One passionate night was all it took! Now Lucy is mother of Sheikh
Kahlil’s son. If their baby is to inherit the kingdom of Abadan, Kahlil
insists that Lucy must marry him!
Lucy is all at once appalled by the idea of a temporary marriage
to the arrogant Sheikh- and overwhelmed by the attraction still pulsating between
them. She can’t deny her desire to share Kahlil’s bed again- even
if it is only for six months as his bride...
The royal council chamber in the Golden Palace of Abadan was drenched
in light as Sheikh Kahlil ben Saeed Al-Sharif indicated his wish to move the meeting
on.
‘Highness-’
Kahlil’s dark gaze switched to the face of his most trusted advisor,
Abdul Hassan.
‘You have reached a decision regarding your new palace, Majesty?’
Kahlil saw anticipation flare behind the eyes of every man seated with him
around the council table. Even amongst such an unimaginably wealthy group the
rivalry was intense. Prestigious contracts always held an opportunity for someone.
But his decision would disappoint them.
‘I shall not be building my new palace in Abadan.’ Kahlil allowed
the murmurs of disappointment to settle. ‘I have identified a village in
Europe- and an appropriate residence.’ His thoughts flew to the village
of Westbury, and the Hall- which he intended to buy. Though there was a problem,
small, but irritating none the less, he remembered, thinking of Lucy Benson.
When he’d settled upon Westbury, in amongst the pile of documents sent
to help him make his choice he had seen a local magazine that contained the photograph
of a young woman. She had a look in her eyes that drew his attention. The caption
said Lucy Benson was an interior designer, and lately, a property developer. And
she had bought Westbury Hall, the very property he intended to own. Interior decorator
to property developer was quite a leap. Could she make it?
Kahlil’s mind drifted towards golden hair tumbling in exuberant waves
around a heart-shaped face, and a simple summer dress clinging to voluptuous curves
that made him despise the fashion to be thin. Her lips appeared red without artifice,
and were parted sufficiently to reveal pearl-white teeth: teeth he could easily
imagine nipping his flesh in the throws of passion. Picturing them naked together-
Lucy Benson’s soft body yielding beneath his hard-muscled frame called for
every bit of his control.
But the camera had captured more than her likeness, Kahlil remembered. Her
character was betrayed by the stubborn tilt of her chin, and the look of sheer
determination in her midnight-blue eyes. As son of the ruling sheikh, he had every
material possession a man could desire, but he came from a warrior race, a passionate
land; challenge was in his blood. And she was an independent woman who would fight
him every inch of the way. He could hardly wait. Taming Lucy Benson would be an
interesting bonus on top of wresting the Hall from her grasp.
‘The village of Westbury is well-situated,’ he said, turning his
attention to the council again. ‘It is close to the sea so we can bring
the yacht in, and only a short drive from the airport for the jet. It will be
a novelty,’ he added, with a closing gesture of his hand.
Everyone understood this, and the tension around the table lifted. For men
who had everything, novelty was the most valuable currency of all.
‘Westbury is a good choice, Majesty.’
Abdul Hassan spoke for the council, and Kahlil inclined his head in gracious
acknowledgement of his approval.
‘The village is prosperous and full of character,’ Abdul Hassan
continued, ‘though some areas are in need of improvement.’
‘Not all areas,’ Kahlil murmured, thinking of Lucy Benson.
‘Indeed, Majesty,’ Abdul Hassan agreed, dipping his head respectfully.
‘How may we assist you further in this matter?’
‘Make arrangements for a visit to Westbury,’ Kahlil instructed.
‘I’m going to make a thorough evaluation of the project for myself.’
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