Jennifer Lewis - The Desert Prince / The Playboy's Proposition - The Desert Prince / The Playboy's Proposition

She heard some movement in the sand, and when they spoke again they were farther away.

“I was young then, and unprepared for the responsibilities of marriage and family. I tried to fulfill them as best I could, but only disappointed a wife who wanted an affectionate husband, as well as a reliable head of household.”

“Because you were still crazy about Celia and didn’t want to make love to another woman.”

The long silence made Celia aware of the pounding of her own heart, louder than the surf hitting the sand a few yards away.

“At the time, yes.”

“And what makes you think that will be different now?”

“Because I’m older and wiser. I’ve accepted that I cannot marry Celia and I must choose a suitable wife and do everything in my power to make the relationship work.”

“Do you have any idea how insane that sounds?” Elan’s incredulity rang across the sand.

Probably his own brother was the only person to express an honest opinion to a man as powerful and revered as Salim Al Mansur.

“Why can’t you marry her?” Elan demanded.

“She’s American, free-spirited, she doesn’t care about tradition.”

“I can tell you from personal experience that such women make very fine wives and mothers.” She could almost hear Elan’s grin.

“It’s different with you and Sara. You live in America. Celia would never live here in Oman.”

“How do you know? Have you asked her?”

“Of course not. Besides, she wouldn’t fit in. You’ve seen how she dresses. She’d never go along with all the arcane social rules and regulations we have here.”

“You certainly don’t. At least from what I’ve observed so far. I’ve seen you drinking wine, for a start.”

“I may not always agree with traditions, but as head of the family I have a duty to uphold the best of them. I’m proud of the customs and mores of our country, and I want my children to be raised accordingly.”

“Brother.” She heard a rustling sound, like Elan taking hold of Salim. “If you plan to marry another woman, then why are you playing around with Celia? Why did you bring her here?”

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