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When Lacey drew close, he captured her hand. “The coronation is about to start,” Hafiz informed her and entwined his fingers with hers.
Lacey’s uncertain smile tugged at his heart. He swore it gleamed more brightly than any jewel or medal in the room. “I’m sure the vizier said I’m not supposed to be here.”
“You are right where you belong.” He made a mental note to give the adviser a more explicit explanation of the new protocol. No one was going to hide his woman. No one was going to separate him from his wife.
The first few notes of the procession march filtered through the throne room. Exhilaration pressed against his chest. Soon Ashraf would be crowned sultan, and then he and his brother would bring Rudaynah to its full glory. The revitalizing plans that Hafiz dreamt for years could now be realized.
Lacey cast a troubled glance at the empty throne. “Do you regret—”
He shook his head. “No, I have everything I want,” he replied truthfully. Most importantly, he had Lacey. He shared a life with the woman he loved and trusted.
She also helped him realize that he didn’t need a royal title to take care of his countrymen. In fact, he was more successful without the restraint of royal protocols and rituals. For the past few years they’d traveled worldwide while promoting the Sultanate of Rudaynah’s resources to other countries and international businesses.
And now with the passing of his father, Hafiz could return to Rudaynah any time he wanted.
It had been a bittersweet homecoming. Hafiz had felt like a stranger in his own country until Lacey lured him to the dunes. She knew that once he visited the desert, he would reconnect with the land.
The corner of his mouth kicked up in a wicked smile as he remembered how he and Lacey had spent those cold desert nights. His mind buzzed with anticipation as he rested his hand on her stomach. It was fate to have his first child conceived in Rudaynah.
Lacey’s eyes widened from his possessive touch. “Stop that!” she whispered fiercely as she tried to dislodge his hand with a subtle push. “The formal announcement isn’t until the end of the month. People will speculate.”
Hafiz lowered his head and brushed his mouth against hers. “Let them talk.”
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from A DEAL BEFORE THE ALTAR by Rachael Thomas.
Ten years ago one devastating night changed everything for Austin, Hunter and Alex. Now they must each play their part in the revenge against the one man who ruined it all.
Austin Treffen has the plan… Hunter has the money… Alex has the power!
Read each of their stories in the captivating Fifth Avenue trilogy,
only from Harlequin Presents:
Avenge Me by Maisey Yates (June 2014)
Scandalize Me by Caitlin Crews (July 2014)
Expose Me by Kate Hewitt (August 2014)
And don’t miss the Fifth Avenue prequel that started it all, Take Me, by Maisey Yates!
Order your copies today in ebook format.
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We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Presents title.
You want alpha males, decadent glamour and jet-set lifestyles. Step into the sensational, sophisticated world of Harlequin Presents, where sinfully tempting heroes ignite a fierce and wickedly irresistible passion!
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CHAPTER ONE
GEORGINA ENTERED THE sleek luxury of the office and knew she was being watched. Her every step scrutinised by a man who was revered and feared by businessmen and women alike.
‘Ms Henshaw.’ His deep voice, with a hint of accent, was firm and commanding. ‘I don’t think I need to ask why you are here.’
He leant against his desk, arms folded across his broad chest, as if he’d already decided he didn’t want to hear what she had to say. His black hair gleamed, but the intensity in his eyes nearly robbed her of the ability to speak.
