The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Part 11

Daryle paused to catch his breath, his breathing ragged as he had looked at Alexos.

"I know that you have connections with the government and I need your help - Grace needs your help. Is there anything that you can do to speed up the process?" Alexos could see the panic in the other man's eyes, as without another word he had pulled his phone back into his hand.

After several hours of phoning and being sent from one department to another, it had taken him threatening to withdraw support for one of his most lucrative investments to finally find himself on the phone to the Head of Security in the country.

Alexos understood the way the regime worked, organising for his plane to be given the correct security clearance for landing that day. Daryle had listened in, his eyes growing wider as the handsome Greek had negotiated, pleaded and bribed his way into the country, the size of the bribe making him gasp. Next he had spoken to the hospital, the doctor not prepared to give him any information but also agreeing to allow her to accompany her husband from the hospital so long as he could provide identification in the name of Daryle Dionis, Alexos agreeing, his mouth set firmly.

Making one more call he had ensured that his private plane was ready to go immediately and that his helicopter was on its way to collect himself and Daryle to take them to the airport. Placing the phone into his pocket he had risen giving him a rea.s.suring smile, Daryle's face so full of thanks.

"Let's go and get our girl....and call me Alexos"

Daryle's eyebrows had risen at his choice of words, a large relieved smile filling his face as he had followed the tall man from the house.

It had been impossible to talk on the helicopter, and as they had arrived at the airport Alexos had been met by several men, one giving him a large envelope which he had slipped into his pocket. The other had tried to insist on accompanying the two, Daryle realising that this was a security guard, concern for the safety of the billionaire written on his face. Alexos however had refused, determination on his face as he had shaken his head not prepared to jeopardise the rescue with the inclusion of a bodyguard. Finally on the plane, Alexos had looked over at Daryle, before extending his hand.

"I'm sorry Daryle - it is nice to meet you"

The other man had given a warm return grin as he had shaken his hand with a firm grip "You too Alexos. I'm sorry that I came to you with all of this...but I had nowhere else to turn...and Carol told me about you and Grace meeting again"

He had looked surprised as Daryle had seemed almost happy about what he must have known had happened, giving a small return smile.

For several seconds the two had sat quietly, before Alexos had sat forward needing to ask the questions that Grace had not been prepared to talk about. "May I ask you some things Daryle?"

Daryle looking at him with surprise "Of course"

His look growing more nervous as the questions had been asked "You know that six years ago I was planning on marrying Grace"

Daryle looked more uncomfortable as he had nodded slightly.

"What happened? I thought that she had used everybody to run off with the man she loved, you...but that isn't the truth is it...there was more to it than that wasn't there?"

Fidgeting, Darlye had seemed unsure before giving a soft sigh and also leaning forward. "You know that Grace's biggest dream was to become a marine biologist?"

Alexos nodding "Did you know that her father had refused for her to go to university?"

Alexos' eyes had widened "No...I had no idea - she never said"

Daryle had given a look of contempt as his mind had gone back to that time "Her father is not a good man Alexos, G.o.d knows why but it always seemed like he hated her for daring to be a woman instead of a man. When she was eleven she wanted to join a club, but her father said no. Grace however, was determined so she joined anyway."

Giving a long sigh as he had continued.

"When her father found out he forced the club out. They were a voluntary organisation and he put them out on the street to teach her a lesson"

Alexos' eyes had grown harder, realising that Daryle had no way of knowing that the man who had raised her was not her real father, as the younger man had carried on his story.

"He liked to teach her lessons...to control her. As she got older he found a new way of controlling her, using her mother...and he told her that there was no way that she was going to university...the one thing she most wanted, he refused. That girl worked harder than anybody I knew to be top of her cla.s.s, she had the grades to be anything she wanted and he told her that the only thing that she was ever going to be was married."

Alexos had felt the anger fill him listening to Daryle.

"The day before you sent your letter her father had given her three other letters from other men. Two were older than he was and one was divorced because of his abuse to his first wife"

Alexos had groaned softly thinking how he had misjudged her, Daryle's tone softening "She really liked you Alexos and I sometimes wonder what might have happened if we hadn't done what we did. But she needed to pursue her dream...and she did"

Groaning softly Alexos had looked thoughtfully into s.p.a.ce "I would have encouraged her. I would have supported her going to university"

Daryle had given another small smile "Did you ever tell her that, because her father told her that you would never let her go, that you wanted children - lots of them"

His eyes uncomfortable adding "He also hinted that you had no intention of ending your playboy days...that while she produced the children she would also be expected to turn a blind eye to your womanising"

Gasping Alexos had stared at Daryle in shock "I would never have ..."

His stunned tone making the other man smile, another memory pushed to his mind as he had looked warmly at Alexos.

"When she phoned to let her parents and you know what had happened. She only cried after your call"

Alexos had looked at the other man with surprise, a softness entering his eyes "Did she?" he had asked gently another question coming to his mind. "Grace is very beautiful"

Daryle nodded back in agreement "Yes...yes she is...inside and out"

"Then why did you and she never consummate the marriage?"

Daryle laughed with embarra.s.sment "She never told you?" his voice full of incredulity as Alexos had shaken his head frowning slightly.

"I'm gay Alexos. I love that woman with everything in me, but not in THAT way"

Alexos had stared in stunned shock at his words, before leaning back and laughing "I'm sorry Daryle, but you have no idea how relieved I am"

Daryle giving him an understanding look "I just bet you are" the two men relaxing in the others' company.

On landing, their plane had been met by a military car, the officers ensuring that they had made it through the customs process faster than anyone else would have. Daryle had been aware at how reverently the men had treated Alexos, appearing almost afraid of the tall man. He had also been impressed with how calm he had appeared as he had exuded authority and raw power, exactly what was needed in their current situation.

The car had taken them to the hospital, Alexos striding purposefully to the floor which they were a.s.sured that Dr Dionis was being cared for on, Daryle breathing heavily to keep up with him and the military personnel who had insisted on accompanying them.

Finally reaching the floor the doctor himself had met the two men, Alexos smiling softly as the doctor had shouted at the two military officers, demanding they remain in the corridor as he had led both himself and Daryle to a waiting area. His English had been very good as he had insisted on seeing proof of Daryle's ident.i.ty, holding up his hand with determination as Alexos too had tried to follow them.

"I am sorry Mr Manetas...but only her husband"

Daryle had seen the frustration on the man's face as he had gently patted his arm. "It will be fine...I am sure that she is fine"

As the two men's eyes had met, Daryle had seen the light of panic inside Alexos'; this man so in charge of everything whom he realised was fighting hard to keep things together.

Nodding softly Alexos had moved over to sit on one of the hard plastic chairs, his hands shakily running through his hair, Daryle following the doctor to her room.

Grace had looked up as the door to the room had opened. She was tired of sitting around the hospital, having the strict but kindly doctor constantly telling her to rest, that she was being picked up as soon as her husband arrived. The news that had been given to her had both stunned and shocked her while making her feel euphoric at the same time, Grace having to sit back down before she had started to laugh and cry. However, she had soon realised the implications, knowing that Daryle was the only person who could indeed help her.

As the door had swung open she had cried out "Can I at least have a phone call?" her voice stalled as she saw Daryle move into the room, the words turning into sobs of relief and joy as she had leapt from the seat and thrown herself into his arms, Daryle holding her tightly as tears had also sprung to his eyes. The doctor behind had smiled at the reunion of the couple, a warmth filling him.

Daryle had pulled back his eyes flicking all over her taking in everything about her.

"Are you OK?...what happened?...n.o.body has told me anything" the questions tumbling out of his mouth as she had laughed, holding up her hand to silence him before turning to look at the doctor who had stepped forward.

As he had explained Daryle himself had felt his legs buckle, his eyes widening in shock. Looking at Grace, her face showing such concern at his reaction he had laughed once more rising before pulling her back into his arms and kissing her, more tears in his eyes.

The doctor had grinned widely at the reaction of her husband, finally happy with the situation as he had signed the release form, giving permission for Daryle to take his wife home. Grace, who was already fully dressed, had grabbed his arm, looking deeply into his eyes whispering softly.

"There is somewhere I need to go first"

Daryle grinning warmly down at her "I have a surprise for you" his enigmatic words making her eyebrow rise as they had left the private room. As the three had entered the waiting room, Alexos had already been on his feet having heard the footsteps as they had moved down the sterile corridor.

Seeing Grace, seemingly so healthy, his eyes had glowed, everything in him wanting to rush forward and pull her in against him, knowing that he could not for her safety. She however, had taken one look at him, her knees becoming weak. Seeing her reaction Daryle had pulled her into his arms to hide the sudden falter, not prepared for her to be sent back to the ward whispering so softly against her ear.

"I will explain everything...you have to be strong" Grace had looked back at him, nodding thankfully that he had covered up her shock.

Alexos had watched in surprise as Daryle had enveloped her in his arms, fighting hard not to pull her into his own. Turning to the doctor he had shaken his hand before moving again to the corridor where the guards still stood waiting for them.

Grace had looked at the two men in surprise, seeing the solemn looks on both of their faces, realising that her rescue had been more difficult than even she had imagined.

From the hospital the group had once more been taken to the airport, one of the officers taking Alexos to the side before he would allow them to board the small plane. Grace had watched as Alexos had handed over an envelope looking up at Daryle with questioning eyes. Leaning down he had told her of the bribe and the amount, her eyes opening in shock "That much?" groaning at how much she now owed the Greek.

Having checked the contents of the envelope the officer had smiled widely, shaking Alexos' hand happily before returning to the other. Rejoining them with his face sombre Alexos had guided them onto the plane.

"Let's get the h.e.l.l out of here before they change their minds", his voice serious as he had instructed the pilot to take off. Only when they were in the air had he finally turned to Grace, his face etched with real concern as he had moved to hunch down before her in the seat she sat buckled tightly in, her hand still in Daryle's.

"Are you OK?" his voice tortured, Greek words of frustration and pain spilling from him. Unbuckling she had thrown herself into his arms.

"I was so scared Alexos....I didn't know what would happen"

Daryle watched the way Alexos had held her so tightly, the relief on his face as he had pulled back, his hands moving to cup her face before laying small kisses on her lips.

"Don't you EVER scare me like that again" he had said softly, Grace's lips twitching as she had nodded gently. Daryle's small cough had made the other two look at him, small embarra.s.sed smiles leaving both as they had remembered that they were not alone.

Moving back to his seat he had allowed his eyes to look over her, seeing that she was thinner than a few weeks before and paler "What is wrong....what happened? We were told that you collapsed. Are you OK?"

As Daryle had leant forward, Grace had laid her hand on his arm, her eyes pleading as she had nodded.

"I am fine...honest...they said that I had overexerted that is all"

Alexos had caught the interaction between the two, not happy knowing that there was something that they were not telling him, but he had smiled at her with relief, his eyes holding hers.

"I can take you anywhere you want to go" Grace saying nothing as he had added "But I am asking you to come home with me"

Her smile had lit up her lovely face as Grace had nodded fervently, he feeling heat fill his whole body "I would like that Alexos, I really, really would"

As he sat back Daryle had watched the two, feeling contentment to his very bones at the way things were working out. Grinning he had started to laugh, Alexos pulling his look from Grace holding back the words that had wanted to spill from him as he had been relieved to turn the conversation to something else as the two had talked over the rescue, Grace's eyes widening with all it had taken to get her out of the country.

Soon the plane had landed on the Greek mainland and Alexos had once more pulled his phone out to call for his helicopter to be readied. He had invited Daryle to join them, to stay at the villa, but giving Grace a wink Daryle had shaken his head "No...I think that I will find a hotel and leave you two crazy kids to talk"

Alexos had shaken his head. "The least I can do is offer you the use of my hotel suite" Grace giving Daryle a wide smile. "Yes...you should...it is amazing"

Daryle had nodded in thanks as again Alexos had organised for him to be picked up and taken to the luxury suite. However, he had also insisted that Daryle visit them before returning back to the UK, the other man nodding happily before pulling Grace into his arms.

"Now I expect a phone call, you know how much I love happy endings" his wicked grin causing her to flick a small amused smile towards Alexos as she had nodded gently back.

"You know I will"

Pulling back from him she had looked down at her hand, biting her lip softly before pulling the gold ring from her finger. Placing it gently into his hand she had given him a small tremulous smile, his eyes crinkling with a return one.

"I guess it's time for you to have this back"

Closing his hand over the small band Daryle had nodded "I guess it is" another strange look pa.s.sing between the two.

Watching the exchange Alexos had smiled, knowing that she had truly put something behind her, the hope rising within him that perhaps it was because she saw a different future for herself.

As the car had arrived for Daryle the two had moved to the helicopter, the loud burring of the blades making it impossible to talk for the short journey. As they had entered the villa he had insisted on her returning to bed, Grace chuckling with dancing eyes.

"Please Alexos...I am just out of the hospital...control yourself"

His lips twitching with humour "You know exactly what I mean young lady" Grace moving to the living room flicking him a smile. With a small sigh he had followed her.

"Can I get you a drink?"

Grace shook her head slowly, a strange expression on her face as she had taken a seat. Pausing almost nervously he had helped himself to whiskey, quickly taking a large gulp before moving to sit beside her, the two watching each other warily. Alexos was the first to speak his voice holding a small tortured note to it.

"I'm sorry Grace...sorry for what I said to you - I didn't mean a word of it" bleakness filling the darkness of his eyes "If you knew how much I have regretted those words. I've left messages for you, tried calling...I have been going out of my mind"

She had moved her hand to place it gently on his "I had to go Alexos, I had to" her voice softening "but I wanted to come back...if you would have let me"

The smile that had lit his face had made her grin back "G.o.d I've been such a fool" his groan making her stroke his cheek so lovingly.

"Daryle told me what happened six years ago...I had no idea" covering her hand with his he had pulled it to his mouth to kiss it "I would have encouraged you to go to university Grace...I would have wanted you to be happy...do you know why?"

Grace shaking her head, biting her lips softly "No..."

Alexos moving his hand to cup her cheeks as he had leant in to kiss her so tenderly "Because I love you...because I have always loved you"

Pulling back from her he had seen the tears rising to her lids; her lips start to tremble, unease filling him as she had given a small choked half-laugh, a smile spreading over her lovely features.

"Y...you do?" her voice incredulous as he had nodded back.

"My father always told me that he fell in love with my mother the moment he met her" softness in his eyes "I thought that was fanciful...and then I met you" chuckling he had looked more sheepish "Do you remember the first dive we shared?" Grace nodding softly, her eyes huge as she had listened to him "I remember getting out of the water and looking at you, and I knew. I knew instantly that I was in love with you...my Grace...so shy, so sweet...yet so prepared to chase sharks"

A another sob had left her lips as her eyes had shone, glistening with happy tears, before a shadow had crossed her features, her look becoming unsure.

"What about Angelica?" she had asked in a small voice, looking tentatively at him seeing the bafflement on his "What about her?" confusion filling his face as he had looked at her "You think there is something between the two of us?"

Grace looked uncomfortably back at him "You were with her the night you came home late to your father's...I smelt her perfume...and you didn't want me to stay"

His sigh had been pained as Grace had bit her lip "Yes...I saw her...but I hadn't planned it Grace"