Page 25 of The Sheikh's Defiant Girlfriend

“What. Are. You. Doing?” she managed to say. She was still out of breath.

“I told you that I wanted to claim you,” Amir replied. His voice had deepened. “I hoped maybe a kiss would help you decide what you want.”

“Stop playing games.”

“I’m not playing games. I told you I want you. Only you. I am not giving up until you can truthfully declare you want me to leave you alone. You never have, and I don’t think you ever will.”

An announcement from the main hall interrupted their awkward silence. It was time for the toasts, and Amir was to give the first one. Soraya walked off. Amir lingered in the corridor for a few moments. He had wanted to kiss her for what felt like forever, but he’d had no idea it was going to be that amazing. He wanted her even more now. So much for easing the ache in his chest.

Amir entered the room as if nothing had happened. He made his way to the microphone near the string quartet who had been providing the evening’s music.

“Thank you, everyone, for coming to my stubborn brother’s wedding,” Amir said as he began his speech. “If you know my brother, then you know he is obstinate. He doesn’t bend his will or succumb to anyone. A year ago, the idea of marriage was out of the question for him. He concentrated on work and family. We thank God for this beautiful woman, my best friend, Sara. If not for her, I would not have the most beautiful niece. Only someone as headstrong as Sara could win over a man as stubborn as Tariq.”

Tariq sat there frowning at his brother, but Sara was laughing. She knew too well how stubborn her new husband was and was clearly enjoying Amir’s speech.

“Sara is the only person to have ever broken past his determination. I don’t know how she did it, but we commend her.” Amir turned his attention to Soraya. “My brother is wise. He found a woman bold enough to challenge his character and help him become a better man. If you find a woman who makes you smile simply at hearing her name, looks adorable when she’s angry, has eyes filled with innocence, but at the same time is intelligent, beautiful, and elegant, never let her go.” Amir raised his glass. Soraya blushed, seeming to know he was talking about her. “Cheers,” Amir said and took a sip.

Everyone clinked their glasses together and drank. Soraya downed half of her own drink. Amir suspected she wished it was something stronger than bubbly fruit juice. Alas, no alcohol for his traditional family.

12

After Amir’s speech, Fiddah gave one as well. She mostly spoke about how beautiful their union was. How very happy she was to see them together. She said they were made for each other, and she believed the reason Tariq never showed interest in marriage was that he hadn’t met Sara yet. He was fated to be with her.

After the speeches, music filled the room once again. People got up and started dancing. Sara’s brothers went to speak with Sara and Tariq.

“Congratulations, Scabs,” James said and pecked Sara on the cheek.

“Really, James, you’re going to tease me right now?” Sara demanded.

“Don’t touch her, you’ll ruin the makeup,” John said.

“I’m surprised she’s even wearing any.”

“Tell me about it. I bet they had to hold her down to put it on her.”

“Okay, whatever,” Sara said.

“Congratulations,” Jason said and extended his hand to Tariq. Tariq kept his face expressionless and returned his new brother-in-law’s firm handshake.

“Thank you,” Tariq replied.

Sara decided to go speak with Alex and Soraya. She felt like she had been sitting for too long and needed to move. Soraya smiled and stood as she approached them. Sara opened her arms for the hugs the two other women offered.

“I feel like taking my shoes off,” Sara said, and Soraya laughed gently.

“Typical Sara. She hates wearing high heels,” Alex said.

“I’m not keen on them either,” Soraya said. Sara put her hand up for a high five, and Soraya gave her one.

“Sara, you did not do Tariq justice when you described him,” Alex said and raised an eyebrow.

“Well…” Sara grinned. “He’s all right.”

“Whatever! You’re head over heels for that man.”

“He is quite the character,” Soraya chimed in.

“Elaborate,” Alex said and leaned forward, getting ready to hear the gossip.

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