Page 9 of The Sheikh's Defiant Girlfriend

Soraya’s fake smile wavered a moment, then she managed to reinforce it. But her eyes shot daggers at him before she turned to Sara. Amir gloated. Soraya was jealous.

“Uh-huh. Are you ready to order?”

Ignoring her question, Amir said, “This is Sara.”

“Hello,” Soraya said to Sara, who smiled at her and extended her hand.

“My brother’s fiancée,” Amir added. Soraya raised her eyebrows and shook Sara’s hand.

“Nice to meet you,” Soraya said. “I didn’t realize…”

“It surprises everyone when they hear,” Sara said and laughed. “I know I’m still getting used to the idea myself.”

“I hope it doesn’t take you too long.” Soraya said, laughing with Sara. Amir raised an eyebrow. He’d spent months trying to make Soraya laugh, and Sara had managed to do so in less than five minutes.

“How do you know Amir?” Sara asked Soraya.

“I’ve known the Botros family most of my life,” Soraya replied.

Amir felt a little offended. He’d thought she might talk about him with a bit more warmth. He groaned to himself. Would long-time friend be too much to ask? He didn’t expect her to say he’d promised to be her toy whenever she felt the need for some fun, but something more than implying distant acquaintances would be nice.

“I’m ready to order,” Amir said. Soraya turned robotically and faced Amir. “I would like the filet mignon, rare, with salad, lots of tomatoes in the salad please. And bring a basket of pita for us to share.”

“I’ll have manakish,” Sara said. “I think it’s my favorite food I’ve discovered here. It reminds me of pizza, but better.”

“Excellent choice,” Soraya said. “Anything on the side or appetizers?”

“Whatever’s good,” Sara said. “Bring us your favorite.”

Soraya laughed again, and Amir had to fight a scowl.

“I’ll be right back, then,” she said.

As Soraya delivered their drinks and a platter of mixed appetizers, pita bread, and dips, Amir could not tear his eyes away. She moved gracefully, confidently, and the weight of the loaded tray didn’t seem to bother her at all. She had her hair covered demurely, a requirement of her job, he assumed, and he wanted to reach out and tug the headscarf free so he could see her dark tresses tumble down her back.

After she left, Sara turned her attention to Amir. “So who is she?”

“Malik’s sister,” Amir said.

“Really? They don’t look alike at all.”

“Not so much, no,” he replied.

“But I can see you like her. It’s all in the way you look at her. And she certainly had some interesting looks for you, too.”

Amir sighed. He wanted to act as if he didn’t know what Sara was talking about, but her tenacity was on another level. She wouldn’t believe him if he denied it, and he was tired of hiding it from her. He didn’t know why he hadn’t expected this to come up. Maybe he hadn’t only brought Sara here only as a cover. Maybe hewantedto tell someone.

“Okay, she’s the woman I have been sort of seeing,” he said quietly after a long pause. Sara’s eyes widened.

“Oh, my gosh. Amir, she’s gorgeous. That’s why you brought me here?” Sara asked.

“Yes, she is gorgeous. And also stubborn.” Amir narrowed his eyes. He tore apart his pita and nibbled the bits without bothering with the baba ganouj or any of the other dips arrayed between them.

Sara chuckled. “Tell me more about her.” She loaded up her plate with filled phyllo pillows, pita, yogurt, and all the other delicacies Soraya had brought them.

Amir carried on eating, and the silence hung between them. He had so much to say about Soraya, but he couldn’t put it into words. Soraya returned just in time. She carefully placed their plates on the table.

“Enjoy,” Soraya said with a smile for Sara and a glare for Amir. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, even as she hurried to attend to another table.

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