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The Billionaire's Pawn 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.” “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 m
The Billionaire's Pawn 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 classy, elegant, and customized, way better than Dad’s. I
The Billionaire's Pawn 42
STRIKERWe landed 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 welcome us.“Congratulations!” He pulled me into a brotherly. “Look at you, a married man.”I chuckled. “Yeah. I’m officially a married man.”“Welcome 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.” He laughed. “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
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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 with large stained glass windows, limestone walls, beamed ceilings, and wood doors. Behind it were brick pathways, a fire pit, and a pool. The lush landscape 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
The Billionaire's Pawn 44
LONDONThe 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 occupied early in the morning through the glass 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 ignore
The Billionaire's Pawn 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 would come 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. Hours later, I woke up in an empty bed. It was unusual. I usually woke up
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LONDONI 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 place 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 planned to upload them later.“One of the
The Billionaire's Pawn 47
STRIKERI 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 my lap 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 t
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The Billionaire's Pawn Epilogue
STRIKER One year later It had been a spectacular 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 Switzerland. Our honeymoon ended in Guardion before we headed home. One thing we hadn’t accomplished 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 fin
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LONDON “Congratulations.” Neke hugged me tight. After successfully launching our limited products, our expansion in Asia was already taking place. Our sales skyrocketed—our products were in demand. We expanded to other e-commerce retailers all over the globe. I finally bought a fifteen percent share of the company. And I’d been busy as hell, not that I was complaining 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 success, making all my sleepless nights, shoulder aches, and missed dinner dates worthwhile. It was midnight, and we were at the party to celebrate our success at the Night Stalker Club. “Why is it everyone is congratulating 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! Everyon
The Billionaire's Pawn 81
STRIKER “You look stunning tonight, my wife.” I strolled my gaze at her from head to toe. She picked the black glittery floor-length gown and put on a set of diamond jewelry to complete the look. Her makeup wasn’t overdone, just the way I liked it. The hairstylist just enhanced the natural wave of her hair. “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 it comes from you, Vanderford.” “Check out the bottom.” I did as she told me. The
The Billionaire's Pawn 80
LONDON“Hey, guys. It’s been a while since I last posted a short clip. As the 3rd Anniversary of LH is around the corner, I want to celebrate it by sharing these achievements and successes 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 grea
The Billionaire's Pawn 79
STRIKER “What the fuck, London?” I just cursed right into her face. Just great. How did I become 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 too late. Did you really date that guy?” “Oh, my God!” She shook her head as she propped a hand on her hip. “Not
The Billionaire's Pawn 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. “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
The Billionaire's Pawn 77
STRIKER “I’m with Terzo. He wants you to come 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? “Just come 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 will commit 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 you later.” I inwardly groaned. “I thought we would have dinner together.” “I’m sorry. Something came up.” I couldn’
The Billionaire's Pawn 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 too late. 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 would last 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
The Billionaire's Pawn 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 play 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 plan all along.” “And I can breathe freely, but you still met Siciliano.” “Yes. His son is a dick.” I snorted. “He won’t touc
