¯t help but think of something I would rather not go there.


    I redialed her number as we went outside the house. ¡°She¡¯s still not picking up,¡± I said harshly.


    ¡°Calm down, Cade. Did you two get into an argument?¡±


    ¡°She was angry at mest night.¡±


    ¡°On your first night?¡± His tone made me more anxious and mad.


    ¡°Are you trying to make me feel horrible? Because right now, I am. She could be in danger.¡±


    ¡°Let me check her location.¡±


    ¡°Did you put a tracker on her?¡±


    He looked at me as if I had just turned a mad bull. ¡°No, but I could track her phone. And she hadn¡¯t pushed her panic button. So she must be just looking for gift shops.¡±


    ¡°Sir Striker, do you need anything.¡± Then the caretaker came.


    ¡°Did you see my wife?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. I just came by to check if you need anything.¡± She looked around. ¡°But my bike is missing.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re bike?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. It was here when I leftst night.¡±


    We shared a look with Reed.


    ¡°She¡¯s somewhere in Kylian,¡± Reed announced.


    ¡°Thank you, Ada.¡± I rushed inside to change my clothes.


    When I came back, Reed was already in the SUV. ¡°She hates SUVs. We¡¯ll use the sedan.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Ipletely forget.¡±


    He drove us to the road. This city never ceased to amaze me. It was small but so lush with fresh air.


    ¡°Why was she angry with you?¡±


    I red at him.


    ¡°Look, personal matters between you are not my business. You know the drill. My job is her safety. She never wandered around, even in a new ce, without telling me.¡±


    ¡°You mean to say I failed her as a husband.¡± I snorted.


    ¡°No. She probably went for a coffee.¡±


    I thought for a moment. ¡°I think I know where she¡¯s going. And this ce is safe. I can guarantee you. She¡¯s at Teoni.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Coffee shop.¡± I redialed her number-this time, she picked up. I felt relief, even though her voice was harsh. She was really pissed at me. I couldn¡¯t me her.


    ¡°I have to change. I have to hang up now.¡±


    ¡°Why did you say that?¡± Reed asked me, confused.


    ¡°I wanna make sure she can¡¯t go far in the bike. She sounds like she doesn¡¯t wanna talk to me.¡± I clenched my jaw hard as I shook my head. ¡°Linus. Jesus Christ. She feels abandoned. And I should have been there for her.¡±


    ¡°Where do you think you are if not with her? Give yourself some credit, Cade. You¡¯ve been a good partner and will be a good husband. Go easy on yourself.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to tell her. And I hate keeping secrets from the people I love.¡±


    ¡°d to hear that.¡± A smile curved up his lips.


    ¡°You can park here.¡± As soon as the car stopped, I jumped out and crossed the street.


    I quickly found Teoni at the counter when I entered the coffee shop. What I liked about her ce was that it reminded me of home. That was why I always came back when I was in Burkhese.


    After our pleasantries, I realized London had been watching me all this time. I joined her at the table. She was still so mad at me. That re alone could slice me in half. And that left me no choice.


    ¡°My dad was working with your dad to set us up.¡±


    ¡°What? That¡¯s impossible. Tate would never do that.¡±


    ¡°Really? Why¡¯d you say that?¡±


    ¡°Why would he help my father tie his only son into this ridiculous marriage?¡±


    ¡°Ridiculous?¡± I was offended. I clenched my jaw hard until I could bear the pain in my chest.


    She closed her eyes for a moment. ¡°You know what I mean. At first, yes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s stillmon in many wealthy people to strengthen their business connections, to keep the business running, but in my case, I¡¯m not rich. Not even close. They make sure-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna hear about it. Why did Tate do that?¡±


    ¡°Dad owed your father money.¡± I looked around. ¡°Can we talk somewhere else?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong if we talk here?¡±


    ¡°I wanna talk in some ce with fewer people.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll just talk.¡±


    ¡°Yes, baby. Why do you sound like you don¡¯t trust me anymore? Are you scared of me?¡± I held her hand.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, okay? I don¡¯t want to drag you into this. If possible, I want to solve the issues without you knowing.¡±


    ¡°Why? Why would you do that alone?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna see you worried, in pain, crying, and you look like you¡¯ve been crying. And it hurts to see you like this?¡±


    ¡°I wanna know everything, Striker.¡±


    ¡°You never called me by my name.¡± Again, it hurt.


    ¡°I just want you to listen to me. I may be younger than you, but I can handle things. I don¡¯t want any more shocking news. I¡¯m not that brat girl anymore.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I squeezed her hand. ¡°You¡¯re the strongest and most capable woman I¡¯ve ever met, Vanderford.¡±


    When my coffee arrived, I rose from the chair. ¡°Can we go now?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I took the te of her uneaten cinnamon roll and brought it to the counter. ¡°Teoni, can you prepare us a pic basket?¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Sure. I know exactly what I¡¯m going to put in it.¡± She looked at my wife before she came to me. ¡°Is she really taken?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s off-limits, Teoni. Sorry.¡± I chuckled as I handed her my card. ¡°We¡¯ll be waiting outside.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t share?¡± I knew she was messing with me.


    ¡°Never. Get another woman.¡±


    I held London¡¯s hand as we walked out of the shop. We crossed the street where there were some gift shops.


    ¡°I was here, but I didn¡¯t have their currency.¡±


    ¡°They ept cards, baby.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°They also ept crypto. Capria is technologically advanced as well.¡± We entered a flower shop first. This was not exactly how I brought her flowers, but she was easy to please. If there was one thing I loved about London, small and thoughtful things made her smile more than an extravagance.


    ¡°Peonies, tulips, and roses, please? All in white.¡±


    ¡°Are those for me?¡± she asked in almost a whisper.


    ¡°For my wife, baby.¡±


    ¡°Am I your mistress?¡± The salesdy just heard her and looked at us.


    ¡°We¡¯re married, ma¡¯am,¡± I told her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not judging, sir. Wait. I know you. You¡¯re Teoni¡¯s friend.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Good to see you again, sir.¡± She was about to wrap the flowers when London pointed at the paper.


    ¡°I like it in the paper, please?¡±


    ¡°Sure, dear.¡± She did it with ease and gave it to London.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Her smile was bright, as if she had just received the most precious gift. After I paid for the flowers, we went to the souvenir shop.


    She bought some bracelets and insisted on paying for them. In the bookstore, I paid for a history book she chose.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take the bike. You two can use the car,¡± Reed suggested.


    ¡°I wanna ride the bike,¡± London expressed.


    ¡°Just follow us,¡± I told Reed. ¡°Did you get the basket?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    London looked at me and back to the bike. ¡°This can¡¯t take us wherever you wanna go.¡±


    ¡°It will.¡± I pointed at the couple riding a bike.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°Hey, lovebirds. Use mine.¡±


    ¡°Yes! I¡¯ll return it, promise.¡± London went to hug Teoni. ¡°Thanks so much.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. If you¡¯re done with him,e and find me.¡±


    I shook my head in amusement.


    London and I rode on different bikes. We finally hit the road. I wanted her to join me on the bike, but I also wanted her to have fun. And I was nning to take her to the scarp.


    ¡°Just take it slow, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°You worry too much, Cade. I rode a bike since I was three.¡± The more I told her to take it slow, the more she did the opposite. Judging by her grin, she was nning on something.


    Good thing this part of the road had fewer vehicles passing, and she listened when I told her to wear a helmet.


    ¡°Baby, you¡¯re gonna hurt yourself.¡±


    ¡°Jeez. You only live once. Have fun, Cade!¡± She lifted her hands as we headed toward the slope.


    I blew a breath. My heart beat so hard. I was worried she would fall and get hurt.


    Reed slowed down as he followed us from behind. He lowered the window and shook his head. ¡°For God¡¯s sake. You¡¯re more like a father to her than a husband. You¡¯re on your honeymoon, dumbass. Let her have some fun.¡±


    ¡°Get fucking lost!¡±

 Chapter 46

    LONDON


    I couldn¡¯t remember I had this feeling. I got to say. I had never had this fun in a long time.


    When you were a daughter of a man like Linus Vanderford, you wouldn¡¯t experience childhood like normal girls. I always wanted to get my hands dirty, have a bruise on my knee, get home soaked with rain, and not be sent and picked up by nannies or driven home by a driver, or stalked around by a bodyguard, or have friends that only mattered to them were themselves, and if they had time, they focused on their dress, on their phones and social media.


    I was grateful I had Neke. I was able to experience true friendship with her.


    I got off the bike as we arrived at the ce Striker was talking about. The cliff was breathtaking. I felt like I was brought back to the time of Poldark in Kynance Cove with the pristine turquoise sea and the fresh and salty smell of the breeze.


    ¡°This is beautiful,¡± I said as Striker came to me. I took a lot of snaps and nned to upload themter.


    ¡°One of the best views in Burkhese.¡±


    ¡°How did you find this ce anyway?¡±


    ¡°I brought my girlfriend here,¡± he said without hesitation.


    ¡°On the other thought, I changed my mind.¡± I went back to pick up the bike. ¡°I wanna go home, shower, and read a book.¡±


    All of a sudden, Striker barked outughing. His voice echoed throughout the ce. ¡°And here I thought you don¡¯t get jealous.¡±


    ¡°And you find my reaction funny? Asshole.¡± I scowled at him.


    He was still smiling, making fun of me. ¡°I was kidding. I just wanna see your reaction. Princess Carlott loves toe here often. That¡¯s how I found this ce.¡±


    Reed brought our basket here since the car couldn¡¯te up close. ¡°You two, have fun. I¡¯ll go by the seashore and pick up some seashells.¡± He walked awayughing.


    ¡°Thanks, man.¡±


    He spread the nket on the grass and took off his shoes. ¡°Come here, baby.¡± He then put down the flowers he had bought for me, the red wine, different kinds of cheese, Italian sandwiches, fresh grapes, and pastries. He quickly uncorked the wine, poured it into a ss, and then offered it to me.


    I was still annoyed, but I took the ss from him. I had to sit beside him. Otherwise, I would miss the most spectacr view.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been moodytely. Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± I took a sip of the wine. It had a good bnce of sweetness and bitterness with a hint of vani, but it was vorful.


    ¡°Try this.¡± He put a slice of sandwich on the paper te and gave it to me. I was hungry since I had not eaten anything sincest night and didn¡¯t touch my cinnamon roll.


    ¡°Did I really ruin our honeymoon?¡± There was a hint of dismay in his voice. He poured a ss of wine for himself and grabbed a slice of the sandwich. He took a bite of it, and I knew it was delicious.


    ¡°Slight.¡±


    ¡°Do I still have a chance to fix it?¡±


    ¡°This is delicious.¡± I ignored his question. Instead, I checked the sandwich.


    ¡°I will make it like that for you when we get home. You didn¡¯t answer my question.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I chose not to.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t like it when you don¡¯t tell me my mistake, and we can¡¯t leave our issue unsolved, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re gonna say that I haven¡¯t anticipated.¡±


    ¡°I apologize for not telling youst night. I was exhausted. We both were, and I didn¡¯t wanna talk to you about it when we were drained.¡±


    ¡°You already apologized.¡±


    ¡°I will still do it again until we¡¯re okay, Vanderford. I couldn¡¯t afford to see you mad at me for long.¡±


    ¡°Fine. Give me my cinnamon roll.¡±


    There was a surprised look on his face, but he put the roll on my te. ¡°Are we good?¡±


    ¡°We can make it work since our parents yed matchmaking for us. I¡¯m afraid my father is nning on something.¡±


    ¡°Did you find out what it is?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not good at spying, Cade. I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°I know, baby.¡± He leaned close, stroking my cheek with his thumb, and then he kissed me, and my world stood still. He kissed me in a romantic ce with a romantic setting, and there was only us. I felt like I was brought to a romance novel.


    Before my toes went curling and butterflies fluttered in my stomach, I kissed him back. I wanted this, and we both wanted to be here, for each other, spending our honeymoon.


    He sighed against my lips, kissed me again, sweet and passionate, and nted a kiss on my forehead. ¡°I will do everything to make it up to you.¡±


    We stared into each other¡¯s eyes briefly, our lips a thread apart, until a small smile broke out from me. He sighed again. I couldn¡¯t exactly figure out if he was disappointed or relieved.


    Before he could ease back, I cupped his head and pulled him closer to me. I kissed him this time passionately, licked the seam of his lips, and he granted me as he parted for me. He moaned into my mouth and lifted me onto hisp so that I could straddle him.


    We kissed as an apology. We kissed as if we were meant for each other. We kissed because we were so good together.


    When our lips lost contact, he held me on hisp, breaking into augh. Then he whispered, ¡°I want you right now, but we can¡¯t do it here.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I wanna punish you first and let you wait until I wanna sleep with you. Maybe in two or three nights.¡±


    He kissed me quickly. ¡°If I could wait for two years to have you, what two or three nights of waiting for as long as we¡¯re okay.¡±


    I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him tight. ¡°I¡¯m scared to be alone anymore. Don¡¯t leave me, Cade.¡±


    ¡°I would never leave or abandon you, baby.¡± He returned the hug.


    ¡°How can you be so sure you¡¯re into this rtionship?¡±


    ¡°Because I am still here, am I? And I ammitted to you. Nothing¡¯s going to change how I feel about you. I married you because I wanted to be with you. It has nothing to do with their deal, money, or how they set us up. It¡¯s my own decision.¡±


    We stayed on the cliff for a while. We watched the birds and the ocean as we shared our meal in serenity.


    I was the kind of person who was easy to please. I¡¯d like yachting, but I would still choose where I was right now, simple and romantic with the man I loved.


    He fed me grapes and cheese, and I still haven¡¯t eaten my roll. Before he could do that again, I picked it up and took a huge bite, making him smile.


    ¡°What? It¡¯s udylike?¡± I asked with my mouth full.


    ¡°For an udylike, you¡¯re by far the hottest woman talking with a mouth full of food.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you how I want to talk with my mouth full of something else.¡± He picked up quickly what I just said. I licked my lips, his gaze dropped, and his eyes instantly darkened.


    ¡°The anticipation is killing me.¡±


    We finally decided to go home when the sun started to prick my skin and get hotter, and I didn¡¯t apply sunscreen.


    We rode a bike together back to the cottage while Reed returned Teoni¡¯s bike.


    ¡°It was fun.¡±


    ¡°Not the honeymoon you expect, but I¡¯m d you enjoyed it.¡± He helped me out of the bike.


    ¡°Just you and me together? That¡¯s the dream honeymoon I ever wanted.¡±


    I went to shower alone while he was with Reed in the living. After I dried my hair, I went to join them.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t wait for me?¡± he asked as he came to my side.


    I blushed as I remembered what I had said earlier. ¡°The bathroom is made for a single person. And you should shower, sweetheart.¡± I wrinkled my nose.


    Reed went to the kitchen, stillughing.


    He kissed me on the neck and ran his tongue to my jaw. ¡°You might wanna shower again.¡±


    I yfully hit his thigh. ¡°Just go.¡±


    ¡°If you say so, Vanderford, I keep the door unlocked.¡± He got up and climbed upstairs.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I scrolled through the photos I had taken earlier. They were beautiful. I checked my Instagram. I still forgot to unfollow Magnus. His posts still appeared every time I opened the Ig.


    ¡°Wow.¡± I snorted. I didn¡¯t even know it was his birthday today. ¡°Thank God it was not the same day as my wedding day or my husband¡¯s birthday.¡±


    He posted a picture at the party surrounded by many girls I hadn¡¯t met before. I swiped left. He looked like he was drunk, but he seemed to have fun. Then he had a picture with another woman clinging to him.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I couldn¡¯t find the tags.


    I checked out the video he uploaded. ¡°Happy birthday to me! The best birthday in my twenty-six years!¡± The shot was too focused on his face. ¡°Thanks for the party, Ivy. You¡¯re the best.¡± He kissed the woman on the cheek.


    ¡°So, Ivy, huh?¡± While Magnus was still talking, I took a closer look at the video. Ivy looked different, though-there was something off about her. She was different than most women at the party.


    Ivy kissed him on the cheek. ¡°It¡¯s your birthday, Magnus. Happy birthday, birthday boy.¡±


    A gasp escaped my lips, and I swallowed hard. No. No. No. There was no way. ¡°If you want a party, just give me a call.¡± That woman was transgender, and his voice was still the same.


    The more I looked at her and listened to her voice, the more I felt like I was thrown into the freezing water. I shivered. I could feel the goosebumps erupt all over me. My fingers started shaking as I tried to rey the video over and over.


    ¡°This is not real.¡± My chin began trembling as if every horrible memory wasing back to me all at once.


    ¡°If your dad doesn¡¯t pay the amount I asked, I will send him your fingers one by one.¡±


    ¡°No. No. No. This is not happening.¡± I covered my mouth with my hand as I shook my head. ¡°Cade?¡± My voice squeaked. ¡°Cade?¡± I called him louder, but he didn¡¯t seem to hear me.


    The video stopped with Ivy¡¯s face. I threw the phone away, but I still saw his face.


    ¡°Striker!¡±

 Chapter 47

    STRIKER


    I was still in a towel when I heard London yelling my name, and she sounded terrified.


    I dashed outside the door and found her curling on the couch. ¡°Vanderford!¡± Climbing downstairs two steps at a time, Reed also rushed to her.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I knelt before her and pulled her hands away from her face. She was cold and shaking. Her face was wet with her tears. ¡°Hey. Tell me what happened.¡±


    She shook her head violently. Her eyes were still closed, but I could see how terrified she was by something she might have seen. She then threw herself to me, snaking her arms around my neck.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s gonna be okay.¡± I lifted her to myp as I sat on the couch.


    ¡°I¡¯m-I¡¯m scared. I thought I was okay.¡± Her voice was still shaky. At least, finally, she said something.


    ¡°I¡¯m here. You don¡¯t have to be scared. Can you tell me what happened?¡±


    She shook her head again.


    Reed put the phone on the coffee table, still puzzled. ¡°I¡¯ll get her water.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I sighed as I tried my best to calm her. Her fingers were cold as I pressed them against my lips. ¡°You need to tell me so that I can help, baby. We¡¯re in this together, remember? Reed is here to help us. I can call Linden toe if you want to guarantee you¡¯re safe and nobody can hurt you. I promise I will be right where you are.¡±


    Reed came back with a ss of water.


    I took it from Reed. ¡°Here, take a sip, and open your eyes. It¡¯s just me.¡±


    When she opened her eyes, the great fear was so deep in her eyes. I wiped the tears from her face, but they kepting. I nted a kiss on her cheek. ¡°I know you are stronger than you thought. To be able to help you, you should tell me something, baby.¡±


    I helped her put the ss of water to her lips as her hands still shook. She finally took a sip.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. Let¡¯s take it slow.¡±


    Her gaze dropped to her phone on the table, but she still looked frightened.


    ¡°Do you want your phone?¡±


    She shook her head.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Do you wanna call Neke? Or Linden?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Can I take you up?¡±


    ¡°I wanna stay here.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Take your time.¡± I sighed. I had a few ideas of what she¡¯d seen on the phone that triggered something from her past.


    She leaned her head against my shoulder and took a deep breath. ¡°I saw him, Cade. I saw him. It was him. I¡¯m sure of it.¡±


    ¡°Who? Who¡¯s he?¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s him.¡± She began sobbing in my arms. ¡°No matter how much he tried to change his face, I couldn¡¯t forget that voice. It still terrified me every time I went to bed.¡±


    I met Reed¡¯s gaze. He also looked shocked and confused.


    ¡°Where did you see him? Can you tell me?¡±


    ¡°On my Instagram. She talked.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s she, baby?¡± Confused, I grabbed her phone. It¡¯s locked.


    When she took the phone with her shaky hand, I wrapped my hands around hers. ¡°We can do itter.¡±


    She met me in the eyes and breathed deeply. She did it again before she spoke. ¡°No. I¡¯m done being scared. I¡¯m done being terrified. I¡¯m done being weak. I¡¯m not that woman from two years ago. I¡¯ll make sure he or whoever he is now can¡¯t or won¡¯t hurt me again.¡±


    ¡°Good. That¡¯s good.¡± I let her hands go. She unlocked her phone and scrolled through her Instagram. She then showed me a picture of a woman.


    ¡°Who¡¯s she, Vanderford?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s the one who kidnapped me?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I blinked in shock. ¡°Are you sure? But-¡±


    She nodded. Her eyes filled with tears again.¡±If your dad doesn¡¯t pay the amount I asked, I will send him your fingers one by one. That¡¯s what he said to me. I can¡¯t ever forget what he said.¡±


    ¡°But this is a woman, baby.¡±


    ¡°Her name is Ivy now.¡±


    ¡°Care to exin?¡± I was so confused. My mind was baffled.


    ¡°He changed his gender?¡± Reed said.


    London looked at Reed. ¡°It appears so. He¡¯s trans, but he may haven¡¯t gone Wendler glottosty or maybe sooner.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°A surgery to change the voice to feminine.¡±


    ¡°If he¡¯s gone through that surgery, he can get away with his crime,¡± Reed said.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± I took the phone and checked his photo again. I took screenshots then I noticed something. ¡°What the fuck?¡± I stared at London. ¡°It¡¯s Magnus¡¯ photo.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Reed asked me.


    ¡°That¡¯s what terrified me. What if he¡¯s been watching me all these years and befriended Magnus?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a friend of this asshole?¡± My blood began boiling. I hadn¡¯t told her what Magnus did in the restaurant.


    ¡°It looks like it.¡± She shrugged and wiped her tears. ¡°That asshole. How could he do this to me?¡±


    ¡°Maybe Magnus just met him recently. And your asshole ex took a video of me while I was in the restaurant with my father. He insulted me. He asked how I could afford a reservation at a restaurant like that one. He was with a woman, but not her. I¡¯m sure of that.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s slipped my mind. And honestly, I don¡¯t wanna waste my time talking about a guy like him.¡±


    I sent a copy of his photo to Linden and shared the video link. I gave the phone to Reed. ¡°Can you get a copy of this video? I wanna make sure we have copies before he could take it down.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°And call Linden. I sent him copies of the photo.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    ¡°Baby, can I wear something first?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°You¡¯re not even wearing underwear.¡±


    ¡°You noticed. Sorry.¡± I stood up the moment she sat on the couch.


    ¡°Reed, stay with her until I¡¯m back. Let me just wear my clothes.¡±


    Reed went to sit beside her. ¡°It¡¯s gonna be okay. He doesn¡¯t know where you are. Cade and I will protect you and probably the entire police in Burkhese.¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I put on my clothes and grabbed my phone. I had a call from Moses, but I would have to return a call once I was done with my current problem.


    ¡°Linden is on the line,¡± Reed said as I descended downstairs.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I took the phone from Reed. ¡°Are you free?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be enjoying your honeymoon?¡±


    ¡°Something came up. Did you check your email?¡±


    ¡°From London¡¯s business email, yes.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know it was her business email. Check the attachment.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I saw it. Who¡¯s the woman?¡±


    ¡°I want you to check her. A thorough full background check. I mean, thorough from his birth, childhood, his parents, where he came from, when did he change his gender, his ie, his previous and present job. I want to know what he eats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I want to know if he¡¯s seeing a doctor or therapist, his past rtionships, and his friends. Everything.¡±


    ¡°I know what thorough means, brother. What is it all about?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s probably our guy.¡±


    ¡°Our guy? The one we¡¯re working on?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Jackpot. How did you find out?¡±


    ¡°Check the ount who posted the picture and the video. London recognized his voice.¡±


    ¡°Is he a he or a she? I¡¯m confused.¡±


    ¡°She. I mean he. Whatever his gender now. He¡¯s trans. He probably changed his identity to get away from his crime.¡±


    ¡°Should I inform anyone? Your dad, your father, or Mr. Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°No. Keep this between us. When you find something concrete, you can inform the officer involved in the case.¡±


    ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll give you an update soon. You must have to shorten your honeymoon when I find something that can link to that motherfucker.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Linden.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me. You¡¯re my brother. How¡¯s she doing?¡±


    ¡°Shaken up, but she¡¯s strong and gonna be okay.¡±


    ¡°I got to go. I have works to do.¡±


    ¡°Bye.¡±


    I followed her when she decided to go to the room. I cuddled her in my arms as wey in bed. She calmed down a little, but I knew she tried hard to look okay.


    ¡°Do you wanna talk about it?¡±


    ¡°Are you my therapist now?¡±


    ¡°Sorry. I just want you to talk to me.¡±


    ¡°Just kidding.¡±


    I lifted her chin so that she could see me. Her hazel eyes locked mine as she looped her hand around my neck. ¡°I won¡¯t let anything happen to you.¡±


    ¡°I know. I¡¯m grateful.¡±


    ¡°I will always be here for you. You need me, or you don¡¯t. Just remember that.¡±


    She tilted her head and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. I kissed her back, deepening until it was opened mouth kiss. Our tongues tangled each other. I moved my mouth across her jaw to her neck.


    My hand came forward to palm her breast, and her nipple peaked, sensitized to my touch. Then I dragged my body down until her tits were at eye level. Lifting her shirt, I dipped my head in, and she pushed her chest forward to my opened mouth. I captured her tit and teased her sensitive nipple with my tongue.


    Moaning softly, she wrapped her leg around me, pushing her soft body against mine as an invitation. I traced my fingers up and down between her thighs before slipping my hand into the waistband of her shorts. With my mouth sucking her nipple, my finger stroked her throbbing clit before I slipped into her pulsing wet pussy.


    London shuddered, throwing back her head at the first pration of my finger. I added another, moving in and out. She grew wetter instantly, thrusting her hips into my fingers. I kept my mouth sucking between tits, nipping the tout pick between my teeth.


    I was so hard as steel. My hips rolled to her leg of their own ord as waves of pleasure rolled through me, meshing with my devotion for her.


    ¡°Sweetheart. Cade,¡± she hummed my name. Her body began to tremble. Her breaths were broken, panting.


    Fulfilled something deep inside me, I groaned against her tit as I fastened my thrust. She purred, stilled, and came around my fingers, making her bodynguid.


    I pulled my fingers out and let go of her breast before I brought my creamed-coated fingers into my mouth.

 Chapter 48

    LONDON


    Rome¡¯s private ind was paradise. The ce had so much privacy that it would take an hour from the maind via boat. And the beach house was just incredible. It was so pristine that I didn¡¯t want to go home.


    We arrived yesterday, and I hadn¡¯t gotten up from bed other than to the bathroom. Striker spoiled me so much.


    When I woke up this morning, he was carrying a breakfast tray and a flower he tucked behind my ear. He was so sweet and thoughtful. He made love to me and fucked me until I couldn¡¯t move a muscle.


    Right now, I was still in bed, smiling like crazy as I remembered what we had done after our dinner. Striker tied me in bed but promised not to blindfold me.


    I was teasing him that I wanted him to be rough with me, and he never resisted. It was a new experience, but I loved the fact that he was still willing to do something, even for me was out of the box.


    It was noon, and I was still naked in bed. The ss door was opened to the veranda that overlooked the blue ocean. The white curtain danced to the breeze.


    I felt the bed dip. The next thing that happened was a wet kiss on my naked butt cheek and a bite that made me gasp.


    ¡°Hungry?¡± he asked me as he went on my back, massaging my aching muscles as if he was sure they were sore.


    ¡°Not for food, though.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± That was all I heard as he continued massaging my back.


    ¡°Oh, God. That feels so good. What is it that you¡¯re not good at?¡± I moaned as he paid attention to the straining muscles just above my shoulders. ¡°Down my spine, please?¡±


    ¡°Do you want a spa? There¡¯s one in the maind.¡± He pressed his thumbs where I just wanted most.


    ¡°No. This is your fault anyway. So make it go away.¡±


    ¡°My fault, huh?¡± He spanked my butt cheek, making me yelp.


    ¡°What was that for?¡± I rolled over so that I could face him.


    His gazended on my chest. He proudly smirked as he saw the red spots on my breasts and tummy.


    ¡°You mark me, jerk.¡± He was stronger than me, no doubt, and easily held me in ce as he hovered and hauled me tightly with his body. Before I could kick him, he pinned my legs with his.


    Striker had an athletic build, not beefy, but all muscles, making him heavier than me.


    ¡°You just call me a jerk.¡± He effortlessly spread my thighs apart and settled himself in the middle. He was already hard grazing his shaft against my now aching clit, allowing me to feel his desire, and I was already powerless against his assault.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked as he pinned my hands on both sides. My skin tingled everywhere.


    ¡°I want you. Can you feel me?¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Cade, I don¡¯t have the strength for another orgasm.¡±


    He barked intoughter. ¡°Didn¡¯t I promise I would fuck until you can¡¯t walk? You teased me a lot and gave me a hard-on every fucking day, baby. I deserve more than one hundred orgasms in our honeymoon.¡±


    ¡°What are you? A horse?¡± I tried to push him away, but I was wasting my time and strength and started getting wet. ¡°Damn it.¡± I always lost my self-control when I was with him.


    ¡°A mustang.¡± He smirked. My hand itched to shut it off. He enjoyed torturing me because he knew I would still scream in pleasure in the end, and he knew my body pretty well.


    He continued dragging his cock against my opening to my throbbing clit as he watched the reaction on my face with pride.


    I wiggled. I already ached for him. I felt like I was on the verge of ecstasy, yet, it felt unreachable. He clearly knew how to tease me and drive me crazy.


    I bent my knee and moved my hips as I ached so much. I wanted more of him. I wanted him inside me. I wanted more friction, but he barely gave it to me.


    ¡°You want me, baby? Just say it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, asshole.¡± My eyes narrowed.


    He didn¡¯t look offended. Instead, he smashed his mouth against mine, making me gape as he bit my bottom lip. With one move of his hips, his cock was inside me, filling me, stretching me, burying deep, bottoming out, ming my raging needs.


    I felt so full. Striker was so hard and big, but I sighed in delight as he started thrusting hard.


    ¡°I would never deny you. I¡¯m a thoughtful and generous husband, Vanderford. Just enough of calling names.¡±


    ¡°I deserve it after you teased me, pighead.¡±


    He stopped. ¡°Not as stubborn as you, but you won¡¯t stop it, don¡¯t you?¡± He kissed my nose, chin, and forehead but remained fixed in his position.


    I wrapped my leg around his waist. I was desperate. I was making an effort because it made me grumpy if I wouldn¡¯te. ¡°Damn it, Cade. Stop it.¡±


    ¡°Stop what? You don¡¯t wannae?¡±


    ¡°God.¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°I wannae, dumbass. If your ass is too heavy, roll us over. I wanna be on top.¡±


    He kissed me again, smiling against my lips. ¡°You ached for me too much, Vanderford?¡±


    ¡°I hate you.¡±


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t, baby. You want me as if your life depends on it.¡±


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll be a stone beneath you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re impatient.¡± He barely finished his words, and he began rocking my world. He held my knees together and pounded into me so hard my breasts jiggled. The bed rattled.


    I stifled my moan, but my body was on fire. My orgasm was just around the corner. He knew it. I could feel it.


    ¡°Fuck, baby. You feel so fucking good. I can¡¯t ever get enough of you.¡± Like a feral animal, he groaned louder as he struck me harder and faster. The intensity coiled tight at the base of my spine.


    A moan broke out from me as I lost myself in pleasure. I rocked my hips against him, meeting ourselves in the middle. He was also closed. His eyes darkened. His forehead glistened with sweat. His jaw clenched hard while groaning in pleasure.


    He changed the angle, sinking deeper as he could, rolling his hips.


    My eyes rolled.


    My body twitched.


    ¡°Come around me, baby,¡± he grunted out. He didn¡¯t finish his sentence. Every muscle in his body seized. And my orgasm shattered through me with a cataclysmic force.


    As the lock of my inner muscles around him, it didn¡¯t take long for him to break his control.


    ¡°God, London!¡±


    ***


    I finally got off the bed. We watched the sundown together with our wine.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ready to go home and face my pending work,¡± I told him the truth.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to work immediately. Take some more days off.¡±


    ¡°I want to, sweetheart, but I can¡¯t depend on all my work to the team.¡±


    ¡°You work so hard. You¡¯re just human, baby, or you¡¯d be exhausted and can¡¯t enjoy what you love doing. Even a boss also needs a break. I know how much your job means to you, but you also have to take care of yourself.¡±


    ¡°I know. Any news from Linden?¡± I¡¯d been dying to hear an update, but I didn¡¯t ask Striker unless he told me.


    ¡°Not yet. It¡¯s just been two days. And don¡¯t worry. He knows what he¡¯s doing.¡± He pressed his lips against the side of my head. ¡°When we go home, I¡¯ll help out.¡±


    ¡°You also have a job.¡±


    ¡°Moses also wants me in thepany.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡± I looked at him. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Still undecided. At the same time, it¡¯s a good start for my learning. Dad also needs me in the design.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re torn between two incredible jobs. Wow.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m humbled, but it also puts me in a difficult spot. Moses¡¯ offer isn¡¯t exactly a proper job, but I¡¯m thrilled, and it¡¯s scary at the same time. When you are a son of the chairman, all eyes are on you, judge you, watch you make a mistake, and crucify you to be nepo. But at the end of the day, people will still criticize you no matter what you do in life. That¡¯s the sad reality, so we just have to do what makes us happy.¡±


    ¡°I know the pressure, sweetheart. I feel it every day, but I do what I do and be the best I can be. To hell with them. I work hard, and it should earn a little respect from them.¡±


    ¡°I admire your resilience and conviction.¡± He chuckled. ¡°I also need a job that pays well. I¡¯m not single anymore, you know. I have a wife to take care of her needs, buy her gifts once and a while, go on a dinner date with her, pay the house bills.¡±


    ¡°Take care of my needs, huh?¡± I looked at the lock bangle matching the ring he gave me. It was beautiful.


    ¡°I wanna make you happy.¡±


    ¡°If you can find another word of what I feel right now, go ahead, buddy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a man. What¡¯s down here?¡± He pointed between his thighs. ¡°Is your buddy.¡±


    I giggled. ¡°I like him, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°I know you do.¡± He smiled at me and kissed me on the lips. ¡°I¡¯m happy, baby. I¡¯m truly honored to be your husband.¡± Before he could kiss again, his phone rang.


    When he checked the caller ID. It was Linden. I suddenly felt nervous because I knew what disappointment was like. I didn¡¯t want to feel it right now while I was deliriously happy.


    ¡°Hey. What¡¯s up?¡±


    I tried not to listen, but I couldn¡¯t shut it off.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Striker pulled me closer to him. ¡°What do you mean? Are you sure it¡¯s the same person?¡±


    He listened to Linden from the other line. I felt like this call wasn¡¯t good news.


    ¡°That motherfucker. He can¡¯t get away with his crime. I¡¯ll make sure of it.¡±

 Chapter 49

    STRIKER


    Linden had been off my radar for two days, but I knew he was working hard to give me the information I requested, even if he was also running the firm. He was good at extracting people¡¯s dirty past. He¡¯d proven it many times. So I gave him enough time.


    At the same time, I grew restless each time I didn¡¯t hear from him. When he called tonight, I knew he found something to put the bastard behind bars. The other three, his aplices, were murdered before they could talk, probably by him so he could run away with twenty million dors.


    ¡°Calm down. I¡¯m still gathering intel.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡±


    ¡°I got his yearbook. Before he became Ivy Jones, the man was Ivan Millers, a college dropout taking information technology. His father died when he was three. He lived alone with his mother, whoter married an alcoholic. When he turned eighteen, he left his home and mother behind with the alcoholic stepfather. His mother lost her job five yearster when apany filed for bankruptcy and was bought by the new owner. She lost the house, her husband left her, and she lived in the shelter until she was stabbed to death.¡±


    ¡°Jesus Christ. So, traumatic past, but that didn¡¯t give him the liberty to hurt and kill people. Who bought thepany?¡± I shouldn¡¯t have asked because I got the feeling that I knew who did.


    ¡°You know who.¡±


    I gritted my teeth. The kidnapping could be an act of revenge. ¡°Jesus. Do we have evidence to link him to that crime? Why don¡¯t you ask that other asshole how did they meet?¡±


    ¡°Magnus is already on our radar, but I can¡¯t afford to spook him. Somehow, he¡¯s the only person that gets in touch with Millers.¡±


    ¡°Or he could also be in danger. What else do you have? When did he change his identity? How about his financial statements? You said he moved out when he turned eighteen and is a college dropout. What does he do now?¡±


    ¡°From what I gathered, he found his grandmother, left him a property when she died.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s pretty convenient, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°Just give me more time, but I¡¯ll make sure he can¡¯t get away with this. I promise you that, brother. I already talked to the detective about this.¡±


    ¡°He probably keeps his millions in the Caymans or somewhere in the Middle East and uses Haw. I have a strong feeling about this that he¡¯s the right guy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep you posted. Tell London that she doesn¡¯t have to worry about it. We¡¯ll catch this bastard.¡±


    I looked at London. She was listening to me the entire time. I didn¡¯t put my conversation with Linden on speaker because I didn¡¯t want to make her worry.


    ¡°Thanks, Linden.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you next week.¡±


    ¡°Probably sooner. I¡¯ll let you know.¡±


    ¡°See you soon then. Bye.¡±


    I drew a deep breath as I squeezed her into a hug. ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to feel. I¡¯m a little terrified that he¡¯s gonna disappear.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. He can¡¯t get away this time. I will ask help from my father if I need to.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for doing this.¡±


    I cupped her face. ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me. This is what a husband should do. And I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and to make sure that you don¡¯t have to look over your shoulder all the time.¡± I kissed her on her lips. ¡°And I want you to sleep peacefully without thinking there¡¯s someone watching you in the dark.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s head inside. It¡¯s getting chilly. I don¡¯t want your buddy to get frostbite.¡± That crackled me.


    ¡°That would be horrible. If he gets sick, you¡¯ll be in trouble, too.¡±


    She rolled her eyes as she got up from the bench. ¡°I¡¯ll buy a dildo. A huge one.¡±


    My smile faded. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should be offended, but knowing you wanna buy a dildo my size, that¡¯s ttering and maddening. I still have fingers. You like them too, my mouth and tongue that you enjoyed a lot thest time I used it on you.¡±


    ¡°Jeez. You¡¯re so dirty. I can¡¯t believe you have an ego the size of Texas.¡± She turned on her heels and walked away from me.


    I grinned as I followed her to the house. ¡°Am I wrong?¡±


    ¡°Just shut up, you self-absorbed narcissistic.¡±


    I was still smiling as I pulled her to me. ¡°This self-absorbed narcissistic has taken you to heaven and back and given you the best orgasms of your life.¡±


    ¡°Thest time I checked, my vibrator worked just fine. And the orgasms were okay, in my opinion.¡±


    ¡°I doubt that. Your dildo will never give you the same satisfaction, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°I had orgasms, Cade. That¡¯s what matters most.¡±


    ¡°So now, you¡¯re saying you don¡¯t need me anymore.¡±


    ¡°For now.¡± She jerked out of my embrace to get away from me.


    ¡°For now? So we¡¯re good forter, baby?¡±


    ¡°Get your mind out of the gutter, Cade. I¡¯m tired, and I need a beauty rest.¡±


    ***


    I called my Dad the following day while waiting for the coffee to brew. London was still sleeping. I believed when she told me she was exhausted. As soon as shey in bed, she fell asleep right away.


    ¡°Son, it¡¯s good to hear from you.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Dad. How have you been?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Striker. I¡¯d been meaning to call you, but I know you were having fun, and I didn¡¯t want to butt in on your honeymoon. This can wait until you¡¯re back.¡±


    ¡°What do you wanna talk about?¡±


    ¡°I know your father offered you a job.¡±


    ¡°How did you know?¡± I stopped pouring coffee into the cup.


    ¡°We met the other day. He wanted you to get involved in the family business.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Cade Premium is also a family business, Dad. What did you say?¡±


    ¡°I know this day woulde. I think it¡¯s time for you to learn and develop your skills and talent. You¡¯re born for this. And you can¡¯t run away from who you are, Striker. You deserve more as much as I would love you in my wings. ept the job.¡± Of course, Dad would tell me to consider because he always had dreamed big for me, and everything he did was in my best interest.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know what it is yet. He mentioned it once, and I thought it was a consultant job, but I haven¡¯t thought about it. Before considering working in the Hover, I wanted to talk to you first.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think twice.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what¡¯s the job?¡±


    ¡°Research and Development.¡± Shit. I knew exactly why he wanted to put me there.


    ¡°R&D? Why in the hell would he want me to work there? I mean, I¡¯m notining. The job is huge, but that¡¯s too huge for me. I don¡¯t have that kind of knowledge. I¡¯m ID, for God¡¯s sake. Now, I¡¯m bing a nepo after all.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the son of the Chairman and the controlling shareholder. What do you expect? That you will be working in the factory?¡±


    I took a sip of the coffee and sat on the stool. I wanted to roll my eyes. ¡°That¡¯s probably a good idea. And I just remember something, Dad, that I got my MBA at the camp. I want to work from the bottom and work my ass off to the top.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re twenty-eight. Stopining. R&D is good for your brain. You have so many ideas that need to be put out there. CZ made his billion-dor crypto exchange without an MBA. So stop whining and take the job.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s London, by the way? Has she talked to her father?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and they have a fallout. I told her to give Linus some time. He¡¯lle around.¡±


    ¡°Poor, girl. I feel terribly awful. I need to apologize to her.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She doesn¡¯t keep grudges against you.¡±


    ¡°So you and your wife are good?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Why?¡±


    ¡°Well, now that you know what we did. I expected London to hate me.¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t hate you, Dad.¡± I suddenly felt hands snaking around your waist. ¡°You can talk to her. I¡¯ll put the phone on speaker.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± London whispered.


    ¡°Dad.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Hey, Tate. I can¡¯t wait to see you.¡±


    ¡°Hey, honey. You should enjoy your honeymoon. Where are you both right now?¡±


    ¡°At Rome¡¯s private ind. It¡¯s beautiful here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you are having fun.¡±


    ¡°We are, Tate. And your son takes care of me, by the way.¡±


    ¡°He should be. London, honey.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I wanna apologize for what I did, for getting involved in setting this marriage.¡±


    ¡°Please, no need to apologize. Cade is a good guy. You did me a huge favor for not dating many assholes. Sorry for the word. But I¡¯m d you did.¡± She looked at me. ¡°And your son needs his ego to get in check. I think I gave him too manypliments.¡± Sheughed out loud.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m a good guy, andpliments areing from you. That¡¯s a booster of my confidence.¡±


    ¡°Hear that? That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pleased to hear that you both get along well.¡±


    ¡°Too well, Tate. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take care of this big fe.¡± She poked my abdomen.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for both of you. You and my son deserve to be happy.¡±


    ¡°So do you, Tate. I want you to be happy, too. Maybe it¡¯s time for you to go out there and have fun.¡±


    ¡°Toote for that, honey. As long as I see a smile on my son¡¯s face, that¡¯s my happiness. Anyway, I don¡¯t want to take too much of your time. You better start your breakfast or go snorkeling.¡±


    ¡°I love you, Dad. See you soon.¡±


    When the call ended, I turned to face my wife, cupped her head, and kissed her so hard. She groaned in annoyance. When I let her go, she was ring at me.


    ¡°What? I can¡¯t kiss you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re like a rabid wolf.¡±


    ¡°So, you only enjoy this rabid dog in bed.¡±


    ¡°Jeez.¡± Then she just surprised me. Before she went to grab herself a cup, she grabbed my dick first, squeezing her buddy, and I could see the smirk on her face before she let my dick go.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought. You¡¯re fond of this rabid wolf.¡±

 Chapter 50

    LONDON


    ¡°Wee back!¡± Neke gushed as soon as I entered the office floor.


    ¡°Oh, my God!¡± I yelped as the confetti popped right into my face. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    When I arrivedst night, I only told Neke because I had to go to work. I could already picture my pending work piling on top of my desk. My honeymoon phase was over. I was back to the reality of my life.


    As much as I¡¯d love to cuddle and make love to my husband, I had a job waiting for me, and I needed to work hard for my savings now that Dad had left me hanging.


    ¡°Congrattions, Mrs. Cade!¡± my staff chorused as I walked through the aisle. They were throwing petals at me as if I had just got married.


    ¡°Wow. You guys take this surprise to a whole new level.¡± I nced at them one by one. ¡°Thank you so much. And thank you so much for keeping this under wraps.¡±


    They apuded before they went back to work.


    ¡°How are you?¡± I followed Neke as she pushed the door to my office.


    ¡°Me? Nothing interesting happened. Unlike you.¡± She looked at me from head to toe. ¡°You are glowing, girl. Damn, he must have been so good in showering you with-¡± She pursed her lips to hide her wicked smile. I knew she was thinking dirty right now. It was all over her face.


    ¡°Showered me with that?¡±


    ¡°Gifts? Kisses?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± I arched a brow as I dropped my bag on the desk.


    ¡°You look happy. That¡¯s all I want to say. You¡¯re madly in love with the white knight.¡±


    ¡°Stop calling him that.¡±


    ¡°Try me. You two had fun?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Did you go out on a date while I was away?¡± I folded my arms over my chest as I watched her twitch. ¡°So, you¡¯re seeing someone, huh?¡±


    ¡°No. It was just one time.¡±


    ¡°But he asked for your number. Is he cute?¡±


    ¡°Shut up. I won¡¯t see him again.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± I stared at her. ¡°What are you scared of? You¡¯re beautiful and awesome. Why don¡¯t you give it a try if he wants to see you again? If some asshole broke your heart, men are not the same, Neke. Look at Magnus and Cade.¡± The image of Magnus and Ivy shed before me. I quickly pushed it out of my head.


    ¡°I¡¯m enjoying casual sex for now. I¡¯m not ready to enter a serious rtionship.¡±


    ¡°Well, when you meet the right guy for you, no matter how hard you try to ignore and run away from the right person, fate will still find a way for both of you to be together. Trust me. You will still fall in love. Hard, but he will be there to catch you.¡±


    She hugged me. ¡°I guess that¡¯s what happened between you two and white knight, huh? Well, you look happy, and I can see he¡¯s a good man. I¡¯m happy for you.¡±


    I hugged her back. ¡°I know you will find the ck or white knight for you.¡±


    ¡°Not looking forward to it, but whatever.¡±


    ¡°So tell me, what¡¯s new?¡± I went to my chair.


    ¡°You will be checking the store. It will be done by the end of the week. So the grand opening will be by next month.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    ¡°Anything new in my schedule for today?¡±


    ¡°I already put the new catalog on your desk. You will have the sales report by tomorrow. And the promo can still continue if you wish to. I don¡¯t wanna give you a butt load of work on your first day.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Neke. I think I still have jetg-¡±


    ¡°And another kind ofg.¡±


    ¡°Stop it.¡± I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Why?¡± She beamed. ¡°What¡¯s wrong if you had fun in bed? It¡¯s normal. You¡¯re newlyweds, and I could see that he got that.¡± She raised her arm, showing me her flexed biceps.


    ¡°Really, Neke? You really want me to tell you if the sex is good? And why do people think that honeymoon is all about sex?¡±


    ¡°Oh, best friend. You don¡¯t have to. You are the living proof it is.¡± She turned on her heels. ¡°I¡¯m going back to work. If you are bored, call me. I¡¯m taking you out to the cafe downtown.¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m gonna sit for a while. I missed this chair.¡±


    ¡°If you say so, Mrs. Cade.¡±


    Mrs. Cade. I couldn¡¯t help but smile as she shut the door behind her. I drew a deep breath before I browsed the new collection catalog.


    My gaze fell onto my rings. I was still pinching myself that I¡¯d been married for a week. Striker was a fantastic husband, a generous lover, a protector, a good listener, and an honest best friend.


    I picked up my phone. I was about to call him when I heard a knock. ¡°Come in?¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± My eyes widened to see who had just entered my office. I was already on my feet as I called his name.


    ¡°Party on your floor?¡± My husband just came to me with a bouquet of white flowers in his hand. He leaned down to kiss me on my lips. ¡°You miss your job, aren¡¯t you? You just tried hard not to show me while we were traveling.¡±


    ¡°Stop. I had a lot of fun. I deserved those days of freedom, away from work and just being with you. And the confetti outside was their way to wee me back.¡±


    ¡°For you. I was supposed to let it deliver, but I also wanna check my wife.¡±My wife. I still got butterflies in my stomach every time I heard the words my wife from him.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I smelled the mixed white flowers. ¡°They are beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Just like you, baby.¡± He sat on my desk, let me stand between his thighs, and his hands went to my butt. I tried hard not to respond to his touch because I was at work. Sexual innuendos and behavior wouldn¡¯t be tolerated during working hours.


    ¡°I know why you¡¯re here.¡± I hooked my arms around his neck. ¡°I¡¯m safe here. Reed is just around the corner. Nobody cane in and out without him knowing.¡±


    ¡°I know. I honestly just wanna see you. Don¡¯t work too hard, okay? I need that strength forter.¡± His lips curved up to a smirk.


    ¡°Is that a promise?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± His answer was pretty quick. ¡°I¡¯ll be home early. Dinner is on me.¡± I didn¡¯t resist when he told me we were going home to his house because that ce had grown on me already.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Oh, good, because don¡¯t ever expect me to cook or I burn the entire house. I can order food or call the chef, but other than that? Sorry, husband. We¡¯re gonna starve.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. We can hire a chef. And the fridge is stuck with chilled food, fresh fruits, dairy, and beverages. There are also cereals and gran, in case you want.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. I should learn cooking, you know.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how to brew coffee?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I know how to use a microwave, brew coffee, and operate appliances.¡± My eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Okay, baby. I was just messing with you. You don¡¯t have to be so defensive.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna see your father today?¡±


    He sighed deeply. ¡°I wanna see Linden first. I¡¯m meeting Dad tomorrow. Moses? I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ll have to see him outside the Hover first.¡±


    ¡°Okay, sweetheart. I don¡¯t wanna hold you too long. Besides, I have a lot of work to do.¡±


    ¡°Good luck.¡± He kissed me quickly before he let me go.


    Once he was gone, I informed Neke that we would see the boutique. On our way, I uploaded one of the pictures forwarded to me by the professional photographer we hired. It was simple, just us holding hands together. I added a caption-ourhearts as one.


    For the kin observers, they would notice I was wearing a white gown, and my engagement and wedding band were too obvious for them to miss it. I wanted to make a statement that I was happy where I was right now, and their opinion didn¡¯t matter whatever it was.


    We arrived at the outlet. The ss walls were already attached. The carpenters were still working on the selves.


    ¡°The size of the whole store was pretty big,¡± I told Neke. ¡°Kevin did a good job.¡±


    ¡°He did. The whole stalls are already reserved, and get the best spot near the entrance.¡±


    ¡°May I see theyout?¡± I asked one of these men.


    The blond took me to the small table. He exined the outline. ¡°Shelves, racks, over there are the disys. At the back is for the fitting rooms and stocks.¡± He pointed at my back. ¡°The cashier. Your nner told us everything is in white. This is the final color.¡±


    ¡°I like it already. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±


    I picked up some bills from my bags. ¡°We have to go. This is for your lunch.¡± I put some bills on top of the n. ¡°Just inform Kevin once it¡¯s done.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°New store?¡± Reed asked.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m excited and nervous at the same time.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be. It already looks good from the outside. Where to?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    ¡°I know a ce if you¡¯re not on a diet,¡± Reed said.


    ¡°What do you have in mind?¡±


    ¡°Sushi.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Neke literally gushed, making Reed smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s just sushi. What are you so excited about it?¡±


    ¡°When was thest time we had sushi together?¡± When I couldn¡¯t reply, she pointed her finger at me. ¡°That¡¯s what I am talking about. But good to know Cade doesn¡¯t keep you to himself and let you maintain a strict diet.¡±


    ¡°Just at night, Miss Web,¡± Reed answered. ¡°Not the diet.¡±


    ¡°You know, you can call me Neke. Drop the formality.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you calling your Cade to join us for lunch?¡±


    ¡°My Cade? No. He¡¯s busy catching up on what he missed.¡±


    ¡°You two work so hard as if you don¡¯t have savings that couldst ten lifetimes. You should slow down and make a lot of babies instead. You can name them after the fifty-one states.¡±


    Then I remembered something. Crap.

 Chapter 51

    STRIKER


    ¡°Wee back, Cade. How¡¯s your honeymoon?¡± Linden gave me a brotherly hug with a back p.


    ¡°Thanks, and too short. I feel like I can still use another week, but I have a lot of things to do. How¡¯s everyone?¡±


    ¡°Sax and Kye are busy with their job. Others on assignment. That leaves me here alone.¡±


    I sat across his desk. ¡°What¡¯s thetest?¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°He¡¯s under surveince.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure he doesn¡¯t know it yet?¡±


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t think he is aware, or he¡¯s just too confident that no one will recognize her in New York with his new identity as a woman.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°But I think he¡¯s intimately involved with Magnus.¡±


    I stared at Linden in shock. ¡°What made you say that?¡±


    ¡°Magnus visited him twice in four days and left in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Magnus is gay?¡±


    ¡°Not necessary. He sees Ivy as a woman, so Magnus is straight.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how London will react to this?¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s she, by the way?¡±


    I sighed. ¡°Hanging in there.¡±


    ¡°Should I expect another good news?¡± He had a slight smile on his lips.


    ¡°What good news?¡±


    ¡°Are you nning on having a family?¡±


    ¡°Not now, but yeah. I wanna have kids if she wants.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but smile. Was I ready to be a father? I didn¡¯t know, but I wanted to have kids of my own one day.


    ¡°So you two haven¡¯t talked about it.¡±


    ¡°Not exactly, but the topic came up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for you, man.¡±


    ¡°I want you to go out there and have fun with women, brother. This is not real happiness. You¡¯ve been working so hard for years. You have enough money. You can invest in Hover if you like.¡±


    ¡°Easy for you to say. Braddson has billions, and your Dad is also fucking rich, but whatever you say, Cade. That¡¯s dopamine talking.¡± He put the folder on the top of the desk and pushed it to my front. ¡°That¡¯s all I have.¡±


    ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is you need a life outside the firm. And their money is not mine.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t trace his money. My guess is he hides it somewhere, still in cash. I can reach someone in the agency.¡±


    All of a sudden, I felt frustrated. ¡°We will catch him.¡± I flipped the folder open. ¡°He has only one parking ticket. I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s this clean.¡± I still couldn¡¯t believe Linus stopped working on catching that son of a bitch.


    ¡°Ivy is none. She paid her tax on time and has worked in an Adpany sincest year.¡±


    ¡°Beforest year?¡±


    ¡°Also, Adpany here in New York. But before that, Ivan was a delivery guy in one of the leading emercepanies in the world.¡±


    ¡°Then he stopped. Why? Because he had money. He might deliver his money in separate packages to a P. O. Box. There¡¯s no way to trace it. Damn it.¡±


    ¡°Hey. We made progress. Or he bought cryptocurrency.¡±


    ¡°And the more we can¡¯t track the money.¡± I sighed in frustration. ¡°If my wife asks you, just tell her we¡¯re making progress. I don¡¯t want to disappoint her. And we¡¯re actually making progress.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± He gave me a man envelope. ¡°Check that out. That¡¯s the closest I could get, or I would blow my cover.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, man. I¡¯ll write the check.¡±


    ¡°Save it. I will only take it when our job is done.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± I stood up.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°To see Dad.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to drive you there?¡±


    My eyes narrowed. ¡°Why?¡±


    He shrugged. ¡°Nothing. I just wannae with you.¡±


    ¡°Did Moses put you into this?¡±


    Heughed as he shook his head. ¡°No. You¡¯re my best friend, and my work for today is done. So I wanna tag along, dumbass.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Get your ass ready.¡± I walked out of his office with the envelope in my hand.


    I waited for Linden in the car when I felt like checking my Instagram. I posted the view I took from the veranda of the house, and then I added the picture of the cove in Burkhese with the caption, two more beautiful ces with you.


    I went to check London¡¯s ount and followed her. It was funny that she was already my wife before I got to follow her ount.


    ¡°I see.¡± I smiled as I clicked the heart button of the photo she had recently uploaded. It was from our wedding. I loved the caption.


    Linden joined me in the car. ¡°I¡¯m driving.¡±


    ¡°No way. This is my car.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too overprotective over this piece of shit.¡±


    ¡°Nah. But I¡¯m driving. Now buckle up.¡± I drove off the driveway to the main road.


    ¡°So, what were you doing when I got in?¡±


    ¡°I followed London on Instagram.¡±


    Heughed out loud. ¡°You¡¯re stalking your wife?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. I thought who are married couples didn¡¯t follow each other on social media. I just liked hertest post.¡±


    He took his phone and checked the app. ¡°Wow. That¡¯s new. Thest time you posted was when you arrived. And then this one. Nice. I can¡¯t wait to revisit Capria. How are the prince and the princesses?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re good.¡± I stopped at the red light. ¡°Maybe your destiny is in Capria.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe she¡¯s not born yet.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes you¡¯re an ass. How many weddings have you attended in less than five years?¡±


    ¡°Just shut up, Cade. I¡¯m happy for you, though. Let¡¯s just keep it that way.¡±


    The light turned green. I drove toward the busy street. ¡°I just don¡¯t want you to grow old and alone.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t push it.¡±


    I surrendered my hands before I held the steering wheel. ¡°Okay, man.¡±


    Thirty minutester, I parked the car. We headed to Dad¡¯s office.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you gonna start working here?¡±


    ¡°Not anymore. Dad wanted me to ept Moses¡¯ offer.¡±


    ¡°Wait. Are you going to work at the Hover? That¡¯s awesome, man.¡± He pped my back.


    ¡°What¡¯s so awesome about it?¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re a pilot. So you have chances of flying thosetest aircraft designs.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I will be focusing on research and desk jobs.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. You¡¯ll be the next-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± I warned him.


    ¡°In the next ten years, brother. Trust me.¡±


    I let go of a deep breath before I pushed my Dad¡¯s office door. I froze in my ce to see Linus sitting before my father. Before I could turn back, he already saw me. He looked surprised, but he didn¡¯t seem to look mad, though.


    ¡°Sir, good to see you here.¡± I went to shake his hand, and I didn¡¯t see any hesitation or anger in his eyes.


    ¡°Wee back, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Then I hugged Dad while Linden was shaking hands with him. ¡°Hey, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Good to see you, son.¡±


    ¡°You, too.¡±


    ¡°Tate.¡± Linden hugged my father before he went to the window to see the view outside.


    I sat next to Dad.


    ¡°When did you twoe back?¡±


    ¡°Last night. London is back to work.¡±


    ¡°So, I¡¯ve heard. How¡¯s she?¡±


    ¡°I think you should pay her a visit and settle whatever anger and dispute you both have for each other.¡±


    ¡°You have the audacity to tell me after you married my daughter without me?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°Well, in my defense, it shouldn¡¯t be up to me, isn¡¯t it? You both didn¡¯t give us a choice to choose our partners, and marriage is not something to y with. Did that ur to you before you roofied us? For the love of God, sir, marriage is not a business deal. This is a lifetime partnership andmitment. But, yeah, it¡¯s done. Wemitted to each other when I epted to marry her and put my ring on her finger. Now, let us be happy.¡±


    ¡°You seem to get along.¡± That was all he said. Unbelievable.


    ¡°Maybe we are lucky we like each other. And if there¡¯s, anyone to be med for this fallout is you and my Dad. I wanna say this one more time. This is our life now. We do it together, or we don¡¯t. That¡¯s how marriage works, in our terms. So I am here without her knowing that you are here. I want you to reconcile with your daughter, and it should start with you since you are the one who yed matchmaker between us.¡±


    He drew a deep breath before he looked away. ¡°She¡¯s mad at me.¡±


    ¡°Can you me her? She was crying the day you called her. She said you abandoned her. After what she¡¯d sacrificed for this marriage, that¡¯s how you treat her? That¡¯s so damn low, sir. I¡¯m sorry, but I have the right to protect my wife. Whatever it is you¡¯re after, you can¡¯t take it from me. I have nothing to offer you but give what I can to my wife.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    A few minutester, he asked to leave.


    Once he was gone, I faced Dad. ¡°What did you two talk about?¡±


    Dad suddenly looked guilty.


    ¡°Look, Dad. I¡¯m not mad. What you did back then, you thought, was for the better of Cade Premium. It¡¯s over now. Now tell me what he wants this time?¡±


    ¡°He wants to know if you¡¯re back.¡±


    ¡°So he knows we¡¯re back from you?¡±


    ¡°I think he knew before he dropped by.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Of course. Reed still works for him.¡±


    ¡°Then make him work for you. He¡¯s trustworthy enough.¡±


    ¡°Not right now. I¡¯m still working on something. What else did you two talk about?¡±


    ¡°About your rtionship with your father. I told him. They are civil but don¡¯t expect my son to be on our side after what we did to him. I¡¯m afraid if he fixes his issue with London, he¡¯s gonna use her again.¡±


    ¡°London is not stupid. She knows how to set limits. And I trust her.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡±


    ¡°She cares about me, Dad. She would never do something to jeopardize our marriage.¡±


    ¡°I know you two would work out.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s too early to say, but I¡¯m confident we can make things work between us, but I came here because I wanna talk to you about something.¡±


    Dad stole a nce at Linden.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I trust him with my life.¡±


    ¡°Okay. What is it all about?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay what you owe to Linus.¡±


    He was instantly on his feet. ¡°No. No, son. I will pay. I didn¡¯t tell you about it because I didn¡¯t want to involve you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dad, toote for that, and I made up my mind. You can¡¯t stop me. Just please, let me help you.¡±


    ¡°No, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Dad, please?¡± I would beg if I should, and it was time to give back what I owed him-everything I had.


    ¡°Where are you gonna get that amount?¡±


    ¡°Trust me. I¡¯m working on it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to borrow from your father?¡± Colors drained from his face the moment he realized he could be right. He was ashamed.


    ¡°No. I will ask him to give me.¡±


    His eyes grew wide in shock. ¡°Are you insane? Why would he give you such an amount?¡±


    ¡°If I¡¯ll ask you to give me ten million right now, will you give me?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered me quickly.


    ¡°Then I¡¯m confident he will.¡± I shrugged. ¡°He¡¯s my father, after all.¡±


    ¡°This is not you, Striker. Don¡¯t do this? Don¡¯t act so impulsive. And then he thinks you¡¯re only after his money.¡±


    ¡°Dad, if he cares about me more than his money, he will not think twice. He has hundreds of billions, and I¡¯m only asking him for how much?¡±


    ¡°Please, son. I¡¯m begging you. Let me take care of my own problems.¡±


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m so sorry. You¡¯ve been there for me since the beginning. Let me help you this time.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re helping me, but you will be forever indebted to him.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Dad. I got this.¡±

 Chapter 52

    LONDON


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you want your white knight to join us?¡±


    My eyes narrowed at Neke. ¡°Can you stop calling him white knight?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong witha white knight?¡± Reed asked.


    ¡°Not you too. Stop it.¡± I picked another slice of Avocado sushi, dipped it in sauce, and shoved it into my mouth. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I am saying this. I miss old times.¡±


    ¡°Well, thest time we had was over two years ago.¡±


    I put my chopsticks down and sighed. ¡°Yeah. I remember. And after school. I felt like my life stopped for two years.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s important is that you got up, stood on your feet, and started living again, London. Look, where are you now? The CEO of LH.¡±


    I patted Reed¡¯s hand. ¡°Thank you. You¡¯ve kept me safe for two years, and I didn¡¯t thank you enough. So thank you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me. It¡¯s part of my job.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lenient. That¡¯s what I love about you.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t want a pain in the ass client, so if my leniency can help my job easier, that¡¯s what I should do.¡±


    ¡°We should do this more often,¡± Neke suggested.


    ¡°Am I really that terrible friend?¡±


    ¡°Not really, since you gave me a Dior bag on my birthday, and you treated me to a spa, and oh, let¡¯s not forget my VIP ticket to the Taylor Swift concert. So, no. You are a great best friend.¡±


    Reed chuckled.


    ¡°What?¡± She turned to Reed.


    ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m full. Thank you.¡± He got up from the floor. I liked this restaurant-traditional, with floor seating and enough privacy. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    ¡°Are you gonna see your father?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe not now.¡± I told her over the phone about how my father and I got into an argument.


    Aside from my husband, I needed to open up to someone I could trust, like Neke. Sometimes, Striker was too considerate, while Neke was blunt and upfront.


    ¡°You should make an effort to talk to your father. If you don¡¯t wanna see him, at least end it with you and him on good terms.¡±


    ¡°I love my father, Neke. It¡¯s just been us for all my life. He¡¯s been there for me since I could remember. I¡¯m just maybe angry right now. I thought what he did was for my own good, but this arrangement went a little bit too far. Don¡¯t get me wrong. Striker is a good man. He¡¯s been kind to me, respects me, and listens to my opinion, but there¡¯s always a repercussion. Dad will always have his agenda in everything he does. And I can¡¯t and won¡¯t risk my marriage for his own cause.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you have white knight now. Work your marriage together. He seems like a man who never gives up on what¡¯s important to him.¡±


    ¡°You too. You are important to me, Neke.¡±


    ¡°You sound like you¡¯re in love with me, best friend.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°I think you and Reed will be a good pair.¡±


    She wrinkled her nose. ¡°What? Me and this big guy? No. Uh-uh,¡± she said with a shake of her head.


    ¡°I did that when I first heard I was going to marry Cade. At that time, I thought I was torn between giggling because I liked him. At the same time, I didn¡¯t even know if he liked me or wanted to marry me.¡±


    ¡°Lucky you, he¡¯s hot.¡±


    My eyes narrowed.


    ¡°What? Do you think I¡¯m blind? You¡¯re just jealous and too possessive.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°Tell that to yourself because nobody believes you.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Dad, what are you doing here?¡± I was surprised to see him in my office, and what was more surprising was that he came to see me and not request my presence in his castle.


    ¡°I want to see you since you didn¡¯t have the n telling me that you¡¯re back.¡± He sat on the couch.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure Reed already reported to you.¡±


    ¡°How are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good, thanks. Well, ourst call didn¡¯t end well. I thought I would give you time to yourself. How are you, Dad?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± He eyed me for a moment. ¡°You look happy.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, yes, I am. It¡¯s been a while since I feltpletely happy.¡±


    ¡°Does Striker take care of you?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about him. He takes care of me more than I take care of him, really. He¡¯s been kind and considerate. Why¡¯d you ask?¡±


    ¡°I just wanna make sure you¡¯re in good hands.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have done what you did. You didn¡¯t know him well. You might have just handed me to a wolf.¡±


    ¡°A wolf can be tamed, London.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± My heart nearly stopped. My gut twisted.


    ¡°He loves you. You can control him-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not controlling m husband. And besides, you don¡¯t know him if you think he will just do what I say. What exactly do you want from him, Dad?¡± God. He really disappointed me. Here I thought he came to see me. He did all this for his benefit-such a selfish, narcissistic father.


    ¡°I want to know about the project.¡±


    ¡°What project?¡± I started to vibrate in anger.


    ¡°See?¡± He crossed his legs as he leaned against the couch. ¡°He doesn¡¯t tell you everything.¡±


    ¡°What made you think there¡¯s worth telling?¡±


    ¡°You know how you can gather information from him.¡±


    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re going to tell me.¡±


    ¡°Jesus, London. He is your husband. He trusts you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m afraid of. Breaking his trust is thest thing I will do, father. I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t help you. If you wanna know about that project, ask him yourself. I¡¯m sure he will tell you if he knows something.¡±


    ¡°You will do what I said, London. I¡¯m giving you a week.¡± He got up from the couch. Now he was giving me an ultimatum. Oh, my God. I couldn¡¯t believe I¡¯d been blind to see the real Linus Vanderford.


    ¡°What are you going to do then? Nothing you haven¡¯t already done, Dad.¡±


    He was already walking toward the door. ¡°Don¡¯t make me say it, London. I want that information next week.¡±


    That was it. He was gone. I went back to my chair. My sight blurred with tears. Why did he have to do this to me? Why couldn¡¯t he just leave me alone and be happy for me with the man I loved?


    Finally, tears fell from my eyes.


    I couldn¡¯t do this.


    After work, I asked Reed to send me to my house instead. I couldn¡¯t spy on my own husband. If I did, I would break his trust. And if I wouldn¡¯t do it, my father might be nning something that could hurt Striker.


    I knew my father. He would go to great lengths to get what he wanted. He already seeded in arranging my marriage to Striker. I was sure he would seed the next time.


    I went to the kitchen, and no one was around. I felt lonely all of a sudden. I opened the fridge. There was some food, but all I could do was made a sandwich.


    I grabbed the lettuce, tomato, and sliced ham. I put two loaves of bread into the toaster.


    Before I could begin slicing the tomato, I almost cut my finger.


    ¡°Look at you.¡±


    I dropped the knife and ced my hand against my chest as I red at Striker walking in my direction. ¡°What the hell?¡±


    Well, he was also ring. He looked so pissed. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you we¡¯re having dinner tonight at home? Thest time I checked, this is not our home, London. Have you forgotten our dinner, or did you intentionally want to have dinner alone?¡± He then looked at what I was doing.


    ¡°I¡¯m not in a mood.¡± I picked up the knife.


    ¡°Easy.¡± His voice turned calm and low. That was what I loved about him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna stab you with this. Besides, I don¡¯t know Karate. You¡¯ll probably have this drop before I can raise and point at you.¡± I began slicing the tomato. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Give it to me.¡±


    I frowned and dropped the knife a little bit harder. ¡°I can do it. You can¡¯t save me all the time, Striker.¡±


    ¡°I will if I have to. What happened, baby? You only call me Striker if you¡¯re upset. So, we¡¯re having a club sandwich for dinner.¡± He picked up the knife and sliced the tomato quickly.


    I crossed my arms over my chest as I leaned against the ind. ¡°Reed called you, wasn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°You shut your phone off, or the battery drained again. So I called him. He said you asked him to send you here.¡± When the bread was done, he ced a slice on the te and topped it with lettuce, ham, tomato, and loaf before cutting it in half.


    ¡°What do you have in here?¡± He went to the fridge. ¡°You don¡¯t like OJ.¡±


    ¡°Just water.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on with you, Vanderford? You¡¯re acting like I didn¡¯t feed your fish for a week.¡±


    ¡°I just wanna be alone to think.¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you think with me or beside me? I promise I¡¯ll behave.¡± There was a tease in his voice as he ced down a ss of water. ¡°Do you need anything else? Do you want some fruits?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not really hungry right now.¡± My voice raised as I grabbed half of the sandwich and the ss of water before I went to the dining table. I knew he was following me, but I chose not to give him too much attention.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    One thing I knew for sure, this marriage was not right. I didn¡¯t know how to correct it when it started by mistake in the first ce. I married him for the wrong reason-for my father¡¯s agenda.


    Right now, I only wanted to get out of their hair, run away, and live somewhere where they couldn¡¯t find me.


    ¡°Baby.¡± Striker kissed the top of my head. ¡°I¡¯ll be in the living with Reed.


    ¡°I want a divorce.¡±

 Chapter 53

    STRIKER


    I want a divorce. I thought it was a bad joke.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I stopped to a halt. My heart threatened to stop. The world seemed to stand still as I turned around, making me unsteady.


    I knew something was wrong when I talked to Reed over the phone. And London just sat there before the sandwich I made for her and hadn¡¯t eaten it yet.


    We were happy when I left her office this morning. Something had happened between when I left and hering over here.


    ¡°Come again?¡± I asked as I felt a heartbreak waiting to happen.


    ¡°I want out.¡± As she answered me, I wanted to see the truth right from her eyes. And to be honest, I didn¡¯t have the strength to fight.


    ¡°What do you mean you want out?¡± I dragged the chair as my anger began toe out. The chair screeched against the floor, and I sat before her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t be with you anymore.¡± She looked at me. Those eyes had no sparks, nothing but inconsble pain and sadness.


    ¡°Why?¡± I tried holding her hand, but she pulled it back. ¡°We were just talking about having dinner this morning and were happy, London. Did something happen at work?¡±


    She shut her eyes closed for a brief moment, then shook her head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it, baby. Either tell me now, or I will find it out myself, and you¡¯re not gonna like the consequences.¡±


    ¡°This is all part of an borated n. I just wanted to give my father satisfaction for his action, temporarily. He got what he wanted. I got married to you. That was the deal. I don¡¯t want to keep it longer and keep you on a short leash.¡±


    ¡°An borated n, huh? Your n.¡± I chuckled bitterly. My heart was ripping off my chest with her words. ¡°Why do I find it hard to believe, London? I know what happened between us was real and not part of whatever you tried to convince me to believe. How about I say bullshit?¡±


    She met me in the eye. ¡°Let¡¯s be honest. We had fun. You¡¯re a good man, Striker. That¡¯s the reason why my father chose you to be my husband. But that¡¯s all. I have nothing left to offer. I want you to be free, so I¡¯m letting you go. This all began with a mistake anyway, and I don¡¯t wanna go further until we both can¡¯t get away with it.¡±


    ¡°The answer is no.¡± I stood up and rubbed the back of my neck. ¡°Our marriage is real. This is not something you decide in a second because you feel you want out. What we have for each other is real, London. You can¡¯t just shut it off and decide we¡¯re over because you¡¯re upset over something. This is not you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it was because you were good at giving me what I wanted that I hadn¡¯t found in other men. I¡¯m sorry if I used you or if my father used you, but I can¡¯t do it anymore. I can¡¯t y with your feelings. I know what you feel for me is real, and for good grace, I can¡¯t pretend I care. You¡¯re a good person, Striker, and I apologize for involving you in my family mess. I wanted to secure LH, and I did. But now, it¡¯s time to end this.¡± I couldn¡¯t believe that I was hearing this. This was not the woman I marriedst week.


    I shook my head. ¡°No, baby.¡± I bit my lip when it trembled. My eyes stung the longer I looked at her. ¡°This is not you.¡±


    ¡°I yed by my character, but I couldn¡¯t do it anymore. I couldn¡¯t y along when I knew you were falling for me. You¡¯re falling for me. Why do you think we clicked right away? Because I yed that woman you like? Please, I can¡¯t be that woman anymore.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck are you talking about?¡± My chest tightened. My emotions were everywhere. I was confused and desperate to know the truth and was on the verge of throwing everything my sight could see. ¡°Can we just take a breath for a moment?¡±


    She rose from her seat and faced me. ¡°The person you¡¯ve been with is not me. I just made that weak and nice woman up to get what I wanted from my father. He used me for his benefit, and it was just fair that I got what I wanted in return.¡± She even snapped her fingers before my face. ¡°Wake up. You are a victim here, Striker.¡±


    I stared at her for a few moments. Then I felt the pain in my chest that went on and on and on, and it never stopped. And then I felt the loss as if someone had carved my heart out of my chest and thrown it away.


    ¡°Stop! This conversation isn¡¯t funny anymore.¡± I pointed my finger at her. ¡°Stop this nonsense, Vanderford! We¡¯re not talking about your father, about how he used us. We¡¯re over this! And he won¡¯t get anything from us. Ever. I swear to God. I will end his game. This marriage is what matters to me the most. And you.¡± I stopped as I clenched my jaw hard because I didn¡¯t want to hurt her with my words. I tried so hard to control my anger, not to explode.


    She fucking hurt me. She deserved my outburst, but not today when I was consumed with my rage. Whether she was telling the truth or something motivated her to do this, she was hurting me so fucking bad.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go. I leave right now, but not to give whatever the fuck you ever cooked up today. Okay?¡±


    She didn¡¯t meet my eyes anymore. She looked guiltier.


    ¡°I¡¯m giving you time for yourself to fucking think. You hurt me, baby. Your words really fucking hurt me. I have so many ns for us. I want to get us away from your father¡¯s hair because I want us to have a good life. I want to build a family with you. I thought of our future often because I couldn¡¯t think of another woman to be with for the rest of my life, but you just broke me right now.¡± I took a step back as I drew a breath and a scanty amount of strength I had left because I still had so many things to say to her.


    ¡°But I¡¯m giving you the space you need. And if I ever mean something for you, or what you told me right now was true. You know where to find me.¡± I turned around and made sure I wouldn¡¯t see her because I might run back to her, pull her into my arms, apologize for what I just said, throw her over my shoulder, and take her back home with me.


    God, I loved that woman so fucking much, but what she said to me was unforgivable. Either it was true, or she just cooked it up. I was only human, and I¡¯d never fallen so fucking hard on anyone.


    ¡°Cade.¡± I heard Reed calling behind me. ¡°Cade!¡± I still ignored him.


    ¡°For fuck sake, Cade, stop!¡±


    I stopped and drew a deep breath to let the remaining sanity get the best of me and not punch his face because my hands were already formed into fists. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡±


    When I faced him, he looked taken aback. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Tell me it¡¯s not full moon tonight because my wife is possessed by something -¡± I pursed my lips and sighed. I was so furious and distraught. ¡°Just look after her.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°When is your contract gonna end?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± He looked surprised.


    ¡°I wanna hire you.¡±


    ¡°What job?¡±


    ¡°The same, but I want you to trust you, Reed. I don¡¯t want Linus will influence you with his shit.¡±


    ¡°I only do what I am hired for to keep your wife safe. That¡¯s all. Whatever is going on between my employer and his daughter, it¡¯s none of my business unless it can jeopardize her safety. That¡¯s where Ie in.¡±


    ¡°Let me know if you will consider my offer.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, man. And Cade, don¡¯t lose hope. She¡¯s just under stress.¡±


    I nodded and walked to my car. I¡¯d been under so much stress, but I didn¡¯t act like a lunatic to the point of hurting people.


    Later, I found myself in a bar. I didn¡¯t usually drink my problems out because alcohol wouldn¡¯t solve them, but I couldn¡¯t think of anything right now. It would only drive me insane. If I chose to go home, I couldn¡¯t fall asleep knowing London was not beside me and we had a fight, and every corner of my house would only remind me of her.


    ¡°Give him anything he needs. Strong enough could damage his liver in a single shot.¡±


    I squeezed my eyes shut. Fuck.


    ¡°How did you find me?¡± I sipped my beer.


    ¡°Are you really going to ask me that?¡± Linden looked at me with sympathy. ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°Are you really going to ask me that?¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± He took the beer from the bartender and took a sip. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Your sweetheart just asked for a divorce.¡±


    He stared at me for a moment before he blinked. ¡°A divorce? Are you fucking sure?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask her yourself?¡± I was halfway to a bottle, but I needed a little stronger. ¡°Whiskey, neat.¡±


    ¡°Fuck. I don¡¯t believe it.¡±


    I snorted. ¡°You won¡¯t believe me if I tell you she was just ying a role to be the woman I like because she wanted something from me. To be her husband so she could get something from her father.¡±


    ¡°No, no, no.¡± He shook his head repeatedly. ¡°That¡¯s not London. She couldn¡¯t be this woman you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    ¡°Trust me. I¡¯m shocked myself, but maybe that¡¯s who she is. A user just like her dad.¡±


    ¡°Are you hearing yourself right now?¡± Judging by his tone, Linden began to get pissed. I knew he cared about London, but he asked for the truth. That was all he got.


    I looked down at the ss in my hand. ¡°Well, I love that woman. Do you know what I felt when she told me she was just using me? It fucking hurt. She broke my heart, Gabe. And maybe she¡¯s just a good actress.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, brother, but I don¡¯t think she wants to hurt you. She must have done it for a reason. I¡¯ll figure it out.¡±


    ¡°Good luck with that.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re just going to give up? Just like that? You said you love her, and it won¡¯t just disappear because she said something hurtful.¡±


    ¡°I realize something.¡± I chugged down my drink. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why she was so eager to get married. She even seduced me. And here I thought we had this ridiculous otherworldly strong connection. We were crazy for each other. How didn¡¯t I ever think she could be acting the whole time to get whatever she was after? And that she was too good to be true. I was too blinded by my feelings that I missed seeing the red g. I fell so hard for her. It¡¯s even surreal.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true love. You don¡¯t think bad about the person you care about.¡±


    ¡°True love, my ass.¡± I swallowed hard. It hurt even hearing it. ¡°We signed a prenup. Sure, she wasn¡¯t after my money because her father was richer than me.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m still confused,¡± Linden said.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m baffled, brother.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I should give her what she wants.¡±


    ¡°Which is?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m divorcing her.¡±

 Chapter 54

    LONDON


    I sobbed to sleep alone. Maybe I deserved it.


    It broke my heart to lie to Striker. It broke my heart to see him leave. I just thought I was doing him a favor. My mess with my father was our mess alone. Striker didn¡¯t have to be involved with this.


    I didn¡¯t know what came to me, but it had to be done. I wouldn¡¯t give my father any more satisfaction in using us to get what he wanted. He wouldn¡¯t get anything from us anymore.


    ¡°If your dad doesn¡¯t pay the amount I asked, I will send him your fingers one by one.¡±This nightmare would end me up in the mental hospital.


    I woke up in the middle of the night to the same voice over and over again. I wiped my hand across my forehead to get rid of the sweat. I caught my breath and left my room for a ss of water.


    Right now, I had to be strong. No one was here to help me anymore. I pushed him away-I pushed away thest man who cared for me.


    I poured myself a ss of water when I realized someone was watching me that had me yelping. I almost dropped the ss.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I don¡¯t mean to startle you.¡± Reed looked like he had just woken up.


    ¡°You want something?¡± I drank the water empty and left it in the sink.


    ¡°I heard footsteps.¡± I knew he had a gun behind him as he pulled his shirt down. ¡°I thought to check it out.¡±


    ¡°It was me. I ran down to get a ss of water.¡±


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I was touched, he asked me, but this didn¡¯t concern him anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Thanks.¡± I walked to the door, but he was standing right where I wanted to pass.


    ¡°If you need anything, I¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather talk to my therapist because she¡¯s paid to keep it to herself. While you, on the other hand, my words might just spread all over the globe.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    I met his gaze. ¡°Do you also report my intimate moments with Cade?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± He looked shocked and offended.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that look.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, London, but why would I watch you-¡±


    ¡°Not exactly watch, but your job is to keep me safe. I suppose you saw the whole thing.¡±


    Heughed. When he noticed I was not amused, he stopped. ¡°You got it all wrong, woman. I only report to your father if he asks me, but not to the extent even your private moment. Other than that, my job is only to keep an eye on you, and your personal life is none of my business, but I do check who you meet to ensure they¡¯re not the bad guys. I never watched you and Cade doing whatever you two did. That¡¯s an invasion of privacy.¡± He grimaced. ¡°And creepy.¡±N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Then stop reporting to my father. I will pay your sry.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, London, but I already have an employer.¡±


    ¡°Just get out of my way.¡±


    When he moved to the side, I walked away.


    ¡°I¡¯m a friend, London. If you wanna talk-¡±


    ¡°Go back to sleep, Reed.¡±


    ***


    I woke up to an empty bed, no warm hug, no soft kisses on my neck, and no sneaky hand waking me up in the morning.


    It hadn¡¯t been twenty-four hours. I had already missed Striker.


    The room fell silent as I sat in my bed. I checked my phone. I found no messages from him. He was true to his words-he left me alone. Well, this was my doing, so I just had to suck it up-quid pro quo.


    I called Neke to say that I would be reportingte. I had to see someone I had not seen in a long time.


    ¡°I was surprised to see you on the list today.¡± She had a note and a pen ready every time we had our session, but that was a year ago when I stopped seeing her. Don¡¯t get me wrong, she was good at her job, but I felt like I was holding back. ¡°How have you been?¡±


    I drew a deep breath as I sat in front of my therapist. ¡°I had closer to a perfect lifest week.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it?¡±


    ¡°Well, I got married.¡± I smiled sadly as I yed with my rings.


    ¡°Congrattions.¡±


    ¡°It was an intimate wedding. I always dreamed of it. He gave me exactly what I wanted. It was perfect. He¡¯s a good person.¡± I looked down at my finger. ¡°It was just for a wrong reason. I feel like I keep him on a short leash. And that¡¯s not what marriage is all about. Marriage is about partnership, trust, love, understanding, and respect.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me more?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re tied to someone that only wants to break us apart. I can¡¯t do that to him.¡±


    ¡°What made you say you keep him on a short leash?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Everything just happened so fast.¡±


    ¡°Do you think he is that person?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I shook my head. ¡°He¡¯s a man of his own. He is responsible, loyal, and trustworthy but also selfless. That¡¯s what I¡¯m afraid of. He will give me everything that I ask.¡±


    ¡°What are you so afraid of, London?¡±


    ¡°That I will be the one to ruin our marriage.¡±


    ¡°All you have to do is sit down and tell him everything. Good talk is always one way to settle an issue. If you trust him enough, you can work things out together.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m scared of.¡±


    ¡°London, you know you have to trust your partner. Whatever this wrong reason you mentioned, you can still make it right. Marriage is about give and take. That¡¯s why you married that person because you wanna share a life with him. If he is worth it and you know your worth in this rtionship, whoever gets in the middle won¡¯t seed.¡±


    After that talk, I told Reed to drive to the firm.


    ¡°Just say it.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but notice Reed frequently checked me through the rearview.


    ¡°You know, when I was a kid and fought with my big brothers, I always went to my ma. When my younger brother and I got into a fight, I called my big brothers.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re point?¡±


    ¡°I will always run to the person I trust the most.¡±


    I looked away. ¡°You¡¯re right. Right now, nothing works for me-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true, London. You¡¯re a strong and sensible woman. You work hard to achieve your objective. You never stop doing something good for the people around you. What made you stop fighting for you and Cade?¡±


    I red at him. ¡°What made you say that?¡±


    ¡°Well, I may be just your bodyguard, but my job made me the most observant. You don¡¯t go to your house without calling Cade. You¡¯re always excited to see him. When he came yesterday, and he immediately left with a look on his face as if someone had just stabbed him in the back while he carried the world over his shoulder, I knew something had gone wrong. Cade was so worried when he couldn¡¯t reach you. You could use my phone to call him but chose not to. He didn¡¯te back. So I guess you two had an argument. A big one.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should just stick to protecting my ass.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°And you are not just my bodyguard. You¡¯ve been there for me in my ups and downs. At least we formed a bond. You¡¯re a friend, Reed. Do you think I trust you with my life because you¡¯re getting paid to do that? No. I trust you because you¡¯re a good and reliable person.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for giving me the space I neededst night.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± He parked the car in front of the firm.


    I got out and told him that I was going alone.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°I know most of these guys. They will protect me if someone wants to stab me in the back.¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°Find the nearest cafe and get a coffee or something.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± I entered the building.


    It was still fresh to meing here two years ago. I stayed here for a few days because I felt safe around Linden, the only person I could trust since Striker left. Those were my darkest days. I thought I had lost a reason to live, but somehow I managed to rise from the fall and saw the light ahead.


    The windows and door to his office were sses so he would see before someone could enter. He looked surprised to see me since I came unannounced.


    He was already walking to the door to open with his familiar smile. ¡°Hey, sweetheart. What a surprise?¡± He pulled me into a hug.


    ¡°Good to see you.¡± I put the best smile on my face. ¡°Busy?¡±


    ¡°Not for you. Wannae, or you wanna go and get a coffee?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t be long.¡± I went to the chair while he was just standing there. I suddenly felt like he knew something, considering that I came alone. ¡°I know, you know, Linden.¡±


    He shut the door closed and the blind as he took a deep breath before he spoke. ¡°Why did you do that, sweetheart?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t fool him. He¡¯s such a good person.¡±


    ¡°Cut the crap, sweetheart. I know you through and through. Like right now. You just lied to me. You¡¯re not that person who intentionally hurts the person you love.¡±


    ¡°What made you think I love him?¡±


    ¡°I know the moment he had you in his arms. I¡¯m a good judge of character, London. You¡¯re not that person Cade told mest night.¡± Just hearing his name felt like stabbing myself in the chest.


    My own doing was backfiring so quickly. Karma is really digital nowadays.


    ¡°I¡¯m a good actress. I could win an Oscar if I tried my luck in Hollywood.¡±


    ¡°Well, keep that up.¡± He sat on his chair. His tone filled with disdain. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°I wanna know if you make any progress with finding out about Ivy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t share that kind of information with you. I only do that to my client.¡±


    My brows furrowed. ¡°Linden.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sweetheart. I do my job diligently, including keeping my work ssified.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± I rose from the chair. ¡°It¡¯s a mistakeing here anyway.¡± I was walking toward the door when he called my name.


    ¡°Tell me if you never cared for Cade, even just a little.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡± I swallowed hard.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a good liar.¡±


    I turned around. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re just bad at reading people.¡±


    ¡°First, I¡¯ve seen that look in your eyes before. You are sad, sweetheart. Miserable. You maye here to get an update, but you could have just called or emailed me if you wanted nothing more. I only mentioned his name, but it felt like a stab to your heart, wasn¡¯t it? You quickly dropped your gaze. You can easily tell without that pain if you never care about Cade, but you felt like you betrayed and stabbed your own husband with his knife.¡±


    I wiped my tears. I didn¡¯t know they fell until they tickled my jaw.


    ¡°Tell me, how am I doing so far?¡±


    I sniffed, and my tears kepting.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, sweetheart? I swear I won¡¯t tell Cade you dropped by, but you have to tell me something?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Then I can¡¯t help you. I¡¯m sorry you came here for nothing. And if you came here for my sympathy, I don¡¯t have one.¡± He huffed. ¡°You know what? I¡¯m not doing that again. It¡¯s getting old, and I¡¯m sick of being used to being the bridge between two stupid people. On the other hand, you might be getting what you wished for sooner than you expected.¡±


    ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± My heart nearly stopped.


    ¡°Well, he just hired awyer to process the divorce you asked for.¡±

 Chapter 55

    STRIKER


    A few hours of sleep couldn¡¯tpensate for my exhaustion. I needed the whole day or even a week. Then I woke up with a horrible hangover headache in the hotel room and still wearing the same clothes from yesterday.


    I went to the men¡¯s boutique on the corner to buy a new set of clothes before I took the quickest shower because I had an appointment with my father.


    And then, there was still a heavy yet hollow feeling in my chest whenever I thought of London. I didn¡¯t even know how we ended up here-in this situation, but I was giving her what she desired.


    I stopped by the coffee shop to grab the caffeine I badly needed-I needed a clear head before facing my father.


    I was about to sip my coffee when my phone rang. It was Linden.


    I answered it before he called everyone asking about me. ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°d you¡¯re still alive.¡± His voice had humor, but I knew what this call was about.


    ¡°Thanks for the concern. I¡¯m headed to my father.¡±


    ¡°Want me toe with you?¡±


    ¡°You know, your assistance, driving me, calling me, showing in time, it begins to annoy me. Sometimes, I think you shoved a tracking chip in my ass.¡±


    Heughed out loud. ¡°In your ass? That¡¯s a terrific idea. I¡¯m just checking to see if you¡¯re okay. Can we meetter?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be busy the whole day. I have a lot of things to settle. Can¡¯t make it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re ignoring me and not dealing with your pain nicely.¡±


    ¡°Nicely? Fuck you, Gabe. But I¡¯m fine. In fact, I¡¯m searching for a good divorcewyer.¡±


    ¡°Jesus, man. Don¡¯t do this. Or wait until she sends you the divorce notice.¡±


    ¡°She asked for it. Then she gets it. That¡¯s how considerate I am with her.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s probably confused or dealing with something. Let me find it out before you make a bold decision. This is not something you decide overnight, Cade. You both need a couple¡¯s therapy, not immediately jumping into divorce.¡±


    ¡°I got to go. I¡¯m in front of Braddson.¡±


    ¡°Think about what I said.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I went to the reception. ¡°Hi. I¡¯m here to see Moses Braddson.¡±


    She smiled politely and gestured. ¡°Sure, sir. Go ahead.¡± Well, that was fast that had me questioning in my mind.


    I arched a brow. She didn¡¯t even ask for my appointment or give me a visitor card. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    While in the elevator, I checked my phone, expecting a long apology text or a miscall, but nada. My wife was earnest about the divorce. I shook my head in disappointment.


    ¡°Mr. Cade. Good to see you.¡± A woman in her forties weed me with a bright smile.


    ¡°Thanks. I¡¯m here to see Moses.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Fiona. Like Shrek¡¯s Fiona.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Fiona.¡± I smiled even if my heart was not bleeding because why not? I left my issue outside this building.


    ¡°Go ahead. Mr. Bradsson is in his office.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I blew a breath before I entered.


    His office was spacious with gray walls, a long solid wood desk, a dark cab with a few aeronautic books, and miniature fighter jet models.


    ¡°Son?¡± He quickly stood up from his chair and met me halfway to hug me. Then he stared at me in confusion. ¡°When was thest you slept?¡±


    ¡°Last night.¡±


    ¡°You look like shit.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Thanks, Moses. That¡¯s kind of you.¡±


    ¡°Sit down. Would you like some coffee?¡±


    I sat down. The view from my angle was magnificent. ¡°No. If you have-¡±


    ¡°No alcohol in the morning, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Just water, then.¡±


    ¡°A good cure for a hangover.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Linden.¡± I shook my head in amusement. ¡°He called you, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°No. Why would he? What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    I ignored his question. ¡°Nice office. Why was everyone looking at me like I had just saved the world from the Chitauri?¡±


    ¡°From what?¡±


    ¡°Alien. They know?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Do you have a problem with that?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I shrugged.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ignore my question, son. You look like you¡¯re carrying this entire building over your shoulder. What¡¯s going on?¡± He came with bottled water and a ss.


    ¡°I want a good divorcewyer.¡±


    He stopped pouring into the ss with a look as if I had just told him I had stolen his billions. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°You heard me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re divorcing your wife? You haven¡¯t even been married for two weeks, and here you are talking about divorce. What the hell, Striker?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re married for ten days.¡±


    His eyes still narrowed. ¡°Oh. That¡¯s good. Your brain is still working. Why in the hell would you want to get divorced?¡±


    ¡°She asked for it?¡±


    ¡°Did you ask why?¡±


    ¡°She said she doesn¡¯t care about me. She¡¯s just using me to get what she wished for from her father.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡± He poured water into the ss and offered it to me. ¡°Drink.¡±


    I took it and drank. ¡°You don¡¯t know anything, Moses.¡±


    ¡°I beg to disagree. Let me guess. Your dad has no idea what¡¯s going on. That¡¯s why you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to talk to you about something.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± He went to his desk and opened a drawer. He came back and gave me a white envelope.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± I took it.


    ¡°A cheque to pay Linus.¡±


    I dropped it on the coffee table as if it burned my hand. ¡°No. Not until I signed some agreements.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll pay for it when you get ten percent from your shares.¡±


    ¡°Shares?¡± I beganughing like a lunatic. Tears formed in my eyes. ¡°Share in what? What the hell are you talking about?¡±


    My father just chuckled and smiled at me. ¡°Do you think I owned thispany alone? You secretly owned thirty-five percent of my worth.¡±


    Myugh faded instantly. My heart was in my throat. ¡°What the fuck are you talking about, Moses?¡± I looked at him like I¡¯d seen a ghost-like someone had just thrown a cold bucket of water into my face.


    ¡°Language.¡±


    ¡°No. Tell me, how did I own a share?¡± I pointed at him. ¡°Share in Hover?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and shares in all its subsidiaries. I don¡¯t need your consent to invest for you. If you want me to transfer them to your ount, I will do it.¡±


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t want it. And this one.¡± I pointed at the envelope on the table. ¡°How much is in there? Never mind. How did you know?¡±


    ¡°Your dad called me not to give you if you ask something from me.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you do it?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re my son. I will help you when you¡¯re in need. But a divorcewyer? No. I¡¯m not doing shit for you. Let the dust settle. Get a vacation, then think before you do because this is a marriage you¡¯re talking about, Striker, not buying a carton of milk in the grocery store.¡±


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll do it on my own.¡± I stood up and fixed my suit.


    ¡°Sit down, son.¡±


    ¡°No, Moses. If you can¡¯t help me, then I will find awyer on my own.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Stubborn. Aren¡¯t you a little bit curious about why Linus wanted you for his daughter? Why he handpicked you?¡±

 Chapter 56

    STRIKER


    I stared at Moses for a whole long minute. I let my brain process, but I felt it malfunctioned.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    The only thing clear to me was that Linus wanted to be a part of the Hover unless my father had this some kind of secret organization.


    ¡°To get to you? Yeah, that, I understood.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He gestured for me to sit. ¡°It¡¯s time for you to know everything.¡±


    ¡°Okay. You get my attention. What exactly is everything?¡± I sat back. I was still hesitant, but maybe this would answer what had been bothering me.


    ¡°Three years ago, Linus crossed paths with one of thergest mafia organizations in Italy.¡± This new information shocked me, and there was no way Moses would joke something about the mafia of all organizations.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I might have held my breath. My hangover was gone, but I had a more terrible headache that I felt my brain was about to explode.


    ¡°Yes. They exist.¡±


    Goosebumps erupted all over my skin. I swallowed hard. ¡°What did he do?¡±


    ¡°He had a rtionship with an Italian woman for two years before things fell apart. A daughter of a mafia don, but he chose a clean reputation for the Vanderford Group.¡±


    ¡°You mean, he chose to save his own ass. Then how do we fit into all of this?¡±


    ¡°Whether you like it or not, a man like me also needs connections in the underworld. I paid for my safety, and it doesn¡¯te alone from the military or government. It has arger scope. Whenever I go, I know someone is watching my back. We don¡¯t know. Someone might pay someone to assassinate me or harm you or my family.¡± I had a feeling this newfound information he gave me had more to it than he was telling me.


    ¡°You have a mafia in your payroll. Is that what you mean?¡±


    ¡°No. Our rtionship is something more than that.¡± Of course, but he was not going to tell me.


    ¡°Great.¡± I snorted as I leaned back.


    ¡°Soon, you will understand, Striker.¡±


    ¡°I got it, Moses. So, what Linus wants from you?¡±


    ¡°My protection.¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable. He has billions, for God¡¯s sake. Did he go through this length for your protection? Can¡¯t he pay an army to protect his ass? Does he still have a price on his head?¡±


    ¡°He paid the price. But it¡¯s the underboss who wants his head.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean he paid for it? Isn¡¯t it supposed to be the boss who runs the organization?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but his son wants life for a life. And twenty million.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± I held my hand up. ¡°The twenty million?¡±


    ¡°It was not a kidnap for ransom like how he fed the media. His daughter was kidnapped so that he would pay that amount. The underboss, Giosue, hired a local gang, then killed them all as soon as he got the payment. The one that escaped was his message that he could touch Linus. I was relieved they didn¡¯t touch London.¡±


    I rubbed my face as I got up. I went to the window as I tried to wrap my head around the information Moses threw at me. ¡°I can¡¯t. I¡¯m confused. How does Ivane into the picture.¡±


    ¡°That guy will be dead when he shows his face on the inte. Even he changed his identity.¡±


    I turned around, shocked. ¡°You know about it too?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think Linden can¡¯t connect the dots? The money is gone. It¡¯s in the Conti. I have a feeling Giosue is asking for more. Maybe he has a ckmail file or threatens London. I¡¯m not sure. That¡¯s why Linus pushed this marriage with you because he knows I won¡¯t just stand there and watch your wife get hurt. Now he has my attention.¡±


    ¡°Jesus. So Ivy is a dead end. Our effort has gone to waste.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a bigger fish to fry, Striker. I told Linden not to pursue.¡±


    ¡°You already talked to Linden. Great.¡± I breathed deeply as I scratched my beard. I didn¡¯t know what to say. I just realized that I knew nothing about my life and the people around me.


    ¡°When you and your team arrived, that was what was left. They make it look like someone ran away with the money. The truth, that was a drop-off.¡±


    ¡°You knew all this, and you didn¡¯t tell me? Why tell me now?¡±


    ¡°Wee to the family, son.¡±


    I red at him. ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable. How do I know you didn¡¯t help Linus set me up with London?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t control you if that¡¯s what you¡¯re trying to point out. Ever. My father was an asshole, and he had me on his short leash. Look at me, son. I won¡¯t make that same mistake again. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t push it when you refused to see me. I let you live life with peace and normalcy and watched you from a distance even if it hurt.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief. I guess.¡±


    ¡°You can do anything with your life as long as you don¡¯tmit murder or hurt yourself. I love you, son. I hope you know that. All I want from you is to be happy. Talk to your wife. If you want to tell her about this, go ahead. As long as you fix your marriage before deciding a separation.¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want me anymore.¡±


    ¡°For God¡¯s sake, Striker. Marriage is not a game. You give up when you lose. You made your vows. Stand by it. Hold on to it. Don¡¯t let your pride ruin the only thing that matters to you. Or you can pretend all you want that you don¡¯t want to save it. It¡¯s up to you. You¡¯d be miserable for the rest of your life as me.¡± He was talking about his experience. I could feel it.


    ¡°I need that drink now.¡± I went to open his cabs before he could refuse. ¡°I feel like I onlye to you if I need something.¡±


    My father shook tough. ¡°Well, I will help you if I can.¡±


    ¡°Just not awyer,¡± I said harshly as I grabbed a bottle of old bourbon. I took two sses with me and put them on the table.


    ¡°Pull your head out of your ass, young man.¡± He gestured no.


    I poured it into a ss for myself. ¡°That¡¯s a terrible way to say to your son. Are you sure I don¡¯t have brothers or sisters out there?¡±


    ¡°You have Linden and all those boys with you. Why else do you want brothers or sisters?¡±


    ¡°Are they under your payroll too? Linden. He¡¯s been annoying metely, always in my ass.¡± I sniffed it. I smelled smoky and oak. I took a sip of it. It was sweet and spicy. Perfect.


    ¡°No. But I want to help him expand his firm and resources and hire more people. He will get more contracts with my connections.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the best thing you¡¯ve ever said since I walked in. I¡¯ll tell him about your offer.¡±


    ¡°You should start your own family.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I suppose it¡¯s possible when I¡¯m alone like a seahorse.¡± I clenched my jaw. I didn¡¯t want to talk about something impossible.


    ¡°You¡¯re attending a board meeting?¡±


    My jaw dropped. Jesus, this man is unstoppable. He just kept on throwing and throwing data at me as if I was a supeputer.


    Good thing he waved it off when he saw the unimpressed look on my face. What did he expect? I would jump out for joy because I was finally wealthy.


    ¡°If you want in the Research. That¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Papa, please? If you add more, my head is gonna explode.¡±

 Chapter 57

    LONDON


    It had been a gut-wrenching and stressful week since Striker, and Ist saw each other. I hadn¡¯t heard from him, and I remained low profile as well. The only thing Neke said was that Striker didn¡¯t go home to his house anymore. Other than that, I was like living under a rock.


    I didn¡¯t contact Linden again after what happened at the firm. I still went to work despite my heartbreak. I hadn¡¯t heard from my father either-the only persons who talked to me were Neke and Reed.


    In two weeks, it would be the grand opening of the boutique. I had to show everyone that I was excited about it, even if, deep inside, I was depressed.


    ¡°The shop is finished. All it needs is to ce the stocks. Do you wanna go and see it?¡± Neke just came out of the warehouse. I chose to stay in the car. I wanted to be alone for a while because what I was supposed to do would only remind me of what I had lost- as if I hadn¡¯t had enough time alone for myself-it almost drove me insane.


    ¡°Not now. I¡¯ll be there a day before the opening,¡± I told her as I sent a message to Avana that we were on our way. I¡¯d been contacting her regarding the donations of LH.


    ¡°Okay. The supplies you asked for are already loaded,¡± Neke informed me. ¡°And I have the pictures you asked for.¡± I wanted pictures uploaded on the LH website and LH Instagram ount, but I disagreed with the idea of posting the orphanage and kids¡¯ faces to gain likes.


    ¡°Thanks. Are they ready to go?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She joined me in the backseat. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Reed. They¡¯ll follow us. They have the address.¡±


    ¡°Got it. I tried the recipe.¡± He drove out of the parking area.


    I looked at Reed and Neke. ¡°Are you two seeing each other?¡±


    I caught a glimpse of surprise from Reed through the rearview.


    ¡°What? No,¡± they said in unison as if I had just used them of bloody murder.


    ¡°You both sound defensive. If you two are dating, it¡¯s not my business as long as it won¡¯t affect your jobs.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not dating, and I won¡¯t deny if we are, but we¡¯re just friends. We went out to watch a movie together. Then yesterday we had dinner-¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not dating, what do you call it?¡± I asked both of them.


    ¡°Friends do those things all the time. A guy and a girl can do that as friends. We are not dating because we never kiss and sleep together, okay?¡± Neke said.


    ¡°If you say so. But let me know if this dinner and movie dates together will be something more. I would be happy for both of you.¡±


    ¡°Says the woman who pushed her husband away after ten days of marriage.¡±


    I ignored her sarcasm and the nceing from Reed. ¡°Watch the road, Reed.¡±


    ¡°I am. She¡¯s right, though. Since you are the one who pushed Cade, you should be the one who makes a move and apologize. Maybe he¡¯s just waiting for that grand gesture.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not gonna happen. I already sent the notice.¡±


    ¡°What notice?¡± Neke asked, holding my wrist.


    ¡°Divorce notice.¡±


    ¡°Are you nuts? Why did you do that? I thought you two were in love. Did he cheat on you? No, that¡¯s impossible. White knight will never do that. What really happened? I¡¯m still puzzled because you never told me anything. When you came to work looked so tired for a few days, and you seemed preupied and didn¡¯t get a visit from white knight anymore. I put two and two together.¡±


    ¡°I wanna give him what he deserves.¡±


    ¡°What exactly? By sacrificing your marriage? That¡¯s insane.¡±


    ¡°Agreed. And the worse and stupidest decision you¡¯ve ever made, London,¡± Reed agreed with Neke.


    ¡°You two should sleep together. You both are perfect, like two peas in a pod.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that before,¡± she sang as she arched a brow. ¡°Look what happened? My best friend had just gone mad. I wonder what he¡¯s been up to. He probably moved on. I mean, he¡¯s a catch. He can date every model or heiress in the world.¡± Those words struck my chest like a knife, but I tried hard not to react. ¡°I mean, I¡¯d love to see it in the tabloid headlines.¡± She even gestured. ¡°Braddson¡¯s heir, Cade, is getting cozy with the reality star supermodel.¡±


    ¡°I agree. I couldn¡¯t believe he¡¯s the only son of Moses Braddson,¡± Reed said.


    ¡°Or he¡¯s probably somewhere in Greece, yachting with some Greek goddess look alike.¡±


    ¡°Will you two stop talking about him? He can do whatever he likes. That¡¯s his life.¡±


    ¡°You really don¡¯t care if he dates anyone?¡± He didn¡¯t have to ask me to get the answer. It was that obvious.


    ¡°It¡¯s his life.¡± I swallowed hard. It didn¡¯t miss in Reed¡¯s hawk eyes.


    ¡°If you say so.¡± She picked up her phone from her bag. ¡°But I sense pain and angst there, right, Reed?¡±


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± rmed, I checked what she was about to do. ¡°Are you gonna call him?¡±


    ¡°No. But If you want to know theirtest updates, go to their social media.¡± She opened the Instagram app. ¡°Wew.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I held her wrist to see what she just saw.


    ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t care.¡± She hid the phone from me. ¡°Check your own Ig, girl. Do you still follow him?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in what he does. I just wanna know what you see.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± She arched a brow at me but judging by her reaction. She saw something that piqued her interest. ¡°Happy for you. Congrats,¡± she said as she typed. She was probably typing ament on someone¡¯s post.


    ¡°You¡¯re not gonna tell me, are you?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, girl. Hate me, but you can¡¯t fire me.¡±


    We finally arrived at the orphanage home. Avana greeted us.


    ¡°How are you, dear?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good, thank you, Avana.¡± We kissed on the cheeks.


    She then searched for someone. I knew who she was looking for. When she couldn¡¯t find Striker, her face fell.


    ¡°He didn¡¯te with us.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s caught up with work, ma¡¯am,¡± Neke said, saving my butt.


    ¡°Call me Avana, dear.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Neke.¡± She shook Avana¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Oh, my God. This is too much, London.¡± Her smile was everything as she watched the guys unload the boxes. Those were nkets, sheets, clothes, food, toiletries, toys, and school supplies.


    ¡°I wish I could do something more, Avana.¡± I wrapped my arm around her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to send something in a few months.¡±


    ¡°This is a lot. Thank you so much. I know you¡¯re a good woman from the moment I saw you. You¡¯re God¡¯s gift, London. God bless you and your friends here.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°The kids will be very happy to see this.¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, where do you want us to install these?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Surprise, she asked us.


    ¡°Outdoor swing, monkey bar, trampoline, and slide,¡± Neke replied.


    ¡°Oh, dear. I couldn¡¯t thank you enough.¡±


    After we met the kids and watched them y for a while, we left. I got to see those smiles, and it felt so fulfilling that I didn¡¯t just work hard for myself. It was good to help others personally. I had been supporting charities, but this felt different.


    Looking back at those kids, somehow, I felt myself in them. Even if I had the privilege, I grew up without a mother. When my father was out of town for days, as a kid, I felt like being abandoned.


    We were back at the office. My mind went back to what I had lied to Avana. I wanted to tell her the truth, but I was still in denial deep inside. Maybe, I was still grasping for hope.


    Yes, I was still married. I was still wearing his ring. And it scared me that I would receive the signed divorce papers in my mail one day.


    I¡¯d been crying every night. I thought I had no more tears left, yet there it was. I felt like crying again.


    Before I went nuts, the door swung open and shocked me, who had just walked in.


    I was already on my feet. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Since when has this been going on? When are you going to tell me?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°I just received a call yesterday from Tate that you sent a divorce notice.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I thought you knew every move I made. And I¡¯m surprised you came all the way here to question my decision in life.¡±


    ¡°I thought you cared about your future.¡±There you go again with his warning and threat. Whatever. I¡¯m done with it.


    ¡°I do, Dad. But I can make my own future. It doesn¡¯t have to be dictated by you. What you¡¯re doing has to stop. I¡¯m tired of you controlling my life. I¡¯m an adult, for God¡¯s sake. I know what¡¯s right and wrong. I¡¯m capable of making my own decision. If you wanna take over or stop the operation of LH, so be it. Do what makes you happy, but you have to leave me alone.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve never experienced hardship. When you lost everything you have right now and couldn¡¯t even pay your bills, don¡¯te running back to me. I¡¯m tired of your childishness. You are too stubborn, disobedient, and ungrateful as if I was never a good father to you. I gave you everything. I provided you with every girl ever dreamed of, and this is what you gave me back?¡±


    I took a step to stand before him. This time I was proving to him that I wouldn¡¯t be his puppet anymore. ¡°I¡¯m grateful for everything you¡¯ve done for me, but I didn¡¯t choose to be your daughter. I didn¡¯t choose to be born before you shoved everything on me for being ungrateful. Maybe I owed you, and I¡¯m still nothing but a disappointment, but Dad, I had enough. You should have given me a choice, but because I love my life¡¯s work and care about my employees, I couldn¡¯t allow you to shut this down. But I have suffered too much already. You wanna take it, take it. When I leave this ce today, consider that as my resignation.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna regret this, London.¡±


    ¡°No, Dad. You are.¡±

 Chapter 58

    STRIKER


    ¡°Here it is.¡± I presented the final project for Premium. I hoped I made Dad proud. ¡°A WellPro is a wellness program in one app. ¡°What does it do? It¡¯s everything in one app, from workout routine, diet, food benefits, supplements, and weight loss programs. It will detect your heart rate and blood sugar level through your sweat, to name a few. I know what you all gonna say.¡± I looked at them. They quickly lost interest.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve seen that many times. Yes, probably in most apps out there, but one thing makes this app different and impressive.¡± I clicked the remote. The device appeared on the screen. ¡°It¡¯s an app and a device. What does this device do? You can bring it anywhere. Pretty handy, by the way. Attach the straps around your legs and wrists, and turn it on your phone or smart tv. Should I go on, or I¡¯ll wrap it up.¡± I already saw the excitement in their eyes.


    ¡°I wanna hear it,¡± said the head of the research.


    ¡°The workout program will y- from dance moves, HIIT, and boxing, and you can do it even in the park, your mini gym, or your room. It will track how many calories you burned, update you on when to take your supplements, and how many pounds you lost. Take VR or Meta as an example, but without the headset. It will also suggest what food you eat or if you need to rehydrate. The best part is that the straps are only if you want to follow the exercise steps, but they will also detect if you¡¯re in pain based on your heart rate during the workout. I know this takes time to improve, but-¡±


    ¡°I like it. It will change the future of wellness programs, and the name is catchy.¡±


    Everyone murmured and nodded.


    ¡°Thank you. It will take time to develop the app, and it will have some errors along the way, but it is possible,¡± the man from the technical department said. ¡°I¡¯d love to work on this if you get the approval, sir?¡± He looked at my dad.


    Dad nodded, and he looked impressed and proud.


    ¡°That¡¯s all.¡± I sat down and gave Dad the proposal with the USB.


    Once my presentation was over, everyone left except for Dad and me.


    ¡°That was a great idea. I¡¯m proud of you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡± I pulled up the envelope from my suit. ¡°I know you already knew about this. I want to pass my resignation formally.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna be great out there. Make us proud as you climb yourself to the top.¡± Dad smiled.


    ¡°Your approval means a lot to me, and you¡¯re okay with this.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what every parent wants for their children. To go out there and make names for themselves.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m nervous. Actually, I always did for every first day at school and my job. It¡¯s also a pressure to work under your parent¡¯spany even if I am not filling your shoes. Still, people see me here because of my parent, so I have to work harder to prove to everyone that I have something to offer.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna be okay.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Follow me,¡± Moses said urgently. The tightness in his eyes was deep. His nose was ring.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I followed suit. I just reported to Braddson Tower for the first day of work and already felt the tension.


    ¡°We found the mole.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He opened the door to the conference room. At least three people were around; a board member, CFO, and Dn Carter.


    I looked at Dad in shock. ¡°Him?¡±


    He nodded, but his expression remained the same. ¡°I want you to question him.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I am the right person to do that. Did you report this to the Feds? Who did the investigation?¡±


    ¡°Just do it, Striker.¡±


    ¡°I wanna be alone with him.¡± I watched Carter as he lowered his gaze.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a good idea,¡± the board member said.


    ¡°Then I will inform the Feds and let them do their job.¡±


    ¡°Do it.¡± My father nodded.


    ¡°Can I borrow your phone?¡±


    Moses looked confused.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it back. I promise.¡±


    ¡°You can stay here, but you will not interrupt me.¡± I took the file from my father and walked closer to Carter at the end corner of the table.


    After they left, I sighed as I dropped the file and pulled a chair, screeching against the floor. ¡°You¡¯re thest person I¡¯ll ever suspect. I even shook hands with you. You questioned my father on why he gave me ess.¡± I sat before him. ¡°Do you wanna say something before we file a case against you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all but spections. I didn¡¯t do it.¡± He turned away, avoiding me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not exactly the right person to question you, Carter. In fact, I actually admire you.¡± I opened the file. ¡°Your works are impressive. And you¡¯ve been at the Hover for thest twenty years. You were once awarded as the Employee of the Year. You started from the bottom until you became one of the respected directors. What happened then?¡±


    He went unnaturally silent as he touched his neck.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t wanna answer my questions, that¡¯s alright, but I can¡¯t help you anymore. I wanna know how much information you shared from thispany outside?¡±


    He looked away, still silent.


    ¡°You just vited the economic espionage act. You will go to jail and pay millions of dors. You will lose your savings and investments for twenty years for what? You will spend your remaining life in jail.¡± I looked at his file. ¡°I wonder what your wife Jules and your two girls will say about you. Your face will be all over the news channel. Your life is over, Carter.¡±


    ¡°I want the real authority and mywyer.¡±


    ¡°Okay. With the amount of evidence we have for you, you need goodwyers to save your ass. I can offer you something that won¡¯t put you in jail.¡± It was a bluff because I didn¡¯t actually know what evidence they got for him. I rose from the chair and looked down at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right?¡± He snorted as he looked at me from head to toe. ¡°What authority do you have?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m one of the major shareholders of thispany. Not many people know that-thepany you leaked info from, I just took a seat as a director of R&D, and I know I can influence my father to give you another chance. So, the only friend you have right now is me. So if you change your mind, all you have to do is call my name. And you only have five minutes to decide.¡± I pulled out my phone, dialed Moses¡¯s number, and put it on my chair.


    I stood up as my name Striker Braddon-Cade appeared on the screen on Moses¡¯ phone and walked out the door.


    When I reached my father, the C. F. O. asked, ¡°What did he say?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. I wanna talk to you all away from here.¡± When they followed, I asked. ¡°Did anyone take his phone?¡±


    They all looked confused and shook their heads.


    ¡°So you just singlehandedly used him of selling info?¡± I looked at Moses.


    ¡°I¡¯m the Chairman.¡± He impressed me in decision-making. ¡°And I don¡¯t want this issue to escte that would affect the uingunch.¡±


    ¡°You should inform the engineering to double-check the chips and the I. T. if there was a recent hacking attempt.¡± I pressed the phone against my ear and listened. So far, he hadn¡¯t called anyone, but he wouldn¡¯t go anywhere as it would make him look guiltier.


    ¡°Done.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± I joined them in my father¡¯s office.


    ¡°Who you¡¯re talking to?¡± Moses asked.


    I turned on the speaker and put the phone on his desk.


    ¡°We¡¯ll wait.¡± I pressed a finger against my lips.


    It didn¡¯t take long. Carter already called someone. ¡°You did this. I¡¯m in trouble because of you. I¡¯m gonna lose my job and go to jail because of you. You ruined my life.¡± He must have hung up the call.


    I pressed the end call button.


    ¡°Who do you think he called?¡± the CFO asked me.


    ¡°May I speak?¡± I raised my hand.


    ¡°Of course,¡± the board member said.


    ¡°If he called what I think it is, he must have something against Carter. Let me find it out the extent of the damage. My suggestion is not to fire him.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± the CFO looked offended. ¡°He breached the contract, vited-¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your concrete evidence? Yes, he is guilty of sharing info outside of thepany. But do you know how valuable he is to the otherpanies, rivals, or even military contractors, defenses from other countries? You have no idea, and I¡¯m sure he can pay the fine, or someone interested will make a deal and pay for him. He¡¯ll be out in no time. He also knows his value. That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t even flinch when I threatened him.¡±


    ¡°What do you have in mind, son?¡±


    ¡°Just ask him the extent of the information he gave. Give him another chance. Put him back to work under close surveince. Just warn him that if he does again, he won¡¯t only lose his job, that kind of thing.¡±


    Moses waited for their ideas.


    ¡°Well, it seems agreeable,¡± the CFO said.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I have an idea. Give me fifteen minutes with him.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Moses said.


    I left them and went back to Carter. His expression changed. He looked relieved to see me. I sat on the same chair and picked up the phone. ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°I gamble-tight-aggressive poker yer. I lost a lot of money, and I owed someone a lot of money. Seven hundred fifty thousand to a loan shark.¡±


    Well, I didn¡¯t see thating. I was inwardly grinning.


    ¡°Then someone came to me and paid that total amount. In return, I will tell him about thetest Hover research. At first, it was just about thetest project, about Moses Braddson, his trips, something like that.¡±Trips?


    ¡°Just a single person?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°When did it start?¡±


    ¡°Two years ago.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been sharing information for two years with this person?¡±


    ¡°Yes, for every three months, Just if there was progress.¡±


    ¡°How deep is the damage, Carter?¡±


    ¡°Twenty to twenty-five percent of the projects.¡±


    ¡°How about the A. S. H. E. R.?¡±


    ¡°I was supposed to send him a file two days ago, but he didn¡¯t contact me. He¡¯s asked for something specific.¡±


    ¡°Who is he?¡±


    He looked at me. ¡°I wanna make a deal.¡±


    ¡°If I tell the Feds about what you just confessed right now, you can make a deal with them.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯m not telling you.¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°I don¡¯t think you know the consequences of your actions for two years, Carter. Why are you still protecting this man? Here¡¯s how I can help you. I will make your debt go. Whoever he or she won¡¯te to you again. I still believe in a second chance. You will have your job back, but you will be under surveince until you earn the trust of everyone on top. We will forget this happens-¡±


    I stilled as heunched to me to hug me tight. ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Cade.¡± He then cried in my arms.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I patted his shoulder. ¡°But you have to keep the end of the bargain. And you should stop gambling.¡±


    ¡°I stopped for almost a year now.¡± When he pulled away, he wiped his tears.


    ¡°Tell me who¡¯s this person. And I want that file.¡±


    ¡°You can have everything, sir. It¡¯s Vanderford. Linus Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Son of a bitch.¡±

 Chapter 59

    LONDON


    The grand opening of the new LH branch was sessful and crowded with shoppers. I was d thest thing I did was something I could be proud of, even if it were myst day as the CEO of LH.


    ¡°Can I get a picture with you?¡± A teenager asked.


    ¡°Of course.¡± I put my arm around her as I smiled before she took the selfie.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    I noticed another girl browsing through dresses, one of my designs, but she hadn¡¯t chosen anything. She checked the tag price and sighed. My guess was the dress was above her budget.


    I went to her. ¡°Do you like it?¡±


    She looked at me and nodded.


    ¡°What¡¯s your size?¡±


    ¡°Um, I can¡¯t afford that once.¡±


    I picked one in her size. She was a little bit round. So I chose arge size for her. ¡°Try this on.¡±


    ¡°Um, I¡¯ll check on other items.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this one is on me,¡± I whispered, winking at her.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you the owner?¡± With eyes wide, she whispered back.


    ¡°That gives me the right to give you a discount, but this one is free.¡±


    ¡°Whoa.¡± Her brown eyes widened even more.


    ¡°Go ahead. Try it on. I¡¯ll be here once you¡¯re done.¡±


    I went to one of the cashiers. ¡°Put one midi-dress on my card.¡±


    ¡°Sure, ma¡¯am.¡±


    I found Neke walking in my direction. ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been watching you for hours, and you look like you have something on your mind.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I just have a lot on my mind right now,¡± I admitted.


    ¡°May I know what?¡±


    ¡°My life, Neke. I¡¯ve been holding my life together for two years since that terrible incident happened because I didn¡¯t wanna make the same mistake. But I¡¯ve proven something, not just being Linus Vanderford¡¯s daughter. I¡¯ve aplished something I didn¡¯t imagine I could do on my own. I¡¯m a sessful businesswoman and CEO. The only thing I wished had seeded my rtionship.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not toote.¡±


    ¡°I think it is.¡±


    ¡°You can just swallow your pride, talk to your husband, and apologize. Everything will be fine. What¡¯s the real reason, London? That must be huge that you chose to let him go than fight for him.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of things you don¡¯t know about my life. You¡¯d be disgusted if you knew.¡±


    ¡°I doubt it. You¡¯re best friend, and I¡¯ve epted you for who you are, not because you are Linus Vanderford¡¯s daughter.¡±


    The teenager came to me with a smile from ear to ear.


    ¡°It fits, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied shyly.


    ¡°You know this is one of my designs?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful. I like it, Miss Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°It would be my honor to see you wearing this.¡± I took her to the counter and helped her settle the receipt.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°It would look beautiful on you.¡±


    She went to buy an essory to match her dress. Then she came back to thank me again. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± She was grinning the whole time as she walked out of the shop.


    ¡°You have a good heart, London.¡±


    ¡°My good heart can¡¯t even save my marriage,¡± I told her the truth even if I was bleeding inside.


    ¡°Maybe you can now,¡± she said.


    ¡°What made you say that?¡± I asked as I followed her gaze, and itnded on the man justing inside the shop. Today was the first time I saw him again in three weeks. He looked even more gorgeous in his dark blue tailored suit. His walk alone exuded power and confidence.


    I swallowed hard as he seemed to be looking for someone. The moment our gazes locked with those maizing and intense eyes, I felt something awakened inside me. My heart began to pound. My skin began to warm.


    When he walked in my direction, Neke met him halfway. ¡°Look who¡¯s here if not the white knight in a blue suit.¡±


    ¡°Good to you too, Neke.¡± He smiled at Neke.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy to see you, really.¡± Neke then left us alone.


    ¡°Hi,¡± was his first word.


    Our first meeting since we separated was different from how we met two years ago. I couldn¡¯t feel the warmth in his voice. I couldn¡¯t see the excitement in his eyes. I felt nothing more than shame, and all my hopes crumbled before me.


    ¡°Hi.¡± I tried to smile even if it hurt me.


    ¡°Can we talk somewhere silent?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± I replied out of excitement. ¡°There¡¯s a restaurant around the corner.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t stay longer.¡±


    Oh.¡±Okay. How about in your car?¡± Crap. It came out wrong. ¡°Sorry. At the back. Follow me.¡± He followed suit as I went through the door to the staff room.


    ¡°Congrats, by the way. This is great.¡± Then his gaze dropped to my fingers. He noticed that I was still wearing his ring.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I smiled again, even if it was forced. ¡°Congrattions to you too. I heard you begin working at the Hover.¡± I actually stalked him. He posted a photo of him in the Hover two days ago.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± A momentter, we fell into silence.


    ¡°I¡¯m here-¡± we said the same thing at the same time.


    ¡°I wanna talk-sorry. You¡¯re saying?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No. You first,¡± he told me.


    ¡°No.¡± I shook my head. ¡°You came here to talk to me. That must be important.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah. I received the notice. I came here to say that I agree with your decision. Mywyer will contact yourwyer. So, by Wednesday, we will sign the agreement, then they can finalize and forward the documents in court.¡±


    I swallowed hard and blinked rapidly. We were getting a divorce. So it was going to be over.


    My world stopped spinning.


    ¡°I will settle a financial support-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your money.¡± I red at him. I was offended.


    ¡°Babe-London. It¡¯s not a charity. Or you can have my house. Aren¡¯t you and your father not on good terms?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not broke. Donate your money to the people in need.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± He checked his watch. ¡°I have to go. Thanks for your time.¡± He didn¡¯t even think twice. He just walked through the door without looking back.


    I tried hard not to break down. I drew all the strength I had left as I looked up.


    My life was falling apart. I was going to be jobless once I walked out of this shop and also lost my husband, the love of my life. And the worse part, it was not because of my father. It was all because of me.


    I found Reed in the parking lot. ¡°I wanna go home.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    No matter how hard I tried to hold my tears, my eyes had minds on their own. I wiped them away while trying to find my phone in my bag. I put it back. Then what now?


    Reed noticed me crying.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting a divorce. Yay,¡± I told him as I cried.


    ¡°I met Cade a few minutes ago. I didn¡¯t know he came to tell you that. I¡¯m sorry, London.¡±


    ¡°I just became jobless. On Wednesday, the divorce will be processed. After this, I¡¯m packing my things and moving out of the house, and I¡¯ll be homeless, too. Jeez, the story of my life.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t decide while you¡¯re emotional.¡±


    ¡°My father just gave me two weeks, Reed. And this is yourst day with me because I can¡¯t afford to pay you when I don¡¯t have a job anymore.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll be here for you until you find a job. You don¡¯t have to pay me. My contract with your father will end next month anyway. Then I will be free unless my boss assigns me to another client.¡±


    ¡°My life was just perfect months ago. My world is falling apart right now, and I don¡¯t know how to put it back together.¡± I wiped my face. ¡°I need to look for an apartment.¡±


    ¡°I can help you with that.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ***


    I woke to the hush-hush around me. I didn¡¯t realize I was so exhausted that I fell asleep on the couch.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I saw Neke ordering around to men and women carrying boxes. I blinked twice to make sure I wasn¡¯t dreaming.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re awake. Good. Do you wanna wrap these couches too?¡±


    Confused, I just stared at her.


    ¡°You¡¯re moving into my apartment. It wasn¡¯t as big as your house, but I was looking for a roommate. Some of your things, though, need to be in storage.¡±


    I nodded as I smiled at her. There you go, I cried again. This time Neke pulled me into a hug.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. My apartment is yours, too,¡± she said as she patted my back. ¡°It¡¯s gonna be okay. I promise. I also resigned.¡±


    Shocked, I pulled away. ¡°Why in the hell did you do that?¡±


    ¡°I only worked there because of you. Now that you¡¯re not there anymore, I don¡¯t see any reasons why I should stay. I¡¯d rather push paper than work for your recement.¡±


    I let go of a shaky breath as I nodded. ¡°So we¡¯re both jobless then.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Does the Hover is looking for designers?¡±


    ¡°Stop it.¡± I went to the kitchen, pulled out the wine, poured it into two sses, and we tossed.


    ¡°Forever.¡±


    I sipped my wine and could feel her eyes on me. ¡°He came to remind me that we¡¯re moving forward.¡±


    ¡°Oh, God. No.¡± She put the ss down.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s happening.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna talk to him. Is he nuts?¡± She propped her hand on her hip. Her eyes narrowed at me.


    I held her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t interfere. He wants this too.¡±


    ¡°I swear if I see him again, he will get a punch from me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Neke.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. I¡¯m gonna knee Striker on his big-dick.¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 60

    STRIKER


    ¡°So you went there to see her?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I dipped the fries into the ketchup. I suddenly remembered when we first met after her father fired me. I was so happy at that time to see the excitement in her eyes.


    Sax and Kye remained silent, listening to Linden and me.


    ¡°You¡¯re serious about this?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± My eyes narrowed. ¡°I¡¯m only giving her what she wants.¡±


    ¡°You keep saying that. What about your wants and your needs? How about your feelings? Your heart?¡± Kye asked.


    ¡°This is crazy,¡± finally, Sax talked. ¡°Our friends are madly in love with each other, but these two?¡± He shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m disappointed with you, man. I know, deep inside, you¡¯re struggling. You¡¯re heartbroken. Before you do something drastic like this, you need to ept it is happening. What I see right now is nothing but denial. Do you think a high tower, a nice job, and billions of money will make you happy? I¡¯ll let you slit my throat if you ever feel the same love again in another woman.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that.¡± Kye elbowed him.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m serious. London is the love of his life. Their story can be a blockbuster movie, but our boy here is an idiot.¡±


    ¡°What do you say, Linden?¡± Kye asked him.


    Linden just shrugged.


    ¡°Since when did you shut your mouth?¡±


    ¡°What do you want me to say? I¡¯ve convinced him many times. I talked to London too, but they¡¯re both stubborn as fuck. So, I can¡¯t do anything anymore unless I bang their heads together, throw them in the swamp full of alligators, and make them realize what they¡¯re doing is just hurting themselves. I¡¯ve never met anyone full of pride and stupid.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Sax agreed.


    I listened to them while I was eating and drinking my soda.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see the look on their faces as they cry a river in regret,¡± Sax said with chin up.


    Linden picked up his phone when it rang. ¡°Yup?¡±


    I blocked his voice off when he began talking with someone on the other line.


    ¡°Brother, don¡¯t do this, please?¡± Kye, he held my arm as he met my gaze. ¡°Talk to her, just once. You two look perfect to go to waste.¡±


    ¡°I was with her. I went to talk to her, and she didn¡¯t even bat hershes. She wanted this. So why would I waste my time saving our marriage if she¡¯s too willing to get out of this?¡±


    They all went silent.


    ¡°I¡¯ve given her enough time for three weeks toe to me, but nothing. She went on her merry way and forgot that I was still part of her life. This is over. I¡¯m afraid she might as well move on to another man.¡± I chugged my soda until I emptied it. I pulled out bills from my wallet and threw them on the table. ¡°Thanks for the chat.¡±


    I walked away. I didn¡¯t want to hear any more about my failed marriage. It was still raw and painful.


    I didn¡¯t think I would ever be willing to meet women again. I was okay with the life before London-sex with no strings attached, just fun when I needed it. Nomitment. But she broke my heart and changed my perspective on life.


    Nothing was constant. People used you and left you when they were done. I was too naive when it came to rtionships because I had no role model. My father left me. My dad had never been married, and I was too willing to save the damsel in distress because that was me, the guy who always wanted to y hero, and because I let my emotions get the best of me, I gave her everything. I didn¡¯t leave it to myself. Look what I got! Nothing but a broken heart.


    I stayed in my car for a while, trying to mend the pain inside my chest. When I saw her this morning, I thought she would say something that would change my mind. I was really looking forward to that. And why in the fucking hell was she still wearing my ring? But my hopes crumbled quickly. It shook my life.


    ¡°She never really cares.¡± I sighed deeply. ¡°Fuck.¡± I was startled as someone just came to the passenger¡¯s seat. ¡°Damn it!¡±


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Linden put a seatbelt on while I was still scowling at him.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing in my car?¡±


    ¡°Heartbreak sucks, man. I get it. It takes years to heal, especially when you don¡¯t know the truth behind why she left you. ¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not driving until you tell me what you want?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been brothers for years. Since when did I leave you alone to sumb to your stupidity and agony by yourself? I¡¯m willing to help you kidnap London.¡±


    I suddenly remembered what Moses had told me about the mafia underboss.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    I rubbed my face before I drove out of the parking lot. ¡°I swear I¡¯m gonna beat Linus to a pulp.¡±


    ¡°Wow. London would really appreciate that. Let me help you. Where do you want to take him? I know an abandoned warehouse nearby.¡±


    I red further. ¡°What made you say that?¡±


    ¡°She resigned.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°What?¡± I frowned at Linden. ¡°How did you know? I was just there in the grand opening.¡±


    ¡°Eyes on the road, brother.¡±


    I found a ce to park and put the car on idle. ¡°Why did she resign?¡±


    ¡°I think it has something to do with Linus. I maybe don¡¯t talk to London anymore, but I¡¯m still keeping tabs on her. She¡¯s still your wife, and I care about her. I talked to Neke a few times to know if London was okay. She¡¯s so lost, brother. Imagine losing the career and the life¡¯s work she built. That¡¯s not something she just gives up without a huge reason. Come on. It¡¯s not likely the London I know.¡±


    I breathed through my nose as I remembered what Linus did to Carter, and now he didn¡¯t even care about losing his only daughter more than losing his life. He was a selfish prick.


    I realized how lucky I was to have my dad and my father in the picture when I was lost. Moses might have abandoned me, but he did his best every day to make up to me.


    ¡°I am actually going to see Linus.¡± I drove again.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go. I¡¯m not leaving you out of my sight as you go to the lion¡¯s den.¡±


    ¡°Moses told me something about Linus, but it¡¯s not the right time to talk about it right now.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, man. Why did he pull out the research about Ivy?¡±


    ¡°I already knew everything. Ivy or Ivan is living in borrowed time.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck?¡± I could feel his eyes on me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you about itter.¡±


    After an hour, I entered the gate to Linus¡¯ property.


    ¡°What the fuck is going on?¡± Linden quickly got out of the car, and we noticed the same thing.

 Chapter 61

    STRIKER


    Linus Vanderford was too paranoid for his own good that he now looked like the head of the cartel instead of a sessful businessman.


    ¡°I wanna see Mr. Vanderford.¡± I met his butler at the entrance.


    ¡°Of course, sir. Come in. He¡¯s in the study.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I went to study with Linden.


    ¡°Is this extra security for you, or there¡¯s a threat against him?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but if he pissed off his daughter, I¡¯m sure he pissed off a lot of people, too.¡±


    I knocked on the door. The goon who tackled London before opened the door. ¡°I¡¯d like to talk to Sir Linus.¡±


    ¡°Alone,¡± he said in one word, eyeing Linden, but with the look on his face, he could bang his head against mine in anger.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be in the car.¡± Linden stayed back and gripped my shoulder as his sign that he got my back.


    I entered the office. To my surprise, he was not alone. He was with a man around his age but didn¡¯t look familiar.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Striker,e in. Have a seat.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Let me know if you need anything.¡± The man stood up and shook his hand. Then he nodded at me.


    I made the same gesture.


    When the door shut behind us, I waited for him to start.


    ¡°London resigned.¡±


    ¡°I gave her two weeks. And today is thest day.¡± He didn¡¯t even show her remorse. He was even proud of what he¡¯d done. Prick.


    ¡°Why did she do that? She started LH from scratch. She wouldn¡¯t just hand it to someone she doesn¡¯t trust unless there¡¯s something at stake here.¡±


    ¡°She also left the house.¡±


    I leaned back. My jaw ached as I clenched so hard. He saw the anger on my face, and I didn¡¯t even try hard to hide it. ¡°What is it that you want, Linus?¡±


    ¡°You only have been with your father for a few days. You have already influenced him in so many ways. You got the director¡¯s seat.¡±


    ¡°Because I have no other intentions than be his son, and Moses wants me there. Dad is more than okay with the idea of me working at the Hover. That¡¯s why I gave him a chance, and he hasn¡¯t let me down since.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to involve London.¡±


    ¡°But she¡¯s the sacrificialmb, as she said. And those many ways, including me finding out about your spy.¡± I crossed my legs. ¡°I¡¯m still wondering why you went to great lengths to do that. You used your only daughter. You used me for what-to save your own skin? Haven¡¯t you thought that if it¡¯s your time, you can¡¯t run away from it?¡±


    He looked away as guilt and fear shed on his face.


    ¡°What are you scared of, Linus? You have billions, but it looks like your money can¡¯t protect you from your forting.¡±


    ¡°Your father is the only person who can end all of this, but he resisted helping me, even though I offered to sell a share at Vanderford Group. I paid a huge amount for those evils, but it wasn¡¯t enough. I have to pay them two million dors a month. I¡¯ve been doing it for almost three years. If I only missed a day, they sent me pictures of my daughter.¡±


    ¡°What happened to the woman?¡±


    He was shocked that I knew.


    ¡°Yes, I know. Moses told me what happened behind my wife¡¯s kidnapping.¡±


    He looked distraught. ¡°She died of childbirth.¡±


    ¡°Jesus. I¡¯m sorry to hear that.¡±


    ¡°Because I chose the child over her.¡± He swallowed the pain and guilt, but it didn¡¯t give him the right to mistreat my wife.


    ¡°What happened to the child?¡±


    ¡°He died in my arms just an hour after his mother.¡±


    ¡°Jesus.¡±


    ¡°My decision, the hardest decision I ever made in my life, has been haunting me for years. I decided to save my son over the woman that I ever loved. Her brother and the people who work for them have been hunting me because of my decision. They couldn¡¯t ept that because they had this mentality that I was an outsider and that I never had the right, that she wasn¡¯t my wife.¡±


    For the first time, I saw his pain. I felt his struggles, and I connected to his sufferings. I had never seen him this troubled, even when he found out his daughter had been kidnapped.


    ¡°Why did London break up with me? What did you do?¡±


    ¡°I told her I would fire her and take everything she has if she would not give me what I want from you.¡±


    ¡°If you want my father¡¯s protection, you shouldn¡¯t have used her. You shouldn¡¯t have spied on my father¡¯spany, and then what? ckmail him? Sell to his rivals if he won¡¯t give you what you want. Did you also pay someone to sabotage my father¡¯s jet just to get his attention?¡±


    He neither confirmed nor denied it, but I figured out the answer immediately.


    ¡°For the love of God. Who are you, Linus? What happened to you? What are you gonna do next? Shoot me at the back of my head if my father won¡¯t still help you. Honestly, I don¡¯t know what kind of man you¡¯ve be. You want peace but won¡¯t make the sacrifice.¡±


    ¡°Your daughter is innocent. She has nothing to do with this. You should have just approached me and not targeted the people I care about.¡±


    ¡°She loves you.¡±


    ¡°Love me?¡± I snorted. ¡°She wants to divorce me, Linus. We¡¯re getting a divorce next week. You ruined her life and the legacy she built because you are weak. You hide behind your daughter¡¯s skirt. You disgust me.¡± I rose from the seat and pointed at him. ¡°You¡¯re gonna die alone because of your pride and selfishness. When I first met you, I admired you. I saw how you raised and cared for your child, but I can only see a weak and pathetic man before me right now.¡±


    ¡°I love my daughter, Striker.¡±


    ¡°I guess everyone shows how much they love their children in different ways-tough love, eh? I don¡¯t see that in you anymore. All I see is how much you love yourself.¡± I turned away from him. I couldn¡¯t look at him again without feeling sick.


    ¡°Striker!¡±


    I stopped. ¡°Because you¡¯re my wife¡¯s father, I¡¯ll try my best.¡± I stormed out of his house because I despised that face.


    Linden saw me first. ¡°What now?¡±


    ¡°Drive the car.¡± I threw my keys at him.


    He caught them with a grin. Once we were out of his property, I took a huge breath and leaned back.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the stupid grin?¡±


    Iughed out loud. ¡°God, calling him weak and pathetic feels so good.¡±


    Linden joined. Ourughs boomed in my car.


    ¡°I told him you hide behind your daughter¡¯s skirt.¡± Iughed so hard that tears filled my eyes.


    ¡°That feels good, huh?¡±


    I shook my head in amusement. ¡°You have no idea.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we areughing at your father-inw. So, what¡¯s your n.¡±


    I picked up my phone and typed a message to mywyer in caps.


    PUT EVERYTHING ON HOLD.

 Chapter 62

    STRIKER


    ¡°You¡¯ve been sighing, and you¡¯re here ying golf with disinterest while you¡¯re mind is somewhere. Have you talked to your wife?¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± My ns went well than I had nned. I could finally take London away from her self-serving father. ¡°I have  a lot in mindtely.¡± I hadn¡¯t told Moses that Linus had something to do with the ne crash, not until I could convince him to help my fucking father-inw under the threat of an Italian mafia.


    ¡°You¡¯re exhausted. If you don¡¯t stop whatever nonsense you¡¯re doing, you¡¯ll end up in a mental institute.¡±


    ¡°Jeez, thanks.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, son.¡± He struck the ball,nding close to the pin. He yed golf often, and he was good at it. I preferred ser-football in Europe, also famous in Capria. I liked to get my body worn out. It was a good workout, anyway, unlike golf.


    ¡°I heard you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s enough.¡± He signaled Emory to bring the cart. ¡°Just say it.¡±


    ¡°Say what?¡± I followed him to the approaching Emory.


    ¡°I can¡¯t y a guessing game with you, Striker. What¡¯s been bothering you?¡±


    ¡°I went to see London. I told her that we¡¯re processing the divorce on Wednesday.¡±


    ¡°Why do you have to do that?¡± He was not impressed as he got into the cart.


    I sat beside him. ¡°Because I¡¯m still pissed at her.¡±


    ¡°Do you know why?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do know now. I went to see Linus yesterday?¡±


    ¡°Why, son? Why did you have to see him? Jesus. Do you have to provoke your father-inw? Your inws are your second family. You respect them the way you respect your parents. It¡¯s a blessing when you get along with them.¡±


    ¡°He ruined my wife¡¯s life. My guess is he¡¯s the reason why London wanted to divorce me. I wanna know the truth, so I can finally sleep soundly at night.¡±


    ¡°Is that really your reason? Or you¡¯re nning on punishing him, both of them.¡±


    ¡°Pa, I¡¯m mad at Linus and started to despise that man. I¡¯m still angry at my wife, yes. That¡¯s why I don¡¯t want to see her, but I couldn¡¯t hate her even if she broke my heart. Deep inside, I still care about her deeply. Maybe I¡¯m waiting for the moment to see hering to me and say sorry a little.¡± I shrugged. ¡°And I¡¯m mad that she didn¡¯t trust me enough and share whatever happened that day. That hurts me as her husband.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°I heard she resigned.¡±


    ¡°She left her house, and she¡¯s staying at her friend¡¯s apartment. What are you going to do now?¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Her things are in my house. Linden told me yesterday.¡±


    ¡°You better fix your marriage before you two regret it.¡±


    ¡°I wanna buy LH.¡±


    Moses looked at me. He wasn¡¯t surprised, though. My guess was he knew it wasing. ¡°Are you sure? Why?¡±


    I hid my smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re stupid. Really, Striker? Do you think you will get the satisfaction and vengeance you crave? You¡¯re gonna do this even if I disapprove, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    I grinned. Maybe I was really stupid.


    My father shook his head in disbelief.


    ¡°I wanna see the look on her face.¡±


    ¡°Jesus. You¡¯re twenty-eight, and you still act like a seven years old.¡±


    ¡°Well, sorry, Pa.¡± I was a little insulted. My nose red as I looked out of the green golf field. ¡°When I was twenty-two, I was fighting rebels and not sharpening my suit in the four corners of Braddson.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want.¡± His voice lowered and softened. ¡°I will sign the contract tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°What contract?¡±


    ¡°Transferring Bradsson-Cade LLC¡¯s ownership to your name.¡±


    I beganughing like a fool. ¡°You have apany in my name that I don¡¯t know about? Is that even legal? Is there anything else I should know, like a secret organization that travels through time?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not amusing. I¡¯m doing this to save your marriage, not to support your vengeance and stupidity.¡±


    ¡°Deep within, I wanna save my wife¡¯s legacy. She worked day and night for two years to make LH what it is today, Pa. Imagine it was taken away from her because she refused to do something evil. That feels cruel.¡±


    ¡°London is a strong woman. She¡¯s probably nning to make a new name for herself.¡±


    ¡°Who will back her up financially?¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s where youe in?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I wanna buy LH. I¡¯m sure Linus is not gonna pay for rebranding. He¡¯s probably just let it change by someone who will run it.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s your money.¡±


    ¡°Are you gonna help me?¡±


    ¡°You mean if I¡¯m going to help him end the threat to his family?¡±


    I went silent, but he understood even if I said nothing. He then asked, ¡°Do you want me to help him?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my wife¡¯s father, even if he¡¯s an evil incarnate. I don¡¯t wanna regret just doing nothing. Besides, my wife¡¯s life is also at risk.¡±


    ¡°Make a deal. Then I will do it. I¡¯ll set a meeting with Gaetano.¡±


    ¡°Gaetano?¡±


    ¡°Gaetano Siciliano. The most powerful mafia.¡±


    I stared at my father in shock.


    ¡°Know the sales and worth of LH.¡±


    ¡°I already did.¡± I grinned again. ¡°I will pay forty percent of its. That¡¯s my deal, or else I can¡¯t help him. And I won¡¯t help him for free. After what he did to us, he doesn¡¯t even deserve my offer.¡±


    ¡°Now you think like me.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Striker.¡± Linus weed me to his office with open arms as if I was carrying the cure to humanity¡¯s hunger- as if he gave a fuck than himself. ¡°Take a seat. Can I get you something to drink?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Thank you.¡± I sat down.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised to see you again after that afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯te empty-handed. I have a proposal.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡± He gestured his hand.


    ¡°You will get the full payment of what Dad owes you. And BC LLC will buy LH.¡±


    Judging by his reaction, that was thest thing he expected, but he did not interrupt me. Well, when you had a privatepany funded by your billionaire father that he hadn¡¯t heard about, my offer could be shocking too. I mean, I was just his daughter¡¯s bodyguard weeks ago, and now I was offering him a multi-million dor deal.


    ¡°That¡¯s my offer, and my father will help you reconcile with Giosue.¡±


    ¡°How would he do that?¡±


    ¡°You just have to trust him, and I¡¯m giving you my word. If you want to put an end to their threats, this is your chance, or Giosue will be forever hunting you for the rest of your life, Linus.¡±


    ¡°LH is not for sale.¡±


    ¡°You might wanna consider it, but don¡¯t expect my offer will stand for long and has the same price on the market.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± he said warily.


    ¡°Then my deal is off. Take it, or I can¡¯t help you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your offer?¡±


    ¡°Thirty.¡±


    ¡°No, no, no.¡± He violently shook his head. I knew it was way inadequate, but that was the offer I got. Of course, I expected he would reject it instantly and curse me to get the hell out of his building, but he didn¡¯t. He seemed in deep thought, probably bncing the pros and cons. Well, he should be.


    ¡°I will hire my wife to run LH, with her friend Neke beside her. I won¡¯t change a thing as long as it¡¯s still profitable. I¡¯m not going to divorce London. That was not the option anyway. She will stay in my house and keep her protected from anyone, including you. You won¡¯t bother her anymore unless you wanna see her candidly. What else do you want?¡±


    He leaned back and linked his fingers as if my words got to him, but this was Linus, the canny son of a bitch.


    ¡°If my father doesn¡¯t do what he promised, I will return thepany. As simple as that. By then, I have no way of helping you. Maybe you should start packing and seek protection from the Mexican cartels.¡±


    ¡°Take care of my daughter, Striker. And I am genuinely asking for an apology.¡± He sighed, and when he nodded, I felt like I had just won the lottery.


    ¡°I¡¯m epting your apology once your problem is solved. And you must apologize to my wife.¡±


    That was it. He pretended as if he didn¡¯t hear what I said. ¡°I will ask mywyers to prepare the documents.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t have a heavy heart towards your daughter, Linus. And I¡¯m doing this for her.¡±


    ***


    After leaving his office, I went to the house for the first time since my separation from London. Later at night, Reef and Linden joined me in my favorite ce.


    ¡°So you threw away thirty million to save your wife¡¯s brand. I think that¡¯s pretty selfless and uplifting, a unique way to profess love. I know you still love her. I never doubted that, even for a second. But why aren¡¯t you celebrating?¡± Reef said.


    Maybe it was my love profess. Now I was doing my part. I hoped she would do her part too.


    I sipped my beer in silence as I looked at the dark yard. I missed Dad, but he was on a business trip. I knew he would be d to hear that I was beginning to get my life back.


    ¡°Judging by the look on his face, he¡¯s nning something dire,¡± Reef talked to Linden when I didn¡¯t reply, but his face was tingly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not nning anything dire. I¡¯m fixing my marriage.¡±


    ¡°Finally, we have amon ground.¡± Reef patted my shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s what they¡¯ve been telling you for weeks, man.¡±


    I breathed deeply.


    ¡°So you¡¯re back here?¡± Linden asked.


    ¡°No. Just her.¡±


    From the corner of my eye, I watched their reaction.


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡±


    ¡°She hurt me, Linden. Do you know what it felt like to hear from someone you loved that she wanted a divorce when you did nothing wrong? You have no idea because you¡¯ve never been married.¡±


    ¡°Actually, I can rte, man,¡± Reef replied, patting my shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Reef. I don¡¯t mean to open old wounds.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ve moved on. She¡¯s with somebody already. But you shouldn¡¯t wait till it¡¯s toote. Trust me, don¡¯t wait to see her with somebody if you love her. What hurts the most is when you do nothing to save your marriage.¡±


    ¡°But he¡¯s still nning to make her pay,¡± he added. ¡°I guess you can do it, but you¡¯ll just end up hurting yourself. If you hurt the people you love, you¡¯re also hurting yourself and causing a rift in your rtionship. You might also break her trust. That¡¯s why revenge is not always an answer. It will give you a purgative feeling but won¡¯tst.¡±


    ¡°Okay, enough, Dr. Phil.¡± I sipped my drink, but I couldn¡¯t help but notice Linden¡¯s silence. ¡°You have something to say?¡±


    ¡°You remind me of Rome. Christ, it¡¯s difficult to be the bridge of two people in love but choose chaos instead.¡±


    ¡°I remember. He almost died.¡± I chuckled as I scratched my chin.


    ¡°You can¡¯t wait until you see her with someone else. Your issue is different. Princess Carlott and Rome weren¡¯t married at that time. She didn¡¯t trust his feelings and believed in her suspicion.¡± Linden was amused. He was there for Rome and Princess Carlott. He even connived against our brother because he knew they loved each other despite their distance.


    ¡°In your case, she¡¯s already your wife. Is that really necessary? Why don¡¯t you just look her in the eyes and tell her how terrible wife she is, or tell her that you love her and make her promise not to do it again.¡± Reef nudged me.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the fun in that?¡±


    They exchanged another look, showing me how stupid my idea was.


    Linden tsked. ¡°Oh, boy. I¡¯m sensing trouble.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see the look on her face as she meets the new owner of LH.¡±


    ¡°Lord, not again.¡± He looked up at the sky as he raised his hands. ¡°Why do you keep this happening?¡±

 Chapter 63

    LONDON


    ¡°What took you so long in the bathroom?¡± Neke waited for me at the door with her fist against her hip and studied me for a while.


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna also ask me the color of my pee or poop?¡±


    She pursed her lips to hide her smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to adapt to this kind of life so quickly.¡±


    ¡°You mean my poor life?¡±


    ¡°Jeez, London.¡± She rolled her life. ¡°I¡¯m aware I¡¯m poor, but you don¡¯t have to shove it in my face.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t mean it like that.¡± I was about toe to her when she raised her hands.


    ¡°Just kidding. You¡¯re not poor. I¡¯m sure you have savings, and I also have a few thousand dors in my ount.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a use in the contract that I can¡¯t have the percentage of the revenue until it meets that deadline. But we¡¯re going to start searching for jobs today.¡± I joined her in the kitchen.


    It was nine in the morning, but we were still in her apartment. It had been a week since we were jobless. And I didn¡¯t know why she hadn¡¯t tried job hunting.


    ¡°Wait a minute. Weren¡¯t you supposed to be meeting yourwyers yesterday? Today is Thursday, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Mywyer called mest Monday. The meeting is postponed.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what it means?¡± She smiled meaningfully.


    ¡°Dyed?¡±


    ¡°No, silly. It¡¯s the angels doing you a favor. Come on, London. Get it together and call your husband.¡±


    ¡°And then what I¡¯m gonna say?¡±


    ¡°That you¡¯re sorry, duh! We, your friends, are rooting for both of you. And I want my fifty dors.¡±


    ¡°Fifty dors for what?¡±


    ¡°Reed will give me fifty if you and white knight get back together.¡±


    ¡°Sorry to say this, but you won¡¯t get your fifty.¡±


    ¡°Damn. Stubborn, bitch.¡± She cringed as she sipped her coffee as if I had just spat in it.


    ¡°I checked if I am pregnant.¡±


    She spat her coffee back into the mug. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes my cycle is either early or dyed if I¡¯m under too much stress. I haven¡¯t had my period in six weeks.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°So? What¡¯s the result showed? Are you pregnant?¡± She looked more excited than me.


    ¡°I was terrified that I might be pregnant, but I never missed my pills. I take it to regte my period.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying you¡¯re not pregnant?¡± She pursed her lips in disappointment.


    ¡°Yes. And I¡¯m d. With my life on the brink of falling apart, I don¡¯t have a job, and I don¡¯t have a home. How am I gonna raise a child?¡±


    ¡°If you are pregnant, swallow the pride and tell your husband. Striker is not the kind of man who runs away from his responsibility. He will help you raise the child, provide his child support, and he can even afford to buy you a house or even a castle.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m grateful I¡¯m not pregnant. I¡¯m not ready for another responsibility while I¡¯m homeless.¡±


    My phone rang, and that caught our attention. We stared at each other before I picked up my phone.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Miss London Cade?¡± said from the other line.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s London Vanderford.¡± I watched Neke¡¯s reaction. ¡°Cade.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Emy from the HR. There have been changes in management. We¡¯re requesting your presence with Miss Web in the conference room. If you can make it right now, that would be great.¡±


    ¡°LH has new management?¡± Already? Great. My heart was just crushed.


    ¡°A new owner, ma¡¯am. And technically, the CEO job is yours if you¡¯re interested.¡±


    ¡°Wait. I¡¯m confused. Linus Vanderford, my father sold LH?¡±


    Neke was watching me intently, and she was also shocked to hear it.


    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been saying, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Be there in thirty. Thanks for calling.¡±


    We stared at each other before weughed and danced.


    ¡°Yes! We¡¯re back, baby.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a quick shower,¡± I told her.


    ¡°No more shower. Just put your makeup on and wear something hot.¡± She rushed to her room, leaving me alone, puzzled.


    After twenty-five minutes, we were fully dressed and ready to conquer the world, as they say.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drive,¡± Neke suggested when we reached the apartment lobby.


    ¡°Wait. Is that Reed?¡± I pointed at the man in a suit in front of the apartment building, waving at us. ¡°What is he doing here?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go and find out.¡±


    Before we could ask, he opened the backseat door. ¡°Morning,dies.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°My job.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t afford to pay for your service.¡±


    ¡°Just get in.¡± Neke pushed me into the backseat. ¡°We¡¯rete, bitch.¡±


    ¡°Who hired you?¡±


    ¡°The new owner.¡±


    ¡°The new owner? Who? I mean, why in the hell did my father sell LH?¡±


    ¡°I just received a call. Since I still didn¡¯t get an assignment and was working on moving to a new firm, I¡¯m idle as you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re moving to Linden¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the n.¡±


    ¡°Wow. Good luck. I¡¯m happy for you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Neke¡¯s apartment was not far from Vanderford Building. It would only take twenty minutes without traffic.


    I felt suddenly nervous as I joined Neke and Reed in the elevator. Why would I even feel nervous? I mean, this had been my job for two years.


    ¡°What if the new owner changed everything that I started?¡±


    ¡°Have a seat with them and tell them your goal, your vision. I¡¯m sure they will hear you out. Besides, you¡¯ve started it.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re gonna rebrand.¡±


    ¡°To what? HYL¡±


    ¡°HYL?¡±


    ¡°Hey, You Loser.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°I don¡¯t know. We¡¯ll figure it out.¡±


    We arrived at the office. I felt nostalgic. The staff was the same. Nothing had changed but the owner.


    ¡°Mrs. Cade, good morning.¡± Why was she kept calling me Mrs. Cade? It only reminded me of my failure and heartbreak.


    ¡°Morning.¡±


    ¡°Miss Web, you can go to your office. I¡¯ll reinstate and update your credentialter.¡± Emy turned to me when Neke left for her old office. ¡°Mrs. Cade, follow me.¡±


    I did as she said. ¡°I¡¯m not updatedtely. Who bought LH?¡±


    ¡°Good luck.¡± She pushed the door open of the conference room, Ignoring my question.


    I had many meetings with my staff here, and it brought back good memories. Emy turned on her heels and left me just like that.


    I drew a deep breath before I entered.


    ¡°Good-¡± I halted. I was shocked to see what was before me that I took a few steps back to make sure I entered the right room. Yes, I was in the conference room.


    ¡°Good morning. Come in and close the door, please.¡±


    I didn¡¯t move. I couldn¡¯t. I just stood there and stared at Striker in shock. He caught me off guard. I wasn¡¯t ready to face him. My loser self-the jobless me-the homeless me wasn¡¯t prepared to meet my ever-handsome-soon-to-be-ex-husband.


    He gestured to the chair before me. ¡°Vanderford, please? I don¡¯t have much time.¡±


    ¡°You bought thepany?¡± I asked, but it sounded usatory instead of inquiry, maybe because I was still wrapping the fact around my head. My question came out strong and bitter.


    ¡°Yes. Technically it¡¯s Cade-Braddson.¡±


    ¡°Cade-Braddson?¡± Wow.


    ¡°Mypany.¡±Again. Wow.¡±But yes, I¡¯m the new owner. Do you have any problem with that?¡±


    ¡°Why did you hire me? I¡¯m sure there are many sessful women or men, well-experienced, who are more qualified than me to be the new CEO.¡±


    ¡°Yes. There are.¡±


    ¡°Jeez. Thanks.¡± I went to take a seat because my knees began to wobble, and clearly disappointed by how I got the answer. ¡°Since I am handpicked, can I make a demand?¡±


    ¡°Demand?¡± He arched that brow. He did that when he was amused. So, he thought my demand amused him.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Name it.¡±


    ¡°Them.¡±


    ¡°You said demand.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Fine. No rebranding.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I intend to keep your name. It¡¯s proprietary. I won¡¯t change a thing. All you have to do is do your job like how you made a start-up retail clothing chain into a well-known sustainable brand.¡± Wow. My third wow for today. That¡¯sa new record. He did his own research. Impressive.


    ¡°Thanks. Appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°Now my demands.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± My eyes grew big. I should be thankful someone offered me a job-the job that I loved, but I felt like I would not like his demands, but did I have a choice?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t just buy your name from your father without making some deals.¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯re staying with Neke-¡±


    ¡°How did you-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t interrupt me.¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± I raised my hand.


    ¡°You¡¯ll stay in my house since your things are already there.¡±


    I raised my hand to interrupt. ¡°What things?¡±


    ¡°Your things that were supposed to be in the storage unit.¡±


    ¡°How-¡±


    He started to get annoyed. He breathed through his nose as he raised a finger to stop me from asking questions. ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware Reed and Linden hired movers to bring your things to my house. I have enough space. That wouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    How would he know? He¡¯d never been there.


    I behaved.


    ¡°You will stay in my house, in my room, from now on.¡±


    I swallowed hard. Oh, boy. He was punishing me. In order to get my job back, I was going to pay for what I¡¯d done. Yay. I should have seen thising.


    ¡°Reed will be your driver. The bills are mine to pay. I will provide everything needed in the house. And as for your father, he won¡¯t bother you anymore. That¡¯s one of the deals I made with him.¡±


    ¡°And you?¡± I swallowed again. ¡°Where are you gonna stay?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have a ce on my own. Anything else?¡± he asked as he stood up.


    I got up too. I wanted to say thank you, but I couldn¡¯t voice it out. I just watched him walk toward me in confusion.


    ¡°You wanna say something before-¡±


    Iunched myself into him and wrapped my arms around his neck as I hugged him tighter. I shut my eyes for a while to feel him. He didn¡¯t return the hug, though, but I was beyond grateful.


    I looked down as I pulled away.


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna be okay, Vanderford. If you need anything, I suppose you still have my number?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I nodded. ¡°Um, about the-¡±


    ¡°Look at me, Vanderford.¡± He lifted my chin, forcing me to look him in the eye. The moment our gazes locked together, it felt like my heart split in two. There was no warmth in it. No anticipation. No sparks. Just cold cobalt blue eyes staring nkly at mine. ¡°Don¡¯t dream of getting a divorce because that won¡¯t happen until you get your life back. At this moment, you¡¯re not capable of doing that. Since you declined my help in giving you financial support, you left me no choice. So you will stay as my wife until I tell you so. You can sleep with another man if you want-¡±


    ¡°And you will do the same?¡± My hand flew to my mouth when I realized I had just asked him a stupid question. Crap. My cheeks burned in embarrassment.


    ¡°You can go back to work.¡± He walked past me to the door.


    ¡°Cade?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± His hand froze on the doorknob.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it for you.¡±

 Chapter 64

    LONDON


    I¡¯d been living at Striker¡¯s house for a week now. I had noint. In fact, it felt like home to me, even if he was not around. This house was once my home, after all, until my life fell apart. Neke was still in shock upon finding out the new owner, Braddson-Cade LLC. She even searched for it online.


    Despite everything happening so fast, I still considered myself lucky. I got my work back. I was beginning to pick up pieces-that was what I should do- and damn, I owed that to myself-When you fall, learn from it, get up, and rise again.


    I may have a roof over my head, but I hadn¡¯t seen Striker again. I guessed he was true to his words.


    I didn¡¯t do it for you. That were hisst words. Harsh, but I probably deserved it.


    It was Saturday. I woke up at seven in the morning. After my workout, I went to the kitchen and wasn¡¯t alone anymore.


    ¡°Reef, you don¡¯t have to do that anymore.¡±


    ¡°My job, ma¡¯am.¡± He was stocking some supplies into cupboards.


    ¡°Really? Your job?¡± I chuckled as I got the bottle of water he offered. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I am getting paid for stocking your pantry, keeping the house safe and clean, and ensuring you have enough food. You barely ate.¡±


    ¡°I tried cooking, but it was a disaster.¡± I chuckled sadly. I was supposed to cook pasta, but I ended up having a sandwich for dinner. I was also getting tired of takeouts.


    ¡°I can help you with that.¡±


    ¡°You have enough trouble for me.¡±


    ¡°No biggies, ma¡¯am.¡± He faced me when we were done. ¡°Anyway, anything you¡¯d like to request? Any specific sd bowls you like?¡±


    ¡°The old one is good.¡±


    ¡°If you need anything, just give me a call.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Once I was alone, I sat on the stool, wondering. At least, one more thing I should be grateful for, I wouldn¡¯t get starved.


    I turned on the tv and watched the talking show. I didn¡¯t have a clue what was going on with the stock market after Striker bought LH. It had been a week since I hadn¡¯t checked and updated my Instagram. At that time, my life seemed to be put on hold.


    ¡°The London Hester clothing chain was sold for a whopping sixty million dors to a new owner Braddson-Cade LLC. Some spections that the renowned ready-to-wear clothing line has a worth of one hundred and thirty million dors. Is Vanderford Global on the brink of bankruptcy? We tried to get a statement from the VG, but to no avail,¡± said thedy host.


    ¡°That¡¯s absurd.¡± The report made me angrier. These were lies.


    ¡°London Vanderford started LH. That¡¯s why it¡¯s named after her. I wonder what she has to say about Linus Vanderford choosing it to sell instead of other brands. London, if you are watching this, feel free to give ament on this.¡±


    I picked up the remote and changed the channel to a newswork.


    ¡°She was Ivan Miller before she became Ivy Jones and wasst seen two days in her apartment. The police are still investigating the cause of death for foul y or if the victimmitted suicide.¡±


    My eyes bulged, gaze still glued to the tv as Ivy¡¯s picture was shed on the screen and the video of her as they pulled her out of the river.


    Goosebumps erupted all over my mmy skin as my body began to shake. I wanted to blink and close my eyes to unsee the horrific image, but it still lingered as I froze.


    ¡°Oh, my God.¡± I gasped for air, covering my face with trembling hands as I tried to hold on to the counter and slide off the stool. I almost knocked myself down without help from huge hands holding me in ce.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Ohmigod. No!¡± I struggled to get off those hands out of a grip, striking them until they wrapped them around me tightly.


    My attempt was a catastrophe.


    ¡°Vanderford.¡± It was a man¡¯s voice calling my name. London, it¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Get off of me.¡± My effort exhausted me. ¡°Please, don¡¯t hurt me.¡±


    ¡°Vanderford, calm down. It¡¯s me, Cade. It¡¯s Cade, okay? I¡¯m not going to hurt you.¡± He held me even tighter, repeatedly whispering that I was safe, but I felt like I couldn¡¯tprehend, as if it were in a foreignnguage.


    But I knew that voice- it sounded familiar. The warmth felt familiar, as if I¡¯d been trusting it for a long time.


    ¡°No,¡± I repeated those words over and over as I shook to cry.


    ¡°Vanderford, look at me. Open your eyes.¡± It became clearer. It was Cade talking to me. But he was not here. This was just a figment of my imagination. This was not real.


    I shook my head violently as he pulled my hands off my face. ¡°You¡¯re not real. You¡¯re not real. You¡¯re not real.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m real, Vanderford. I am here with you.¡±


    ¡°This is not real.¡±


    ¡°Cobalt blue. The color of my eyes. Trust what you see.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°I turned off the tv. It was just in the news. You¡¯re safe here in the house. Come on, baby. You¡¯re stronger than this. Remember cobalt blue.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared.¡±


    ¡°Nothing to be scared of. He¡¯s gone. Just take a deep breath.¡±


    ¡°You left me. You left me again.¡± I chanted again and again until I was out of breath.


    ¡°Look at me, please?¡±


    ¡°Cade.¡± Then I stopped and did as he said, slowly. It was still blurry at first. Then I blinked and blinked again until the cobalt blue became clear.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s me.¡±


    I threw myself into him and snaked my arms around him. I felt his fingers against my hair as he kept saying it¡¯s gonna be okay. I didn¡¯t want to let him go. I wanted to be sure that he was here with me right now.


    ¡°H-how? How are you here?¡± My throat seemed parched.


    ¡°This is my house.¡±


    I pulled away as I blew a breath. I couldn¡¯t look at him anymore. I felt ashamed, and I realized I was sweaty. Why did this matter? I shook my head in irritation and chose to walk away from him.


    ¡°Vanderford?¡±


    I ignored him. I went to the backdoor and breathed deeply. I did it a couple of times until I sensed him.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Why are you there every time I am in trouble?¡± My voice was still trembling, but I mastered controlling it.


    ¡°I just saved your ass from falling, and that¡¯s how you thank me? It¡¯s not that I¡¯m seeking it.¡±


    I inhaled deeply before I spoke. ¡°What happened to her?¡±


    ¡°My suspicion is someone killed her.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s closed with Magnus, right? Is he in danger too?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°As much as I hated them, I didn¡¯t want that to happen to them.¡± I fisted and unfisted my hands. ¡°Ivy deserved jail time, not death.¡± I turned around to face Striker. ¡°Are you sure you have nothing to do with this?¡±


    ¡°What? Kill someone for you?¡± He snorted and didn¡¯t even try hard to hide the disgusted look on his face.


    ¡°You¡¯ve killed before, right?¡±


    ¡°Or I would get killed. The job I swore an oath to is to protect, and I would never kill someone for sports or vengeance. I¡¯m not a murderer.¡±


    I walked past him. ¡°So she¡¯s dead now. Is that mean I¡¯m safe?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± His answer was strong and straightforward.


    ¡°What do you mean no?¡± I stopped and looked him in the eye.


    ¡°Your father pissed off dangerous people. Ivy is just a mothpared to these people, the huge me.¡±


    I swallowed hard. I felt like I was going to copse. He managed to hold me in his arms before the world spun around.


    ¡°I¡¯m not feeling so well.¡±


    ¡°I got you.¡± He scooped me, carried me bridal style, and took me out of the kitchen. ¡°What the hell is wrong with you, Vanderford? Are you not eating? You lost weight.¡±


    My vision was still spinning even if I had already squeezed my eyes shut.


    I felt him putting me down to something soft. He then took off my shoes one by one. I was already in bed.


    ¡°I need a change.¡±


    ¡°Shut up. You¡¯re probably hypoglycemic right now. Stay put. If I see you move a muscle, I will tie you to this bed.¡±


    I froze at his words. I was even scared to swallow. When I heard footsteps fading, I slowly cracked my eyes open. I was in our room. I still felt dizzy and about to throw up. I rushed to the bathroom and emptied my stomach into the toilet.


    ¡°Vanderford?¡± he called out my name a little louder when he found the bed empty.


    I raised my hand but couldn¡¯t tell him I was in the bathroom, throwing my guts out.


    ¡°Vanderford! Jesus Christ, are you okay?¡±


    I nodded.


    I heard the water from the sink, thenter, he held my hair away from my face and gave me the ss. ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I cleaned my mouth well before sitting on the floor, catching my breath.


    ¡°Let me take you to bed.¡±


    I could barely shake my head. I was so drained.


    ¡°Are you sick? Have you been not feeling well?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±


    ¡°I brought juice.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Can I clean up?¡±


    ¡°Let me help.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea for you to stand by yourself.¡±


    ¡°Stay behind the door, but I need clean clothes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go take them.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Once he went to take my clothes, I stripped off of my workout clothes. I was still weak but felt more powerless in my dirty clothes. I went to the shower, and the water was invigorating.


    A momentter, he knocked on the ss. ¡°Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Just put the robe on the rack.¡±


    After my quick shower, I put on my robe. When I went out of the bathroom, Striker was gone, but I had my clothes on the bed, with my underwear and a ss of grape juice on the bedside table.


    I put them on and sat at the edge of the bed. My hair was still dripping, but I felt I¡¯d rather sleep than brush and dry it. I took a few sips of the grape juice and put it down as I felt I¡¯d rather curl into a ball in my bed.


    I was about to lie down when the door swung open. Striker was carrying a stray of breakfast. How did he prepare them in less than five minutes?


    ¡°Get in bed,¡± he ordered without humor.


    ¡°My hair¡¯s still wet.¡±


    ¡°Let me handle your hair, London.¡± Now he sounded mad, so mad his voice was harsh and stern.


    I had no choice but to follow before he transformed into a beast.


    ¡°Just sit in the middle.¡± He ced the tray in front of me. ¡°Eat.¡±


    He went to the dresser, and I heard drawers opening and closing. When he came back, he had my hair blower and brush in his hands.


    ¡°I said eat.¡±


    I cut the omelet and shoved a small slice into my mouth while he began brushing my hair. I instantly recognized the taste. ¡°Is Linden here?¡±


    He turned on the blower instead and did as he pleased, ignoring my question. He seemed to know what he was doing, giving me a feeling of a pang in my chest.


    Whatever.


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna talk to me somehow.¡±


    ¡°Just eat. Once you¡¯re done, then we¡¯re having a conversation.¡±

 Chapter 65

    STRIKER


    Jesus Christ.


    She could have hurt herself if I had beente just a second.


    As adrenaline rushed through me, I caught her before she hit the floor. Guilt, regret, and shame engulfed me.


    I was thankful that Linden dragged me out of my apartment toe to the house. When we saw the news on tv, I knew it was only a matter of time before London would learn about it.


    I grabbed the tray and put it on the counter a little stronger. I stared at it with my jaw clenched and my hands formed into fists. ¡°Goddamn it.¡± When Reef told me that most of the stock was untouched, I thought she was takeouts. It never urred to me that she looked like she was starving herself. It hurt to see her not taking care of herself. And I had the feeling that she was sick.


    She lost a few pounds. I knew London. I knew her body. And she just threw up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me say I told you so.¡±


    ¡°Just say it.¡±


    ¡°Just hire a cook or a helper if you still have no n to stay with her.¡± Linden was done with the pancakes. He began with the omelet, London¡¯s favorite.


    ¡°If she doesn¡¯t eat all this, I swear I will shove it into her mouth,¡± I said through gritted teeth as I brought another ss and poured cranberry juice.


    He chuckled. ¡°Your fault. You let your bruised ego get the best of you. You chose to leave her alone instead of cuddling her to sleep.¡±


    ¡°Just shut up.¡± I snapped. ¡°Finish it so that she can eat.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. And I¡¯m getting paid as your breakfast chef.¡±


    When I threw him a re, he just smirked.


    Once he was done, I stuck three pancakes on the te and poured a good amount of syrup. Then I put the still-smoking omelet she loved on the tray. ¡°Can you give me a knife and a fork?¡±


    ¡°And table napkin.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I went up quickly, two steps at a time, and found her staring at the wall.


    I wanted her to eat and take care of herself. I wanted her to be healthy and happy, but I was failing. I gave her LH, a house to stay in, a peace out of my life, but nothing worked for her.


    As I blow-dried her hair, I realized something and wished it was true.


    ¡°Finish your food.¡± I was almost done, and she hadn¡¯t eaten half her breakfast.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    I groaned as I turned off the hair dryer and put it on the nightstand.


    ¡°This is too much for breakfast.¡± She startedining now she got her strength back.


    ¡°Just eat what you can.¡± I ran the brush on my hair one more time.


    ¡°You ordered me to finish my food.¡±


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°I still can¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t. I didn¡¯t ask about what you saw on tv. Forget about it. It¡¯s over now.¡±


    Her shoulders drooped as she sighed. ¡°I¡¯m done eating.¡±


    I checked the tray. She finished the omelet but barely ate a quarter of the pancakes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like pancakes?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a fan of syrup.¡± Oh. I didn¡¯t know that.


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡±


    ¡°Pancake without syrup is not a pancake. That¡¯s ssic.¡±


    ¡°I like whipped cream and fresh fruits.¡±


    ¡°Of course you do.¡± I got off the bed, put the tray on the table, and then faced her. This time she looked at me. I could still see the daunting effect in her eyes and the deep sorrow there.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired,¡± she said.


    ¡°You look tired.¡±


    ¡°Jeez, thanks.¡± She dragged herself back and leaned against the headboard.


    ¡°Have you been sleeping welltely?¡±


    ¡°Yes, doc.¡±


    ¡°Vanderford, this is not a joke. Did you manifest eating disorder symptoms?¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°Wow. You read a lot of WebMD. You saw me throwing up, and now you wanna diagnose me?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m joking right now?¡± This woman was stubborn as fuck. I wanted to squeeze her out to talk. I was already vibrating in anger. ¡°You talk to me, or I will drag you out of this house and take you to a doctor.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too violent, Striker.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re giving me no choice. If I check that medicine cab or drawers and see any medicines that are not supposed to be there, you¡¯re doomed. You¡¯ll stop working until you get yourself help.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± She curled her lip and wrinkled her nose at me. ¡°I¡¯d love nothing but to stay in the house as long as I get paid. Is that part of my punishment? Go ahead and try harder.¡±


    I shut my eyes closed for a brief moment and breathed through my nose. My blood began boiling again. My anger kept on piling up.


    ¡°This is what you wanna see in me, right? Being worthless. I¡¯mcking motivation right now. I lost all hope. I feel like I¡¯m living, but I know I am not. You hate me. Well, I deserve it because I hurt you. What shocks me the most is why you still give me the job. You already bought the only thing that I worked hard for from my father, and you don¡¯t want to divorce me. What else do you wish to aplish here?¡± The sentence cracked her voice. She shrugged and looked away when tears filled her eyes.


    ¡°I bought it because that¡¯s what matters to you. That¡¯s your life¡¯s work. Your father ruined our lives. I won¡¯t give him the satisfaction of taking and profiting from what you worked hard for, for two years. Why didn¡¯t you ask for your share? Or file for the damages. It¡¯s your brand, London?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I will win against the Vanderford Group? I don¡¯t think so. It was my mistake to trust my father in the first ce. I came up with the idea of creating my own brand way back before I went to college. I chose Fashion Design and Management because the Vanderford Group has always inspired me. Then that incident happened. I was just so lost- at that time, I wanted to heal and spend my time creating something worthy- that¡¯s how London Hester began. I signed a contract that I wouldn¡¯t own the trademark but would get a fifty percent profit in five years.¡±


    ¡°So you will get fifty in two and half years?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Now that you own it, I¡¯m waiting for them to finalize the entire sale.¡±


    I nodded in understanding. Then I thought of something to uplift her. ¡°You wanna be a shareholder?¡±


    Her eyes lit up. ¡°Will you let me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m offering you.¡±


    ¡°Did you just buy it for sixty?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°No. If you wanna buy a share, it will be based on the current stock price.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± She was not impressed. ¡°Now you sound like our fathers.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s business, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡±


    Now here came the scary part. ¡°Are you pregnant?¡±


    Her reaction was instant. She stared at me with big eyes and her mouth hanging open. She then closed it but still stared at me, unblinking. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°My question is valid. We slept together many times.¡±


    ¡°Jeez. But who¡¯s counting, right?¡± She rolled her eyes.


    ¡°You know your sarcasm amused me before, but it starts to be annoying right now. Are you carrying my child?¡±


    She red at me momentarily before opening her mouth to speak. ¡°You know what? If I¡¯m pregnant right now, that¡¯s not probably yours because I checked if I was weeks ago, and I wasn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Choose your words carefully, Vanderford.¡± I was already on my feet, giving her the same intensity as her re.


    She touched her tummy. It was still t. ¡°See? I could have been carrying your child for almost three months since we started sleeping together. But no. I¡¯m not pregnant. What did you see in the bathroom earlier?¡± She pointed at the door. ¡°That was me having my not-so-best moment. I had a panic attack.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have a servant this week.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want a servant,¡± she said stubbornly as she tucked her hair behind her ear.


    ¡°Can you cook?¡±


    She answered me with a scowl.


    ¡°Then you will have a servant.¡±


    ¡°I said I don¡¯t want a servant,¡± she insisted strongly. ¡°What I want is someone here to sit with me, to talk with me. Even just for an hour.¡±


    ¡°Then tell Neke toe.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so dumb, jerk.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t. I have a lot-¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know you have a lot on your te, but I need my husband.¡±


    She still didn¡¯t get it, did she? ¡°You had a husband, but you pushed him away. You wanted a divorce and didn¡¯t fucking tell him why. You trusted your judgment and didn¡¯t even give him a chance to make things right if he ever did wrong. Now you want to decide that you need your husband back because you feel like you need one? Well, let me tell you this, London. You won¡¯t get what you want from now on. If you want a man in your life? I won¡¯t stop you. Go ahead. You can have fun, but make sure anyone who knows we are married will never find out about your affair.¡±


    ¡°Or what? What are you going to do, huh?¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t like it, and you won¡¯t get anything, and I swear to you with my life. If you want me? You need to earn that trust again. If you want me back in your life? You need to unbreak my heart.¡± That was all. I couldn¡¯t stand there and watch her cry, or I would be breaking my heart again and again, and at this point in my life, I was so fragile and on the brink of getting mental help. Still, I walked out unapologetic.


    She was maybe my wife, and I still loved her with all my soul, but she couldn¡¯t even apologize after what she put me through. She expected me to crawl back to her, but that would not happen. If she wanted me back, she would beg for it.


    After she broke my heart, I was still lenient. I still gave everything she needed when her own father turned his back on her because one thing I couldn¡¯t deny, I was still her husband. She was still my responsibility. That was my duty.


    ¡°What now?¡± I didn¡¯t have to tell Linden. He read the look on my face as I met him at the entrance.


    ¡°I need a drink.¡± I got in the car.


    ¡°Early in the morning? No way, brother.¡±


    ¡°What do you have in mind?¡±


    ¡°Do you wanna go to the ranch?¡±


    ¡°Too far.¡± But that was not the main reason I didn¡¯t want to go and see Beck. I hated it when they were right.


    ¡°We¡¯ll hijack the jet.¡±


    ¡°Not a good idea. Besides, we¡¯re going to Italy on Thursday.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going?¡±


    ¡°If you wannae.¡±


    ¡°Who else?¡±


    ¡°Pa-¡±


    ¡°Pa?¡±


    I groaned. ¡°Moses.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    ¡°Pa, London, Reed, and Pa¡¯s men. Linus will go in his jet.¡±


    ¡°You need to give me more info.¡±


    ¡°If you are worried about our safety, Pa got it covered. I just want someone I trust on my side.¡±


    ¡°That sounds more concerning.¡±


    ¡°It is. We¡¯re meeting Conti and Gaetano.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck? Gaetano? The Siciliano crime family?¡±

 Chapter 66

    LONDON


    The rm went off.


    ¡°Oh no! This is not happening.¡± I turned off the fire and waved off the smoke as it began to sting my eyes.


    ¡°What the hell is happening in my kitchen?¡± Striker¡¯s voice echoed in the entire house, startling me. He quickly went to turn off the rm.


    ¡°What do you think it looks like? I¡¯m cooking.¡±


    He took the towel and waved at the rm. ¡°I thought you were trying to burn the house. Open the windows.¡±


    I rushed to open the windows. Secondster, the smoke slightly cleared, and then I saw him shaking his head as he looked down at the burnt meat in the pan.


    I just pursed my lips in disappointment when he looked at me.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Sonia? I hired her to avoid this?¡± He wasn¡¯t exactly angry, but he wasn¡¯t happy either.


    I went to the convection to check if myst remaining meal was cooked. ¡°I gave her days off.¡±


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± His tone began to annoy me. Why did he have to throw me a lot of questions when I was here bustling?


    I checked my food. Finally, in my twenty-three years, I managed to cook a meal without burning a kitchen. ¡°Sonia received a call that her mother fell from the stairs and was being rushed to the hospital. I told her to take some days off.¡±


    ¡°Wear mitts, Vanderford.¡± He groaned.


    ¡°Of course I will.¡± I rolled my eyes as I picked up the gloves and put them on.


    ¡°Let me do it.¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    My eyes narrowed. ¡°How will I learn if you keep doing everything for me? I can do this.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± He picked up the pan, put it on the sink, and ran it with water.


    I picked up thesagna carefully. The top had a nice golden brown color. It actually looked nice and smelled delicious.


    ¡°I did it.¡± I giggled and grinned at him. I was proud of myself that it was sessful.


    Instead of congratting me, he said tly, ¡°I¡¯ll be the judge of that.¡±


    ¡°I guess I just have to eat thesagna alone,¡± I said in dismay.


    ¡°What were you making on the pan? Pan-seared steak.¡± He wandered his gaze around the kitchen. Yeah, it looked messy, but I could clean it and make it look spotless again.


    ¡°Yeah. I was busy slicing some fruits and forgot to flip the sides. I still kinda learning to avoid cutting off my fingers.¡± My answer made him groan.¡±


    ¡°And maybe the fire was too high,¡± he said.


    ¡°Probably. I¡¯ll prepare the table. Are you brave enough to taste mysagna?¡±


    ¡°Set the table for two.¡±


    I took some cutlery from the drawer and tes and grabbed napkins. Before I headed to the dining table, I stopped at the door and watched him take a fork and taste mysagna. When he smiled, I went to prepare the table smiling.


    He came carrying the dish and ced it on the table. ¡°Who taught you?¡±


    ¡°I can be attentive and persistent.¡± I went back to the kitchen to take a bottle of wine. He also came back and picked up sses.


    Once the table was set, he served me the meal I had prepared for almost four hours. The mozzare stretched like in an ad. He then pours wine into my ss. When he sat in his chair, he inspected a good portion of the wellyered and juicy meal on his te. He cut a small piece and smelled it before putting it into my mouth.


    He took his time to chew before he swallowed it. I watched his reaction the entire time, and as seconds passed, he still had no verdict.


    ¡°That bad, huh?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t have help preparing this?¡±


    ¡°I swear I was alone the entire time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m impressed. It¡¯s actually good. Try it. It¡¯s well-seasoned. The pasta is well-cooked. The meat sauce is tasty. I taste three kinds of cheese. Did you add sugar to the sauce?¡± His voice showed a hint of pride as heplimented my cooking. That was first.


    ¡°A little. Is it too sweet?¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s perfect. Who taught you?¡± he asked again.


    ¡°I watched it on YouTube and searched the recipe online.¡±


    ¡°Your first try?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I proudly said. ¡°Yesterday, I cooked lemon butter chicken without burning it. Sonia did the preparation, though.¡± I started eating. He was telling the truth. ¡°Hmm. It¡¯s good.¡±


    He chuckled as he shook his head. ¡°You didn¡¯t believe me?¡±


    ¡°I thought you just didn¡¯t wanna hurt my feelings.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not yet dead, so it¡¯s not poisonous. It¡¯s actually a goodsagna.¡±


    ¡°I know how to use the washing machine. This morning I washed my clothes. Not my work clothes, though, because I¡¯m still practicing using the steamer.¡±


    ¡°What else did you learn?¡± Now he looked amused.


    ¡°To have long patience.¡±


    ¡°Good idea.¡±


    After our dinner, he helped me clean up my mess even if I told him I could do it myself, so we finished quickly. Before we left the kitchen, he went to check the cupboards and the fridge.


    ¡°You¡¯re eating well.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Why?¡±


    ¡°I just wanna make sure you¡¯re not starving yourself.¡±


    I took my wine with me when I went to the couch. He picked up some of the scattered papers on the table.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± I shut up when he looked at me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Let me rephrase it-¡±


    ¡°Just checking on you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Thanks. Anyway, now that you¡¯re here, I wanna propose something.¡±


    ¡°Bags.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. You can add more shoe designs, like ts. I don¡¯t see too many ts. Casual shoes, too.¡±


    ¡°I want the bag design that you made. We¡¯ll buy the rights.¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡°Mypany will buy my design?¡± Heughed. That was the first time I heard himugh since we separated.


    My smile faded. ¡°Never mind.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t buy it. I want the credit and name the bag after you.¡±


    ¡°Why me? I didn¡¯t design it.¡±


    ¡°Marguerite.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± He made me speechless.


    ¡°I will design a pair of shoes if you want.¡±


    ¡°Can I name it Cade?¡± I literally batted myshes.


    ¡°No.¡± Bummer.


    ¡°Asher?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Pa¡¯s project.¡±


    Pa. Wow. He called Moses pa. ¡°Striker then?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s Striker fighter jet. Well, it¡¯s not yetunched, but it will soon.¡±


    ¡°He really loves you.¡±


    ¡°Name whatever you want. Why didn¡¯t you work on the study.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t wanna impose.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not. When I said you¡¯ll be staying here, you have ess to all corners of this house.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Later in the night, he went to his study, so I decided to get to bed early. When I woke up, I wasn¡¯t alone in bed anymore, which startled me.


    It was Striker, shirtless. He already changed to a pajama bottom.


    He was hard and firm, but his skin was soft and smooth. And those abs that I felt once against my fingertips. My mind went somewhere dirty and wild. I swallowed hard at the thought of something soft and smooth and hard. The idea alone was enough to make my inner wall clench, waking up something deep inside me.


    I bit my bottom lip and moved to my side since I used to sleep alone, and this was his bed in the first ce.


    ¡°Vanderford?¡± His voice was deep and gravelly.


    ¡°Did I wake you up?¡± I asked in a low voice.


    ¡°No.¡± He let go of a slow breath.


    ¡°I thought you leftst night. Where do you stay anyway?¡±


    ¡°I have an apartment.¡± Of course, he had. He could afford to buy another house bigger than this.


    ¡°Night.¡±


    ¡°Wait. I wanna talk to you about tomorrow.¡±


    I faced him. He was lying on the side, facing me. ¡°What about tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to Italy?¡±


    My sleepiness just vanished. ¡°You¡¯re going to Italy with who?¡± I shouldn¡¯t have asked. What if he said he was going to meet a beautiful young Italian he met in Capria?


    ¡°You, me, Pa, Linden, and Reed.¡±


    ¡°May I ask why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you in the morning.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll inform Neke early in the morning then.¡±


    ¡°She already fixed your schedule.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay. Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Get some sleep. The flight is long.¡±


    ***


    I woke up earlier than Striker. That was the most peaceful sleep I had since we lived separately.


    I brewed coffee and toasted some loaves of bread. I still didn¡¯t know the purpose of this trip, but maybe I needed fresh air somewhere in Italy like Venice, Florence, and of course, Rome, but I felt like this was not a leisurely one.


    ¡°You woke up early?¡± Striker sauntered to the kitchen with disheveled hair but still looked hot. Thankfully, he put on a shirt. He had already snatched a toast and taken a big bite.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I picked a cup and poured him a freshly brewed coffee.


    ¡°Where in Italy are we going?¡±


    ¡°Sicily?¡±


    ¡°How many days?¡±


    ¡°Two days, three tops.¡±


    ¡°Business trip?¡±


    ¡°Just pack your clothes, and we¡¯ll talk in the jet.¡± He sipped his coffee.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    His phone rang.


    ¡°Your phone has been in the kitchen since you arrived?¡±


    ¡°No. I just put it there right now.¡± He went to pick up his phone. ¡°I woke up to the constant call from Linden. He doesn¡¯t know I slept herest night.¡±


    ¡°Can I prepare you breakfast?¡±


    ¡°I should have married a chef if I only ask you to cook for me, Vanderford. I¡¯m good. Thank you.¡±


    My brows shot up. ¡°That¡¯s the nicest thing he¡¯d ever said since forever.¡±


    He might have just heard me as he paused for a moment before answering the call. ¡°Dad.¡± So this time, it was Tate calling. ¡°I¡¯m fine. You already here?¡±


    I sipped my coffee in silence. Then I remembered that I had to pack my clothes.


    I went up, and he was still talking to his dad.


    ¡°Dad, calm down. I¡¯m not going to war. Jesus, you and Moses worried a lot. I¡¯m an adult, for God¡¯s sake. When was thest time I¡¯d been reckless?¡± He calmed down a bit. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m home.¡±


    Jeez, I was eavesdropping.


    ¡°Vanderford ising with me.¡±

 Chapter 67

    STRIKER


    ¡°Are you gonna tell me what this trip is all about?¡± I felt she would not stop until she got the answer.


    ¡°Once we¡¯re in the jet.¡±


    ¡°Last night, you told me you would tell me in the morning.¡±


    ¡°I know what I said, London.¡±


    She stopped when she noticed I wasn¡¯t in a mood anymore. Don¡¯t get me wrong. I enjoyed talking to her. And I set aside my anger toward her because I had to end a threat to her family. That was why I stayed at home for a night. I wanted to make sure we were on our way to Italy before she figured out about our father¡¯s involvement with the two most prominent crime families in Italy.


    We made it to the private airport. Reed stopped the car in the hangar. Moses¡¯ car instantly came to view while Briggs appeared from the jet, gesturing us to go up as he climbed down to help Reed for our suitcases from the trunk.


    ¡°I got it.¡± I picked up London¡¯s small duffel before she could pull it out. ¡°Do you have anything else left in the car?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I could hear the anger in her voice in just one word. She was still upset with me. I got that. But she didn¡¯t know what I had sacrificed for her family, and she had no idea how many lives were at stake for this trip.


    London climbed up, and I followed suit. Moses was giving a hundred bucks to Linden, which confused me, but London seemed unaware of what was going on as she kissed Moses¡¯ cheek.


    ¡°How are you doing, Mr. Braddson?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your father-inw, London. You are my daughter now. Call me pa.¡±


    ¡°Pa, it is.¡± She gave me a small smile to my father.


    ¡°What was that?¡± I hugged Moses.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep the change, sir.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s for the gtoter, Linden,¡± my father said with amusement.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to tell me?¡±


    ¡°I told him you stayed at homest night, hence the not answering my call and why you two werete,¡± Linden answered me instead.


    ¡°So you betted on us?¡± I looked at both of them. ¡°And you thought we made up and lived happily ever after. Unbelievable. I stayedst night because I have to pack some clothes, and then we cane here together. That would save time.¡±


    ¡°Yet, you¡¯re stillte. And you don¡¯t have to be so defensive, Striker. We¡¯re just guessing-¡±


    ¡°You mean betting.¡±


    ¡°Well, I won a hundred bucks.¡± Linden chuckled.


    ¡°The change is mine,¡± I said before I walked through the aisle.


    London was already in her seat as I put her hand carry on the divan. I took a seat across from her, gazing behind the window.


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk to Pa once the jet takes off.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± She barely gave me her attention, which somehow hurt my feelings.


    ¡°Hey, sweetheart.¡± Linden came over with open arms and a smile on his face.


    ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t wanna talk to me,¡± she said tly, standing up to hug him.


    ¡°Even if we haven¡¯t talked for weeks, you will always have a ce in my heart. You are family, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°Good to know.¡± She returned to her seat to buckle her seatbelt as the captain announced we were about to fly.


    Linden left and went behind to be with Reed.


    A few minutes passed, and London hadn¡¯t moved or looked at me.


    ¡°He always asked me about you,¡± I said to ease the tension between us.


    ¡°I care about him and can¡¯tpete against you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s your brother, and I¡¯m the adopted-no. I¡¯m the homeless one. Linden was the shelter.¡±


    ¡°He never, and I never think you are the homeless. You are a part of the family.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like it anymore after what I¡¯ve done.¡± Sadness crept into her voice and glimmered in her eyes.


    Before I could reply, the seatbelt sign was off, and Moses called my name. ¡°Can you twoe over here?¡±


    We went to him. He was working on theptop with an untouched whiskey ss on the table. I let London sit across from my father and went to her side.


    ¡°Are you okay, London?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good, thanks.¡±


    ¡°Did Dad talk to you?¡± I asked my father.


    ¡°If yelling at me the entire call is talking, then yes.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what caused us toete.¡±


    ¡°I told him nothing to worry about, but he never listened.¡± He then went his full attention back to my wife. ¡°I know you¡¯ve been thinking, what¡¯s this flight all about.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Pa. I guess Cade didn¡¯t want to tell me. But we¡¯re going to Italy, right?¡±


    ¡°Striker made a deal with your father to buy LH at a reasonable price. In return, I will help him settle his dispute with someone.¡±


    ¡°Dispute? Someone? Who?¡±


    ¡°Five years ago, he met a woman, Gianna.¡±


    ¡°Your brother¡¯s mother,¡± I added.


    ¡°Come again?¡± Her eyes widened as she bounced her gaze between us. ¡°Brother? I have a brother? How did I not know about him?¡±


    ¡°You had a brother,¡± I rephrased.


    ¡°What happened?¡± she asked immediately, blinking the sadness away.


    ¡°They fell in love. Your father wasn¡¯t aware of her n. She wanted out of the family business. Long story short, she got pregnant and hid it from her family. She died of childbirth.¡±


    ¡°Oh, God.¡± She covered her mouth with her hands in shock. There, I saw the pain in her eyes. ¡°And the baby?¡±


    Dad shook his head. ¡°He died just an hour after he was born.¡±


    ¡°Ohmigod. Why haven¡¯t I heard of it? That¡¯s awful.¡± She wallowed. ¡°That¡¯s terrible. I can¡¯t believe my father never told me about this.¡±


    ¡°I guess we all have our own way of showing our love to our children. I¡¯m not a good father or a son, London. Your father didn¡¯t tell you this because he didn¡¯t want you to look at him differently.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Like how?¡±


    ¡°He went to great lengths to protect you from this mess because this isn¡¯t just a mess. It¡¯s a blood feud.¡±


    ¡°Please, just tell me already. I¡¯m a grown woman. I always felt like I was always in the dark my entire life. I deserve to know if I am in great danger.¡±


    ¡°You already are. The family of the woman who died has been taunting your father. Linus even involved my son in his quest to end this. It was to tie Striker in marriage.¡±


    ¡°How did Cade fit into all of this?¡±


    ¡°Because I know the only person who can help him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still confused.¡±


    ¡°Conti crime family. The woman is Conti.¡±


    ¡°Crime? Crime family,¡± she muttered, then she looked at me. I could see her mind reeling with so many questions. ¡°Crime? Like criminal, illegal, mob?¡±


    ¡°Conti is mafia, Vanderford,¡± I answered.


    She looked at me as if I had just said something funny. She then covered her mouth as sheughed. ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right? I mean, I¡¯ve heard of them, but that doesn¡¯t mean they exist. Are they really killers?¡±


    ¡°Among other things. Embezzlement, illegal drugs, extortion. And that¡¯s we are going,¡± I answered.


    Herugh dried. Her face was ashen when she realized we were not messing with her. ¡°We are going to meet a criminal? Why would we do that? And then what? They kill us too?¡±


    ¡°To help your father. Your life is at stake too, London.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t he just end this?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s been doing that for years, paying them money, but still, they¡¯re asking for more, or they will start by killing you.¡±


    ¡°Pa.¡± I groaned as I squeezed my eyes shut at my father¡¯s blunt reply. My jaw ticked to see her look so terrified.


    My father looked at me. ¡°She wants an answer. And she needs to know the truth because her father isn¡¯t capable of giving it to her.¡±


    ¡°Will you stop treating me like a delicate doll? I can handle the truth, Stiker.¡± She put on a brave face even if she was terrified.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say you are a delicate doll. I just want you to absorb this information slowly. I¡¯ve faced violence and deaths, but when my father told me about this, it took me a while to wrap it around my head.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she replied stubbornly. ¡°Now, my life is in danger because of a woman.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s the daughter of the head of a crime family. The sister of the man who ordered to kidnap you.¡±


    ¡°W-what? What do you mean?¡± The color drained from her face. London looked like she was about to copse.


    ¡°Pa, please?¡±


    ¡°H-He kidnapped me? The guy. Ivy.¡±


    ¡°No, Vanderford. Ivy is just a small fish in the ocean.¡±


    ¡°Ivy. They killed him, didn¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Oh, God.¡± She grabbed the ss of whiskey of my father. She gulped it empty and grimaced as she put the ss back. ¡°They asked for payment. Why haven¡¯t they stopped?¡±


    ¡°Blood for blood. They believe that your father killed a family member-a woman, by choosing the baby over the mother. Since your father has lots of money, they demand more.¡±


    ¡°I think Conti enjoyed much with your father¡¯s money and only waiting for him to make a wrong move,¡± I told her.


    ¡°They got twenty million. What else do they want? My father¡¯s life? My life?¡±


    ¡°Your father is selfish,¡± I said bluntly.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware of that.¡± She red at me. ¡°He chose his money over me. And now I understand why he sold me to you because he wants to live and let me die.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not gonna die, honey. As long as I¡¯m alive, no one will touch you. Do you understand?¡± Moses put his hand over London¡¯s, assuring her.


    ¡°Pa, how do you know that?¡± Every time she called my father pa, a part of me rejoiced.


    ¡°Because I will protect you like how I protect my son.¡±


    ¡°Yet you¡¯re going to take us there. For what? For an exchange?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯re not coteral. They won¡¯t touch you. And your father is on the way there too.¡±


    ¡°How does it work anyway?¡±


    ¡°Siciliano¡¯s daughter is married to Conti¡¯s son, the underboss. Siciliano owed me his life when I saved him long ago.¡±


    So this was the real story he¡¯d been keeping from me.


    ¡°I had no idea he was groomed to be a crime lord. Siciliano is more powerful than Conti. You see, the family had been rivals since the first generation, but because of the star-crossed marriage between their sons, they ceased killing both families, but still, the tension is just a matter of a spark to start the fire again.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re gonna kill each other if one of the family members makes a slight wrong move,¡± I told London.


    ¡°Your father came to me asking for my help, but I didn¡¯t know him, so I declined. Now, you are married to my son. See his point?¡±


    ¡°And you are willing to help my father because of me.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Why did he have to involve you both? Why doesn¡¯t he surrender himself and admit his mistake? Or asks help from the authority.¡±


    ¡°Authority won¡¯t help when ites to crime families because they are violent. They never y by the rules. Listen to me, London. I¡¯ve made many mistakes throughout my life, and one thing I regret the most is my son abandoning him. Every time I watched him hug another father from afar, it broke me into pieces. I love my son more than anything this world can offer. When your father tried to kill me, somehow, he helped me see and hold my son again.¡± I couldn¡¯t believe Moses knew all along.


    ¡°He did what now?¡± As her eyes grew bigger, she ced a hand on her chest.


    ¡°He paid someone to sabotage my jet, spied on mypany, and used my son as leverage. I get it he was desperate because the Conti was close to getting what they wanted.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God. I¡¯m sorry. I feel awful. And here you are, helping my father and me. I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to regret not doing something to save your father. I can feel that he loves despite being who he is.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s an asshole.¡± I chuckled.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to help him because I gave my son my word, London.¡±

 Chapter 68

    LONDON


    Wended in Sicily an hour ago. I was exhausted, and my emotions were everywhere. Right now, Striker had to share a room with me. Reed and Linden were in the same room, while Moses had his own.


    I had suffered at the hand of those criminals and grew distrustful, and I still had nightmares because of my father¡¯s selfishness. My anger towards him had gotten worst every day. I was kidnapped because of what he did. I felt awful and guilty, and I also felt loved and blessed at the same time that someone like Striker and Moses wanted to move mountains to keep me safe.


    That arrogant son of a bitch. He maybe was my father, but no father would ever sell his daughter to save his own skin. He used me as a pawn. Now he dragged Moses and Striker into his mess, still trying to save his ass. I tried hating him, but I couldn¡¯t despite my terrible suffering. I still held on to the good things he had done for me when I didn¡¯t have a mother to run to-he was there for me most of the time.


    ¡°Vanderford, someone here wants to talk to you?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± I asked Striker as he remained standing at the door.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two alone to talk.¡± He left, leaving me puzzled.


    Then my father appeared.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me.¡± My nose red. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna talk.¡±


    ¡°I just wanna apologize.¡±


    ¡°Which one you wanna apologize for, Dad? For selling me? For getting me kidnapped? For taking everything I worked hard for? Because of what? You are too selfish and use me to get what you want. You pass beyond an apology.¡±


    ¡°I came here to see you because I don¡¯t know what will happen out there. If I won¡¯te back alive, at least I see you.¡±


    ¡°Just get out. Moses will make sure you¡¯ll get back to your castle.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, London. Forgive me, honey.¡± He looked in pain. He didn¡¯t look like the father I used to know. He was miserable. I¡¯d say he deserved it.


    ¡°Just shut up, Dad. I chose to leave my husband because you forced me to do something I couldn¡¯t do to the person I loved. You didn¡¯t just ruin me. You ruined my life and my marriage-the only thing you did right. If you ever get out of your mess, we¡¯re done. I don¡¯t wanna see you again. And I want nothing from you because I¡¯d rather wait tables than be a Vanderford. You¡¯re just like my mother.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± He turned back and got out of the room.


    I felt exhausted. I slumped my ass down the bed when tears rolled down my cheeks. Maybe I would have suffered beyond this if I didn¡¯t meet Striker. Now I understood why. It was all my father¡¯s fault that my life fell apart.


    I wiped the tears from my face when I noticed I wasn¡¯t alone anymore. The door shut closed, but I couldn¡¯t face Striker anymore. I felt ashamed. He deserved better. I could have trusted him and told him about my father¡¯s true intention. It could have been done differently.


    ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Why wouldn¡¯t I be? I just dragged you and your father in danger? What could be better than that?¡±


    ¡°I am the one who went to your father to make that deal. And I asked my father¡¯s help ending this. Even if we are together and have a family, we will always be in danger. That¡¯s why Pa agreed to help me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what I did. I haven¡¯t apologized, haven¡¯t I?¡± I suddenly remembered something and couldn¡¯t do anything but chuckle sadly. I was still facing the wall. I didn¡¯t have a gut to look him in the eye. ¡°God, I¡¯m such a terrible person.¡±


    I took a deep breath when he had not said a word.


    ¡°I could have done it differently. I could have just said that Dad ordered me to spy on you on the thing called the project, but I chose the hardest. I was so stupid.¡±


    ¡°Yes. You could have just told me. It wouldn¡¯t have ended like this.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I lifted my chin to look at him. He leaned his back against the wall, looking in the opposite direction. I couldn¡¯t exactly read what was on his mind, but he hadn¡¯t kicked me out of the room yet. ¡°I wish I had time to correct my mistakes. And yet you are still here helping the man who forced you to be with me. You could have just thrown him to those wolves, and I wouldn¡¯t hold a grudge against you.¡±


    ¡°Get some rest. Big day tomorrow.¡± He went to the door.


    ¡°You¡¯re going out?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be with Pa. If you need anything, call me.¡±


    ¡°I can call room service. Thanks.¡±


    Once he was gone, Iy in bed, alone in a suite. My life was miserable too.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    An hourter, I decided to get a room service and soaked myself in the tub. The wine and desserts I ordered had arrived.


    I was still in the bathtub when I heard shuffles. As paranoid as I was and knowing that we were in the enemy territory, I slowly picked up my phone and dialed Striker, and he picked up right away.


    ¡°Why are you calling me?¡± I heard his voice echo.


    ¡°I think someone¡¯s here in the room,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± I felt embarrassed. ¡°Okay.¡± I hung up the call and dropped my phone on the table, then I sunk myself into the water.


    Then someone just patted my hand, startling me and making me gasp. I just inhaled water. My nostrils were burning. I raised my head to see him drinking my wine and eating my food.


    ¡°The hell?¡± I wiped the hair off my face as I scowled at him.


    ¡°Are you gonna drown yourself?¡±


    ¡°You think I¡¯m suicidal?¡±


    ¡°No, Vanderford.¡± He took another strawberry. I didn¡¯t know if he was trying to annoy me and ruin my moment or if he enjoyed eating my food. ¡°What? You don¡¯t wanna share this, too?¡±


    ¡°You can ask nicely.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m paying for this room, wife.¡± He poured wine out of the art manner into my ss. ¡°Enjoy yourself.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my ss, you idiot,¡± I reminded him as he took it into the bedroom.


    ¡°I¡¯m paying, ain¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Jerk!¡± I got out of the tub and rinsed myself.


    After I put a robe on, I went to the room. He was in the center of the bed, only in boxers.


    ¡°Should I get a room myself?¡±


    ¡°If you can afford it, up to you.¡± He was so engrossed with his phone that I wanted to grab it from him and throw it out of the window. He didn¡¯t even look at me.


    ¡°I have a paycheck, you know. But fine.¡± I went to my suitcase and grabbed something to wear. He started it.


    Game on, Cade.


    I ced my nighties on the bed. I went to blow dry my hair. When I was done, I returned, and he was still in the same position, like he was alone.


    I untied my robe and let it drop to the floor, leaving mepletely naked. As if I didn¡¯t notice I caught his attention, I picked up the negligee and put it on. After I got a hydrating mask, I went to join him in bed. I applied it blindly. Then Iy beside him.


    When our arms touched, I felt the straining of his muscles. He would be the strongest man on earth if he could keep his self-control at bay. And I had no doubt he was. It took me days to seduce him before he slept with me.


    But this time, it was different. I was not teasing him. I was ying his own game.


    ¡°What are you doing, Vanderford?¡± His voice was deep, and he seemed to talk through gritted teeth.


    ¡°My bedtime routine, husband.¡± I linked my fingers together above my tummy. I knew he could see my nipples through my skimpy negligee, and my pussy was barely covered with the thin material.


    ¡°Whatever.¡± He turned to his side.


    ¡°Can you cover me, please? The room is too cold,¡± I lied, but he got up and pulled the duvet up and covered half my body.


    ¡°What else, princess?¡±


    Now he pissed me off. ¡°Thest time someone called me princess, he¡¯s dead now.¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡±


    ¡°Sadly, I was not the one who killed that asshole.¡±


    ¡°Watch your mouth.¡± His gaze dropped to my lips.


    ¡°Or what? You¡¯re gonna choke me with your dick.¡±


    ¡°Just stop and sleep.¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss.¡±


    He groaned before he turned his back against me. ¡°If you wanna seduce me, try harder.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t because your hate against me turns you off. You already told me that I could sleep with any man I want. That tells me a lot.¡± I swallowed down the pain. ¡°And you can check my luggage. I didn¡¯t bring my jammies. Too bad, right?¡±


    I heard him sigh but didn¡¯t say anything.


    Tears fell to the corner of my eyes. No matter how hard I tried not to cry, being with my angry husband who hated me, no strong woman could ever keep that up. I had to get up from bed so he wouldn¡¯t hear me sobbing.


    I went to the bathroom to wash off my face. Then I thought of something stupid. Or maybe I wanted to test him. I grabbed a dress from the closet and wore it. I went to the adjacent room to put my makeup on. Striker might have fallen asleep, which made my n a disappointment, but maybe I needed a proper drink.


    I grabbed my clutch and picked up my high heels. I put them on when I was at the door.


    ¡°Where the fuck do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    I froze in my ce. ¡°I thought you were already sleeping.¡±


    ¡°And you n to sneak out?¡± He sounded pissed. ¡°Thest time you did, look where it took you.¡±


    I turned around. ¡°I need to get out, catch some fresh air-¡±


    ¡°In that outfit?¡±


    I looked down at my ck thigh-high slit mini-dress. ¡°You didn¡¯t let me finish. Get a drink and dance.¡±


    ¡°You hate nightclubs, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Then maybe I just wanna get out of your hair.¡±


    ¡°Your jerk and asshole husband can go with you if you want.¡± He roughly got up from bed. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sleeping.¡± He walked to the bathroom. When he came back, he was wiping his face, and he noticed me still standing right in front of the door.


    ¡°Just give me five.¡±


    I checked the time on my phone. He was right. He was done in five minutes.


    Twenty-five minutester, we found a nice open restaurant where you could see the view of the ocean. It was pretty romantic if my husband was only in the mood.


    I wasn¡¯t hungry anymore, but I still ordered something for myself.


    ¡°Give me your phone.¡±


    I gave it to him in hesitation. To my surprise, he took a picture of me in a stolen shot, then the view of the ocean. When he gave it back, I took a picture of him. I will post itter on my Instagram.


    ¡°I can¡¯t remember thest time I went on a date.¡±

 Chapter 69

    STRIKER


    ¡°Sorry if I ruined your dating life.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter now.¡± That was all I could say because I had a feeling that my married life would get better. This bump in the road would be over soon.


    After our solemn dinner, we walked down the bay area, where a lot of people watch the ocean. The sea breeze was immacte.


    We were in one of the most romantic ces, yet we were like cat and mouse.


    When I noticed a woman taking pictures of her friends, I asked if she could take a picture of my wife and me. I thanked her after she gave me my phone, telling me how beautiful my wife was.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± London said.


    ¡°You look familiar. I think I saw you somewhere.¡± Her eyes widened. ¡°Signora, I know you now. You¡¯re London of London Hester.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, look?¡± She was wearing one of London¡¯s sandals.


    ¡°Oh, my God.¡± London broke her smile into a gush.


    ¡°Please, sir, take a picture for your wife and me.¡± She gave me her phone.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    London and the woman posed together. Then I took a shot.


    ¡°Here.¡± I showed her.


    ¡°Grazie.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    Once she was gone, I took London for a walk. ¡°Are your feet okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°People know you for what you¡¯ve created. You¡¯re more than just a boss, entrepreneur, and designer. You¡¯re a good example and an influencer. You have a good impact on young people around the world.¡±


    ¡°That means a loting from you. Is that one of the reasons why you bought LH?¡±


    ¡°I have a million other reasons. Do you really wanna dance or get a drink?¡± I took off my jacket and hung it around her shoulders. The breeze was a little chilly, and her dress was inappropriate for the cold night weather.


    ¡°No. I was just angry.¡±


    ¡°At me,¡± I added.


    ¡°At myself.¡±


    ¡°You should stop ming yourself. What¡¯s done is done. You can¡¯t take it back, but you can learn from it. I know you are a good person that makes bad decisions, but I know why you did what you did. Your father didn¡¯t give much any choices. I just wish you had considered me in the decision-making since our marriage was on the line. I¡¯ve always told you you¡¯re not alone anymore, but you took it for granted.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± That was all she could say. I knew she was sorry. She had regrets, and guilt was tearing her apart.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head back.¡± I held her hand. She stiffened a little, but then, she squeezed it and smiled lightly. ¡°I don¡¯t think you can walk further.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know what I was thinking.¡±


    ¡°You knew. It was to piss me off.¡±


    ¡°Well, you hated me already. What¡¯s left in there?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t hate you, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Eyes don¡¯t lie, Cade.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m angry, yes. Furious at you, but I never hated you. I couldn¡¯t hate you.¡±


    Once we got back to the hotel, she took off her shoes, tiptoed, and carried them with her. I wondered how long she wouldst in her position.


    I chuckled as I shook my head. ¡°Poor thing.¡± I scooped her up and carried her bridal style, causing her to yelp.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Her eyes were still wide. ¡°Put me down. I can still walk.¡±


    ¡°I know, but the floor is dirty.¡±


    ¡°I can wash my feet.¡±


    ¡°Just shut up. We¡¯re almost there.¡±


    Just a few momentster, we reached our floor. ¡°Take the card in my pocket.¡±


    She went to the right front of my pants. I didn¡¯t know what she was trying to find.


    ¡°Sneaky.¡± She giggled.


    ¡°Jacket, Vanderford. Left pocket.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Sheughed this time. ¡°Sorry. You should be more specific next time.¡± When she finally found it, she showed me, still smiling.


    ¡°You gain weight.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re telling me I¡¯m fat after forcing me to eat the entire food in the pantry.¡± She inserted the keycard with a frown.


    ¡°Just right, Vanderford. This was your weight when we got married.¡±


    ¡°Well, you and Reef always came toin if I didn¡¯t touch the food.¡±


    I put her down on the bed and knelt to inspect her feet. Her toes were red, but she didn¡¯t get a blister. ¡°They¡¯re okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been wearing heels for years, so they¡¯re fine.¡±


    ¡°Next time when we go out, just wear sneakers.¡±


    ¡°Well, my n was supposed to-¡±


    ¡°Go to the club, get drunk, maybe dance and flirt. I get it.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t done that in a while,¡± she admitted, even if I already knew it.


    ¡°I will take you to my friend¡¯s nightclub once we¡¯re back home.¡±


    ¡°Night Stalker?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. You don¡¯t like it there?¡±


    ¡°I actually like it. It¡¯s just I got kidnapped outside.¡± She just took off her dress in front of me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I shifted my gaze. My jaw locked tight. Still, the image of her tits was already stuck in my head, and now she wanted to add a more carnal image.


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen me naked. What¡¯s wrong if I stand naked before you?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t answer. I picked up my jacket, walked away, and took off my clothes.


    Still, she followed me. ¡°Am I that ugly in your eyes that you couldn¡¯t even look at my naked body?¡±


    I stared at her for a while. Something was really messing with her head. She was miserable, hurt, insecure, and vulnerable.


    ¡°Vanderford, you are still the most beautiful woman in my eyes. Whether you fit in a sample-sized or round, I would rather look at you alone than one million women before me. What¡¯s gotten to your head?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± She finally left and put on that cute nightgown she had worn before. She went to the bathroom, probably to get rid of her makeup.


    When she came back, she went directly into bed. And this would be the longest night of my life. I would sleep with a raging hard-on until morning.


    Damn it.


    When I joined her in bed, she was giving me her back.


    ¡°Night, Cade.¡±


    ¡°Night.¡±


    ¡°Cade?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Can you turn to your side?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± I did as she asked.


    Then I felt her hand around my waist, her face against my back. I stiffened for a moment because I didn¡¯t expect her gesture. ¡°Just for tonight. I just need someone to make me feel it¡¯s gonna be okay.¡±


    I drew a deep breath before I faced her. ¡°You¡¯re gonna be okay, Vanderford.¡± I couldn¡¯t do it anymore and make her suffer. I pulled her close to me and wrapped my arms around her.


    Then I felt her shaking. ¡°Vanderford, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. I just missed this.¡± She just cried.


    Jesus.


    ¡°I missed this too.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re still furious at me.¡±


    ¡°If you keep on talking, maybe, I will get more furious.¡±


    ¡°Fast and furious.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Just close your eyes. I¡¯ll be here when you wake up.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°My eyes are closed.¡±


    ¡°And you are still talking.¡± I looked down at her. I missed her so much. She had no idea. When she was smiling like this, she just made me happy andplete. I lifted her chin and leaned in to press my lips against her.


    Her body went rigid. When I began moving my lips, her arm tightened around me. For the first time in weeks, I did something right for us.


    I moved my hand to her back and cupped her ass so that I could press myself against her. Her skin was always soft and supple.


    I needed her warm and soft body. I needed her touch. Those sleepless nights were over. My dormant desires hade to life. My inert cock had wakened up.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I burned for her.


    I craved her.


    I wanted her.


    I abandoned all the willpower I possessed and kissed her hard and hungrily.


    When she wrapped her leg around my waist, clung to me, and kissed back, I knew her kiss told me everything. She wanted this as badly as I did-we both wanted this.


    At least I did the right thing tonight, even if it began roughly. I licked the seam of her lips, and she instantly granted me, letting me explore her mouth and take whatever I wanted. But I wanted everything she could offer, and I dly epted it. Our tongues touched, dancing together. I tasted her. She tasted the wine we drank earlier.


    She moaned softly against my lips. I slipped my hand into the thin material, cupped her breast, and she whimpered-her sound was muffled in my mouth. She then shrugged out the strap, setting her tit free.


    I pulled my lips free, tracing kisses down her jaw to her exposed shoulder before I captured her breast with my mouth.


    I ran my hand between her thighs and cupped her pussy. Her hand came to my wrist with a grip, making me stop. I opened my eyes. Her tit was gone from my mouth. I felt like she threw a cold bucket of water into my face.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want me?¡± Dismayed, I asked. My voice was a little bit shaky and low.


    ¡°You¡¯re stupid if you think I don¡¯t want you. But.¡± She bit her swollen bottom lip.


    ¡°Just say it, Vanderford. ¡°You found someone.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you.¡± She snapped at me.


    ¡°Yes, fuck me because that¡¯s what you¡¯re doing to me right now.¡±


    ¡°Did you really think that I cheated on you?¡±


    ¡°Then you better have a reason?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want this to happen because you¡¯re giving me what I want and because you¡¯re horny.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m always horny, but isn¡¯t this what you want?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I want you. I always want you. I never stop wanting you. But do you want it? Do you want me?¡±


    ¡°Since we slept together, do you think I did that because you wanted me and because you were fucking hot? The feelings were mutual, Vanderford. I slept with you because I wanted you. I needed you like you were my air.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but not tonight.¡± She looked sorry, but that didn¡¯t answer my question.


    ¡°So now you¡¯re ying hard to get?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She pulled the strap back. ¡°I can help you with that, though.¡± She looked down at my hard-on.


    ¡°No way. You sleep with me or don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the first day.¡±


    ¡°Of what?¡± When I realized what she was trying to say. ¡°Fuck your vagina. Really? Of all the days?¡±


    ¡°I have an irregr period, dickhead.¡± She rolled her eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re looking at it.¡± I pointed at my cock and smiled until my smile broke intoughter.


    She then smiled as I pulled her into my arms. ¡°I should have told you. Sorry.¡±


    ¡°I get it. We¡¯re caught in the moment.¡± I sighed, disappointed and relieved at the same time. ¡°Your vagina is a major cockblocker.¡±


    ¡°Not for long.¡±


    ¡°Still.¡±

 Chapter 70

    LONDON


    I woke up in Striker¡¯s arms. We had dinner at a nice restaurant for the first time in weeks. We walked and kissed. Weughed together. Then since we¡¯d been apart, my period just happened to be today, which was a shame.


    I wiped off the hair that fell on his face, kissed his cheek, and got out of bed to use the bathroom. I didn¡¯t realize it was almost nine in the morning.


    After I cleaned up, I put on afy shirt and jeans. This time I would wear sneakers so that I could enjoy the stroll without worrying about my feet for blisters.


    I heard a soft knock. When I opened the door, it was Moses. ¡°Pa, good morning.¡±


    I felt lucky to have fathers-inw like him and Tate. Tate was a good dad. Moses did his best to fill the time he missed with his son.


    ¡°Morning, London.¡±


    ¡°Striker is still sleeping. I didn¡¯t realize we were leaving early. Let me wake him up.¡±


    ¡°No, honey. I came here, hoping he was still sleeping. Let him rest. If he wakes up and asks about me, tell him we go ahead with your father. We¡¯ll meet you in the afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s a good idea?¡± I asked warily.


    ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t want you both toe with us.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Is it dangerous?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine.¡± His assurance made me feel a little better.


    I breathed deeply before I hugged him. He was surprised, but then he hugged me back. ¡°Please, take care. And thanks for doing this.¡±


    ¡°I will bring your father back, and once this is over, you and my son can finally live in peace.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°I have to go. Your father is waiting in the car.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, please tell him to be careful. I still don¡¯t wish something bad to happen to my dad.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    Once he was gone, I went back to bed and chatted with Neke.


    LONDON: I wish you were here. I missed you already.


    She typed her reply quickly.


    NEKE: Happy that you¡¯re having fun. How¡¯s the hubby?


    LONDON: We¡¯re picking up pieces.


    NEKE: OMG! So happy for you. So you and he are back together?


    LONDON: We¡¯ll see, but we¡¯re working it out.


    NEKE: Now stop chatting and be with your man.


    LONDON: See you soon. Bye.


    I sighed as I put my phone down. Striker just stirred and realized I was already awake.


    ¡°Morning.¡± I smiled. I feared he would return to being a grumpy and angry punisher.


    ¡°Hey.¡± He caught my hand and kissed it. ¡°Morning. What time is it?¡±N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Ten plus.¡±


    ¡°Ten? Why didn¡¯t you wake up?¡± He was already out of bed, walking to the bathroom.


    ¡°I was going to, but your father came by earlier. He told me not to wake you up. They left already.¡±


    He stopped and turned to face me. His eyes narrowed. ¡°You listened to my father when you knew why we were here in the first ce. To fix your father¡¯s mess, London.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but he intended not to take us with them.¡±


    ¡°Then why are we here? What are we really doing here, London? On vacation?¡±


    I stepped back when his voice started to rise. He was so mad, and I couldn¡¯t do anything because it was my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have listened to his father.


    Striker left, still mad, and took a shower. I called Reed.


    ¡°You both are awake?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Cade just woke up, and he¡¯s in the shower. He¡¯s mad.¡±


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡±


    ¡°He just found out that his father left without him.¡± I huffed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. I¡¯d been briefed that you and he woulde down once they moved to meet the Conti.¡±


    ¡°So, only Cade and I are in the dark about his n.¡±


    ¡°He can¡¯t say no to his son if Cade insists.¡±


    ¡°You should tell him that. He looks scary when he¡¯s mad.¡±


    ¡°No problem. Juste down when you both are ready.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Thanks.¡± I just hung up the call, and I was already squeezed into a hug and a hard kiss on my lips. Striker smelled aftershave, and he tasted minty.


    I gasped for air as soon as he let me go. I was panting as I stared at him in shock. I couldn¡¯t even say something.


    ¡°Sorry about earlier. I shouldn¡¯t have thrown my anger at you.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not okay. Don¡¯t settle for less. If I act like a lunatic every time I get angry, and you say okay every time I apologize, and you¡¯re considering all my mistakes, that¡¯s not fine. I¡¯m so sorry. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± I formed my fist and punched him in his abdomen as hard as I could.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± He grimaced as his hand went to the site where I punched him. ¡°What the hell was that all about?¡±


    I crossed my arms over my chest. ¡°You said that I shouldn¡¯t be considerate.¡±


    ¡°I let that one go, Vanderford.¡± He leaned to kiss me again.


    Before our lips touched, I pressed my finger against his lips. ¡°Put some clothes on, Cade. I¡¯m starving.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± He put on the clothes I put for him on the bed. ¡°What time they left?¡±


    ¡°An hour before you woke up. I¡¯m sorry if I didn¡¯t wake you up. Your father has reasons for not wanting you to join them.¡±


    ¡°I know, baby. I realized it now.¡±


    My heart skipped a bit. It had been a while since I heard him call me baby.


    ¡°They¡¯re gonna be okay. Trust me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared and not confident sending your father with my dad to meet those criminals.¡±


    ¡°Gaetano won¡¯t let anything happen to them.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s Gaetano?¡±


    ¡°Gaetano Siciliano.¡±Oh, the mafia boss. Great.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He wrapped his arm around me and kissed me again. ¡°I¡¯ve been starving for something sincest night, but I guess I just have to wait a week to eat what I crave.¡± He looked down at me with hungry eyes. ¡°Maybe we could just order a room service and have breakfast here.¡±


    ¡°No, way. I want to stroll in this beautiful city and visit some historical ces. I want to try some food.¡± I dragged him inside the elevator.


    We met Reed down the lobby.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Linden?¡±


    ¡°With your father.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± He groaned.


    ¡°They¡¯re gonna be okay, right?¡± I looked at Striker.


    ¡°Yeah. Linden is about to close a deal with my father. I guess he needs to make a big impression on Moses.¡±


    ¡°Wow. That¡¯s huge.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s Pa¡¯s idea, and I ryed it to Linden.¡±


    ¡°Good for him. You¡¯re a good friend, Cade. Your friends are lucky to have you.¡±


    ¡°Just my friends?¡± His smile was mischievous.


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    We had breakfast in the coffee shop a few blocks from the hotel. Their pastries were to die for.


    ¡°This what a mini-orgasm looks like.¡± I took another huge bite, making Striker groan in return.


    ¡°What?¡± I looked at him while Reed pretended he didn¡¯t hear me.


    ¡°Not the right time to take about orgasm, baby.¡±


    ¡°Why is that? I¡¯ve been shipping Reed with Neke, but they¡¯re adamant about remaining friends.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t force two persons to be together.¡±


    ¡°But Dad did it to us. It worked just fine.¡±


    ¡°More than fine, Vanderford. You know the fact that he didn¡¯t. The decisions still relied on us.¡± Somehow, I got his point.


    Reed got to his feet. ¡°Stay here.¡±

 Chapter 71

    LONDON


    Everything was intense around here. My heart raced. I felt like I would suffer from a heart attack at a young age if I stayed longer in this ce while Striker seemed rxed in his seat.


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong?¡± My senses heightened as I asked Reed.


    ¡°Use the back door if something happens.¡± He rushed to get out of the coffee shop and approached the ck SUV.


    When Striker rose to his feet, I held him on the wrist. ¡°Don¡¯t go out there.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°No, Cade. Sit down, or I¡¯ming with you.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± He went back to his seat. ¡°You¡¯re bossy even not in bed.¡±


    ¡°Stop with your innuendos, Cade. This is not the right time for jokes.¡± I knew what he was trying to do. He saw the fear in my eyes.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let anything happen to you, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°I know that, but I won¡¯t let anything happen to you either.¡± My words put a smile on his face. Then I noticed Reed wasing back.


    ¡°They¡¯re here for you.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Striker asked, his gaze still pinned outside.


    ¡°Order from your father.¡±


    Once he settled the bill, we went to the rental car.


    ¡°I got the address. We¡¯re meeting your fathers there,¡± Reed informed Striker.


    ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s not a trap?¡± I asked. It would be better to be safe than feel sorry.


    ¡°He gave me the code. Only Mr. Braddson knows me about it.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    A few minutester, Reed parked in front of the ssic house. The SUV parked behind us.


    ¡°So we¡¯re going to the house of one of the most dangerous people in Italy. Great,¡± I said as I got out of the car.


    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be okay. Pa won¡¯t ever risk us if he knows we¡¯re not safe.¡±


    Three guys climbed out of the SUV, gesturing us to follow.


    The door opened wide. The house was old from the outside but was decorated with a beautiful and ssy Italian interior. It was full of warmth, as if a crime family did not live there. I wondered how many people died in this ce.


    I instantly saw Moses sitting in a light conversation with a man around his age, but I couldn¡¯t see his whole face. Then three guys were gone with Reed, but another man came from the door. He was older than Striker, around Linden¡¯s age. He looked handsome in a dark shirt, sleeves rolled up his elbow, and he was tall as Striker¡¯s with golden skin, a straight nose, deep-seated dark eyes, thick eyebrows, and his five o¡¯clock shadow somewhat trimmed stylishly.


    The man with Moses stood up, buttoning his suit. His posture expressed everything. He was Gaetano Siciliano. Striker went to them as his father introduced him to the mafia boss.


    ¡°I wish we met under different circumstances. Your father saved my life, and I am forever grateful to him and his family, including you, Striker.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure meeting you, Mr. Siciliano.¡± He shook Gaetano¡¯s hand firmly. ¡°Thank you for your help.¡±


    ¡°His wife, London.¡±


    I stepped to Striker¡¯s side and shook the hand he offered. ¡°Nice to meet you. Thank you for helping my father.¡±


    He gripped it and didn¡¯t it go. ¡°I give you my word that no one will ever put you in any harm.¡± His Italian ent was very thick, and he looked proud of his background.


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡± He finally let my hand go.


    ¡°This is my son, Terzo.¡±


    So, he was the son. Terzo looked like he always carried the world on his shoulder.


    ¡°The infamous Striker Cade.¡± He shook Striker¡¯s hand. ¡°It¡¯s an honor.¡± If I didn¡¯t know he was a mafia¡¯s son, I would have thought he grew up in the U. S. with his noticeable American ent, particrly in Queens.


    ¡°Terzo.¡±


    Then he looked at me, really looked at me. His full lips spread to a smile as if memorizing my face. ¡°London Vanderford. You¡¯re quite beautiful in person than in your Instagram.¡±


    ¡°London Vanderford-Cade.¡±


    ¡°Careful, son or her husband is gonna cut your head and bring it to me.¡± Wow. Gaetano really had a sense of humor. It made me shiver.


    ¡°Please, have a seat,¡± he said before he went to his father and excused himself.


    ¡°I apologize for my son¡¯s dry sense of humor,¡± Gaetano told Striker.


    ¡°It¡¯s all good, Mr. Siciliano.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s my father?¡± I asked Striker, but everyone seemed to hear my question.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, cara. He will be here shortly,¡± Terzo replied.


    ¡°Is he gonna be okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, honey. He is fine,¡± this time Moses answered.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Striker whispered.


    ¡°Yeah. Why?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been gripping my hand.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I loosened my hand around his.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, baby.¡± He wrapped his arm around me and kissed the side of my head. Terzo quickly noticed Striker¡¯s gesture which made me a little ufortable.


    ¡°So, Striker, are you ready to run the Hover?¡± Gaetano asked.


    ¡°I just started as the director of the research, sir. I don¡¯t think I would be ready for that in a few years, and my father is not resigning anytime soon.¡±


    ¡°You always have to prepare for everything.¡±


    ¡°I understand, sir. There¡¯s no guarantee of our life today or if we still wake up tomorrow. We have to make the best of it.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s ready. A good young man,¡± impressed, he told Moses, then looked at Striker. ¡°My son has been groomed to be the next in line. It¡¯s a curse sometimes, filling a father¡¯s shoe, but this is a family business. How¡¯s Tate doing?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s doing great, sir. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re here,¡± Terzo announced as he looked down at his phone, maybe reading a text message.


    A few momentster, the door opened. Linden walked in first. I¡¯d never felt such relief until I saw my father.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay.¡± I hugged him so tight. I didn¡¯t know how did I get in there so fast.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, honey. What are you doing here?¡± Then he saw Moses and Gaetano, who was already standing.


    ¡°Thank you so much,¡± I said to Gaetano, who nodded.


    ¡°You left us,¡± Striker hugged Linden in relief.


    ¡°Sorry, brother, but I have an order.¡±


    ¡°Go get in the car, son. Take London with you. I¡¯ll be there in a minute.¡±


    Striker hesitated, but Moses didn¡¯t give him a chance to argue. Once we were outside, I let go of a huge breath. Reed got in the car, and I quickly went to the backseat.


    When Striker got in, I hugged him so tight. I suddenly felt overwhelmed and extremely happy.


    ¡°What was that for?¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m happy to see Dad is okay-¡± I was startled at the knock on the window. To my shock, it was Terzo. His stare alone was disturbing. I rolled the window down. ¡°Can I help you?¡±


    Terzo nced at Reed first, then Striker, who was already pissed off, groaning beside me. I put my hand on my husband¡¯s thigh to calm him.


    ¡°If he ever hurt you, I will fucking kill him myself?¡± That was what he said, which was out of context. ¡°You are under my protection now.¡±


    Striker leaned forward so that he coulde face-face with Terzo, making me beyond terrified. ¡°Well, asshole, if you don¡¯t stop looking at my wife the way you are doing right now, I will fucking gouge your eyeballs one by one from the back of your skull and send them to your father. And she doesn¡¯t need your protection. Do you fucking understand me? Now back the fuck off.¡±


    Terzo chuckled with a smile. He had straight pearly white teeth. And he actually smiled. He really looked attractive. ¡°I like you, Striker Cade. You¡¯re a good man.¡±

 Chapter 72

    LONDON


    ¡°I want to meet Giosue.¡±


    The hotel room fell silent. Pairs of eyes pinned at me, questioning my sanity. Yeah, maybe I went too far, but I needed to see the man behind my kidnapping.


    I watched Striker swallow hard as he came to me. Before he could convince me, I said, ¡°Either you¡¯re with me, or I¡¯m doing it alone.¡±


    Dad and Moses exchanged a look. Linden opened his mouth to say something but shut it close as soon as he saw the look on my face.


    ¡°Vanderford, that¡¯s not a good idea,¡± Finally, Striker said something as he held my arms, rubbing them as if convincing me to give up my stupid n.


    Now that Dad made amends, he¡¯s not the target of Conti anymore. ¡°Why is that? I wanna meet face-to-face with that man.¡±


    ¡°What are you gonna do?¡± Linden asked. Dad and Moses hadn¡¯t said a word.


    ¡°I¡¯m still scared in the dark. I want to end this. I don¡¯t want to be afraid anymore, and if that involves facing my own kidnapper, so be it. And I deserve closure for myself.¡± I met Striker¡¯s gaze. There was considerable resistance shown on his face. ¡°If I¡¯m not doing this, how will I heal?¡±


    Striker sighed deeply. ¡°Let me think about this.¡±


    ¡°No, Cade. This is not about you. You have no idea what it feels like to sleep scared at night. I couldn¡¯t even turn off the light. I haven¡¯t been in peace for years. You said it yourself when you looked for thest man responsible.¡±


    ¡°This is different. We are talking about Conti.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± I challenged him.


    ¡°He is-¡±


    ¡°Dangerous.¡±


    ¡°So as my trauma. I owed this to myself, Cade. Remember when you told me about Reef? Whether all of you agree with me, I will meet that bastard.¡±


    ¡°And say what?¡± Linden asked.


    ¡°I wanna look at him in the eye that he can¡¯t touch me anymore.¡±


    ¡°Honey,¡± finally, Dad talked, but I felt he was also against my idea. ¡°We just settled things-¡±


    ¡°You mean Pa did settle your blood feud with Conti.¡± I faced him. ¡°If you just told me about her-¡±


    ¡°And then what?¡±


    ¡°Do you think keeping me in the dark helps? No, Dad. I could have avoided everything. Instead, you treated me like a helpless seven-year-old. You never treated me and looked at me as your daughter, but your property, the coteral, your liabilities.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true. I love you so much.¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± That stopped him. That stopped everyone from looking at me like a fragile China doll. ¡°I had enough of you all treating me like a princess. I¡¯m a woman of my own. I will do it with or without you. And may I remind you that I don¡¯t need your approval.¡± I turned toward the door, not waiting for them to convince me to stop my stupid n.


    ¡°Honey.¡± It was Moses following me in the hallway. ¡°London.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re here to stop me, don¡¯t waste your effort.¡± I turned around.


    ¡°No. Do what makes you feel better. You¡¯re not fragile. You¡¯re certainly not someone¡¯s property. You¡¯re the strongest woman I know. You stand on your own beliefs, against your father, against my son. You fought the greatest fear of your life. You¡¯ve won against every battle, and I couldn¡¯t be any prouder. You are a fighter, young woman.¡±


    I nodded subtly. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°I will have a word with my son. Don¡¯t worry. I will send a message to Giosue that you want a sit down with him.¡±


    I ran toward him and hugged him tight. ¡°Thank you so much, Pa.¡±


    ¡°I will do everything for the family, honey.¡± He hugged me, patting my back.


    I felt suddenly emotional as we pulled apart. ¡°I¡¯m lucky to have you as my father-inw, but I don¡¯t want you to have a misunderstanding with Striker. I don¡¯t want him to be angry with your decision. You just get him back.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll understand.¡±


    ¡°Just give me Giosue¡¯s number, and I¡¯ll call him.¡±


    ¡°No. Let Pa do it, and I¡¯lle with you.¡± I wasn¡¯t aware Striker was already behind his father.


    ¡°Facing that bastard? Of course, I¡¯m in.¡± Linden raised his hand.


    I smiled gratefully at them. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°This is a bad idea, but if it gives you closure,¡± Dad said as he came to me and kissed me on my forehead.


    ¡°You¡¯re noting, Dad.¡±


    ¡°I know, but please, take care.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t let anything happen to London, Linus,¡± Moses assured him.


    ¡°You two old men will stay here. Let me handle this.¡± Striker turned to look at our fathers.


    ¡°Old men?¡± Linden chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll have their backs. Reed ising with us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Terzo-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Striker raised his hand. ¡°I don¡¯t trust that man.¡±


    ¡°Very well, but I will have my men watch you all the time once you get to the meeting ce.¡± Moses turned to Linden. ¡°Promise me you will look after my son and London.¡±


    ¡°You have my word, sir.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Moses gripped Linden¡¯s shoulder as he nodded.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ***


    The next day early in the afternoon, we arrived where we were supposed to meet Giosue. I barely got to sleep at night. I tossed and turned in bed. Striker even convinced me to drop the n, but I wanted to face the devil in the dark.


    I even mentally practiced what I would say before him, but my mind went nk as we got out of the car. I began to feel anxious. My heart started racing.


    The other SUV with Moses¡¯ men parked behind our SUV. Yes, I had no choice but to get in the SUV since it was convenient for our situation. The small restaurant in the remote area looked like a good ce to deal with illegal activities.


    Linden entered first before Reed, and then Striker and I followed. I was surprised by the interior. It was all made of fine dark wood from the table, chairs, and counter. The smell of rich spices and burnt tomato reached my senses. My stomach almost growled, reminding me I had barely touched my breakfast this morning.


    ¡°Wee.¡± A beautiful dark haired-woman with an ent smiled at us. ¡°Table for a family?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Thank you,¡± Linden answered.


    ¡°This way, please?¡±


    We followed Linden and the woman to the corner with more privacy from the main area. The table was long enough could fit two families.


    Striker never let go of my hand.


    ¡°Sit here.¡± Linden pulled the chair for me. ¡°Brother, sit next to your wife.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± I held Linden¡¯s hand as I inquired. ¡°You know that woman?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Terzo¡¯s sister. Giosue¡¯s wife.¡±


    ¡°So, we¡¯re in the lion¡¯s den?¡± Striker was already on his feet.


    ¡°Giosue won¡¯t do something stupid,¡± Linden said calmly.


    ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± I asked.


    ¡°You underestimate your husband, sweetheart.¡± He stole a nce at Striker, who was alert and already pissed off. ¡°Trust me. They¡¯d hit the floor if anyone in this building considered harming you. Your father owned the Hover defense and security, the satellite above us, fighter jets that carry thetest weaponry, turning this ce to ashes, and Conti is just a small fish to fry, Cade.¡±


    Before I could take a sit, I heard footsteps that swallowed all the noises. With my heart racing, I turned around even if my feet seemed to root in their ces.


    There, I came face to face with, if I may guess, Giosue, shaking hands with Linden and Reed, then to Striker. At the corner of my eye, I caught three of his men, probably armed, and the woman, Terzo¡¯s sister, standing beside him.


    Before walking into this trap, I should have done my research, at least the face of the man behind my kidnapping. Based on his stance, his suits, and how he talked, the arrogant SOB before me was indeed Giosue.


    I swallowed hard as I met him in the eyes. He offered his hand for a handshake with his confident smile. ¡°Madam London Vanderford? Or do you prefer Cade?¡±


    I locked my jaw hard and formed my hands into fists as I looked at his hand, then at his face again.


    ¡°You know what I prefer? This.¡± I found my fist hitting his smirking lips, and I grimaced as soon as I felt the pain in my knuckles. I probably got broken bones or dislocation, but it didn¡¯t matter to me right now. I heard a gasp, maybeing from his wife.


    From the corner of my eyes, everyone didn¡¯t move, but I felt the tension thicken in the air quicker than I thought; as if with one wrong move, we found ourselves on the floor with bullet wounds.


    ¡°Wow.¡± He turned to his man as if signaling them. Then he faced me, rubbing his jaw and stretching his mouth. ¡°You could punch, woman.¡±


    ¡°You think you¡¯re funny?¡± I wasn¡¯t entirely amused. To be honest, I wasn¡¯t exactly thinking when I punched him. My anger and fear just carried me away, and then he came waltzing in with his huge smirk as if I was thrilled to see him. That son of bitch! He didn¡¯t know what he¡¯d done to me for two years.


    ¡°I deserve that.¡±


    ¡°You think you do?¡±


    ¡°Vanderford.¡± I felt Striker¡¯s hand on my back, warning me.


    ¡°You have no idea what it¡¯s been like for me for two years. Do you think you¡¯re some kind of antihero with all your getup and goons around you? You¡¯re nothing but a loser without your father and your goons. In my country, I call you a thug.¡±


    He licked his lips. I began to get under his skin but wouldn¡¯t allow him to talk. He¡¯d been invading my head for two years, and I wouldn¡¯t let him win this time.


    ¡°Here¡¯s what I thought, Conti. What if I pay someone to kidnap your wife? What if I order them to cut her into pieces-¡±


    ¡°Sweetheart,¡± Linden warned me.


    ¡°Let me finish.¡± I red at Linden before focusing on the sandman in my nightmare.


    ¡°How would you feel? Do you think I knew what happened to your sister? I¡¯m sorry that she¡¯d gone-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± His eyes darkened. He quickly turned into that demon I feared, but I would not cower before him as I was confident we had a team watching our backs.


    ¡°Or what? I didn¡¯t even know her until two days ago. You turned your anger and resentment, and vengeance into a weapon and chose me as your target practice. You should have killed me, but you don¡¯t have that guts, do you? Because you¡¯re scared of your father. You wanted his approval since you were little. You wanted his attention that you never got. You wanted his respect, but I can see it now. You¡¯re a coward! You could have killed my father to end your sufferings of failing to protect your sister!¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± He was about tounch to me, but his wife held him.


    Linden and Reed were ready to pull their guns, and Striker was already protecting me with his body.


    ¡°Take her out. This meeting is over.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll say it¡¯s over when I say it.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re just gonna stand here and do nothing as your little wife insults me?¡± Fuming, he faced Striker.


    ¡°I don¡¯t controlmy littlewife, Conti. She has a mind of her own. That¡¯s what makes us partners. How about you, Giosue? Do you put a leash around her neck and let her bark like your little puppy?¡± Striker tipped his head to his calm wife.


    His eyes narrowed. His face reddened as he tried hard to control his anger.


    ¡°She¡¯s out of this, right? You used me to get into my father. You should have epted her decisions. You can¡¯t control someone¡¯s feelings. If they fell in love, so what? Haven¡¯t you fallen in love with your wife, your enemy¡¯s daughter?¡±


    He just locked his jaw as he continued ring at me.


    ¡°I was supposed toe here to tell you that you didn¡¯tpletely break me, but when I saw you as if you were proud of what you did to me, something snapped in my head. Here are my parting words, and listen to me carefully, Conti. This is not a warning. This is a threat. I¡¯m not my father who gave you what you wanted. If you ever touch any member of my family, I will hunt you down myself. If you are an underboss, I will use every resource Vanderford, Cade, and Braddson have, and I wille to your wife first and then to your father, the entire Conti, and your little minions, and you will be thest when no one will protect your loser ass anymore.¡±

 Chapter 73

    STRIKER


    We were going home. I was relieved that this madness was finally over. I was still shaking with anger with Giosue Conti, but I couldn¡¯t be any prouder of how my wife stood for herself.


    On the other hand, Terzo fucking Siciliano was another story- that asshole got on my nerves in a matter of seconds. I had a strong feeling that I would be in trouble because of him. I was overprotective over my wife and didn¡¯t quickly get jealous, but if he ever touched my wife, he just got his ticket punched.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Moses asked me across the table as he put his card down. He won for the third time.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me.¡± Linden showed his cards. ¡°You¡¯re cheating, sir.¡±


    ¡°This is math, Linden. Show me how did I cheat?¡±


    I scratched my head. ¡°My ass.¡±


    ¡°You both are losing. He can take all your money and be poor. If you both win, he¡¯s still rich,¡± my wife said. She was right, even if this was just for fun.


    ¡°You still owe me my fifty, Linden.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious right now?¡± he asked my father.


    ¡°Did you treat them to gto?¡±


    ¡°You know we didn¡¯t have enough time for gto, sir.¡± He grinned.


    ¡°You could have won, son, but your head is not in the game. What is it that¡¯s bothering you, Striker?¡±


    ¡°Why did you take us to Italy if you didn¡¯t want us involved?¡±


    Moses nodded lightly and sighed. ¡°The meeting was between me, Linus, Gaetano, and Giosue alone. You were there because I was hoping you could solve your issue with your wife. When things getplicated around us, they make us realize the importance of rtionships. We tend to see what weck, an eye-opening of how we feel for our partners.¡± Dad stole a nce at my wife. ¡°And you needed to be there to show your gratitude. They maybe are ouws, but they are bound to their own codes, and if someone breaks it, even a member of their family, if the punishment is death, then it is then.¡±


    ¡°Why did Terzo say London is under his protection now?¡±


    ¡°Because he¡¯s your wife. That¡¯s why she had to be there. Look, thest thing I want is to involve you both, but I had no choice. You have to meet Gaetano. Think of it as showing respect to my associates.¡±


    ¡°Why did Dadete?¡± London inquired.


    ¡°He had to pay respect to the grave of Gianna.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a pretty name.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°And you left my brother alone with them.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t alone, brother. We were seventeen. Three were my men. The rest is from Siciliano and your father. If I didn¡¯t know they¡¯re wanted criminals, they¡¯re actually cool.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± I eyed Linden, feeling a little jealousy twinge in my chest. ¡°So maybe the next time I see you, you¡¯re already ying pool together and were sharing your best love advice with those assholes.¡±


    Lindenughed. My father joined him too.


    ¡°And here I thought you never get jealous, but right now, I see it. Are you jealous of Linden meeting new guys? Wew. That¡¯s cute, sweetheart.¡± Did she just mock me?


    I shot my wife a re. When she saw that it didn¡¯t amuse me anymore, she pressed her lips together to hide her smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m not jealous. They¡¯re just bad people.¡± My argument wasn¡¯tpelling, but that was my point.


    ¡°You¡¯re mad at Terzo, brother. And you know why I am here. It¡¯s not because I got paid and sealed the deal with your father, but because I wanna help my brother. I love you, man.¡± Linden was still amused.


    ¡°Fuck you.¡±


    ¡°See? Your son has a bad mouth.¡± He tried to hide hisugh. ¡°Here¡¯s what I wanna say, brother. Sweetheart, I will always be by your side. Nothing like Terzo can tear us apart. Okay? I heard he came to see you while waiting for us.¡±


    ¡°Just shut the fuck up. I don¡¯t give a damn.¡±


    ¡°Striker, your mouth is starting to irritate me, son. Your wife is listening, and you¡¯re being ridiculously vulgar.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Papa.¡±


    ¡°So, Dad is gonna be okay now, Pa?¡± Good thing London knew how to change the mood.


    ¡°Yes. If he won¡¯t make another mistake with the mafia.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t thank you all enough.¡± She patted my father¡¯s hand. ¡°You too, Linden.¡±


    ¡°You are family, honey.¡±


    ¡°He just took the words from me, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°It means a lot.¡±


    ¡°And let¡¯s not forget how you punched and threatened Giosue and called him a thug.¡± Lindenughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t know what came over me when I saw his smirk. It just I saw red.¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± Linden was amused, and so was my father.


    ¡°We¡¯re proud of you. Don¡¯t ever apologize.¡± I pulled her into me and squeezed her for a hug. ¡°Is your hand okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It doesn¡¯t hurt.¡± She sped and unsped it. ¡°It feels really good to punch someone I hate.¡±


    And I thought I just saw the pride in my father¡¯s eyes.


    ***


    The following day, life seemed to go back to normal. I slept soundly beside my wife. We talked for a few minutes during breakfast. Then we got ready for work.


    ¡°You have your own coffee, and I don¡¯t?¡± I pointed at her tumbler.


    ¡°Well, I thought guys don¡¯t use tumblers and prefer to drop by the coffee shop. You know, it could ruin the whole masculinity thing.¡±


    ¡°Wow. Is that how you see me? Afraid of bruising my ego?¡±


    ¡°I was just trying to help clean the earth, you know. Be sustainable. Instead of using disposable material, use recyble.¡± When she talked like that, she became sexier, and all I could think was to take her back to our room. Then I remembered something. I still had to wait for a couple of days.


    ¡°You¡¯re hot.¡±


    ¡°Get in your car, Cade.¡±


    ¡°Not without a kiss.¡± I cupped her face and kissed her lips. ¡°Don¡¯t work too hard. And don¡¯t worry about your boss. He is handsome and lenient.¡±


    ¡°Are you two done?¡± Reed shook his head.


    ¡°Shut up,¡± we said in unison.


    ¡°Well, look at you two. What a sight for sore eyes.¡±


    ¡°Take care, and don¡¯t work too hard. I¡¯m sure your boss, the handsome old man, is lenient.¡±


    At the office, I had a lot of work to do. While staying in my apartment, I managed to catch up, read many books, and did my own research about the project designs we were working on.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    I checked the collected data forwarded to me regarding the stealth project proposal. It was impossible at this time since no aircraft was totally invisible to radar.


    A knock on my door interrupted my reading. ¡°Come in.¡±


    The door swung open. My jaw dropped when thest person I expected walked in. ¡°Your assistant is pretty.¡±


    I chuckled as I got up from my chair and went to hug her. ¡°You didn¡¯t just say that.¡±


    She looked around. ¡°I like your office. I can see your personality all over the room.¡± Nothing special about my office. I only requested it to be minimalist and have less color. So it was a modern interior in gray and white.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    She picked up the photo on my desk. ¡°Lucky her.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my wife, annoying and bossy sometimes, but she can be obedient and thoughtful. She¡¯s passionate. That¡¯s what I like about her.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± She sat on my desk and crossed her legs while she fished out something from her bag. ¡°I have something for you to add to the collections of mess in your immacte office.¡± The idea of her sitting on my desk came across my mind many times while we were separated. I always missed her, and my anger toward her almost ruined our marriage.


    ¡°Pen holder?¡± A white ceramic pencil holder in geometric design.


    ¡°Not just a pen holder.¡± She showed me what was written on it. It was small, but the penmanship was familiar. I thought it was sweet and thoughtful.


    ¡°The greatest husband in the universe.¡± I took it from her and put it on my desk. ¡°It¡¯s perfect. Thank you, baby.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± She rose to her feet. ¡°I have to go.¡±


    ¡°Wait. You¡¯re leaving already?¡±


    ¡°You have work to do. I just excused an hour to visit you since you didn¡¯t invite me.¡±


    I felt embarrassed.


    ¡°You¡¯re blushing, Cade.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ashamed that it didn¡¯te to my mind.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re always wee, Vanderford.¡± I wrapped my arm around her waist. ¡°Now that you¡¯re here let¡¯s go and see my father.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? You have work-¡±


    ¡°Fuck the work,¡± I whispered to her ear as we walked out of my office.


    ¡°Same.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± I told my assistant. She was young than me but older than London. She was pretty if I was being honest, but she was fresh from college and too highly of herself. ¡°This is my wife, London Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Oh, nice to meet you.¡± She offered her hand.


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about earlier.¡±


    ¡°What about earlier?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± London held my hand, dragging me away. ¡°Let¡¯s go see the big boss.¡±


    While on our way to Moses¡¯ office, I was curious about what had happened. ¡°Baby, are you gonna tell me?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to fire her.¡±


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°She said, I don¡¯t have an appointment to see Mr. Cade. He¡¯s swamped with work. Get an appointment ande back. I said he was expecting me. She said, no, he¡¯s not. Striker didn¡¯t inform me. I was beginning to fume when she called you by your name. Are you sure you didn¡¯t sleep with her?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I stopped walking and faced her. I might have overreacted as I was already throwing her a nasty re. ¡°I would never sleep with-¡±


    ¡°With your client, employee, or your assistant?¡±


    ¡°I swear to you, I have never slept with anyone since you and I had a-¡±


    ¡°You can say we broke up. It¡¯s okay. It was my fault anyway. Then it came to my senses when you told me that I can sleep-¡±


    ¡°I was enraged. I didn¡¯t mean that,¡± I finally admitted. ¡°And I wish I could take that back. You know the feeling when you say something you can¡¯t take it back? It feels like stabbing yourself in the chest over a million times, you die, and you live and do it over and over again.¡± I sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t do that to me.¡±


    ¡°Do what to you?¡± She looked hurt and confused.


    ¡°Sleep with another guy.¡±


    ¡°You know what I wanna do to you right now?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Kiss you.¡± She cupped my face and kissed me hard and quickly. Then I heard apuse around us.


    ¡°Are you two done?¡± It was my father. My face just heated.


    ¡°Thank you and sorry,¡± I told the guys around us. Then I faced my father. ¡°You have an unwanted visitor.¡±


    ¡°I can see that. Come, honey.¡±


    ¡°Pa, he thinks I cheated on him.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that,¡± I defended myself as I followed Moses.


    ¡°Sure, you thought, son.¡±


    ¡°Are you on her side now?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s my only daughter-inw, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Well, she¡¯s my wife, and you¡¯re my father.¡±


    Moses stopped and turned to face. ¡°You¡¯re too possessive.¡±


    ¡°Yes, he is,¡± my wife agreed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°And madly in love.¡±

 Chapter 74

    LONDON


    We had tacos at a pretty nice tacos food cart.


    ¡°Why you didn¡¯t take me here before?¡± I was halfway through it and still had one on the te. ¡°This is really good.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if your father will allow you to eat something from the food cart.¡± He took a huge bite but ensured he wouldn¡¯t mess up his suit- a pretty new and good gray suit. He then followed with a soda.


    I loved watching him eat like a soldier and didn¡¯t care even if someone was watching him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that, baby, or you¡¯ll regret itter.¡± There you go, the hint of mischief in his smile.


    ¡°How did you find this?¡± I ignored his warning. I was looking forward to that night, though, and what a few days more we couldn¡¯t wait.


    ¡°This is closer to Langston. Zee, you haven¡¯t met him. He¡¯s a Muslim. The owner of the food cart is Arab. So, he¡¯s safe to eat meat here. We used toe together.¡±


    ¡°Arab, but he sold Taco. This is so good.¡± I was already on my second. ¡°We should do this-¡±


    ¡°Every Tuesday?¡± Heughed. ¡°We should have Saturday date nights. How about that?¡±


    ¡°As long as we have tacos.¡±


    ¡°Deal. Wanna dance with me at Night Stalker on Saturday?¡±


    ¡°Are you asking me out, Cade?¡±


    ¡°Call it whatever you want, Vanderford. So is that a yes?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Cade.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a date, then.¡±


    Once we were done with our lunch date, he sent me to my office building. ¡°Do you like the location of your office?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Why?¡±


    ¡°Just asking.¡±


    ¡°If you n on transferring LH HQ, I won¡¯t stop you, as long as it¡¯s bigger than this, but if I were to decide, I¡¯m fine here. Besides, I don¡¯t think Dad will ever bother me anymore now that he got his freedom back.¡±


    He nodded in understanding. ¡°How about branches? Where do you wanna expand?¡±


    ¡°Asia like Philippines, Japan, South Korea.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll discuss that in our next meeting.¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss.¡± I got a pinch on my thigh.


    ¡°Call me boss again, and you won¡¯t ever be on top.¡±


    I might have blushed a little. My neck became warm. ¡°Is that a threat? We¡¯ll see, caveman.¡±


    He parked his car in front of the building. ¡°See you tonight.¡±


    ¡°See you.¡± I kissed him on the lips.


    ¡°Vanderford?¡± His voice was low and calm. Before I could climb out of the car, he held my wrist.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± I met his gaze. He was smiling, and his eyes were dancing with joy.


    ¡°You¡¯re the best thing that ever happened to me.¡±


    My heart skipped. My mind went nk. I wanted to say something, to say it back, but I was caught in the moment of my own happiness.


    ¡°Don¡¯t work too much, okay? That¡¯s an order from your boss and your husband.¡±


    All I could do was smile as I got out of his car. Even though I was already in the elevator, I still smiled like crazy.


    ¡°Wew. What¡¯s that smile all about?¡±


    I just came back to the office. My happiness was overflowing. ¡°We had tacos.¡±


    Neke followed me into my office. ¡°Only tacos made you that smile? You are shining, sparkling.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Those were good tacos.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re weird, my friend, but I¡¯m not blind not to see it. You are happy, and it has something to do with your white knight.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m happy.¡± I sat in my chair. ¡°Any important call?¡±


    ¡°I just received a call from Magnus. He said you won¡¯t take his call.¡±


    ¡°What does he want?¡± I hadn¡¯t told Striker about it. We just had gone through a life-and-death situation, and I didn¡¯t want to bother him that my ex was constantly calling me. Was I bothered? Absolutely.


    ¡°He wants to talk to you. Actually, his words were, I need to talk to London.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ept any more of his call.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him? I saw his friend from his Ig post on tv.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. That was horrible.¡± I wanted to tell Neke what happened, but I didn¡¯t want to burden her with that information. Ignorant was always bliss.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. He won¡¯t bother you again.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be at my desk.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Neke.¡± I picked up the bag under my desk. ¡°I actually have something for you.¡±


    ¡°From Italy?¡± Her eyes lit up.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Pizza? Bolognese? The kiest Croissant?¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Better than Bolognese, croissants, and pizza put together. The origin of Croissant is from Austria.¡±


    ¡°Whatever, sexy historian.¡±


    ¡°Here.¡± I have her the paper bag.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± She took the bag, swaying her hips as she walked out of my office.


    A momentter, she came back screaming. ¡°Holy shit! I¡¯d been saving for this, bitch! OMG! I love you fifty million.¡± She squeezed me into a tight hug. ¡°Thank you. Thank you.¡± She then went back to staring at her new bag.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    ¡°I thought you were poor. How can you afford to buy this?¡±


    ¡°My husband is an heir of a billionaire.¡±


    ¡°So I should thank him for this?¡±


    ¡°No. Cade gave me his card and told me to buy what I wanted before we headed back home. Don¡¯t worry. I showed him the bills. He justughed at me. I have one like that too.¡±


    ¡°Let me guess, yours is groseille.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    When she put it on, she was dancing. ¡°I love it. And I love you,¡± she said with a flying kiss.


    Once I was alone, I dialed Magnus¡¯s number.


    He picked up on the first ring. ¡°London, listen to me-¡±


    ¡°No. You listen to me, Magnus. Stop calling my office and my phone. Okay? I¡¯m calling you right because I want you to stop. We have nothing to talk about. And I have had just enough of your bs.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand. London, please-¡±


    ¡°You, you don¡¯t understand. I haven¡¯t told anyone. I don¡¯t wanna tell Cade because if he knows you¡¯re still calling me, he will juste to you, and I don¡¯t want trouble, okay?¡±


    ¡°London, this has nothing to do-¡±


    ¡°Then stop calling me. This is harassment.¡±


    ¡°I need your help, okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t help you.¡± He must be struggling financially. He should have epted dad¡¯s offer.


    ¡°Please, London.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me again. Bye.¡± I ended the call. I hope he wouldn¡¯t bother me again.


    ***


    At home, we had a pleasant dinner. We agreed not to talk about work or anything outside this home.


    Since he cooked our dinner, I volunteered to clean up the kitchen. Sonia came back to work, but I told her to leave early. Her mother had obtained a hip bone fracture and still recovering.


    After I was done in the kitchen, I went up to our room. The light was on in the bathroom. Striker must have been in the shower.


    I began stripping off my clothes and opened the door to the shower room. The water was warm as I stepped in. My husband was stark naked, those sinewy muscles from his back flexed. And I couldn¡¯t wait to have my hands all over him and on his firm round ass.


    I didn¡¯t waste any moment. I snaked my arms around his waist and wrapped my hand around his cock. A gasp escaped from him at the first touch of my hand. Striker stilled when he realized he wasn¡¯t alone anymore.


    ¡°Baby, what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°You should have locked the door if you don¡¯t want someone just toe in and join you.¡±


    ¡°Maybe that was the whole point. Fuck,¡± he cursed as I tightened my grip, and he was instantly hard yet smooth around my fingers.


    ¡°You were saying?¡± I bit my lip as I pressed my naked body against him. My hard nipples deliciously grazed against his back. The friction created a pleasure that rushed through my clit. ¡°We still have four days left, but it doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t make you feel good, right?¡±


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t like it when you only make me feel good, and I can¡¯t return the favor.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re one, sweetheart. It means if you feel good, I do too. Now turn around.¡±


    He groaned at my order but did as I asked. His jaw locked hard, and his eyes darkened as he looked at my naked body.


    ¡°No.¡± I stopped him when he took a step closer. Then I knelt before him. His erect cock, at my eye level, stiffened at my action. I gave him a quick kiss as a reward for his obedience.


    ¡°Fuck, baby. Are you trying to-¡± His words were cut off as I darted my tongue out to lick the precum leaking from his tip and dragged it around the bulbous head. It was salty and addicting.


    He was thick and long. He cursed again with a groan. His muscles tightened.


    I opened my mouth wider as I sucked him into my mouth until the crown touched the back of my throat. I moaned against his length as he showed me that he enjoyed what I did. His fingers came through my hair, forming a fist.


    Bobbing my head, I gave him a good suck at the same time. He began thrusting himself into my mouth. His moan and groan made me ache, and I grew drenched.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Yeah, just like that, baby.¡± I knew it. I felt him swell and grow harder. My jaw ached, but the pleasure I was giving him was also my strength. ¡°I¡¯m closed.¡±


    Tears formed at the corner of my eyes as he thrust harder, non-stop, until a hoarse grunt left him. His cock was gone as well.


    Striker was kneeling before me in a sh, hand in my hair, tilting my head as he took my mouth in a savage, rough, possessive kiss. His other hand was around his cock, pumping, and his warm release spilled on my knees.


    ¡°Fuuk¡­ baby.¡±

 Chapter 75

    STRIKER


    ¡°Hey, Dad.¡±


    ¡°I miss you, son.¡± He hugged me tight as if I hadn¡¯t seen him in years.


    ¡°I miss you, too.¡± I sat next to him in the backyard of Moses¡¯ estate. ¡°I don¡¯t know you and Moses y golf together.¡±


    My father was with Linden, and Emory joined him since Dad came to sit with me.


    ¡°I know you called him Papa. He was about to cry when he told me, hearing you call him Papa for the first time.¡±


    ¡°You both are softies. I just don¡¯t want to hurt your feelings.¡±


    ¡°I pushed you to give him a chance. That would be my biggest mistake and regret if I didn¡¯t do that. He seems to have done his best to be your good father.¡±


    ¡°Aside from taking me to Sicily?¡± I chuckled and patted his knee. ¡°I didn¡¯t meet the bad guys, except Giosue when London insisted, but it was after the agreement.¡±


    ¡°I hope London found the peace she¡¯d been looking for.¡±


    ¡°It was Papa¡¯s n all along.¡±


    ¡°And I can breathe freely, but you still met Siciliano.¡±


    ¡°Yes. His son is a dick.¡± I snorted.


    ¡°He won¡¯t touch your wife. Trust me.¡±


    ¡°As if I let him.¡± My jaw clenched hard just thinking of his filthy hand on my wife¡¯s.


    ¡°He was just testing you, son. And he gave you his word.¡±


    I breathed deeply. ¡°I know. And he seeded. I wanted to crash his skull.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be violent. So, how are you and London?¡±


    A smile spread across my lips. ¡°We¡¯re good, actually. We¡¯re working on our issue.¡±


    ¡°You love your wife. You made the right decision of giving her a chance.¡±


    ¡°I never really wanted to leave her. I was just mad.¡±


    ¡°And your anger almost turned into madness. Imagine losing everything, her father treated her like a property, and then you also left her when she needed-¡±


    ¡°Whoa! Hold on. I left her?¡± I was offended. ¡°Thest time I checked, she pushed me away, and may I remind you, she wanted a divorce.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have listened. You should have stayed by her side. Where¡¯s the part of your vows? Through thick in thin, for richer and for poorer-¡±


    ¡°Those aren¡¯t my vows, Dad.¡±


    He waved his hand. ¡°You know what I mean.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. London broke my heart.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s not talk about it. I¡¯m just d that you two are okay now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m grateful for you. You¡¯re the reason why I have London in my life. Thank you, Dad.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me.¡±


    ¡°I still do.¡±


    ¡°I want grandchildren. Thank me when you give me that news.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Give us a break. I still wanna marry her again, then we can n on having kids.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no rush. Just don¡¯t make us wait for too long.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what London has to say about having kids immediately. I don¡¯t have a problem with that. Can you talk to her about it?¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Dad gave me a distasteful look. ¡°You want me to talk to your wife if she wants kids?¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re the one who wants grandchildren. I just don¡¯t wanna see the look in her eyes even if she said yes to me. And I would never force her to have kids if she¡¯s not ready.¡±


    ¡°Look, son. Sometimes, you have to face the pain before you face your happiness. It¡¯s the way of life. You don¡¯t always get what you want. Sometimes you go through that hard part and sacrifice something to go to the finish line. But the reward is always worth all the pain. Don¡¯t feel bad about failures. Just work on it. And giving up is not an option. It¡¯s just the right timing.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why it feels so fucking painful to disappoint the people I love.¡±


    ¡°You never disappoint me.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I did, but you don¡¯t see it as a disappointment.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t please everybody, just as you can¡¯t please yourself, but it doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s the end of the world.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Dad. Sometimes, I don¡¯t realize I shouldn¡¯t depend on all of you. I am married now. I should face the world on my own.¡±


    ¡°You do not depend on us. You are just trustworthy and selfless. If you depend on us, you don¡¯t act, you wait for us to work it out for you, but that¡¯s not what I see. Remember when Linus forced you to marry his daughter? When you came to me to pay my debt? Do you remember when you face your father? And you save your own wife and your father-inw. That¡¯s an act of courageousness, son. I¡¯m proud of you.¡± He squeezed my shoulder as he showed me how proud he was. ¡°And an act of love.¡±


    ¡°Are you guys just gonna sit in there?¡± Linden called us out.


    ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯m not going to y today.¡± I stood up, and Dad did the same and went to the guys.


    I went inside the house. Moses gave me ess to his study. It was impressive and grand.


    I turned on the desktop and essed the file on the USB stick. I still have second thoughts about the stealth project. It could be a sess for another ten years or a total waste of time.


    When I asked Moses for his opinion, he told me to give it a chance. While the A. S. H. E. R wouldn¡¯t be possible in a few decades, the process was already in progress. As they said, good things take time.


    I click the STRIKER PROJECT. The design was on point, but I could have altered a few points, but it was already finalized.


    I rubbed my eyes. Honestly, I had no idea what to do right now. It seemed that I was just picking up pieces of what was left to me by my predecessor. Iy back. Moses¡¯s chair wasfier than what I had in my study. I stretched out my legs until I hit something and heard a click.


    I stilled. I often watched it in movies. That kind of click came with a booby trap. Unmoving for a few seconds, nothing happened. I slowly rose from the chair, and that was when I noticed a secret drawer just open, but I was sure I didn¡¯t do that. There was a man envelope inside that caught my attention.


    At the back of my head, I wouldn¡¯t touch it. It wasn¡¯t mine in the first ce. It was Moses. But at the same time, why would he have a secret drawer if he could have safe deposit boxes in any bank?


    I didn¡¯t give in to temptation. I shut it closed, turned off the desktop, and took the USB. I was ready to leave toward the door when it opened. My father emerged.


    ¡°Papa.¡± I didn¡¯t know if I should tell him or let it just go.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Um.¡± I swallowed.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I was, uh, using your desktop, and I triggered something. I swear I didn¡¯t know it was there. I just heard a click. I noticed a drawer, but I didn¡¯t check it. I swear.¡±


    ¡°But you were curious.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I answered honestly.


    ¡°I know. I received the rm.¡± He walked past me.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Son, I made equipment, technology, and supplies for the government, and I can¡¯t make my own security?¡±


    ¡°Sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to touch something.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t.¡± Moses went to his desk. ¡°The trigger is under the desk.¡±


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t havee here alone. I should go.¡±


    ¡°No. Come here.¡± He just used his phone, and the drawer slid out. So what I did was hit the manual trigger. He picked up the envelope and offered it to me.¡±


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t want another secret to keep from my wife.¡±


    ¡°This is not secret.¡± He opened the envelope and gave me the old papers that looked like documents.¡±


    ¡°Land titles?¡±


    ¡°Just read it.


    My breathing was held as I stared at the marriage contract in my hand. I checked the other document-the marriage certificate.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a bastard, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± I asked him, still in shock.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t ask. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t forgive myself for what I¡¯ve done. I was a coward because I let my father win and let him think that I was not married. How many women did he choose for me? But I couldn¡¯t look at them and betray my wife. Your mother.¡± He poured a content from the envelope. A ring dropped into his palm. ¡°My wedding ring.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Papa. You should stop ming yourself. It¡¯s been twenty-eight years. I¡¯m sure if my mother can talk to you right now, she will say to let it go. I forgave you. Anyone who loves someone will learn to forgive the people they love. That¡¯s what love is, Pa. My mother would have forgiven you, but you should learn to forgive yourself first. Please, do it for me.¡± I gave him the documents back.


    I still wanted to say something, but my phone kept ringing.


    ¡°You should take that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Vanderford. I know the ringtone.¡± I fished out my phone and answered. ¡°Hey, baby.¡±


    ¡°Can we talk? There¡¯s been bothering me, and I didn¡¯t want this to be the reason for our fight.¡±


    ¡°How can you be sure I¡¯m gonna fight with you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about Magnus.¡±


    I groaned in annoyance as she mentioned her ex.


    ¡°Calm down. No need to be all neanderthal.¡±


    ¡°Okay. We¡¯ll talk at home. I¡¯ll be there in an hour.¡±


    ¡°Jeez. I¡¯m still going to see Neke. We¡¯ll talk tonight.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Tonight then. I¡¯m still with Pa. Dad and Linden are also here.¡±


    ¡°Wew. It¡¯s boys¡¯ day out, huh?¡±


    ¡°Have fun with Neke, baby. See youter.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for letting me drive alone.¡±


    ¡°Just take care, okay?¡±


    ¡°Bye, sweetheart.¡±


    I chuckled as I hung up the call. I didn¡¯t realize Moses was listening until I looked at him. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°She called you sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°Wait. You can hear her?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It was too loud, like on speaker.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry. Good to know. Next time I will tell her not to talk about sex on the phone when I¡¯m with you.¡±


    ¡°Kids these days.¡± He shook his head in amusement,


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong if she calls me sweetheart, anyway?¡±


    ¡°Your mom called me sweetheart too.¡±This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 76

    LONDON


    I just stopped by to buy coffee for Neke and me. When I got out, someone was waiting for me in my car. My first thought was to pretend I didn¡¯t see him or find an exit so he wouldn¡¯t notice me. But it was toote.


    Damn it.


    ¡°Signora London.¡± He looked cute. He smirked-that smirked, though. Terzo was an overconfident son of a bitch. I could have set him up with Neke if I didn¡¯t know what he did for a living. But my question was, how did he find me?


    ¡°What do you want, Terzo?¡± I did my best to act like I wasn¡¯t scared of him, hoping it wouldst until he was gone.


    ¡°Is that how you treat a friend?¡± He didn¡¯t move, still leaning on my car.


    ¡°A friend? Since when?¡± I stopped a few feet away from him.


    ¡°Since days ago. Did you forget that you¡¯re under my protection now?¡±


    ¡°How can I? How did you find me?¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Reed?¡± He knew I was alone. Great. Creepy. ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to be going out alone, Mrs. Cade. Where¡¯s your husband?¡±


    Reed went to see his family, but Terzo didn¡¯t have to know.


    ¡°Why do you ask many questions but don¡¯t answer mine?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Mrs. Cade.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t we just end the feud between my father and the Conti? So, unless you n on something horrible, I¡¯m no longer in danger.¡±


    He raised his hands. ¡°I swear I¡¯m not gonna hurt you.¡±


    ¡°Then go away. I need to go.¡±


    ¡°Give me the key. I¡¯ll drive you to where you wanna go.¡± He even offers his hand.


    ¡°No way, Terzo. I¡¯m going alone. I¡¯m capable of driving my own car.¡±


    He sighed in defeat. ¡°I¡¯m just trying to be a gentleman.¡±


    ¡°Why are you here anyway?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m collecting payments.¡±


    ¡°You mean blood debts?¡±


    ¡°No. Just debts. People borrow money from my father. So I¡¯m tasked to collect the payment.¡±


    ¡°And if they won¡¯t pay?¡±


    ¡°They will.¡±


    ¡°What if they can¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°I will take something valuable from them as coteral.¡±


    ¡°Like their lives, right?¡±


    ¡°No, signora. We only kill people if they want to kill us.¡±


    ¡°Jeez. Please, don¡¯t tell me anymore. My knowledge of your existence will only put me in trouble.¡± I rounded to the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°I have to go.¡±


    ¡°You really should not drive alone.¡±


    ¡°What keeps me in danger if I continue talking to you.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Take care, Mrs. Cade.¡±


    I watched him through the side mirror. Once I was far enough from him, I sighed in relief.


    What was he doing in town? I wanted to call Striker, but I would see him tonight. I was sure his father knew that Terzo was here on business.


    I parked the car in front of Neke¡¯s apartment. I stayed there for a while as I had second thoughts about informing Striker that Terzo was in town.


    I was slightly bothered by the way Terzo insisted on my safety and the constant calling from Magnus.


    I picked up the coffee and got out of the car. I was about to lock the door when someone just pressed something against my side, startling me.


    ¡°Make any movement, and you¡¯re dead,¡± he hissed. That voice. I knew that voice. Even if he was familiar, he still rattled me.


    ¡°O-okay,¡± I said as waves of fear rushed through me. My heart instantly raced. The image of Striker immediately came to my head. ¡°What do you want, Magnus?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been calling, texting, and even emailing you, but you spammed me. Now just follow what I say, and you won¡¯t get hurt.¡± He pressed the thing harder against my side. ¡°Give me the key.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re already pointing. What¡¯s that, a gun? At me, and you expect-¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I raised my free hand after I gave him my keys, the other still with the coffee carrier.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Once we get to a ce, I want you to call your father to bring you two hundred thousand dors in cash. Then I will let you go.¡±


    Not again. I shut my eyes closed as I nodded. What was wrong with me? Why this had to happen to me? I thought I was cursed because this had happened to me twice now. Being a child of one of the wealthiest men always came with cons.


    ¡°I don¡¯t talk to my dad anymore.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask for more? What do you want with only two hundred thousand when you could ask for two million dors, Magnus?¡± My knees wobbled. I slowly walked to the front of my car and turned to the passenger¡¯s side.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business anymore, London. We wouldn¡¯t have been in this situation if you didn¡¯t break up with me and married that asshole.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not an asshole,¡± I still answered him even if I began to shake. One thing that bothered me was why he didn¡¯t ask for millions. I didn¡¯t know he went to this length to ask for money, only in that amount.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know him, and then I found out that you¡¯re already married.¡±Well, you still have no idea who Striker is, do you? ¡°You could have chosen a rich guy, London. You¡¯ve such terrible taste in men.¡±


    ¡°Considering you¡¯re my ex, for once, you¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°Shut up. Get in the car.¡± He pushed me, and I almost tripped on my shoes.


    ¡°Fine. You don¡¯t have to push me.¡± With my heart in my throat, I willingly got into the passenger seat. I slowly put the coffee carrier down on my floorboard with a shaky hand. Then I slipped my hand into my bag to find my phone.


    Seconds ticked by, and Magnus still didn¡¯te to the driver¡¯s seat. I looked for him, then a hard knock on my window frightened me. I jumped in my seat. My heart kept hammering in my chest. I was beyond shock to see Terzo mouthing at me.


    ¡°What?¡± Scared that he might break the window, I rolled it slightly just enough to hear him speak.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to scare you. Open your trunk.¡±


    ¡°W-why?¡± I stuttered.


    ¡°Just open it.¡±


    I hastily did as he asked. He hurriedly went to the back of my car. In just a few seconds, he shut the trunk slightly stronger. I had no idea what he stuffed there. Then a realization hit me hard.


    ¡°Ohmigod.¡± Before I could rush out of the car, he was already in the driver¡¯s seat, with my key in his hand.


    ¡°Let me go.¡± I swallowed hard. I was scared even to move, and I didn¡¯t know what to do with my fear anymore.


    ¡°Ideally, yes, but not right now.¡±


    ¡°Ideally? W-what did you do to him?¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable. You were already at gunpoint and still concerned about him.¡± He turned on the ignition and drove my car out of the parking to the main road as if in a hurry.


    ¡°I¡¯m not. I just don¡¯t wannamit a crime. Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°I wanna punish him.¡±


    ¡°Just stop the car and let me go, please? Then you can punish him alone. I can¡¯t be your aplice, Terzo.¡±


    He stared at me for a moment before focusing on the road. ¡°How many times do I have to tell you that I won¡¯t hurt you? I just saved your pretty ass from that piece of shit. And I¡¯m still finding it hard to believe he¡¯s your ex. I mean,e on, Mrs. Cade. You could have had a better man, tall, handsome, with a great smile, well-connected-¡±


    ¡°Let me guess, like you?¡± I red at him.


    ¡°Toote, isn¡¯t it? Too bad. Striker Cade seems to care about you and moved mountains to keep you safe. I admire him, to be honest. He and his father are great men.¡±


    I fished out my phone. Before I could call Striker, Terzo snatched my phone from my hand. ¡°What the hell?¡±


    ¡°Call him once we reach the warehouse.¡± He drove like a maniac. Once we closed the traffic cam, he hid his face. He clearly knew what he was doing.


    ¡°Warehouse? Are you gonna kill Magnus? Then once you¡¯re done with him, you¡¯ll kill me next, right?¡±


    ¡°Jesus, woman. Why would I do that? My father will not hesitate to end me if I do something like that to Cade, Vanderford, and Braddson. You are untouchable now, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me sweetheart. Stop the car and let me go. I don¡¯t think Cade will appreciate what you¡¯re doing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m doing you a favor, finding what that piece of shit wants. He¡¯s not dead, by the way. I just knocked him out.¡±


    ¡°If I know, you and Magnus are working together. I¡¯ve often watched this scene when a bad guy betrayed his partner.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know him. I just found out he was a friend of Ivan Millers.¡±


    ¡°Whom you killed.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t. It was Conti.¡±


    ¡°You all are just one big family.¡±


    ¡°Not true. If not because of my father, you could be dead by now.¡±


    ¡°Jeez, thank you very much.¡± My eyes narrowed, and terrified at the same time.


    ¡°That¡¯s the truth.¡±


    We arrived at the warehouse. My nerves were getting the best of me, but maybe, just maybe, Terzo was true to his words that he would not hurt me. Still, sitting next to a criminal who killed people and dealt with illegal stuff was terrifying enough, and I didn¡¯t know how many morews he broke.


    ¡°I can¡¯t watch. I don¡¯t wanna be an essory to a crime, Terzo.¡±


    ¡°Just follow me. You don¡¯t have to watch.¡±


    I did as he said. Like I had a choice, and I didn¡¯t think someone would hear me even if I screamed right now.


    I got out of the car and wrapped my arms around myself. It was a warm afternoon, but I felt like it had just turned dark and chilly around me.


    ¡°Call Striker toe to this ce.¡± He took unconscious Magnus from the trunk and carried him like a sack of potatoes as if he wasn¡¯t carrying a man.


    The warehouse was big but a little bit old. He unlocked the padlock and kept the door ajar. When the lights turned on, we were surrounded by tons of crates and bundles of boxes. Then he stuffed Magnus into the chair and tied him from behind and on his feet.


    ¡°You wanna drink? Some good stuff in the crates.¡±


    I just eyed him with disinterest.


    ¡°Those are fine wines, London.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± I quickly dialed Striker.


    ¡°Baby.¡± He picked up right away.


    ¡°Cade, I need your help.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m with Terzo. He wants you toe to this address.¡±

 Chapter 77

    STRIKER


    ¡°I¡¯m with Terzo. He wants you toe to this address.¡±


    ¡°What? Baby, what do you mean you¡¯re with Terzo.¡± My heart nearly stopped hearing she was with Terzo. Why in the fucking hell was Terzo doing with my wife?


    ¡°Juste to the address. I¡¯m sending the location to you now.¡±


    ¡°Baby? Vanderford?¡± She hung up, and I stared at the phone screen, frightened.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Linden nudged me. He was calling my name, but his voice felt like a buzz.


    I drew a deep breath and got up. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± He followed me even if I hadn¡¯t answered his question.


    ¡°Son of a fucking bitch.¡± My blood boiled. My rage made me shake.


    ¡°Man, what¡¯s going on?¡± He held me in my arm. ¡°You look like you are about to murder someone. If we willmit a crime at least, let¡¯s be prepared. Breathe, man. Tell me what happened?¡±


    ¡°Are you both leaving?¡± Dad came.


    ¡°Yes, Dad. I¡¯ll see youter.¡± I inwardly groaned.


    ¡°I thought we would have dinner together.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Something came up.¡± I couldn¡¯t look at him anymore. He knew well if something was troubling me. This time, I already smelled trouble from a mile away.


    ¡°Striker, what is it?¡±


    I fisted and unfisted my hands. My jaw locked hard to the point my teeth almost broke. ¡°I¡¯m going to kill that motherfucker if he everys his filthy hand on my wife.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±Fuck. Moses just came. And it pissed me more that I was wasting time every second I stayed here, answering their questions.


    ¡°I have to go with Linden.¡±


    ¡°Not until you tell us.¡± Dad sounded irritated. ¡°Who are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°That fucker Terzo has my wife.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Moses looked rmed.


    ¡°God!¡± I screamed. ¡°The longer I stay here, the danger she will be. Can we talk about thister?¡±


    ¡°Terzo would never hurt London, or his father will shoot him in the head.¡± I trusted my father but couldn¡¯t guarantee Terzo would keep his word. He was a criminal, after all. ¡°Believe me, son.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very helpful, Pa. I need to take my wife as far away from that motherfucker.¡±


    My father sighed. ¡°Very well. But don¡¯t do anything stupid. Do you hear me? We just got through the mess with the Conti. You don¡¯t wanna kill Terzo unless you have proof he hurts your wife.¡±


    ¡°The moment he took my wife, he already got his ticket punched.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll get to the bottom of this. Be careful, son. Don¡¯t let your rage control you, or this could end up in bloodshed, and a crime family like theirs never ys by the rule when ites to protecting their family. They y messy, ugly, and bloody.¡±


    Briggs joined and prepared himself. He was carrying a firearm.


    ¡°I need a gun,¡± I told Linden. It was not a suggestion. He knew it.


    ¡°Oh, no,¡± Dad reacted. ¡°Striker.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Striker knows what he¡¯s doing,¡± my father told Dad. ¡°Stay here, Tate.¡±


    ¡°The hell. I¡¯ming with you.¡±


    ¡°This is dangerous, Dad.¡± I narrowed my eyes at him.


    ¡°He is going, and I¡¯m not?¡± he questioned me.


    ¡°He knows Terzo.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going. The longer we talk here, the more we risk London.¡± He was already walking out of the house. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll drive,¡± Linden requested.


    I didn¡¯t argue. I couldn¡¯t think straight. I needed to focus, but my mind was jumbled. I used to keep people safe, and I¡¯d never lost focus. This time was different.


    Your emotions greatly influenced your rational thinking when your loved ones were in danger. Linden drove us out of the estate, leaving nothing but dust behind- he was driving like a maniac. In moments like this, time was the most crucial part.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the address?¡±


    I gave him my phone. My hand was shaking. It didn¡¯t miss in his keen eye.


    ¡°Breathe, brother. We¡¯ve done this many times. I know this is London, but we will get through this.¡± He checked the location shared with me. ¡°I think I know this ce. An old warehouse.¡±


    I looked out of the window. ¡°I should havee with her. I just trusted her when she begged to drive alone.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself.¡±


    ¡°I know the first time I saw that motherfucker. He¡¯s bad news. The way he looked at my wife, and I warned him. I did warn him, but he didn¡¯t take it seriously.¡± I dialed London¡¯s number. It just rang, but she didn¡¯t pick up anymore. ¡°Fuck!¡±


    ¡°Calm down.¡±


    ¡°Jesus,¡± I grunted, rubbing my face with my palm. ¡°Why does it have to happen to her? She¡¯s been through enough.¡±


    ¡°I wish I could tell you something to calm you down, man. I care about London deeply, and I¡¯m also terrified of her. My only question is, why would Terzo cross this line? Gaetano has a blood pact with your father. He¡¯s ying in dangerous water, man. Siciliano might be one of the powerful and feared mafia bosses, but your father has connections all over the globe.¡±


    ¡°Because he¡¯s an asshole. How far are we?¡± I looked in the side mirror. At least three cars were tailing us. Dad¡¯s, my father¡¯s, and his men.¡±


    ¡°Less than fifteen.¡±


    I checked my phone again. I found nothing. ¡°I swear I will kill them all if he hurts my wife.¡± I looked up as my eyes stung.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make any move. Just follow my lead. Do you trust me, brother?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I couldn¡¯t shake the thought of that look in Terzo¡¯s eyes as he looked at my wife. All the red gs were there. I shouldn¡¯t have taken it lightly.


    ¡°Why did Reed is not on duty?¡±


    ¡°Your job, and you don¡¯t know?¡± I let go of a shaky breath. ¡°Look, I know you¡¯re trying to divert my attention, Linden, but I don¡¯t wanna talk right now. I don¡¯t need pep-talk too. I need a moment of silence. Can you do that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, man.¡± Linden made a hard right as we got closer. ¡°We should park a little far from the warehouse. He could have nted booby traps. Prepare yourself that he¡¯s not alone.¡±


    Linden parked the car a few yards from the warehouse, making sure not to create a disturbance. We need an element of surprise.


    ¡°We should not involve the authority,¡± my father said. ¡°Not until I figure out what is going on?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on is he took my wife, Papa,¡± I replied harshly as I checked what was on Linden¡¯s trunk. I picked the 9mm and checked the mag-it was loaded. I grabbed another mag and slipped into my back. ¡°I should carry one, even if I¡¯m going to work.¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯m giving you your own bodyguard.¡±


    I shot an angry stare at Moses. ¡°I can take care of myself.¡±


    ¡°Then you should have gotten a temporary bodyguard for your wife.¡± He was right, but when London gave that puppy-eyed look, telling me she missed driving, I had to trust her.


    ¡°You, all of you, should stay here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ming,¡± Briggs said.


    ¡°Okay. Just follow my lead.¡±


    I ignored Linden and went alone. I couldn¡¯t wait for more chit-chat when my wife was in danger. With my senses on full alert, I checked for any hostiles, but the area was silent.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What did I just say?¡± Linden whispered in a hiss as he came at my six. ¡°This is one of those pauses and take-a-deep breath situations where you can¡¯t go full rage against your enemy. This is where people get killed when they let their feelings rule their brains.¡±


    ¡°How about this? I don¡¯t give a shit when the love of my life is in the hands of a murderer.¡±


    ¡°At least your mind still works. You just admitted that you love your wife.¡± Linden was amused while my body was fueling with rage.


    We reached the main door. It was ajar. I signaled Linden that I was going first. After taking a deep breath, I peeped through the ajar door. That was when I saw movement. I gestured that I saw someone.


    ¡°What took you so long, Cade?¡± My breathing hitched. It was Terzo¡¯s voice. Our element of surprise was over. Fuck.


    I pushed the door wide as I pointed my gun at him. ¡°Where¡¯s my wife, Terzo?¡±


    He looked rxed for someone who had a gun pointing at him. ¡°Is that how-¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up. Where¡¯s my wife?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± He raised his hands. I knew he had a gun. A man like him never got out of bed without a firearm.


    ¡°Did you forget what I told that if-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna gouge my eyes out-¡±


    ¡°You just sign-¡±


    ¡°Cade!¡± my wife called my name, which diverted my attention, losing all my focus.


    I watched her run in my direction,unch into me, and hug me tightly. ¡°Oh, God. Thank God.¡±


    ¡°Are you okay? Are you hurt?¡± I wrapped my free hand around her. ¡°Did he touch you?¡±


    ¡°Nice reunion,¡± Terzo said in amusement.


    ¡°No,¡± London answered.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± I looked her in the eye. She looked a little bit scared, but she was also happy to see me.


    ¡°Yes. Put the gun down, Cade,¡± my wife that I was supposed to rescue just ordered me to put my gun down.


    ¡°Not until he gets what he deserves.¡±


    ¡°This is not what it looks like,¡± she said.


    I scowled at her. I just busted into this door, and she seemed okay that this asshole kidnapped her.


    ¡°Tell her, signora.¡±


    ¡°Not a word, Terzo,¡± my wife scolded him. ¡°Just trust me, okay?¡± she said to me. Then she looked behind me. ¡°Will you stop pointing the guns at us? I¡¯m already beyond terrified.¡±


    ¡°Will you please exin?¡± Great, my father just joined the party.


    ¡°Segnor Braddson, good to see you, sir.¡±


    ¡°Terzo saved me.¡±


    ¡°Great. Now he¡¯s suddenly your fucking hero?¡± I scoffed at my wife.


    ¡°Your attitude is getting in my skin, Striker. If you don¡¯t wanna believe me, ask the man behind that crate,¡± said my wife as she walked in Terzo¡¯s direction. ¡°I¡¯m still pretty shaken. If not for this cocky bastard, I could be held hostage again, and I¡¯m sick of being used as a tool, bait, pawn, and trap for something that doesn¡¯t even belong to me.¡±


    I put my hand down, but my finger was still pressed at the side of the trigger. I followed her.


    ¡°Ta-da.¡± I still wanted to punch Terzo for involving my wife.


    When I saw Magnus tied to a chair, it changed my perspective. He looked extremely horrified the moment he recognized me. He just nched, eyes wide and filled with horror.


    Terzo must not have punched him. I didn¡¯t see bruises or bloodstains. ¡°He held your wife at gunpoint for two hundred thousand bucks. Your wife is worth billions of dors, and he sets her at 99. 9 percent off. Can you believe that? He¡¯s so cheap.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°He wants two-hundred thousand from my father.¡±


    ¡°This asshole?¡± I pointed at Magnus. He was awake but with a gag tied around his mouth.


    Terzo threw water at his face, jolting him, and his chest heaved.


    I pulled the gag out. ¡°Look at me, dickhead. The first time I saw you, I knew you were bad news, an arrogant son of a bitch, an asswipe. Did you just point a gun at my wife and threaten her?¡±


    ¡°I just-¡± I didn¡¯t let him finish. My hand had been shaking to punch Terzo, but I didn¡¯t realize it was intended for Magnus. I hit hard, I mean, the most brutal blow I could give to someone. I heard a crack. It didn¡¯t matter if I broke my fingers, but hearing him shriek in pain and agony as I watched his chair stumble to the floor was satisfying.


    He didn¡¯t have any idea the pain he caused me, the dread he gave knowing that my wife could get hurt in a dangerous man¡¯s hands. He had no fucking idea.

 Chapter 78

    LONDON


    Terzo had no remorse. If I wasn¡¯t there, he could have tortured Magnus to death.


    I flinched as he threw water at Magnus¡¯ face to wake him up. Magnus jolted, and the chair he was tied to shook.


    ¡°What the fuck?¡± He swallowed and found himself tied to a chair. His eyes widened as he looked at Terzo, and his face fell on me.


    ¡°Did you actually kiss her with that mouth?¡± Terzo seemed breezy as if he¡¯d interrogated people a thousand times.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this guy, London?¡± He became more frightened to see Terzo was calmer.


    ¡°You should have left her alone, dude. I mean, who does that? Kidnapping your ex for money?¡± He chuckled. I couldn¡¯t believe he found torturing someone fun.


    ¡°Let me go, asshole.¡± He wiggled as he tried to let himself loose, his eyes pinning at the man beside me.


    Terzo tsked. ¡°Wrong answer, dude.¡± When he pulled the gun behind him, it began to rattle me.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Don¡¯t. I told you I¡¯m not gonna be involved in this.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± I let go a breath when he put the gun on his back. ¡°Who asked you to do this? You talk, and your death would be easy.¡± When Terzo leaned down, Magnus leaned back. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.¡± His voice shook. His chin trembled.


    ¡°Another wrong answer. Do you know how your friend died? You will have the same fate as her. Slowly, you watch the bubble lift from your nose. You feel the water filling your poor lungs. You begin struggling to breathe. You feel the pressure in your head, but if you tell me now, you don¡¯t have to go through that. You can choose from a snap to your neck or a hole into your skull.¡±


    I walked away. I felt like throwing up. The images of what he said to Magnus shed through my mind. When I began to feel dizzy, I took deep breaths and thought of Strikering to get me out of this tormenting situation. I could not pass out alone with these two awful humans. I needed to stay focused.


    ¡°What took them so long?¡± Terzo asked.


    ¡°Probably waiting for the police to arrive.¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t do that. If cops arrive, I won¡¯t hesitate to fire, and you will be caught in the middle. Your husband is not stupid.¡±


    ¡°Then you should not have brought me here with you.¡±


    ¡°You stop me from torturing him. It means you don¡¯t want him to die. If I came alone, I was already cleaning up and collecting payments. You just saved this asshole¡¯s life.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so awful.¡± I shot him a disgusted look, but it just amused him.


    ¡°Go get some air at the back. You¡¯re pale and about to pass out. Are you sure you¡¯re not carrying Cade¡¯s child?¡±


    ¡°Jeez.¡± I rolled my eyes at him, making him smile. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business. And don¡¯t kill him while I¡¯m outside, Terzo.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t let you miss the fun, signora.¡±


    ¡°Help!¡± Magnus just yelled.


    ¡°Go. I got this,¡± Terzo said in a rxed manner.


    ¡°God, how did my life get soplicated?¡± I stayed outside for a while. I took a few more deep breaths before I walked in. That was when I realized Striker had arrived.


    My mind went nk as I froze like a corpse in my ce and watched him point a gun at Terzo. I abandoned all my will, ran toward my husband, and hugged him tightly. I felt so much relief to see him. All my worry and hysteria were gone because I knew he would protect me like always.


    After our short reunion, Terzo and I told him everything.


    ¡°And how the fuck are you with my wife while Magnus threatened her?¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be grateful to me that I saved her?¡± While my husband was pissed at Terzo, he still wore that stupid cocky smirk.


    ¡°Just answer him, Terzo,¡± Moses said.


    ¡°I wanna piss him off a little, signor.¡± Terzo chuckled.


    ¡°You already did, dickhead. Why did you drag my wife along if you are nning something for this asswipe?¡±


    ¡°I wanna know who ordered him, his ns-¡±


    ¡°My question, Terzo.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°I heard chatters that Giosue was looking for a guy named this asshole.¡± He pointed at the bloody face of Magnus.


    I felt terrible about Magnus after he almost killed me. I didn¡¯t know he would do something like this to me for money. He was desperate, as if he was running away from someone.


    ¡°Then what?¡± Linden asked.


    ¡°I got his name and address. I went to the apartment of the dead woman, but I found nothing. When I came to his apartment, he looked like he hadn¡¯t been there for days, but I found her picture. I thought she could be in danger. I didn¡¯t realize they were dating.¡±


    I cringed. I didn¡¯t know how I dated someone like him. It disgusted me.


    Striker¡¯s nose red. He barely blinked, but his jaw always locked hard. It ticked.


    ¡°Then I followed unaware Mrs. Cade out of yourpound, driving alone.¡±


    ¡°He found me at the coffee shop and told me I could be in danger.¡±


    ¡°How do you even know she¡¯s in danger?¡± Linden was also mad.


    ¡°Seriously, guys? I¡¯ve only been here for two days, and you have a firm, and you, Cade, don¡¯t have a clue that he¡¯s been harassing your wife with messages, emails, and calls?¡±


    Striker¡¯s narrow gaze quickly pinned at me, making me grin sheepishly. ¡°Care to tell what he was talking about?¡±


    ¡°Remember when I told you I wanna talk to you about something?¡±


    ¡°Since when?¡±


    I dropped my gaze.


    ¡°Vanderford?¡±


    ¡°I like how they called each other, just like teammates, yeah?¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± we said in unison.


    ¡°Are you gonna answer him, sweetheart?¡± Linden seemed calmer this time.


    ¡°Last week. I called him one time to tell him to stop harassing me.¡±


    ¡°Your phone.¡± He offered his hand.


    ¡°I already blocked him.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve already talked about this many times, Vanderford.¡± God, he was about to burst into mes in anger, and it was all because of me.


    ¡°Okay, you both can talk about thister,¡± Tate interrupted. ¡°So, you followed London.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I told you I would not let anything happen to her.¡±


    ¡°What is your obsession with my wife, Siciliano?¡±


    ¡°I have a sister who is married at another dick.¡±


    ¡°I met her,¡± I told Terzo.


    ¡°I hate his guts for as long as I can remember. We¡¯re not just family enemies. We¡¯re enemies till eternity, but my sister loves him, so I can¡¯t do anything unless he hurts one of mine. When I found out about what he did, I wanted to crush every bone in his body. My family has a code. Women and children are out of it unless they hurt first mine. Since she is now a Cade-Braddson-¡±


    ¡°Braddson-Cade,¡± Tate corrected him, making me smile inwardly.


    ¡°Okay, Braddson-Cade. I wanted to protect her when I couldn¡¯t do it to my sister. And man, rtionships are always the reason why families like mine have to get in trouble. So, don¡¯t worry. I have no hidden feelings toward Signora.¡±


    ¡°Jeez. Thanks, Terzo. Can we just lower the testosterone level in this warehouse? What are we gonna do now?¡±


    Striker ced an arm around me and told Terzo, ¡°Do whatever you want to that piece of shit. I don¡¯t give a fuck.¡±


    I stilled as I stared at Striker. ¡°What? You want him dead?¡±


    ¡°Why do you care so much about the man who threatened you and is about to hold you hostage?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, Striker. But once you give that order, the blood is on your hands. Do you really want to live knowing you just literally killed an unarmed man? That¡¯s now how this works around here. We¡¯re not this barbaric. No offense, Terzo.¡±


    ¡°None taken.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying you want me to give him a gun, and we duel here?¡± His arm was gone. He was now facing me with so much fury in his eyes.


    ¡°No. Call the police, and I will tell them what happened. I will tell them how he harassed me. I will show them all the emails he sent. I kept evidence, Striker.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t tell the cops, honey. As much as I agree with your idea, he can¡¯t go to the police and talk.¡±


    ¡°Boss is right, sweetheart. I will call someone to check the CCTV footage to make sure you can¡¯t be dragged into this.¡± Linden turned to Moses. ¡°You have any ideas, sir?¡±


    ¡°Let him go and make sure he won¡¯t talk,¡± Tate suggested.


    ¡°Give him something to start over. Take him to Sicily with you and tell Giosue not to touch this man,¡± Moses told Terzo.


    ¡°Noted, sir.¡±


    I watched the relief appear on Magnus¡¯ face.


    ¡°But,¡± Moses added, ¡°If he ever does something stupid again, that¡¯s out of my hand. I can¡¯t and won¡¯t help him anymore.¡± He went closer to Magnus. ¡°Look, young man. We all have struggles in life. We feel worthless, hopeless, we lost everything in a snap of fingers, but you wanted an easy out.¡±


    ¡°I was just gonna use the money to get out of here to start a new life. I felt like someone had been watching me since Ivy died. I was scared and left my apartment. I¡¯ve been on the run and stayed from motel to motel, and I¡¯m running out of cash.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t give you the damn right to threaten my wife, asshole!¡±


    ¡°Enough, son,¡± Moses said to Striker and focused back on Magnus. ¡°I know you look like you¡¯ve been through hell for the past couple of days, but if you ever, ever justy your filthy finger or mention a name of my family, I will make sure to send your skin and your face to your mother. She lives in Ohio, doesn¡¯t she?¡±


    Magnus nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, London. I wasn¡¯t going to hurt you. And thank you, sir.¡±


    ¡°Shush. I don¡¯t wanna hear anything from you, jerk.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me. Thank my daughter-inw.¡±


    He just figured it out. Striker was Moses¡¯ son. He swallowed hard. ¡°He¡¯s. He¡¯s your son?¡±


    ¡°Took you long enough to figure out.¡± Terzo barked out,ughing. ¡°He¡¯s also dumb. Didn¡¯t I tell you Mrs. Cade is worth billions?¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡±

 Chapter 79

    STRIKER


    ¡°What the fuck, London?¡± I just cursed right into her face. Just great. How did I be this person in front of her? I didn¡¯t know. I felt like I¡¯d reached the point where I had lost all my patience with humanity. ¡°We¡¯ve talked about secrecy many times. Look what happened?¡± I was even more pissed when she didn¡¯t even look at me. ¡°Do you even hear me? Are you even listening to me?¡±


    ¡°I did. I do. Will you stop cursing me and lower your voice?¡±


    ¡°Not until you understand what I am saying until you learn. We just had our life back, and I thought we were already over this. When are you gonna trust me? When will you open up to me and just fucking tell me if something is bothering you or someone is stalking you? You know the difference, right?¡±


    ¡°For the love of God. What in the hell do you not understand in the part I was going to tell you tonight?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, when it¡¯s toote. Did you really date that guy?¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God!¡± She shook her head as she propped a hand on her hip. ¡°Not you too. I thought you¡¯d never judged me. I thought you were thest person to do that. I guess I really have terrible taste in men. And that includes you. And you know what? You¡¯re a jerk, too.¡±


    ¡°From now on-¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh, no, no, no.¡± She waved her finger. ¡°We¡¯re not doing that. We¡¯re not going there. You won¡¯t ever control my life. My father has been doing this for years. One father is enough. I want a husband. If you can¡¯t be that man, get out of my way.¡± She pushed me to get away.


    I managed to get a hold of her wrist before she could go to the door. ¡°We¡¯re not done talking, Vanderford. And we¡¯re not going-¡±


    She twisted her wrist around my grip to get lost and pointed a finger into my face. Her eyes filled with so much anger and still brewing, but so did I. ¡°Don¡¯t ever give me an ultimatum, Striker. I swear to God, you won¡¯t like what¡¯s gonnae out of my mouth. Yes, I made mistakes. I know myself. I know that I¡¯ve made so many mistakes in my life. I¡¯m not perfect. But you wouldn¡¯t dare tell me what to do in that tone. I hate it. You might be my husband, but you and I are equal in this marriage. If you cross that line, you will do it repeatedly, and I won¡¯t let that happen.¡±


    ¡°What do you want me to do, huh? Just let it go?¡± I breathed through my nose as her frightened voice yed over my head. ¡°Listening to you so terrified-¡±


    ¡°Then you have no idea of being in that position. I¡¯d been there twice. Do you think I wanted to be bait? Do you think I enjoy being scared alone while someone threatens my life?¡± She began to cry.


    I watched her eyes fill with tears, but she tried hard not to let those tears fall. She was the strongest woman I¡¯d ever met. She survived once, and she did it again. The way she handled Terzo and stood for what she believed was the right thing to do made me love her more.


    ¡°I failed you again, Vanderford.¡± I swallowed the guilt down my throat.


    ¡°All I could think of was you when I saw Terzo waiting for me outside my car. All I could think of was you.¡± Tears rolled down her cheeks. ¡°When Magnus pressed a gun on my side, and he forced me to get in the car, I fished out my phone because I wanted to call you. At least before I died, I could tell you how I felt about you.¡± She wiped her tears away, and I just stood there and watched her cry-the fucking stupid me.


    I wiped my face. ¡°I¡¯ve never been terrified in my life, even facing and crossing enemy lines. I watched soldiers die, wounded. I saw my mates as the life faded on their faces, but that was not my breaking moment. When you called, you were with Terzo. All I could think of was how terrified you were. You must have felt what happened years ago shback before your eyes.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She shook her head. ¡°It didn¡¯t happen. I was thinking of you and that you woulde. I hung onto that, and you didn¡¯t fail me. You never failed me, ever. So, stop reminiscing about what you didn¡¯t do. Besides, I was the one who begged to drive myself to Neke- oh, no, Neke.¡±


    ¡°Linden called her. She¡¯s fine, but she was worried about you.¡±


    ¡°I never thought Magnus would do that.¡±


    ¡°People do stupid things, Vanderford. I could have killed Terzo, and I would have made the worse enemy my whole life, but you were there to stop me from making the biggest mistake of my life.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not a killer, Cade.¡±


    ¡°I would have killed him for you.¡±


    She looked shocked by my words. ¡°I won¡¯t let you do that, not for me. I can¡¯t watch you suffer from taking someone¡¯s life. And you¡¯re not the man who takes life easily. You¡¯re the kind of man who is loyal, thoughtful, selfless, and will do everything for his family. That¡¯s what made me love you so much, Striker Cade.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± My jaw dropped, but I knew I¡¯d asked her that. I heard my own voice. ¡°You love me. Really? You mean that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I love you. I can¡¯t believe we have to go through tough shit to tell you I love you.¡± That was all she had to say. I closed our gap, cupped her face, and smashed my mouth to hers. She gasped into my lips, her hands gripping my arms, pushing me away. ¡°You haven¡¯t apologized, dickhead.¡±


    Wow. Way to ruin our moment. I pinched the bridge of my nose and knelt before her.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Her brows met together as she looked down at me.


    ¡°For God¡¯s sake, woman, just let me talk.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re awfully grumpy for someone who just kissed me after cursing-¡±


    ¡°Marry me.¡± Then I realized something. Fuck. I didn¡¯t have a ring. Honestly, this was not a part of the n, but yeah, I could be spontaneous.


    ¡°We¡¯re married, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Will you stop calling me that?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t your name Striker? Unless you changed before you walked into that filthy warehouse.¡± She was mocking me, making fun of me while I was on one knee.


    ¡°Do you need help, son?¡± I felt the door slowly swinging open. Then my father nudged me on my shoulder. ¡°This would suffice.¡±


    I looked over my shoulder to see him offering me his wedding ring. I took it. ¡°Thank you, Papa.¡±


    ¡°We already nned to get married again. What we¡¯ve been through for thest few months showed us how strong we are together. We could go through trials because we knew we had each other¡¯s back, and I don¡¯t wanna live without you.¡±


    ¡°Just apologize, Striker. You talk too much.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for everything I put-¡±


    ¡°That would suffice. So, you were saying?¡±


    ¡°Vanderford, will you marry me again?¡±


    ¡°Sure. Why not?¡± As if she was bored, she sighed and offered her hand, not her finger.


    I put the ring on her palm before I rose and hugged her so tight. ¡°I love you so much, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°I know, dickhead.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say something like that.¡± I pped her ass. ¡°And I already apologized.¡±


    When I looked down at her, she smiled- a smile of love and hope. ¡°I will marry you a thousand times again to prove I¡¯m for you.¡±


    I leaned down and angled my lips to kiss her. Our lips just touched, and apuse behind us broke us apart.


    When I turned around, everyone was there.


    ¡°Dad, what are you doing here?¡± London broke away from me as she walked to her father.


    ¡°That¡¯s the most unromantic proposal I¡¯ve ever seen,¡± Linus reacted, but he looked happy as he kissed his daughter¡¯s cheek. ¡°How are you, son?¡±


    ¡°Just survived another heart attack.¡±


    Dad gestured to me.


    I nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s go down.¡±


    Once we settled in the family room, London sat together with her dad, and they looked like they had set aside their issues.


    Apparently, Dad called Linus about what happened earlier that was why he came.


    Linden gave me a drink. ¡°Congrats once again, brother.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re still single,¡± I sang it out.


    ¡°Who would save your ugly ass if I settle down?¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t do that.¡±


    Dad cleared his throat. ¡°I¡¯d like to propose a toast for this unbeatable family and our son¡¯s uing wedding.¡± I smiled as he mentionedour.


    I raised my ss, looked at my beautiful wife with her wine, and drank my whiskey.


    I turned to Moses. ¡°You¡¯ve been silent. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Your dad just told me something I am considering, but I¡¯m not sure if I deserve it.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t be more cryptic than that. I mean, I just went to hell and back. Come on, Papa. Just spill it.¡±


    ¡°He told me he didn¡¯t mind adding Braddson to your name.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± I blinked. ¡°I haven¡¯t asked you. I¡¯m not sure how you would feel about it.¡±


    ¡°I would be pleased and proud.¡± He hugged me tight.


    I hugged him, too, and patted his back. ¡°Thank you, Papa. I¡¯m also not sure if I deserve your name. I mean-¡±


    ¡°You are my heir. My only son. I will be the happiest father if you carry my name, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Just so you know, I don¡¯t need your money.¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± Linden sat across us.


    ¡°You still owe me fifty, Linden,¡± Moses caught his attention.


    ¡°For someone who has billions of fifty bucks, you can¡¯t let it go, can you, sir?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about honoring a word, Linden. And without the fifty, it won¡¯t make a billion.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯m buying a gto for desserts.¡±


    ¡°Vanderford?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Her gaze found mine.


    ¡°How do you feel adding Braddson to your name?¡±


    ¡°Wow. Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I shrugged.


    ¡°That¡¯s too long, but It has a nice ring to it. But I¡¯m not responsible for teaching our children how to write their names, right? And I want three names plus Vanderford, Braddson-Cade. It¡¯s your duty, sweetheart.¡±


    Everyone seemed to stop moving.


    ¡°What?¡± She looked confused as she looked at our family one by one. She then realized it had something about what she said, making me smile. ¡°Are you kidding me? Oh, no. I¡¯m not pregnant. Hold your horses, guys. I still wanna wear a beautiful wedding gown with a t tummy.¡±


    They all sighed in disappointment, except us.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lot of pressure.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Why am I summoned through text, sweetheart?¡±


    I patted my desk. ¡°Come here.¡±


    ¡°Wew. The anticipation is killing me.¡± She did as I asked, sitting on my desk, legs crossed.


    I pulled out a folder from my drawer. ¡°I will only sign if my share will proceed to the orphan homes of my choosing.¡±


    ¡°Done.¡± She flipped the folder open. I watched her eyes light up as she picked the bag design that I did myself. Then she went to another print, the sneakers. ¡°Oh, my God.¡±


    ¡°You can call it Cade.¡±


    ¡°Cade sneakers. Marguerite bag. They already sound bestsellers.¡±

 Chapter 80

    LONDON


    ¡°Hey, guys. It¡¯s been a while since Ist posted a short clip. As the 3rd Anniversary of LH is around the corner, I want to celebrate it by sharing these achievements and sesses with all of you and those less fortunate. My husband, Cade, and I had been working on these special designs that are very close to my heart. Well, actually.¡± I chuckled. ¡°My husband primarily did all the hard work since he designed them. Even before we met, he¡¯d been active in charities, helping less fortunate kids, and he never bragged about it. Before he showed me the designs, he only asked for one thing, that all his share in the sales would proceed to his chosen charities.¡± I picked the sample of the bag and sneakers. ¡°These are limited items. We called Cade Sneakers and Marguerite Bag. With your purchase, you¡¯re already supporting. Thank you, and enjoy your day.¡±


    I watched the video I posted twelve hours ago, which had already reached half a million views.


    For the past weeks, life had been great. My dad and my new family had never been better. Every Saturday, we had our family day at Moses¡¯ or our house. Linden, of course, wouldn¡¯t be absent, with Reef, Sax, and Kye, if the two were not out of town with their boss.


    Tonight was a special night for Moses and Striker as theunching of the most anticipated project, STRIKER. He¡¯d been working so hard for thest few weeks for another project, fifty-five percent upgraded of the STRIKER version 2.


    My rtionship with Dad was getting better every day. I already received my share and had something for my husband.


    ¡°So, should I expect a size expansion on the wedding dress?¡± I was supposed to have my gown measuredst week, but work had been busy. I had a trip to Paris for fashion week, so I had no choice but move it to today.


    ¡°No. I told my husband, I wanna wear my gown without a baby bump.¡±


    ¡°You will look gorgeous with a baby bump in any dress, London. Trust me.¡± She measured my bust area. ¡°I was thrilled when I received your call that you wanted me to make your wedding gown. I have been following you on Instagram. I¡¯m excited to see my creation on your special day.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Anya. Well, I¡¯ve been dreaming of wearing one of your bridal collections.¡± I chose her because she was talented. Her creation made every bride look beautiful in any size. She had that talent to make every woman look confident in her size and color.


    Once she was done with the length, she took note of it. ¡°Do you have any specific request or a design on your own?¡± It was rare that she came to her client and measured by herself. Today, she made it more special for me.


    ¡°I trust you. I want you to do your thing. I only have one request, and I will send it to your email.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t wait.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my handwritten. I want it to be sewn at the end of my veil. My surnames. And it¡¯s a surprise for my husband.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°I guarantee you it would be perfect.¡±


    ¡°I have no doubt.¡±


    She and her team left the apartment right away. I went to the walk-in closet to check some gowns I wanted. I couldn¡¯t choose between red, white, and ck dresses. They were all gorgeous.


    I felt hands on my waist and his lips on my exposed neck. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°You will look beautiful in either of these gowns. I would still be the luckiest date tonight.¡±


    ¡°And I can¡¯t wait to see you in a tux, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d fall in love with me over and over again.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°So do you.¡±


    ¡°dly.¡± When he kissed my shoulder, I began unbuttoning my shirt. His expert hands came to cup my breast through my bra. I zipped my skirt down. The material dropped to my knees. In one swift move, I was already facing him as he removed his jacket while I pulled off his tie, then he went to his belt. The next thing to pile on the floor was his shirt and pants.


    He stepped out to kick off his shoe while I unhooked my bra. ¡°That¡¯s my job, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°No. Your job is to lie naked in bed before my m team arrives.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± He rushed out of the closet to go to bed.


    I followed him once I waspletely naked. He was already spread out in bed, stroking his cock. Striker looked so fit. His muscles were hard and sinewy.


    I crawled to bed toward him. He instantly scooped me in my arms and lifted me so that he could wrap his arms around me. He rolled us over, and he was on top. As he leaned down, I cupped his head and kissed him. He instantly kissed me back until it became passionate and urgent.


    I was already soaking wet, and he was already hard. My breasts were heavy. My nipples were hard and sensitive, and I shamelessly pushed them against his chest for friction. As if he got my clue, he went down and captured it with his mouth with a good suck. My fingers wed against his bare back. My bottom lip caught between my teeth as I began to thrust my hips against him.


    ¡°Sweetheart.¡± He only answered me with a groan while his free hand traveled to my other breast, cupping, kneading, and rolling my nipple between his fingers. And then he paid the same attention to the other.


    I finally let go of a moan.


    Once satisfied with my writhing effort under him, he let my breast go. He ran his tongue between the valley of my breasts and dragged himself down until his head was on my tummy. He nted kisses around them, held my knees, bent them, and spread me apart.


    I felt my wetness as he exposed me. He began kissing my thighs, then nipped my skin, making me writhe in agony and excitement. He knew when to torture me and give me pleasure, but I grew impatient.


    ¡°Cade?¡±


    ¡°Patience.¡± When he blew a breath to my core, my toes began curling, fingers gripping the sheet. I was anxiously dying, yet he wouldn¡¯t give me what I wanted.


    ¡°Please?¡±


    He lifted his head. ¡°What do you want, baby?¡±


    ¡°I want you.¡±


    ¡°Be more specific so that we won¡¯t bete for the event.¡±


    I groaned as I fisted his hair and pushed him between my thighs. ¡°Just fuck me already.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°Such a dirty mouth.¡±


    Before I could respond, he was already attacking me with his mouth, sucking my clit. My muscles tightened in my body. My head bucked against the pillow.


    ¡°Oh, God!¡± With his hot mouth on my pussy, I screamed. It felt so good. Then he spread my pussy lips with his thumbs and ran his tongue from down to my clit and circled it before he sucked me again.


    He did it alternately until I tried to pull him away. I was so sensitive, but I knew I was at his mercy the moment the words left my mouth. He held me in ce. My hand clung to his hair and the other to the sheet. That was not even the best past. He slid his thick fingers into my entrance.


    ¡°God, sweetheart.¡±


    He suckled my clit and twisted his fingers inside, and teased my G-spot. In an instant, I began pulsing, and my thighs began quivering. ¡°Don¡¯t stop,¡± I chanted until I was out of breath as my orgasm came rushing to me in full force.


    I was still sensitive, and hepped me clean.


    I hadn¡¯t fully recovered, he came on top of me, lifted my leg over his shoulder, and that was it. I cried out as he buried his cock inside me.


    ¡°Yeah, baby. That¡¯s it. You¡¯re so bossy,manding me around to fuck you. Take me,¡± he said in each word, every pound to me so hard, the bed rattled, my breasts bounced up and down, and I felt him hitting bottom.


    ¡°Fuck me hard.¡± I wrapped my other leg around his narrow waist and pushed back, encouraging him to fuck me harder, and he did. I loved what he did, and it wouldn¡¯t stop me from ordering him because I knew it turned him on.


    ¡°Yes. Yes. Yes. Your pussy is so tight, baby. Take me, and don¡¯te until I tell you.¡± He rocked inside me. He rocked my world. He drove deeper as he could. This was what was fucking was all about, like there was no tomorrow, like a feral animal, no boundaries, no rules, just two people who enjoyed each other, who loved each other.


    I pushed back into his dick, and he thrust harder into me. We were meeting in the middle. We did it over and over again until I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. I held his hips and ground into him.


    ¡°Not right now, baby.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you. I want toe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not done.¡± He pulled out, flipped me over in one swift, hung my ass up, my knees bent, head down, hands under me.


    All I could do was gripped the sheet.


    ¡°Beautiful ass, gorgeous well-fuck drenched pink pussy. You should have seen this, baby.¡±


    I felt the tip as he pushed inside me. With his hand on my head, pushing me down, the other on my hip, he pounded into me harder and faster.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, Cade!¡± I screamed out, breathless.


    ¡°I¡¯m closed.¡± I knew he was. He swelled inside me and grew harder.


    He barely finished his sentence. I already exploded. It was earth-shattering.


    I was still clenching around him, rolling my hips, delirious from the throes of my orgasm, and he came seconds after me.


    ¡°Fuck, baby!¡±


    Once his breathing calmed down, he rolled to my side and pulled me closer to him, kissing me ravenously until we were both breathless. We broke apart.


    ¡°I will fuck you again after the party.¡± He kissed me quickly.


    ¡°Is that a promise?¡±


    ¡°You know I¡¯m addicted to you, right?¡±


    ¡°Not to state the obvious, but kinda.¡± I smiled and did, too.


    ¡°I love you, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°I love you, Cade.¡± I heard a phone ringing. ¡°Is that my phone?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not definitely my ringtone.¡± He got up. ¡°Let me pick it up for you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    He came back and showed me the miscall. ¡°Call back. Maybe it¡¯s important.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s the head of the marketing.¡± I took the phone from him and returned the call.


    ¡°Is this a bad time? I¡¯m sorry. Hi, Good afternoon.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Erin. What is it?¡±


    ¡°The products have been sold out since two hours ago. It¡¯s trending on Twitter, and you can check out thement section of your post.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God. Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. They¡¯re tagging you for restocking.¡±


    ¡°Wow. I will check the post and let the team know what to do about it. Thanks, Erin.¡± I was smiling as I hung up the call.


    ¡°What was that all about?¡±N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Your bag and shoes are sold out.¡±


    ¡°What? Really?¡±


    ¡°Let me check the website.¡± Since Striker gave me his final designs weeks ago, we decided to pre-order online exclusively. Erin was right. The products were sold out. ¡°We justunched them yesterday.¡±


    ¡°I guess your post impacted your followers and those who love LH. That was a great story, baby.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for trusting us.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s for the benefit of the orphanage homes. They need the money more than I do. And I love you more for having a good heart and believing in me. So what¡¯s your n now?¡±


    I read through thements. Ny percent were positive. ¡°We will extend the pre-order and add some limited numbers.¡±


    ¡°Congrats, baby. I¡¯m proud of you.¡±


    ¡°And I love you so fucking much.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°Language, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t mind earlier.¡±

 Chapter 81

    STRIKER


    ¡°You look stunning tonight, my wife.¡± I strolled my gaze at her from head to toe. She picked the ck glittery floor-length gown and put on a set of diamond jewelry toplete the look. Her makeup wasn¡¯t overdone, just the way I liked it. The hairstylist just enhanced the natural wave of her hair.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯ve said that three times already.¡± She smiled at me, the kind when she was amused. ¡°You¡¯re not bad yourself, husband. And I have something for you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to give me anything.¡±


    ¡°I want to, sweetheart.¡± She picked up something from the drawer and pulled out the box. ¡°It just took me a while to find it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± I knew it was a watch box. When I opened it, it looked vintage. ¡°A vintage watch.¡±


    ¡°Close to antique. I know you can afford to buy the most expensive watch in the world, but this one is different. Special.¡±


    I carefully picked it up. ¡°Everything is always special if ites from you, Vanderford.¡±


    ¡°Check out the bottom.¡±


    I did as she told me. There was an initial. ¡°T. B. 1927.¡±


    She picked up an old photo from the drawer and showed it to me. ¡°I was nosy.¡± Sheughed. ¡°I was checking your old family photo. I mean, old, old, centuries old. T. B. was your great-great, I don¡¯t know how many great, he was your great grandfather.¡± She then pointed out at the old¡¯s man¡¯s wrist. ¡°I asked your father if he has this watch. He told me the story behind it and was sold to start a confectionery business. When he tried to buy it back from the person he sold it to, he left abroad. I found this in the U. K.¡±


    ¡°You tracked to get this?¡± I asked in awe. ¡°T. B. Thomas Braddson?¡±


    ¡°Senior. With someone¡¯s help, yeah.¡± She looked proud. ¡°I asked someone to check for the authenticity. It¡¯s legit, a 96-year-old watch. Ny-seven, to be precise.¡±


    ¡°And it¡¯s still working.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t find its original strap, but this is old too.¡±


    I smiled as I put it on. ¡°It looks perfect, baby. Thank you.¡± I cupped her face. ¡°You remind me how precious time is, and I¡¯m making every moment precious for us. I love you, Vanderford.¡± I lightly kissed her on her lips. I didn¡¯t want to smudge her lipstick. ¡°This is the most precious gift I¡¯ve ever received.¡±


    ¡°Not me?¡± She wrinkled her nose.


    ¡°From a human. From God, it¡¯s you, London Hester Marguerite Vanderford-Braddson-Cade.¡±


    My request to add Braddson to my name was approved. London proudly took it as her married name. Her introduction as a married woman brought a lot of congrattions and spections until I ended it with my social media post.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lot.¡±


    I checked my watch again. ¡°Papa is gonna die in jealousy.¡±


    Sheughed. ¡°Tell him it¡¯s worth 1B.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s priceless. Sorry, Pa.¡±


    ***


    We made it to the event. The air show and test earlier in the morning were a huge sess. After posing before the photographers, we went inside the venue full of government and military officials, representatives from the private sector, business industries, and important guests.


    I instantly found Moses. I raised my hand to acknowledge him. Dad was also in another group of women.


    ¡°You might look like your Papa when you reach his age.¡± London had her hand hooked around my arm as some guests greeted us.


    ¡°Is that a good or a bad thing?¡± We walked toward Moses.


    ¡°He¡¯s handsome, Cade. And I didn¡¯t choose for your looks?¡±


    ¡°What then? The size? My charm?¡±


    ¡°Your over-inted ego.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°All of the above it is.¡±


    ¡°Pa.¡± We did a hug. ¡°Congrattions.¡±


    ¡°Son, this is our work-the Hover employees, including you. You look lovely tonight, London¡± He turned to my wife.


    ¡°You look handsome, Papa.¡±


    ¡°Meet my son, Striker Braddson-Cade,¡± he introduced me to the most powerful man in the room or the entire country.


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor, sir.¡± I shook his hand firmly, starstruck.


    ¡°I heard you served.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your service, son.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m honored, sir.¡± I nodded.


    He went to shake my wife¡¯s hand. ¡°Mrs. Cade. Your man is a hero.¡±


    ¡°He is, sir. Thank you.¡±


    After that short introduction, we went to Dad.


    ¡°I just shook his hand,¡± I told Dad.


    ¡°It¡¯s meeting your own hero kind of feeling, huh?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I chuckled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wash your hand for a week,¡± London joked.


    I leaned over to whisper in her ear. ¡°If it¡¯s youre, I won¡¯t.¡±


    She covered her mouth with her hand as she giggled.


    ¡°Mr. Cade?¡± Someone called me from behind.


    I turned around. ¡°Which one? My dad or me?¡±


    ¡°You, Mr. Cade. I¡¯m a reporter from News Net. I got an exclusive pass for this event. May I ask you a few questions?¡± She was young and hungry for a break, I understood.


    ¡°It depends. If it¡¯s personal, then no. I enjoy my privacy very much.¡±


    ¡°I only want your opinion about the sessfully recentlyunched STRIKER. I believe it is named after you?¡±


    ¡°So, this is your second question.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Fine, sir.¡±


    ¡°You should ask my father.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Braddson.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I already did. But I also want your opinion since you will be the future chairman-¡±


    ¡°Whoa. Hold on a minute. I am not. Where did thate from?¡±


    ¡°As I said, Mr. Cade, I already interviewed your father.¡±


    ¡°What are your questions?¡±


    ¡°Based on online forums and tweets, some are not fond of your father¡¯s business, particrly the STRIKER. What do you say about this?¡±


    ¡°Civilians have their right to share their opinion. I am a civilian, too. STRIKER is built not to destroy human lives. It is built to protect our people, military, and this country. I¡¯m not giving any more opinion about it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Cade. You served in the military, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡±


    ¡°Do you think STRIKER will serve its purpose?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It is built for it.¡±


    ¡°Is it necessary?¡±


    ¡°Fighter jets had been there for centuries. The only difference is this one is more advanced-¡±


    ¡°You mean, it detects and kills instantly.¡± She was intrusive.


    I breathed deeply. ¡°Here¡¯s what I wanna say. Post it or cut it. I don¡¯t care. There would be no offense and defense if there were no bad guys. No more people are dying out there, leaving their families behind, fighting for a good cause, and no more family losing their loved ones. And everyone wishes for world peace. Even if my father shuts down the Hover Defense, someone will still start like this one. Other countries do the same because it¡¯s for defense and economic stability, or their country will stumble. Do you have any other questions?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all, sir. Thank you for your time.¡±


    I just nodded.


    When she left, my wife wrapped her arm around my waist. ¡°Good answer.¡±


    ¡°Stupid questions.¡±


    She chuckled and snatched two champagne. ¡°Let¡¯s have a drink.¡±


    ¡°To world peace.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll drink to that.¡±


    ¡°Is that your cousin?¡± London elbowed me as she noticed Lake walking in our direction. Lake was a tall, good-looking man, always wearing a confident smile on his face. He reminded me of Terzo.


    ¡°The one and only.¡±


    He stopped before us, greeting London, ¡°You look beautiful tonight, my cousin¡¯s wife.¡±


    ¡°And you look like a rock star, Lake.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± I warned my wife. Lake just chuckled.


    ¡°By the way, how reliable the firm is?¡± his question caught my attention.


    ¡°Why? What do you need?¡±


    ¡°This remains between us three. I need Linden¡¯s expertise.¡± His feature turned serious as he slipped his hands into his pockets.


    ¡°Are you in trouble?¡± London asked him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°What specific expertise are we talking about here, Lake?¡±


    ¡°I bumped into an old acquaintance, and she has a son.¡±


    I shared a look with London. I thought I knew where this conversation was going.


    ¡°Linden doesn¡¯t do PI jobs, but I¡¯ll ask a favor and have him contact you. When do you want him to start?¡±


    ¡°Even right now.¡±


    ***


    I got up early, but the bed was empty, and I couldn¡¯t find my wife. I went to the study and found her there.


    ¡°Morning, sweetheart.¡± She didn¡¯t look behind her, but she knew it was me.


    ¡°Morning. You woke up early.¡±


    ¡°Sit next to me.¡± She patted the space to her right.


    ¡°You okay?¡± I went to her.


    ¡°Better than okay.¡± She was still wearing the robe and began untying it.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I licked my lips in anticipation.


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna make it up forst night.¡± She opened the robe, spread her legs, and she was not wearing anything inside.


    ¡°Fuck me,¡± I muttered under my breath as I strolled my gaze from her face to her breast down to her pussy.


    ¡°No. You fuck me.¡± She tugged her bottom lip between her teeth. Her lids got hooded.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to ask me twice.¡± I began stripping my clothes off and threw them over my shoulder.


    ¡°Good because we haven¡¯t done on this couch.¡±


    ¡°Touch yourself.¡± I went to the couch with my cock in my palm, stroking it. I was already hard the moment she spread her legs for me.


    I sat next to her and angled my head so that I could kiss her. She dragged her hand between her thighs and parted her lips for me. I smashed my mouth against her and kissed her hard. Our tongues fought for dominance. My hand on her tit, pinching that little hard nub. Then I slipped my tongue in, and she tasted orange juice, which she hated.


    She wrapped her arms around my neck, and I instantly got the cue. I sat straight and opened my thighs so that she could straddle me. She grabbed my cock and positioned it into her opening. Without warning, she sat on me, and it bottomed her.


    A scream tore out from her throat.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± I felt my cock buried deep, her ass hitting my balls. I grabbed the back of her head and kissed her hard, pure savage, and I began rocking my hips into her. And she was bouncing into my cock, her tits jiggling.


    I released her head. My hands went to her ass to hold and grip it steady. With each hard thrust, I groaned into her mouth. Each time I hit her clit, she shuddered.


    It was hard fucking, but she enjoyed it a lot.


    My fingers might imprint on her ass cheeks for days. She didn¡¯t give a damn, though. She only cared about how felt good it was. She broke the kiss and threw her head back.


    ¡°So good.¡± She looked hot, drowned in her ecstasy.


    We fucked until sweat glistened our skins until we were panting. Her orgasm was closed. I could feel her-her wetness dripping down the inside of my thigh, and she was rolling her hips, searching for her own pleasure.


    ¡°Come for me, baby.¡± I leaned closer and sucked the skin on her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t wait for me.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Her body spasmed and shook as she came around me. Her head went to the crook of my neck, and she bit me on the shoulder as she lost control.


    I sucked a sharp breath and groaned against the pain. The sting of her bite ignited my own impending orgasm.


    I lifted her ass and fucked her faster and harder. My skin pped against hers.


    My senses scrambled.


    I could hardly gather my thoughts. My world narrowed to a pinpoint of absolute euphoria. Until I broke, losing myself in the primal pleasure.


    ¡°Fuck!¡±

 Chapter 82

    LONDON


    ¡°Congrattions.¡± Neke hugged me tight.


    After sessfullyunching our limited products, our expansion in Asia was already taking ce. Our sales skyrocketed-our products were in demand. We expanded to other emerce retailers all over the globe. I finally bought a fifteen percent share of thepany.


    And I¡¯d been busy as hell, not that I wasining because life was good. Striker and I were great, even if we only had a dinner date once a month. We supported each other. We were a team. That was what made our marriage work despite our busy lives, and we still ended up cuddling at night.


    Tonight, the fashion show was a massive sess, making all my sleepless nights, shoulder aches, and missed dinner dates worthwhile.


    It was midnight, and we were at the party to celebrate our sess at the Night Stalker Club.


    ¡°Why is it everyone is congratting me?¡± It wasn¡¯t me. It¡¯s the team.¡± I went to the DJ and grabbed the mic. He shut the music off. ¡°Excuse me! Everyone, please? May I have a moment of your time before we¡¯ll all get drunk?¡±


    The dance floor went silent.


    ¡°Tonight is a huge sess. We smashed it. After hours and hours of work, we made it. You all deserve more than just apuse. You all made this possible. You know, I couldn¡¯t do it alone. Neke and I wouldn¡¯t make that stunning fashion show possible. I want to thank all of you for your sacrifices and sleepless nights. Me, I missed a few dinner dates with my husband.¡± I stole a nce at Striker, who had been watching me. ¡°Thankfully, he doesn¡¯t care because he knows I will treat him to our Saturday tacos. You will all get a small gift from the big boss, right?¡± I looked at my husband. He raised his ss. ¡°Well done, everyone.¡± After apuse. ¡°Let¡¯s get this party started!¡±


    The music boomed. The team and staff began dancing.


    I went down to meet Striker in the middle. He leaned in and kissed my lips. ¡°Congrats, baby.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re bing rich, husband.¡±


    A small smile spread across his lips. ¡°You know it¡¯s not just about making money.¡±


    ¡°I know. It¡¯s the fulfillment of doing something good and sessful. That¡¯s the real happiness.¡±


    ¡°You are my real happiness, beautiful.¡± He caged me in his arms, and I snaked my hands around his neck as we began slow dancing, even if the music was pop dance.


    ¡°You want something, Cade?¡± I knew how he looked at me when he wanted something. After months of being together and after what we had been through, I got to know the Striker Braddson-Cade.


    ¡°What made you say that?¡±


    ¡°Just say it, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°No more moving the date of our wedding. I want to have you all to myself for weeks.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sweetheart. It¡¯s final. We¡¯re getting married on our first wedding anniversary. So it¡¯s like we¡¯re renewing our vows.¡±


    ¡°And we will celebrate our anniversaries once a year.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re making thingsplicated. Just anniversary, Cade.¡± I tightened my hands around his neck and pressed my lips against his. ¡°I couldn¡¯t wait to marry you again.¡±


    ¡°I believe that¡¯s my line.¡±


    ¡°Suck it up. I wanna say it.¡±


    We left the dance floor and climbed upstairs to our VIP room. He went to sit on the couch and pulled me to sit on hisp. I remembered how he kept me safe that night. Right now, I felt like I belonged there-in his arms like he¡¯d been made for me. As if that night, we were meant to find each other. All doubts about this arranged marriage had gone out the window.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    All I was sure about was that we belonged together. I was made for him.


    When I felt suddenly emotional, I peppered him with kisses that led me to his lips.


    As he wrapped his arms around me, he sighed to my lips.


    I pulled my lips away. ¡°What was that for?¡±


    ¡°I feel you. Your emotions.¡± He smiled at me.


    ¡°We¡¯ve always been connected. And I¡¯m happy, Cade. Youpleted my life, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°Youpleted me, too. You made me the happiest man, Vanderford.¡±


    ***


    In the morning, I woke up, and I couldn¡¯t remember how I got home, let alone go to bed in my pajamas. Thest thing I remember was getting drunk with Neke and my team.


    I got up from bed with a terrible hangover.


    ¡°Good. The drunkass is finally awake.¡±


    ¡°Cade?¡± I massaged my temple. ¡°What happened? Did Neke get home safe?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s in the guestroom.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank God.¡± I grimaced as I tried to walk to the bathroom.


    He shook his head, amused while I was suffering, with my head feeling about to explode like a watermelon. ¡°The tub is ready. I¡¯ll get you painkillers. I warned you not to drink too much, but you just shrugged it off and said, sweetheart, please? This happens once in a blue moon,¡± he mimicked my voice.


    ¡°You¡¯re upset because I slept on you.¡±


    His eyes narrowed at me. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m upset? I¡¯m furious, baby. I have to send my car to the car wash and call the cleaning crew in the middle of the night to clean your mess with Neke.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I stared at him in shock. Oh, thank God, not his Bond car.¡±No. I didn¡¯t. I- what happened?¡±


    ¡°Just get in the tub, please?¡±


    When he left, I stripped off my pajama and sank into the bathtub. The water was warm and felt good, like massaging my sore muscles. I still couldn¡¯t remember what happened after I got drunk with Neke. Did I really throw up in the car? That bad?


    ¡°Oh, my God.¡±


    He came back with a ss of water and two tablets of painkillers.


    I took them right away with water.


    ¡°You need to rehydrate. No more drinking for one month to cleanse your system, Vanderford.¡±


    I lifted my gaze. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    I stayed there for a while, trying to remember what had happened, but I had no clear recollection.


    ¡°So you¡¯re alive.¡± I turned to the voice. Neke was standing at the door wearing my pajama.


    ¡°You okay?¡±


    She looked okay, though. ¡°Yeah. Your husband takes care of me.¡±


    My brow shoots up. ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Wow. That was quick.¡±


    ¡°What was quick?¡±


    ¡°You actually get jealous?¡± She came to sit outside the tub.


    ¡°No. You¡¯re my best friend.¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re not good at lying. He came and knocked to check if I was okay. He brought me painkillers and water. He gave this pjsst night while your ass was drunk.¡±


    I smiled. ¡°He does that. Take care of the people he cares about. So, what do you remember?¡±


    ¡°Aboutst night? Everything. Why?¡±


    ¡°Did I really pass out and throw up in his car?¡±


    ¡°Did he tell you that?¡± she barked out,ughing. She was even holding her tummy, making me confused.


    ¡°I told her I sent my car to the car wash and called the cleaning crewst night.¡±


    I red at my husband. ¡°Wait. You lied to me?¡±


    Heughed with Neke. ¡°You were drunk, baby, but you didn¡¯t throw up. I thought you¡¯d remember something when you wake up.¡±


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to see the guilty look on your face when I told you what you did. You actually looked really, really guilty.¡±


    ¡°I was, jerk.¡±


    Nekeughed even more. ¡°You just called him jerk, London.¡±


    ¡°Oh, she calls me dickhead when she¡¯s feisty.¡±


    ¡°You will pay for this.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s your head? Can we have breakfast now?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s getting better.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll soak again if you want, but you need to put something in your stomach.¡± He gave me my robe.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be in the kitchen.¡± Neke rose to her feet and walked out of the room.


    Once, we were alone. I yfully punched him on the abs, making himugh. ¡°I thought I really messed up your car.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, baby, as long as you had funst night.¡± He wrapped me in his arms. ¡°I will do everything to see the smile on your face and those sparkles in your eyes. And I promise to do that to you until we grow old together.¡±


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    We ended up having breakfast on the couch. Neke is on the sofa with her te. While I leaned against Striker as I enjoyed my bacon. Today was unusual, but it was fun and light as we shared breakfast together.


    ¡°Sweetheart, can you give me another strip.¡± I sipped the coffee in my right hand. My left was with the te.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t touch your toast. You need carbs, Vanderford.¡± He put a strip of bacon into my te.


    ¡°You can have it.¡±


    ¡°Give it to me,¡± Neke offered her te.


    I dropped it onto her te. ¡°I want something greasy today.¡±


    ¡°What is going on?¡± Oh crap. That was Moses.


    ¡°Hey, Pa.¡± I sat straight.


    ¡°You¡¯re eating on the couch.¡± Moses looked at us one by one.


    ¡°These twozyssies don¡¯t want to eat in the dining. They were drunkst night.¡±


    ¡°Coffee?¡± Neke offered him his cup, grinning. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I just offered my coffee to the chairman of the Hover.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, honey. I¡¯ll go get mine.¡±


    ¡°Need help?¡±


    ¡°I can find it myself, honey. Finish your breakfast. Tate and your dad are on their way.¡±


    ¡°Crap. It¡¯s Saturday.¡± I facepalmed.


    ¡°What¡¯s on Saturday?¡± Neke asked.


    ¡°Tacos Saturday. It¡¯s a family day. This time we¡¯re meeting here.¡±


    ¡°Hey, guys.¡± Linden just walked in and stopped as he found us in different positions on the couch. ¡°What the fu-?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask.¡±


    ¡°Toote.¡± He just snatched my bacon and shoved it into her mouth.


    ¡°The hell!¡±


    ***


    After our unusual breakfast, I cleaned up and went to the backyard. My dad and Tate were already there. Sax and Kye managed to join us today. Briggs and Reed were also here.


    ¡°Am Ite?¡±


    Everyone turned to Reefing in.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°I went to see my children.¡±


    My heart melted. I stood up to give him a hug. ¡°Aw. Good for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, London. Mr. Braddson gave me a mail room job at the Hover.¡±


    ¡°Congrattions. I¡¯m happy for you, Reef. How are your children?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re good. Still, we are getting to know each other. When I left them, my youngest was just two years old.¡±


    ¡°Everything¡¯s gonna be okay, Reef.¡±


    ¡°I know, ma¡¯am. Baby steps.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of baby-¡±


    ¡°Oh, Dad. No.¡± I raised my hand when Dad spoke.


    Everyoneughed.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t talking about you.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± I pressed my lips together as I hid my smile.


    ¡°I was actually about to talk about it,¡± he still admitted.


    The guys roared tough, including my husband sitting next to me.


    ¡°No pressure, guys. No pressure.¡± I just blushed.


    ¡°Take your time, best friend.¡± Neke was alsoughing. ¡°The aunt here is ready.¡±


    ¡°And the grandfathers.¡±


    ¡°Jesus.¡± Striker had never been amused.


    ¡°And the uncles.¡± Sax pointed at himself and the guys.


    I leaned in to whisper to Striker. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°We can do this.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we can.¡±

 Chapter 83 Epilogue

    STRIKER


    One yearter


    It had been a spectacr year for London and me. Two hundred fifty people who were very dear to our family attended our wedding in front of the spring, followed by the reception in the golf field of my father¡¯s estate.


    That was an extraordinary day for me, London, and our family. Rome, Prince Thayer, and the princesses were even there for us. And then we spent a few days on my father¡¯s property in Verona, then Switzend. Our honeymoon ended in Guardion before we headed home.


    One thing we hadn¡¯t aplished yet was to have a child. We were patient, though. And we were not giving up.


    ¡°Maybe we should stop trying.¡± I ran my finger against her arm as I peppered kisses on her shoulder.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She was still giving me her back.


    ¡°We¡¯re pressuring ourselves to get pregnant. It¡¯s stressing you.¡±


    ¡°So, you mean to say it¡¯s my fault-¡±


    ¡°No, baby. That¡¯s not what I mean. Let¡¯s leave it be. If we can get pregnant, then that¡¯s amazing. If not, it¡¯s fine. What we¡¯ve been doing was an act of desperation. We still have time. It¡¯s ourselves, baby. It¡¯s our life. Let¡¯s not try again. Let¡¯s enjoy ourselves, enjoy our life. Let¡¯s have fun. You know what I mean?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She held my hand and nted it on her lips. ¡°I think we had a year enough of trying. If it¡¯s for us, we¡¯re gonna have it.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s what I¡¯m trying to say.¡± I kissed her neck. ¡°Let¡¯s just make love or fuck however we want.¡± That made herugh.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you just said that.¡± She turned to me. ¡°How was your day?¡±


    ¡°Big day tomorrow. Yours?¡±


    ¡°Great. Our branches in Asia are doing great.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to the tireless work of my beautiful wife.¡± I ran my thumb on her cheek. ¡°But let¡¯s not talk about our work.¡±


    ¡°What do you wanna talk about then?¡±


    ¡°I want more than talking,¡± I mused, a soft grin spreading on my lips. ¡°I want you, baby.¡± Just the thought of being inside her made my cock jerk.


    ¡°All you have to do is get me naked.¡± A fire burned in her eyes, and she quickly took off her nighties, freeing her beautiful tits and throwing away the thin garment.


    My heart stuttered. I watched her lips part through my hooded eyes as I grazed my thumb against the tip of her nipple. I leaned close to capture her lips, my arms wrapping around her to pull her body into me, and she kissed me right away.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    She never ceased to amaze me-her boldness, her obedience, her confidence, and her passion.


    She moaned into my mouth as she had my erection in her hand, began stroking me, and pulled my boxers to my thigh. She dragged them down to her feet with her foot, making me smile.


    ¡°I learned a few tricks when desperation arises.¡± She went to kiss me back and rolled us over so that I could be on top.


    I moved my lips over her jaw, to her neck, and down to her chest. I captured her tit with a good suck. My cock grazed against her thigh, ignoring the ache-that could wait.


    ¡°Cade, I want you now, please?¡±


    I freed her tit and looked at her. ¡°Show me how wet you are?¡±


    I felt her hand slip between her thighs. Her finger dipped into her folds. Then she lifted her hand and showed me how soaked she was. I knew she was wet, without a doubt.


    When I opened my mouth, she knew what I wanted. She shoved her finger into my mouth, and I sucked it clean. My mouth watered as I tasted her on my tongue.


    ¡°You always taste fucking good, Vanderford.¡± I guided my cock into her opening and pushed it inch by inch, and I felt her weing me as she took me all in.


    She closed her eyes. We made love almost every night but still couldn¡¯t get enough of each other. The bond, love, and trust we shared made sex phenomenal.


    I kissed her forehead, her nose, her eyes, and her lips before I began rocking into her. I held her hands between her head and interlinked as I picked up my speed.


    ¡°Faster, Cade,¡± she said, bucking her hips beneath me.


    ¡°Yes, baby.¡±


    She mewled and tightly wrapped her legs around my waist with every thrust. I thrust faster and harder, and she moaned as she felt me too deeply.


    She was closed.


    I held her tight and changed into a sitting position. At this angle, I felt ourselves fit together, and the pleasure was incredible. I began bucking beneath her as I fucked her faster and harder.


    ¡°I¡¯m closed.¡± Her arms clung to me as she panted in my grip, her breathing tickling my ear.


    ¡°Let go, baby.¡± My fingers plunged into her hair as I pulled her head and kissed her hard.


    She groaned into my mouth as she clenched around me, her body quivering, losing in ecstasy.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she cried out as she finished.


    With her warm juices leaking, I fucked her hard, fast, and steady and pressed all inside her until my orgasm came in a wave so fast it blurred my vision.


    Still panting, my thrust slowed, relishing the way her pussy pulsed around my cock.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting better and better.¡± I wrapped her as I let my body fall.


    ¡°Turn off the light.¡± Yes, London wasn¡¯t afraid of the dark anymore.


    ***


    I was still sleeping in the morning but had to get up for work. My wife was not in bed.


    ¡°Are you in the bathroom?¡± I went to her bathroom. We remodeled the two rooms into our bedroom so she could have her own closet and bathroom since she took time for herself to get ready for work.


    ¡°Yes. Need anything?¡±


    ¡°Nah. Just wake up, and the bed is empty.¡± I walked in to find her in front of three kits.


    ¡°Baby, you don¡¯t have to do this.¡± I hugged her from behind.


    ¡°My period had been regr for the past few months.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m five days dyed.¡±


    ¡°And?¡± My inside vibrated in excitement.


    ¡°Na-da.¡± Her voice wasced with dismay. She pointed at the three used kits.


    All negative. My excitement died down in a sh.


    I sighed. I couldn¡¯t hide my disappointment, but maybe, it was not the right time.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I told you I¡¯m okay with not having a baby right now.¡±


    ¡°I really wanna get pregnant, and it¡¯s depressing.¡± Her voice began to crack.


    I held her to turn around and cupped her face. ¡°Look at me.¡±


    She lifted her gaze.


    ¡°Nothing¡¯s going to change between us. Whether or not we have a baby right now, you¡¯re still my baby, okay? Don¡¯t give up too quickly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Cade. It¡¯s me the problem.¡±


    ¡°Jesus, no.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie. We went to the clinic, and your sperm count is good.¡±


    ¡°We will try IVF next time.¡± I wiped a single tear that fell down her cheek. ¡°I love you no matter what. If we get pregnant and you¡¯re about to go intobor, don¡¯t yell at me and say no! I¡¯m not getting pregnant again,¡± I mimicked her voice.


    Sheughed freely and hugged me tight. ¡°I just wanna make you happy.¡±


    ¡°Baby, I¡¯m happy. Extremely happy I¡¯m going to explode with happiness right now. Believe me.¡±


    ***


    One weekter


    Truth be told, I¡¯m still wrapping my head around the fact that Moses resigned as the CEO of the Hover. He said he was done being the all-around boss. He focused on being the Chairman. To make the story short, he was still my boss even if I took that position and had been a good father and mentor.


    Dad, on the other hand, never changed. He loved me like he never loved anybody else. I guess I was lucky to have two supportive fathers and my father-inw.


    I shut myptop closed since it began to darken outside. I checked my watch. I only used the vintage watch on a special asion because it was too special to me, and Moses offered me one million for it, but for me, it was priceless, considering it was a gift from my wife.


    My driver, Can, sent me to the estate. Moses told me to see him tonight, but he didn¡¯t exin why. As soon as I entered the house, I didn¡¯t see anyone.


    ¡°Pa?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s in the backyard, sir.¡±


    ¡°How are you, Emory?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good, sir. Thank you.¡±


    I went through the exit door. It was dark, but it didn¡¯t take long until the light turned on one by one dramatically. Then I saw my wife.


    ¡°Hey, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the asion, Vanderford?¡± I asked as I walked in her direction. I cupped her head and kissed her lips. ¡°I don¡¯t give a damn why you are here. I just wanna kiss you and hug you tight.¡± And I did.


    When we pulled apart, she had a picture in her hand.


    My heart stuttered. My jaw dropped. My hand shook as I took the image from her hand. Then I looked at her and back to the picture.


    ¡°We¡¯re gonna have a baby.¡± She was giggling with joy. Her eyes lit up like the lights surrounding us.


    ¡°Holy- This is real, right? Tell me, this is real, baby, and I¡¯m not dreaming.¡±


    She cupped my face and kissed me on the lips. As our forehead pressed together, she finally said, ¡°Yes, sweetheart. We¡¯re pregnant.¡±


    I kissed her again and hugged her tight. ¡°We¡¯re pregnant.¡±


    Then the popping sound behind us startled me. I was showered with confetti.


    ¡°Daddy-o!¡± It was Linden. ¡°Congrats, brother. I¡¯m finally bing an uncle again.¡±


    ¡°And still a single asshole.¡± Iughed and hugged him. When I looked behind him, all my family was there. ¡°Thank you, brother.¡±


    ¡°Congrats, son.¡± Dad came to hug me.


    ¡°Finally, your wish to be a grandfather ising true. Thank you, Dad.¡±


    ¡°You just made my wishe true, Striker. Ask me anything, and you¡¯ll have it. Just name it,¡± Moses said.


    ¡°Just a nursery room, Papa.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna be a grandfather and getting old.¡± Linus hugged his daughter. ¡°You¡¯re going to be a great mother, honey. You and Striker will be great parents. Remember when I told you you would thank meter?¡±


    ¡°I remember, Dad. Thank you for everything.¡±


    I went to hug my wife again. ¡°Thank you, baby.¡±


    ¡°We did it together, Cade.¡±


    My smile hadn¡¯t faded. ¡°You make me the happiest man. I love you. I love you both.¡±


    ***


    The End


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