The Sheik's Son(75)

“Are you happy or sorry it’s over?” he asked absently. It was suddenly sinking in that she was his lawful wife.

“Happy or sorry?” She pondered the question. “I’m neither. I’m grateful.”

“Grateful?” he asked, startled.

“Yes. Not many men would marry a woman to keep her safe, receiving nothing in return.”

Sebastian smiled. “Your safety is my reward. And it won’t be forever, Sophie. Only until the madness with the inspector dies down.”

She smiled at him. “Yes, I know.”

“Come. I’ll show you the rooms and you can pick the one you like best.”

They made their way up the staircase from the downstairs foyer and onto the landing of the second floor. The house was quiet, as early evening had set in. The shadows along the walls from the sun reminded Sophie of the days she had spent at the chateau and the night she had accidentally spent with Sebastian.

“Do you ever think of that night at the chateau?” she asked him.

Sebastian almost smiled, as he had just minutes before remembered it. “Yes,” he said, but didn’t elaborate, and she didn’t ask him to.

One room was decorated in cool blue tones and another in gold. A room at the end of the hallway was decorated in peach and green, which was pleasant, but she liked the blue room the best.

“The blue room,” she said.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“Yes. Why?”

“No reason.”

Sebastian’s room was next to the blue room and the rooms had an adjoining door between them. He had Sophie’s trunks brought into the room.

“This room adjoins with the next room. You can lock the door easily.”

“Do I need to lock it?” She looked puzzled.

“I’m in the next room,” he said simply.

“Do I need to lock you out?” she asked. “I trust you.”

You shouldn’t, he thought.

“Good night, Sophie.”

“Good night, Sebastian.”

***

Sebastian slipped into bed naked, his warm skin a sharp contrast against the cool bedclothes. He was a bridegroom and this was his wedding night. But he would remain alone in his bed and Sophie would remain untouched in the next room. He was not bitter. He had not married her to gain a bride in the traditional sense.

Still, he keenly felt the sense of wanting her yet not being able to have her. He had not visited Juliette in some time, so the desire for Sophie was high. It was a strange sensation to be a married man yet be completely removed from his bride. He knew the attraction between them was strong but he knew equally that Sophie had set the terms and he must abide them. He also felt strongly that their attraction went beyond the bounds of mere sexuality. He wanted her, but he also wanted to claim her as his own and protect her.

He knew that as long as the inspector eventually learned that she was married and that she was not to be trifled with, she would be safe. That was all that mattered.

***

Sophie changed into her simple linen shift with a drawstring neck and sat before her vanity table. She gazed into the mirror as she combed her hair free of tangles. She glanced briefly at the door that separated her room from Sebastian’s but she heard nothing. He would not come into her room without knocking, and he had no reason to visit her.

She had been completely up-front about the terms of their marriage and he would not expect anything more. She set the brush aside and moved toward her bed. Once she settled under the bedclothes she turned on her side to face the door that connected her room to her new husband’s. What would he do if she entered the door and went to him? She almost laughed at the thought. What would she do? She watched the door silently for what seemed like an hour before she drifted off to sleep.

***

The next morning, Leila and Sophie went shopping. Leila spent much of the time chattering about her upcoming wedding while Sophie listened. She was happy for her sister-in-law, whom she found to be lively and easy to talk to. She knew that she was in love with Etienne and that they were marrying to create a life together.

“You seem out of sorts, Sophie. Is my brother that demanding at night?” Leila asked.

“Leila!” Sophie gasped in outrage.

“Oh, Sophie. I’m not an innocent. My father breeds horses and I’ve been with Etienne.”

“You have?” she asked, shocked.

“Yes. I always wanted Etienne. Since the first time I met him, I loved him. I knew if I compromised myself that I would have him. I didn’t dare hope that he loved me as well. But he did.” She smiled happily.

“I’m very happy for you, Leila.”

“Don’t let my brother bully you. He’s been raised to rule after my father. But he can be kind and generous.” Leila spoke fondly of her brother.