The Sheik's Son(71)

Mohammed looked over at his son and nodded. “She is a handful. I wonder where she got that temperament.” He eyed his wife thoughtfully.

“Well, thank you. Because even though it’s unbelievable, I knew nothing of their relationship,” he said quietly.

“It will all be sorted. Her dowry will be substantial so there can be no cause for complaint,” Katharine said smoothly. “That they love each other was clear enough. It will all work out.”

“I will speak with Etienne’s father. If everything is agreed upon they can be married soon,” her husband remarked.

It was at this moment that Jean Pierre and Sophie entered the room. Sebastian took a large swallow of brandy and introduced Sophie to his parents.

“Sophie, Monsieur Gauvreau, this is my father, Sheik Mohammed Aksam Al Sabid. My mother, Katharine.”

Jean Pierre was well acquainted with Sebastian. He had seen him at many gatherings and the young man seemed taken with Sophie. He had heard his mother mention him several times in passing and he acknowledged the introduction, and in turn, introduced his daughter to the couple.

Katharine could tell Jean Pierre was an educated, capable man. He seemed honest and kind and she liked him immediately. When she glanced at his daughter, everything became clear. Her son was in love.

The woman was exquisite, with auburn hair and hazel eyes. Her dress was of the finest silk and her figure was feminine and beguiling. She was the reason her son had not noticed what was happening with Leila and her lover. He was too wrapped up in his own world.

Sophie smiled at the couple and was taken aback by Sebastian’s words. Sheik? His father was a Sheik? She was not prepared for this new revelation and eyed the older man with interest. He was certainly still attractive and Sebastian looked like a younger version of his father. But she could tell that the son was not a pure Arab. His mother was European and her creamy skin had been passed on to her son, while her blue eyes had been inherited by Leila.

Jean Pierre poured himself and Mohammed a brandy. He poured two small sherries for the ladies and gave Katharine and Sophie each a small glass. Sophie thanked her father and took a sip.

“There was never any intention to cause deceit, Father. But I have been compromised and we must marry,” Sophie told her astonished father and Sebastian’s parents.

Mohammed only briefly glanced at the young woman before looking over at his son, who seemed completely stunned.

“W-what are you saying?” Sebastian asked her.

Jean Pierre stood up to face the young man. “This is most irregular.”

“I-I’m sorry, sir. I think there is a misunderstanding here.” Sebastian watched Sophie’s face carefully.

Sophie was flushed from the words she had uttered. She set her glass down beside her.

“Sophie. Has your behavior with him been entirely above reproach?” her father asked her.

“Not exactly,” she whispered.

Katharine watched the exchange with interest while Mohammed stared at his son.

“Well?” Jean Pierre pressed her.

“What are you saying, Sophie?” Sebastian asked, confused.

Sophie closed her eyes then opened them to meet her father’s. “At the chateau—” she began.

“The chateau? Your grandmother was with you.” Jean Pierre replied, looking at his daughter to explain.

“Yes, she was. But one night there was a mistaken—”

“Yes?” Her father prompted her.

“I was sleeping and Sebastian came into the room.” There was no easy way to explain that night and she was mortified to have to do so in front of her father and Sebastian’s parents. But she had started this. She would finish it.

“My God! He forced himself on you!?” Jean Pierre spat out.

“Of course not!” Sebastian cried.

“Absolutely not!” Sophie responded. “He arrived very late one night. My room was a room he had stayed at several times before. He did not realize I had taken the room. He came to the room and fell asleep not realizing I was there.” Her cheeks were flushed red as she told the story.

“What happened then?” Her father asked.

“I woke to find him next to me.”

“Nothing happened?” Mohammed asked the question. The whole description was beyond belief. Could it be true? Had his son been in bed with the beautiful Sophie and not consummated the act? He doubted it.

“Well, there was—” Sophie whispered. This was harder than she had imagined. He had only wanted a mistress. He had never wanted to marry her. But she knew this was the only way.

“Yes?” Sebastian asked, waiting to see where this was leading.

“There was a moment when we were in the bed together alone.” She blushed.