The Royal Affair PDF
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He moved closer, his eyes filled with remorse. “It damned near killed me to leave you,” he admitted, his voice rough. She read the truth of his words in his eyes. This strong, courageous man had exiled himself to keep her safe. And he didn’t believe he deserved her now. “I’m not asking for forgiveness,” he continued, his voice somber. “I’d do the same again. And you’re right to despise me. I don’t expect that to change. But for God’s sake, Maya, don’t ever think I didn’t want you.” And then he lowered his head and kissed her—softly, tenderly, as if expressing what he couldn’t say. She savored the sensual heat of his mouth, inhaled the intriguing scent of his skin. He angled her chin, parted her lips with his tongue, igniting a tempest of need in her blood. He ended the kiss, but didn’t move. His uneven breath battled with hers. And raw need blazed in his eyes. “Maya, walk away,” he rasped. She trembled, knowing she should do it. The past was gone. They had no future together. This was a line they shouldn’t cross. Dear Reader, I’ve always been intrigued by the Himalayas, an exotic, mystical land filled with ancient cultures and religions, home to the most majestic peaks on earth. So what better place to end THE CRUSADERS trilogy than Romanistan, a fictitious country located high in that sacred terrain? I loved learning about the Himalayan cultures while researching this book, and especially liked writing about Maya and Deven, two noble and courageous people. Maya dedicates herself to rescuing downtrodden women and giving them the hope and love she never had. Deven, a man haunted by dark secrets, gave up the woman he loved to save her from evil. Neither expects to embark on a dangerous journey to fulfill an ancient prophecy—a journey that will test their courage, reveal their identities, and enable them to find the love they deserve. I’ve taken great liberties with history while writing this series, but the story of the Roma is roughly true (although the royal line and artifacts are my invention). I’m sure I haven’t done justice to the cultures involved, but I’ve had tremendous fun writing THE CRUSADERS. I hope you enjoy the conclusion! Gail Barrett GAIL BARRETT The Royal Affair Books by Gail Barrett Silhouette Romantic Suspense Facing the Fire #1414 *Heart of a Thief #1514 *To Protect a Princess #1538 His 7-Day Fiancée #1560 *The Royal Affair #1601 Silhouette Special Edition Where He Belongs #1722 GAIL BARRETT Gail Barrett always knew she’d be a writer. Who else would spend her childhood grinding sparkling rocks into fairy dust and convincing her friends it was real? Or daydream her way through elementary school, spend high school reading philosophy and playing the bagpipes, and then head off to Spain during college to live the writer’s life? After four years she straggled back home—broke, but fluent in Spanish. She became a teacher, earned a master’s degree in linguistics, married a Coast Guard officer and had two sons. But she never lost the desire to write. Then one day, she discovered a Silhouette Intimate Moments novel in a bookstore—and knew she was destined to write romance. Her books have won numerous awards, including a National Readers’ Choice Award and Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart. She currently lives in western Maryland. Readers can contact her through her Web site, www.gailbarrett.com. To my sons, Joe and John K., with hopes that you follow your dreams! Acknowledgment I’d like to thank the following people for their help: Frank Henderson, for his information about helicopters; Lisa Sullivan for her invaluable insights about India; Ruchi Dahal for answering my endless questions about Nepal; and as always, Judith Sandbrook, my fabulous critique partner. Thank you, all!
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