Sophie lay naked on her stomach in the large bed. Sebastian drew a finger along the base of her neck, moving slowly down her alabaster back and ending on her buttocks. He placed one hand on a delicious globe and kissed the other as Sophie giggled.
“You are so lovely,” he whispered to her as he moved over her.
She made to turn over but he stopped her. “No. Stay as you are.”
He moved over her and she could feel him as he pressed her legs apart slightly.
“Bash?” she said with uncertainty.
“It’s OK,” he told her.
He moved between her legs and pressed into her tight passage, filling her as he had before but from behind. He went in deeper and she gasped, almost in pain. He filled her fully and pressed into her then pulled back. It was a delicious feeling and she arched into him.
She clutched at the pillow with both hands to steady herself, even as she groaned in pleasure. He moved his hands underneath her, squeezing her breasts and fingering the tight nipples.
“Sophie.” He felt the tension building and when she gasped loudly, he climaxed inside her.
She rolled over to face him. “You are demanding!” she whispered to him.
“Just wait, my lovely wife,” he assured her.
***
Sebastian gifted Sophie with a dress for the upcoming ball and she decided upon a rust-colored silk gown with gold embroidery lining the square bodice and shorter sleeves. The heavy skirt was plain but stylish and even Katharine approved when they went for a fitting.
“That dress and the color certainly do you credit, my dear,” Katharine said, nodding as the seamstress with a mouthful of pins moved around her, pinning as she went.
Sophie was excited to begin her new married life with Sebastian by her side. She was a bride and wife in the true sense, and belonging to her husband gave her great pride.
***
The morning of Leila and Etienne’s wedding came and so as to not outshine the bride, Sophie wore a gown of lilac and little jewelry. She asked Marie to dress her hair plainly and Sebastian came into the room just as she was touching perfume to her wrists and neck.
“You look stunning.” He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her mouth and neck.
“None of that! We’ll be late,” she teased.
Sebastian groaned but followed his wife downstairs to their carriage.
The church was well known to Etienne’s large family, which included several siblings who had all been welcoming and kind to Leila.
Sebastian stood beside his friend while Sophie stood next to Leila at the altar. She considered it an honor as Leila could have chosen one of Etienne’s sisters but instead chose her. Leila was very close to her brother and as her sister-in-law, she gave Sophie the honor of standing beside her.
The vows were spoken and rings exchanged in the morning light of the church. As custom dictated, wheat was thrown at the couple as they emerged from the church, symbolizing fertility.
The entire party returned to Etienne’s family home to drink, eat and be merry. Leila smiled much of the time and Sebastian was happy for his sister.
Etienne came toward his friend and they clasped each other briefly.
“All is well, my friend,” Etienne exclaimed, drinking a glass of wine.
“Indeed. The inspector seems to have tucked his tail between his legs and I hope it is at an end. I plan to enjoy married life and return to Arabia,” Sebastian said.
“Yes. Things are getting bad here,” he agreed. “I plan to take Leila on an extended holiday through the continent.” Etienne smiled at Leila across the room.
Sebastian nodded in approval of the plan. Leila and Etienne journeying away from France eased his mind.
Sophie moved near the punch bowl as Leila came to stand beside her.