Casey Michaels has come prepared for her new job in the desert – complete with a safari outfit! But, faced with her gorgeous boss’s potent sexuality, she suddenly feels out of her depth…
Sheikh Rafik al Rafar knows an inexperienced woman when he sees one, and in the sultry heat of the desert he begins her sensual awakening. To his surprise, Casey teaches him about the simple pleasures in life. But royal duty is never far from their door…
She had a backpack the size of the world. Hoisting it off the luggage carousel she almost knocked out the eye of the woman standing next to her. Buckles and straps jangled from it, along with a rope, a waterproof bed-sheet, and a pair of sand boots. She had her hair scraped back and a camouflage hat with a highly becoming neck-flap crammed on her head.
Hearing she was to travel to the interior of A’Qaban as part of her job as marketing executive to that country’s development agency, Casey had ditched the power suit and Jimmy Choos in favour of a safari suit and sand-proof knickers. But this wasn’t an airstrip in the furthest reaches of A’Qaban, but A’Qaban International airport, where the desert came in bijou-sized pieces, each grain of sand polished to a heady sheen by the world’s top designers.
Like any other project she undertook for the company, Casey had researched this one thoroughly. It was only on the point of boarding the aircraft she had been told her itinerary had been changed, and by none other than the heir to the throne, Sheikh Rafik al Bad-boy himself. Apparently his Royal Highness had insisted on meeting all his key employees before ruling a country took his eye off the business.
Surprised to find an underling like herself under the spotlight, Casey had allowed herself a momentary glow, until it was pointed out to her that Raffa, as the Eton educated and Special force’s hardened prince preferred to be known, was well into weeding out the weak links in his organisation. So, here she was, dressed like a park ranger in the midst of Glitz Central and no office clothes to save the day.
And she had a wardrobe full of smart business suits back home, but what was the point in kicking herself? She was here and had to get on with it, Casey reflected, hoisting her backpack into a more comfortable position. The Sheikh of A’Qaban was known to test his employees to the limit and she should have had it covered. She might be at a disadvantage, but not for long. As soon as she cleared customs it was all about the shopping mall.
Could sexual heat pass through glass? Watching Casey Michaels cross the baggage hall he thought it could. Even in that outfit she looked good… funny, but good.
How could she not look better than the up-tight fashion victim he’d taken a look at in her PR file? He could see that was an old photo way out of date now. She had blossomed since it had been taken- more flesh on her bones and way more blonde hair falling down beneath her ugly hat. That, combined with the good-humoured curve of her lips, the direct, unflustered gaze and determined stride made for quite a package- even if that package was bundled up in the most unflattering of clothes-
Her clothes could change, just as he was wearing jeans and top for this reconnaissance mission. Official robes were a costume he put on when appropriate, just as Casey would step into a different role when she put on a severely tailored business suit. The thought of unlacing those office stays and discovering the real woman underneath was an image that pleased him perhaps more than it should have done. Thumbing his sharp black stubble, he weighed up the supple frame beneath the unflattering Safari suit. Virginal innocence sang out loud and clear.
And he never mixed business with pleasure?
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