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Chapter 52
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Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 53
That afternoon, Grayson was still at the hospital with Ari and her family, when his phone rang. He wasn't going to answer it, but it was his father, so he felt compelled to take it. Henley had done well over the night and had held down her lunch. So, he felt he had to speak with his father.He patted Ari's leg and then stood just as the ringing stopped. Ari stood, too, and rubbed his arms. "What's wrong?" "It was my father." Grayson held up his cell phone. "I'll be right back."Ari smiled, inclining her head toward the door. "Go. Take it. Henley's fine."Grayson gave her a smile and then headed out into the hallway.The king answered on the first ring. "Son? Are you still in America?""Yes. Why?" Well, hello to you, too, Grayson thought. "What's wrong?""How is your sister-in-law doing?" his father asked, ignoring the question. "Better, thank you." Grayson paced down the hallway, out of earshot. "Thank you, also, for the number of the specialist. He came right away, and his expertis
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 54
As he boarded the family's private jet, Grayson missed Ari already. "Hello, Your Highness." The flight attendant, Sue, bobbed a curtsey. "Anything before takeoff?"Grayson nodded. He had been about to order a Scotch, but he hadn't been drinking as much since he arrived in America with Ari. Sure, they had spent most of their time at the hospital, but it was more than that. Despite the reason they were there, Grayson had felt more relaxed than he had in years, away from the responsibilities of the Crown. "Do we have iced tea?"The flight attendant cocked her head to the side and smiled. "I'll make some." Then she turned around and headed toward the back. Grayson slipped out of his heavy overcoat and laid it on the seat beside him. A few minutes later, she came back. "Here. I'll take that." Sue reached for his overcoat. "If you don't mind me asking, is the princess not joining us?"Pain gripped his chest as he shook his head, smiling. "No. She's coming on a later flight."Sue nodded. "I
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 55
A few minutes later, Grayson walked up the steps to Xavier's two-story home setting on twenty acres of land. Grayson had no idea what his brother needed with that much land, unless it was just for privacy. But in the spring Xavier usually started working on the grounds between engagements for the realm, and by summer every inch of it was manicured with flower gardens dispersed over the land. Although Xavier had a gardener for upkeep, he did most of the designing himself. Xavier had always been the one in the family with the green thumb, a trait he had taken it honestly from their mother."It's dark and I can't see much, but the grounds look as beautiful as ever." Grayson gave his brother a friendly slap on the back.Xavier smiled. "Thanks. As soon as spring comes, I plan to make a vegetable garden behind the house this year. I want to bring some of the vegetables to the castle, if all goes well."Right now, snow covered the property, but it still looked great with the blue hue of the m
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 56
"Give me a minute and I'll go with you." Xavier told Grayson over breakfast the next morning.Grayson patted his shoulder. "No, if and when I need you, I'll let you know."Xavier shook his head, letting out a deep breath. "Grayson you don't have to do this alone.""I know... believe me." Grayson wanted to have this conversation later, but Xavier needed to know now. "Xavier, I need to tell you something.""What's that?" Xavier asked, taking a sip of his tea. Grayson sighed as he buttered a piece of toast. "I don't want to jump the gun, but when the time comes that I do become King, I was going to make you my Royal Advisor."Xavier smiled. "I think I already am."Grayson laughed. "Yes, but you'll get the official title then.""You do realize that I will have to know everything then, right?" Xavier raised an eyebrow expectantly. Grayson nodded. "Yes, of course." He thought about it and sighed and then lowered his voice. "If you really must know, I met Ari through AmericanMate. It's a we
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 57
Wearing a suit dress and heels, Ari walked into J.F.K. International Airport with four bodyguards, headed back home… her home now. Since her sister was now out of danger, it was time for her to go back home to her husband and resume her life in Estrea. Her moment of reprieve from the Crown had been brief, but now it was time to go back in support of her husband.Also, she was looking forward to getting back to a normal life, whatever that was. Ari smirked. Grayson and his family's "normal" was on a whole new level.Her presence in the airport drew unwanted attention, but she had no choice. The Royal Family's private jet was in Estrea."You okay?" Arnold, one of her guards, asked.As soon as Ari made the call to tell Grayson that she was ready to come home, everything happened quickly. Arnold and Ralph, along with two bodyguards that she hadn't met before, flew from Estrea to personally escort her home, at Grayson's command, of course. By the time Ari was packed, the guards were there.
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 58
"May I get you something?" the same flight attendant asked flatly, once the plane was in the air. The saying "if looks could kill" ran through Ari's mind."A glass of Chardonnay, please." Then Ari handed the flight attendant her coat. "Would you mind hanging this up for me, please?"The woman stared at her for a moment and then smiled sweetly. "First, I need to see your ID."A broad smile spread across Ari's face. "Gladly." She pulled out her driver's license and handed it to her. "You're an American?" the woman asked in disbelief. Ari nodded. "Yes. I haven't had time to get my Estrean driver's license yet. But, yes, I'm an American."The woman looked at the license and then handed it back and gave her a fake smile as she reached for Ari's coat. "I'll be right back with your drink."Ari let out a deep breath as she sat, just wanting a moment to herself, eager to get home to her husband. Even though it hadn't been long since she saw him, it felt like forever. Ari wanted to spend Chris
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 59
Ari was never so happy in her life for a plane to land as she was when hers landed in Estrea. Between Marcus and being away from Grayson for a while, she was ready to come home. Home. Such a small word that carries so much meaning. It was strange that she now thought of Estrea as her home. Her whole life, Queens had been her home, but not now. Not anymore. Not since she married Grayson.Even if he wasn't a prince, she would still want to be married to him. If she could have chosen any man in the world to marry, it would have been him. Ari just hoped that they could get past everything."Here you go." The flight attendant handed Ari her coat. Although she wasn't sure why, she had warmed up to Ari a bit over the course of the flight. Perhaps she had taken pity on her when she threw Marcus out of First Class.But Ari didn't know or care. She was just glad to be in Estrea. Ari rose from her seat, slung her purse over her shoulder, and hurried to the door. To her surprise, they let her g
Bought by the Billionaire Prince Chapter 60
Ari sighed. "So, why are you taking me to the castle?""The King thinks it will be safer for you to be at the castle, until this blows over." Sam turned his eyes back to the road. "This is ridiculous," Ari muttered under her breath. She rode in silence the rest of the way to the castle, knowing it would be pointless to demand that she be taken to the jail to see Grayson. When they have orders from the King, they follow it to the letter without question. Ari watched the snow fall outside the window, wondering if she and Grayson would ever have the opportunity for a somewhat normal life together.Ari walked into the castle a little while later, flanked by Arnold and Ralph. "Thank you, gentlemen." Ari turned to face them. "But I think you both are in need of rest as much as I am. Have a good evening. And I don't want to see either of you back until you're rested."Arnold nodded. "Yes, princess." Then he and Ralph both turned and walked away, disappearing down the hallway."Good evening,
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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
