Free Her Desert Knight by Jennifer Lewis

court.”
    Quasar regretted mentioning Dani. “We’re just getting to know each other. There’s nothing to even be discreet about.”
    “Good. Then you can break it off and no one will know.” Salim arched a brow.
    “Salim, you should understand from personal experience that it’s not always so easy to break off an unsuitable relationship.” His wife’s eyes twinkled with humor. “You dumped me twice and still ended up married to me.”
    “That was different.” His gaze, so filled with love, made Quasar want to shake his head over the transformation of his stolid brother. “We loved each other. Quasar can hardly be in love with a woman he met two days ago.”
    “Three days.” Quasar ate a sticky date.
    “Not that you’re counting.” Sara winked. “Are you falling in love with her already?”
    “All I know is that I enjoy her company and I want to spend more time with her.” He couldn’t explain the powerful feelings she brought out in him. He wanted to protect her, nurture her, make her smile. He wanted to chat with her about little things and see her eyes light up.
    “I heard a rumor that her husband was abusive. She may be psychologically damaged.” Salim regarded his brother coolly.
    “It’s true about her husband. He sounds like an ass. There’s nothing wrong with Dani, though, except that she’s a little wary.”
    “As well she might be with a lothario like you on the prowl.” Elan grinned.
    “She doesn’t know anything about me.”
    Sara laughed. “Believe me, women can tell a ladies’ man. You’re far too good-looking for your own good, for one thing.”
    “But you still want to set me up with your sister?”
    “I know you’re a good man at heart. You just need the right woman to steady you.”
    “And Daniyah Hassan is not that woman,” growled Salim. “A divorced woman can have a hard time finding her way in our traditional society. If word gets out that she’s had an affair?” He shrugged. “Do the right thing and let her be.”
    “I can’t believe you’re worried about her reputation if her father is your sworn enemy.”
    “Are we the Three Musketeers? I don’t have sworn enemies. I have business rivals. And her father doesn’t even qualify as one. He’s a mere...insect buzzing in my ear.”
    Quasar laughed. “Then what I do with his daughter doesn’t really matter, does it?”
    “The Al Mansur family has a reputation to protect.”
    “You work on your reputation as a ruthless and brilliant hotelier, and I’ll tend to my own as an international playboy.” Might as well make light of the situation. Attempts at genuine discussion were getting him nowhere. “Now, isn’t it about time for me to read the kids a bedtime story?” He raised his voice so the children, who were still running around the table at full tilt, could hear him.
    “Yes, Uncle Quaz! Please do!” The resulting flurry of activity was just the distraction he needed. Quasar vowed never to mention his love life to his family again. He also decided not to mention the dispute over the land to Dani. It was sure to spook her and it really had nothing to do with them. When the time was right he’d approach her father and find a solution that would make everyone happy. In the meantime, all that mattered was making Dani happy.
    * * *
    “It’s not that far away, only thirty minutes or so. It’s in the foothills.”
    Dani held the phone away from her ear as if removing the source of Quasar’s voice would reduce its powerful effect over her. Every cell in her body yearned to say yes. She could picture the mischief sparkling in his dark blue eyes, see the arrogant and sexy cut of his cheekbones, imagine the sunlight dancing in his tousled hair.
    She wanted to bury her face in his shirt and inhale the rich masculine scent of him.
    “I can’t.”
    “Of course you can.” Quasar obviously wasn’t the type to take no for an answer. “I can pick you up at your house. Or any clandestine location you