The Sheik's Son

“And you won’t marry.”

“I never thought I would marry, yet she’s something so different. So elusive and feminine. Innocent yet educated.”

Suzanne smiled. Sebastian was in love. “You have time. She is not married yet. She is not even engaged.”

Sebastian nodded. He took a deep breath. No, she was not married or engaged. Yet.

Chapter 14

That final evening at the chateau progressed without the Comte de Buffon. He had departed as his cold had worsened and he wanted to be home to recuperate. Messieurs Marmontel and La Harpe had left as well, so the meal was subdued and quiet, with little lively conversation.

Leila pleaded a headache and retired early, for which Etienne was extremely grateful. Eugenie and Suzanne sat by the fire sipping sherry while Sebastian and Sophie played a game of chess. Etienne browsed the library shelves before he returned to a large chair with his brandy.

“Our last night together,” Sophie said, simply contemplating her next move.

“Shall we retire for the evening? I have many things I’d like to teach you upstairs.” Sebastian watched her move her knight.

Sophie laughed. “Playing the husband when it suits you.”

He leaned forward. “I’ve decided I like you best in the linen shift,” he moved and captured her knight, “or nothing at all.”

“Nothing at all? I’ll catch cold.”

“I’ll keep you very warm.”

She shook her head and smiled at the playful flirting. “Which half of you owns that silver tongue of yours?”

“The lower half.”

She blushed and turned to look at her grandmother. She was nodding off in her chair and Suzanne was reading. They were on the other side of the room and could not possibly hear the conversation.

“The lower half? Your knees?”

“A little higher.”

“Thighs?”

“Higher.”

“Stomach.”

“Exactly,” he said.

Sophie captured his bishop and Sebastian was taken off-guard.

“Flirting to win?” he said, amazed.

“I do what it takes.” She purposely pressed against the table, causing her breasts to swell above the neckline and Sebastian’s eyes to dilate.

“Your move,” he said.

She made a reckless move and lost her bishop to him.

“I liked it better when you were flirting,” he said lowly.

“It was silly of me.” She said, contrite.

“No. It’s just that the logical end cannot be, so why pursue it?”