Royal Heir (Westerly Billionaire #3)(65)

Rachelle walked on and thought back over the last few weeks. Even at his most infuriating, Magnus had always done what he thought was best for her. From suggesting she leave prostitution to moving her out of a hotel he didn’t think she was safe in, from practically kidnapping Eric to visiting him daily at the hospital—he showed he cared.

“Yes, he is worth that kind of faith. I panicked when I heard those people talking about why they thought he’s with me, but they don’t know me.”

“No, they don’t.”

“And they obviously don’t know him.”

“That much is sure.”

“Eric is so sad right now because he doesn’t let anyone close to him. I know exactly how lucky I am to have you in my life, Alisha. I’m going to let myself believe in Magnus, too. And if anyone wants to question our relationship—fuck them.”

“That’s the spirit.”

Rachelle looked around and realized she’d wandered out of the view of the house. “I’ve got to let you go, Alisha. I think I went back one path too many, and I may be lost now. I’m going to retrace my steps and head back into the reception. Thanks again. I miss you.”

“I miss you, too. Text me later when you get back to the house, okay? Just so I won’t worry.”

“Sure thing.”

With that, Rachelle chose a path she hoped led back to the house. Her high heels made the going slower, especially now that she wasn’t distracted from how sore her feet were getting. She looked around, realizing she was alone for the first time in a while. Normally there was a royal guard somewhere nearby. She called out in the hope that one was. “Anyone there? I’ve gotten a little turned around, so if you’re out there, speak up. I need a little direction on how to get back.” A man in a suit with the insignia of the royal guard appeared. “Oh, good. I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t be way out here, but I was walking and talking—then, poof, I was lost. You know how that happens.”

The man nodded as if to someone behind her, and she quickly followed his gaze. Another royal guard stepped out of the bushes. Then another. None of these three looked familiar, now that she saw them all together. The hair on the back of her neck rose, and she fumbled to dial Magnus on her phone.

The first man grabbed her phone and threw it in the woods. The other two grabbed her from behind. Duct tape was slapped over her mouth before she had a chance to scream. More was used to expertly secure her hands and legs together. The first man threw her over his shoulder. With tears born from fear, she tried to meet the eyes of the other men, plead with them not to do whatever they were about to, but they did just as Magnus had said they were trained to—they looked away.

She fought the best she could but only succeeded in dislodging her shoes. As if she were nothing more than a rug, the man deposited her in the back of a black SUV flanked by two other guards. They secured her with lap belts so tightly she could barely breathe. A lone driver got in and slammed the door behind him. He touched an earpiece and said, “The bird is in the cage and ready for delivery.”

As the car pulled away, Rachelle prayed for her life. The bird is in the cage? This was planned. By the royal guard? Why? I thought they liked me.

If they even are the royal guard. They could be the people Reggie saw following me. Oh, God, was he right? They’re going to ransom me?

I should have stayed where everyone else was. Magnus told me to be more careful, but I didn’t listen. I didn’t think something like this could actually happen.

She thought about all the things she had put off doing, everything that would be left undone. She didn’t want to die without telling Magnus she loved him. She wanted to tell Delinda she forgave her. She didn’t want to be the reason Eric gave up hope.

This isn’t how it ends for me. It can’t be.

It can’t be.



Magnus checked his watch. Rachelle had been gone long enough that he was concerned. He certainly didn’t want to intrude on whatever conversation she was having with Delinda, but his instincts told him it was time to check on her.

He had just stepped out of the reception area when he spotted Delinda sitting in a side room with a cup of tea in hand. He strode and looked around. “Where’s Rachelle?” He hoped she hadn’t upset her.

“I haven’t seen her,” Delinda said quietly.

“She told me she was coming to find you.”

Delinda put her tea aside. “Well, she did not. I was not feeling well, so your father suggested I rest in here. Had she asked, she could easily have found me. Evidently something more important came up.”

Magnus called to Phillip, who was out in the hallway. “Phillip, where is Rachelle?”

Instantly on alert, Phillip radioed that question to his men.

Magnus took out his phone and called her. No answer. He saw one missed call from her about twenty minutes earlier. Was she angry? Upset? Scared? She hadn’t seemed any of those things.

Phillip said, “She was seen going into the kitchen a while ago.”

“A while? How long is a while ago? A minute? Thirty minutes?”

Delinda joined them. “Is something wrong?”

Magnus walked away from her because he wanted to keep his focus on the only thing that mattered. “Phillip, I want her found, and I want her found now. Search the palace room by room. Sweep the garden. We have security tapes—have someone review them. Now.”