With Forgiveness Comes Happiness

by grannydew, posted in The Forgiveness Series

Chapter 1

Authors note: 

Can had saved Sanem from the wrath of Polen and her brother. He didn’t know how such an intelligent and successful woman could have turned into the person he had just watched being led away by her father. His heart was torn in so many directions, but mostly for the fear of what could have happened to Sanem. All he wanted was to whisk her away, take her somewhere safe and never let her go. After this book tour is over, he may do just that……..

Thank you for continuing on with Can and Sanem as they  move on with their lives. They were bound in their love and determined to fulfill their destiny…….knowing in their hearts that…..

With Forgiveness…Comes Happiness

Can watched Sanem as she talked, with every eye on her, listening, absorbing each word she said. How proud he was of her as she made her speech to the audience, explaining what writing meant to her, telling them to not be afraid to put themselves out there. He knew how true that was for her, she had been through a lot to bring her books to them to read. But this was her joy in life and he wasn’t about to let her fail. 

The forum was over, as Sanem greeted and thanked everyone she kept her eye on Can. He was the most handsome man in the room, and she was thinking the most inappropriate thoughts as she glanced slightly his way. He smiled, as he watched her work the room with her charm. With the fear of what had happened with Polen still fresh in his mind, knowing Sanem was safe was the most important thing for him. He couldn’t wait to get her all to himself and get on that plane back to Istanbul. She smiled at him from across the room, as she noticed how he followed her every step. It made her temperature rise, his eyes felt like a laser, heating her body down to her inner soul. This man may likely be the death of her if their wedding day didn’t happen soon. 

Can felt someone behind him, then a slap on the back, ” She’s a natural when it comes to this kind of stuff.” Luca smiled slightly, giving Can a look of relief. Can nodded, ” Yes she is, and couldn’t be more proud of her. But things could have been a lot different today if you hadn’t been here, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Can reached out his hand to Luca, but Luca pushed it aside, giving Can a hug instead. Can smiled, and welcomed the gesture openly. Luca smiled, “I hear a wedding is on the horizon, I’m very happy for both of you.” His look was sincere as he stared at Can. Can shook his head, ” Yes, if this book forum hadn’t come up, we would have already  been married, but it will happen as soon as we get back home. Hey, why don’t you come, I know Sanem would love it.” Can said slapping Luca on the shoulder. 

Before Luca had a chance to answer, Sanem walked over and wrapped her arm around Cans, ” I think I’m officially done, and I’m starving.” Luca smiled, ” And when aren’t you my dear.” Sanem frowned, “Mr. Romanos, I haven’t eaten yet today, and I need to keep up my strength, so you two just need to take me to lunch.”  Luca laughed, but begged out of the invitation, explaining he had to pick up his fiancé at the airport. Sanem squealed, ” Oh I forgot you’re lady friend was coming, then let’s meet for dinner, I’m dying to meet her.” Can smiled slightly, thinking that’s wasn’t exactly what he had planned but he guessed it would wait. The plans were made and Luca hurried out to head to the airport. 

Sanem looked at the frown on Cans face, ” What, did you not want to have dinner with Luca.” Her eyes squinting at him. Can quickly turned his head, ” No, I mean yes, but I really wanted to spend this evening alone with you.” He whispered, leaning in closer to her, so he could breathe in her smell. She shuddered, completely and utterly under the spell of him, “Oh…I see,  but I don’t think that dinner will last all night…..do you.” Sanem replied, as she slid her hand inside his jacket to feel the firmness of his body. The move unnerved him, as he felt his muscles flex with excitement. He quickly encircled his arm around her, ” Come on, let’s get out of here, it’s seems like everyone is staring at us.” His statement full of frustration. 

In his anticipation to get the Athens in a hurry, he hadn’t pack any clothes. So he would need to stop at a clothing store to pickup at least a change of clothes. Their plane home wouldn’t leave until the morning so he would need something decent for dinner and then the trip home. By the time they made it back to the hotel, they hardly had any time to relax before the dinner with Luca. Since Luca was a bit more acquainted with the area he chose the restaurant, texting the address and time to her. Telling her it wasn’t a formal dining restaurant, but a nice comfortable place, so no need to dress up. 

Just having Can so close to her, in the same hotel room was enough to knock her off her game. But she knew she really wanted to wait until they were married for that final display of their love for each other. She wanted it to be special, even more than special, momumental…..earth shattering, all those things she had heard and read about since she was a young girl. But she felt her defenses slowly slipping away as the feeling of him swept over her. She was going through her clothes, looking for the right outfit, when she felt his presence. That heart stopping feeling that you get went the world is getting ready to turn on it’s axis, or your on the downhill drop from the tallest roller coaster in the world. His hands touched her shoulders, pulling her back against his chest. All she could do was hold her breath, as she felt his body heat penetrate through her clothes. He kissed her on top of the head, “Sanem, I know you want to wait until we are married, as do I, but I still need to feel you, touch you, breath in your smell. I love you more than you can imagine.” She could feel his heart pounding as she rested against him. She sighed as that wave of anxiousness gripped her. She wanted nothing more than to be Mrs. Can Divit, but the fear of being just that lived wildly inside her.

Her turned her around to face him, his face so close to hers that his beard tickled her lips. Her eyes fluttered as he gently but intently searched her lips with his, sending every speck of willpower she had to the farthest corner of the universe. 

Why did they have to wait again, she was trying to remember. That feeling of falling, crumbling, dissolving into a pile of ashes had over taken her with just one kiss. She was almost ready to forget about waiting until the ring of her phone broke that magical spell they were both under. She pulled away from him to look at her phone, it was her Mom….

Can smiled, as she answered. He had just felt her open herself up to him, she was just as ready as he was……

“Mom, how are you…Yes, everything is fine.” She replied with a slight  smile on her face, as she exchanged that look of desire with her future husband……..

Chapter 2

With the dinner lasting longer than expected,  Sanem was more than ready to call it a night. Luca’s fiancé Thea, was a beautiful woman, older than Luca by a couple of years, but he couldn’t have found a better match for himself. They hugged, saying there goodbyes and vowing to get together again as soon as possible. Their relationship had blossomed into a much closer one, especially for Can and Luca. They begged the couple to travel to Istanbul to be there for their wedding, but Luca had already taken on a position at the small university there in Chania and the timing just wouldn’t be right. So they would send pictures and a video of their happy day. The ride back to the hotel was quiet, with both of them thinking of what had happened earlier.

Sanem went straight to the bedroom to change, leaving Can alone on the sofa. He supposed that this was his bed for the night, and waited for his turn in the bathroom. He was just beginning to worry about her being  it the bathroom so long when she appeared in the doorway wearing a soft pink, lace and satin mini night gown. Can stood, his eyes so fixed on her he couldn’t even blink. She moved toward him slowly, trying not to seem in a rush. Her mind was full of doubt and fear and at the same time full of desire for the man she loved. “What if  I didn’t measure up to his expectations, what if im not good enough.” Her head was repeating over and over. But the closer she got to this man she loved the further away the doubts became. She loved him and he loved her, that’s all that mattered. Everything else would just be icing on the cake..

Can was quite enchanted by her, as she moved up close to him. She looked like a different woman, her eyes held a confidence that he had never seen before, she was demanding him to look at her. Can was a little more experienced in the field of intimacy than she, but right now he felt like he was about to enter a whole new realm of life. She smiled, ” Can, are you ok, you look like you might have seen a ghost. That’s really not the look a woman wants to see from a man, when it’s her first time.” She stopped about an arms length away from him, wondering in her mind what he may be thinking. He shifted his eyes away from her, and cleared his throat, “Sanem, you just took me by surprise, I mean….you look beautiful, Uhh, I mean…you look fabulous, I….don’t know what to say.”  He turned back to look at her again, this woman held all that was important in his life, she held his heart and soul in the palm of her hands. 

She smiled ever so slightly, as she reached for his hand. The contact sent a jolt of fire through him, making him gasp and his heart shuddered with an unknown  excitement. He looked deep into her eyes, ” Sanem, bebek, I want you to be sure…I want you to be absolutely sure this is what you want. There will be a point of no return and I don’t want you to regret this at all.” Her heart pounded hard inside her chest as she listened to him, she knew all of that, she had accepted it in her head when she put that lingerie on minutes before. Her mind was confused, did he not want the same thing as she did, was he not ready. She dropped his hand and looked away from his eyes, ” I’m sorry, if you’re not ready or if you’re having second thoughts, then this was my mistake.” She turned to walk away, wanting to hide the embarrassment of that bold display of her feelings. He quickly grabbed her arm stopping her, ” Sanem that couldn’t be farther from the truth. There’s nothing I want more than for us to seal our love for each other with that statement of intimacy. He pulled her as close to him as he could, letting all his desire for her transfer straight to her heart. 

She sucked in her breath, holding it, afraid to let it out. His eyes had taken control of her, they looked as if they were on fire and about to erupt, but she couldn’t look away. She felt each muscle in his chest flex as she unbuttoned his shirt and slid it off of his shoulders. It was silent in the room, except for the heavy breathing coming from each of them. She had seen him without a shirt before, but this time it was different, this time It meant they were about to become as close as any humans could be. She was his, and he was hers, nothing else mattered. Can led her to the bedroom, but she didn’t really realize it until they were standing next to the bed. ” Sanem bebek, I love you more than life itself, I want you more than anything that my life could possess. We have been through a lot for this love of ours but now, right now, we will be joined together for the rest of our lives.” His voice penetrating her heart. He slid the two straps of her nightgown off over her shoulders, letting it fall in a heap on the floor at her feet. 

The kiss between them was more than just a kiss, it was a declaration of their commitment, it went deeper than ever before as his touch on her skin started that low, slow burn inside her. She wanted him now, her body was feeling the demand of his love as they crawled onto the bed together. Can knew he had to go slow, nurture her along, letting her body and soul except him  and what was about to happen. That was the hardest thing he had ever done, he wanted to ravish her, devour her, get lost in her, but he wouldn’t. He loved her so much and for the first time he felt it, this was real, a real love. This too would  be his first time in every sense of the word, so he was just as scared. He looked into her eyes, those eyes that had captivated his heart on the first day he meant her, he saw this girl that was ready to become a woman….his woman.

She felt the tingle all through her body as he stared at her, his breath felt warm on her skin as he buried his face in her neck, kissing it. She hadn’t taken a breath since he had placed her on the bed, and the excitement of it all was making her dizzy. This was going to happen, she was going to give herself to him, all of her, she thought, trying desperately to focus on his every move. She had never done anything like this before, but with each of his movements, she moved with him, as an instinct. As her desire for him grew stronger and stronger, she could remember repeating his name over and over, and him telling her how much he loved her, and then this eruption or release of such a feeling she thought for sure she would pass out. But it was a feeling like non other she had ever felt, a beautiful feeling of satisfaction of fulfillment, of happiness and  a feeling of more love than she thought possible.

He slid to the side of her, but kept his arm and one leg over her, breathing heavily he kissed her on the shoulder. She immediately felt different, it was like her life was just beginning and it was because of him. She turned to face him, to look at this man that had made her come alive, the man she loved beyond anything else in this world. 

He smiled a slight smile, his eyes rimmed with tears, ” My love are you ok, I hope you are because I’m not sure if I am, or if I ever will be again.”

She smiled at him, “Yes, I’m more than ok, I think I may be wonderful…….

Chapter 3

The repeat of their lovemaking had lasted much longer, with each of them exhausted and totally satisfied. It was early in the morning hours before they slept, with Can holding her tightly in his arms as if she may escape from him. She woke first, with memories of the hours before making her smile. He was sleeping peacefully, so she watched him, tracing every line on his face, each feature that made her heart flutter. He was even more handsome as he slept, unaware of the way she was looking at him, unaware of the desire that was boiling up inside her. He had made her happy, made her feel special and she wanted that feeling for the rest of her life. She tried to slip out of bed without disturbing him, but that wouldn’t be the case, as the slightest movement from her aroused him. He reached for her, pulling her closer to him, ” Where do you think you’re going, it’s still early.” His voice was nothing more than whisper, his eyes barely open but she could still see the desire that they held for her. 

With this glorious awakening of the day, and the extra long shower that they shared, they were now in a rush to make their flight home. The taxi was weaving in and out of traffic, at Cans insistence to make it to the airport in time. They had made it with only minutes to spare, as they checked in at the gate. As they boarded the plane, she knew she was going home a changed woman. They were both changed, she could see it in his face. The touch of his hand on hers could almost make her come unwound, but she held it tightly as he helped her find her seat. The flight was relatively short, but it would be hard to keep their hands off of each other for that hour and forty five minutes. As they landed and made their way to his truck that he had left there, the realization of taking her home was beginning to hit him. She slid in beside him, not able to wait any longer, he pulled her over to him. His firm grasp took her by surprise, ” Can, someone may see us, what are you doing.” She could barely get the words out, before he covered her mouth with his, setting her body on fire. He kissed her with a demand, telling her how much he wanted her. As their lips parted, he gently let his tongue follow the lines of the lips. Breathless he looked into her eyes, ” I certainly hope your mother and sister have that wedding planned. If not we’re going to elope.” 

She held his hand all the way home, afraid to let go for fear of all those feelings that he had stirred inside her would evaporate. Their connection had been sealed, now they just needed to get the ceremony over with. The thoughts of being his wife now brought such a deeper meaning, as she relived the past 24 hrs in her mind. Those wonderful hours she had spent in his arms had canceled out the remembrance of what Polen and Yigit had done, in fact she hadn’t even thought about them. As she let her mind go back, as the image of Polen busting through her door ran fiercely in her mind and all the things she blurted out to her in anger came to life again, it just didn’t seem to matter. Can had saved her, in fact he had saved Polen also. As she watched him silently, the frown on his face told her that all that he had gone through to rescue her had taken its toll on him. He would never tell her how he was feeling, especially about Polen, but she was sure the whole scenario was unsettling to him. 

The arrival at her house was nothing short of a celebration. As all the neighbors came to welcome her home. The news of what had happened had traveled all the way from Greece to this small neighborhood. Mevkebe and Nihat had been waiting anxiously for her to come home, ever since Leyla and Erme had relayed the events of what had happened. They couldn’t have been more thankful to Can for taking care of their youngest daughter, and relieved that he loved her so much. He stayed for a while to visit, then he was on his way to the agency. But having to leave her was harder than ever, it felt like he was leaving a part of himself. ” Sanem I will be here in the morning to pick you up, you can stay with me at the agency, I like knowing you’re close by.” He whispered in her ear as he kissed her on the cheek. With the whole neighborhood watching, that was the proper thing to do, but not at all what he wanted to do, as the smell of her perfume aroused every inch of his body.

She smiled at him, as his eyes told her how badly he wanted her, ” Can, I’ll make sure we have a wedding as quickly as we can, I feel the same way about this partings.” Her eyes locking with his returning the same feelings of love. Can nodded, ” I’m going to hold you to that, the sooner the better.” He gave her one last hug and turned to get in his car. She watched as he drove away, her heart as full of love as it could be, more than she knew it could be. As she shut the door to her room, the thought of Polen came rushing in, the look of hatred in her eyes when she busted into Sanem’s room. She had a deep feeling that this wasn’t the last of her, that Polen had more than just a few pictures of her and Luca to try and ruin their relationship. She fell over on the bed, almost to exhausted by worry to even unpack her bags, then the vision of Can whisked into her head as he had carried her to the shower earlier that day. The thought made her smile as she remembered how her body turned into a more than willing partner in their love tryst. She shuddered as she remembered his lips on her neck and how he had set her on fire….He was more than she even dreamed he would be….and he was hers.

Everyone at the agency was excited to see Can, and happy to know that all was well. Can already missed Sanem within minutes after arriving at his office. She had become such a staple in his life, he wasn’t sure if he could make it until their wedding. Emre knocked on his door, ” Abi, glad to see you. I guess you got Sanem home ok.” He asked as he sat down across from him at the desk. Can nodded his head ” Yes,…but Emre, I don’t think I’ve ever been that scared. Polen was like another person, she was saying the most terrible things to Sanem. If her father hadn’t been there I really don’t know what would have happened.” Can leaned back in the chair rubbing his face with his hands. ” Well, it’s over, that’s all that matters.” Emre told his brother, hoping he was speaking the truth. 

Can sat up, as he thought back to the last conversation that he had with Polen. How she had threatened him with his photography career and the look of desperation in her eyes…

He looked at his brother..

” I hope it’s over, but something deep inside me tells me it’s not…….

Chapter 4

With Mevkibe and Melihat busy with the wedding plans and taking Sanem at her word of “just tell me when and where and I’ll be there,”  the place had been selected, the decorations  and food had been planned. Leila had been in charge of the guest list, and with Sanem’s instructions of a small wedding, she had planned on only their closest friends and colleagues from the agency. Within a matter of days the wedding was almost ready to go. Sanem hadn’t even thought about a dress yet, so the next step was to go shopping for the special one of a kind wedding dress, one that would be a show stopper. The final plans were coming together, and soon she would be Mrs. Can Divit, the thought of it sent chills trough her body. She relived the past year in her mind, all that they had been through. His decision to leave and go to the Balkan Mountains for work could have possibly been the best decision he could have made. It had caused them both a lot of heartache but it had also allowed them to find that deeper love that they had for each other.

With Cans arrival back to the agency, the new campaign was foremost on his mind. Now that the presentation was over and the company signed, he took on the search for a new model to be the face of the campaign, but with a call from Victor Aubreys assistant that afternoon, Can’s perfect day was turning out to be a disaster. It seemed the cosmetic company was insisting on Sanem as the face of the new line of cosmetics and they were willing to do what ever it took to make that happen. Can was determined to find a new model, but that’s not at all what they wanted to hear. Can listened as Ms. Sophie outlined the contract that Mr. Aubrey had drawn up, stating that the campaign was to be as they had presented it to them a few days earlier or they would be forced to declare a breach of contract against them. Can was furious, ” With all due respect Ms. Sophie, that’s not at all what we had agreed on, is there any way that I might speak with Victor.” He was trying desperately to control  the anger in his voice. 

His thoughts were running wild in his head as he heard her tell him that Mr. Aubrey had left on a business trip to Japan and had left instructions for this to be taken care by the time he was back. He quickly told her he would have to call her back, so he could talk this over with Emre. Before he had time to call Emre into his office his phone rang again, ” Hello my love, I missed you so I thought I’d call and give you a progress report on the wedding plans.” Sanem’s voice sounded like a breath of fresh air to him, making his body fill with heat just thinking about her. He smiled, ” I’m glad you did, I’m anxious to hear. But my thoughts are on the wedding night, if you know what I mean.” He replied, forcing the problems that faced him out of his mind. As she talked he could see her in his thoughts, that look of her naked body as she laid beside him, her smell invaded his mind. His body was lit up with a fire of desire as he listened to her on the phone. She was bubbly as she told him about all the preparations and food they had planned. Sanem asked him about the guess list, “Can, do you think your Dad will be able to come, or what about your mother.” She asked. Can winched at the thought of his mother. It brought him out if his daydream.” No, not my mother, I won’t ask her, by I will send a message to my Dad. But I’m not sure if he will be able to make it.” She could hear the hurt in his voice at just the mention of his mother.  His voice lowered, “My love, I don’t care if anyone shows up, just as long as you and I are there, that’s all that matters to me.” She smiled, ” Dont worry I will be there, nothing could keep me away.” She whispered into the phone.

They said their goodbyes and he promised to call her again that evening when he got home. Emre was buried in work, with Leila for a day or two with the wedding he was busier then ever. Emre could see that Can was upset when he came into his office, ” Abi, what is it, what’s wrong.” He could see the storm brewing in his brothers eyes. He relayed the message from Mr Aubreys assistant, ” Emre, they are insisting on Sanem, and you know that’s not possible, and that’s not at all what we agreed on. She told me they are prepared to file a breach of contract against us, if Sanem isn’t the model.” He rubbed his face with his hand, as he paced back and forth in the office. Emre shook his head, ” They knew that Sanem was just a stand in until the legal differences with the model agency was settled and we could find the perfect model. What are they trying to pull.” Can looked beaten, he looked up at his brother, ” I thing this has Polen’s name written all over it. She warned me that something might happen to my career if I didn’t take her back, but I never thought she would take the agency down with me.”  Both brothers knew they were about to have a fight on their hands if they couldn’t reason with Victor Aubrey. 

The thought of unloading all these problems on Sanem just before the wedding, was something he didn’t want to do. Sanem would be devastated if she found out her photos were putting the agency in jeopardy. Erme patted Can on the back, ” Abi, you know you have only one choice, and that’s to call Metin. He will be the best lawyer to find a way out if this contract.” Can already had the same thought, Metin was the best contract lawyer in Istanbul and that’s what they needed. Him and Metin hadn’t been on the best of terms, but Metin would always be his brother no matter what kind of business differences they had. Can shook his head, ” I know Emre, I have to call him and set up a meeting, if anyone can get us out of this, it’s Metin. But let’s keep this from Sanem for the time being, she has her mind full of the wedding and I want to keep it that way.” Emre nodded in agreement, he felt the same way about Leila, the least they knew the better. 

With the wedding date a week away, and his Dad traveling the world, he knew he needed to call him to tell him the news and extend their invitation to him for the wedding. The thought of his mother hardly ever entered his mind, and with Sanem asking if he wanted to include her in the wedding, she seemed to still be a thorn in his heart. That was the last thing he wanted, for her to show up there trying to act like she cared about him. He sat alone in his office, dreading the call to his Dad, knowing he would ask about the agency, and that he would have to lie. He reluctantly tapped his Dad’s number and waited for him to answer. His Dad answered, ” Son, how are you, I was just thinking about you.” Can smiled, ” Well I hope it was good thoughts, because I have good news.”

His heart was full of happiness as he told his Dad their plans. 

” Dad, I would love it if you could share our special day with us…If it hadn’t been for you, I may never have found this woman of my dreams……

Chapter 5

The talk with his Dad ended with a only a brief mention of the agency. Can was able to smooth over the questions with just a vague answer. He really hated lying to his Dad, but to tell him that he had put the agency in jeopardy, the one thing that his father had built from the ground up, something that meant so much to him, it wouldn’t be easy to say. His Dad of course promised to try and make the wedding, he was happy that his son had found that person he had longed for all his life. It was strange that he found her right her there in Istanbul, the one place that he had always tried to avoid for all those years. 

By the time Can made it home that evening, the only thing he wanted was to hear Sanem’s voice. He would have to be careful or she would hear the tension in his voice, “Bebek I miss you, how are you. I wish I could have come by for a while but it got late before I could get away from the office.” His voice full of that desire for her that always raged inside him. She giggled, “I feel the same way and I miss you too, but it won’t be long now and we will spend all of our time together.” She whispered into the phone, making his heart shudder with excitement. She chatted on about how her mother and Melahat had outdone themselves with the wedding, and all the food they had planned. He tried to be excited but the trouble at the agency had his mind occupied. ” Can, Can, are you listening to me.” She interrupted his thoughts. He quickly put his focus back on her and the conversation, ” Sorry bebek, the phone cut out, what did you say.” She sighed, ” Can,  you can tell me that you’re not that interested in all the details of the wedding, I don’t mind. Just as long as you show up on time and ready to say yes.” She said falling back on her bed, wishing the wedding was tomorrow. 

He really hated keeping things from her, but this was a sensitive matter, and he was sure that Polen had set it all up. But how, he wondered, she had been taken away by her father and checked in to one of the most prestigious hospitals in Italy. How was she able to maneuver all these accusations from there, unless she had someone helping her. All these things ran around in his head like a bad dream, and he had a feeling this bad dream was going to turn into a full blown nightmare before it was over. He laid back on the bed, listening to the sound of her voice as she rambled on, letting it wash over him like a refreshing breath of air from the sea. She was all that mattered to him, why couldn’t they just live their lives in peace. From what she was describing, their wedding was for sure going to be the event of the year in the neighborhood. He had offered for the wedding to held at his home, but Mevkibe and Melihat insisted on having it at the beautiful gardens in the center of the neighborhood. It was a place that was important to everyone, they all took part in the making of it and took pride in taking of it together. There was  a huge arbor and they had planted climbing roses all around it. Over the years they had wound their way up the arbor covering it. That was were they would place the Union table, and the chairs for the guests would be scattered about in the garden, making sure they all had a view of the happy event. 

Can was envisioning it all as she told him  there plans, ” My love it all sounds beautiful, but the most beautiful thing there will be you. And you are the only thing I will be looking at.” He whispered softly into the phone. It took her breath away, just the thought of it, the way he made her feel and the thought of their dreams that were finally coming true. She sighed, ” You always know the most perfect things to say my love, did they teach you that at boarding school.” She asked with a giggle. He smiled as he replied, ” No, it comes from my father, he is the most romantic person I know, oh yes, I did get to talk to him earlier and he will definitely try to make it back to Turkey for the ceremony.” Sanem squealed with excitement, ” Oh I’m so glad….Can, it’s just five days away, I don’t know if I can wait.” She said, her voice changing to a deep sultry sound that made him doubt the same thing himself. They said their good nights and gave each other the wish for good dreams and hung up. Can stared at the ceiling, hoping that the next 5 days would go by without incident. 

He stepped into the shower ready to wash away all the fears and doubts that had set up in his heart. He let the water run over him, as he braced himself against the side of the shower, his head resting on his arm, how he wished she was there with him. She could always make him feel better, as he dreamed of the feel of her body, the wet and silky feel that set his mind on fire with just a thought. He shook his head to clear it and finish his shower, he was going to need a much clearer head to get through this. He would call Metin in the morning and set up a meeting,  he knew it was the only way but that in itself wasn’t going to be easy. Their had been a strain on their relationship and he wasn’t sure if Metin would even want to meet with him, let alone help him. The only way to find out was to call, and that’s what he would do first thing in the morning. Metin had always had a soft spot for Sanem, and had been the first to realize that Can was in love with her, so he may be willing to help if for nothing more than to help Sanem.

The sleep wasn’t restful for him that night, as he tossed and turned all night trying to shake that feeling that Polen had been the organizer of this mess. He was ready for her to disappear from their lives. At one point he had hoped they could have remained friends, and he even suggested that when he had told her that he was no longer interested in having a relationship with her. But after that she seemed to make it her lifes mission to destroy him and Sanem at any cost. He was up early and eager to call Metin, but first he would call Sanem, her voice was the best medicine for him right now. As she answered the phone, just hearing her made him smile, ” Hello my love, my husband to be in 4 more days.” She giggled softly into the phone. He closed his eyes and imagined her face and the way she looked when she laughed. ” Good morning bebek, I couldn’t wait another minute to hear your voice. Shall I pick you up this morning and you can go to the agency with me.” He wanted so badly to see her, touch her. ” Oh Can I can’t, I have another fitting for my dress today….

His heart sank….” Ok, then can we have dinner together after work, I really need to see you.”                

“Me too my love,…..but dinner is not at all what have been thinking of.”……Her voice sounded different, and it stirred every feeling he had inside him……..

Chapter 6

Sanem and along with her mother and Leila, made the trip back into town for the last fitting on the wedding dress she had fell in love with. The gown was quite simple, but very elegant. It was an ivory silk gown, with the sweetheart neckline that was lined with small rhinestones and they continued on over the straps that draped over her shoulders. The garment hugged her curves gently, then flowed into a beautiful long train of material. It was just the look she was going for, that soft yet mature look. She felt more like a woman now than she had all of her life, and she was ready to move on into that world of being a wife and partner to the most amazing man in the world. With the last fitting done and the promise that the dress would be ready for her the next day, they grabbed a quick lunch before heading back home. Sanem missed Can terribly and was aching to see him, so she sent her mother and Leila on their way and she took a taxi to the agency to surprise Can with a visit. It had been two days with only phone calls and she needed that touch from him, she thought as she walked boldly into the agency. 

Everyone waved and shouted their hello’s to her as she made her way to Can’s office. This place had always made her happy and the people here had become more than friends, they were family. Especially CeyCey, he was her most values friend and like that brother she never had, as he hurried around to greet her with a hug. ” Welcome Sanem, I’m glad your back and safe. I know you’re here to see Can but he’s in a meeting right now, you may have to wait.” She smiled, ” That’s ok, who is he meeting.” She asked, peeking around CeyCey to look into Can’s office. Her face burst into a smile, ” Is that Metin, oh my God when did they settle their differences. Are they speaking again.” She grabbed CeyCey, giving him a big hug, filled with the happiness that Can had finally reached out to his friend. She hurried to his door and tapped on it as she walked in, smiling from ear to ear. 

Can and Metin were deep into the discussion of the contract when Sanem entered, ” Metin, I’m so glad to see you.” Her voice full of excitement. Can and Metin were both surprised, Can stood quickly as a look of surprise spread across his face. She headed straight to Metin, with her arms open, ready for his man size hug. He stood and grabbed her up in his arms, “Ah Sanem, it’s so good to see you. And i’m glad you finally knocked some sense into this guy.” He smiled nodding at Can. They both laughed but Sanem could tell she had walked into a very serious meeting. She stepped back looking at them both, ” Hey what going on, it’s look like you just got caught doing something wrong.” Her eyes darted back and forth, looking at Can then Metin. Can smiled, ” Oh it’s nothing, just a business thing. Here have a seat, next to me.” He said as he pulled the chair around, positioning it next to him. She felt uneasy but took a seat, ” So, what business, what has you both so nervous.”  She asked, looking directly into Can’s eyes.

Can laughed, ” It’s nothing my dear, really, just trouble with a contract. You know the one from the modeling agency.” She eyed him, seeing that uneasy look in his eyes. ” Hmm, I thought Mr. Erogin was handling that.” Metin spoke up, “He was but Can asked me to take a look at it, just as a second opinion. So I dropped by to see what kind of trouble our boy has gotten into now.” They both laughed, but it was a forced laugh, one that made her know they were hiding something from her. She would have to accept what they were telling her for now, but she knew there was more to this than met the eye. She reached across the desk for Metin’s hand, ” Enough business talk, Can did tell the wedding date, right, and I’m giving you a special invitation. Please come, it would make me so happy, and I know it would Can.” Her eyes pleaded with him. He has a very special spot in his heart for Sanem, so to refuse would have been impossible, but his eyes darted towards Can to see his response. Can gave him a slight smile and a nod of his head, it was almost like he too was inviting him with just that small gesture. Metin took Sanems hand in his,   ” I wouldn’t miss it for the world, I’ll be there with bells on, as they say.” She squealed with delight, ” Great, it’s going to be the best wedding ever.” 

Can took a deep breath, ” Well bebek, what brings you by here anyway. Did you have your fitting.” He asked letting out a sigh of relief. She turned her attention to Can, reaching for his hand, ” Yes, I did, and you my dear are going to be blown away when you see my dress.” She leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. He smiled, wishing that Metin hadn’t been in the office at the time. He was definitely ready for more than just a peck on the cheek, he wanted to pull her as close to him as possible and cover those lips of hers with his. The thought of at made a chill run down his body, but before he had a chance to say anything she stood and excused herself, ” Well, I think I’ve interrupted more than what you have let on, so I’ll go visit with my friends while the two of you finish your business.” She gave Metin a wink, ” And I will see you in a couple of days at the wedding.” She looked at Can, ” I’ll be back later, maybe we can have an early dinner.” She spoke letting her eyes rove over him like a scanning machine. He felt the heat rise up and he was sure his face had to be 50 shades of red. 

Metin lowered his head trying not to look at the exchange of flirtation between the two. He was  quite amused at the fact she had the world famous Can Divit in a tither, his man that he had known for most of his life as the one that the could have any girl in the room, had been thrown for a loop by a sweet little girl from Istanbul, he loved it….Can shifted in his chair looking at Metin,  “Ok, ok, I know what you think, you think I’m head over heels in love with that woman, and you would be correct.” He looked at his old friend with that sweet look of total defeat. ” Look Metin she can’t know what is going on with the cosmetic company, or would upset her too much and right here before the wedding, well I just won’t have it. Metin nodded, ” Dont worry Abi, I’ll take care of it and Sanem will never know.”  

Can was still fully charged from just a simple touch from her, as Metin shook his hand to leave the office. He promised to call him soon with a solution and told him he would see him at the wedding. 

Can followed him out and down the hall, waving at him as he left. He heard her laughter and turned to find her, his eyes searched the huge room for her, and like finding an oasis in the middle of the desert, …..there she was. His heart skipped a beat, as their eyes found each other.

He would never get tired of seeing this woman…never get tired of that feeling of complete and utter infatuated love….

Chapter 7

Can couldn’t get her out of the office fast enough. His thoughts of that early dinner would consist of a couple of pizzas at the cabin,  and maybe a little dessert if he was lucky. She begged him to tell her where they were going but he loved to keep things a secret from her. The look on her face when presented with a surprise was more of joy for him than it was for her. He hadn’t been to the cabin in quite some time, it and always been a place of happiness for him and he loved sharing that with her.  As they turned onto the road leading to the cabin Sanem turn to look at him, ” We’re going to the cabin, I love it. So, that’s why we got the pizza.” He looked at her and smiled, ” Yes, is that ok, if not we can go to my house.”  She shook her head, ” Absolutely not, I love coming here, it brings back the best memories.” She jumped out of the car as soon as he stopped and hurried up to the cabin, ” Can this is perfect, I could live here forever. Just you and me and nature, can we please.” She threw her arms around his neck showering him with kisses.

Can dropped the pizzas on the table outside and welcomed the unexpected attention from her. He encircled her with his massive arms, leaving her powerless and at his mercy. His face took on a serious gaze as he moved closer to her, ” If I had known this is the kind of reception I would have gotten for just bringing you here for pizza, I might have tried for a full 5-course meal.” His eyes smoldering with a desire like she had never seen. The intense look of fire that immersed from his face made her body limp, as she tried to regain some kind of composure. She batted her eyes nervously, as his hands traveled slowly down her body touching and caressing every curve. Her stomach had so many butterflies fluttering around inside, she felt that she may take flight with them at any moment. His lips found hers, gently at first, then the taste of her exploded inside of him bringing out the need to go further and harder. His tongue had darted into her mouth making her breath catch, but the feeling was like nothing she had ever felt before, as the touch of his tongue to hers set off an explosion of fireworks in her head.

Can hadn’t been so evasive before, he had held back some knowing that she was inexperienced. He had been her first and he knew it was up to him to show her the way love was supposed to feel. He felt her body tremble as he held her tightly up against his, then she began to relax, returning the most intimate kiss that could be shared between two people. This was the first time she had become aggressive and openly offering herself to him. They parted after a minute looking at each other, her eyes glowed with that new felt craving to have him, to give herself to him sincerely and without any doubt. She would let him lead her, express his feelings to her without any hesitation, teach her how to release all this love for him she had bottled up inside her. He led her to the door of the cabin, not letting his eyes move from hers, he opened the door and offered his hand to help her in. She smiled and looked around, ” This place looks the same, you haven’t changed a thing from the last time I was here.” Her voice sounding relieved. He didn’t look away from her but replied, ” Why would I change anything when it is already perfect. This little room was changed the first time I brought you here, it became the most precious spot in Istanbul to me.” He reached for her and she followed, as she always did, to the sofa that he would flip out into a bed. 

The light of day was disappearing quickly and the cabin was becoming dark, as he flipped the sofa out into a bed. She felt the excitement rage on inside her, that new feeling that had been aroused by his kiss. He took the lead, removing her clothes as she studied his face, watching the look of wanting change to that look of desire. Without her even noticing, he had shed himself of his clothes as well, the vision of him standing there devouring her with his eyes made her body come alive. She knew this night would be extraordinary, it would mean more than the times before. She was about to enter the realm of experience, he was ready to prove his love to her in the most beautiful way. He tried to be patient, wanting to let her feel the passion that he felt. He pulled her tightly against his body, his breathing had already become shallow and labored, as he let his tongue trace the line of her lips. She froze, just when she thought there couldn’t possibly be yet another height of excitement, he proved her wrong. Her body was tingling, like sparks of electricity passing through each cell. She felt it all, she wanted to, she had to, her mind had all but shut down as she moaned unconsciously from his touch. 

His body had become a torch as the heat that was inside of him oozed out through his skin. This night would be the first time he would feel this kind of emotion, this intense need to be with her. The other times had been just sex, but this time it was love, deep profound love of this woman. He covered her with his body, and she welcomed him with an open heart, begging for him to teach her everything. His eyes remained glued to hers as he gently and lovingly carried them away to another place in their hearts. She followed, as she always did and as she always would, letting her heart lead the path to his.

It was late and the only light in the cabin was offered by the moon that cast a silvery streak across the floor. They were still wrapped in each other’s arms, breathing hard but feeling fulfilled and happy. He kissed her on top of the head, ” Bebek, you have made me the happiest man alive, I am feeling like this for the first time in my life. In a couple of days, you will be my wife and then my life will be complete.”  She smiled, her heart bursting from happiness, ” Can you have given me my life, and I can’t wait to live it with you till the end of time.”  They had both committed to each other in the most sincere way, by expressing their love to each other distinctly and completely. 

This would be their beginning of that fairytale life they both had dreamed of. He wasn’t about to let anything come between them. The promises from Polen of ruining his life would never happen, not in a million years, he would make sure of it…

This was his life, she was his life, and this would always be their life……

Chapter 8

*Two days later*

Metin had been working on the contract that Can had given him, but so far it looked like a solid contract. He knew if he had to tell Can that he wouldn’t be happy. The agency had gone through a lot the past year, from Mr. Aziz leaving the company to the arrival of Enzo Fabric. With all the trouble that they had concerning Sanem perfume and Fabri’s obsession to own it, the agency was left with a few bruises. They didn’t need anymore bad publicity, especially anything with Sanem involved. He was getting dressed for Can and Sanems wedding, dreading to face Can with any kind of bad news. He hoped that the contract would be the farthest thing from his mind on this day.

Can looked at himself in the mirror, seeing the reflection of a different man from a few months before. He was happy, so happy it glowed eternally from is eyes. Just the thought of her could change the whole day, and he was about to marry the woman that had changed his world. She was his soul mate, his destiny, the person that made him whole, what more could a man want in life than to find that reason for living. Emre knocked on his door, ” Abi, is almost time to leave, are you ready.” Can’s heart fluttered from nerves, ” I’m coming, oh hey is Metin here yet, he was suppose to meet us here.” He asked, anxious to hear what he had to say about the contract. Emre told him Metin hadn’t arrived yet but they would have to hurry to get to the neighborhood on time. Can nodded, taking one last look in the mirror as started out his door. The doorbell rang indicating that Metin had arrived, with Emre opening the door, ” Metin Abi, come in, just in time to leave.” He joked. Martin looked at Can and could see the nerves, but he could also see a man that was happy. Sanem was the only person that had been able to break through that hard cover of loneliness and solitude that had been a part of Cans life since his mother had leave him. She had freed his heart of all the doubt of being left behind, discarded by his mother all those years ago. Can reached to shake Metins hand, ” Man, I’m glad you came, it wouldn’t have been the same without you. I hope you have some good news for me on that other matter we discussed earlier.” Metin’s heart dropped but he couldn’t let him see it, ” Come on dude, this is your wedding day, no business talk today. You’re only thoughts should be of that fabulous woman you’re getting ready to marry.” He gave him a huge hug and slapped him on the back. ” You know I’ve always been jealous of you, but you marrying Sanem, that  just makes me hate you.” He laughed, knowing nothing could have been further from the truth. 

Sanem had taken the morning to be alone, she sat in her room,  thinking back on the time since that kiss in the opera house. In a way she needed to thank Polen, if she hadn’t been late to arrive to the 40th anniversary party, there never would have been that kiss in the dark. If CeyCey hadn’t sent to the wrong place that night she wouldn’t have been in the loggia. So many things had been wrong that night for them to find each other, so many obstacles they overcame to be together, how could this not be fate….destiny, the meaning of their life. She smiled as she looked at her dress hanging there waiting for the perfect time to be slipped over her body. Never had anything felt so right, so meant to be as this. A knock on her door snapped her out of her daydream, ” Sanem, the wedding is in an hour, see you ready.”  Her heart skipped a beat, as she opened the door, ” An hour, oh my God, no I’m not ready.” Her mother and sister rushed in, and within no time they had make-up done and she was ready for Melihat to work her magic on her hair. They decided on a loose bun resting low on the back of her head, with long tendrils of hair framing her face. She only wanted a single flower placed delicately in the bun, just simple and natural. She was giving herself to him as natural and uncomplicated as possible.

The neighborhood garden had been transformed into a sea of twinkling lights, with an array of flowers that lined the garden. It looked magical, yet the most natural place on earth. This would be a night to remember, as the people began to arrive and find their seats. The union table had been place beneath the arbor that was lined with the climbing roses, and the union candle was placed I the center of the table. As Can arrived, the sight of it all made his eyes fill with tears and his heart overflow with love. These people had become his family, they had accepted him as their son and that meant more to him then anything, he finally felt like he belonged. He was met by his soon to be mother-in-law as he walked to Sanems house, ” Son, she almost ready, but her father will walk her down to the edge of the garden, you will take her from there, ok.” She smiled as she looked into the face of this person that she loved like her own child. She reached for him, giving him a sincere hug and kiss on the cheek. ” Here come with me, they will be along in a minute.” She pull him along with her like as they headed towards the garden. He seemed to be in a dream, his head was spinning as he tried to calm himself down and focus on what was happening. She placed him at the entrance to the garden, ” Here, you wait here and Nihat will bring her to you…and Can, she said looking into his eyes, “I love you as my son, welcome to my family.” He smiled, feeling the deep love she felt for him and thankful for his new parents.

Within minutes he could see them walking his way from their door. The sun was just beginning to disappear, leaving a soft warm glow of light that lit the way for them. She was glowing, she had illuminated the entire street as they made their way toward the garden. The music played quietly, but his heart was beating so loud he was unable to hear it as she approached. Their connection was unbelievable, as their eyes meet, it felt like the earth stood still and they had been transported to another place. Nihat touched his arm, ” My son, I give you my most precious possession, my daughter, be happy together and love each other.” He placed Sanem’s hand in Cans, he smiled at his daughter and went to take his place next to his wife. Can could not believe he had this beautiful woman on his arm, as they made their way toward the union table. Everything else was unimportant, the lights, the flowers, the music and even the people, as his eyes remained on her and only her.

As the registrar spoke the words and asked the questions, the answers from him were automatic, without thinking. It seemed the last year was nothing more than a bad dream as he relived their journey to get to this time of their life. His unforgiving way could have been the end of their relationship, he could have been the one that ruined his life, but she forgave him, she gave him that second chance. Sanem glowed with excitement as she gave her answer, “Yes, she would take this man to love.” She smiled as she took a deep breath, thinking how different her life was from that day she left for Chania. How empty she felt that day, how devastated she was that he had decided to leave her and how she felt that Polen had somehow manipulated it all. But here they were, vowing to spend the rest of their lives together, loving and respecting each other.

With  the announcement from the registrar, the final step was yet to be taken. As their family and friends appalled, Can and Sanem sealed their commitment with a kiss. A kiss that meant more than any of the others…

It was a kiss of husband and wife…..

Chapter 9

Finally, the ceremony was over and their lives would begin. She remembered the words that Can had told her that day, “I won’t allow Polen to hurt us anymore.” How she wanted to believe those words at the time, but she still had a small doubt lingering in the back of her mind. But here she was happy and married to the man that she loved, so maybe the curse of Polen had been broken. All their friends and family had pulled off the most perfect wedding, it had been a beautiful wedding and now the party and food were to begin. Aziz had surprised Can by coming, he hid in the crowd until after the ceremony. Can was excited and happy to see his Dad as Aziz stepped out from behind Emre to surround Can with his arms. ” My son, I am the happiest I’ve been in a while, just seeing you fulfill your dreams means more than anything to me.”  Can hugged his Dad, thinking this day had to be the best one of his life. ” Dad, why didn’t you let me know you were here, I didn’t even see you sitting there.”  His father smiled, ” Of course you didn’t, you only had eyes for your wonderful wife, and that’s as it should be.” Aziz turned to Sanem, wrapping her up in his arms, “Welcome my daughter, you have saved my son and for that, I will be forever grateful. You have a special place in my heart.” He whispered in her ear.

The festivities lasted longer than Can had wanted, with the cabin ready and waiting for the honeymoon night, he was anxious for the formalities to be over. He had prepared it for a night that would never be forgotten, the music, the flowers, and a bed that was covered with a tent of chiffon curtains. He knew she would be more comfortable with a little privacy, but it didn’t take away from the romantic and whimsical feel he had in mind. He had arranged for a bottle of chilled champagne to be waiting for them, along with a tray full of fruit, just enough to keep their strength up. This was his dream, what his heart had wanted for so long that he couldn’t believe it had finally happened. The plan was to stay at the cabin for the night, then on to a five-star hotel where he had booked a bungalow for a couple of days. It was located on a very remote area of the beach where they could have all the privacy they wanted. The only thing he hadn’t done was find a place for them to live afterward. He knew the living arrangements he had now would not work, he refused to share a house with his brother and sister-in-law after they were married. But he wanted them to pick out their house together, so that would be the first thing on the list after the honeymoon.

Metin had avoided the conversation of the contract with Can all evening, but he knew it was only a matter of time before Can penned him down. He found the couple to say how happy he was for them both and to tell them good night, ” Can, Sanem, I could not be happier for the two of you. This seems like a long time coming and no one deserves it more than you both.”  He gave Can a big bear hug and Sanem a kiss on the cheek. She was relieved that the two had seemed to overcome their differences, but she felt they were keeping something from her. But she wouldn’t worry about it tonight, not this night, a night that would be special and unforgettable. She glanced at Can as the last of the guests made their way by to congratulate them, it was as if to say ” that’s enough” and he returned the look. 

Sanem hurried to find her mother and Melihat, thanking them for the most beautiful wedding she had ever seen. She grabbed her small overnight bag and within minutes they were in his car, ready to head to the cabin. Can took her hand as he drove, “I have a surprise for you, and I hope you like it. This is the way I want the rest of our lives to be, a surprise.” He spoke as he kissed her hand and made her shiver as he looked into her eyes. ” Each day I want to be surprised at how much I love you and I want to surprise you in showing you.” She smiled, as she leaned her head back in the seat, ” Can you do surprise me, you have since the first day we met. I still can’t believe we found each other in the dark.” She laughed, covering her face with her hands. As they drove up to the cabin, she was met with the glow from all the candles and lanterns that he had placed outside. She could tell he was very proud of what he had done, and as she topped the steps the view took her breath away. ” Can, what have you done, this looks amazing.” She turned and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, vowing to never let him go.

He scooped her up in his arms and walked to the bed. She giggled, whispering to him,  ” You’re only supposed to carry me across the doorstep of our home, silly.”  That smile disappeared quickly as he laid her down gently on the bed and gazed into her eyes. His eyes had turned to dark lodges of smoldering desire, as he fumbled aimlessly with her zipper, his breathing becoming labored and hard. She was spellbound, like in a trance, as she methodically shed herself of the dress she was wearing. His hands were touching her everywhere all at once and she wondered how he was able to do that, but the feeling had taken her to a wonderous place that she was sure she never wanted to leave. He was out of his clothes In record time, revealing his perfect and muscled body. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him, as he covered her body with his. It was much like a well choreography dance, as he manipulated every movement for the pleasure of her. She was in awe of him, and as he brought them both to that moment of release, he whispered softly in her ear, ” My bebek, this night will forever live in our hearts. We are husband and wife and no one can ever separate us.” 

The candles had burned down to a puddle of wax as they lay still wrapped in each other’s arms. It had been the most wonderful night, so full of passion that he was almost embarrassed about it. She moaned softly as she snuggled in closer to his warm body, the feel of her skin against his was like a torch, igniting that fire inside him. But he knew she needed to rest a bit, and so did he. His mind relived the day, as he watched her sleep, knowing how perfect it had been. As hard as he tried not to think about the trouble with the contract, there it was, creeping to his head. If Polen had been responsible for the misunderstanding with Mr. Aubrey, and if she had masterminded the malfunction of this entire cosmetic campaign, he wasn’t sure if he could ever forgive her.

He would need to talk to Metin as soon as possible, he didn’t want anything to jeopardize the agency or Sanem……

Chapter 10

The vision of her filled his eyes as the first light of day cast its amber hue across the sky. He wanted to call Metin to hear what he had found out. He gently unwrapped himself from her body, hoping not to wake her. He grabbed his phone and walked towards the cabin, just far enough away so she couldn’t hear the conversation. The phone rang several times before Metin finally answered, ” Can, is there something wrong, why are you calling so early.” His voice sounding groggy as he cleared his throat. Can whispered, ” Metin, what did you find out about the contract, were you able to speak with Mr. Aubrey, did you find a way out of it.”  He asked, the questions pouring out of him. Metin sat upon the edge of the bed, nervous and uncomfortable to tell him what he found. “Can, I told you not to worry about all of this while you’re on your honeymoon, where is Sanem,” Metin asks him, trying to defuse his need to hear the news. Can took a deep breath, ” Metin, don’t worry about Sanem, I’ll take care of her…now what did you find out.” The tone of his voice had turned to a demand.

Metin reluctantly began to tell him what he had uncovered, ” Can the contract is binding, I couldn’t find anything that might allow us to counter back. With the agreement of Sanem as the temporary model being a verbal one, the contract could stand as it was signed and they have every right to sue the agency for breaking the contract.” Can was silent, this wasn’t what he wanted to hear, ” Metin, were you able to speak with Mr. Aubrey, did he give a reason for rebuking his agreement with me. He shook my hand, Metin, and looked me in the eye, he knew Sanem wasn’t going to be the model of this campaign. It wouldn’t be right, it would look like the agency was trying to profit from Sanem’s name as a famed author.” Metin knew he would have a hard time convincing any court that this had been a good faith agreement and that the contract should be null and void with the refusal to honor it. Metin assured him he would try again to contact Mr. Aubrey, they were both sure that Polen would be a the bottom of this problem.

He hung up the phone, still sure that Metin would find a way out when Sanem stepped up behind him, ” Were you talking to someone, it better not be that girlfriend of yours, or I will have to have a talk with her.” She giggled, as she took the excess blanket that she was wrapped in and covered him with it, letting her nude body pressure against his. His breath was short as he turned to meet her face to face, ” A girlfriend, no, I don’t think there is any other woman in the world except you. My eyes only see you, my heart only desires you, so never worry about a girlfriend.” He let his eyes roam over her body that she had covered with that blanket. All of a sudden the contract and the agency were the furthest things from his mind as he removed the blanket and tossed it across the room. His hands moved gently down her body, feeling the smoothness of her skin, and his tongue ran ever so slightly around the outline of her lips. She wondered how he knew just what to do to make her feel as if she was on fire. He bite gingerly on her bottom lip, sucking and pulling at it as she heard the sound of what seemed to be a growl come from deep inside him. Hearing that sound turned her on even more, making her body shiver and shake..

In minutes his body was covered in moisture, as he grasped her around the waist, raising her up. She instinctively wrapped her legs around his body, holding on for dear life as he pinned her against the wall of the cabin. The next several minutes were nothing more than a blur as he took over, releasing all the desire for her that had been buried inside him. She had never experienced anything like it in her live, as she felt herself explode with such force she thought she would pass out. She was left weak but the desire for him was still there, as they both tried to catch their breath.The morning sex had been quite the event, so by the time they had both been satisfied the day was half over. Sanem was begging him to tell her what kind of surprise he had for her, as they got in the car and headed down the road. He laughed at her, ” You are so impatient, just wait and see.” He told her, reaching over to pinch her nose. The drive to the resort had taken a little over an hour, but it was so worth it. The view from their bungalow was exceptional, there was nothing but the blue water of the sea, as far as they could see. She stood out on the balcony, letting the air that streamed across the sea bathe her face in warmth. She smiled, he couldn’t have picked a more perfect place, she thought. This would be the hideaway, their secret place where no one could find them. How she wished that were true…

She knew Can was trying to hide his nervousness, there was a problem and he didn’t want to share it with her. The secret phone call this morning and the vague explanation of it made her even more convinced he was hiding. She hoped it wasn’t something to do with Polen, she had heard enough about that woman. Her mind was playing back the last year and all that Polen had done to her to try and regain her relationship with Can. This time she wouldn’t let her manipulate her mind as she had before, Sanem was stronger than that now. She thought back on the picture of the two of them that she purposely had displayed In the newspaper in London and the effect it had on her at the time. If Luca hadn’t been there to help her through all of that, she didn’t know what she would have done. She shook her head, trying to discard all those negative thoughts from her head, “That’s all over now, she’s in a hospital far away from here, so there’s nothing she can do to us.” Her voice of reason repeated in her head. 

Can made the excuse of forgetting his phone in the car, so he could make another call to Metin, “Any news yet, I hope you have something.” He demanded from his friend. Metin had been busy going over the contract again, dissecting it line for line, but the result was always the same. Unless Mr. Aubrey was willing to admit they had a verbal agreement, there wasn’t much that could be done. ” Abi, I’m sorry but the contract is good, and I haven’t been able to talk to Mr. Aubrey yet, but he is due back in France tomorrow, maybe then. Hey, Can enjoy your honeymoon, let me handle this. You and Sanem have waited so long for this to happen, make this most of it.”  Metin spoke, hoping what he was saying would happen. Can hung his head, “Metin, I need to know my options, what will happen, how do I handle this if the contract is binding.”  He asked, his stomach churning as he awaited his answer. ” Can, if the contract is binding as it sits now, then the only alternative you have is to have Sanem as the face of the cosmetic line, or break the contract and pay a huge fine for a breach of contract. Or you could possibly withdraw your campaign, and enter a null and void offer to the company, but that would come with a disclaimer of a conflict of interest, and then you would have the publicity from a dissatisfied customer.”  Metin winched as he told him all these things, knowing that none were suitable for the agency or his friend.

Can couldn’t believe the outcome of what was suppose to be a major accomplishment for the agency. He had made a mistake by putting Sanem in the presentation, but the biggest mistake me made was trusting a person that he knew had ties to Polen. 

She had definitely made it her mission to destroy him…..what’s that old saying, ” If I can’t have you, then no one can.” 

But how wrong she was….Can thought, He already had the woman he wanted……

Chapter 11

He forced the agency and the contract out of his mind as he opened the door to the bungalow. She was lounging in the lounge chair on the balcony, she had changed Into her swimsuit and was welcoming those warm rays of sun that kissed her body. He stood there letting his eyes take in this extraordinary woman, her beauty had him enthralled in this vast daydream of what was to be. All the thoughts and wonders of having her as his wife were reeling like a fast forwarded movie, and he was trying desperately to keep up. The need to touch her, feel that soft and silky skin that she was flaunting so openly, just for him to see. She smiled as she felt his eyes roam over her body, even with her eyes closed she knew he was there. Within seconds he was beside her, scooting her over so he could wiggle in next to her. ” Can, you’re going to block the sun, and I’m trying to get a little color.” She teased, as his huge frame all but swallowed her up in the chair. He let his hands skim over her skin, feeling the dampness that formed there from the heat of the sun, “You don’t need any more color my dear, your skin already glows with beauty.” He whispered as he kissed her neck. His beard tickled her making her giggle. 

The afternoon found it’s way into evening as they lolled in their bed, enjoying the company of each other and the feel of their love. The exploring of each other and the undeniably love they had for each other had them both enchanted. That feel of her next to him, that smell if her skin had made him wonder how he had lived without her until now. They opted for room service, with an extended menu to choose from, and their stomachs empty, Can made sure they had plenty of food. He also ordered a bottle of wine, for a little celebration. The food had been delicious and the wine was just what she needed to tip off a perfect day. They decided to take a walk along the beach, the moonlight had called to them as it lit their way almost like a spotlight hanging in the sky. She smiled as he held her hand, remembering the first night she had spent in Chania. She had walked along the beach that night too, but she was trying hard to forget this man that now walked close beside her. She had been so foolish to think she could forget him, block him from her mind and her life. But she was grateful for one thing on that trip to Crete, and that was Luca.

She stopped quickly, ” Can, we didn’t send Luca the pictures from our wedding.” Her voice frantic. He smiled, ” Well I don’t know if I like the fact that you are thinking about another man on our honeymoon or not, but since it’s Luca I guess it’s ok.” He spoke, pulling her close to him and encircling her body with his arms. She rolled her eyes, ” My dear, how absurd. You know we promised him some pictures since they couldn’t attend.” She replied wrapping her arms around his neck. She babbled on, ” I know he wanted to come, but his work kept him from it, so we need to try and make it to their wedding if we can.” She spoke, ” Do you think we can, I really want to, it would be nice to see everyone there in Chania again, maybe we could spend a few days there….what do you say.” He sighed, shaking his head to agree with her. He watched her as she carried on, chatting about all the things they could do there. His heart smiled, when he had first met her, that excessive chattering had gotten on his nerves after a while, but now, it was like music to his ears, he wouldn’t change her for the world. She made him the happiest he had ever been, talking or not she was perfect, she was beautiful and his. 

The next couple of days were filled with the most unforgettable love between two people. They explored the beaches and the sat in the sand, letting the water flow over there bodies cooling them off, and each night they lay together, connected heart and soul, watching the stars and that endless array of a twinkling symphony.  Life was perfect for them, no, more than perfect it was idyllic. The thought of work or writing had almost been forbidden as they both were consumed with the thoughts of each other and the next moment of ecstasy. But soon enough this time was over and the return to the real world had forced them to open their eyes. Can had taken the first bag to the car and was coming back for the second when his phone rang, ” Metin, Abi how are you, I hope this call is to tell me something good.” The silence for a moment on the other end of the phone told him it wasn’t.  “Can, man I hate to bring this news to you, but I have spoken to Mr. Aubrey and he has assured me that the campaign was sold to them with the knowledge that Sanem would be the model, and that is what he is expecting. And by all rights he is correct.” Metin waited, ready for the explosion of Can Divit and his temper. 

Can was speechless for a minute, then relieved, “So he denies that we had a good faith agreement, and that the agency would furnish another model. That’s great….just great. Ok, we will be leaving here and I will be at the office shortly, can you meet me there.” He asked Metin. The effects of that call would not be easy to hide from Sanem, but telling her would only make things more complicated. He phoned Emre and ask for him and his Dad to meet him in a couple of hours, or was only right to include his Dad In this problem, hoping maybe he would have a solution. The drive back to Istanbul was longer than expected with a traffic jam on the main highway. She knew there was something wrong, but he wasn’t going to offer any explanation. The realization of not having a home to go to had just hit him as they sat in traffic, ” Sanem, I’m so sorry that we don’t have a home to go to, the thought just now entered my mind. Shall we just check into a hotel for now until we find our home.” He kissed her hand, looking into her eyes. She smiled, ” Anywhere you are is my home, and when you decide to tell me what has you so distracted and unsettled, then we can get on with our lives.”  She reached for him, letting her fingers run through his hair. 

He felt like a weight had been lifted, ” My love, I haven’t kept anything from you, I just need to figure out some things before I’m ready to talk about it. Trust me and I will fill you in on everything.” She smiled letting him know she accepted what he said. She had learned over the past 2 years that Can had a certain way of doing things, and yes she did trust him, more than anyone else in her life. When the time came he would confide in her and they would work it out together.

By the time they made it to the agency, Metin, Emre and his Dad were  all there. Sanem took the time to visit with Leila while they four of them discussed the contract together..

Can already knew what he wanted to do, but the decision would effect more than just him…

And there was one last person he needed to speak with, Polens father….

He would make sure that Polen could never harm him or Sanem again…..No matter what.

Chapter 12

After bringing Aziz up to speed on the latest problem of the agency, and explaining what he thought might have brought it on, Can was ready to offer his solution. Aziz was shocked to learn the lengths that Polen had gone to for revenge for the happiness that Can had found with Sanem.  How he had misjudged her, but that seemed to be a pattern in his life, misjudging women. He had let a woman that he loved more than anything walk away without a fight, and then he settled for a woman that would only bring him pain. The irony of it almost made him laugh, one mistake of the heart has lead to the biggest mistake of his life. He hoped that he could prevent the same thing from happening to his son. Polen had taken on the personality of Ms. Huma, and Aziz knew better than anyone the cost his son may have to pay. 

Sanem had described the resort and how beautiful it was, the enchanted atmosphere that surrounded it, making Leila jealous. She and Emre hadn’t been able to take a special trip like that since they had been married, not with all the chaos in the agency. But she was happy for her sister and Can, they had faced so much, to finally find each other was quite the miracle. The contract with the cosmetic company was just the latest in a string of problems for the advertising company. If the erroneous contract is made public, it could very well cause the agency to lose face and money. But most of all it would make Sanem the center of this dispute and could marr her reputation. All of this was why Can was so adamant about keeping it from Sanem, he knew she would feel responsible. Leila had kept her promise not to tell her sister about it, hoping they would come up with a solution soon. 

As Metin went over the contract in detail with Can, Emre, and Aziz, the writing seemed to be on the wall. The cosmetic company had declared an iron-clad contract and was within their rights to charge them with a false contract. Aziz and Can agreed that Polen had been the person of interest in this scheme. Especially after Metin delivered the last bit of information he had dug on Polen and Mr. Aubrey, her so-called college friend. It would appear that Polen and Victor Aubrey had a brief affair in London, not long after Can had returned from the Balkan Mountains. It was then that she told him all about this famous Ad Agency that was run by an old friend, and that they should contact them to run their campaign for the new line of cosmetics. Metin had received this information from an anonymous source, but it all seems to be in line with what had happened. 

Can was anxious to get ahold of Polen’s father, just to find out the status of her treatment. Mr. Ersoy was willing to tell Can anything they wanted to know and it seemed that Polen had set a lot of things in motion before they had found her in Athens and he had taken her to the hospital, and evidently, this was one of them. If she and Can didn’t reconcile, then Mr. Aubrey was to find a way to discredit the agency and proceed with this plan of a breach of contract. With the threat from Polen of telling Mr. Aubrey’s wife about his untimely affair, he was more than willing to carry out her wishes. Polens’ father told Can that she had confided in him, telling him some of the things that she had done to reunite with Can. But that she was working through all of that and was truly sorry for everything she had done. After they hung up Metin offered his suggestion, “Can we can ask Aubrey to drop the charge and use the whole affair for leverage, that is if you want.” Can looked at Metin his eyes squinted, ” No, I will not stoop to Polen’s level, the poor man has already been through enough with her threats.” Can stated, feeling like Polen had won this battle. 

The meeting had lasted longer than Sanem had anticipated, she wondered what could have possibly required this much time. She walked to his door, tapping gently as she walked in, ” Hey, is everything alright, you have been in here for hours.” She looked around at everyone’s faces. Can jumped up quickly, ” You are right my dear, we were actually just visiting but I’m ready to go.” His smile looked nervous and forced. Emre stood, ” Yes sorry the meeting lasted longer than expected, but the house is ready for you both, and we have the master bedroom all prepared. We will have a nice dinner together when Leila and I get home.” Can laughed, ” No Abi, Sanem and I will go to the hotel until we have our home, it’s no big deal.” Emre pointed his finger at Can,  ” You will not go to a hotel, my home is your home and I insist on you staying there until you find a house, and that is end of discussion.” He looked at Sanem with that look of determination. Can and Sanem both smiled but accepted his invitation, with Can promising it would only be for a short time.

As they were leaving the office Sanems’ phone rang, she looked to see Luca’s name pop-up on the screen, ” Can it’s Luca, I’m going to take it in the conference room, I’ll be right back. Can waved as she hurried down the hall, “Hey, tell him I said hi.” Can called after her. ” Luca, how are you, I’m glad to hear your voice.” She told him. ” Me too my friend. I just called to tell you how happy I am for you, and Can too of course. The pictures you sent were beautiful and they encouraged Thea and I to go ahead and plan our wedding. Sanem squealed with delight, ” I’m so happy, …Luca I wish you could have came, it was even more special In person. So when is the big day, make it soon so maybe we can come before Can gets buried in his work again.” Her voice filled with excitement. Luca laughed, ” Well, the big day is sooner than you think, how about Saturday, is that soon enough. I hope you can make it, because you two are our only guests.” Sanem squealed even louder, bringing Can rushing into the room. ” Bebek are you ok, what’s wrong.” Can asked. Sanem motioned for Can to come in, ” Luca, Can is here now, let me tell him the news and I will get back to you.”  She hung up the phone and grabbed Can around the neck, ” Luca and Thea are getting married, and they want us to come.” Can nodded, “Ok, I’m glad, but when.” He asked. ” On Saturday, on Saturday Can, I want to go so badly. We have to go, she started, ” We are the only guests.” 

As they drove home, Sanem was glowing with happiness, ” Can I’m so happy for them, but that doesn’t give us much time to get ready, or look for a house. But I really want to go.” Can knew he wouldn’t disappoint her, so he would make flight plans to Chania. ” Ok my love, we can’t miss it, and we can always look for our home when we get back. He reached for her hand, he loved to see her so excited. 

She smiled, sliding across the seat to give him a kiss on the cheek…..

He shook his head, ” Don’t think you’re getting by with a peck on the cheek Mrs.Divit, I will expect a lot more than that when we get home……his eyes burning into hers…

Chapter 13

Can was glad for the diversion of the phone call from Luca. Sanem hadn’t even thought to ask him about the lengthy meeting he had with Metin, Emre, and his Dad. But that was all that was on his mind, that and the conversation he had with Polen’s father. He wondered what else she had set in motion to be carried out if things didn’t go her way. The thoughts seem to be endless, and the fear of someone trying to harm Sanem was on top of the list. He hadn’t put anything past Polen now, so he had to get to the bottom of it now. 

Sanem had rushed in to call Luca back to let them know they would be there for the wedding, “Luca, Can said nothing would stop us from being there, so what time and where is the ceremony.” She couldn’t have been happier for her friend. He had saved her from drowning in her sorrow when she made that trip to Crete. She wasn’t sure if she would have made it through if he hadn’t been there, supporting her and making her face her problems. She knew for a fact things would not have turned out as well in Athens if Luca had not been there. She and Can both owed him a lot, the least they could do would be to stand up with them on their wedding day. Luca told her the wedding would be held on Antikythera Island, which was a very small island between Crete and the mainland of Greece. They had found a perfect spot there, a beautiful garden of flowers that opened up onto a long stretch of a white sand beach. The place was remote and untouched by tourists, making it unique. She was so excited it was hard to contain herself.

She relayed the information to Can and he tried to show his enthusiasm but his other troubles were foremost in his mind. Can carried the bags in and placed them in their room, knowing that this arrangement would need to be taken care of quickly, he didn’t like the thought of sharing a home with his little brother and his wife. Sanem was bouncing around, still feeling the happiness for her friend, “Can, we can have another honeymoon in Crete, or on that tiny island of Antikythera, do you think we can stay for a few days.” She asked as she slides her arms around him, feeling the hardness of his body, those defined and outlined muscles that made her want to feel more. He gave her that slight half-smile, ” Another honeymoon, hmm…. let me see, I suppose that might be arranged. Are you sure you didn’t marry me just for my body and sex.?” He whispered, leaning down close to her, letting his beard glaze over her cheek as he found his way to her neck. Her body shivered from the contact, ” Of course I did, why else would I have married you, I just want this feeling right here for the rest of my life.” She moaned his name as he nibbled gingerly on her earlobe with his warm breath tickled her ear. 

Unpacking could wait, as he fumbled with the buttons on her blouse. He stripped it from her body and tossed it aside, then he shed himself of his clothes as she wiggled out of her jeans. In seconds they had both found their spot in bed and eagerly awaited the bliss from the feel of each others body. His eyes held her like a magnet, refusing to let her go, as her hands roamed over his body bringing it alive with desire. She climbed on top, his heart beat fast, knowing things were about to get crazy. She leaned down to whisper in his ear, ” When will Emre and Leila be home..” She mumbled into his ear. Can blinked his eyes, ” My God Sanem, I don’t know and I don’t care, why would you ask something like that right now.” She smiled, ” I need to know if this should be a quiet encounter or…not.” She stated, as her naked body moved methodically against his. He closed his eyes letting her work that magic that only she could, as his breathing became labored and heavy. Another honeymoon, he thought, as she delivered this assault of pure pleasure, I hope our honeymoon is never over…

The ring of his phone jolted them both, as they laid there trying to regain themselves. Can looked, ” Oh its the realtor, maybe she found something for us.” He picked up the phone. ” Hello Ms. Malik, I hope you have found a house for us.” He spoke. He listened as she told him about a few homes for them to look at, ” That sounds great, so we can see the first house this afternoon, Ok just send the address and the time and we will meet you there.” He smiled as hung up the phone. ” We have a possibility, are you ready to go look.” He asked, rolling over to swallow up her tiny body with his. She raised her eyebrows, ” Well not if you stay there like that, we may have to reschedule.” She laughed. His phone pinged with the message, ” Oh, she will meet us in an hour, come on we have to hurry.” 

As they walked around the house, both looking at each other knowing that was not going to be the house. They let the realtor do her job, pointing out all the best features of the home. It was a large house, and that was ok, but the yard was tiny and there was no pool, and there was no view of the sea. It was just mangled in with a bunch of other houses, not at all what they wanted. With the realtor armed with a much longer list of demands, she promised to find them the home of their dreams. So tomorrow they would look at one just a few blocks from the pier, they hoped that would be the one. By the time they had arrived back home Emre and Leila had already prepared their dinner, ” Hey, where did you two run off to, we have dinner all ready. Come, sit, we’re so excited to have you both here.” Leila replied, waving them towards the outside patio.

Sanem was the first to tell them, ” Well, we toured a house today, but it wasn’t the one for us, but we have another one to look at tomorrow.” She spoke, smiling at her sister. The look of disappointment crossed her face, ” So quickly, I thought you might stay for a while.” Emre patted Leila’s hand, ” It will be nice for however long they stay, I told you they had plans to get their own place..” She smiled, ” I know, and yes, it will be nice.” Sanem took a deep breath, dreading to tell them they would be leaving in a few days for the Greek Islands. ” Abla, you remember Luca, my friend from Greece, well his is getting married this weekend and has invited Can and myself to the wedding. We will be flying out Friday evening for Chania, and I think we will stay there for a few days, you know an extended honeymoon.” The tears welled up in Leila’s eyes, ” Well that’s just great, you haven’t been home a whole day yet and you’re already planning a trip again. That’s just great.” She jumped up from the table and hurried to the other room. Sanem started after her but Emre stopped her, ” Let me go, she has been like this for a couple of days now, her emotions are going everywhere. She’ll be ok, don’t worry about it.” 

After a few minutes Leila and Emre appeared back at the table, ” Sorry Sanem, I overreacted for some reason. You two go and have a good time.” Leila leaned over giving Sanem a hug. Sanem could tell there was more to her mood then that, she would have a good talk with her sister after dinner..

A call from Metin interrupted the rest of the dinner and sent Can to the other room to talk. Sanem knew it was something serious, and she would find out one way or another…….

Chapter 14

” Metin, are you sure, do you think it would help if I talked to Mr. Aubrey myself.” Can was desperate to get this settled. Metin had been on the phone with the lawyer from the cosmetic company, trying to iron out the details of the contract. ” Can I don’t think that’s a good idea, it may make it worse. Even though we know the contract was setup to destroy you and the agency they made it a binding and lawful contract.” Can was silent, his mind thinking about day he had told Polen he would take the job as a photographer and go to the Balkan Mountains. He had been blindsided by Sanem, just finding out she had agreed to give Fabri her scent, his heart was broken into a million pieces. The words that came out of his mouth that night at the cabin when he accepted the job seemed to be the right think at the time, he never gave himself time to think about it, he just agreed. He knew it would hurt Sanem, him leaving with Polen, that’s why he did it, he wanted to hurt her as she had hurt him. The minute he accepted the job, in his heart he knew it was wrong, but it was too late….Polen had won.

Metin questioned him, “Can, do you understand what I’m saying, the only way out is to drop them as a customer, but that means the agency will suffer and the publicity alone may cause you to lose out on other customers. Along with that will come a monetary fine, but that would eliminate the possibility of the company’s retailiation.” Can cleared his throat, ” Metin I will need to discuss something with my Dad and Emre, before we make a statement, but if I leave the company, if I step down as CEO, that would lessen the backlash, right. We could do it more discreetly, maybe the contract wouldn’t have to become the issue.” Metin thought a minute, ” Is that something you want to do, that’s a big step to take. Who would take over for you, Emre?” Metin asked, thinking that just might solve the whole problem. ” We’ll talk tomorrow, ok and thanks for being on my side. I know I can be difficult sometimes.” 

He felt like he had solved the worlds problems as he thought about that decision, but how would he explain it to Sanem. He would just tell her the truth, that was the only way. After dinner he and Emre took care of the kitchen while Sanem tried to find out what was wrong with Leila. They watched the stars together, something that they used to do as kids. Sanem asked, ” Do you remember going to the coast when we were young and watching the stars just like this. We would try and name each one, then we would lose our place and have to start all over again.” Leila laughed, “Yes I do, that’s seems like a hundred years ago…..Sanem, I think I may be pregnant and I’m to scared to take the test.” Sanem squealed with delight, ” Abla, why are you scared, take the test. Did you and Emre not want babies, I thought you did. He will be so happy.” She hugged her sister tightly, as the tears of joy welled up in her eyes. A baby, she had never thought of that but it made sense now, all the emotions. Her heart felt a twinge of jealousy but she pushed it away and kissed her sister on the cheek.

Sanem and Can said their good nights to Emre and Leila, making their way to the bedroom. Can know she would be determined to find out what was going on between him and Metin, so for right now he would have to lie to her, but just until he could talk to his Dad and Emre. He hoped his Dad would stay on there to help Emre with the transition to CEO, that was the only way. Can closed the door to the bedroom and turned to face Sanem, standing there with her arms crossed, ” Ok, I’ve waited long enough for you to tell me what’s going on, it’s time. What are you and Metin discussing so secretly?”  Her eyes showing she meant business. Can stammered at first, trying to find the right words, ” Oh…well…its just some contract problems, nothing for you to worry about.” She studies his face, ” Are you sure, cause it seems like more than that to me.” He closed the distance between them, pulling her up against his body, his face breathtakingly close to hers, ” My beautiful wife, such things should not be talked about in this room.” His lips brushed gently across hers, as his tongue traced the outline of her lips. She gasped as the feeling sent a jolt of electricity thru her body. The heat from his body rose a few degrees as he felt the goosebumps rise to the top of her skin. She felt his hands run over her, finding the zipper of her dress and sliding it down ever so slowly. She surrendered, her body accepting his touch as he let the dress fall revealing this perfect woman. She found his eyes, ” Can Divit you’re good, ” she whispered to him, ” You know how to keep from answering my questions.” That slight smile came across his face, ” No my dear, I just know what’s important and what’s not.” 

He stripped off his t-shirt tossing in the chair, while she unbuttoned his pants pushing them down his muscled legs. He stepped out of them kicking them to the side and moved his body up against hers, letting their skin touch. He guided her backwards to the bed, with his eyes locked with hers, until they reached the bed. He had already reached a peak of desire for her, his insides trembling and begging to have everything he knew she had to offer. She was the only woman that had ever satisfied him, the only one that could grab his heart and make him whole. He let his hands feel her as the passion of his love for her grew. She closed her eyes, arching her back as he sent her into this world of a heated frenzy. He was ready, as he covered her with his body, she whispered his name, “Can, I love you more and more each day, …I need you.” The rest was mind numbing, as they satisfied each other fully and without reservation. His heart had been conquered by this extraordinary woman and he would held captive by for the rest of his life.

Sometime later as they held each other, loving the feel of this love, Sanem’s thoughts went to her sister. ” Can, have you ever thought about babies, I mean our babies.” She felt his body tense a bit, ” Sure, haven’t you, I mean I just expected to have babies. Are you ready now to start a family.” He asked, a little afraid to hear the answer. A family has always been his plan, but right now he wanted to enjoy these times, right here in her arms. She giggled a little, ” No, not right now, but have you thought about it, like how many children do you want, how far apart. I know there’s not anything we can do about it, but do you want girls or boys.” She asked rolling over to look at his face. Her beauty took his breath away, that natural beauty that she didn’t even realize she had. 

“Well, I think 2 girls, and they both look just like you, and they would be the apple of my eye.” He spoke soft and low. “And 2 boys that look like me, to protect their little sisters of course. 

She smiled, ” I’m not sure the world could handle two more men like you”………

Chapter 15

The next morning the realtor sent the time and place for the next viewing of their possible new home to Can’s phone. As they headed out Emre pulled Can aside, ” Are you stopping by the agency today.” Can nodded but held his finger up to his lips, ” Shhh, don’t say anything in front of Sanem, but yes I’ll come by later, I have something to discuss with you and Dad, so make sure Dad is there.” Emre agreed. Can was determined to settle the problem of the contract without jeopardizing the entire company. His presence at the agency was not a necessity, in fact, his involvement in the business for far from what he had planned for their lives. So for him to walk away would be the most sensible solution. The agency had always been his fathers and Emres specialty, If him leaving would safe the integrity of the company then that was what he would do.

He tried to keep his mind on finding a home for them, as they followed along behind the realtor as she pointed out all the features of the house. It was close to the coast, but still in a close-knit neighborhood. Sanem and Can both had their hearts set on a home away from everyone, a little more remote than this. They opted to keep looking, explaining in a little more detail some of their options for the new home. She assured them she would find them their dream home, as they parted both Can and Sanem wondered if they would be able to find that here in the city. 

They drove to the agency, with Can eager to have that talk with Emre and his Dad. Sanem was still running the events through her mind, all the secret meetings, the phone calls that made him rush to another room, she knew there’s trouble and she felt he was protecting her from something or someone. The ring of her phone made him jump, jarring her from the worries that were marching around in her head, ” Ahmet, I’m so glad to hear from you. I hope there isn’t a problem.” She didn’t need any more problems in her life right now, she thought. He laughed, “No not at all, I just wanted to check in with you, are you still on your honeymoon.”  She looked at her husband sitting next to her, that smile covered her face, ” Yes, and I think we will be for the rest of our lives.” Ahmed was happy for her and Can, not many people could go through what they have and still retain that desire and love for each other. ” So what can I do for you Ahmet, I know this isn’t just a social call.” She giggled, knowing her friend well. He stammered, ” Uhh, well, I was just wondering if you had thought about a third book, your popularity has hit the top and so has the last book, it might be worth thinking about.” Sanem let the idea whirl around in her mind for a second, ” Not really Ahmet, at least not now, my life is just the way I want it, maybe later on.” She smiled as Can looked at her, knowing what she was giving up to love him.

Can and Emre closed the door to the office, and his Dad stood hugging him, “Son how are you, you look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.” Can shook his head, ” I feel like that too, so I hope what I have to say will make sense to you. This conflict with the contract isn’t going to go away, there isn’t a way out unless we drop them as clients, and even at that, there could be a backlash with the publicity of it. According to Polen’s father, she had set these things in motion before her confinement to the hospital and I’m not sure if this is the end of it or not. So, Metin and I both feel I should leave the company since I’m the one that she is after, so as an agency you can decline them as clients and sever the ties with that company altogether. “Emre quickly held up his hand, “No, now what a minute, so if you step away from the agency you think that the threats from Polen will go away. I don’t think so Abi, this woman is crazy.” Can nodded, ” No, probably not, but at least the company won’t be dragged through the mud and Sanem won’t be subject to all the bad publicity, just when they are wanting her to write another book.” His face taking on that serious look.

Can had made up his mind and they knew that neither of them could change it, so his Dad graciously accepted his sons decision. ” Can if this I what you and Metin think Is best, then we accept that and wish you and Sanem well. This agency has been my life of many, many years but the well-being of my sons will well out weight the importance of this company.” Emre was shocked, the agency had never been his brothers choice, but he never thought he would walk away. Yet then again he never thought his brother would find his soulmate, his reason in life, the woman that would change him forever, here in this place. ” Abi, I except all that you and Sanem have been through, and if leaving here is the only way then so-be-it. Do you have any idea what you will do, and how do you know that Polen hasn’t planned some other way of destroying you and Sanem. He smiled, ” I don’t, but I will spend the rest of my life protecting Sanem from her, ultimately I hope she will return back to herself and realize what she has done. But we will be fine, as long as we are together.” 

The flight to Chania was short, and full of memories of that day he had swept her off at feet once again and carried her home to Istanbul. Luca had moved from the small house above the rocks on the beach to a larger home closer to his job. Sanem was sure she wanted to visit the bookstore and Iris before returning home, she just hoped there was time. Can had been very vague about when he needed to get back to work, and it had her wondering if the trouble with that contract had something to do with his reluctance to go back to the agency. He would tell her when he was ready she was sure of it. 

Luca and Thea had welcomed them with open arms, ” I’m so glad you two could make it, you were really the only ones we wanted at our wedding. Thea’s family is in the United States and could travel this far, and well, you kind of know my story with my family.” Luca looked away from her, trying to avoid her eyes. ” It will happen Luca, just give them some more time, and you may have to be the one to make the first step.” She told him. He shook his head in agreement, quickly changing the subject, ” Ok, we catch the ferry tomorrow afternoon, it will take 2 hours to make the trip over to Antikythera Island, then we will dress and the ceremony is at 6:00pm. We will have a lovely dinner together and then you two are on your own, until the next day for the ferry ride home.” He announced, winking at his future wife. Can laughed, ” That’s perfect, because as you know Sanem and I are actually still on our honeymoon also”…Can added, reaching for her hand. 

He was looking forward to this part of their honeymoon, as his eyes soaked in the beauty of this woman. He already had thoughts of what might be as he envisioned them alone on that remote island……with that fire for her simmering low, but always there. 

Maybe they could just disappear, fade into a remote island making it there home for the rest of their lives……disappear from all the fear…..

Chapter 16

As the ferry docked and they started off, Can got this amazing feeling of calm and being fulfilled. He was use to these remote places, he loved them, they opened up something in him that he couldn’t explain. This island had less than 200 residents and wasn’t on the top of the tourist brochure, but the beauty was unsurpassed and untouched. As they arrived at their room, which was nothing more than a deserted villa converted into a wedding venue, the view itself could have been the reason for any one to come here. The ceremony was to be held on the grounds of the villa, with a host of lights lining the arbor, and the tropical flowers that were in the garden were the only decoration. With the beach and the aqua blue water of the Aegean Sea ajoining the garden, this was the most simple yet the most breathtaking beautiful place they had ever seen. Sanem gazed around the area in awe of it’s  beauty, how could a place like this stay so pure and simple, yet be so magical, she wondered, as they toured to villa. She could stay here forever, what a perfect back drop to write from. The instinct to grab a pen and paper and start filling it with words was almost irresistible. Can watched her as she wandered in the garden, touching all the flowers and occasionally bending down to smell them. He wished he had brought his camera to capture the beauty that she shed out on this place. 

Luca and Thea had opted for a more informal wedding attire, with Luca dressed in a pair of white shorts and a light aqua blue t-shirt that matched the color of the water perfectly. Thea appeared in a long white Bohemian style skirt and the same aqua-colored form-fitting tank top, with a wide belt adorned with a thousand crystals that sparkled almost as much as the lights. Her blonde hair cascaded down her back in a sheet of waves, and a crown of flowers sat on top of her head. They were both quite beautiful, and their vision of a perfect yet simple wedding had been born. Even the ceremony was short and sweet, as they promised to always be as they were on this day, and sealing it with a long romantic kiss.

Can and Sanem had witnessed their friends join their lives together just as they had done just a short one before, and couldn’t have been happier. They all four had a wonderful dinner together and just as Luca had told them, they left them on their own, giving them the information about the returning ferry time the next day. Saying their good nights, Can and Sanem took off their shoes and headed down the beach, with the memory of the first time they had strolled down a beach together still living in their minds. Can smiled, bringing her hand up to kiss it, ” You know this isn’t Galapagos, but almost as special, don’t you think. She agreed, ” Can, I have the most at ease feeling here, and I feel the need to write about it. By the time they made it back to the villa his desire for her had reached its peak. The magic of her touch sent him on a journey of ecstasy, and this place seemed to add even more as their bodies moved and worked together in perfect harmony. She felt the excitement from his touch, the butterflies, the heat that flamed up feverishly as he entered that place that was only his. Something about this island was special…..something made them more special.

Can was sure he wanted to explore the island a little more so he ordered in breakfast for them and waited for her to wake up. She smelled of the food was all it took for her to open her eyes, “Can, you got us breakfast in bed, how sweet.” she spoke, giving him a kiss on the lips. He pulled her back to him, ” Hey, I need a longer kiss than that from my wife on this extended honeymoon.” She tilted her head, ” Babe, you know what would happen, then the food would be cold and we might miss the ferry.” She smiled, and gave him another quick kiss on the lips. He sighed, ” Ok, but I want to see the rest of the island before we go back, even if we have to take another ferry back to Chania. We aren’t on a time schedule are we.” He asked giving her that cute little smile of his. ” No, no we are not, so let’s explore.” 

They walked around the small town, stopping occasionally to visit with the local people. A small outdoor cafe served them the best Pastitsio (Greek lasagna) they had ever had, along with a fabulous Baklava. Sanem called Luca to tell him they has decided to stay a little longer on the island and would catch the ferry later in the day. In the center of town there was a town square, nothing much, just a small sitting area and a large message board that held all the news of the town. They stopped look at it, curious at what might be there. Can was reading all the announcements and newsworthy information for all the residents on the island. He read over a bulletin that was hanging there, and then moves on to the next one, but went back to read that bulletin again. “For Sale: A small 7 acre island. Comes with a house that needs work but livable. Accessible only by boat…not included. If solitude is what you want, you have found it. Make Offer….  The flyer made his heart skip a beat, ” Sanem, look at this.” he grabbed the flyer and shoved it In her face. She read it, looking at him with her eyes squinted, ” So…..why am I reading this, do you want an island?” She asked staring at him. 

The look on his face told her the answer, ” Can, do you want an island.” She asked again. He smiled, ” Let’s go look at it, what can it hurt to just look.”  He looked like a kid in a candy store. Before she knew it they had hired a boat and they were on there way across the small inlet of water between the main island and this tiny spot of land about a quarter of a mile away. As they dock the boat at the small pier, the man that owned the boat preceded to tell them about the island. It seemed a wealthy businessman from Greece had bought the island, built a home for him and his wife. After about 3 years, the wife took their boat to the main island one day to grocery shop and never returned home. The boat was found with a note that told him she had enough of the solitude and was leaving. The husband stayed on there for a few months then he left also. The island had been vacant for 5 years and they could probably get it for a steal.

It was overgrown, the house was beautiful but needed a little work, and Can loved it. She knew by his actions, the moment he stepped off that boat he wanted this place. It just had that feel about it, a peaceful calming feeling. It was extraordinary, the view, the smell from all the flowers that flourished everywhere, the pier, it was all just wonderful. They toured the house, with the man reassuring them that all the repairs could be done easily. Can looked at Sanem, ” We are looking for a house anyway, why can’t it be an island. This is perfect, you can write and I can take pictures, there wouldn’t be any distractions.” He told her, wrapping his arms around her. 

His eyes sparkled as he spoke to her. ” Do you mean live here permanently. What about the agent.” He smiled, ” I quit, the day before we flew here. And photography I can do anywhere. What do you say.” She looked around the island, envisioning their life there? The children running around their own island, learning from nature, and them lying under the stars at night. 

She smiled, ” Do you think  we can do it, …I think we can. But first you have to tell me why you quit the agency..

” No my love, first you have to say, “Yes”……

Chapter 17

Can promised he would tell her everything on the way back to Chania on the ferry, but first things first, as they met with the only attorney on the island to get the paperwork started. Sanem watched him as they discussed the sale and Can made his offer, which by the way, was ridiculously low but accepted. The seller had been eager to sell and there hadn’t been much interest from anyone to buy a whole island. He was beaming, and she smiled with her thoughts of relocating to this beautiful place. Her phone rang and she could see it was Luca, ” Hello Luca.” Her friend had been waiting for her phone call, ” Sanem where are you and Can, did you miss the ferry.” She stepped outside to talk, ” Luca you are not going to believe it, Can found a flyer about an island that was for sell, so we went and looked at it, and…..we bought it.” She screeched with excitement. “YOU WHAT, you bought an island.” 

They barely caught the last ferry of the day, as they rushed from the attorneys office to the pier. Can had a permanent smiled spread across his face and Sanem was filled with a happiness that she couldn’t express. As promised, Can explained in detail all the trouble that the contract with the cosmetic company had become, and there wasn’t a way out. Polen had sealed the fate of that deal, with her lies and deceit. Sanem was upset as he knew she would be, but realizing this was their way out, their way to cut those ties to Polen and to his past. She sat quietly after he gave her all the disturbing details of the plan to destroy Can and Sanem. ” Was that all, is there anything else she had orchestrated to harm us. Did her father say if she was getting better or not.” She asked, wanting this all to be over. Can shrugged his shoulders, ” I don’t know for sure, I hope it is, that’s why I resigned from the agency, so at least they wouldn’t see the backlash if there was something. Which was fine with me.” He whispered, leaning in close to her, breathing in her aroma as he kissed her neck. She smiled, ” So you think if we move to our own island, hundreds of miles away she can’t bother us anymore. Am I right.” Can replied, ” Maybe, but actually I just want to live all alone on our own island. It’s going to be great, don’t you think.” 

Luca and Thea couldn’t have been happier, just the thought of their friends moving here made them excited. ” So is the house ready to move in, or will it need work. And what about a boat to get back and forth to the main island.” Luca inquired. Can agreed  “Well the house needs a bit of fixing, but nothing major. The main thing is the land, it need to be cleaned up and the pier needs some work.” He told him. “Well, you can count on me to help, when do you think you two will be back to finalize the deal.” According to the attorney, the process wouldn’t take long, since the seller had given his attorney the legal rights to the sell, so there wouldn’t be any sending of papers back and forth. Sanem was still in a daze about it all, trying to imagine what there lives would be like in a year from now. Can found them a room for the night at a small resort not far from the beach. She remembered how beautiful and moon and the stars had been when she lives there before, and nothing had changed, as they walked down to the beach from there room. ” Just think Sanem, we will be able to see these stars from our own island within a month, and the water will be at our fingertips. She snuggled in close to his body, ” I hope this is everything you want it to be my beautiful husband, and I hope that you don’t regret quitting your job to be free of Polen.” 

Her words made him sad, ” I didn’t quit the agency to be free of Polen, I quit so we could live the life we wanted, you do want this don’t you?” He asked, turning her around to look in her eyes. Her answer was firm and definite, ” Yes, I want what you want, I want to be where you are, we need to do this. So, yes I want this, more than you know.” He smiled, “Good, because I don’t want you leaving to go to the main island for food one day and never coming back.” He laid her back on the sand, feeling her body relax and welcome him there. Their kiss was long and passionate, signaling them to make their way back to the room. Stripped of their clothing in minutes and ready to take on the delight of their bodies as they moved together, charging up that desire that was always there. She begged for more as his touch made her thrust about, sending her body and heart to that place of no return. She whispered his name as she arched her back, pulling him to her and welcoming him as he entered that place that always brought her alive. This  trip had been the best of his life and he wanted it to continue right here on their island. 

The next morning Luca drove them to the airport for their 11:20 flight home. She was still wondering how her parents were going to take the news. Getting married and moving to her own home was one thing, and she thought they had handled that very well, but to move so far away to an island, well they would just have to understand. On the drive home from the airport, Sanem could see the tension on Can’s face, ” Babe, you’re still worried about something, I wish you would tell me what it is. We promised not to keep things from each other, don’t you remember.” His eyes were clouded as he looked at her, ” My love, I am going to have to go see Polen before we leave here, I need to find out if there’s anything else that she had already set in motion to destroy us.” Sanem had already thought about it and knew that was the only way. She took his hand, ” I know, you have to forgive her Can, we both have to forgive her if we are going to have the happiness that we both want and deserve.” His heart was full of love for this woman, he wondered how he got so lucky. Most women wouldn’t have stayed around for all that she endured, for all the humiliation and hatred that she faced, and she still wanted to forgive her. 

They both agreed to tell everyone at the same time, so when they arrived home that afternoon they called her parents and invited them to dinner, ” Momma, we just arrived home and I’m anxious to see you, can you and Dad come for dinner.” Her mother accepted but she knew by the tone of her daughters voice there would be more to this dinner than just “dinner.” Can called his Dad and asked him to come home with Emre and Leila for a special dinner, and he accepted as well. He rushed to have a few of the  pictures that they had taken on his phone of their new home printed and framed to decorate the table. 

As they waited for their family, the excitement of what their life was about to become had finally set in…..

They would finally be happy……

Chapter 18

As their family arrived, Sanem was almost as nervous as she had been the day she had to confess to her mother that she and Can were in love. With everyone there and seated Can stood, ” I’m sure that you all know that Sanem and I have been looking for our home, and so far the search wasn’t gone well. Mevkibe had been looking at the few pictures that were placed on the table, as she listened to what Can was saying, and her heart already knew what he was leading up to. Can continued, ” The wedding of Luca and Thea was beautiful, and it took place on a beautiful remote island off of Crete. Well. Sanem and I fell in love with the place.” Sanem scanned the table looking at each person to see their reaction, but she stopped at her mother, as he saw the tears that were already rolling down her face. ” Well to make a long story short,” Can spoke, ” Sanem and I have purchased a small little island just off the coast of Antikythera Island and will be moving there very shortly.” Aziz couldn’t help but gasp, but he was so happy for his son and his wife. ” Son, what made you decide to move to an island, is this it.” He asked holding up the picture. Sanem smiled, “Yes, and it’s beautiful, just a perfect place or us.” She replied looking at her mother. 

Sanem’s heart was heavy, knowing her mother would object to their decision. She hoped that the news of Leila and Emre’s baby would help her mother except the decision that her and Can had made. After all they had been through, this was their choice and their lives so she hoped her family would be happy for them, as she searched the face of her beloved mother, waiting for her reply. Mevkibe smiled at her daughter, ” So many years ago, I had this same talk with my family, but their reaction was not favorable. And that caused a riff in our life that has lasted to this day. I know the kind of love that you two have for each other, it’s the same as I have for your father. Your happiness is more important to me than your presence, so I support your move to wherever your lives will be happy.” 

The visit with Polen was strange, she seemed her old self but she had lost that strong, confident demeanor. Her father had insisted on being there as they visited, for which Can was thankful. According to Polen, there was nothing more she had done to destroy his career, and apologized for everything she had done to the both of them. ” Can, I have accepted the way things are, I think I knew all along that our relationship was always on borrowed time, and your feelings for me were never the same as mine were for you and whatever we had was over a long time ago. I hope that Sanem can forgive me for all that I have done.” She took a deep breath, ” What I put her through was unacceptable, and I’m truly sorry.” She spoke glancing nervously at her father. Can accepted her apology, ” Yes Polen it was, but I thank you for admitting your faults. Even with all the heartache you have caused Sanem, she has found it within her heart to forgive you.  So, you have nothing more to worry about other than getting well. You also deserve to be happy.” 

A week later they stood in the airport waiting for their flight, with all the things that meant the most to them packed away in their bags. They had said their goodbyes to their friends at the agency and now to the most important people in their lives, their family. Emre and Leila we’re already scheduling their visit in a few months, giving them time to get settled. They wanted to make the trip to the island before the pregnancy made it unable for Leila to travel. Mevkibe and Nihat promised to come as well, wishing them a safe trip and a happy life. As the plane lifted and carried them away to their new home, a part of them would always be there….In Istanbul.

One Year Later…..

” Can the flowers in the garden are just beautiful, I think I’ll cut some to decorate the table.” Sanem spoke as they lounged by the pier. Their home had turned out to be a showcase of beauty, and they couldn’t have been happier. After about 3 months of hard work and lots of love, their house had turned into a home. The interior was undated and remodeled to Sanems taste and the one acre yard was lined with luscious flowers and fruit trees. 

Their life had taken on a role of contentment, it was full of solitude and harmony, as they lived each day more in love with each other than the day before…Sanem was writing, Can had his photography and all was right with the world. The fear of what other people could do to them had been erased from their memory, as the news that Polen had began that transition back to herself and her new life. 

This was how they were meant to be….

As the boat docked, Thea waved, ” Well we made it, the place looks gorgeous.” She announced as Luca helped her from the boat. ” I see your fruit trees are bearing, they look delicious.” Sanem smiled, ” How are you feeling, are you about ready for this to be over, I know I am.” they both laughed as they rubbed their belly, anticipating the arrival of their babies. 

Sanem wasn’t sure what would have happened if Polen hadn’t offered Can that job in the Balkan Mountains a few years before, but she only knew in some weird way Polen was responsible for their life as it was now. 

So she would forgive, because…….With Forgiveness…Comes Happiness…..and their happiness grows love..

This would begin the life of the Divit’s and their children. The happiest life that you could imagine…one they were destined to share with friends that were more like family. As their children all grew up together…..on this island that was filled with love…..

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