As a sheik, he always got what he wanted–until he met his beautiful and challenging new partner… Zafir Al-Nassar knows everything about Jade Van Everett. He’s studied the cases she’s worked for his family’s company and for the FBI. And it’s hard not to notice that she’s absolutely gorgeous. Teaming up for a routine security detail, Jade is desperate to prove herself and Zafir can’t help but … and Zafir can’t help but admire her determination. But when their assignment turns deadly, it becomes difficult to stay focused on the job. Because although they were hired to protect a Morrocan royal from a trained assassin, Zafir also has every intention of keeping Jade safe and by his side. Forever.
Desert Justice
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Good book. Zafir is in Wyoming filling in at this branch of Nassar Security while brother Faisal is away on a mission. He’s at the office when Jade shows up to check the file on her next case before going to pick the man up at the airport. It’s supposed to be an easy one – protect a minor Moroccan royal while he’s in the US taking nature photographs. Both Zafir and Jade have a bad feeling about the case, even though it looks easy on paper. Those bad feelings are validated when “Stanley” is shot at when they arrived at the apartment complex where he will be staying. Jade calls Zafir for backup, but when he arrives, they discover that Stanley has disappeared.
I liked both Zafir and Jade. Zafir made his first appearance in Sheik’s Rule, as Emir’s twin brother. Like the other brothers, Zafir is more than just an owner; he is also an active agent. One of the things I liked best about him was that he didn’t try to take over the case, but supported Jade as the lead. Zafir also has a reputation as a ladies’ man, one who doesn’t get serious about anyone. Jade is a highly skilled agent who has a stellar reputation. She is fearless when it comes to doing her job. She can be intimidating when it’s called for, but she also has a way of getting through to Stanley, which shows a softer side to her.
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. There were sparks between them from the moment they met, sparks that weren’t unexpected. I found it intriguing that they already knew quite a lot about each other. Jade spent a lot of time reading up on Zafir’s cases, learning his methods, and getting to know the professional side of him. Getting to know the man himself was an unexpected bonus. Zafir also read up on Jade before she came to the office to start her case. He was intrigued by what he saw in her files. He did not expect the kick of attraction that he felt when he met her. Zafir fought hard against his feelings for Jade. He never planned to fall for one woman. By the time they ended up in Morocco, he was a goner. I loved his big moment at the end.
The suspense of the story was terrific. I felt Jade’s frustration when she first met Stanley. He was obnoxious, whiny, and selfish, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to deal with that for the two weeks. Things went from bad to worse when someone started shooting at them. Jade had to worry on two fronts: keeping Stanley under control and keeping them safe from the shooter. Zafir’s arrival and their subsequent discovery of Stanley’s escape increased the tension. Because of the attack, Jade and Zafir are confident that something is going on that they weren’t told about. I enjoyed the complexity of discovering the motivations. I liked seeing them confront Stanley and make him understand the problem. News from Morocco complicated the issues. A different side of Stanley began to come out, making him more likable. Once they got back to Morocco, the action ramped up quickly. I was on the edge of my seat as the final confrontation grew closer. It was intense and a nail-biter until it was over. My heart dropped at what happened to Jade, and I ached for Zafir and the guilt he felt.