Familiar Oasis

Familiar Oasis
Caroline Burnes

DESERT CAPTIVEAmelia Corbet rushed into the desert to save her sister and wound up a captive! But not for long. First a strange black cat appeared, followed by a dark rescuer with the eyes of a hawk and a fierce embrace that stirred her deepest longings. But was Harad Dukhan's intent to save her–or to capture Amelia for himself?The city-bred beauty was a thorn in Harad's side–until he held her in his arms. Now he couldn't let her go. Amelia was a pawn in a deadly plot against his family. If keeping her near would save her life, this desert captive might yet become his desert bride!

“I gave my word that I would protect you. I’m honor bound to do that.”

“Your honor doesn’t require that you die for me.” Amelia reined in her horse. When Harad moved up beside her, she reached out, urging him to stop. “I don’t expect you to spend the rest of your life protecting me.”

She was so sincere and brave that Harad couldn’t resist. “What if that’s the way I choose to spend my time?” he asked.

Amelia looked directly into his eyes. “I’d say you were a man who enjoyed thankless tasks,” she answered.

Harad’s laughter was long and loud. “A glutton for punishment is the phrase I’ve heard.” He leaned over and brushed his lips to hers. “Call me a fool, but nothing will prevent me from protecting you. Not even your own hardheadedness.”

Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

Summer lovin’ holds not only passion, but also danger! Splash into a whirlpool of suspense with these four new titles!

Return to the desert sands of Egypt with your favorite black cat in Familiar Oasis, the companion title in Caroline Burnes’s FEAR FAMILIAR: DESERT MYSTERIES miniseries. This time Familiar must help high-powered executive Amelia Corbet, who stumbles on an evil plot when trying to save her sister. But who will save Amelia from the dark and brooding desert dweller who is intent on capturing her for his own?

Ann Voss Peterson brings you the second installment in our powerhouse CHICAGO CONFIDENTIAL continuity. Law Davies is not only an attorney, but an undercover agent determined to rescue his one and only love from a dangerous cult—and he is Laying Down the Law.

Travel with bestselling author Joanna Wayne to the American South as she continues her ongoing series HIDDEN PASSIONS. In Mystic Isle, Kathryn Morland must trust a sexy and seemingly dangerous stranger—who is actually an undercover ex-cop!—to help her escape from the Louisiana bayou alive!

And we are so pleased to present you with a story from newcomer Kasi Blake that is as big as Texas itself! Two years widowed, Julia Keller is confronted on her Texas ranch by a lone lawman with the face of her dead beloved husband. Is he really her long-lost mate and father of her child—or an impostor? That is the question for this Would-Be Wife.

Enjoy all four!

Denise O’Sullivan

Associate Senior Editor

Harlequin Intrigue

Familiar Oasis

Caroline Burnes

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Caroline Burnes continues her life as doorman and can opener for her six cats and three dogs. E. A. Poe, the prototype cat for Familiar, rules as king of the ranch, followed by his lieutenants, Miss Vesta, Gumbo, Chester, Maggie the Cat and Ash. The dogs, though a more lowly life form, are tolerated as foot soldiers by the cats. They are Sweetie Pie, Maybelline and Corky.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Familiar—After adventuring with Beth Bradshaw in the desert sands of Egypt, Familiar is ready for food, sleep and a return ticket to the U.S.A. until he finds himself swept up in an attack on Amelia Corbet, Beth’s “adopted” sister.

Amelia Corbet—High-powered executive Amelia lands in Alexandria to rush to the aid of Beth Bradshaw. But Amelia becomes the intended victim of a foul plan only moments after she arrives.

Harad Dukhan—Harad gave up his desert heritage to pursue a career in the modern world, but his heart is still with the desert people of his mother. Amelia Corbet’s arrival pulls Harad into an intrigue where not only his heart, but his life, is at stake.

Mauve Killigan—Perky and always on the spot when trouble threatens, Mauve might be part of the solution or part of the problem.

Dr. Kaffar Mosheen—Handsome and talented in the use of poisons, Kaffar is either a lifesaver or an “attempted” murderer.

Abdul—Leader of a maurading nomadic band that is best described as pirates of the sand, Abdul is a self-proclaimed thief. But is he a trader in flesh?

Marie Johnson—Harad’s secretary knows all of his secrets, as well as his whereabouts at all times. Is she spilling the beans to his enemies?

Nazar Bettina—He escaped capture and has vanished from Egypt. Is he really gone?

Keya—Harad offered her banishment instead of prison. Was it a wise choice or a deadly mistake?

To my brother and sister-in-law, David and Gail. They’ve rescued, spayed and neutered, and loved and buried dozens of felines. When others turned their backs on unwanted animals, they opened their home.

Contents

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

Chapter Sixteen