A Christmas Bride. Susan Mallery
recognized the slightly stubborn expression. He thought he was being protective and concerned, making sure she was kept safe from the evilness of the world. Right. Because the very handsome king of Bahania was so likely to swoop down and ravish her forty-three-year-old self.
Not that she would say no to a little ravishing, she thought wistfully. Her marriage had ended years before when her beloved husband had died unexpectedly. She’d always meant to remarry and have a family, but somehow that had never happened. She’d been busy being an aunt to Mukhtar’s six boys. There had been much to do in the palace. Somehow she’d never found the time...or a man who interested her.
Until Hassan. The widower king was older, but vital and charming. Not to mention, he was the first man who had caught her attention in years. But was he intrigued by her? She just couldn’t tell.
“Lina,” her brother said impatiently, “how do you know Hassan?”
“What? Oh. He and I spent time together a couple of years ago at a symposium on education.” She’d met the king formally at state events dozens of times, but that had been the first occasion she’d had to speak with him for more than five minutes. “He also has sons and he has been very successful in getting them all married.”
That got her brother’s interest. “What did he do?”
“He meddled.”
Mukhtar stared at her. “You’re saying...”
“He got involved in their personal lives. He created circumstances that brought his sons together with women he had picked. Sometimes he set up roadblocks, sometimes he facilitated the relationship. It all went well.”
Mukhtar lowered his arms to his sides. “I am the king of El Deharia.”
“I know that.”
“It would be inappropriate for me to behave in such a manner.”
Lina held in a smile—she already knew what was coming. “Of course it would.”
“However, you do not have my restrictions of rank and power.”
“Isn’t that amazing.”
“You could get involved. You know my sons very well.” His gaze narrowed. “You’ve been thinking about this for some time, haven’t you?”
“I’ve made a few notes about a couple of women I think would be really interesting for my nephews to get to know.”
He smiled slowly. “Tell me everything.”
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