The Billionaire’s Pawn

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. We laughed 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 a comfy 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-in-law 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 to come 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?”

“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 place. 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 would come down once they moved to meet the Conti.”

“So, only Cade and I are in the dark about his plan.”

“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. Just come down when you both are ready.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“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 since last 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 places. 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 relayed 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.”