Familiar Mirage

Familiar Mirage
Caroline Burnes

LORD OF THE DESERTProud and fierce as the windswept sands he ruled, Omar Dukhan was sworn to protect his people and to guard their ancient secret.To keep lovely scientist Beth Bradshaw from exposing it, he became her desert guide. But when Beth's life was threatened, Omar swept her to his desert hideaway and into his protection–with a little help from a strange black cat!Falling for her mysterious guide had been foolish. Falling for a desert king was hopeless.Yet Beth's desire for Omar knew no rules.Whoever he was, she was his to command–for as long as he kept her alive….

“I intend to make love to you.”

Beth swallowed, but she didn’t back away. Omar wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into an embrace. When his lips found hers, she responded without hesitation.

It took only seconds for the kiss to flame through his blood.

Omar knew he was making a mistake. Beth Bradshaw was the woman he would have to betray before the month was out. To protect his people and his heritage, he would have to deceive her. She would be labeled a failure, even though her theories were one hundred percent right. And he would be the tool of her destruction.

Yet, he couldn’t resist her.

Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

We’ve got another month of sinister summer sizzlers lined up for you starting with the one and only Familiar—your favorite crime-solving black cat! Travel with the feisty feline on a magic carpet to the enchanting land of sheiks in Caroline Burnes’s Familiar Mirage, the first part of FEAR FAMILIAR: DESERT MYSTERIES. You can look for the companion book, Familiar Oasis, next month.

Then it’s back to the heart of the U.S.A. for another outstanding CONFIDENTIAL installment. This time, the sexiest undercover operatives around take on Chicago in this bestselling continuity series. Cassie Miles launches the whole shebang with Not on His Watch.

Debra Webb continues her COLBY AGENCY series with one more high-action, heart-pounding romantic suspense story in Physical Evidence. What these Colby agents won’t do to solve a case—they’ll even become prime suspects to take care of business…and fall in love.

Finally, esteemed Harlequin Intrigue author Leona Karr brings you a classic mystery about a woman who washes up on the shore sans memory. Good thing she’s saved by a man determined to find her Lost Identity.

A great lineup to be sure. So make sure you pick up all four titles for the full Harlequin Intrigue reading experience.

Sincerely,

Denise O’Sullivan

Associate Senior Editor

Harlequin Intrigue

Familiar Mirage

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—While traveling in Egypt with Eleanor and Peter, Familiar (viewed as a god by the Egyptians) becomes involved with a beautiful U.S. anthropologist.

Beth Bradshaw—Finding the lost City of Con is Beth’s mission, and the act that could cement her career. The vast Egyptian desert is dangerous, but not nearly as dangerous as the guide she hires to lead her expedition.

Omar Dukhan—Desert born and European educated, Omar is a man caught between a rock and a hard place. He must choose between duty and love—before Beth is killed.

Harad Dukhan—Harad has forsaken his heritage, but has he also given up his honor and brother?

Bettina Nazar—He’s the man with the money and the impetus behind Beth’s quest for the lost city. A man who prefers the shadows to the light, he has endless funds and a strong desire to remain faceless and nameless.

John Gilmore—Jealous, petty and a whiner, John makes the trip aggravating for Beth, but he is also an expert at his job. When several other scientists mutiny, John stands by Beth, but is it all a farce?

Mauve Killigan—Not only is Mauve a scientist, she’s Beth’s friend. In the dangerous and competitive race to find the lost city and the treasures it may hold, Mauve stands to lose a lot—including her life.

Amelia Corbet—Beth’s adopted sister lives in New York and works for one of the top public-relations firms in the nation. When Beth calls for help, will be she able to answer?

To Dianna—

A good friend and animal lover.

Many thanks for your friendship.

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