The Sheikh's Defiant Girlfriend (The Botros Brothers Series) (6 page)

Sara picked up her phone; she had a message from Amir. “
What's Soraya doing?”

“She's rather quiet. What's Tariq doing?” 
Sara shook her head as she sent the message. Amir had been sweating her all day over Soraya. Sara was now stuck in the middle playing cupid but it was not so easy with a girl like Soraya.

“Tariq is not talking much either. What are you girls doing?”

“Right now exchanging relationship stories and eating. I am trying to find out about Soraya. So far, she said she is not seeing anyone.”

“I guess you're the only one eating. I’m joking. Good she's single. What kind of men does she like?”

“Sara who are you messaging so much?” Alex called out.

“Oh, it's nothing,” Sara said as she stuffed the phone away.

The girls assumed that it was Tariq that she was messaging. They teased her about it. They played music and swapped romance stories during a game of cards. Soraya did not share much. She only spoke about her first kiss and her worst date. Sara was hoping to get more out of her but that was fine for the time being.

The maids cleaned up the food and got the bedding ready. Sara had suggested that they sleep over like a slumber party, since it would be her last as a single woman. Surprisingly the girls were up for it. Sara's phone rang. Her face brightened when she saw that it was Tariq.

“Hi,” Sara answered the phone.

“What kind of a hello is that to your fiancé?” Alex called out. Sara threw a pillow at her.

“Who said that?” Tariq asked.

“Alex, you'll meet her tomorrow. How's the brotherhood bonding?”

“And we're back to the sarcasm.” Sara giggled and headed out of the room. She was blushing when she same back. Alex teased her about it. It was the first time she had ever seen her best friend like this over a guy. It was refreshing to see. It also made her comfortable knowing how much she cared about him.

*                                               *                                    *                                                  *

For the first time ever, Sara was up early before everyone else. She actually felt the excitement. Today, she was going to be Tariq's wife. Finally! She sighed with pleasure as she walked out of the room. She went upstairs to check on her baby. Leylah was awake, looking at the ceiling. Sara was surprised that she didn't even cry. She picked her up.

“Morning, ma'am.” Leylah's nanny woke to see Sara holding Leylah. She tried to get up but Sara stopped her.

“It's okay, I'll take her. You rest,” Sara said and walked out of the room. Leylah was happy to see her mother. She was smiling at Sara and put her head on Sara's shoulder.

“Hi, sweetie,” Sara said and kissed her. She went to give her a bath and feed her. She was all done by the time everyone else woke up. Even Tariq's mother had come early.

“How is the bride today?” Fiddah asked Sara.

“Great!” Sara replied with a gleeful tone.

As the day progressed, her glee waned. The process of getting ready was intense. Her whole body was scrubbed with sea salts and then she had to soak in warm water with milk and honey. This was strange to her. The beauticians told her that it would make her skin as soft as butter. After the bath, she was moisturised with oils that smelled heavenly. Everything used on her was natural. She touched her skin and it felt better than silk.

“Wow, Tariq will love this,” Sara said. Everyone laughed with her. “My skin was soft before and he liked it but this is amazing. He will really-” Sara stopped speaking when her mother walked into the room. What she wanted to say was not for her mother's ears.

Sara also received a facial followed by a manicure and pedicure. Then the hardest part came last, her hair. After being shampooed and deep conditioned, they blow dried it and straightened it. It was styled in a contemporary beehive. The front was parted on the left side. They threaded her eyebrows. A bit of eyeliner was added to her eyebrows to add definition. Her eyelashes were curled, and then mascara was applied. A mocha-coloured eye shadow was applied to her eyelids. She kept insisting for them to keep it natural. She chose to wear red lipstick. Alex was shocked that she had chosen such a bold colour.

Hours later, Sara finally got into her wedding dress. The dress was strapless with the middle dipped, revealing her cleavage. It had intricate silver-coloured embroidery on the torso. The dress was tight fitting and really accentuated her hourglass figure. The back was designed like corset. The dress was made out of fine silk. She wore a white gold necklace, matching bracelet and earrings. She looked at herself in the mirror and almost didn't recognise herself.

“I have waited for the day finally to see you wearing makeup,” her mother teased. Everyone laughed but Sara didn't. She looked as if she was going to cry.

“What's wrong, dear?” Tariq's mother asked.

“I'm scared,” Sara said.

“Should I get the car ready?” Alex joked but only Sara laughed.

“You don't feel ready?” Aaliyah asked.

“I really want to marry him but will I be a good wife?” Sara's voice was shaky. Tariq's mother hugged her. She could see the sincerity in her eyes. Sara really did love her son.

“Yes, you will be, don't worry,” said Mrs. Botros. Sara's mother and Fiddah also hugged her and offered words of wisdom. They finally left for the mosque. The bridal party had all arrived and waited in the side room whilst the groom entered the mosque first.

“Dad!” Sara cried out with joy when she saw her father. He hugged her. “Cutting it close,” Sara pouted.

“I know, I'm so sorry,” Sara's father said.

“It's okay, you're here now. Are you okay? Is it okay for you to be here?”

“Of course. I'd never miss my only baby girl's biggest day.” He kissed her on the cheek.

Everybody else had entered the mosque. It was only Sara and her father who were left. Tariq waited for her. He wore a cream sherwani with intricate gold embroidery decorating the front, along the collar and on the cuffs with matching cream trousers. His jet-black hair was freshly cut. His face was shaved, and he had a small goatee. His groomsmen, Amir and Malik, stood by his side.

Finally, Sara entered on her father's arm. Everyone stood up as she walked in. Tariq stared at her. He knew she was beautiful but today was on another level. She was the most gorgeous woman he had ever laid eyes on. His intense gaze rested on her, as he forgot about the world. Amir smiled as he saw her. She was beautiful. Her father stopped half way and kissed her on the cheek. She had to walk to Tariq on her own. She concentrated on her steps, as she did not want to stumble in her wedding dress. She couldn't stop smiling at Tariq. He looked so attractive. She couldn't wait to reach him.

“You may all sit down,” The officiant said after Sara came to stand next to Tariq. “We shall start, if the groom can take his eyes off the bride,” he added jokingly. The crowd laughed. Tariq hadn't stopped staring at her.

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

“Awww,” everyone said together. Sara smiled and looked down. His gaze made her shy and weak in the knees.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today,” the officiant began to recite. Sara kept stealing glances at Tariq. Amir was looking at Soraya. This was the first time he had seen her in a dress. He couldn't wait to speak to her. He was glad she had decided to come. Soraya had noticed Amir as soon as she had come into the mosque. He was also dressed in a cream sherwani, but his did not have the embroidery. His hair was brushed back and his beard was only a day old. She found him very attractive but she didn't want to be caught staring. She had to act as if she didn't see him. Tariq and Sara exchanged vows.

“With this ring, I take thee, Tariq Botros, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold until death do us part,” Sara said as she placed the ring on his finger. Tariq repeated his vow as he put the ring on her finger.

“I now pronounce you, husband and wife. 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. “Someone is eager,” the officiant joked after they had stopped kissing.

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.

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, he 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 the delicious food that was prepared for the wedding. Music filled the room whilst everyone ate and chatted.

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

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

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

Amir smiled as he watched Tariq and Sara flirting. He was happy to see his brother so happy and married. This was something no one expected. He turned his attention to Soraya, who was sitting across the room. She was dressed in a blue halter-top dress, which ended at the knee. The dress was cut low showing off her cleavage. Her hair was wavy and pinned on the right side. She wore purple lipstick. This was Amir's first time seeing her like this. It was nice. He wanted to go speak with her but couldn't, he was sitting with Malik.

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 was not expecting the compliment. Sara laughed. “Treat her right, otherwise I'll hunt you down,” Alex added.

“Excuse me?”

“As her friend and 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 was in the middle of a conversation. He turned and saw Soraya speaking with Kalil Burka. Someone Amir was not fond of. It frustrated him even more that he was speaking with her. He immediately excused himself and walked over to Soraya like a man on mission. He reached her and interrupted the conversation.

“Hello, habibti,” Amir said and took Soraya's hand into his. Soraya was caught off guard but it did not surprise her. Amir was always popping up out of nowhere.

“We are in the middle of a conversation,” Soraya said to Amir.

“And now it's finished,” Amir replied looking at Kalil.

“Amir, arrogant as always,” Kalil said.

“And you're as irritating as always.”

Soraya frowned. She looked at both Kalil and Amir. “You two know each other?” she asked.

“Unfortunately,” Amir said. He helped Soraya to her feet. She was about to protest but Amir put his hand up to stop her from talking.

“You never learned how to treat women,” Kalil said as he stood up. He held Soraya's arm. Amir flicked his hand off immediately.

“Keep your hands off what's mine,” Amir warned him and walked off with Soraya. They made their way out of the room and into the corridor. Soraya shook her arm free from Amir and slapped him. He widened his eyes. He looked at her with confusion. He was not expecting her to do that.

“Are you crazy?” Soraya shouted at him.

“What is that for?” Amir asked her as he rubbed his cheek. She had a strong swing.

“This is the second time that you acted like that, only this time it was worse. What’s your problem?” Soraya placed her hands on her hips and stared at him impatiently. “What are you smirking at?” she asked when she noticed his look.

“This is the first reaction you've ever given me.”

“Me, getting angry, pleases you?”

“It's adorable.”

Soraya resisted the urge to slap him again. He moved closer to her and stopped smiling. He looked her in the eye.

“I don't like seeing you with other men,” Amir said. His tone had changed. It was more serious. His facial expression was more intense.

“Like I said last time-” Before Soraya could finish her sentence, Amir cut her off.

“I don't care, you are mine and I will claim you.”

His words gave her a mix of emotions. How can he say claim? She was not an object that he could simply acquire. He spoke like the womaniser she thought he was. He thought he could get any woman he wanted at the snap of his fingers. This made her angry. At the same time, his words painted him as alpha male who knew what he wanted. He stared at her with so much desire in his eyes. She felt butterflies circling in her stomach. Heat crept into her face. She had never felt like this before.

Amir cupped her face in his hands. He couldn't take it anymore. So many times, he had ignored the urge to take her in his arms. He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Soraya was caught off guard. This she did not expect. She hit him in the chest twice and tried to push him away but he did not flinch. He kept kissing her. She stopped fighting him as her arms found their way around his neck. He pulled her closer to him and thrust his tongue into her mouth. Soraya kissed him back as she stroked the back of his neck.

Soraya pulled back when realisation sank in. She was panting, her face was flushed and her heart was beating 300 beats a minute. She felt like her body was on fire. Just his lips had ignited her. “What. Are. You. Doing?” She managed to say. She was still out of breath.

“I told you that I was going to claim you,” Amir replied. His voice had deepened. Soraya ran her hand through her hair and blinked a couple times.
Claim me again!
she thought.

“Stop playing games,” she told him hoping he wouldn’t hear the tremble in her voice.

“I'm not playing games. I told you that I want you. Only you. I am not giving up.”

She did not even know what to say. She did not know if she wanted him or not. 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 always wanted to kiss her but he had no idea it was going to be that amazing. He wanted her even more now.

Amir entered the room acting as if nothing had happened. “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 to him. He concentrated on work and family. We thank God for this beautiful woman and my best friend, Sara. If not for her, I would have never had a niece. There was no hope for Tariq,” he went on. Tariq sat there frowning at his brother. He was painting him to be the most hard-headed person ever known to exist. Sara was laughing. She knew too well, how stubborn he was.

“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. “But my brother is wise. He found a woman who is 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 felt her face turning red. It was as if he was talking about her. “Cheers,” Amir said and took a sip. Everyone clinked their glasses together and drank. Soraya turned to her glass and downed half of it. Her nerves were all over the place.