The Billionaire’s Pawn

STRIKER.

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

I wasn’t expecting anything when I arrived at the Vanderford estate, but what shocked me was how someone welcomed 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. The last time we met was two years ago. Things had 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 unwelcoming and unsettling as she slanted 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. The last 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-dollar world’s largest 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 place. 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 income. 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.

“Welcome 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 glad that you are here, Striker.”

“Me too, sir.”

“Your father must be thrilled.” He sat on the lawn chair, and I took a seat across from him.

A classic bourbon bottle, rock glasses, 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 I landed. 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 relationship with Magnus doesn’t help her either. I don’t know what to do, Striker.”

“Honestly, sir. I am the last 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 places that play 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 vast lawn.

“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 glass 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 to laugh 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 replacement.”

“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 gladly accept it if it didn’t come 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 it to 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 replace Reed.”

“My guess, she figured out the moment she saw me. Hence the glare.”

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 salary.”

“Does it mean you accepted my offer?”

“You know when I do.” I offered my hand. And here I was, ready to gamble my heart to save the lady 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.

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 dinner last 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 lunch last 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 blame 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 relationship with Magnus was not something I invested in lasting 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 relationship. 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 relationship 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 him completely.”

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 four languages. 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?”

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 blamed my father and me for lacking 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 relationship 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.”

I laughed 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 ninety-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 recommendation.”

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 island 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 a complete 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 playing 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 accelerated 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.