Girl in the Bedouin Tent Page 18

  The world fell away and there was only them, and the promise of their future to come. It took her breath away.

  It made her hope that maybe they, a pair who’d never known the love of family, would one day create their own.

  For three weeks Cassie stayed with Amir’s relatives, fussed over and cosseted. Finally the wedding day arrived.

  That was when she truly understood how popular Amir was, how much his people wished him well. Not by a whisper or sideways glance did anyone hint at disapproval or doubt. Instead there were smiles, cheers, and an abundance of goodwill. Cassie was overcome.

  There’d been speculation in the press, of course, and her story had caused a sensation in the foreign media. But instead of dwelling on titillating details most were captivated by the romance and drama of their story.

  Cassie suspected Amir’s masterful handling of the press had been a significant factor in the slant taken.

  ‘Are you all right, habibti?’ Amir’s voice at her shoulder betrayed concern as they stood now before his people, receiving applause and good wishes. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘Nothing.’ She blinked rapidly. ‘I’m just happy. So very happy.’

  ‘Because of this?’ He gestured to the crowd.

  ‘That too,’ she murmured, turning to face him. ‘But mainly because of you.’

  His eyes lit with that special fire she knew was just for her, and her heart tumbled over once more. Would she ever get used to seeing Amir’s love? Hearing it in his voice? Feeling it in every touch?

  Never.

  He raised her hand and pressed a kiss to its centre, then turned it over and kissed her palm, lingering while his tongue swirled. She shivered with delight.

  ‘Amir! You can’t! Not in public.’

  ‘Then we’ll go somewhere private.’

  ‘But doesn’t the wedding reception have hours to go?’

  He shrugged, and the devil was in his eyes. ‘It does. Traditionally such occasions don’t end till the early hours. But our guests will understand our absence.’

  ‘That’s what I’m afraid of.’ Cassie tried to inject reproof into her voice, but instead she sounded breathless with anticipation.

  ‘Do you mind?’ Suddenly he was serious. Cassie shook her head. ‘I think it’s obvious to everyone that I’m smitten.’

  ‘That makes two of us.’

  He made a deep, courtly bow, then held out his hand. Cassie placed hers in his, feeling Amir’s strength, his tenderness, and knew that whatever the future held their love would last a lifetime.

  Amir paused and waved to the crowd before leading her away to their private apartments.

  Behind them spontaneous cheers rang out for the Sheikh and his bride.

  All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all the incidents are pure invention.

  All Rights Reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises II BV/S.à.r.l. The text of this publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.

  This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the prior consent of the publisher in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  ® and TM are trademarks owned and used by the trademark owner and/or its licensee. Trademarks marked with ® are registered with the United Kingdom Patent Office and/or the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market and in other countries.

  First published in Great Britain 2011

  by Mills & Boon, an imprint of Harlequin (UK) Limited,

  Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR

  © Annie West 2011

  ISBN: 978-1-408-92607-9

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Excerpt

  About the Author

  Title Page

  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

  Epilogue

  Copyright