Imprisoned by a Vow

Annie West

Signed, sealed… for ever!Being sold into marriage by her stepfather is Leila’s one chance to escape. But instead of finding freedom, Leila finds herself bound by the deep passions ignited by her inscrutable new husband. Australian billionaire Joss Carmody knows the rules of this game – he’ll shower his new wife with diamonds and in return he’ll use her land to expand his business. That’s all he ever wanted from this exchange. But he hasn’t banked on the attraction Leila awakens…Then the one night that was supposed to slake their desire binds them beyond the signatures on their marriage contract…‘Tantalising drama and a storyline that teases with every turn of the page. ’ – Neev, Shop-owner, Bristol www.annie-west.com

Joss turned to the silent woman sitting opposite.

She was the epitome of Middle Eastern modesty melded with elegant Western sophistication. From her sleek, dark chignon to the high heels that had restricted her walk to a delicate, swaying glide she was the real thing.

Class. Leila had it in spades.

He didn’t need the opulent black pearl pendant or the matching bracelet of massive pearls to tell him she was accustomed to luxury. She wore them with a casual nonchalance only those born to an easy life of privilege could achieve.

She seemed suitable. Her ownership of those enormously rich oilfields made her eminently suitable. It was the only reason he was considering marriage: to get his hands on what would be the key to his next major venture. Besides that she had connections, and the right background to be useful. Yet Joss never left anything to chance.

‘I’d like to know your daughter better,’ he said. ‘Alone.’

About the Author

ANNIE WEST has devoted her life to an intensive study of tall, dark, charismatic heroes who cause the best kind of trouble in the lives of their heroines. As a sideline she’s also researched dream-worthy locations for romance—from bustling, vibrant cities to desert encampments and fairytale castles. It’s hard work but she loves a challenge. Annie lives with her family at beautiful Lake Macquarie, on Australia’s east coast. She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her at www.annie-west.com or at PO Box 1041, Warners Bay, NSW 2282, Australia.

Recent titles by the same author:

CAPTIVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

DEFYING HER DESERT DUTY

UNDONE BY HIS TOUCH

GIRL IN THE BEDOUIN TENT

Did you know these are also available as eBooks?Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk

Imprisoned

by a Vow

Annie West

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

For a very special lady:

Helen Bianchin.

For all your support and generosity—thank you!

CHAPTER ONE

‘MARRY A STRANGER!’

‘Don’t sound so surprised, girl. You can’t expect me to support you for ever.’

Leila bit back a retort that her stepfather’s pockets were lined with the fortune he’d acquired by marrying her mother. She’d had years to learn open defiance wasn’t worth the savage retribution that followed. Now wasn’t the time to let him know he hadn’t broken her spirit despite his best efforts.

‘As for marrying a stranger, you’ll wed the man I choose and there’s an end to it.’

‘Of course, Stepfather. I understand.’ She’d heard servants’ gossip that Gamil had his eye on another bride. He wouldn’t want an inconvenient stepdaughter, a reminder of his previous wife, on hand. ‘It’s generous of you to organise this when you have so many business matters to deal with.’

Gamil’s eyebrows lowered. His eyes narrowed as if he detected the sarcasm she hid behind a calm fa?ade.

Leila had become adept at concealing emotion: grief, fear, boredom, anger…particularly anger. It burned inside her now but she held it in check. Now was not the time.

But soon! It struck her that an arranged marriage to a foreigner who’d take her far away was the chance she’d prayed for. Her previous attempts to escape had met with humiliating defeat and ever-tighter restrictions. But what could Gamil do once she was married?

It was her chance for freedom.

A thrill of excitement raced down her spine and she had to work to keep her