Royal Heist. Rachelle McCalla

      

      A ROYAL WEDDING—AND A SHOCKING CRIME

      After rescuing jewelry designer Ruby Tate from an attacker, Lydian royal guard Galen Harris suspects the crime wasn’t a random incident. Jewelry thieves have set their sights on Lydia’s royal family, and they won’t let anyone stand in their way—including Ruby, who’s in town to help the princess with her wedding jewels. The closer Ruby and Galen get to uncovering the mystery, the harder it is to deny their feelings. But with a deadly gang of criminals after them, will they live to see their own happily ever after?

      Protecting the Crown: The royal guardsmen serve their country with honor and integrity

      “How do you know he followed you?”

      “I heard footsteps.” Ruby’s voice broke.

      Jade-green eyes blinked at him with fear in their depths.

      Galen felt his heart twist. Part of him had been eager to see Ruby ever since he’d heard she’d stepped in to fill the role of Anastasia’s assistant, as the talented princess designed all the jewelry for the upcoming royal weddings. An equal part of him had been wary of a potentially awkward reunion. But awkwardness had become the least of his concerns.

      “Are you okay?” He spotted the red marks along her neck where the strap of her bag had cut against her. “Did he hurt you?”

      “I’m fine, I think.” She touched her neck. “Just sore.”

      He ignored the way he felt sitting close to her and focused on the attack.

      He had things to do—such as reporting the incident to royal guard headquarters and making sure Ruby really was all right.

      And figuring out who her attacker was, and what he was after. And then, making sure the man never hurt Ruby again.

      RACHELLE McCALLA

      is a mild-mannered housewife, and the toughest she ever has to get is when she’s trying to keep her four kids quiet in church. Though she often gets in over her head, as her characters do, and has to find a way out, her adventures have more to do with sorting out the carpool and providing food for the potluck. She’s never been arrested, gotten in a fistfight or been shot at. And she’d like to keep it that way! For recipes, fun background notes on the places and characters in this book and more information on forthcoming titles, visit www.rachellemccalla.com.

      Royal Heist

      Rachelle McCalla

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

       Before you start reading, why not sign up?

      Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!

       SIGN ME UP!

      Or simply visit

      signup.millsandboon.co.uk

      Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.

      Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:

      Who created all these?

      He who brings out the starry host one by one

      and calls forth each of them by name.

      ecause of his great power and mighty strength,

      not one of them is missing.

      —Isaiah 40:26

      Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy,

      and where thieves break in and steal.

      But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

      —Matthew 6:19–21

      To Eddie and Ginger McCalla. Thank you for raising your son to be an honorable and Godly man.

      Contents

       ONE

       TWO

       THREE

       FOUR

       FIVE

       SIX

       SEVEN

       EIGHT

       NINE

       TEN

       ELEVEN

       TWELVE

       THIRTEEN

       FOURTEEN

       FIFTEEN

       SIXTEEN

       SEVENTEEN

       EIGHTEEN

       NINETEEN

       TWENTY

       TWENTY-ONE

       TWENTY-TWO

       DEAR READER

       QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

      ONE

      Ruby Tate looked over her shoulder at the sound of footsteps behind her.

      A hulking figure, more shadow than man, slipped behind the nearest building.

      Ruby blinked. Was someone there, or were her eyes playing tricks on her in the dimness of dusk? Unsure of how to react, Ruby walked faster. At the end of the block she turned the corner. The road bent uphill toward the Lydian royal palace. She would