Familiar Mirage. Caroline Burnes

      “I intend to make love to you.”

      Beth swallowed, but she didn’t back away. Omar wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into an embrace. When his lips found hers, she responded without hesitation.

      It took only seconds for the kiss to flame through his blood.

      Omar knew he was making a mistake. Beth Bradshaw was the woman he would have to betray before the month was out. To protect his people and his heritage, he would have to deceive her. She would be labeled a failure, even though her theories were one hundred percent right. And he would be the tool of her destruction.

      Yet, he couldn’t resist her.

      Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

      We’ve got another month of sinister summer sizzlers lined up for you starting with the one and only Familiar—your favorite crime-solving black cat! Travel with the feisty feline on a magic carpet to the enchanting land of sheiks in Caroline Burnes’s Familiar Mirage, the first part of FEAR FAMILIAR: DESERT MYSTERIES. You can look for the companion book, Familiar Oasis, next month.

      Then it’s back to the heart of the U.S.A. for another outstanding CONFIDENTIAL installment. This time, the sexiest undercover operatives around take on Chicago in this bestselling continuity series. Cassie Miles launches the whole shebang with Not on His Watch.

      Debra Webb continues her COLBY AGENCY series with one more high-action, heart-pounding romantic suspense story in Physical Evidence. What these Colby agents won’t do to solve a case—they’ll even become prime suspects to take care of business…and fall in love.

      Finally, esteemed Harlequin Intrigue author Leona Karr brings you a classic mystery about a woman who washes up on the shore sans memory. Good thing she’s saved by a man determined to find her Lost Identity.

      A great lineup to be sure. So make sure you pick up all four titles for the full Harlequin Intrigue reading experience.

      Sincerely,

      Denise O’Sullivan

      Associate Senior Editor

      Harlequin Intrigue

      Familiar Mirage

      Caroline Burnes

      

      

www.millsandboon.co.uk

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Caroline Burnes continues her life as doorman and can opener for her six cats and three dogs. E. A. Poe, the prototype cat for Familiar, rules as king of the ranch, followed by his lieutenants, Miss Vesta, Gumbo, Chester, Maggie the Cat and Ash. The dogs, though a more lowly life form, are tolerated as foot soldiers by the cats. They are Sweetie Pie, Maybelline and Corky.

      CAST OF CHARACTERS

      Familiar—While traveling in Egypt with Eleanor and Peter, Familiar (viewed as a god by the Egyptians) becomes involved with a beautiful U.S. anthropologist.

      Beth Bradshaw—Finding the lost City of Con is Beth’s mission, and the act that could cement her career. The vast Egyptian desert is dangerous, but not nearly as dangerous as the guide she hires to lead her expedition.

      Omar Dukhan—Desert born and European educated, Omar is a man caught between a rock and a hard place. He must choose between duty and love—before Beth is killed.

      Harad Dukhan—Harad has forsaken his heritage, but has he also given up his honor and brother?

      Bettina Nazar—He’s the man with the money and the impetus behind Beth’s quest for the lost city. A man who prefers the shadows to the light, he has endless funds and a strong desire to remain faceless and nameless.

      John Gilmore—Jealous, petty and a whiner, John makes the trip aggravating for Beth, but he is also an expert at his job. When several other scientists mutiny, John stands by Beth, but is it all a farce?

      Mauve Killigan—Not only is Mauve a scientist, she’s Beth’s friend. In the dangerous and competitive race to find the lost city and the treasures it may hold, Mauve stands to lose a lot—including her life.

      Amelia Corbet—Beth’s adopted sister lives in New York and works for one of the top public-relations firms in the nation. When Beth calls for help, will be she able to answer?

      To Dianna—

       A good friend and animal lover. Many thanks for your friendship.

      Contents

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      Chapter Eleven

      Chapter Twelve

      Chapter Thirteen

      Chapter Fourteen

      Chapter Fifteen

      Chapter Sixteen

      Chapter Seventeen

      Chapter Eighteen

      Chapter One

      The world is a strange and wondrous place! Alexandria, Egypt! Imagine. I stepped off that big jet plane and into a world where humanoids have finally come to their senses—they’re all cat worshipers.

      My fellow felines are all around me, lounging in the airport as if they owned the place. Of course, cats are so far advanced in thought and spirit that we understand that “owning” anything is ridiculous. But it is refreshing to see a culture where humans know their place.

      Ah, Egypt. Home of the Sphinx, Cleopatra, the Sahara Desert and a million and one magical dreams. Peter, my humanoid and veterinarian, is here to discuss the latest programs for helping felines control their population. It’s going to be a hard sell, but as the populations of humans and animals swell on the planet, we’re all going to have to do our part.

      There go Peter and the lovely Eleanor with our bags. I suppose I should follow along like a good kitty. I can sightsee once we’re checked into our hotel.

      Now who is that little pixie with the fire in her eyes? My goodness, she’s handing out orders like a drill sergeant. And she has a whole troop to do her bidding. Dig those khaki shorts and those utilitarian hiking boots. All she needs is a pith helmet and she can sally forth into the desert in search of Dr. Livingston. But she is cute as a button.

      Normally I go for the taller model humanette, but there’s something about Miss Explorer that just makes me want to watch her. It’s her determination. I can almost smell it. She’s here on a mission, and nothing is going to stand in her way. I think I’ll sidle over, do a little eavesdropping and see what she’s up to.

      Hmm. She’s an anthropologist, and she’s brought enough equipment to examine the tombs of the pharaohs. I just love women who dig up bones. That’s sort of my job—digging up bones and clues and anything else that helps solve a mystery.

      So she’s looking for a lost civilization. Interesting, and not just to me. There’s a man behind that pillar who’s just as curious about Miss Explorer as I am. In fact, I’d say he’s even more interested.

      My, my. This man reminds