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Chapter 66

Author: Theresa Oliver
last update Last Updated: 2022-04-11 19:30:15
Ari spent the day shopping for Christmas gifts and decorations in the town square. There was an adorable Christmas tree lot in the center of town, and she found the perfect tree practically right away. It was tall and full without any bare places. She also bought a wreath and bows and garland for the tree.

She got Xavier some gardening tools and their father a special ornament, symbolizing Estrea from the year 1028 A.D. to the present. Ari assumed it must have been the founding year. The ornament had an antique finish, even though it was new, and it was one of the most beautiful ornaments she had ever seen.

But Ari wanted to get something special for Grayson. She bought him some art supplies, having noticed the drawings and paintings he had done that adorned his room. It was strange that she thought she knew her husband, but then she would learn something that made her feel as if she didn't know him at all.

Then her eye caught a beautiful photo album, done with lace and tied with a ri
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    Grayson and Ari took a shower together before getting ready for dinner. He took great care, soaping her body under the water, enjoying the feel of her under his hands. But she had been quiet, cold since they had made love. And Grayson knew why."Ari, I'm sorry about having been so rough with you... just now," Grayson whispered into her hair as the water rushed over them both, filling his ears.She shook her head. He wouldn't have blamed her if she had been trying to dispel the memories. "No need to apologize." She turned her face toward the water, and he wasn't sure if it was to hide her tears.He kissed her forehead and then her face, but she turned her head. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—""But we did," she finished, looking into his eyes. "But tell me something. We were you making love to me, or to Dima?""What?" he asked, taking a step back, not sure if he had heard her correctly.She let out a deep breath. "I know you were physically making love to me. I'm not crazy. But were you a

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    When they walked into the family dining room, the king was waiting. Grayson led Ari to their seats and held the chair for his wife.The king stood, waiting for her to sit. Then he looked over at Xavier. "Oh! Did you bring a friend?" He offered Quinn his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you.""The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty." Quinn shook his hand, but held back, bracing himself for reality to set in.Xavier took a deep breath and released it. "Father, this is Quinn Rogers. Quinn, this is my father, His Majesty King Maxwell Pierce of Estrea." Xavier bit his lower lip and then released it. "Father, Quinn is my boyfriend. We're together."The king's eyes opened wide, looking between them as reality sank in. Then the king forced a smile "It's a pleasure to meet you, Quinn." Of course, knowing he was gay and then the reality of it sinking in was quite different."The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty," Quinn replied."So, how long have you two been together?" the king asked. "Five years," Xa

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    For Ari, the next few days went by quickly. The invitations were sent out immediately, and there were countless things to do to prepare. Since she was considered to be the lady of the house now, it was her job to oversee the event. Luckily, Mrs. Jackson, Gerard, and the staff were all very helpful, along with Grayson and Xavier. Since it was so close to Christmas, as well as for their own protection, She and Grayson stayed at the castle, as did Xavier. Quinn had photoshoots and couldn't stay at the castle but came nearly every night for dinner. It was great being with Grayson's family. They were all being a true family. Despite the continual threat of a murderer on the loose, they were all enjoying the holiday season as well as each other's company.Soon, Christmas Eve was upon them. Ari had purchased a ball gown from a local designer—pale silver with a shimmering overlay. It was fitted in the bodice with a full skirt that swished when she walked. She had pulled her hair up with loose

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    Ari took a sip of her punch, enjoying watching everyone at the ball. The only thing missing was children. At that moment, she thought it would be nice to have children, but not right away. She and Grayson had to get a lot of things straightened out first before they considered it."What were you thinking about just then?" Grayson asked into her hair, coming up from behind.Ari shrugged as a smile lit her lips. "Oh! Come on. It can't be that bad," Grayson teased, wrapped his arms around her.She playfully pushed his arms aside. "Not here! People are watching.""Come on, then...." He took her hand and led her out onto the balcony. The stars were out, twinkling in a sea of dark blue sky. "Now. Tell me."Ari laughed. "You won't let this go. Will you?"Grayson shook his head. "Nope!" His lips popped the p as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, obviously enjoying the view with her.Ari sighed, looking out over the Estrean countryside, the houses visible only in the moonlight and the

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    Once things had settled down on Christmas Day, Ari went into the other room with her cell phone and dialed her sister's number.She answered right away. "Hello?""Henley!" Ari said, happy to hear her voice. "How are you?""Ari!" Henley replied. "Where are you? Are you here?"Ari shook her head, even though her sister couldn't see. "No. I'm still in Estrea.""Oh, I thought... well... never mind.""What?" Ari asked, wondering if something had happened to Henley.There was a pause at the other end. "Henley, they want to use stronger chemotherapy but I'll need to get a Stem Cell Transplant so the stronger chemo can be used.""And I'm a perfect match," Ari said flatly. When she had visited Henley and her mother in New York the last time, Ari had been tested. She hated to have to leave Estrea, especially now, but Ari would do anything to save her sister. "When do you need me?"Henley sighed. "Ari, I can't ask you to do that." "You're not asking. I'm volunteering," Ari replied. "When do you

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  • Bought by the Billionaire Prince   Chapter 72

    Ari stared out the window of the Royal Family's private jet headed toward New York, watching the clouds pass by beneath. After having run into Marcus on the plane, Grayson didn't want to take the chance of Ari running into him again. And neither did she. She knew that Marcus's ambush had been strategically planned with inside information, and she had no intention of being forced to speak with him alone again. Although Ari had no idea who could have told him, she had a good idea. Since Piers had been working for them then, she could guess that it had been him, but she didn't have any proof. And now, Piers was gone and, hopefully, out of their lives. She just hoped he didn't plan to retaliate any more than he already had.She was sure that the leak to the press of AmericanMate had been his doing, too. But again, she couldn't prove it. He seemed to be very good at covering his tracks. "May I get you anything, Your Royal Highness?" a young flight attendant asked. Ari noticed that she was

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    When they got to the Plaza Hotel, Ari ordered a bottle of champagne, knowing they would need it. Ari was glad that Grayson had been so thoughtful as to call Vickie for her. Why hadn't she thought of it? One thing was certain: She was going to have to start thinking ahead for the ones she loved. Thinking of the needs of her loved ones first. She had done it already for her sister, but she hadn't with Grayson. She hadn't thought to. But now, she planned to change that."So, how's married life?" Vickie took a sip of her champagne, her arm draped across the back of the sofa, facing her.Ari took a sip of her wine, stalling, and then smiled. "Oh? Besides my husband being accused of murder and the paparazzi stalking our every move? Just fine!"Vickie laughed. "Well, you knew it wasn't going to be easy." Vickie watched her a moment. "What? Did you think you were going to just ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after without paying your dues?" Vickie was like that. She never let Ar

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    The sun shone brightly through the window into Ari's eyes the next morning, waking her to the start of a new day. Ari had always loved mornings. It was another chance to make a difference in the world. Each day was a new gift, a new page of a book waiting to be written. She stood and it was unusually bright outside again. And sure enough, when she looked out the window, a thick blanket of sparkling, freshly fallen snow had once again been laid out over the land. But as she watched the cars bustling by below, everything seemed louder than she had remembered. Busier. She guessed it was true that the mind blocks out background white noise until you don't even hear it anymore. Ari heard something in the living room of the suite, so she quickly showered and dressed in something casual. Not jeans, but casual with a flowing wrap, dress pants, and a casual shirt beneath. Then she slipped into her boots. Even though she had been used to wearing jeans when she lived here before, she was no lon

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    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

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    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

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    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."

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    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

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