Marry Me: Royally Complicated #2 Read online

  Marry Me

  Royally Complicated #2

  Avery Katz

  Contents

  Blurb

  Prologue

  1. Greg

  2. Quin

  3. Quin

  4. Greg

  5. Quin

  6. Greg

  7. Quin

  8. Greg

  9. Quin

  10. Greg

  11. Quin

  12. Greg

  13. Quin

  14. Greg

  15. Quin

  16. Greg

  17. Quin

  18. Greg

  19. Quin

  20. Greg

  21. Quin

  22. Greg

  23. Quin

  24. Quin

  25. Quin

  26. Greg

  27. Quin

  28. Greg

  29. Quin

  30. Greg

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Text Copyright © 2018 by Avery Katz

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Published in the United States by Porete Press

  https://www.poretepress.com

  Cover design by Sekhmetrics

  Second Edition

  An earlier version of this book was self-published under a different pen name with the title “Gambling With Greg: Royally Gay #2.” The series has been updated for a re-launch with Porete Press and an additional, never before published, fourth book in the series has been written.

  Blurb

  I’ve lived my life in the spotlight. I’ve never hidden my homosexuality from anyone. And as a prince, no one is out of my reach…except my best friend.

  It doesn’t matter who I go home with, I always imagine it’s him. I know it’s pathetic. He’ll never love me back, not in the way I want him to. But I can’t help it. I love him so much, and I love his baby girl as if she were my own.

  Keeping my distance…being a good friend…I tell myself it’s good enough. Until the day he comes to me with a request: Marry him so he can keep custody of his daughter.

  There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect him and his baby girl…even if it means breaking my heart. He thinks this is just a marriage of convenience, but for me, every moment is torture. He’s so close, but I can’t touch him. He’s right beside me, and yet, he’ll never be mine.

  Only one thing is certain: he can never know my secret. That when we exchanged vows, I meant every word I said.

  No matter what happens, I’ll love and cherish him and his baby girl forever.

  Prologue

  QUIN

  1 YEAR AGO

  Marriage.

  Holy hell. I was about to get married.

  My tailored tuxedo felt like a custom-made cage. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

  “You’re doing the right thing,” I whispered to myself. My wedding vows weighed like heavy rocks inside my breast pocket. I found them online the other day and printed them out in full. There was no point in writing something from the heart. Wendy and I weren’t exactly a pair of lovebirds. We were tying the knot for the sake of our baby. My fiancée was heavily pregnant and a big fan of Harry Potter. She was obsessed with the books, so naturally, our wedding was supposed to reflect her obsession. Wendy was in charge of the planning, so I had zero say in it.

  Boy was I having a serious case of cold feet. Every bone in my body was telling me to get out of here. I was about to make the biggest mistake of my life. Marriage wasn’t really what I had in mind when I met Wendy. I never expected to be sucked into this wedding vortex. It was never in the cards for me. How on earth did I get here?

  “Quin. There you are.” My mother interrupted my train of thought. She was one hundred percent behind our union. She was overjoyed that her only son was finally getting hitched. The idea of me being gay and never getting married always scared her. She straightened my tie and smiled. “My handsome groom. What are you doing out here?”

  “Nothing.” I shrugged. “I just needed some air is all.”

  She linked her arm through mine and guided me back inside. She was excited about becoming a grandmother for the first time. Wendy was nine months pregnant and about to pop. When I first found out, I almost fainted. I wasn’t ready to become a dad. Fatherhood was something you shared with your love. Your other half. Not with someone you barely knew. A one-night stand while drunk. My stomach clenched as we made our way back to church. The warm San Diego weather did nothing for my cold feet. Nothing.

  The church was packed with friends and family. My eyes instantly zeroed in on Greg. He was my handsome best man. His hazel eyes twinkled in response to my nervous smile. I hated being the center of attention. The prince, on the other hand, was accustomed to it. His eyes were brimming with love and affection of the platonic kind. I knew he loved me as a friend and nothing more. Sure we fooled around a couple of times, but nothing serious ever came of it. He was my first. He took my virginity when we were in boarding school and ruined me for other men. He showered me with pleasure. Pleasure that I failed to experience with anyone else. Greg was a no-strings-attached kind of guy though. He only hooked up with people for fun.

  If I were him, I would have probably done the same thing. He was rich, gorgeous and came from a long line of kings and queens. He was European royalty. The guests at the wedding were openly staring at his tall, distinctive frame. He had such a straight, regal posture. I walked up to him and told him about my cold feet.

  “This wedding was rushed because of the baby,” I quickly confessed while the remaining guests were being seated. “Everything just happened so fast. I barely had time to think it through.”

  Greg clapped me on the shoulder and gave me a reassuring smile. I needed him to tell me that I was making a colossal mistake. I imagined him taking my hand and confessing his undying love for me. We could sail away on a boat to an unknown destination and make love under the sun. If only my circumstances were different.

  “Relax. You’ll be fine,” he said. “I know this girl who almost pulled a Julia Roberts in Runaway Bride right before her wedding. Fast forward five years later and she’s still madly in love with her hubby. I’m telling you, this shit happens all the time.”

  His words did nothing to ease my fear and uncertainty. The violinist we hired for the wedding started playing the Harry Potter theme song. Wendy appeared in the doorway in her mermaid gown. I plastered a fake smile on my lips and watched her march down the aisle. During the ceremony, I crossed my fingers and hoped that Greg would put an end to this madness. I expected him to speak up and shout -I object!- at the very last second. Unfortunately, all he did was smile and pose for the cameras.

  Once the ceremony was over, we headed straight to the reception. Wendy was too busy gushing about the ruby-red orchids and Gryffindor theme to notice my dark mood. I glanced around the ballroom, hoping to find Greg. I needed to tell him how I really feel before it was too late. Who was I kidding? That ship had already sailed.

  I watched our guests line up for the buffet. Wendy ditched me to take more selfies with her bridesmaids, so I took advantage of the situation and went looking for the Prince. I had a feeling he was at the bar, so I turned around, and there he was, drun
kenly locking lips with another man.

  Greg will always be Greg.

  1

  Greg

  1 YEAR LATER

  Raplen greeted me with a heatwave worse than the one in California. The afternoon sun was scorching hot. I wheeled my suitcase towards the sleek black Jaguar waiting for me at the exit. Elliot, my favorite driver, greeted me with a polite smile. He was taking me straight to Lockridge Palace to attend Danny’s anniversary party. Being a prince definitely had its perks, especially if you were the queen’s favorite grandson. Grandmother Emmeline sure loved fairy-tale endings. My brother was celebrating two years of wedded bliss. He was incredibly happy with his husband, Nathan. Their commitment to each other was sickeningly sweet.

  Raplen City was bustling with tourists who came to check out our fuckload of summer festivals. People here loved celebrating the season by drinking and throwing elaborate garden parties. We were all about nature in my home country. Everyone had a small garden in their backyard. Some people even grew out their own fruits and whatnots. Los Angeles and San Francisco were littered with vegan cafes and restaurants, much like Raplen. I only visited my country on special occasions. Living on my own was liberating, especially in mellow California. I was less of a prince and more of a foreign entrepreneur. I ran my own real estate business. It felt good to bring home the bacon rather than rely on my royal allowance. My brothers and I were raised with a golden spoon in our mouths. We belonged to one of the oldest royal families in Europe. I was reminded of this fact every time I came here.

  Lockridge Palace was surrounded by a large crowd of Asian tourists. I waved out of habit and smiled at the flashing cameras. “Welcome home, Your Highness.”

  “Thank you, Elliot.”

  Home sweet home. I could see the tulips all the way from the iron gates. Queen Emmeline was obsessed with them. She had the entire palace remodeled to reflect her unique personality. The guards stationed at the entrance waved us in. The tall, winged horses near the gates were recently commissioned by our father. They were definitely impressive. I missed the grandeur of this place. Everything was ginormous and extravagant.

  The anniversary party took place in the east wing, close to the royal gardens. The corridors leading up to the ballroom were stuffed with an array of gifts from different countries. As a kid, I used to sneak in here and play football just to piss off my governess. I loved watching her lose her shit. Every room in this castle had a story to tell. I definitely missed it while I was away at boarding school.

  “Gregory!”

  I turned around to find Ruppy vaping outside on the eastern balcony. My older brother was the poster boy for responsibility, honor, and loyalty. “Ruppy. Long time no see.” I sniffed the vanilla-scented air. “Looks like you’ve taken up vaping while I was away.”

  “Indeed I have.” He nodded and gave me a brief brotherly hug. “You look tanned as hell,” he remarked. “California looks good on you.”

  “Thanks,” I said, careful not to inhale those fumes. Back in Cali, people smoked weed everywhere. It was hard not to get high in the company of friends. Vaping, on the other hand, was not my thing.

  Ruppy and I entered the lively ballroom where the party was in full swing. Danny had some sort of tropical theme going on. We were greeted at the door by two ladies dressed in traditional Hawaiian attire. They draped flower garlands around our necks and ushered us past the fake palm trees. I was fucking amused by the whole thing. Leave it to Danny boy to bring a slice of America complete with apple sangrias and coconut drinks. A live band was playing on a stage in the corner, and an open bar was serving cocktail drinks with matching colored umbrellas.

  “Welcome to paradise, brother.”

  I hardly recognized the man standing in front of me. He was dressed in a floral shirt and khaki shorts. He looked relaxed and happy. Marriage definitely suited him. “Danny! How the fuck did you manage to bring Hawaii to the jolly hills of Raplen City?”

  “I have my ways.” He winked. “It’s good to have you back. How is California?”

  “Hot and humid, much like Raplen.”

  “Ah. Yes. Thank God for air conditioner.” He draped his arm over my shoulder and told me all about his latest adventures with Nathan. I listened to him until my ears could no longer take the gushy, cheesy tales of romance. His husband made goo-goo eyes at him and gave him a juicy kiss in front of everyone. Aunt Edith looked like she was about to throw up. I see she’s still as homophobic as ever. I said hello to my grandmother before greeting my parents, Theodore the heir apparent and Margaret. We haven’t set eyes upon each other for months but they received me, cool as ever.

  Everyone was present, including cousin Lizzie, Freddy, Thomas, and Uncle Nicholas. Our stuffy relatives were also here. They glared at my tattoos with disapproval.

  I picked up my champagne glass and offered to make a toast. “Please raise your glasses for the happy couple. Now that the honeymoon period is over, they can truly experience married life.”

  Danny rolled his eyes at me. “Joking aside, I really do wish you all the best. Now give your husband a kiss.” I tapped the crystal flute with a spoon and urged them to do it. Aunt Edith gave me a dirty look in response. I was born to ruffle her constipated feathers.

  “There you go.” I tapped my glass three times while they kissed. Margaret, also known as my mother, tugged on my shirt. She was dressed to the nines in a room full of pineapples and Hawaiian shirts.

  “Gregory, stop it right this instant,” she snapped. “If you click your glass one more time, I will stuff it down your throat.”

  “Oh, how kinky of you, Mommy dearest.” I stifled my laughter and sat down. She was no fun at all. The ambiance might have been great, but the company was kind of boring. The party was pretty tame compared to the wild pool parties I attended back in Cali.

  “Time for some booze.”

  I sat at the Tiki bar and ordered a mojito. Every time I come here, boredom sets in, and I contemplated leaving again. I took a sip from my chilled drink and watched Nathan serenade Danny from the stage. His bandmates were also here for the anniversary. I downed my drink and ordered a sunset-colored mai tai. I toyed with the umbrella, growing restless by the minute. Prince Asher suddenly plopped down on the empty stool next to mine. Now he was a sight for sore eyes. I licked my lips and checked him out while he ordered a piña colada. He was such a hunk.

  “Hey, cutie. Why the long face?”

  He brushed his wavy hair out of his grey eyes and sighed. “I hate coming here. No offense. Raplen is way too hot this time of year.”

  Liar. I knew for a fact that he was pining after Danny. “Yeah.” I nodded. Ironically enough, I was pining after my best friend too. We were in the same big yet forlorn boat. A wise man once told me that the best way to get over someone was to get under someone else. I would gladly fuck Prince Asher. He was drool worthy.

  “Nice shirt by the way. Are those lightsabers?” I leaned in closer to him and inhaled his delicious musky scent.

  “Yes,” he replied. “I have a thing for Star Wars.”

  “Do you now?” I raised an amused eyebrow. “Interesting. I never pegged you for a Trekkie.”

  He laughed. “Trekkies are Star Trek Fans,” he corrected me. “Nice try though.”

  “So, what is a handsome bachelor like you doing here? You should be sowing your wild oats in Ibiza, or better yet, Santorini.” I flirted with his royal highness.

  He frowned at his drink and shrugged. “I promised Danny to attend his party, so here I am.”

  “Yes. Here you are.” I lightly nudged his shoulder. “Miserable yet sexy.”

  “Are you flirting with me?” He smiled.

  “Why? Is it illegal in your country to flirt with hot, eligible men?”

  Cousin Belinda interrupted our conversation with a loud snort. “Oh, get a room you two.” She huffed. “What is it about women that made you abandon them in favor of men?”

  I grinned and pulled a face at her. “You should kno
w the intrigue of a man since you’re married to one.” I shot back. “Or are you? Because last time I checked, your husband was the spineless sort. In more ways than one.”

  If looks could kill, cousin Belinda would have murdered me on the spot. “You are incorrigible,” she spat at me before walking away.

  “Oooh. Burn.” Prince Asher chuckled.

  “Serves her right. Our family has its fair share of homophobic assholes.”

  I ordered another round of drinks and flirted with him some more. Lately, no one seemed to hold my attention for more than a week. I guess it had something to do with my feelings for Quin. Every time one of my relatives would come to the bar, I would say something to offend them. It turned into a drinking game with Prince Asher who found my honesty rather refreshing.

  One hour and three drinks later, I received a surprise text from Quin. The party faded into the background while I read his message. He texted me four simple words:

  Greg. I need you.

  I quickly got up from my chair and ditched the Cardovian Prince. My best friend rarely texted me. He was too busy with his family. I stepped out of the ballroom and called him, my heart pounding like crazy. Fuck. I was worried about him more than anything. It was close to five in the morning on his side of the planet.

  “Hey. Is everything okay?” I asked him the second he picked up.

  “No, Greg. Things are so fucked up. I’m getting a divorce.” He sounded distraught on the phone.

  “Shit.”

  His words came as a surprise to me. He never mentioned anything about a divorce. The news blindsided me big-time.

  “Yep. Shit is the right word to describe my situation right now.” He sighed. “Look, I hate to bother you with this, but I could really use your company right now.”

  “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  2