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You don t know that for sure. I ve been thinking, and I believe I ve come up with a
way to trap Halim.
Why do we have to trap him? Why can t we just ask him? Ghazi asked, running his
hands down Raven s back.
Because he ll just deny it. He ll point the finger at Nalu and his friends as liars. Raven
shook his head. Those kids have been through enough already. It s time we grown-ups
show them we can be trusted.
Wrapping his arms around Raven s lean waist, Ghazi rolled them both over until he lay
on top. Can we discuss your plan in the morning?
Why? You have something else in mind? Raven asked with a wide grin on his face.
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70
Ghazi s cock began to respond to Raven s constant wiggling. I m sure something will
come up.
Ghazi started to move, rubbing his filling length against Raven s. Thank you for being
here.
Raven cupped Ghazi s face in his hands. You re not your father. What he did or didn t
do should have no bearing on who you are.
And you re not your mother, Ghazi reminded Raven.
It s not the same thing. You re royalty, regardless of your father s actions. I m the
bastard son of a drunk.
No. You re the adopted son of the Stone family. And from what you ve told me about
your mom and dad, you should be proud of them, proud of yourself. A man is not measured
by his birth, but his aspirations.
Raven chuckled. See? You even talk like a king.
Good thing since I am one, right? Ghazi leant down for a kiss. He swept the interior
of Raven s mouth with his tongue for several moments before pulling back. I need you.
Yeah, I can feel that.
Ghazi shook his head. No. I mean, I need you here with me, beside me. I made a
promise to my father to take his place when the time arose, but that promise doesn t mean as
much to me as you do. If you truly cannot live with a king, I ll hand over the crown to Faris.
Faris is too young, and you know it. Besides, you didn t make the promise to your
father, you made it to your people. It s about time Jurru had a king who looked out for them,
and I have no doubt you ll do that.
But will you stay? Ghazi asked.
As what? I ve been here for months and not once have you needed a bodyguard. I
need to feel useful.
What would you like to do? Inside, Ghazi was jumping up and down. It sounded like
Raven was serious about staying with him on Jurru. Ghazi would give the man the world if
he asked for it.
Raven wrapped his legs around Ghazi s waist. You ll need someone trustworthy to
run Sanctuary.
You don t think it should be shut down?
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Not at all. Nalu was willing to prostitute himself for the privilege of living in a home
with people who cared about him. Let s teach those kids what a real home feels like.
Ghazi nodded. We ll have to set it up before the newly elected Prime Minister takes
office, but I know both men and there shouldn t be a problem. He kissed Raven s neck,
anxious to make love to the man. Anything else?
Just two things, but they can keep til morning.
Good. Ghazi squirted lube onto his fingers before reaching for a condom. My only
request is to do away with these awful things.
I m sure we can work something out.
* * * *
The following morning, Raven hung up his phone and returned to his seat at the
breakfast table. Bram ll make the arrangements. He ll have Amir make the call. We figured
since Amir speaks Farsi it ll be less of a red flag.
Ghazi nodded. What time do I need to be ready?
Raven reached under the table and put a hand on Ghazi s knee. You know you don t
have to do this, right? I ll be at Sanctuary anyway to make sure the kids are safe.
I can go with you, Seb offered.
Ghazi shook his head. I need to be there. I want to look into Halim s eyes and ask him
why.
Raven understood Ghazi s position, but it would make things harder. Okay. Can you
call Fath and set up a meeting for this afternoon? You trust him, right?
Definitely, Ghazi answered.
Once Fath is enclosed in your office, you can use the escape passage to meet me. We
should be at Sanctuary in plenty of time to avoid Halim s detection. Raven hoped Ghazi
was right to trust his Minister of Finance. Until then, keep Halim busy so he doesn t have a
chance to slip away and deliver the packet of information to Sanctuary.
Do you still want Johara to answer the door? Nalu asked.
Yes. Amir will request a young girl with long hair. Johara would be Halim s best
choice. Raven scratched the side of his head. Have I forgotten anything?
What do you want us to do? Jackie asked.
Nothing. Just make sure you re seen milling around the palace. It s imperative that
Halim doesn t become suspicious. Raven popped the last bite of toast into his mouth. He
noticed Ghazi had barely touched his breakfast and scowled. Are you finished?
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72
Ghazi nodded. I need to get to my office and call Fath before Halim arrives.
Mind if I come? Raven asked.
Of course not. Ghazi stood and regarded the rest of his guests. I do hope you ll have
a chance to enjoy the pool and the gardens today. If all goes well, tomorrow I will make time
to show you the beautiful island of Jurru.
Raven wiped his mouth with his napkin and followed Ghazi from the room. Are you
okay? he asked when Ghazi threaded his fingers through Raven s.
Of course. He led Raven into his office and shut the door. He leant against the edge of
the desk and pulled Raven between his legs. I called Ali. I felt he had a right to know what
was going on.
And?
He s coming to Jurru. Ali said I shouldn t have to deal with this on my own. I
informed him I wasn t alone, and, hopefully, I d never again be on my own.
Raven wrapped his arms around Ghazi s waist and buried his face against the spice-
smelling skin of his lover s neck. I love you.
Ghazi tilted Raven s head up and gave him a deep kiss. I love you, too.
Even though Raven knew the King loved him, it was the first time Ghazi had spoken
the words aloud. He grinned. I like hearing you say that.
Prepare yourself because I ll be saying it a lot. Ghazi kissed him again, kneading
Raven s ass as they tangled tongues.
Raven was about to ask for his first favour when they heard a knock at the door. Shit.
He pulled out of the kiss as Ghazi s hands moved up to rest on his hips.
Halim, Ghazi whispered against Raven s lips. Just a moment, he called out.
I ll go out and distract him while you call Fath. Raven dug into his pocket and
removed his cell phone. Call him on this.
Ghazi took the phone before brushing his knuckles over the obvious erection pressing
against Raven s zipper.
Should I hide that from Halim? he asked, with his hands poised to untuck his shirt.
No. I no longer care what Halim deems proper in the palace. Ghazi gave Raven a
quick kiss. It makes me happy to see the way my touch affects your body.
Raven reached down and ran his hand down the length of Ghazi s erection, hidden
behind the yard of fabric. I could say the same.
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Good, then we agree. No more hiding while on Jurru.
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