Chapter 12

LONDON

I sat across Neke at the coffee shop. “It’s just been twenty-four hours, right?” Who was I trying to convince? Neke or myself?

Reed was back as my bodyguard. He could be less chatty, so bored I could die to death, or lenient if he wanted to.

“Tell me why you like Striker so much. I mean, I get it. He’s hot and all, but why, of all the hedge fund guys or billionaire boys club, what did you see in him?”

“I first met him two years ago.”

“Wait. Hold on.” Neke held my hand. “What do you mean you met him two years ago? What happened then?”

“He was a member of the team that saved me.”

“You’re kidding. How in the hell did I not know that?”

“He got another assignment, I guess.” I looked down at my hands. “I know I’m sick in the head. I tried to forget him, I swear. But he’s like a plague in my brain. It wouldn’t just let me. I mean, I’m so tired of hoping and waiting, and then he’s gone again.”

“Oh, baby girl.” She held my hand, sq