www.millsandboon.co.uk

      To the real “jewels” in this series:

       Jennifer Greene, Sara Orwig, Cindy Gerard and Sheri WhiteFeather.

       Thanks for taking me under your wings, and then letting me fly.

       I couldn’t have done it without you.

      KRISTI GOLD

      began her romance-writing career at the tender age of twelve, when she and her sister spun romantic yarns involving a childhood friend and a popular talk-show host. Since that time, she’s given up celebrity heroes for her favorite types of men, doctors and cowboys, as her husband is both. An avid sports fan, she attends football and baseball games in her spare time. She resides on a small ranch in central Texas with her three children and retired neurosurgeon husband, along with various livestock ranging from Texas longhorn cattle to spoiled yet talented equines. At one time she competed in regional and national Appaloosa horse shows as a nonpro, but she gave up riding for writing and turned the “reins” over to her youngest daughter. She attributes much of her success to her sister, Kim, who encouraged her in her writing, even during the tough times. When she’s not in her office writing her current book, she’s dreaming about it. Readers may contact Kristi at P.O. Box 11292, Robinson, TX 76116.

      “What’s Happening in Royal?”

      NEWS FLASH, April—Sources have linked the enigmatic Sheikh Ben Rassad, prince of Amythra, to Royal’s own Jamie Morris. This mystery man is fairly new to Royal, and keeps to himself. The gossip mill claims he’s filthy rich! And being the latest member inducted into the exclusive Texas Cattleman’s Club gives him that extra cachet that’s so irresistible to women….

      Jamie Morris deserves some good fortune. Last we heard, she was jilted—before she even got to the altar—by her mail-order patron. Plus she was nearly a hit-and-run victim right here in town. Who could have wished her harm? Witnesses say the dashing sheikh came to the rescue…and has yet to release her from his protection….

      And do our gentlemen in the Cattleman’s Club wish to tell us about their secret meetings being held late into the night? More to come…

      Contents

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      One

      He had never seen anyone quite so beautiful, nor heard anything quite so intolerable.

      Sheikh Ben Rassad pretended to peruse the antiques displayed behind the shop window as he watched the young woman walk away from the adjacent local dry cleaners.

      She clutched a substantial garment covered in clear plastic—and sang in a pitch that could very well wake those who had long since returned to Allah. Ben would not be surprised if every hound residing in Royal, Texas—pedigreed or of questionable breeding—joined her in a canine chorus.

      She sang with a vengeance, optimism apparent in her voice. She sang of the sun coming out tomorrow, although at the moment bright rays of light burnished her long blond hair blowing in the mild April breeze, turning it to gold. She sang as if tomorrow might not arrive unless she willed it so.

      Ben smiled to himself. Her enthusiasm was almost contagious, had she been able to carry a decent tune.

      As she strolled the downtown sidewalk, Ben followed a comfortable distance behind his charge while she searched various windows. Although she was small in stature, her faded jeans enhanced her curves, proving that she was, indeed, more woman than girl.

      Ben had noticed many pleasing aspects about Jamie Morris in the weeks since he had been assigned to protect her covertly. His fellow Texas Cattleman’s Club members had originally requested that he guard her against two persistent men from the small European country of Asterland. The men had been sent to investigate after a plane en route to Asterland had crash-landed just outside Royal—a plane Jamie Morris had been on. She’d been bound for her arranged wedding to Asterland cabinet member Albert Payune, a man with questionable intentions and connections. Jamie had walked away from the crash without serious injury or further obligation to marry. Although the suspected anarchists had returned to their country, she was still not safe. The marriage had come with a price. Quite possibly Jamie’s life.

      Because of Jamie’s ties to Payune, Ben had secretly memorized her habits in order to keep her safe, guarding her with the same tenacity he utilized in business. Though she was a magnificent creature to behold, duty came first, something he had learned from his upbringing in a country that starkly contrasted with America and its customs.

      Now he must protect Jamie from Robert Klimt, a man believed to be Payune’s accomplice in planning a revolution in Asterland—a man