Page 23 of The Sheikh's Defiant Girlfriend

Finally, Sara entered on her father’s arm. All conversation hushed as she walked in. Tariq stared at her. He knew she was beautiful, but today her beauty was on another level. She was the most gorgeous woman he had ever laid eyes on. His intense gaze rested on her, and he forgot about the world.

Her father stopped halfway and kissed her on the cheek. She had to walk to Tariq on her own. She concentrated on her steps, not wanting to stumble in her wedding dress. She kept her eyes on Tariq, and all her fears fell away. She couldn’t stop smiling at him. He looked more handsome than she’d ever seen him, and she couldn’t wait to reach him.

The officiant started the ceremony after Sara came to stand next to Tariq. “If the groom can take his eyes off the bride, we shall begin.” The crowd laughed. Tariq hadn’t stopped staring at her.

“She’s gorgeous,” he said, still looking at her.

Sara smiled and looked down. His gaze made her shy and weak in the knees.

“We have a service today that combines traditions from both Sara’s and Tariq’s cultures,” the officiant said. “In Arab countries, the signing of the marriage contract is the first and most important—and sometimes the only—part of a wedding ceremony. Please step forward, and with your signatures, indicate your consent to your union.” He gestured to the table at the front of the room.

When Sara signed her name on the elaborately decorated parchment filled with Arabic and English writing, it felt as if her world clicked into place, like this was the last piece of a puzzle.

As the officiant went on with the ceremony, she could not keep her eyes off Tariq. Her husband. They exchanged vows—the most important part of the Western wedding ceremony—and moved on to the rings, which fit both traditions. Tariq had explained that in many Arab weddings, the groom presented the bride with a gift. They would both present gifts, in the form of their rings.

“With this ring, I honor thee, Tariq Botros, as my lawfully wedded husband, the man of my heart,” Sara said as she placed the ring on his finger. Tariq echoed her words with his own as he put the ring on her finger.

“With this ring, I honor thee, Sara Matthews Botros, as my lawfully wedded wife, the woman of my heart.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, Tariq and Sara Botros!” The guests cheered, and once the applause died down, the officiant went on. “You may ki—”

Before he finished speaking, Tariq had already moved in for a kiss. He pulled Sara close to him and kissed her deeply. The crowd clapped and cheered.

“Let’s party!” Alex said.

11

The wedding reception was held at one of the best hotels in the country. The large dining room had been transformed for the event. There was an open space for dancing. The tables were evenly spread out and set with expensive table settings. Tariq and Sara had been whisked off in their stretch limo to take pictures. They arrived at the reception last. Malik was the one who announced their entry. Sara could not stop gushing. She loved being on Tariq’s arm and having the whole world see them. Everyone stood up to welcome the new couple.

When Sara and Tariq were to have their first dance, Sara placed her small hand in Tariq’s palm and her other hand on his shoulder. As the music filled the room, they started dancing. Tariq stared into his wife’s eyes and watched her blush. She was the most beautiful woman in the world, and she was all his. Everyone watched them sway and glide elegantly around the room. They were beautiful and happy.

After the song, Sara and Tariq went to sit at a high table that faced everyone. The caterers served delicious food that had been prepared for the wedding. Music filled the room whilst everyone ate and chatted.

“Mrs. Botros,” Tariq called Sara and she giggled in response.

“I could get used to that,” Sara replied.

“Me, too.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

After Alex finished her meal, she approached Sara and Tariq. It was time for her to meet him in the flesh. It was long overdue.

“Congratulations to you both,” Alex said to them.

“Thank you,” Tariq replied. He was about to ask her who she was when Sara spoke up.

“Lex! Good, you’re here, now I can introduce you two,” Sara said. She turned to face Tariq. “Babe, this is my best friend, Alex.” Alex looked him up and down.

“Nice to meet you,” Tariq said to her.

“Likewise, handsome,” Alex replied. Tariq raised his eyebrows. He had not been expecting the compliment. Sara laughed. “Treat her right, otherwise I’ll hunt you down,” Alex added.

“Excuse me?”

“As her friend and almost sister, it is my obligation to threaten your life if you misbehave. Anyway, let the singles mingle.” Alex looked at Sara and mouthed, “He’s gorgeous.”She winked at her then left. Sara laughed and shook her head. Typical Alex. If she found a guy attractive, she was not afraid to say it. She was not subtle.

* * *

Amir smiled as he watched Tariq and Sara flirting. He was happy to see his brother so happy and married. No one had expected this outcome, even less with a bride like Sara. But Amir had always said he needed a woman who could stand up to him and break through his rigid attitudes.

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