Sovereign Sheriff
As sheriff, the law guided his decisions.As a man protecting a princess, his libido seemed to be in control…Sheriff Jake Wolf took pride in two things: his Native American heritage and his adherence to the law. So when Princess Saida Khalid came to him, desperate for answers to an unsolved case, Jake stuck to the facts–and tried not to get distracted by what he wanted. But ignoring Saida's gorgeous features and whip–smart mind were nearly impossible, especially when she claimed he was the only person who could keep her safe. Jake had every intention of maintaining a professional distance…even though he ached to hold her and promise everything would be okay. But remaining alert had to be his priority. And one touch would never be enough.
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She wanted his kiss. Jake made her feel safe.
Her lips parted. Her eyelids closed. Kiss me, Jake. Breathless, she waited.
The pressure of his mouth against hers was firm and sweet. They shared a breath, an incredible intimacy. Excitement bubbled up inside her. She trembled, aware that this might be the best kiss sheâd ever had in her entire life, not wanting this moment to end.
Too soon, he withdrew. Her eyes opened and met his. Both of them knew that kissing was inappropriate.
She hadnât intended to put him in this position, but when heâd spoken so candidly of his father, sheâd been touched. Jake wasnât a man who shared his emotions. The lone wolf. He didnât involve anyone else in his problems.
But heâd told her. For some reason, heâd trusted her.
âTomorrow morning,â he said.
âIâll be ready at eight oâclock.â
She took a backward step as he left the room and closed the door. She and Jake were going to make a very good team.
In memory of Martha Pogrew and her red stiletto heels.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Though born in Chicago and raised in L.A., Cassie Miles has lived in Colorado long enough to be considered a semi-native. The first home she owned was a log cabin in the mountains overlooking Elk Creek, with a thirty-mile commute to her work at the Denver Post.
After raising two daughters and cooking tons of macaroni and cheese for her family, Cassie is trying to be more adventurous in her culinary efforts. Seviche, anyone? Sheâs discovered that almost anything tastes better with wine. When sheâs not plotting Harlequin Intrigue books, Cassie likes to hang out at the Denver Botanical Gardens near her high-rise home.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Jake Wolf âThe recently elected sheriff of Wind River County battles corruption in his department, prejudice against his Native American heritage and complications from crimes against the visiting royals.
Saida Khalid âThe fashionista princess of Jamala attends law school in California. Drawn into royal intrigues, she trusts no one but the sheriff to find her missing brother.
Sheik Amir Khalid âThe black sheep ruler of Jamala is missing and feared dead.
Maggie Wolf âJakeâs younger sister studies psychology at University of Wyoming and wants her brother to find a mate.
Danny Harold âThe paparazzo who specializes in photos of royals has a secret agenda when it comes to Princess Saida.
Sheik Efraim Aziz âHis old-fashioned ideas and imperious manner are softened by his love for an American woman.
Callie McGuire âAs the assistant to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, she is based in D.C., but her roots are in Wyoming.
Burt Maddox âThough the blustering former sheriff was suspected of corruption, he thinks he should run this county.
Wade Freeman âA local rancher looking into the oil business has a mysterious connection to Saidaâs missing brother.
Prince Sebastian and Prince Antoine Cavanaugh âThe twin brothers are corulers of the island nation of Barajas.
Prince Stefan Lutece âRuler of Kyros.
Jane Cameron âThe plain-Jane forensics expert for Wind River County has been glowing since she met Stefan.
Prince Darek Ramat âThe Prince of Saruk would like to take over the interests of COIN.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter One
A night breeze swept down from the peaks of the Wind River Mountains and cooled the high Wyoming prairie. At his home five miles outside Dumont, Sheriff Jake Wolf opened his arms wide and welcomed the wind against his bare chest. His arms stretched over his head for a couple of modified jumping jacks. His twelve-hour workday was over. Thankfully, there had been no major catastrophes. No sniper attacks. No bomb explosions. No murderous abductions.
After he adjusted his jeans on his hips, he picked up a basketball and began to dribble slowly. The smack of the ball against concrete reminded him of his glory days at the Wyoming Indian High School when the Chiefs had won their first state tournament. Basketball meant more to him than the powwow drumming and the traditions of his Arapaho people. The first thing he did when heâd bought this two-story, cedar-frame house was mount a hoop and backboard above the garage doors. Earlier this summer, heâd hung a couple of floodlights so he could play after dark.
He made a quick pivot in his sneakers, dodging an invisible foe and went in for a layup. Swish through the net. Two points. He backed up, dribbled, aimed a hook shot. Another score. The physical exertion felt great. He ran and shot, ran and shot. Sometimes a hit, sometimes a miss. He wanted to sweat, to get his blood pumping, to feel alive. All day long heâd been clenching his fists, holding on to his self-control while he fended off reporters, coordinated with other law enforcement agencies and investigated a series of crimes the likes of which Wind River County had never seen. It all started a few weeks ago when the princes and sheiks of four island nations in the Mediterranean arrived for a summit meeting at the exclusive Wind River Ranch and Resort. The trouble wasnât over yet; Sheik Amir Khalid was still missing.
