Page 5 of Once Upon a Royal Billionaire

The limo pulled into the hangar that housed her plane. The jet’s engine was already running. As she climbed the steps, she greeted the co-pilot. “Hello, Jeremiah.”

He nodded as he turned to enter the cockpit. “Good to see you, ma’am.”

She settled into her seat, and her efficient flight crew soon had them in the air.

“We’ve stocked your favorite horchata again.”

“Oh, thank you, Jorge. I love this stuff.”

Once they were well into their transatlantic flight, she put all her work away, closed her eyes, and allowed herself to relive a memory.

Rhett had just come home from college, and Emily still lived on Aegira, where his family ruled. Her father used to have one of the main manufacturing plants for Mountain Blue there. She had agreed to meet Rhett at the airport, but there was a last-minute security threat at all Mediterranean airports. Emily hadn’t known about the threat. She waited for him with a small poster and his favorite candy bar. But as soon as he boarded the escalator to make his way down to the bottom floor, a team of royal security had come forward and surrounded him, preparing to rush him through the airport.

She had seen it before, but not for Rhett, and in that moment, she recognized what it meant to be the heir to a crown. She’d felt intimidated, and a little bit afraid. She almost turned to run away, but Rhett had seen her. He had always been a head taller than most people. He yelled for his security to stop.

“But your highness…”

“I said stop.” He moved towards Emily, and she felt all eyes on her. Soon he was at her side, and once she looked in his eyes, she was filled with relief so strong that she almost forgot where they were. “Hey,” he said as he pulled her into a hug.

The men circled around them, facing out.

“Wow, this is something.”

“Sorry. I guess there was a large breach in security on another island. We’re in lockdown at the castle.” He raised an eyebrow. “That probably doesn’t sound too inviting, but would you like to join me for lockdown?”

“Lock myself in a castle with you?” She grinned. “Absolutely. We still haven’t found that last secret entrance.”

“You’re something. Thanks, Em.”

She handed him the candy bar. “Good to see you.”

As they started walking, the men fell in step.

Now, all these years later, as she flew back to that world of royals and yachts, she smiled to herself. That was the first of many experiences that eventually tore them apart, and she missed those early days of their relationship. Perhaps if she’d been able to handle the attention, the pressure, they could have been something spectacular.

3

Rhett stood tall. When he was stressed, standing taller, broadening his stance, and breathing deeply always helped. Something about towering over everyone brought him comfort. He was strong. He could do this.

Emily would arrive any minute. He’d invited all of Mountain Blue to join them on the lake today. They were old friends, but he admittedly wanted to see the competition. And he missed the guys. His whole team missed the guys. Everyone blamed him and his falling out with Emily for the fact that they never saw her brothers anymore. They all still lived in the Mediterranean. Emily and her parents were the only ones who had gone back to live in the States.

His phone dinged, and the security feed showed the front gate. Emily’s brother Carlson moved in close so that only his eye was visible. Security beeped them through, and the guys laughed.

Clint grinned. “I miss those guys. Are you and Emily not on the outs anymore? Can we, like, hang with the bros?”

“I don’t know why Emily and I have anything to do with it. Hang with whoever you like.”

Clint held up his hands. “Okay, I get you. Let’s just say I and the rest of the guys are happy. Things are almost back to normal.”

The whole boathouse amped up in volume as the five brothers showed up and the princes were joined by some serious wealth and testosterone. Emily’s brothers. Mountain Blue was their water ski competition team, their brand, and the source of their family’s wealth. They were based in America but had spent most of their lives in the Mediterranean.

Rhett got out his blowhorn, and everyone took to the docks. There were enough boats for everyone, and they knew not to touch Rhett’s new craft.

Rhett waited. Had Emily not come? He tried not to feel deflated. The guys were all piling into boats. Carlson waved to him before hopping in the nearest Mastercraft. But no Emily.

Rhett stepped back, suddenly not as interested in the competition. But then she stepped through the doorway, and Rhett stopped breathing.

“Hey.” She rocked forward and backward on her toes just like she used to.

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