22
LONDON
“So, how’s the white knight doing these days?” A playful and humor played 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 relationship.”
“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 relationship. 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 relationship. 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 the combination 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 relationship 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 glass 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 plays 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.”
I laughed. “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 you later, 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 occasion?”
“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.”
“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. Glad 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-playboy, 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. “Congratulations. I’m invited, right?”
When we went silent, he laughed. “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 blame 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 occasion? 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 glad they didn’t talk about work that I couldn’t relate to.
Mykel and Cenric were billionaires but humble and down to earth. These guys had a tight relationship, 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 guys laughed 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 welcome to visit our ranch, London.”
“Thanks. I haven’t traveled far by land. 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 playing.
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 relationship 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 frightened last 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?
