Desperate to save his favorite lioness, Sala, from a deadly disease, Prince Zatar summons exotic wildlife veterinarian Alex Seaton to the palace. But when a stunning woman clad in western clothing arrives at the palace, he’s convinced there must be a mistake. The sharp-tongued, defiant woman couldn’t possibly be skilled enough to save Sala. However, as she works to heal his beloved pet, a dark passion simmers between them. To take her to his bed would be scandalous, but how can he resist such sweet temptation?
Alexis Seaton is all too aware of the practiced seduction of royalty. As a renowned animal healer, she’s spent time in countless luxurious gardens with some of the most exotic big cats in the world. To maintain her professional status, she must resist the prince’s sultry, searching eyes and sensual promises. Only a fool would give up her life’s passion for one night in the arms of a man who would forget her by morning. But under Zatar’s watchful gaze, her resolve shifts like the sands of Arabia, and even she may not be able to resist the sheikh’s royal seduction forever…
“No.” Zatar looked up at her, his brows creasing together. “You can’t leave.”
“I understand you’re concerned, Prince Zatar. But I assure you, she will be fine. Infections do occur in lioness pregnancies. I’ve handled this many times before.”
“I don’t care how many times you’ve handled it. You’ve never handled Sala.”
Alex drew back, her blonde ponytail swishing behind her. “My work here is done. I’ll be on my way now.”
“No. You will stay here until the cubs are born.”
Alex laughed a little. “She has at least two weeks left. I’m far too busy to stick around for that long, but I can come back if you—”
“No. You will not leave the palace until after the cubs are born.” Desperation streaked through him. This woman was the surest path he had to making sure Sala survived. Sure, everything seemed fine with the promise of this medication, but what if it didn’t work? What if they needed to call her back for an emergency and wait another day, or possibly longer? He couldn’t risk anything happening to Sala, or her babies.
Alex laughed incredulously. “You are out of your mind. You can’t keep me here against my will!”
Zatar popped to his feet, snapping his fingers to summon a guard who he knew stood just outside the enclosure. “Guard! Please show our guest the way to the palace.”
Alex shook her head, looking back toward the gate where his guard was entering. “Are you fucking nuts? I’m not going with him.”
Zatar waved his hand in the air, turning back to join Sala. It wasn’t ideal, but it was the best course of action. He’d figure out the rest of the plan later. For now, he just needed to make sure the expert was on hand.
To the guard, he said in Arabic, “Take her to the harem.”
“I understand you’re concerned, Prince Zatar. But I assure you, she will be fine. Infections do occur in lioness pregnancies. I’ve handled this many times before.”
“I don’t care how many times you’ve handled it. You’ve never handled Sala.”
Alex drew back, her blonde ponytail swishing behind her. “My work here is done. I’ll be on my way now.”
“No. You will stay here until the cubs are born.”
Alex laughed a little. “She has at least two weeks left. I’m far too busy to stick around for that long, but I can come back if you—”
“No. You will not leave the palace until after the cubs are born.” Desperation streaked through him. This woman was the surest path he had to making sure Sala survived. Sure, everything seemed fine with the promise of this medication, but what if it didn’t work? What if they needed to call her back for an emergency and wait another day, or possibly longer? He couldn’t risk anything happening to Sala, or her babies.
Alex laughed incredulously. “You are out of your mind. You can’t keep me here against my will!”
Zatar popped to his feet, snapping his fingers to summon a guard who he knew stood just outside the enclosure. “Guard! Please show our guest the way to the palace.”
Alex shook her head, looking back toward the gate where his guard was entering. “Are you fucking nuts? I’m not going with him.”
Zatar waved his hand in the air, turning back to join Sala. It wasn’t ideal, but it was the best course of action. He’d figure out the rest of the plan later. For now, he just needed to make sure the expert was on hand.
To the guard, he said in Arabic, “Take her to the harem.”
The truth of the matter is she loves her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her normal, day-to-day persona! Her bestselling books focus on strong characters and particularly women who aren't afraid to challenge an alpha male. Inspired after years of travel, her stories are set all over the world, from the tough streets of Russia to the beautiful beaches of the middle east.
Leslie fell in love with romance when she first picked up a scrappy, dog-eared romance book from her local library. She began writing soon after and the rest, as they say, was history. She now lives in a cozy cottage on the British coast and enjoys taking long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don't hesitate to contact her via e-mail: leslie@leslienorthbooks.com.
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Looks good.
ReplyDeleteI would like to give thanks for all your really great writings, including The Sheikh’s Royal Seduction, and wishing the best in keeping up the good work in the future.
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