NEW BOOK ALERT: Vows Fulfilled by Unoma Nwankwor @unwankwor #ChristianRomance

We're excited to share the next instalment in the The DuBois-Arazi Family Novels by Unoma Nwankwor. Vows Fulfilled is out now. Continue reading for a sample from the Prologue.

BLURB

Love Is A Commitment Salma DuBois-Arazi, the strong-willed and fiercely independent last born of the DuBois-Arazi clan, keeps herself busy with her role as the Director of Guest Services at the family's luxurious resort, Grand Amour. Work and family provide the perfect distractions to drown the painful memories of a time when she believed she could have it all. Her mission has been to keep her secrets buried deep within and her heart shielded from the past. She's been successful in her endeavor—until her grandmother's eightieth birthday celebration, when Qasim's return threatens to shatter her meticulously constructed world. Qasim Adesina, the enigmatic and charismatic ex-footballer turned CFO of Ilẹ Oloro Farms, is a man on a singular mission: to reclaim his lost love, Salma. His friend's baby sister and his guiding "Star." Years ago, he had grievously underestimated the shadowy Brotherhood his family had once been a part of. The underground organization found "his heart" and tampered with it. For a woman who swore off second chances, Qasim's secrets become a fatal miscalculation that cost him everything. After giving Salma the space, she deserved and diligently tying up loose ends, the moment has come for him to remind her of the vow they once made. But before they can even glimpse at a semblance of a happily ever after, they must navigate the labyrinth of secrets and treacherous waters that make up their shared history. To love is to commit. Can their commitment withstand the secrets they've kept hidden, family discord and a past alliance that refuses to be severed? Each book in the DuBois-Arazi Family series is a standalone story, but will be enjoyed if read in order of publication: A Promise Fulfilled Destiny Fulfilled

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EXCERPT

Salma’s skin prickled and the hairs at the back of her neck stood. She let out a low breath. An irritated one, but low all the same. After all these years, she knew exactly who had just entered her space.

Yasmine’s question confirmed it. “Isn’t that Qasim?” her sister asked. “I didn’t know he came with Qadir.”

Salma’s heartbeat accelerated as she cautiously turned. She watched the man who had caused her so much pain search for her with his eyes. Qasim Adesina stood in the distance with his older brother, Qadir.

Annoyed though she was, Salma couldn’t deny the fact that God had taken extra time on that man. Before his eyes locked with hers, she did a slow sweep of his body. His six-foot, three-inch frame was clad in a burgundy, traditional dashiki set with metallic gold embroidery. The color contrasted perfectly with his dark skin. The beautiful skin that made her stomach do backflips from the memory of its feel against hers.

Blinking away the thoughts of years ago, Salma continued her inspection. His body was still the beauty of flesh she remembered. Each muscle looked chiseled to perfection, a clear indication that the gym was still one of his favorite spots. Qasim ran his tongue briefly over his full lips and she let out a breath. At that moment, his dark eyes held hers and his legs moved towards her. Not wanting her sister to be privy to how much this man irked her nerves, Salma began to walk towards the house.

“It’s time to present Grandma with her gift. Let’s go,” Salma ordered.

She was a few feet from her destination when Qasim blocked her path. She knew that if she did or said what she really wanted to, they would end up causing a scene. Qasim was the most laid-back man she knew, but he was still a man, Black and African.

His presence consumed the air around her. She found it difficult to breathe. He still had that power and she hated it.

“Hello, my Star,” he said.

Salma raised a brow and shook her head. The nickname he had given her years ago still had the power to make her weak in the knees. But she wasn’t going to let him distract her from the matter at hand. “Why did you come?”

He shrugged. “Your brother invited me.”

She shook her head. “This isn’t a good idea.”

His brow rose. “Why not? So you can keep seeing Hamza Alami?”

Salma’s eyes bugged and anger surged through her veins. How did he know about him?

Qasim placed both hands in his pockets and leaned against her ear. When his lips met her ear lobe and pulled gently, she shuddered.

“Time’s up. Time to come home.”

Infuriated, Salma bumped his arm and walked off. I wish I could wipe that stupid grin off his face.

A few minutes later, Salma stormed into the study of her grandparents’ home. She paced in front of the oak table where, as a kid, she always sat next to her grandfather, eating cookies while she waited for him to read her a story. It was the same place she came to as an adult to feel his spirit and now, to get herself together. She turned to the sound of the door creaking and saw her sister, Yasmine, standing in the doorway.

“Are you okay?” Yasmine asked.

Salma didn’t want to make this a big deal, so she did what she had done since that infuriating man turned her life upside down.

“I’m fine, Yas, I just needed a minute.”

Yasmine walked closer. “Are you su—”

“I am. I needed a minute. I got it.” Salma took Yasmine’s hand and ushered her to the door. “Now let’s go give Grandma her gift.”

She could feel the doubt radiating off her sister, but kept walking anyway. Qasim was not a topic that was open for discussion – not today, not ever…again.