His Defiant Desert Queen(80)

                “Yes, that all sounds very lovely, but you can’t buy property in that area for less than two million, and a home such as the one you describe would easily be upward of three million—”

                “Almost four,” he agreed, “but it’s in pristine condition and has the high ceilings and elegant formal rooms she would enjoy.”

                Jemma reached for a pillow and drew it to her chest. “You sound as if you know her.”

                “I did meet her at your sister’s wedding, but you forget, your mother and mine were very similar in background. It’s not difficult to imagine the kind of home she would be comfortable in, so I can tell you now that the house is in escrow, and I’ve been assured it will close at the end of today, as the wired funds have already reached the bank. I had my Realtor purchase the house in your mother’s maiden name, which apparently is her legal name again. No one can take it from her.”

                Jemma stared at him. “I don’t understand.”

                “I think she’s suffered enough, don’t you?”

                Jemma struggled to speak around the lump filling her throat. “But you hate the Copelands.”

                “I hate your father, but your mother shouldn’t be punished for his crimes.” He hesitated. “Nor should you. So I did what I thought was best. It is my gift to you—”

                “It’s too much. I can’t accept—”

                “You don’t have to. The gift is in your mother’s name. There’s nothing you can do about it.”

                “She won’t accept it.”

                “She has.”

                “What?”

                “I have been communicating with your brother, Branson. He has assisted me with a few financial details.”

                “He would never do that!”

                Mikael sat up, muscles tightening across his chest, rippling down the length of his bare, lean torso. “You don’t think a son wants his mother safe? Protected?”

                “I know Branson. He wouldn’t allow you to do such a thing.”

                “He would, if he understood we had done it together.”

                Jemma grew still. “You told him about...us?”

                “I told him you were here with me, and that I intended to make you my queen.”

                “And he was okay with that?”

                Mikael nodded and lay back down, arms folding behind his head. “Better than okay. He was very pleased for both of us and offered to throw us a party in London, as soon as we could visit. I told him we’d be there soon, probably before the end of the month.”

                She squeezed the pillow tighter. “You sound so smug.”

                “You should be happy I helped her, not angry.”

                “You can’t do these things, though.”

                “Why not? I am your husband. It’s my duty to provide for you and your family.”

                “A family you hate.”