by Leslie North
That all changes with the arrival of headstrong Fleur Summers, a beautiful archaeologist bent on finding the legendary Solomon Diamond. It was once part of the Khalidizack family’s heritage, but now it is lost to history. Her reputation depends on finding it and putting it into a museum, but the distractingly handsome Sheikh who hired her certainly isn’t helping. In fact, Masoud intends to restore the diamond to its rightful place – in the Khalidizack palace.
Now, they have to overcome their mutual mistrust and simmering attraction to find the artifact that could bring glory to them both. In a race against ruthless rivals that spans continents, finding the prize will bring them together or destroy one of their lives.
Grab your copy of The Sheikh’s Diamond from www.LeslieNorthBooks.com
EXCERPT
Sheikh Masoud Khalidizack tapped the foot of his Champagne glass against the rail as he looked down at the party. From his position on the landing overlooking the party, ornate chandeliers cast sparkles down upon more than one hundred people milling around below dressed in their finest cocktail attire. Butlers walked around with trays holding expensive delicacies so small they looked as though they belonged in a dollhouse, yet guests eagerly ate them, moaning in delight at the taste. The party was in full swing, without a single dull moment.
The sheikh’s gaze traveled around the room, looking for something that would hold his attention longer than a couple seconds. His growing disdain for those so quick to curry favor with his family had him wishing for something stronger to drink than Champagne.
“If you don’t smile, people will think you’re not having any fun.”
Masoud turned to see his younger brother, Adil, walking toward him. A beautiful woman had a vice grip around his arm and was nuzzling his neck. Masoud struggled not to roll his eyes.
“It looks like you’re having enough fun for the both of us,” Masoud muttered as he jerked his head to the woman in question. Adil whispered something in her ear, and she giggled and slinked away.
“Come now, brother. Why so blue? With all these interesting people, you’re standing up here sulking like a child sent to bed without his supper. I’m supposed to be the child.” Adil looked down upon the crowd. “Look. Even Jaymin is socializing, and he hates to have fun.”
“He’s not socializing. He’s trying to spread awareness of the archaeological find. Since we’re hosting a party about it, someone should be discussing it.”
Adil frowned. “Is that why we’re having a party? I was wondering.”
“Please tell me that’s a joke,” Masoud blurted out, as he stared at his younger brother in disbelief.
“It’s a joke! Relax, Masoud. This is a party. Lighten up!” Adil focused on someone behind Masoud, and he winked.
Masoud turned around to see a beautiful woman disappearing in the crowd.
“Down, boys. She just married Kasim a month ago.” Both men turned to see Rameez, an old friend of the family, grinning at them.
Adil groaned, and this time, Masoud felt his sentiments. “Another one bites the dust, huh? What’s that? Ten this year?” Adil asked.
“I think you three boys are the only eligible bachelors left in the kingdom,” Rameez acknowledged as he cocked his head thoughtfully. “And none of you are seeing anyone.”
“Speak for yourself,” Adil said with a shrug. “I see several women every day.”
Masoud groaned. “And that’s why you’ll be the first to marry.”
Adil put his hands up in alarm. “Whoa! You can’t tie all this down.” He grinned as he ran his hands over his body. “This needs to be shared with the world.” His loud laughter stopped abruptly when their eldest brother grabbed his arm and spun him around.
“Can you not make a scene for one party?” Jaymin hissed. “Your voices can be heard across the room.”
“Relax, Jaymin,” Masoud said with a wink. “It’s a party. We were just speculating that Adil would be the first to get married. If nothing else, he’s bound to get some poor woman pregnant if he isn’t careful.”
Adil shuddered visibly. “Why would you even say that? Besides, Jaymin will undoubtedly be the first to marry. I’m sure he’ll find himself a lovely old crone to make a great political match.”
“He is the oldest,” Masoud mused.
“I have more important things to worry about than marriage,” Jaymin answered stiffly. “Like keeping you two in line.”
“I resent that,” Masoud said mildly. “I never cause trouble.”
“That’s because you’re boring!” Adil laughed.
“Bored,” Masoud corrected. “I’m bored. There’s a difference.”
Grab your copy of The Sheikh’s Diamond from www.LeslieNorthBooks.com