Dumped By A Hockey Star, Crowned By A Secret Prince

Brian froze, his eyes narrowing.

Had this woman lost her mind? Did she honestly think pulling him off the street made him her husband?

Still, she seemed completely at ease, almost as though she had no clue who he actually was.

He raised his chin and studied her more carefully. "You do realize we're from completely different worlds, don't you?"

Cathryn nodded. "Good. At least you're aware of that."

She missed the disbelief on his face as she secured the towel around herself tighter and rose from the bed. "I don't care that you're a beggar. Besides, I don't need you to be my husband forever. Three years will be enough."

She stepped closer, meeting his eyes. "Say yes, and we're getting married today."

Brian held her stare, his face unreadable.

News stations were still reporting his disappearance, yet the woman in front of him had mistaken him for a beggar.

The misunderstanding was so ridiculous that he couldn't help finding it entertaining.

He lifted an eyebrow and asked, "What if I say no?"

Cathryn looked him over with a hint of sympathy. "Then you'll lose your hands and feet. And your tongue too."

Elias had made sure Cathryn had no way out. The first man she met had two choices—marry her, or suffer something far worse than death.

Brian's expression darkened.

Plenty of people wanted him dead, but no one had ever looked him in the eye and said it.

This woman had guts.

He had every reason to turn her down. Still, the confidence on her pretty face amused him, and he suddenly wanted to see how far she would take this.

How would she react once she learned his true identity and understood what being his wife actually meant? Would she still be so cocky?

Besides, the royal family had been pushing him to marry for years. Bringing home an arrogant woman like her? That would shut them up.

The thought brought a knowing smile to his lips. "All right. I'll marry you."

Satisfied with his answer, Cathryn picked up her clothes and headed for the bathroom. "Good. We still have enough time. Get dressed, and we'll go and make the marriage official."

She asked the hotel staff to deliver a suit for Brian. After he changed, she took him directly to the city hall.

Once they received the marriage certificate, Cathryn didn't bother reading it. She took a quick photo before tossing the document to Brian. "I'm leaving. Don't call me. I'll call you when I need you."

Brian caught the certificate and studied her unconcerned face. "You never planned on treating this like a real marriage, did you?"

Cathryn glanced at him before casually pressing one finger against his firm chest. "What, you were hoping to play husband? Sleep together? Act like a real couple?"

Her fingertip burned through his shirt. The boldness of it caught him off guard.

He glanced down at her manicured nails and had to admit that she'd made a fair point.

For years, women had thrown themselves at him—for his title, his face, his money.

But his new wife? She just wanted a placeholder.

Before Brian could answer, Cathryn gave him a teasing smile. "I can't deny that you're my type, but this is only a contract marriage. I'm not going to make you do anything. No pressure. Gotta go. Later."

She turned and headed toward a sleek black sedan waiting by the curb. Its design was luxurious without drawing too much attention.

Brian watched the car pull away before lowering his eyes to the marriage certificate in his hands.

So, Cathryn Carter was her name.

He tucked the certificate away and calmly pressed a button on the silver bracelet around his wrist.

Within five minutes, rotor blades roared overhead.

People nearby looked up in alarm. Before anyone understood what was happening, several rugged black SUVs pulled in and sealed the block.

Trained guards poured out and swept the street clean. Kolton Miles rushed to Brian and dropped to one knee. "Your Highness, we failed you. Punish us however you see fit. Your jet is waiting at the airport, and we can inform His Majesty that you're returning right away."

Brian raised one hand to stop him. "No. Find me a place here first."

Confusion crossed Kolton's face. "You plan to stay here? But Their Majesties are waiting; they want you to choose a bride."

"Not anymore." Brian handed him the marriage certificate. "I've already chosen my wife. Start the wedding preparations."

He opened the car door but paused. His voice was quiet but absolute. "I'm staying. I need time with my wife. No one disturbs me. And not a word leaks until I say so."

Kolton watched the car leave before staring down at the marriage certificate. His knees almost gave way beneath him.

How the hell was he supposed to explain this to the royal family?

The Crown Prince had vanished for one night and somehow gotten married before anyone found him.

Cathryn Carter?

Kolton couldn't remember a single noble family in the country with a daughter by that name.

The Crown Princess wasn't a noblewoman at all. She was someone no one in the royal family had ever heard of.

Sweat gathered on Kolton's forehead when he imagined the punishment waiting for him back at the palace.

Still, he didn't dare challenge the Crown Prince's decision. He could only watch the car disappear before giving the others their orders. "Find His Highness a place to stay. And dig up everything on Cathryn Carter. Everything."