The Sheikh's Defiant Girlfriend (The Botros Brothers Series) (5 page)

Tariq returned the stares he was receiving from Sara's brothers. He did not feel intimidated by them. They were a bit surprised with his calm demeanour. Usually they were able to intimidate someone within a few minutes. However
, their efforts were not working with Tariq. Sara looked at them, turning her head back and forth. She was enjoying the showdown. Her brothers always found it easy to intimidate the people around her. But she knew Tariq too well and they were not going to get to him. They would never succeed in intimidating this man; he was too stubborn and arrogant.

“Why do you call Sara, scabs?” Amir asked, breaking the awkward silence. Sara growled. This stupid childhood nickname had followed her throughout her life.

James laughed as he replied, “She was always full of scabs growing up.”

“Because she was always falling down,” John added. Amir smiled and nodded his head.

“She's so clumsy. I'm not surprised that she was a scabby child,” Amir said. Jason and Amir both laughed. Sara rolled her eyes. Her brothers always picked on her. She had never thought Amir would be joining in on it.

Sara's brothers did not stay long. They were tired from the long flight and ready to leave for the hotel. Sara was glad they left before they started telling stories about her childhood. Tariq and Sara retired for the night. Sara was wearing a baggy a t-shirt. She sat on the bed with her head against the headboard.

“Your mother was different tonight,” Sara said. Tariq was still undressing.

“Leylah softened her. She was much harder to deal with in the past,” Tariq replied as he joined Sara on the bed. She raised an eyebrow.

“So that's where you get it from.”

“Woman, what are you saying?”

“You are hard-headed like your mother.”

In one movement, Tariq grabbed Sara and pulled her closer to him. Sara squirmed and held onto him. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply. “I can't wait to marry you,” she whispered. Their noses were touching.

“You want to be my wife that much?” Tariq asked. His voice dropped in tone. Sara was very familiar with that tone.

“I simply want to get all of it over and done with,” Sara teased. Tariq frowned at her. He had her pinned down. Sara tried to worm her way out of his grip but he was too strong for her. She used all her strength but he did not even flinch. Just when he was about to kiss her, Leylah's cry sounded from the baby monitor.

“Ahhhh,” Sara cried out. She had interrupted them at the wrong time. “You go,” Sara said to Tariq. He narrowed his eyes at her. She grinned at him and kissed him softly.

“Fine,” Tariq got up. “Don't go to sleep before I come back,” he said to her before he left the room.

*                                   *                                                  *                                                   *

Sara was feeling frustrated after falling asleep whilst waiting for Tariq to return to bed. It had taken too long to put Leylah back to sleep. That morning he had to leave for work early. He and Malik went to visit an oil field, which was located several hours away. Sara was watching TV with Leylah on her lap.

“Hi, Sara.” Sara jumped as she heard Amir's voice. “Yeah, I can be a bit creepy, I know,” he said with a grin on his face.

“When did you get here and why?” Sara said after a long pause.

“The maid let me in and I came here for you. I need to ask you for a favour. The reason I came last night actually,” Amir slid his hands in his pockets. He looked at Sara helplessly.

“I know that look. Tell me,” Sara said. She gestured for him to sit down with her.

“Actually, I need you to come with me.”

Sara handed him Leylah. He smiled as he held her in his arms. Sara dashed upstairs to change quickly. She slipped into a white vest top, a pair of light blue jeans and sandals. She brushed her curly hair and left it down.

“So, what's going on?” Sara asked as they drove away. She began searching his car. “What kind of car doesn’t have any snacks?” Sara mumbled the question.

“I will buy you food after,” Amir said with a smile. He sighed. “Can you invite Soraya to the wedding?” He spoke the question so fast that Sara turned to look at him. She stared at him with such fascination. He became all nervous and awkward when he spoke about Soraya. Sara thought it was cute.

“Yeah sure, I don't mind. Did you go see her the other day? What happened?”

Amir did not reply for a moment. He simply kept driving. He sighed before he said anything. “I keep messing up with her.”

“Aww, how so?” 

“She's always so stone-faced with me.”

They arrived at Soraya’s workplace before Amir told Sara about when he last went to see her. He had been avoiding talking about it. He did not know what to say to her. Sara agreed to go in to speak to Soraya while Amir stayed in the car with Leylah.

“Wait, aren't you supposed to be working or something?” Sara asked Amir before she left the car.

“Well,” Amir started to speak and then stopped. Sara shook her head. She opened the car door and got out. She walked into the air-conditioned restaurant. She stood at the entrance and looked around. She finally spotted Soraya and waved at her. Soraya was surprised when she saw Sara. It was usually Amir who did random pop ups. Sara had a big smile on her face when Soraya approached her. She was a pretty girl, Sara thought to herself. It’s a shame she didn't smile more.

“Sara, hi,” Soraya greeted her.

“Hey, Soraya, how are you?” Sara asked.

“I'm well. Come with me,” Soraya took Sara to the back. She had been allowed a quick break to speak with Sara. The manager had okayed it because Sara had introduced herself as Mrs. Botros. Sara had to test the name out, to see if it carried the power Tariq said it did. And it worked. Soraya and Sara sat down.

“I came to see you because I did not get to invite you to the wedding when we met last time,” Sara said.

“My whole family received invitations.”

Sara felt stupid. She was Malik's sister. Of course, she was invited to the wedding but did Amir not know that? Or was this his plan all along for them to speak.

“Oh well that sucks. I mean, it steals my thunder,” Sara said. Soraya smiled.

“It's fine. Thank you for inviting me. A verbal invitation from you is much better anyway.”

Sara grinned at her. “How do you feel about Amir?” Sara asked. Soraya's eyes widened as she looked at her. “I know it’s random and personal, but I'm not subtle,” Sara added with a smile.

“Erm.” Soraya was speechless. She did not know where to begin.

“Okay, you must be confused and wondering why I'm asking. I saw the way he looked at you last time. I can see that he likes you, but do you like him?”

Soraya was shocked at Sara's boldness. They barely knew each other and here she was asking something so personal. She had clicked with Sara the first time they had met and because of that, she felt comfortable with her. Sara also looked so innocent. She stared at Soraya, waiting for an answer. Her facial features were soft and she had brown eyes. She was too adorable to ignore.

“I don't know what is going on,” Soraya said at last. “We never used to speak. He was simply my brother’s friend and that's how I see him,” she lied. She tried so hard to squash every little feeling she felt for Amir but it never worked. When she saw Sara alone by the entrance, she felt a bit disappointed. She had hoped that she was with Amir.

“Amir has a reputation with women. That must scare you but when you get to know him, he's a different person,” Sara said softly.

“I'm sorry, but I have to return to work,” Soraya said and got up.

“So that's what it is. You’re scared.” Sara could see how Soraya changed when she mentioned Amir and women in the same sentence.

“Not true, he is Malik's friend,” Soraya said trying to convince both of them. Sara sighed.

“Don't completely dismiss him. He is funny, caring and a really good guy. Since I’ve known him, you're the only woman on his mind.” Sara smiled at her and walked off. She had to plant some sort of doubt in her mind and leave her thinking about it. She hoped that it would work. Amir was really an amazing guy and Soraya needed to see it. “See you at the wedding,” she called out as she left.

Soraya did not even want to ask herself how she felt about Amir. She was afraid of the answer and this was something she was not ready to deal with - nor did she know how. Sara's words lingered in her mind, even though she did not say much. Sara called him a good guy. Unfortunately, for
Soraya, she had not seen that side of him yet.

Amir was waiting for Sara anxiously. He turned towards the passenger seat as Sara slid in the car.

“Well?” Amir asked.

“She will come,” Sara said with confidence.

“You're sure because?”

“Well, she didn't say no and you didn't even tell me that her whole family was already invited.” Sara hit Amir in the arm. He looked at her with a smirk on his face. Sara narrowed her eyes at him. “I knew it! You wanted to get me in there to speak with her to see if I can find something out about her,” Sara added. Amir laughed guilty.

“So, did you find anything out?”

“Not yet, but soon.”

“Soon?” Amir asked as he started the car engine. Sara turned to check on Leylah. She was awake and playing with her feet. Sara smiled at her little bundle of joy. At three and a half months, Leylah was already able to sit up and make advanced sounds. She could already recognise faces, scents and sounds. Sara was so proud of her advancement. She was well ahead of her age.

“Hey, sweetheart, you're not tired?” Sara rubbed Leylah's belly.

“I tried to put her to sleep but she's not sleepy,” Amir said. Sara blew Leylah kisses then turned to face forward. She buckled her seatbelt.

“I am having a bachelorette party. I will invite Soraya.”

“That sounds good.”

“You're not invited. Ladies only.”

Amir made a sound of complaint. Sara laughed. The party was the perfect opportunity to get to know Soraya. She didn't know many people in this country, and having Soraya as a friend sounded like a good idea.

“Are you having a bachelor's party for Tariq?” Sara asked Amir. 

“No,” Amir's tone suggested that Sara had asked a very stupid question.

“Well, why not?” 

“Something he definitely would not be into.” Sara agreed with that. Tariq was very uptight. He would not want a party. The night before his wedding, he'd probably be in his room reading over paperwork.

*                              *                                      *                                                      *

The night before the wedding had come. Sara was excited for her bachelorette
party. She was excited to see her friends Keira and Kaleena. Between the baby, the wedding planning and their work schedules, she hadn't seen them in ages. Also, her best friend, Alex, was due any minute. Sara and Aaliyah were waiting for everyone to arrive. Her mother and Fiddah were upstairs with the baby. The twins were the first to arrive.

“Sara, we missed you,” they both said and pulled Sara into a tight hug.

“I missed you too.” Sara was very happy to see them. She gestured for them to sit down. She introduced both of them to Aaliyah.

“Where is Leylah?” Kaleena asked.

“She's sleeping. She had been awake most of the day,” Sara replied.

“Aww, poor thing.”

“Hopefully, she’ll sleep through the night now.”

One of the maids walked in with Alex. Sara turned and saw her. She jumped up and ran to hug her.

“It's been too long,” Alex said.

“I know,” Sara replied.

They pulled away from each other after a long embrace. Sara introduced Alex to everyone. Alex and Sara had a quick catch up. Alex was telling Sara about what had been happening since she left.

“So where is this man of yours? I want to see him,” Alex said.

“You'll have to wait until tomorrow!” Sara said. Tariq was sleeping over at Amir's place. Amir and her brothers had managed to strong-arm him into having a bachelor's party. Also, he could not see Sara the night before the wedding.

“I can't wait!” Alex said. She turned to the twins. “Is he as yummy as she says he is?” she asked.

“Yes,” the twins said in unison. Sara smiled to herself. He was yummy and he was all hers. The maid returned with Soraya. Sara got up and hugged her. Soraya was looking out of place.

“Thanks for coming,” Sara said and took her hand. She led her to the sofas.

“Thank you for the invite,” Soraya said. Sara quickly introduced her to everyone. They greeted her. Aaliyah and Soraya already knew each other.

“Do you have cold feet?” Alex asked Sara.

“Nope! None at all,” Sara replied.

“Okay that's good but if you do, tell me and I’ll drive the getaway car.” Sara laughed. She knew Alex was serious though. Alex was always there for her. She was her ride-or-die friend. Whenever there was a situation, they would face it together.

“She is excited to marry my cousin,” Aaliyah added. “It’s obvious that they love each other,” she added. Sara rolled her eyes.

“He better love her!” Alex said.

Sara noticed that the other girls were getting along fine but Soraya sat there quietly. Sara stood up and went to sit next to her. This was her opportunity to break her out of her shell. She handed Soraya a drink and smiled at her.

“Are you always this quiet?” Sara asked her.

“I'm sorry,” Soraya said.

“No, it's okay. We'll have to shake you up a bit.”

Soraya felt nervous. Sara had a mischievous look on her face. It was usually Amir who had something up his sleeve and seeing that the two were close, probably meant that they had similar traits. 

Sara started asking simple questions about Soraya. She asked about her work, school and family. Alex came over to sit with them. Alex was as bad as Sara was. She too started asking Soraya questions. Alex was not subtle or tactful. If she had a curiosity, she had to satisfy it. She even asked if Soraya was seeing anyone. When that subject was brought up, Soraya immediately thought of Amir.

I want you.
His words replayed in her head. She hadn't seen him since that day and she was going to see him tomorrow. She wondered if he was going to speak to her. Did he really want her? She was full of questions. When it came to him, there was no certainty. He was full of surprises.

*                            *                                    *                                          *

Jason sat with Tariq. He felt that since he was Sara's eldest brother, it was his duty to sit with him. Their father had only had a few conversations with Tariq over Skype. He had concluded that he was a good person, but Jason needed to know for sure. He wanted to talk to Tariq face to face.

“Why do you want to marry my sister?” Jason started with a cliché type of question.

“Because I do not wish to live my days without her,” Tariq replied. He was not a simple man and could not give simple answers. He couldn't simply say, I love her.

“Sounds like you're lonely.”

“You doubt my intentions?”

“Should I?”

“I am a man with everything in the palm of my hand. I couldn't use Sara for personal gain because there isn't anything to gain.”

Jason frowned. That answer did not sound the least bit appealing. Tariq sighed.

“What I am saying is that all I want is her. All I need is her. My intentions are honest.” Tariq said.

“Will she be taken care of?”

“No one can do the job better than I can.”

Jason frowned again. He was getting the feeling that Tariq was arrogant. This was his opportunity to beg for Jason's approval but he wasn't doing that at all. Amir walked into the room and called them to come join him. As they were leaving, Tariq's phone rang. He stayed back to answer it.

“Habibti,” Tariq said as he answered the phone.

“How's it going over there?” Sara asked him. She had called to check on him. She knew something was going to happen with her brothers.

“Fine,” Tariq replied but Sara was not convinced.

“I know you're not into stuff like that but enjoy it. This could be a great opportunity for you to bond with my brothers,” she said softly.

“I guess,” Tariq mumbled.

James and John looked at each other. They were standing outside the room trying to eavesdrop on his conversation. They knew it was not mature but they had to know about Tariq using any way possible. The guy was hard to crack.

“It'll be okay,” Sara said. She suppressed a laughed. She knew how uptight he was and this situation was probably getting to him. She couldn't help but find it funny.

“And yet your tone is sardonic.”

“Oh, not at all,” Sara tried even harder not to laugh.

“It's been a week since I made love to you,” Tariq said. Sara laughed in response. She was always so awkward in those situations.

“And you will tomorrow night.”

“It's too long.”

James and John thought it was probably time to stop listening but they still stood there eavesdropping.

“I know, babe.”

“How's Leylah?”

“She's okay, sleeping.”

“Good, I will call you before I go to bed.”

“Okay, mwah.”

Tariq smiled to himself as he hung up the phone. Speaking to Sara always made him feel good. John and James quickly went back to Amir and Jason before they were caught.