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.
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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