The Billionaire’s Pawn

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 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 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?” the lady staff asked. Her accent was similar 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 accent 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 chocolate. 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 chocolate.”

“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.”

I laughed. 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 accept 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 flashed on the screen.

“Vanderford, where are you?” That was his greetings.

“Good morning, Cade. So you didn’t implant 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?”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“I’m near, and I’m fine.”

“I’m coming 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 rest last 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 that come 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 chocolate 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 minutes later, 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-syllable surnames. Great.”

Striker laughed as Teoni shook Reed’s hand. “I’m looking for my wife.”

“You’re fucking married?” She laughed out loud. “Congratulations! 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.”

“I thought you didn’t care. And you two seemed pretty close. An old friend? An old flame, maybe?” The last 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 flamed. I sipped my chocolate drink instead. “So, why are you here, Cade?”

“My dad was working with your dad to set us up.”