Page 15 of The Sheikh's Defiant Girlfriend

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Amir watched Soraya walk away. Even her walk put a smile on his face. Every little thing about her made him smile. Of course, he realized he’d definitely messed up that interaction, and it was his fault alone.

He’d hoped to be able to ask her out on a proper date, something intimate and special, unlike the amusement park outing, but he’d ruined his chances of that. If the other men hadn’t been there, he wouldn’t have reacted the way he did.

It seemed she would never let her guard down around him. He kept trying to show her they could have a good time together, but it seemed like he was making things worse with every attempt. He had never second-guessed himself or felt insecure when a woman was concerned, but here he was wondering why she didn’t respond to him like most of the women he’d met before.

Of course, she hadn’t told him to go away. She hadn’t banned him from her life. He could still find a way in.

7

It was only one week before the wedding. Everything was set, but Sara was a ball of nerves. It didn’t help that Tariq’s mother was coming over for dinner. Mrs. Matthews had left with Fiddah to meet Sara’s family at the airport. Tariq had sent a private jet to fly them over from the UK. Sara had thought it best that her mother be out of the house for this dinner in case the evening didn’t go well and there was an argument with Tariq’s mother.

Mrs. Botros picked up Leylah as soon as she arrived, and the baby looked up at her with wide eyes.

“Oh, I’m so pleased she’s awake. The last time I saw her was at the bridal boutique, and she slept the whole time. Although I admit that was probably for the best.” She kissed Leylah on the cheeks.

“Yes, she’s a wonderfully patient baby, at least during the day. She saves all her fussing for when I’m trying to sleep,” Sara said, forcing a laugh through her nervousness.

“How are you doing with being a new mother?” Tariq’s mother asked.

“It’s definitely been an adjustment,” Sara replied as they made their way to the dining room. “I hope you’ve been well?”

Tariq joined them and greeted his mother with a kiss on her cheek.

“Here, let me take the baby,” he said.

Sara knew he didn’t like not holding her for a single moment, but Mrs. Botros didn’t relent.

“You get to hold her every day, Tariq. I’m claiming grandmother’s rights and hogging her this evening while I can.”

“Dinner is ready,” one of the maids announced, and the three of them sat down at the dining table, Leylah still cradled in Mrs. Botros’s arm.

Two of the staff served a range of dishes. There was a plate of dolma, a dish made with rice and lamb wrapped in grape leaves with a hint of lemon. There was a plate of freshly baked pita, bulgur, roasted beef, chickpeas, mixed vegetables, and hummus. Sara smiled at the selection.

“Only one more week to the wedding. Do you feel ready?” Mrs. Botros asked Sara.

She sighed before she responded. “It’s complicated and scary. I simply want to be with Tariq and Leylah. All the dress shopping and cake tasting was more stressful than I expected. Thank heavens I didn’t have to do anything about picking the venue. Of course, I would have just chosen to simply get married in the back garden.” Sara asked. Mrs. Botros watched her with fascination. This was probably the most words they had ever exchanged.

“You wanted a simple wedding? Most women marrying into a wealthy family want something extravagant.”

“Simple would be easier. All I want is the groom,” Sara said and took a huge bite out of her pita. Mrs. Botros’s eyes widened, and her surprised expression turned into a smile.

“You’re delightful,” she said to Sara.

Sara did not know how to respond to that. She was sure his mother still loathed her, and here she was giving her a compliment. It did not add up. Luckily, she didn’t have time to respond as Amir suddenly appeared in the doorway.

“Hello, Amir! Come join us,” Sara said. She was always happy to see him. Tonight, his timing was impeccable. He kissed Sara on both cheeks, and Tariq narrowed his gaze.

“Hello, darling,” Mrs. Botros said to her son as he kissed her next.

“Ley!” Amir grinned at his beautiful niece. She looked at him and waved her arms, happy to see him as always. He picked her up from her grandmother’s lap and put her on his.

“Why are you here?” Tariq asked Amir. “First, you kiss my wife, and now you’re hogging my daughter.”

“Tariq!” Sara nudged him.

“I’m here to see my little niece,” Amir replied and kissed Leylah on the forehead.

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