Proud and fierce as the windswept sands he ruled, Omar Dukhan was sworn to protect his people and to guard their ancient secret. To keep lovely scientist Beth Bradshaw from exposing it, he became her desert guide. But when Beth's life was threatened, Omar swept her to his desert hideaway and into his protection...with a little help from a strange black cat! Falling for her mysterious guide had been foolish. Falling for a desert king was hopeless. Yet Beth's desire for Omar knew no rules. Whoever he was, she was his to command...for as long as he kept her alive.