The Sultan's Harem Bride. Annie West

      

       ‘Don’t apologise.’ Asim breathed deep, filling the void in his lungs. ‘I don’t like it when you’re…meek.’

      The words surprised him as much as her. He felt the shock of the admission reverberate through him even as he saw it ripple across her face.

      He didn’t approve of the way she argued with him, refusing to be silenced after he’d made a decision. It happened daily when she tried to wheedle access to records or palace staff or ancient pavilions that had been locked up as unsafe generations ago. Yet seeing her hesitant and downcast was like watching a bright light dim.

      For long seconds their eyes locked. Long enough for him to notice that in the syrupy lateafternoon light her eyes flashed with shards of gold.

      Slowly her mouth eased into a crooked smile.

      ‘In that case, Asim…’ Jacqui paused over his name as if savouring it ‘…I promise not to be meek with you again.’

      She scooped up her towel and wrapped it around herself, hurrying towards her room. But her chin was up and her shoulders back and, despite his body’s howl of protest at her departure, Asim found himself smiling.

       DESERT VOWS

       Two powerful desert princes…and the only women who can tame them

      Sultan Asim of Jazeer and Sheikh Tariq of Al-Sarath are both bound by honour, duty and tradition. They’ve always known they must marry, but it will be for the good of their kingdoms—not for love. Yet now two very different women threaten the vows Asim and Tariq have always sworn to uphold.

      As desire burns hotter than the desert sand can these powerful men withstand the heat of temptation?

      Find out in:

       THE SULTAN’S HAREM BRIDE February 2015

       THE SHEIKH’S PRINCESS BRIDE April 2015

      The Sultan’s

      Harem Bride

      Annie West

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      Growing up near the beach, ANNIE WEST spent lots of time observing tall, burnished lifeguards’early research! Now she spends her days fantasising about gorgeous men and their love-lives. Annie has been a reader all her life. She also loves travel, long walks, good company and great food.

      You can contact her at [email protected] or PO Box 1041, Warners Bay, NSW 2282, Australia.

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      To my dear friend Karen

      with love and thanks, not just for now, but always.

      Contents

       Cover

       Introduction

Desert Vows

       Title Page

       About the Author

       Dedication

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

       Extract

       Copyright

       CHAPTER ONE

      ‘GIVE IT UP, JACK. This is a wild goose chase.’ Imran’s voice came over the hubbub of vehicles, people and livestock thronging the pre-election cavalcade.

      ‘No!’ Jacqui shook her head. ‘You’ll see. It will be worth it.’

      It had to be worth it. They had a chance to interview one of the world’s most hard to meet opposition leaders, an inspirational reformer the authorities would do anything to silence. It was an opportunity not to be missed.

      Yet uneasiness stirred. This