Page 30 of The Sheikh's Defiant Girlfriend

“I do know what he’s like. And if you can’t trust me to make my own decisions about who I spend my time with, then you don’t get to call yourself my brother. Not that it’s any of your business, but we haven’t slept together, and I have no intention of doing so.”

“Let’s not be hasty—” Amir said.

“You shut up,” Soraya ordered without looking at him. “You’ll get your turn. Malik, it’s time for you to go. Trust me to guard my own body and heart or don’t. But you have no right to interfere.”

“Fine. But don’t come to me for comfort when he breaks your heart.” Malik stalked out the front door.

Soraya spun on Amir. “He’s right about one thing. You should not be here. I know you Botros men are possessive, but I won’t be pushed around. You don’t get to force your way into my life. Or my home. And definitely not my heart.”

Amir stroked her arm and leaned in, completely ignoring everything Soraya just said. “I want nothing less than your full surrender,” he whispered into her ear. Soraya shivered at the brush of his breath across her skin. Maybe her brother was right. Maybe she was already at risk of heartbreak. She steeled herself.

“Then you will get nothing at all,” she said, and took a step back. “A woman is not something you can claim just because you want her. You have to earn your way into my life, Amir. And just showing up whenever you feel like it isn’t going to do it.”

“Soraya, I can’t stand being away from you.”

“That’s not my problem.” She gave him a rueful smile. “Your handsome face and massive bank account don’t entitle you to my attention. I’ve told you more than once what I want from you, and you’ve refused to give it to me. It’s time for you to go.”

The muscles in Amir’s jaw clenched. Soraya wondered when anyone had last told himnoabout anything. She’d done it over and over, and she’d always let him win her over. Not this time. This time, she was keeping her word until Amir gave her the respect she deserved.

“Soraya…” His face contorted into an indescribable expression, as if he were fighting with himself over his next words. As if they were the hardest he’d ever tried to say. “Please. Don’t do this.”

“I don’t want to see you again, Amir, not until you’ve figured out if you can give me what I’ve asked for. You’re a smart man. You’ll figure it out.”

“Fine. You’ll be mine, Soraya. I swear it.”

She didn’t know whether to sigh or rejoice. She wanted to be his—his companion, his lover, his partner. Maybe more. But she despaired of him ever getting what that really meant. She would be her own woman, too.

“Goodbye, Amir.”

She pushed him out the door and collapsed onto her sofa. How could it possibly hurt so much to send away a man when they weren’t even officially dating? They’d kissed all of twice. They’d shared a horseback ride and ridden a few roller coasters. And one Ferris wheel. None of that seemed like enough for her to be mourning his loss. He’d only been gone for three minutes, and she already missed him. Shehatedwhen he turned up and demanded her attention.

But she loved the way he made her feel, loved the lightness in her heart when they were together. She loved the way he made her forget all her worries. And she knew, deep down, if she needed help with anything, he would be the first to her side.

Probably because he’d already be on his way—or he’d be lying in wait for her somewhere. That was the dealbreaker for her. He had to respect her goals, her life, her needs. Not just indulge his own.

She sighed and reached for her phone. Maybe Sara would have some words of wisdom to offer. Or maybe she could explain to Amir what he couldn’t seem to figure out for himself—that everything hinged on him respecting her.

* * *

Sara invited Soraya to come visit her at the office since talking about her relationship with Amir required a face-to-face conversation. When Soraya arrived for their midmorning coffee and chat, she looked worried. Her forehead was wrinkled in concern, and her hand fidgeted with her handbag.

“Come in, Soraya,” Sara said, moving out from behind her desk to her office couch. She hugged her, and they both sat down.

They sipped strong, sweet Turkish coffee and ate pastries together in silence for a few minutes. Finally, Sara had to ask. Her curiosity was killing her.

“So what did you want to talk about?” she asked.

Soraya told Sara what had happened with Malik and Amir. “I knew Malik would be against anything happening between us, but I never expected him to react like that. I still can’t believe he punched Amir. I’m so irritated by these men trying to make all my decisions for me!”

Sara laughed. “I know what you mean. I had to work hard to get Tariq to let me come to the office while I was pregnant. You’re just going to have to stand your ground.”

“I’ve tried, but Amir simply doesn’t listen. He just bulldozes right over me.”

Sara knew the power of Amir’s personality. As different as his cheerfulness was from Tariq’s brusqueness, their expectations that everyone would just bow to their will was the same. If Soraya could find a way to show him he couldn’t get his way all the time, it would be the best thing to ever happen to him.

“Have you kissed?” Sara asked, switching topics.

Soraya laughed. “What a change in topic!” Soraya said and tucked her hair behind her ear. Sara’s eyes widened.

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