Royal Opposites Read Online Free

held the slightest tinge of expectancy that made him smile. She’d told him years ago he’d always be her little boy and she’d worry over him always. After being away from her for an entire year, he could imagine how excited she’d be to see him. He tried not to let on, but the feeling was mutual.
    “I’m still in Santa Monica. I had some business to wrap up today.” He rubbed his temple when he remembered how well that wrapping up had gone. “I’ll be on the first British Air flight leaving in the morning.”
    “Darling, if you fly commercial it’ll take you forever to get here. Why don’t I send the jet?”
    “That’s quite tempting, Mother, but I have one final company to vet. I’ll be there soon.” He smiled at Joan signaling he hadn’t forgotten her.
    His mother heaved a heavy sigh before saying, “Very well, my darling. If you must, you must.”
    Tom frowned. “Is there something you’re not telling me?
    Some reason I should rethink my itinerary?”
    His mother laughed, but he could tell it was forced. “Have you heard news of Marlachina?”
    If he hadn’t been puzzled before, he was now. Was his mother trying to warn him that his nemesis had indeed gotten wind of his plans? No. That didn’t make sense. His mother had never believed how manipulative the younger woman could be.

    “Now that you mention her, please give my regards to Marlachina.
    You may let her know I’ll be home soon if you wish.”
    He heard his mother’s relieved breath rush out of her lungs.
    “I most certainly will.” Oh crap. That had been the wrong thing to say. His mother had made no secret of the fact that she’d like the two of them to marry. “And, Tomas, she has announced her engagement.”
    Tom couldn’t stop his eyebrows from shooting up in surprise under the lank of blond hair he’d have to cut once he was again on Rafferstonian soil. He shuddered to imagine what the poor bloke was in for once he said, “I do.”
    “In that case, add to my message that I will be delighted to give her away.” His mother went silent. He gave her a moment to compose her thoughts before pressing the point home. “And, Mother, be certain to say ‘delighted’ when you speak with her. So there’s no misunderstanding.”
    “Are you sure, Tomas? The wedding isn’t for another few weeks. You would have time to”—”
    Tom smiled. “Excellent. That’s plenty of time for the tailors to prepare a new suit for the occasion. I love you.”
    “I love you, too, my son.” She hung up the phone. Tom took his away from his ear and regarded it for a moment. So Marlachina was getting married. He hoped the nuptials would mellow her out a bit so she no longer had the time to meddle in the affairs of his state. Except, if she was busy planning a wedding, then who was behind the scene in the bank?
    “Whoever this Marlachina is, I don’t think I’d want to be in her shoes. Judging by your expression, she isn’t that well liked.”
    Joan’s observation startled him out of his disturbing thoughts. Tom tucked his phone away in his pocket. “If you were to look up royal pain in the neck, you’d behold her picture.”
    “I’m sure she can’t be all bad.”
    “Perhaps, but she’s trying quite hard to get there.” Suddenly restless, Tom slid out of the booth. He tossed several bills on the table he knew would more than cover their meal and give Molly a generous tip. Even though this was one of the businesses he expected to partner with once he returned home, this would be his last quiet meal here. It would never again be otherwise with the kind of entourage the king required.
    Joan looked at the money then back at him. “Are you sure I don’t owe you anything?”
    The question caught him off guard. Every woman he’d ever shared a meal with had expected him to pay, no questions asked.
    Of course, they understood their dinner companion was the crown prince of Rafferstonia from the beginning. Since he’d kinda left all mentions