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Chapter 12
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Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 13
After AmericanMate took their forty percent commission, Ari still ended up with three million dollars. She cashed the check and made an appointment for a private meeting with the hospital administrator, Dr. Alice Sanders. Waiting in the hallway, she just hoped that the administrator came out before her mother saw her there. She had no idea what she would say to her if she caught her there. But she had made the deal and there was no backing out now. But then again, Ari always honored her promises.Prince Grayson of Estrea had given her exactly three days to get her affairs in order and to meet him in Estrea for their wedding. Ari truly felt like Cinderella on her way to the ball, knowing that she would be married in just a few short days, although to a man she didn't know."Miss Douglas." Dr. Sanders hand out her hand as a warm smile flashed over her perfect face. "I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting. Won't you come in?"Ari rose to her feet and headed inside.Dr. Sanders closed her o
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 14
Ari stepped into the elevator, headed toward Henley's room. She had been dreading this conversation. The door opened on the third floor, giving her a moment to think of how to word it correctly. There was no way that she could tell her everything, but she could tell her enough. Ari just hoped Henley understood... if not now, then maybe someday. Henley was lying on her hospital bed. When they were children, Henley's hair had always reminded Ari of the sunset. Now, her light auburn hair was starting to fade, and her skin was too pale. As Ari moved closer, she noticed that Henley's eyes were closed. Ari feared that Henley was asleep, until she opened her eyes and smiled. It seemed strange, seeing Henley so weak. She had always been a track star, always so full of life. Ari had to believe that she would be again."Hey, girl," Ari said softly, smiling as she crossed the room. "Wow." Henley sat up, moving slowly. "Did Vickie finally get hold of you? You look great! I love your hair!"Ari s
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 15
Ari slid into the limousine beside the woman, and took the long, fluted champagne glass she offered. Although Ari didn't drink, she needed one now. "The name's Lillian Durling," the woman said in a slightly British accent. She took a sip of her champagne."And you are?" From her accent, Ari thought that she was probably from Estrea but wanted to know for sure.The woman refilled Ari's glass. "I am Lillian, your new personal shopper." She held her arms out wide as a broad smile spread across her face. "We're going shopping!"Ari smiled. "Did my fiancé send you?" She was careful not to say his name in case the driver wasn't from Estrea."Aaahh!!! You're learning!" She leaned forward conspiratorially. "Yes, he did. He wants me to take you on a shopping spree to get you everything you will need to be a princess of Estrea."Ari noticed that the woman said, "to be a princess" and not "to feel like a princess". At that moment, it dawned on her how different her life was going to be from this
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 16
"I need to go home to say goodbye to my mother," Ari replied when they were on their way back to Queens, New York. "When are we leaving?"Lillian shrugged, smiling. "As soon as we get to the private jet.""Would you mind?" Ari really needed to see her mother... regardless. But she knew it would sound better as a request. She didn't want to start off her new married life on the wrong foot.Lillian gave her hand a gentle squeeze, her eyes filled with concern. "Whatever you need." She paused for a moment, and then added, "Would you like to swing by the hospital one more time to see your sister, too?"Ari shook her head. "No but thank you. I've already said my goodbyes to her. And I'm sure she doesn't want to see me right now, either." Henley could really be really stubborn when she wanted to. But then again, so could she.Lillian sighed as she wrapped both hands around her hand. "Your sister doesn't understand. But eventually, when you are able to explain, I'm sure she will."Ari shook he
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 17
Later that evening on the plane, Ari caught herself nodding off, but the swivel club chair didn't lend itself well to sleep. "Would you like to try and get some rest?" Lillian asked, her eyes sympathetic. "We have several more hours to go and won't arrive in Estrea until morning.""Yes, but these chairs make it nearly impossible," Ari blurted out before thinking. The fallout with both her mother and sister, along with spending the afternoon shopping, had taken its toll on her, and she was about ready to drop.Lillian smiled. "Come with me." She stood and headed toward the back, obviously expecting her to follow.Too tired to object, Ari rose from her seat, grabbed her purse, and followed. Lillian walked past a bar and the restrooms, but stopped at a door, blocking off the back of the plane. A broad smile spread across her lips, and then she opened the door.Inside was a king-sized, round bed, covered with an inviting white silk comforter. On the small vanity was a white lady's night m
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 18
The next morning, Ari showered and shaved, preparing for her wedding. It was hard to believe that this was her wedding day. After all, she hadn't even met her fiancé in real life yet. But she found that she was excited for the possibilities. Then she thought of arranged marriages in the past. Most of them worked out well. She guessed that her own marriage was a modern arranged marriage.Feeling refreshed, she stepped out of the shower, slipped into a white, furry hotel robe, and wrapped her long, brunette hair up in a white fluffy towel. She put on her new perfume and finished getting ready, truly feeling like a princess. Maybe everything would go well after all. Suddenly there was a knock on the door.Ari thought it was strange that someone was knocking on her door. Weren't her bodyguards supposed to maintain her privacy... especially on her wedding day? Then she thought that maybe it was Lillian. She hurried to the door, eager to see a friendly face. But when she opened it, a strange
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 19
After the makeup artist and cosmetologist left, Ari waited to be taken to the church, while Lillian fussed a bit more over her dress, making sure everything was in place. She had dreamed of this day for a long time. and she didn't want to miss a thing. The antique white lace veil covered her long brown hair, but not her face. It matched her floor-length down to perfection, fitting her like a glove, as if it had been made for her.But as she waited, Ari couldn't help but think about the woman... Dima Franz... Grayson's ex-fiancé. Although she had to have lied, Ari couldn't help but wonder if what she was saying was true. What if the man she was about to marry was abusive? She couldn't help but wonder. But Ari pushed the thought from her mind, determined to enjoy her wedding day."Are you ready for this?" Lillian asked when they were alone. Ari nodded, willing the butterflies to stay at bay. "As ready as I'm going to be." Lillian placed a hand on the side of her cheek, forcing Ari to l
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 20
Ari took Grayson's arm and he patted her hand, reassuring her. Then he turned toward the priest and nodded. But she couldn't take her eyes off him. He was about a foot taller than her and stood very tall and straight, adding to his height. There was a regal air about him, one cultivated only with time and having been raised with royalty.Vickie had been right. She could do worse.Ari turned toward the priest, listening to the words as old as time itself, that would bind them as man and wife. When it was time, Ari said "I do" without hesitation. Somehow, she was already his, and he was hers. She wondered if he felt it, too. Finally, the priest said, "I now pronounce you man and wife." Then he turned to Grayson and said, "You may now kiss the bride."Grayson took her into his strong arms and looked into her eyes, as if seeing into her soul. Searching her eyes for acceptance and finding it, his lips descended upon hers in a kiss filled with passion and promise for the future. He was the
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Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 147
Grayson was proud of his father's efforts to unite Estrea once again. It was clear that the old ways were no longer working. It was time for a fresh start. And King Maxwell of Estrea was determined to do just that.The election was held the next month, as King Maxwell promised, and the Royal Council was selected. But through it all, the feeling in Estrea had been one of new hope. In the news, King Maxwell was praised for his bold initiative to bring the realm into the Twenty-First Century.A few weeks later, the first meeting of the Royal Council was held on April 1. The board voted to continue holding the meetings twice a month, on the first and third Mondays, to keep the council abreast of the happenings of Estrea. The king then promised to make the proceedings and decisions made by the council known to the public in the interest of full disclosure. There was also a procedure set in place for grievances, ensuring that everyone's concerns would be heard. "So, what about the name Maso
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 146
The next day, Grayson was working in his office at the castle when Xavier walked in. Without a word, he crossed the room to the television and flipped it on. Then he stood back and folded his arms across his chest."And in the news today," Ella J. Scott said to the camera. "The body of Prince Marcus Pierce was found in an old abandoned warehouse, along with the bodies of other men. One of the men has been identified as Piers Wingfield, former head of security for the Crown. King Maxwell Pierce and members of the Royal Family have made no comment as to the cause of death. In other news—"Xavier sighed, folding his arms across his chest. "I don't think you have to worry about paying Piers now.""Let's speak with Father," Grayson said, already headed toward the door.Xavier followed. "What should we tell him?"Grayson sighed, turning around to face him with his hand on their father's door. "The truth."Xavier looked at him for a moment, and then nodded his agreement.Grayson knocked on th
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 145
A week later when Ari was feeling better, she finally had that meeting with the hospital administrator about Henley's House. This time, Henley, her mother, and Vickie attended. Grayson had wanted to go, too, but Ari had to persuade him to let her go without him. After all, she couldn't live in fear for the rest of her life."This is a wonderful idea. I appreciate you bringing it to us," said the hospital administrator, Dr. Sienna Gallagher. "We look forward to hearing more about it. And please be sure to tell His Majesty King Maxwell Pierce and His Highness Grayson Pierce how much we appreciate it. Cancer patients, and their families, will be very appreciative."After speaking with Dr. Gallagher, and at Henley's insistence, Ari had decided to expand Henley's House to include all cancer patients treated at Estrea Medical Hospital, not just leukemia patients.Ari held out her hand. "The pleasure is ours. Thank you for offering us the land on which to build. I'll speak with my husband and
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 144
Ari had fallen asleep on the way home, despite her best efforts to stay awake. But the lack of sleep and the continuous motion of Grayson stroking her hair, made sleep inevitable. But now that she was with Grayson again, the world could fall apart, and she wouldn't care. Her stomach hurt a bit, waking her."Are you alright?" Grayson asked, his voice filled with concern.Ari nodded. "My stomach's hurting just a bit, but I'm fine. I just need to rest.""And eat," Xavier added, looking at her in the rearview mirror. Ari laughed. "Well, that's a given." She thought for a moment, wanting to word it correctly. "Xavier, Grayson, thank you both for coming to my rescue.""It's my pleasure, my lady," Xavier teased."You know I would move heaven and earth to get to you," Grayson replied, his voice low and husky.Xavier nodded. "And he is not exaggerating."Ari laughed. "Well, I truly appreciate it." Then she thought of something. "I had to do something that I'm not proud of." She bit her lower
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 143
Ari ran through the forest as quickly as she could, headed toward who knew where. She remembered that there was a road that lead back to the village, and she had to find it. She couldn't follow the beach; she'd ever get home.Home.A small word that held so much power. As she ran, all she could think of was Grayson and going home, their home together, at the castle. Then she fell, stumbling over a root protruding from the ground, but caught herself with her hands. But she got up and started running again. After a bit, she looked behind her to see if anyone was following... and ran straight into something. When she looked up... it was Piers."No!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, her knees buckling under her. But to her surprise, he caught her in his strong arms."Quiet!" Piers said, holding a finger to his lips."Hold it right there." When she looked up and saw Grayson holding a gun, her heart leapt with relief and joy."Grayson!"Piers quickly pulled her in front of him. "I want
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 142
Grayson rode with Xavier into the night toward the shore. Although the chances of finding her in the dead of night was slim and none, he knew he had to try. And from the moment Xavier had heard, he was along for the ride. Without question. "Thank you for this," Grayson said, looking over at him.One corner of his lips curled into a smile. "You don't have to thank me. You would do the same for me, if the tables were turned.""Without question."Xavier shrugged. "But then again, I'd do it for Ari, anyway."Grayson chuckled. "Of course, you would," he teased. "I'm glad that you two get along so well.""What can I say? She's a nice girl...." Then he grinned. "and I'm a nice guy."Grayson laughed. "Yes, you are... but I didn't say that.""Of course not." Xavier looked over at him and smiled. "So, have you seen anything suspicious?"Grayson shook his head. "No. Nothing that could be used as a fortress or a hideout.""The shore is farther away than I thought." Xavier sighed."Which is why I
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 141
Ari looked around the warehouse, taking everything in. Maybe she would find a clue as to where she was. She kept hearing the crashing of waves, as if she were near the ocean, which meant that she was a few hours away from the castle. Either way, it would be a long walk back.One thing was certain: she couldn't just run back down the road to the castle, even if she did manage to escape. But then again, if she could just get out, then she could easily find her way back to the castle. Surely, someone would know the way and could give her a ride. Although she had no idea what time it was or how much time had lapsed, she knew she had much less than twenty-four hours now and, although there were no windows, she knew it had to be dark—or close to it—making it the perfect time to escape. But she was also getting hungry and she knew she had to eat soon. Also, when she came out of the restroom earlier, Piers had put another zip tie around her wrists again. So, she had to escape when the Zip tie
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 140
Grayson called Xavier, knowing he couldn't just sit there and wait. At that moment, he would give anything to have Ari back."Yeah," Xavier answered on the first ring. "Find anything?" Grayson asked, pacing the floor in his office. "Yeah, I think you'd better get down here." From the sound of it, Xavier was pacing, too.Grayson sighed, fearing the worst. "I'll be right there." He clicked off and was ready to walk out when the door slowly opened. "Where's Ari?" Celeste asked, slowly walking in, obviously having overheard something. "Do you know where she is?"Grayson sighed, biting his lower lip. "Please, sit down." He knew he had to go, but her mother deserved to know the truth before he left.Celeste said nothing but slowly walked into the room and folded her arms across her chest. "Where is she?"Grayson looked directly into her eyes, pain ripping through his whole body, as if someone had physically shoved their hand into his chest and ripped his heart out."Ari's been kidnapped."
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 139
Ari looked around the warehouse and all eyes were on her. Marcus gritted his teeth as he walked purposefully toward her and slapped her across the face. "How dare you say that about me?" He raised his hand again, but Piers caught it.Piers shook his head. "You gave your word that she will not be harmed for twenty-four hours."Marcus glared at him for a moment, and then ripped his hand out of his grasp. Then he turned his attention to Ari. "Kill me, will you?"Ari raised her head and glared at him, staring daggers into his eyes looking through her hair covering one eye. "Mark my words. You will never get away with this. You should have taken the deal that King Maxwell offered you. It's as good as you're going to get." She shrugged. "It's more than I would have given you.""Why you—" Marcus made a move toward her again, but Piers stood in his way and shook his head in warning."Not while I'm here," Piers replied. Quicker than Ari would have thought possible, Marcus whipped out a gun an
