Safe In The Arms Of Love

Chapter 1

Sanem stood in front of the mirror starting at her reflection. The dress was perfect, her hair was perfect, her makeup was flawless, so why did she feel so ugly. This was that special day she had been dreaming about for months but now she wasn’t sure. Leyla knocked on the door, ” Sanem, it’s almost time, are you ready?” she asked. Sanem took a deep breath, ” I don’t know Abla, things just don’t feel right.” She admitted, the words stinging her heart as she spoke. Leyla quickly opened the door, ” Sanem what are you saying.” She stepped up behind the sister and looked in the mirror. ” You look stunningly perfect, what couldn’t be right. This dress looks beautiful on you…maybe you’re just a little nervous.” She spoke with a smile. ” You are marrying Can Divit my dear, the most handsome and eligible bachelor in Istanbul, I think you may have a right to be nervous.”

She smiled shyly, looking away, ” You’re right, it’s probably just nerves. Is Can here yet?” She asked. Leyla giggled, ” He’s here, and if we don’t hurry I think he may pass out. So, are you ready?” Sanem took one last look at herself in the mirror, she saw a woman that was in love and ready to meet the man she would spend the rest of her life with. ” I’m ready Abla.” She replied, her voice sounding a little shaky. The ceremony would take place in the small garden just down the street from the Aydins house. They had set up the union table and tables for the guest under the lights they had strung in the trees. A wedding at sunset, how perfect, just as perfect as the love they had for each other. Her Mom and Dad met her at the edge of the garden to escort her to the union table. It seemed the whole neighborhood had turned out to watch this couple be joined together in marriage, but she only had eyes for the man standing next to the union table. He had worn the long vest she loved to see him in, looking as handsome as ever. Can stepped forward quickly to take her from her parents and help her to take her place at the table.

He had never seem her as beautiful as she was that moment. He leaned over close to her, ” You look exquisitely beautiful my love.” He whispered in her ear. She smiled, ” You look handsome as well, you wore the vest I love, thank you.” Their eyes seem to devour each other as the ceremony began. Within a matter of a few minutes and a few spoken words, they had become husband and wife. Just that quickly how their lives had changed, as he wrapped his arms around her to seal their union with a kiss. ” Hello Mrs. Divit.” He whispered into her ear. She closed her eyes letting her heart accept his words. ” Hello Mr. Divit, are you ready to start our lives together.” She asked, giving his a quick kiss on the cheek. She felt his arms tighten around her, ” I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.” He stated, breathing in that smell from her neck. She felt her body quiver, she had never been so nervous or so ready for anything before. He had such a way of turning her emotions into a raging fire of desire. It was as if she was left void of her control when it came to him. But would she be able to give him what he needed, that was her fear…

After the appropriate amount of time, Can and Sanem said their good night’s and gave their many thanks to everyone that had made their wedding a night to remember. ” Thank you my friends and family for making this night so special. Sanem and I both appreciate all the love that was brought here tonight from each of you, to make the beginning of our lives together more meaningful than ever.” Can spoke, holding Sanem tightly against his body. She had never felt so whole, so fulfilled and loved as she did at that moment. With all she had been through, this was where she felt safe and protected, in his arms. She pushed away the fears that had gripped her mind, this was the man she loved, she had to let the past go. Can had arranged for them to have the house to themselves for the weekend, sending Emre off to a luxury hotel. It wasn’t their home but it was the closest thing to it for now, and that was where he wanted to make her his own. They would find their own home soon, but for now this would be where their love would bloom. As they pulled into the drive, Sanem smiled, ” So are we spending the night with your brother?” she joked, trying to calm her own nerves. Can laughed, ” Not hardly my dear, I have sent him away on a luxury weekend with the partner of his choice, if you know what I mean.”

Can had food and drinks set up for them in a beautiful setting. But that wasn’t foremost in his mind as he carried in her bag from the truck. She looked around, marveling at the lengths he had gone to make this the most amazing honeymoon ever. ” Can, everything is so lovely. Did you do this all yourself?” she asked, as he wrapped his arms around her waist. She could tell by the look in his eyes, that the decor was the last thing he wanted to talk about. The hunger for her had taken control of him, ” My love, let’s get comfortable.” He replied, moving her toward the bed. She moved with him to the bed, her heart pounding with anticipation. This was all she had dreamed of for months, to be his wife, to make him happy, to be with him completely and fully. So, why this feeling of insecurity and hesitation.

Can was the master of making someone feel loved and desired. Just the closeness of him, the heat that radiated from his body, fogged her mind. He found her lips, nibbling unmercifully on them. His tongue circled them as his breath became short and labored. All her thoughts of not being enough for him, of not being experienced enough, they all began to disappear. She felt her heart beat quicken and her own breath was drawing in his. Without even realizing it she whispered is name, ” Can, …Can.” He looked into her eyes, ” My love I need you more than ever, but only if you’re ready.” He groaned. His hand slid down her body, sending what felt like an electrical shock through her body. On instinct she gasped at the feeling, and he jerked his hand away. ” I’m sorry, did I hurt you? ” He asked.

Sanem locked his eyes with hers, ” Never Can, you could never hurt me. And yes I’m ready, I’m ready to be your wife. Now and forever.”

It was as if her hands had a mind of their own. She slowly began to unbutton his white shirt, but holding that gaze with his eyes. He was awe of her, this woman had him spellbound as she slipped his shirt off his shoulders revealing his magnificent body. She ran her hands down his chest, feeling his muscles twitch.

She smiled shyly, as he slid the zipped down on her dress, letting it fall to the floor.

This would be a night that he would never forget…….as he laid her gently on the bed.

Chapter 2

As Sanem slowly opened her eyes, she could feel the weight of his body draped across her. Just one arm and one leg lying gently across her body. She smiled as she let the memory of their first night together send a wave of excitement. Some how she felt different, she felt happier, more like a woman than she ever had before. He did that to her, he had made her feel special, wanted, desired. She studied his face as he slept, wondering how she had gotten so lucky. This beautiful man that had been so warm and tender with her just a few hours before had stirred such feeling inside her that it was unbelievable. She closed her eyes ready to dream about what was next, when her mind recalled that night in the cabin with Taner. It flashed like a bolt of lightning in her head making her jump. Can shifted in the bed, rolling over on his back, but he didn’t wake up.

She slid to the side of the bed, her mind still fighting off that vision that had erupted so vividly in her head. She reached for his shirt that was lying in the floor and slipped it on over her naked body. Just the feel of his shirt against her skin made her calm, but she wondered what had made her think of that, or even think of him. It made her uneasy that he was still in her head, still controlling and manipulating her. She hadn’t really let herself go back to that day, maybe that was why it took her by surprise. She buttoned his shirt letting it hang loosely around her, she liked the feel of it, the smell of him that lingered in the fabric. She wrapped her arms around herself, needing to feel that sense of protection that he had always brought her.

The house was still dark, but she could see the first rays of the morning sun streak across the back garden. She peered out the back sliding door, sipping on the fresh cup of tea she had just made, her mind still searching for the reason that Taner had invaded her thoughts earlier. Why this morning of all mornings, had she thought of him. Sanem had refused to think about that day, but everyone had encouraged her to talk about it, let it out and not keep it tucked away inside her. Maybe they had been right, she thought, but most of it was a blur. The drug he had given her in her drink had knocked her out for a while, but she did recalled being in and out of consciousness, it felt like a dream. She shook her head, trying to expell all those thoughts from her mind. This was her honeymoon and she wouldn’t let Taner ruin this magical time for them..

Can reached across the bed to pull his wife closer to him, but the bed was empty. He opened his eyes, trying to focus in the dimly lit room, but she wasn’t there. ” Sanem, where are you?” he called out as he climbed out of bed. He was headed toward the kitchen when he saw her standing at the sliding door, ” There you are bebek, is something wrong.” Sanem jumped at the sound of his voice, ” Oh my God Can, you scared me.” She replied, turning around to see this beautiful man coming toward her completely nude. It surprised and embarrassed her a first, but she couldn’t take her eyes off of him as he came up close to her. ” What are you doing.” He asked, pulling her close to him. She melted like warm honey against him, his body so smooth and firm. ” It’s so early, why are you up. Come on let’s go back to bed.” He spoke, as he let his hands slide down her body. She shivered, she felt his body tense and flex with desire as he explored her body with his hands. She forced those thoughts of that terrible day out of her mind as he led her back to their bedroom. He watched with a smile, as she removed his shirt, his eyes full of love.

It was midday when she woke to his soft, sweet kisses on her neck. ” My love, I made us breakfast. Let’s eat.” He whispered softly in her ear. She sat up in the bed, ” Can you didn’t have to do that. I would have fixed us something.” She purred, snuggling up against his warm body. He cleared his throat, ” Not to much of that my dear, or we will be eating a cold breakfast. Here take a bite.” He replied, offering her a bite of the omelet. She took it willingly, not realizing how hungry she was. They both devoured the breakfast, as they planned the rest of their lives together. Can told her his plans of finding them their perfect home, somewhere outside of town, a little secluded and private. ” I want a large home, with a large yard. Lots of flowers and a pool.” He stated, visioning it in his head. Sanem smiled as she watched him, he was like a child giving out his list for Christmas. She wanted everything he wanted, everything he dreamed of and hoped for in their lives. ” So where will we find this perfect home, do you have a place in mind.” She asked, stroking his beard and snuggling up close to him. ” Well Mrs. Divit, I do in fact have a place in mind. We will look at it tomorrow, but today is all for us, just us together. I want every bit of you.” He moaned, reaching for her.

Her stomach fluttered and the sound of her own heart beating thundered in her ears. The feel of his touch had already set her body and soul on fire, but the demand from his lips was what made her come alive. This overpowering need to be swept away in a rush of ecstasy was more than she could stand. Pushing him over on his back, she crawled on top, ” Let me see if I can do this right.” She whispered, seeing the surprise in his eyes. ” You can stop me if I’m doing it wrong.” Can gave her that slight smile that told her she had done everything right…

It was late in the afternoon when the call from Metin forced him to move away from his sleeping wife and answer the phone. He took the phone and walked to the other room, ” Metin, this better be an emergency or I’m going to kill you.” Can growled through his teeth. Metin cleared this throat, “I’m sorry Abi, but I thought you might want to know this.” He spoke. ” Know what, whats happened.” Can demanded. He automatically had a feeling of dread, with a thousand thing running through his mind. ” Metin, they didn’t release Taner did they, tell me what’s going on.” He yelled.

” Can they just put out a complaint to arrest Ceyda, for aiding in the abduction of Sanem.”

The words swirled around in his head, almost making him feel dizzy. Then that feeling of relief surged through his body….

Now he could rest easy, there was no one left to hurt her……

Chapter 3

“Can, Abi, are you there?” Metin asked after a few seconds of silence. All the events of the last couple of weeks were reliving themselves in his head as he rubbed his face with his hands, “Yes, Metin I’m here. So, how did that happen, how did they get the evidence against her?” He inquired, knowing what the police had told him on that first day. Metin smirked, ” Well it seems our friend Taner wasn’t about to face this alone. He gave up all the info and plans they had, making it more than enough to bring her in. He even tried to make it sound like it was all her idea.” Can paced the floor, ” But have they found her yet, she may try and leave the country. I know how scared she was that night on the mountain when I overheard her conversation with Taner.” Metin reported, ” Her father is turning her in, but of course they are denying all the claims.”

” What conversation Can?” Salem asked, as she listened to Can’s side of the phone call. Can whipped around to face her, his eyes wide. ” Sanem, bebek, I didn’t know you were up. Uhh, just a minute, let me get off the phone.” He stammered. Metin knew that Sanem had no idea that Ceyda had been a partner to Taner on all that had happened to her, and he didn’t envy the fact that Can would now have to explain it all to her. ” Metin, let me talk to you later, ok. But thanks for letting me know.” Can spoke quietly into the phone. Sanem stood firm, her eyes drilling into his. ” Who did you have a conversation with, and why was Metin calling you. Can, please don’t keep things from me about Taner.” She ordered, as her eyes filled with tears. Can closed his eyes, this was the last thing he wanted on their honeymoon. He didn’t want to think about Taner or Ceyda, but he knew he had to tell her about this or else.

He cupped her face in his hands, wiping the tears from her face. ” Let’s not think about it right now my love, it’s really nothing.” He explained, trying to dismiss the subject. Sanem stepped back away from him, ” No Can, you will tell me now, then I’ll be the one to decide if it’s nothing.” She told him, holding that look of defiance on her face. He took a deep breath, ” Ok, here sit down.” He said, leading her to the couch. There wouldn’t be any way to sugar coat what he had to tell her, so it would be best to just come right out with it. ” Metin called to tell me they are charging Ceyda with aiding Taner in your abduction. They had it all planned together, she even knew where the cabin was that he took you to. She is the one that called him to warn him, and tell him that I was on my way back to Istanbul.” Can remarked, feeling that anger start to rise up inside him again. Sanem sat staring blankly across the room, hearing those words brought back the memory of what she had overheard between Ceyda and Taner that day at the agency.

So they were in this together, all of this so Ceyda could get her claws into Can. She rested her head in her hands, ” Did you already know this Can, when did you find out.” She spoke her voice trembling. Can knew he had to choose his words carefully, the last thing he wanted was for her to feel betrayed. Can started, ” Well you know that Taner sent that video to me, and that’s when it went to Ceydas tent to ask her if she knew where Taner could be, and that’s when I overheard her on the phone with him. She was yelling at him, saying he hadn’t stuck to the plan, and that’s when it lost it. I threatened her, demanded that she tell me where Taner had taken you.” Can paced the floor, feeling the restlessness of hearing the whole scenario again. He continued, ” I ran out to the truck and headed to the airport, and I called the only person I felt could help find you, Metin.”

Sanem reached out for Can’s hand, grabbing it tightly. ” I’m sorry you had to go through that, especially being that far away and knowing you couldn’t get to me.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, ” Nothing will hurt us again.” She told him, kissing him in the neck. Talking about all that unpleasantness had stirred the already vivid memory of Taner and what had happened. Sanem smiled, ” Let’s not let them spoil the rest of our honeymoon, come on I’m starving. I’ll help you cook.” They both busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing a beautiful table of food. They ate, laughed, planned what their life would be like until all the stars had made their appearance. They laid on the lawn, wrapped in a blanket together, ” Let’s make a wish Can.” Salem suggested, snuggling up closer to him. The heat from his body warmed her through and through, making to hard to concentrate. Can laughed his hardy laugh, ” I already have my wish, and then some.” He pulled her closer, slidding his hand up under his t-shirt that she had on. The feel of her body drove him crazy, it made him almost lose control. He rolled over on top of her, ” You are my wish, this is my wish, just us like this for the rest of our lives.” He spoke, allowing every fiber of his being to surrender to her.

Sanem didn’t have to say a word, just the look from her eyes and the way she welcomed his body to join with hers was enough, no it was magical. It was as if the stars had served as their own personal fireworks show, twinkling and glittering as the couple found even a greater satisfaction from the feel of each other. Her legs wrapped tightly around his body as he thrust himself deeper inside, Yes….she was his only wish, and no matter what, he intended to keep her safe and secure.

He fell to the side of her, exhausted but completely satisfied. All his years of living had never brought him this much joy or pleasure as being with her. She moaned as she rolled over, draping half of her body across his, ” My husband, I think you have outdone yourself, and I will expect nothing less the next time and the next time and the next time.” She whispered with a giggle. His heart jumped at the mere thought of what that meant, it meant the rest of his life he would feel her, smell her, touch her, satisfy her. Sanem raised up on one elbow, looking seriously into his eyes, ” How many babies would you like, I mean when we’re ready of course, but how many?” She questioned, her eyes sparkling brighter than the stars in the sky.

Can smiled, ” More than one that’s for sure, so maybe two. I don’t know, what about you.” He asked, feeling the excitement of being a Dad began to surface. She sat up quickly next to him, crossing her legs, ” I think three, that seems like a good number to me. Close in age so they could grow up together. A boy first, then the girls, you know so he can protect his sisters.” She spoke her face taking on a glow he had ever seen before.

” OK, then three it is, and when do you propose we start this arrival of our offspring..

She tilted her head slightly, ” Well that my love will be totally up to you, and how energetic you are.” She replied, gliding her hand over his muscled chest, and making her way to the most important part of his body…..

Chapter 4

Sanem rushed around trying to find her other shoe, ” Can you should call the realtor and let them know we will be late.” She called out to him. ” I already did, and she said it was fine.” He explained, peeking out from around the bathroom door. ” So do you want to continue with that shower, we can take up where we left off.” She glanced up at him, ” Can that’s what made us late to begin with, so I think not.” She replied. ” But I will take a rain check on that, and it doesn’t have to be a shower. We can use our imagination.” She spoke softly, making her way towards him slow and deliberately. He watched her mezmerized at her movements, ” You got it….so let’s go look at this house so we can get back home.” He muttered as he nibbled at her lips. She giggled, feeling the heat rise, ” Can not now, come on.” She teased, planting a kiss on his lips.

He took a deep breath as he closed his eyes, his heart was already racing and the bulge in his pants had become quite visible. Sanem ran her fingers through his long wavy hair, ” My love I’m sorry, but we will have to wait, it’s hard for me too, but finding our own home is important.” She told him. ” Yes I know you’re right, and I think you will love this place. Shall we go?” He asked, grabbing her hand.

The property was just outside of town, a little secluded, but had everything that Can had hoped for in their first home together. The drive wouldn’t take more than 30 minutes from their home, and the road was beautiful. The road wound along the coast and the rocky shoreline, he had always loved the view from here. Sanem hadn’t said much as they made their way toward their destination. He glanced over at her, the sight of her always took his breath. She was sitting with her head leaned back and her eyes closed, ” Sanem are you ok, is there something wrong?” He asked reaching for her hand. She opened her eyes, ” No, why do you ask. I just didn’t realize that the house was this far outside of town. Are we almost there?” She replied with a strained smile.

” Almost, just a couple more miles.” He told her, wondering why the location of the property was bothering her. He kept hold of her hand as they traveled the last few miles, his excitement growing as they got closer. Sanem felt a gnawing uneasiness stirring inside her and she wasn’t sure why. She tried to look at the scenery, it truly was beautiful, the view of the sea from there was breathtaking. But it seemed like she had been down this road before, somewhere in the back of her mind it was familiar to her, or a least someplace like this. He veered off the main highway onto a secondary road, a road that was taking them closer to the coast. Then he took another turn into what seemed to be a driveway, ” Ok this is the road to the house, what do you think. Isn’t it beautiful, it’s so private and sheltered from the rest of the world.” He explained to her, the enthusiasm for this place vibrating through his voice. She smiled, trying to be as passionate as he was, but that unsettled feeling was still present.

He drove up in front a large home, maybe larger than what they needed, but nevertheless an eye catching piece of property. The view itself was worth Its weight in gold, ” Well, what do you think, pretty damn awesome isn’t it. Just wait until you see the inside and the garden in back. The sea is so close you can hear the waves.” He explained, rushing around to open her door. Her heart was racing as they started to the front door. The door opened before they got there, ” Hello Mr. Divit, and this must be your wife.” The realtor spoke, extending her hand for a greeting. Sanem could barely think at this point, but reached for her hand and smiled. As they stepped into the house she could see why Can had been so adamant about this home, it was stunning. The rooms were large, and each one more vibrant then the other. It was a modern style of home, quite different from the house she had grown up in, but much like the home that Can and Emre shared now.

Can guided her from room to room, pointing out all the features. ” Sanem, look at this, this whole wall is a glass door.” He told her, as he slide the massive wall of glass to the side to reveal the garden and pool. ” And look at this view of the sea. Our own private spot.” She looked around, in awe of all it’s beauty, then she realized that feeling of panic had gone away as she had entered the house. It did feel private, secluded, sheltered, but most of all safe. ” Can it’s perfect, the most beautiful home I have ever seen.” She exclaimed, turning around and around. Can laughed, catching her as she spin around, ” So you like it, I think it’s fabulous. And there’s lots of room for our kids. I can see a huge playground over there and when they are older there’s even enough room for football.” He pulled her close to him, his eyes devouring her. ” Yes Can I love it, but don’t you think it’s a little bit to far outside of town. We will have a lot of commuting time.” He touched his forehead to hers, ” Then we will work from home a lot more, there’s nothing wrong with that.” He whispered, then finding her lips with his, hungrily tasting the sweetness of her lips. She moaned uncontrollably, answering his kiss with demand. She felt that need for him to touch her grow stronger, as her body melted against his. ” Excuse me Mr. Divit.” The realtor remarked, making them both jerk away for each other in embarrassment. ” I’m sorry, but I have another showing, would you like to think about this one for a while.” She replied.

Can cleared his throat and Sanem turned away, not wanting to show the redness of her face. “Yes we would like to think about, but this may very well be the one. Could we get with tomorrow.” He asked. As they walked back thought the house to the front door, Sanem couldn’t get over that feeling of protection and security she got from this house. Yes, she thought, I could live here, I could make this my home. The drive home was nothing like the drive going there. She was happy and the view of the sea from the car made her calm. ” So what did you think about the house. Did you love it, I think it’s perfect.” Can expressed, taking her hand in his. The touch from him always stirred her, as she turned his way. ” I think you’re right, it’s perfect. I can see us living there. I see that you have your heart set on this house, so I think we should do it.” Sanem stated, seeing the excitement erupt across his face.

” Really, are you sure, because we can look around if you want.” He stuttered, hoping she wouldn’t agree.

” I’m sure, aren’t you.” She mumbled as she leaned over, kissing him on the neck. ” I got a very special feeling in that house…if you know what I mean.” Can felt his heartbeat quicken as she ran her hand down his chest.

“Yes, I felt it too.” He replied, as he felt the fire rage inside him…..

Chapter 5

The day had been wonderful, viewing the place that would be their home. She couldn’t get over the back garden and the way she felt as they toured the house. She propped herself up watching him as he slept and listening to his slow and steady breathing. She smiled, wondering why he always fall asleep so quickly after making love, did all men do that, she thought. With only one man to judge from it would be hard to tell, but this man was the only one she ever wanted or had ever been with. Her heart was so full of love and contentment she was sure there’s was nothing that could make her happier. The rumbling of her stomach broke her thoughts, they hadn’t ate since early morning and her body was telling her about it. She rolled over and slid to the edge of the bed, trying not to wake him. She wanted to surprise him with a late night snack, but first she needed a shower.

Grabbing her robe, she made her way to the bathroom, a hot shower and some food sounded like the right medicine for her right now. The hot water had steamed up the entire bathroom as she stepped in letting the water coat her body. It soothed her sore muscles, making her feel weak. She leaned against the shower wall just allowing the steam and the water to relax her. She closed her eyes and in an instant Taner flashed in front of her, the image of him scared her as she quickly opened her eyes and looked around. It was so real she half expected to see him standing there, but who she saw was Can. His eyes were full of desire as he stepped toward her, ” Did you think you could do this without me.” He asked, his hands caressing her shoulders. The image of Taner still had her mind jumbled, but she managed a smile, ” Well how silly of me to think I could take a shower without my husband.” She spoke in a whisper. Can followed the track of the water as it streamed along the curves of her body, making her breathing become short and shallow. Her heart fluttered as he explored and examined each area of her body. She felt his muscles twitch as his body covered hers, pinning her against the shower wall. He breathed heavy, as that need to satisfy and be satisfied came to full attention. She welcomed it, openly and eagerly, knowing that this shower would be one she would never forget…

They both sat in the middle of their bed snacking on the fruit and cheese that he had fixed for them. ” So when do you think we can move into our home?” Sanem asked, reaching over to move a strand of hair from his face. ” Our house, …I like the sound of that.” He replied, smiling that smile that made her melt. ” I’m not sure, but I will try to make it soon. I’m not looking forward to staying with my brother for very long.” He started, wrinkling up his forehead. ” I will call the realtor first thing in the morning and get the paperwork started. But if your not comfortable staying with Emre we can always go to a hotel, I know he will understand.” Can offered. She shook her head, ” No don’t be silly, we can stay here.” Can took the tray and moved it to the side table, ” But Mrs. Divit we still have one whole day of our honeymoon left and I don’t intend to waste any of it.” He growled, crawling across the bed to meet her. She shrieked as he pushed her down on the bed tickling her and kissing her neck. Within minutes the playful and frisky encounter turned Into a serious and emotional will of passion, as the touching of their lips set off an eruption of desire inside them. The feel of her body against his was his awakening, it was his very meaning of being alive, as he touched her, feeling her body quiver. He knew she was forever his…

Her dream was carrying her to that house by the sea. She was strolling through the garden, smiling and happy, listening to the waves roll in and break against the rocks along the coast line. How relaxing and peaceful the sound. She stopped to smell the small patch of wildflowers that was growing there when Taner came up behind her, ” Here you are, I’ve been looking for you” He said quietly. Sanem jerked, sitting up forcefully in bed, her heart racing. Was he there, she wondered, her mind trying desperately to wipe his image away. But why did she keep seeing him, why was he still in her head. Can moaned, rolling over to touch her, ” You ok, did you have a nightmare?” He asked, stroking her arm. She closed her eyes and swallowed down that fear, ” I guess, but I’m better now.” She answered, trying to control what her brain had just seen. He pulled her down in the bed, wrapping is arms around her. She relaxed, letting the power of his body calm her. She didn’t know why Taner kept invading her mind, showing up unwelcomed and making her feel off balance.

She watched the light spread in across the room as the last day of their honeymoon appeared. The thoughts Taner and what had happened to her had to go away, they needed to disappear. Her life was happy now, she had the man of her dreams and her heart was full of love. Nothing should make her feel uneasy, most of all the thought of the beautiful house that would soon be their home. She felt Can tighten his hold on her, ” Good morning my love, I hope your nightmares are all gone.” He mumbled in her ear, his breath making her shiver. She sighed, ” Yes, they are gone. Just some naughty thoughts of my sexy and handsome husband are still there. Any idea of how to get them out of my head.” She asked, stroking his face. His eyes opened Instantly and that flame of desire flared up, heating him to his very core. ” Naughty thoughts, hmm, and exactly what kind of naughty thoughts are we talking about.” He questioned, as he positioned himself on top of her. She smiled, ” Wouldn’t you like to know. But it’s for me to know and for you to find out.” She answered him, pushing him over on his back. His head was reeling, she turned him every which way but loose and he wasn’t sure if he could handle it, but he wasn’t about to give up now.

This wife of his had more surprises than anyone he had ever known. She fell breathless against his chest but with a smile, ” I think it was some naughty thoughts something like that.” She sputtered, trying to catch her breath. He caressed her body tightly against him, his chest rising and falling heavily, ” Don’t move Sanem, I want to feel you against my skin like this forever. This is the way I want to feel for the rest of my life.” His voice cracking with emotion. She kissed his neck but he didn’t release his hold on her. She felt his arms take a firm hold if her, ” You are my life, my heart and soul, you know that don’t you. There’s nothing that can harm you now, not if I’m here. I won’t allow it.” His words were soft and meaningful, but powerful….

She smiled, her heart so full and complete.

” Yes, I do know that my love. I am safe from harm…..I’m safe in your arms of love”

Chapter 6

This was the last day of their time alone, he thought, as he made them breakfast. His heart was heavy, just thinking about going back to the agency and work, even if she was there with him he would have to share her with everyone else. He wanted this time to last forever, like they were the only people in the world. Sanem called out to him, ” Can, the tea is ready, do you want some now.” She asked, as he carried their breakfast to the table on the patio. ” Yes please.” He replied, with a smile, thinking how normal they seemed, when just an hour earlier they had been like crazed animals, devouring each others bodies. The thought actually gave him a chill, but at the same time a heat simmered deep inside him. Maybe they could get through this breakfast without him having to ravish her right here on the table. He had always thought of himself as a very virile man, over the years he had enjoyed the company of a few women, not a lot but there were a few. He had also felt as if he had been satisfied, or completed sexually as a man, that is until now. His eyes followed her as she puttered about in the kitchen pouring their tea, that desire for her being fed by each movement of her body. This woman gave him more than satisfaction, fulfillment or happiness, she renewed him. With each time she recharged him making him new again, never had he felt this kind of connection to another soul.

Sanem poured the tea and started to the patio, ” Will you call the realtor this morning, we don’t want to lose the house to someone else. Unless you have changed your mind about it.” She remarked, setting the tea on the table. Can reached for her hand, ” I will, and no I haven’t changed my mind. I think it’s the perfect place.” He raised her hand to his lips, running his tongue along the length of her finger before gently kissing her hand. She giggled nervously, feeling that tingling sensation travel up her spine. ” You taste amazing, he uttered, and I can’t seem to get enough of you.” He pulled her down to his lap, ready to continue where they had left off earlier. His arms held her firmly as his eyes searched hers, with that fierce desire to christen the dining table as their place of choice. She smiled, ” My husband, our breakfast is getting cold and so is the tea. Shall we eat first, then play.” She calmly replied to him, as her lips grazed over his sending his whole body into a tailspin. She moved to her chair but he didn’t take his eyes off of her, wanting nothing more than to forget the breakfast and blatantly have his way with her.

After breakfast Can made the call to the realtor, setting things in motion for the purchase of their dream home. With much persuasion he was able to confirm a quick sell of the property, meaning they would be able to take it over very soon. ” In three weeks, are you sure Can, she said three weeks.” Sanem squealed, throwing her arms around his neck. Can lifted her up, swinging her around, ” Yes my love, so that means we have to get busy. We have furniture to buy, in fact we have a whole house to furnish.” This was the dream, to have the woman that filled him with love, and start their lives together in a fabulous home. Now to just get rid of all those bad memories of Taner and Ceyda…..then their life would be perfect.

With Emre coming home the next day, Can wanted to spend this whole day with just the two of them. Nothing to interrupt them, no one to think about but just each other and how much in love they were. They lounged in the garden on a blanket, with him in nothing but his boxers and she in nothing but his favorite t-shirt. They were both still excited about the house and planning out each and every room. ” Should we hire a decorator, someone to design the house for us.” Can asked, as they lay wrapped in each others arms. Sanem was quick to answer, ” No I don’t think so, lets do it ourselves. I want it to reflect us and how we feel, not by someone that doesn’t know us.” She replied with authority. He smiled, ” Ok, that’s fine with me, but we will hire someone to help with the labor. But they will follow your directions, how’s that.” Sanem nodded in agreement, the vision of their beautiful home dancing around in her head. They snuggled closer to each other as the morning sun moved away to the other side of the house, leaving them covered with the shade from the trees. This had to be the most peaceful time they had spent together. He was content with just the feel of her skin against his, the feel of her hair as it draped across his chest and the aroma of her that calmed the beast inside him.

The doorbell interrupted that quiet time together, ” Who could that be, I thought I gave everyone strict instructions not to bother us.” He grunted as they unwrapped from each other to answer the door. Sanem snickered, seeing how annoyed he could become. ” I’ll make some tea while you get the door, Ok?” She told him, trying to calm him down. She was pouring the tea when he entered the kitchen, ” Well, I see that my lovely wife has a secret admirer. Is this something I need to worry about.” He joked. Sanem turned around to see Can holding a large bouquet of white roses. Sanem felt the blood drain from her body as her mind flashed back to the night in Taners’ cottage. She recalled, as she was in and out of consciousness, the whole room being filled with white roses. She held on to the counter to keep from falling but there was nothing she could do to keep him from seeing the fear in her face. ” Sanem are you alright, bebek.” He yelled as he reached out for her, pulling her up close to him.

She crumbled against him, feeling weak. She tried desperately to regain herself, but it was too late. Can swept her up in his arms and carried her to their bed, ” Bebek, my love, are you ok.” He begged as he laid her on the bed. ” What happened, do you feel sick.” He asked. She shook her head, ” No, I’m sorry, the flowers..uhh those flowers”…….She stammered, “Who sent them?” Can stroked her hair, tears forming in his eyes, ” What? The flowers, don’t worry about the flowers now, I’m worried about you. Let me get you some water.” Can rushed off to the kitchen to get the water. Sanem closed her eyes, willing the whole thing to go away; Please don’t let them be from Taner….please, She prayed. That night, though vague and dream like in her mind, seemed to have buried itself deep inside her. She wanted them gone, that’s all she wanted was for them to be gone….so she could live.

Can came in with the water, ” Here drink this, I’m calling the doctor or do you want to got to the hospital.” He blurted out in a panic. ” No I don’t need a doctor Can, the flowers…who sent the flowers?

“Oh my God Sanem, what’s with the flowers. They were from my Dad, my Dad sent them to you..

” Your Dad”…….She replied, almost In a whisper….as a wave of relief swept over her……

Chapter 7

Can had insisted she stay in bed for a while, ” If you’re not going to the doctor, then you’re at least staying in bed.” He ordered, pulling the curtains together to block the afternoon sun. She smiled knowing he meant well, and that he was serious. It seemed that the shock of seeing those flowers and then the relief of knowing they weren’t from Taner had pushed her mind and body over the edge. The thought of sleep did sound good but just a nap, she thought, as she drifted off. Can sat outside, his heart still racing with the thoughts of something happening to her. He really wanted to know why those flowers seem to upset her so much, but he knew that this wasn’t the time. What ever it was, he would be there for her, no matter what. They would be happy, this life was all he dreamed of and he wouldn’t let anything get on their way.

The room was dark as she opened her eyes. She looked around a bit confused, had she sleep all afternoon, she wondered. The sounds from the kitchen brought her out of bed, she opened the door and made her way to the kitchen. The aroma was heavenly, making her stomach growl with hunger, but the sight of her man hovering over the stove stirring what seemed to be pasta, made her forget all about being hungry. She walked up closely behind him, gliding her hands up his back, feeling the softness of his skin but the firmness of his muscles. ” It sure is nice to have my own personal chef. What’s for dinner?” She asked, letting her arms slide around his body. Can turned quickly, ” You’re awake, I was beginning to worry about you. Just a little pasta and vegetables.” He replied, pulling her closer to his body. She kissed his neck, ” It smells great. I’m going to shower and get dressed, what time is it? She asked. ” There is no need to dress, it’s just coming off after dinner.” He told her, letting his hands slide over her body. She slapped his arm, “Can, you’re terrible. I’m going to dress anyway. You will just have to control yourself. And you, you should go put on a shirt.” She ordered, wrinkling up her forehead.

She hurried off to take a shower. Can laughed yelling after her, ” Just because you get dressed and I put on a shirt doesn’t mean I’m going to control myself.” He was already planning the whole evening, and none of it required clothing. She stood in the shower, the warm water pounding against her skin, but her mind still thought of those flowers. It was a very thoughtful gesture and she knew he had no idea about the meaning of the white roses, in fact she hadn’t even remembered about them until she saw them. That time in the cottage was still so foggy and blurred in her head that she wasn’t sure if what was real and what was not. She knew she was ready for it all to disappear from her thoughts, but in reality it seemed it was becoming more vivid. She finished her shower, and dressed in a form fitting maxi dress. It made her feel good as she looked at herself in the mirror, she felt like a woman, a woman that was loved. She blow dried her hair, letting it flow loosely across her shoulders and down her back. She headed to the kitchen, ready to devour the delicious food. Can had set up the food on the table in the garden, lit the candles and chilled the wine. He was waiting for her as she walked across the lawn, his heart full of love. As she came closer he could see the smile on her face, ” Can my love, this is beautiful. You are spoiling me, and I love it.” She squealed, planting a huge kiss on him.

Can had worked hard on presenting her with the most romantic dinner ever, the food, the atmosphere, the music. He didn’t want anything to come between them, not on this evening, this was their last night of their honeymoon and he intended for it to be special. So, there was no way he would tell her about the phone call he had gotten from Metin while she was asleep. It seemed that the statements from Taner and Ceyda hadn’t matched, not even close. So they may need Can to give a statement as to what he overheard with Ceydas phone call that night in the tent. That was something he hadn’t anticipated, the less he was around those two the better, he thought. But if him telling the investigators what he heard and what she told him would hasten the outcome for Taner than he would do it. Compass Sports had already withdrawn from the agency, and the agency had pulled all advertisements that associated them with Compass Sports. The whole thing had cost them thousands of dollars and the publicity hadn’t done them any favors either.

Can held on to her tightly, not wanting to let her go. She felt his embrace grow stronger, ” Can you’re squeezing me, ….are you ok?” She asked, as she wiggled from his arms. He smiled, ” Yes, I just want to keep you close to me, sorry if I was hurting you.” He ran his hands down her arms, his mind only had thoughts of keeping her safe and happy. ” Come on let’s eat,” Can replied, “After dinner I have other plans, so eat fast.” He leaned in giving her one of those kisses that made her knees buckle. She knew exactly what he meant, and It brought on those butterflies and with that along came the goosebumps that covered her body. How would she be able to eat now, she wondered, just thinking about what was to come. The meal was delicious as usual, and the music was beautiful. He always knew the right thing to do, as they finished the last of their meal. He reached for her hand pulling her close to him, ” May I have this dance Mrs. Divit?” He whispered, his lips brushing against hers. He took her breath away, he always had and always would, ” Yes you may Mr. Divit.” Sanem replied, gliding her fingers through his beard.

Dancing had never been Cans strong point, he didn’t care for it that much, that is until he met Sanem. She had opened up so much to him, took him out of his comfort zone and showed him how to enjoy life. The feel of her in his arms was all he needed to be happy. They cleared the table and took care of the kitchen, even that seemed titillating when they were together. He couldn’t wait to lead her into their bedroom, strip her of her clothes and devour her. The thought of living together in that wonderful house by the sea had sent him into a dream land. He knew he had to give his statement to the investigator, if they were to ever have that peace of mind in their life.

It was early, even before the first light of morning was visible when Can reached for Sanem. His eyes still shut, he groped around the other side of the bed, searching for her. But the bed was empty. As he made his way through the house, he knew she was having a hard time processing what had happened, but he had hoped he would be able to help her cope with it all.

Then he caught a glimpse of her, she was setting on the sofa in the dark, staring at the vase of white roses. ” Sanem, bebek are you ok. Why are you up so early?”

She didn’t turn to look at him, ” Can are you sure these flowers were from your Dad? You have to be sure, did he send a card?”

She looked at Can with tears streaming down. ” These were the same flowers that Taner had in the cottage, so you have to be sure…….

Chapter 8

She stared at him her eyes still full of pain, ” Can did your Dad send a card along with the flowers, I need to see it.” Can closed his eyes as a wave of emotion covered him, ” Sweetie, my Dad sent a letter along with the flowers, but you got so upset I didn’t have a chance to show it to you.” He went to the desk, opened the drawer and pulled out a letter, ” Here, read it. ” He replied, ” So you can remember some of that night in the cottage?” He asked, sitting down beside her. He placed his arm around and he could feel her body tremble, he pulled her close trying to shield her from her thoughts. Sanem drew strength from Can, but the visions of what happened that night were becoming stronger and stronger, she wasn’t quite sure if they were things that really happened, or if her mind was playing tricks on her.

She opened the letter and read the beautiful words that her father-in-law had written to her,

” My beautiful daughter, I apologize for not being present for the marriage ceremony, but I am sure it was as wonderful as the love you and my son share. I know the love my son has for you and I’m sure he has your love in return. I look forward to seeing you both soon, we have a lot of time to make up for and I can’t wait to properly welcome you into our family.

I heard of the terrible ordeal that you were put through, and for that I am truly sorry, but there is nothing like a loving and caring family to heal those wounds of the past. I can’t wait to wrap you in my arms and hold you there until those memories disappear. I plan a return home very soon, as quickly as my health allows….but I send you many hugs and kisses my wonderful daughter. Your loving Father.“

Her eyes clouded with tears, as she read the words. She hadn’t had the opportunity for a relationship with Mr. Aziz but she knew he was a special person, full of compassion and love, so much like his son. It was a relief to know that he was indeed the one that sent the flowers, and they weren’t some sick joke from Taner. Can felt her body relax as she curled up on his lap. She felt better after reading the letter, but it was still so ironic that he sent white roses. He caressed her in his arms like a small child and carried her back to bed. She snuggled against him feeling the safety of his arms. He gently laid her on the bed and crawled in beside her, she was asleep the moment she hit the bed. He watched her, wanting to make sure those bad dreams didn’t interrupt her sleep. Her face reflected the pain she was in, Can was determined to make the pain from that night with Taner go away.

The ring of his phone jolted him from the bed. The grabbed his phone and hurried out of the room to answer. He wondered who was calling so early as he looked at clock. Not realizing how long he had slept there beside her, he was shocked to see it was mid-morning as he answered, “Yes Ms. Sahin what can I do for you.” He asked, hoping she was calling with good news about the house. The realtor delivered the best news possible, their offer had been accepted, so now they just would wait for inspections and paperwork. He knew Sanem would be so happy. The thought of their own home gave him goosebumps, they would have a place that was just for them. That was something he had never had, at least not in his adult life. He had always traveled around from place to place, country to country, never setting down roots anywhere. But that was all about to change…he had a home now, and he had roots….he had Sanem.

Her voice interrupted his thinking, ” Hey sweetheart, you let me sleep half the day away again.” She spoke as she draped her arms around his neck. The sight of her made him smile, the closeness of her body made him weak, ” I thought you might need the extra sleep, and besides I just got up myself. Ms. Sahin called and they accepted our offer, so that house is ours, well when the paperwork is ready its ours.” He told her with an excitement he couldn’t contain. Sanem stared at him almost in disbelief, ” Really, it’s for sure our house, you’re not joking are you?” She exclaimed, in a high-pitched voice. ” No, I’m not joking, it’s ours.” He replied, laughing as he picked her up and swung her around. She squealed with delight, how had she deserved so much happiness, she thought, as his lips touched hers and that feeling of contentment filled her body…

Sanem made tea and they went to the garden to enjoy the rest of a beautiful day. Emre would he home that evening and he wasn’t looking forward to his company, but it would only be for a few weeks, he kept telling himself. He watched Sanem as she gazed out across the lawn, she could make anyplace more beautiful, he thought. ” Can, just think, we can enjoy a garden like this at our home in a matter of days, but we will have the view of the sea.” She turned smiling at him, ” I think the view from our home is going to be more beautiful, no offense.” She told him, as she reached for his hand. Can nodded in agreement, but the view of this woman was all that mattered to him…

She sat up quickly, ” Can let’s go furniture shopping, we need to get started. Come on.” She begged pulling on his arm. “Ok, ok we’ll go.” He laughed as he let her pull him up from the lounger. Wrapping his arms around her he whispered, ” I think the bedroom furniture is all we really need, don’t you?” As he delivered one of those kisses that would blow your mind. ” Can don’t get started or we will never get to the furniture store.” she whined trying to wiggle from his grasp. He threw his head back, letting out a growl, ” Ok, furniture shopping it is then.” He replied, surrendering to her every desire. They hurried to the bedroom to dress, and as they passed through the living room she caught sight of the vase of white roses, ” Can the roses, you never told me if your Dad sent a card along with them”……..

He stopped abruptly, turning to face her. As he looked at her he realized she was not joking. She was a serious as he had ever seen her. She stood staring the flowers as if in a trance, just like the night before. A hundred things ran through his mind, as he searched for the right words to say to her. If he told her the truth about last night, it may make her too upset, but if he lied about last night, it would only mask the fact that was a problem..She turned away from the flowers and looked directly into his eyes….

” Well my love, did he send a card or not.” She asked again, searching his face for an answer.

” Can what’s wrong, you look as if you’ve seen a ghost”…….

Chapter 9

Sanem stood there, waiting for an answer, ” Ahhh, yes he did, didn’t I show it to you.” He laughed nervously, trying to hide his shock. ” I was sure I showed it to you, but here it is on the table.” Sanem took the letter, opened it and began to read it as if she had never read it before. Can could feel himself begin to panic inside. Why did she not remember what happened the night before, what was going on in her mind. Had she been sleeping walking, or had the drug that Taner gave her brought on these side effects. She read the letter quietly to herself, smiling brilliantly as she did. ” She laid the letter on her lap, ” Oh Can your father is so sweet, I can’t wait until he comes home and we can really get to know each other. Don’t you miss him? She asked as she folded the letter and put it back in the envelope. Can smiled a concerned smile, “Yes I do, very much.” He answered back, still confused at her actions.

She started on to the bedroom to get dressed, ” We will have him come and visit with us at our new home, I think he will love.” She babbled with Can following close behind. This whole turn of events had made him doubt what the doctors had said. They had told him that the drug the Taner had given her was just a mild sedative and would wear off in a matter of days and there shouldn’t be any side effects. If that were true, than what was happening to her. The sleeping problem, then not remembering what she is doing at night, and who knows what else. There’s probably things she’s not telling me, he thought as he watched her brush her hair and pull it up in a ponytail. Was she hiding more from him, or maybe more went on in that cottage than anyone knows. The thought of what Taner could have done to her made his blood boil, but he tried to stay calm. He would need to trust her and hope that she would come to him if there were anything else.

She was like a child in a candy store as they shopped for the perfect furniture for their perfect home. She had a certain style and that’s what she wanted, but of course if Can approved. Can wanted whatever she wanted, anything to make her happy. The afternoon was gone before they knew it, with only a few articles of furnishings decided on. She had made her decision and was quite happy with what she found. A couple of pieces had to be ordered in the color she wanted but they assured them they would arrive by the time they were ready to move in. A dinning table that expanded to accommodate their whole family and the matching chairs. A large oversized sectional for the living room, one that you just sank down into. Can was smiling from ear to ear as she tried out the couch, ” Can this is so comfy, come try it.” She begged. They snuggled on the sofa, both agreeing that this was the one. Then she picked out a coffee table and an area rug. The table was large and oversized as well to match the sofa, a very unique piece of furniture. It looked like it was made from a thick slab from a pine tree, with a live edge. It had a natural looking stain on it that brought out the beautiful grain of the wood. It was by far their favorite piece of furniture.

Emre was already home by the time they arrived, ” Hey Abi, how was the hotel, I hope it was comfortable.” Can asked. Emre smiled, ” It was, and thank you for booking the best hotel in Istanbul. And the food was outstanding by the way.” He replied. ” Sorry about interrupting your honeymoon, but I had to come home sometime.” He joked, giving Can a wink. His older bother smiled, ” It’s fine, we won’t be here long, maybe just a couple of weeks. Until we sign the papers on our new house.” He announced, with a broad smile. ” New house,” Emre responded, looking at his brother. ” So you found one, that’s great. Where is it?” He asked? Sanem interrupted, ” Oh Emre you should see it, it’s right on the coast with a beautiful view and the garden is fantastic. It’s a perfect house.” She told him, her eyes sparkling. Can agreed, giving Emre the location of their new home. ” Thats quite a distance away from town, it that going to be a problem.” He added. ” No I don’t think it will be a problem, I think it’s perfect. It’s so peaceful and quiet there we may never come to work.” He said jokingly to his brother.

The next couple of days brought a harmony to their life, with them falling into a routine of blissfulness, loving every minute of their life together. It seemed so much like a fairytale, and at times, as hot as an X-rated movie. Perfection was the word for it, that is, until the investigator of Taners case called Can to the station for an interview. He gave an excuse, no….he lied to Sanem, telling her he had a meeting with a potential client. Something he hated doing, and wasn’t at all his style, but there were times when it was necessary. She never second-guessed him, which even made him feel worse, as he hurried off to give his statement.

He just wanted this whole thing to be over, and if telling them what Ceyda had told him made that happen, then that is what he would do. He hoped what he had to say would place the blame where it needed to be and they both got what they deserved. He relived that terrible time in his head as he drove to the station, the fear gripping him in his gut as if it were happening all over again. The contempt he felt for Taner and Ceyda had grown to hatred, he wondered if Sanem would ever be completely rescued from the mental grip that Taner had embedded inside her. And for that, he truly hated him…

The interview took longer than he had expected, but he felt that it had served the purpose. Cans personal lawyer was there to help him with any legal formalities that might come up. After being questioned about Ceyda for over two hours, they accepted his statement and he was in his way. He hurried back to the office, already dreading the onslaught of questions that he knew was coming. So he would have to lie once again, he prayed she would forgive him if she found out.

She seemed to be absorbed in her work when he arrived, so he went straight to his office. In a couple of minutes she appeared with a cup of tea, ” Thought you might need this. How did the meeting go?” She asked as she sat the tea on his desk. He smiled but couldn’t make eye contact, “It went fine, yes, very well in fact.” He answered, feeling her eyes glaring at him. She sat down across the desk from him, “What company was it, I mean, who did you meet with.” She questioned, with a different tone to her voice. He looked up and saw her eyes filled with tears, his heart broke. ” Sanem my love, what’s wrong?” He spoke, but he already knew what was wrong…..she knew where he had been.

She blinked back the tears, but he could feel the hurt from her.

” Why did I have to hear from Metin what my husband should have told me.” She asked, peering into his eyes.

” Can, we agreed. We wouldn’t keep anything from each other, not anymore……..

Chapter 10

He had done the very thing he hated most, kept the truth from her. But he did it to protect her, to shield her from anymore pain. ” Babe, my love, I’m sorry but I didn’t want to upset you. I know you have a hard time even talking about what happened so I didn’t want to unnecessarily cause you any pain. It was just a simple statement to validate Ceydas involvement with Taner.” Can stepped close to her, placing his hands on her shoulders, ” I just wanted this whole thing to go away as soon as possible, we need it to go away. I hope what I told them will put both of them behind bars for a long time.” He pulled her right against his body, kissing her forehead. She closed her eyes knowing he was right, it all needed to end. She sank into him, letting his strength soothe her, she needed him more than she ever thought before, and she loved him more than she ever thought possible.

She encircled him with her arms, ” Please Can, lets not do that again. I need for you to be truthful with me from now on.” She pleaded. He looked into her eyes, they reflected all the pain that he wished he could take away. ” Never again, I promise. I’m sorry for upsetting you.” He lowered his head finding her lips with his, as they sealed their promise to each other with a passionate filled kiss. She hoped what he said was true and she would be rid of Taner once and for all……but she wasn’t sure if he would ever escape from her head.

” Now, let’s forget all about all of this my beautiful wife. For us it’s all over and we have bigger and better thing to think about, like our new home.” Can remarked, hoping that it was all over. She smiled and snuggled closer against his body, ” Our home, I love the sound of that. Can, lets finish our shopping, we still have a lot of things to get, you know like our bedroom ensemble.” She replied, hugging him a little tighter. The thought made him feel warm inside, but he was behind in his work, ” I’m sorry sweetie but I have a lot of work to finish today, let’s make time for tomorrow, ok? He suggested, hating to say no to her about anything. She agreed, reluctantly willing to wait until tomorrow, she gave him one last kiss before returning to her desk.

Cans phone rang before he even had time to open his laptop, seeing it was his lawyer he was anxious to know what had happened. ” Hello Mr. Ozturk, how can I help you.” Can asked. He sat and listened as his lawyer filled him in on the proceedings in the court room. ” So Ceyda has been charged with being an accessory to kidnapping. And what about both of them giving false statements, did they add that to their charges.” He asked, feeling that a weight was being lifted from his body. Mr. Ozturk answered all of Cans concerns, naming off the list of charges that both Ceyda and Taner would have to face. ” So, Mr Can it seems that Taner will put away for a while at least, and Ms. Ceyda, well if she a smart she will work with the courts and give up all the information on Taner Yilmaz that she has. I will keep you updated on what is going on, but don’t worry, they won’t get out of this so easy.” Mr. Ozturk promised him.

Can wanted to tell Sanem the latest news but decided to wait until they were alone. He wasn’t quite sure how she would react to it all. Can was deep in thought when Emre tapped on his door and came in, ” Hey Abi, just thought I would let you know I won’t be home tonight for dinner. It will probably be late if I do come home.” He replied, giving his brother a wink. Can smiled shaking his head, ” When are you going to settle down Emre, this is all going to catch up with you one day.” He told him. Emre gave Can a puzzled look, ” Why would I do that Abi, besides you took the last woman worth having, so it looks like I’m destined to live my life alone.” He remarked with a laugh. Can smiled, but Erme knew this look on his brothers face, ” Hey, what’s up, you look worried about something.” He asked. Can walked across the room to shut the door, ” Just got a call from my lawyer, looks like my statement convinced them to charge Ceyda with accessory to kidnapping and giving a false statement.” Emre slapped Can on the back, ” Thats great, isn’t that what you wanted?” Erme replied, wondering why this news had his brother upset. ” Yes, yes it is what I wanted, it’s just I’m a little scared to tell Sanem about it. I haven’t told anyone about this, so don’t say anything to anyone, but Sanem has been having nightmares and memory lapses. I think it all has to stem from Taner and what she went through.” Can told him, feeling a strange sense of relief to share his concern with someone.

Sanem had finished her work for the day, but she could see that Can was still jay on his computer. She headed to the restroom to freshen up before making his tea and taking it to his office. She had been working so long on perfecting the campaign for the jewelry company that her eyes felt like burning coals. She splashed the cool water on her face letting it ease her stress. A voice startled her, ” Sanem you will never get rid of me.” She heard, in a weird kind of whisper. She could see Taner standing there behind her in the mirror. She froze in terror, ” Taner how did you get in here.” She asked, as she turned quickly to confront him. But she was staring at an empty room. Her eyes darted about, ” Taner where are you, stop doing this to me, I know your here.” She replied frantically, as she pushed open the doors on the stalls. But she stood alone in the middle of the room. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, “I’m not going crazy,” she said to herself. She opened her eyes again, hoping to see Taner standing there, but she was still alone. Her heart pounded inside her chest as she blotted the water from her face with a paper towel. She looked at herself in the mirror, searching her face for the person she had been before Taner entered her life again. “What is going on, why is he still in my head.”

She tapped on his door as she entered, ” I brought you some tea my hard working husband.” She spoke, sitting the tea on his desk. He reached for her, pulling her around to his chair. ” You are all I need, and you’re right, I have been working hard, so let’s call it a night.” Can couldn’t resist her silky smooth skin, as he slid his hand up her leg. She jerked at his movement, ” Can, someone is going to see us.” She told him, stepping back from him. He looked at her face and he could tell that something had happened.

” Sanem, what’s wrong. Somethings not right, I can see it in your face.”…..

He could feel his heart break as she backed away..” You have to tell me Sanem, don’t push me away”……..

Chapter 11

Her reaction confused him, as he stood and pulled her close to him. Sanem smiled, but he could tell it was a nervous smile. ” What’s wrong, I can see it in your eyes. Something happened.” He insisted, forcing her to look into his face. ” Nothing my love, I just don’t want the whole office to see us, that’s all.” She answered, trying to reassure him. She tried desperately to calm her nerves from the encounter in the bathroom. ” Anyway, are you ready to go, I’m really hungry. I was so wrapped up in work today that I forgot to eat lunch. Can we go by and pickup pizza on the way home?” She asked, feeling herself coming back to reality. Can knew there was use in interrogating her, it would just make matters worse, so he just smiled and agreed .

Can watched her as they drove towards home. She had been unusually quiet, and her face still had that stressed look. He could only hope that she would feel confident enough to open up to him. The event in the bathroom still filled her head, but she wasn’t sure if telling Can would be the right thing to do. What if he thought I was going crazy…..what if he thought I needed help and they shut me up somewhere in a hospital. Her thoughts were running rampant as they arrived home. Can spread their pizza out on the table in front of the tv, ” Hey sweetie, how about a movie tonight?” He yelled to her in the kitchen as she brewed the tea. There was no answer, so he asked again, ” Sanem, do you want to watch a movie?” There was nothing, no reply, so he headed to the kitchen. The cups were sitting there on the counter, filled with her freshly brewed tea, but she was not there. He called her name as he looked around for her. He stepped on the back patio, ” Sanem are you out here, …..Sanem where are you?”

That vision of Taner standing behind her in the bathroom, and the repeating of those words, rang loudly in her head. Her hands were shaking as she tried to pour the tea, “why won’t he leave me alone?” She could feel her mind reeling, but there was no way to stop it. She walked out to the patio, listening intently to the echo of his words, ” You will never get rid of me Sanem.” She covered her ears with her hands and closed her eyes, the words growing louder and louder in her head. She sank down on the corner of the patio trying so hard to hide from what he was saying. She felt a hand on her arm trying to pull her up, she screamed and pulled away, pressing her eyes closed even tighter. In an instant she was caressed and lifted from the ground. The touch of those strong arms that were holding her, stroking her, seemed to calm her enough for her to open her eyes, and that’s when she realized it was Can. He was carrying her to the bedroom, his eyes full of tears and concern.

He gently laid her on the bed, ” Sanem, baby are you alright. Here, let me have your hands.” He told her. She looked around, realizing she still had her hands covering her ears. He took her hands in his, massaging them ever so carefully with his thumbs. ” What happened babe, tell me please. She could feel her heart racing as she tried to make the words come from her mouth. As her body trembled, she began to tell him about what had happened. ” Can, Taner was in the bathroom, and he spoke to me.” She told him, her voice quivering. Can stroked her arm, “Sanem my love, Taner is in prison, he is locked away. He couldnt have been in the bathroom.” He assured her, wanting nothing more than to take her in his arms and hold her. Sanem looked at him with her eyes sad and full of questions, ” I know, but Can why do I keep seeing him, hearing him talk to me, feeling that he’s watching me. She sat up on the bed and encircled Can with her arms, he could feel her body shaking as she clung to him.

Can choose his words carefully, as he tried to help her understand, ” You have gone through a lot my love, I think it will take time to forget it. But you will forget it, trust me, I will make sure you forget it.” He snuggled closer to her, determined to love away all those ghosts that roamed around In her head. She felt better after a few minutes, ” Do you promise, you promise to make me forget.” She moved back from him and looked him in the eyes, ” He told me I would never get rid of him, and he was standing right there Can. Do you think I’m going crazy?” She asked in a whisper, her eyes pleading with him to help her.

He laid beside her watching her sleep. How was he going to help her, he wondered, his heart full of sadness. It was late, but the thought of sleep avoided him. He slipped out of bed and walked through the dark house to the kitchen. The teapot was still hot, so he poured a cup of tea, and put the uneaten pizza in the fridge. His heart was in anguish at what she was having to endure. The night air was cool and inviting but it didn’t soothe his fears. He sat back in the lounge chair trying to make sense of what she had told him. He had never thought he could hate someone, hate was such a strong word, but he was safe to say, he hated Taner. He wished he had never heard of Compass Sports, or Ceyda Sancak and Taner Yilmaz. All he wanted was a nice quiet life with the woman he loved. He had waited so long to have that, had fought through so much to have her and now some pyschopath was threatening his very life. The thought of It just made him more angry and bitter, how dare him tell her she would ever be rid of him.

He finished his tea and started back to the bedroom when Emre came in, ” Abi you’re still up. I would have thought you’d be asleep by now.” He joked. But he could tell by the look on his Abi’s face that he wasn’t in a joking mood. ” Can what’s wrong, I can see something bothering you.” Emre asked.

Can shook his head, ” Emre, why is it so hard for Sanem and I to have a happy life, why is someone always trying to tear us down?” He replied, leaning back against the counter. Emre knew they had been through a lot, but they had both maintained that unrelenting love for each other. ” So, who is trying to tear you apart, what are you talking about?” He asked.

“It’s Taner, he’s still here. He won’t leave her alone.” He said, glaring into his brothers eyes.

” He’s stuck inside her head Emre, and I don’t know how to get him out…..

Emre felt for his brother. He had never witnessed his brother so hurt, so fearful……so defeated..

Chapter 12

There was little sleep for Can that night. He would somehow have to convince her to see a doctor for these bouts of unreality. He was sure this wasn’t the first time that she had encountered something like this. As he thought back to the past few days, there were several times that she gone blank, as if she were in deep thought about something. And the flowers, not recalling their talk about who sent the flowers that night was another red flag for him. Yes, he was sure she needed to talk to someone about it, but to whom. He did remember the doctor at the hospital telling her if she needed someone to talk to about what happened to give him a call, he knew a good psychologist that could help her. But up until now he didn’t think she required anyone like that. He was positive that he would be the only one she would need, just a person to love her, but now he wasn’t sure. He wanted to protect her, love her, be there for her, he thought as he watched her sleep. But she may need more than that…..

Sanem shifted in the bed, automatically reaching for Can on the other side of the bed. She opened her eyes slightly only to see his side of the bed empty. She sat up looking around, glancing at the clock to see it was still very early, she called out to Can. ” Honey, where are you.” She swung her legs over the side of the bed and noticed she was still dressed. Immediately she knew something was wrong, something had happened. ” Can, are you here.” She yelled, beginning to feel a panic set in. Her mind went back to the evening before as she tried to remember what had happened. She recalled the ride home, oh yes, we stopped and got pizza, she thought. She had felt really tired, and was ready to eat and go to bed, but the last thing she remembered was brewing the tea. She started through the house searching for Can, the living room, the kitchen, then she saw him in the garden stretched out in the lounge chair. She stepped out onto the patio, almost afraid to call out to him again, but she did. ” Can, are you ok, I have been calling for you.” Her voice startled him as he jerked around quickly, ” Oh I’m sorry babe, I didn’t hear you come out.” He replied reaching his hand out to her.

Her confusion about the night before was troubling her mind, ” Can, you’re up so early, is everything ok.” She asked snuggling in beside him on the lounger. ” Couldnt sleep.” He answered as he pulled her as close to him as he could. She felt his uneasiness, she knew there was a problem, ” Can, …why am I still dressed. What went on last night. The last thing I remember is brewing our tea. And please don’t tell nothing went on.” She pleaded as she turned to look at him. The defeated look in his eyes confirmed to her there was definitely a problem, a problem she may not be ready to hear. She heard him take a deep breath and she felt his arms tighten around her, ” Well babe, I found you out here in the patio, slumped down in the corner.” He knew his words were going to upset her, but there was no other way than to just come out with it. Sanem set up quickly looking at him, ” What do you mean, “slumped in the corner” did I fall or pass out?” She asked with concern. Can swallowed down his fear and went about the unhappy task of explaining to her what had happened.

Sanem sat staring out into greyness of the early morning. She wished the sun would hurry and make it’s arrival, maybe then things wouldn’t seem so bleak. Can stroked her hair calmly, trying not to show how scared he was. ” Sanem, I think you should see someone. Maybe you need to tell someone what you remember about that night.” He spoke, breaking the silence of the past 10 minutes. She looked at him smiling, ” But I did tell someone, I told the doctor and I told you. I really don’t remember that much about that night, like I said I was in and out of consciousness.” She replied, feeling a tightness grip her stomach. If she didn’t remember that night, then why did she keep seeing things in her mind, she wondered. Why did he keep popping up in her head, why did he say the things he said, It’s like he was inside her. Can turned to face her, ” I know, but I think you need to talk to someone that can help you deal with what he did to you, not physically but emotionally. What do you say? I can call the doctor and get a number of a psychologist, you just need a person to help you cope.

She stood and walked out into the garden, she knew he was right but she was more scared of that then what was going on in her head. What if they said she was crazy, then what, would they lock her up in some hospital. Or put her on medication where she couldn’t function or care about anything. These were all the things she was scared of. But most of all, she was afraid of losing Can. He hadn’t signed up for a marriage full of craziness, or a wife that was mentally ill. She closed her eyes, wishing for the woman she used to be, that woman he fell love with. What happened to her, what happened to the joy she felt for her life. It all looked empty and dark, all except the love she had for him. But she knew she wouldn’t get better unless she did talk to a doctor, so she would do it and hope that she didn’t regret it.

Can encircled her body with his arms, making her feel warm. She leaned her head back against his chest, feeling that her life was about to change. Feeling that maybe everything was about to fall apart. ” My love, my wife, I love you more than I can say, more than anything else in my life, and that you can be sure of. I will be with you every step of the way.” He whispered in her ear. His words made her smile, but she still couldn’t help but feel some doubt about what he said. She turned to face the man she loved, ” Can, I love you so much and I’m sorry for everything that’s happened. You have to believe me, I didn’t expect any of these things to come to be. I really don’t know what I could have done differently, maybe I led Taner on when he first came to the agency, I don’t know. But he has problems, and I don’t think I caused them.” She spoke as the tears streamed down her face.

Can wiped the tears from her face, ” My beautiful wife, you didn’t do anything wrong. Taner and Ceyda are both unbalanced and living in fantasy world. But you do need to get help with this.” Can felt her tremble as he kissed her, wishing that he could take all her problems and make them disappear..

She nodded, ” You’re right…..so you promise you won’t leave me.” She asked, peering into his eyes.

He smiled, ” Never my love, Never. How could I leave someone that is a part of me?……..

Chapter 13

They had decided to take the day off from the agency. Sanem was still shaky and uncertain about the night before, the thought of work was a bit to much. Can had taken Sanem back to bed, laid beside her gently stroking her hair and taking in her aroma until she drifted off to sleep again. He heard Emre rambling through the house so he covered Sanem with a blanket and quietly snuck out of the room. ” Good morning Abi, you look like hell, what’s wrong.” Emre asked wrinkling up his forehead. Can shook his head, “Emre I’m not sure if I can tell you, but Sanem and I won’t be in the office today. She had a very bad night and so did I.” Can replied, leaning back against the counter. Emre could tell it was something serious, ” What do you mean, a bad night, is she sick?” He questioned, feeling alarmed. Can sighed, knowing that if he told anyone what was going on it would be acknowledging that Sanem had a problem, it would make all of this….real.

” Abi, I will tell you later.” He uttered, not quite ready to admit it out loud yet, especially to Emre. His brother shook his head, ” Ok, but if you need help just let me know. How’s the buying of the house coming along? He inquired. The thought of the house hadn’t entered Cans mind since the day before, but that might be just what they needed to distract them from all these bad things. He looked up at Emre as if he had said something wonderful, ” That’s it Emre, we will go shopping today. We need to furnish the rest of the house, what better way to get her mind off what’s happening.” Can started with excitement. Emre smiled and patted Can on the back, ” Ok Abi, I hope things get better for you both. So you will be moving in a couple of weeks?” Emre asked. ” Yes, sooner if I can speed things up some. We really need to be in our own home, I think that just might solve a lot a things.” Can replied, with a look of satisfaction.

Although Metin was a corporate lawyer, Cans personal lawyer had kept him up to date on what was going on with the case. Metin had been the one to find and rescue Sanem when Taner kidnapped her, and the fact that he was Cans closest friend made him more than interested in this case. So, his phone call to Cans lawyer wasn’t out of the ordinary, ” Hello Mr. Ozturk, what’s the latest on the Yilmaz case?” He asked. The slight hesitation sent up a red flag for Metin, “Ferit, is there a problem, what has Mr. Yilmaz done now.” Metin asked, knowing there must have been something because that was just the type of crazy he was. Mr. Ozturk hadn’t wanted to be the person to call and tell Can. He knew the temper he had, has seen it on several occasions, but this was different. “Metin, he insists on seeing Ms.Divit, he told his attorney that he would confess to everything, sign any paper they wanted his to sign, but only if she would come to see him.” Metin winched at the thought of Sanem going to see him, but even more at the thought of having to tell Can about it. ” Why did he want to see her, did he say. I don’t think it’s a good idea, and besides he’s not the one to make the deals.” Metin declared, feeling the deepest contempt for Mr. Taner Yilmaz.

As bad as he hated it, Metin agreed that he should be the one to present Sanem with his offer. He knew what Cans response would be, and he totally agreed with it, but in the end it would be Sanems decision. It would hurry things along with his sentencing and also seal the fate on Ceyda Sancak. But would Can see it that way, ….he didn’t think so. Sanem had brought out a different side of his friend Can Divit, he had become this doting and protective person. He had surrendered his heart and soul to this woman he loved, and Metin knew he would fight them every step of the way.

Emre left for work and Can returned to the bedroom eager to snuggle up with his wife for a while longer. The bed was empty and he could hear the water running in the shower, as he stepped around in to the bathroom he could barely see her image there through the fogged over glass. But he could see enough, enough to make his heart pound with excitement and his breath become shallow. He quickly undressed and quietly opened the shower door, the vision of her standing there, completely unaware that he had entered the shower, made him want her even more. He reached out, touching her shoulder and letting his hand slide down her wet skin. She closed her eyes as he stepped up behind her, his body formed like a glove against hers. The heat from his skin made the steam rise up around them, as he encircled her body with his arms. The firmness of her body and the appearance of the thousand goosebumps rising up on her skin, brought on a volcano of desire for her. She could feel his hardness firmly press against her back, that feeling of wanting and needing him became instant and overwhelming. He could make her forget anything and everything that was on her mind and bring her to a point of collapse.. She turned and welcomed him, inviting him to take her, willing and openly. He lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around him, ” Can, we will be late for work.” She whispered, teasing him as she nibbled gently on his ear. Her actions fired him even more, ” No we won’t.” He mumbled, as he held her up against the wall of the shower. ” Because we’re not going, ….this is what we’re doing today, ..all day.” He spoke, as he entered that place that drove him crazy and made him feel like nothing else could.

She watched him in the mirror as she brushed through her hair, ” So we aren’t going to work today.” She asked, her eyes fixed on each delicious muscle of his body as he dried off. He smiled at her, feeling her eyes as they roamed over him, ” No, but if you keep looking at me like that, we won’t even leave the house, which is fine with me but we won’t be able to finish our furniture shopping.” He spoke, giving her a wink. She felt that warmth of embarrassment creep up her neck and over her face. She looked away from him, focusing back on fixing her hair, ” Furniture shopping, good, so maybe we can get it all done today. Have you heard from the realtor? I’m ready to move in, aren’t you?” She asked, her voice full of energy. The ringing of his phone interrupted their thoughts. He grabbed his phone from the nightstand, ” Hello Metin, what’s going on.” Can announced, hoping this was purely a social call…..

Metin could hear the happiness in his friends voice, and now he would have to be the one to possibly shatter that happiness.

” Hey brother, how are you and Sanem.” He started with hesitation. Just the sound of Metins voice was all Can needed to know something was wrong…

A feeling of dread began to boil up deep inside him….

” I’m not sure Metin…..why don’t you tell me how we are. What’s happened?”……

Chapter 14

Sanem could hear Cans side of the conversation and she could tell that it wasn’t a pleasant one. Can walked out of the bedroom and down the hall, ” Metin, come out with it, what does Taner want now. I swear Metin, if that man doesn’t leave her alone he’s not going to need a jail cell, he’s going to need a casket.” Can raved, running his hands through his wet hair. Metin took a deep breath, ” Can, Abi please don’t talk like that, not even to me.” He begged, but knowing Can would do it if he thought he could. ” He wants to see her, he wants to talk to her and if she comes, well then he will admit to all the charges.” He spoke, waiting for Can to respond. It felt like hours before Can spoke, ” So Taner wants to see her, ….why Metin, why. What could he possibly want to say to her? I know, … he wants to screw her up even more than she is now.” He spewed, the words stinging his heart. He could feel the tears burning in his eyes as he tried to regain some sort of control. ” I won’t let her do it Metin, I can’t let her. If you knew what has been going on here you wouldn’t even ask for such a thing.” He uttered, his voice breaking with emotion.

Sanem had dressed and blow dried her hair while Can was in the living room talking to Metin. She wondered what the phone call was all about, by the tone of Cans voice she could tell it wasn’t a social call. If there was a problem at the agency their shopping trip may have to wait, she thought as she grabbed her watch to put on. As she walked down the hall she could hear Can say, ” If you knew what has been going on here, you wouldn’t even ask.” She stopped to listen to the rest of their conversation. ” Metin, Sanem had been having some really bad experiences lately, things that aren’t normal, and to be truthful I’m not sure what to do right now. We have even talked about seeing a doctor that specializes in mental trauma. So if you think I’m going to let her go see Taner in jail, ….well your crazy.” Can gushed, feeling the anxiety grip him. Metin understood completely, and he could sympathize with what they were going through, ” I’m sorry Can, I didn’t know that Sanem was having issues. Let me tell your lawyer that we decline the offer.” He replied.

Sanem leaned against the wall, her eyes closed. She gasped for a breath, realizing that she had been holding her breath while listening to his conversation.

Why did Taner want to see her? The thought of it completely terrified her. What did he want with her, did he want to make her even more crazy than she already was..

She exhaled her breath forcefully…..thinking back to the day before when she thought he was in the bathroom. His words still rang in her head, ” Sanem, you will never get rid of me.” Maybe he was right…maybe that is what he wants, ….maybe he wants me to be crazy.

She listened as Can and Metin finished their phone call, ” Yes Metin, tell them that she is not coming to see him, I will not let her see him. We will take our chances with the court. Either way he’s going to be convicted, …he has to be.” Can spoke, resting his head in his hand. They said their goodbyes and Can hung up his phone. He sat there, his body trembling, his mind in a fog. Her voice startled him to the point of making him jump.

” So Taner wants to see me……Can, I really think he wants to make me lose my mind”…..She spoke, her voice sounding dry and indifferent.

Can turned quickly, ” Sanem, how long have you been there.” He asked, feeling the blood drain from his body. Sanem steadied herself against the wall, her eyes still closed, ” Long enough to know that you are just as scared as I am. Long enough to hear you tell Metin that I’m not normal anymore.” She opened her eyes and turned to look at him, ” Long enough to know that Taner may have gotten just what he wanted, ….You to doubt me.” She recited, the words filled the silence that was left in the room.

Can wasn’t sure what to say, how could he explain to her what’s he had heard. He went to her, gently moving the hair that had fell in her face. ” Sanem, I am scared, I’m scared of what this is doing to you. But I didnt mean that you weren’t normal, I meant your actions aren’t normal, the actions that are brought in by Taner. None of this is your fault, …do you hear me, …none of it. But it’s going to be up to us to fix it.” Can calmly spoke, each word coming from his soul.

She knew he was right, ” We can fix it, do you think we can. I don’t want to be mentally unbalanced, I don’t want to be unpredictable, …..I don’t want to be crazy…

She buried her face in his chest, she needed his strength and his stability. She couldn’t do it alone…..He held her as they both let the tears come, those tears they cried together would heal and rebuild her, he was sure of it.

He lifted her face to his and kissed her gently. She felt the meaning of the kiss, it meant he would never leave her.. He kept her body close to his, as he comforted her, “And I will tell you, I have never doubted you, not for one minute do I doubt you. So Taner didn’t get what he wanted, do you understand……Taner wanted you, and that’s something I won’t let him have.” He whispered to her, filling her heart with more love that she thought possible.

She already felt better, stronger, more in control than she had earlier. He could do that for her, make her believe in herself. She wrapped her arms around his neck, ” Thank you my love, what would I do without you.” She asked.

He smiled that dazzling Divit smile, ” Well my beautiful wife, luckily for you, you will never need to know.” He spoke softly, moving his hands down the curvature of her body. She felt a shiver of desire run down her spine, ” Can do you promise, you promise that Taner will never come between us.” She murmured in his ear.

The sound of those words struck deep inside him, how could she think that. ” Never Sanem, never. Didn’t he try once, and he failed, he failed because we love each other. We are not going to let that man rule our lives.” Can told her, as he held her right against him.

“Yes you’re right, he did try but there will never be anyone else but you, I couldn’t possibly love anyone else.” She replied while kissing his neck. ” Now shouldn’t you get dressed, we have some shopping to do, and a whole house to fill”…..She expressed feeling her anxiety slowly slip away.

Can smiled as he went to the bedroom to dress. No he wouldn’t let Taner come between them, but he couldn’t help but think that, …maybe she would.. He immediately shook his head to clear away all those negative thoughts…

Chapter 15

The shopping trip had been exhausting but rewarding. With everything decided on and purchased, Can felt like a weight had been lifted. ” Sanem, I think we have everything we need, don’t you. Now just the house to put it in. I’m going to make a call to Ms. Sabin and see how the paperwork is coming.” He told her giving her a kiss on the forehead. Can took his phone and started to the garden while Sanem went to the kitchen to brew them a much needed cup of tea. The problems from earlier in the day seemed to have diminished, but she would be lying if she said it wasn’t still resting in the back of her mind. But she didn’t want Taner to control her thoughts anymore, or make her scared to live her life. She only wanted Can and their home, and maybe a child one day, that’s all she wanted. Why had Taner set out to make her life a living hell, she wondered as she sipped her tea.
Can rushed in the kitchen, ” Sanem, by the end of the week.” He shouted, as he wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off the floor. She giggled, ” What is the end of the week, what are you talking about.” She squealed as he swung her around. ” The paperwork, it will be ready to sign by the end of the week.” He announced, then sealing that statement with a long and demanding kiss. She was breathless from his kiss, as they parted, she could see the excitement etched on his face. ” Can I’m so happy, I just can’t wait.” She uttered, feeling his hands exploring her body. He smiled, ” Then we won’t have to worry about Emre walking in on us, I can have you anywhere I want.” He groaned, his eyes hungry for her. She stroked his beard with her fingers, ” Yes, you can, and I can do the same.” She whispered, pressing her body tightly up against his. She could feel his body twitch with excitement as she moved her hands down his rippled chest. He had always been so pleasing to the eye, sometimes she embarrassed herself with how much she loved to look at him.
Their eyes never parted from each other as they weaved their way through the kitchen and down the hallway to the bedroom. His need for her was overwhelming, as he fumbled with the zipper on the back of her dress. He kicked the door shut with his foot just as he felt the zipper release and her dress fell to a heap on the floor. She nibbled unmercifully on his ear, moaning his name as she felt that craving for him to satisfy her. He knew his control was fading as he backed her up against the bed. For that second just before he laid her down on the bed, their eyes met, they both could see the longing and desire they had for each other. A thought ran through her mind, “Please let it always be like this, let him always look at me like this. No matter what.” She welcomed him with the same conviction and want, as their bodies moved together as one, she wanted nothing more than to please him, …body and soul.
There was nothing on this earth that could make him feel the way he felt when he was with her. That fulfilled and satisfied feeling swept over him like lava flowing from a volcano, as he felt that release of passion flow from him. She arched her back, pressing her torso harder against him as she moaned his name repeatedly until she was weak from the it all. He hovered above her, his heart pounding, watching her. Her eyes were closed and her mouth was open as she gasped for air. Before she had time to recover, he covered her mouth with his. His tongue slide inside, rubbing and stroking hers. She felt the hair rise on her body as he prepared for another round of passion. The room was silent with only the sound of their love echoing through out the room. A while later Can fell to the side of Sanem, completely breathless and weak, but never had he been happier…
Sanem rolled over and snuggled up against his body. She smiled as she let her hand glide over his chest, feeling the beads of sweat that had covered him, ” Is that what I have to look forward to in our new home?” She asked, following it with a barrage of kisses covering his chest. He reached for her, pulling her on top of him, ” Everyday my love, maybe even more, do you think you can handle it.” Can mumbled, his hands tracing the lines of her body. The ringing of his phone delayed her answer, ” Who can that be” Can spewed, annoyed at the interruption. He grabbed the phone and saw it was Emre, ” What Emre, what’s going on.” He responded. Sanem kissed his neck, lingering for a quick second to nibble at his ear before sliding over to get up. He tried to grab her and pull her back to him, but he missed, as she started for the bathroom. His eyes followed her as she made her way across the room. Emre was speaking to him but he seemed to be deaf and in a trance as he watched her naked body disappear into the other room. ” Abi, did you hear anything I said, …Can are you there.” He asked.
Sanem turned on the shower, letting the steam from the hot water fill the room. She stepped inside welcoming the sting of the hot water. Her body was sore and the water soothed her tight muscles. Just the thought of him brought a smile to her face, a she lathered her skin with soap. He was so much more than what she deserved in life and she was so willing to be what he wanted her to be. She heard the shower door open, and felt his presence as he stepped up closely behind her. She felt his arms encircle her waist, pulling her back against his body. He leaned down kissing her on the neck, ” I have to go in to the agency, some problem with the account from the tire company.” He whispered as he kissed down her shoulder. ” Do you want to come along, or you can just wait for me here. Then we can take up where we left off.” He suggested, feeling a new surge of energy.
She closed her eyes, delighted with the way he made her feel. When just like that, a flash of memory invaded her mind. The vision of the cottage that Taner had taken her to, all the flowers, the music, the strong aroma of the burning incense. She jumped, opening her eyes to wipe the vision away. Can held her close for a second more, ” Are you ok Sanem, what is it.” He asked, turning her around to face him.
She managed a smile, ” It’s nothing, just a shiver of anticipation.” She spoke, wrapping her arms around his neck……
She could feel the uncertainty, the fear of the unknown enter her mind. She held on tightly to him, the only person that could help her through this…
” I think I will stay here and wait for you, is that ok.” She managed to said after a minute.
She knew she had to solve this thing with Taner once and for all…..or it may just ruin the rest of her life……

Chapter 16

It was late in the afternoon before Can arrived at the agency. ” Emre, I thought we had this campaign wrapped up, what happened?” He asked, as he looked over the file of the tire company. Emre lowered his head, ashamed to admit he may not be cut out to handle the creative part of the agency. ” Well it seems that the tire company has a new advertising director, and he has doubts about the ad. So he wanted you to take a look at it, maybe add a little punch to it.” Emre told him. ” I took a look at it and offered my opinion, but he wasn’t satisfied with that. He wanted you to look at it.” Can looked at Emre in a sideways glance, raising one eyebrow, ” Do we know this guy, does he know me.” Can asked, his curiosity peaked. Emre shrugged his shoulders, ” Abi, I don’t know, I only spoke to him over the phone. But he seems to know what he wants.” Can already didn’t like this man, ” If he knows what he wants, then why hire an ad agency to prepare a campaign. Just do it yourself.” Can spoke, not wanting to deal with a know-it-all person. Can took the file and spread it out on the table in the conference room. He had already put up his defenses about this man, but he would reserve judgement until he met him.

Sanem sipped on her tea, wondering how long it would take for the doctor to return her call. It had taken all she had to make that call to the hospital, to reach out to someone for help. But she knew this was the only way, if she wanted to live a life happy and free. The thought of Taner ruling every thought, every emotion, every fiber of her being, wasn’t something she wanted. If he would just disappear, that would be what she wanted. The call from the doctor came sooner than she expected, as the ringing of her phone brought her back to reality. ” Hello Dr. Pasha, thank you for returning my call so quickly.” Sanem added. She was surprised that he remembered her, as she explained the reason for her call, ” Doctor, it’s just not getting any better, in fact it seems to be progressing to the point of me not remembering some things I have done. And the flashes of that night are coming at the times when I am feeling the happiest.” She explained, feeling like a weight was being lifted as she talked.

The doctor listened as Sanem described to him all the classic signs of a drug induced trauma. That along with all the guilt that she was feeling had placed her in a fragile place in her mind. He knew she needed some intense therapy sessions to repair what she had gone through. ” Mrs. Divit, why don’t we find you a therapist to talk to, someone that will help you through all this. I know just the person, she’s excellent at her profession and I think you two might be a perfect match.” Dr. Pasha explained to her. Sanem agreed, ready to find a solution to what Taner had done to her. ” Yes, I think your right doctor, maybe you can give me her number so I can call to set up an appointment.” She replied. Just in this short talk with the doctor, she was feeling better, like she was in control of her life, she was doing something for herself and Can. ” Let me call the therapist and give her the outline of your situation, if you don’t mind, then she will call you to set up a meeting.” He suggested. She took a deep breath, ” Ok, I’ll be waiting for her call. Thank you doctor.” Sanem answered, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over her, but she knew this was the only way.

Can had been gone for a couple of hours, it was getting late and she was beginning to worry about him. When her phone rang she hoped it was Can calling to say he was on his way home, but it was a number she didn’t know. Thinking it may be the therapist calling, she answered. The voice on the other end of her phone made her blood run cold, ” Sanem my darling, I’m so glad you answered my call. I wasn’t sure if you would, but I’m so glad to hear your voice.” Taner spoke, his voice sounding soft and eerie. Every nerve in her body sent a spark of fear to her head, her heart dropped to her stomach, ” Taner, why…how…what do you want Taner.” She stuttered, her voice shaking. ” Why are you calling me, Can is in the next room, if he knows your calling…..Taner laughed, ” Sanem I know that Can isn’t there, that’s why I called, I know your alone.” His voice became louder and more in demand. “How do you know, how…Taner what’s going on. You have to leave me alone, please don’t call me again.” She replied, trying to make herself sound like she wasn’t afraid, but in reality, her whole body was trembling with fear. Why couldn’t she hang up the phone, she knew she should, but she was too afraid of what he might do if she did.

” I was very sad to hear you wouldn’t come to visit me, why won’t you come Sanem. I just want to speak to you face to face, I need to see you.” He whispered into the phone. She shuddered, ” I don’t want to see you Taner, leave me alone.” She could feel the tears stinging her eyes as she tried to control her body. ” I’m not coming Taner, do you hear me, I’m not coming. So leave us alone.” She screamed at him, as the tears gushed from her eyes. The phone was silent for a minute, she held her breath wondering if he had hung up, then he replied, ” You will come Sanem, I know you will. You have to come, …..if you don’t, you will never be rid of me.” He stated, sounding so sure and confident, then he ended the phone call.

She stood holding the phone in her hand, staring at it, trying to make sense of it. He was in control, she thought, as she struggled to breath. He is crazy and he’s trying to make me crazy, she reasoned with herself, but how did he know she was alone, that Can wasn’t here. All these things were running rampant in her mind, sending her fear into overdrive. Her phone rang again, startling her, she saw it was Can and tried desperately to calm herself before answering the call. ” Can, honey, are you on your way home?” She asked as she answered the phone. He laughed, ” I am my love, have you missed me? How about I stop for pizza on the way. It’s too late to cook, don’t you agree.” He asked. She took a breath trying to steady her voice, ” That sounds great babe, I’ll start the tea. Can, did you solve the problem with the tire company?” She replied, wondering if that had all been a ploy to get Can out of the house….

“Who was helping Taner, who was his eyes and ears outside of jail.” She wondered.

“Maybe he was right……she would have to visit him, just to keep from going insane”

Chapter 17

She laid snuggled up next to him, his arm keeping her firmly against him. She loved the feel of his skin, that soft yet unyielding feel, firm and rippled with those defined muscles. This man, this body that could please her in the most gentle way, as she recalled their lovemaking from earlier in the night. He was sleeping, the sound of his breathing was slow and steady, making her feel as if she was in a trance. But sleep would not come for her, her mind was filled with the words from that phone call from Taner. She was afraid to tell Can, but she knew she should. He would be furious, and might even want to go confront Taner himself.

She closed her eyes, hoping, wishing this all would go away. She needed him, she needed to feel that protective shield that he always covered her with. Her body quivered as she felt the need for him stir inside her. She snuggled closer, pressing her naked body up against his, as that craving for his touch surged through her body. She lifted her leg and placed it over him, sliding it softly down the lower part of his body. The feeling overtook her, as he moaned from the touch. He was coming alive, his body moving and welcoming her touches. She wasn’t sure if he was awake, he hadn’t opened his eyes, but she was totally engulfed and aroused by her own actions. She felt his body start to move and his hardness grow larger and larger, he pulled her over in top of him as he opened his eyes. ” Sanem, my love, my wife, what are you doing to me?” He mumbled, his eyes full of desire. She smiled shyly, ” So, you’re awake…hmm good, so am I.” Her voice reeked with that longing of him. He entered her slowly but intentionally, letting their bodies move together…..he closed his eyes, letting that feeling carry them away..

It was early, but before the sunrise, when she wiggled from his arms and made her way to the bathroom. It seemed that when she was the happiest, was when the visions came, those flashes of memory that haunted her. She stepped into the shower, letting the warm water slide gently over her body, while she waited for the first invasion of that horrible night to penetrate her mind. Two minutes, three minutes, she stood there waiting, but nothing appeared, nothing jumped out at her reminding of her poor judgement. She reluctantly finished her shower without even a glimpse of the nightmare that always consumed her. Her spirits seem to lift, maybe they are gone, she thought, could he have left her mind just as quickly as he entered it. She blow-dried her hair and tied it up in a ponytail, wrapped her robe around her and started to the kitchen. She wanted to make him breakfast for a change, even if she wasn’t as confident in the kitchen as he was.

The aroma of overcooked food drifted into the bedroom. He wrinkled up his nose, opening one eye he looked around the room. That’s what he thought, Sanem had gotten up early and was cooking him breakfast. He took a deep breath, the smell bellowing about in the room. He sat up on the side of the bed, smiling as he recalled the, “middle of the night encounter.” Sanem was more than he ever thought she was, a bit of a tigeress, but a lot of a naive and innocent woman. But she could make him feel like nothing else in the world mattered but him and their love. So for that woman, he would gladly go into the kitchen with enthusiasm and eat every bit of food she had prepared…….Wasn’t that what love was all about.

The look on her face as he devoured the eggs and sausage she had made, was all the reason he needed. Actually the food wasn’t terrible, but cooking was definitely something they would have to work on in the years to come. He smiled at her as she watched him clean his plate, ” So, you liked it?” She asked, her face beaming with pride. He nodded yes to her question as he tried to swallow the last bite of egg on his plate. ” Good, see I told you you didn’t need to do all the cooking, I can cook.” She declared with confidence. He smiled and shook his head, ” I can see that my dear.” He answered as he suppressed that urge to laugh…

She went about cleaning up the kitchen as he left to take a shower. She had such a feeling of euphoria, the flashes of that nightmare had seemed to pass, and she had successfully cooked a wonderful meal for her husband. Could her life be any better right now, she wondered. Maybe she didn’t need that therapist after all, she contemplated, as she poured them a second cup of tea. That thought had no sooner entered her mind, when the strong pungent smell of incense filled her nose. It was the same smell that Taner was burning that night in the cottage. She covered her nose with her hand, trying to muffle the smell, but it only got stronger. The tears came suddenly, along with the frustration of her false hope. How could this be happening, how could he invade her mind like that? She held her breath, willing the smell to go away, praying for it to stop.

The sound of Cans voice calling to her from the bedroom brought her out of her thoughts, “Babe, come to the agency with me this morning, I need to finish up a few things in the tire company campaign. Then let’s drive to down to Alacati.” He told her as he made his way to the kitchen. She answered, ” Alacati, I’ve never been there, have you?” Can walked up behind her, cradling her in his arms, ” Yes, I have been, a friend of mine has a beautiful resort there, The Alacati Warehouse. It’s a beautiful place and private as well.” He informed her, kissing her on top of the head. With the smell still pungent in her nose, she tried desperately to ignore it, ” Are you sure you can be gone from the agency right now. You do seem to have a problem.” She spoke, regretting each word she said. He turned her around peering into her eyes, ” Yes, I’m sure I can take the time off, what is it Sanem, do you not want to go. If you had rather not go I will understand.”

There it was, Taner was already coming between them, she was letting the things that he did to her dictate the happiness she could have with Can…..

” No my love, It’s not that at all, I just would hate for them to call you back to the agency after we got there, that’s all. I would love to go to Alacati with you.” She smiled, rising up on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the lips.. ” I’ll pack us a few things while you have your tea.” She replied, as she started towards their bedroom.

He reached out for her arm, swinging her around and pulling up close to him, ” Just a bathing suit and a toothbrush is all we will need……He said, leaning down to kiss her. ” I don’t plan on leaving our room much.”

The thought of what he was suggesting made her giddy inside. And just like that the smell that had been so strong just seconds before was gone…..

Taner could only come between them if she let him……and she would refuse to let that happen…

Chapter 18

She could hear Can laughing and talking to his friend as he made the arrangements for a suite at The Warehouse for the weekend. She was packing a small bag for the both if them, but she was including a little more than just a swim suit and a toothbrush.

She was wondering why the therapist hadn’t called her back yet, now she had this phone call from Taner to tell her about. Her appointment may have to wait until they came back from the weekend trip, but that was something she hadn’t expected.

Can came in giving her all the details from the call, ” He can’t wait to meet you Sanem, and he can’t believe I finally settled down.” Can was practically beaming as he told her. ” I told him to wait until he saw you, that you were radiantly gorgeous, and he better not get any ideas.” He laughed, as he hugged her up tightly against him. She smiled, ” Are you going to be jealous of every guy that looks my way?” She asked, wrapping her arms around him and standing on her tiptoes to give him a kiss. ” Absolutely I am. So it just better not happen. You are meant for my eyes only….do you understand.” He explained to her, his lips brushing against hers as he spoke…The feeling made her dizzy as his warm breath caressed her mouth. The thought of any other man making her feel this way was utterly ridiculous, she thought, as that throb of desire for him marched its way up her body.

A loud huff of frustration came from Can as the ringing of his phone broke that magical moment. He looked at his phone, ” It’s Emre, I better take it, but don’t run off anywhere, I want to continue where we left off.” He spoke, running his finger down her nose and across her lips. She smiled, unable to look away from his eyes.

She went back to packing their bags as she heard Cans voice in the distance. Her mind was full of thoughts and she didn’t hear her phone ring at first. She answered on the third ring, seeing it wasn’t a number she recognized, but hoping it was the therapist.

The woman’s voice was soothing as she spoke to Sanem, ” Hello is this Mrs. Divit, …hi I’m Dr. Baris, Dr. Pasha talked to me about your problems, and thought maybe I could help you.” Sanem froze for a second, as she heard Can in the other room. ” Uhh, yes Dr. Baris, I’m sorry, I’m Sanem, just call me Sanem, please.” She replied, hoping that Can wouldn’t hear their conversation. ” Ok, Sanem, shall we set up a time to meet, anytime that’s good for you. And anywhere that you are comfortable.” The doctor added, anxious to set up the first meeting. Sanem stuttered, ” Well, uh, I’m not sure, uh, when. Look Dr. Baris, my husband doesn’t know about this yet, so could we make an appointment for early next week.” She felt the heat rise to her face as she waited for her answer. ” Of course, but I think you should inform your husband about our meeting as soon as possible. It will take all of us to work your way through this.” Sanem sighed, ” Yes, I agree, but we are going away for the weekend, we are still on our honeymoon, and I would like to wait until we come back to tell him.”

They agreed for Sanem to call as soon as they returned from Alacati. She hung up from her call just as Can walked into the room, ” I need to go to the agency, it seems the campaign for the tire company has hit another snag. Are you ready to go? We can just leave from the office.” He told her, as he grabbed the bags. ” Yes, I’m ready.” She mumbled, still thinking about her call from the doctor.

The agency was busting with energy as they arrived. It always made her feel good to get caught up in all the excitement of building a new campaign. Emre whisked Can away into the conference room, while she found her old desk and made herself comfortable. It was a minute before anyone even noticed she was there. CeyCey was rushing around, barking his orders to everyone like he was the boss, making her laugh. When he saw her there at her old desk, he couldn’t believe it, ” Sanem, are you back, are you here to work.” He yelled, grabbing her to give her a hug. She laughed, ” Not yet, but soon. I’m just waiting for Can.” Her and her friend had a lot of catching up to do as CeyCey poured her some tea and him some coffee, ” So you are coming back to work, right.” He asked, pleading with his eyes.

She could hear Cans voice as they came from the conference room, ” Emre, we are leaving town right now, so I can’t have a meeting tomorrow. You will have to handle it, you and Deren can do it.” He shouted as he stormed across the room. Deren and Emre both had that look of desperation on their faces, ” But Can he wanted to speak with you, not us.” Emre emphasised. Can spun around, ” Then tell him I’m not available until next week.” He spewed, waving his arms in the air.

” Can, maybe we should wait until this is settled before we go.” Sanem said, giving him a hug. Can sighed, ” Sanem if we wait there will just be something else to keep us here. I say we go and deal with the campaign later.” He replied. But he knew she was right, they couldn’t go and enjoy it, with this handing over their heads. Emre and Deren stood and watched as Sanem slowly persuaded Can that it would be in their best interest to handle this problem before the trip…

” Ok Emre, when does the gentleman want to meet, I don’t want a long drawn out meeting. Lets just get it over with.” Derek and Emre both were relieved, as they rushed off to set up the time.

Sanem smiled at him, happy he had decided to stay. The thought of seeing Dr.Baris while Can was in his meeting had also entered her mind. She wanted to talk to her about Taner as soon as possible.

Can and Sanem were waiting in his office for Emre to set up the meeting. Emre knocked on the door as he entered, ” Abi, the meeting is set for tomorrow at 11:00, is that ok.?” He asked hesitantly. ” But he wants to meet at his vacation house on the coast. It’s about a 30 minute drive from here.” Can shook his head, ” No he can come here, who is this guy anyway.” He said rubbing his face with his hands. ” I’m not sure, but his assistant was adamant about the time and location. It seems the guy is some big shot in the tire company..

” Ok, ok just get the directions and tell him that i’ll be there. But I don’t want him to get use to ordering us around. You and Deren are coming too, right…..

Emre shrugged his shoulders, ” No, he wanted to meet with you alone…..

This just doesn’t feel right, he thought, his better judgement sending up a red flag. Why did he want to meet alone?….

“Ok, tell him I will be there……but that I’m not too happy about it.”

Chapter 19

The drive back home was silent. She knew that Can was deep in thought about this executive from the tire company. She knew better than to question him on the issue, not when he felt like he had been pushed into a corner, and she knew that’s how he felt.

When they pulled up in front of their house Can finally broke his silence, ” Babe I’m sorry we couldn’t leave today. I promise we will go tomorrow as soon as this ridiculous meeting is over.” He reached for her hand, his eyes looking deep into hers. She could see the regret that filled his heart. She smiled as she caressed his face, ” There’s no need to be so sad about it my love, we have the rest of our lives together. We will have plenty of time for all the little getaways that we could want.” She leaned over meeting his lips with a soft and lingering kiss.

Sanem possessed a way of making him forget about all the things that made him upset or worried. He pulled her closer to him as that soft kiss turned into a deep and demanding kiss, one that had them both begging for more. She backed away, her eyes closed, as a slight smile eased across the face, ” I think we had better go inside.” She murmured, ” Before the neighbors get more than they bargained for.” Can held onto her, not letting her go, ” Who cares about the neighbors, all I care about is you.” He covered her mouth again with even more passion, as she felt that ache of desire surge through her body.

She sat in the garden wrapped in a sheet. She wondered how anything could be better than what she had just experienced. A getaway to some fancy resort in Alacati couldn’t possibly make what they had together any more special.

She needed to call Dr. Baris while Can was still asleep to setup an appointment. Maybe they could meet while Can was in his meeting, she thought as she reached for her phone. ” Dr. Baris, it’s Sanem Divit, I’ve had a change of plans and I wondered if we could meet tomorrow.” She spoke. They agreed on 11:00 am, and the doctor would come to their home. That would give them time to talk while Can was away. As much as Sanem wanted to feel that sense of relief, she was still full of fear, the fear of all the unknown that might still be inside her.

Can looked in the back garden and saw her sitting there, he was still amazed at the way she made him feel. He strode across the lawn, ” Here you are, been looking everywhere for you.” He announced leaning down to kiss her. He pulled up a chair and sat down, ” I think we should go out for dinner tonight, what do you think. If we can’t go to Alacati today then lets at least go for a nice dinner.” He started. She agreed quickly, ” That sounds great, do you have a place in mind.” Sanem hoped that a dinner date would take her mind off of her problems. ” As a matter of fact I do, a new place that hasn’t been open very long. It’s a little fancy though.” He remarked wrinkling up his nose.

He had never been a fan of dressing up, even though he could make anything look good on him. It excited her to put on one of her best dresses, apply a little extra makeup and curl her hair. She hadn’t fixed herself up like that since their wedding. She chose her blue dress, it was a little fitted, showing off every curve just right. It was shorter than she felt comfortable in, but that seemed to be the style. That vibrant color of blue complimented her dark hair and her soft bronze skin color. Her long hair cascaded down her back in shiny defined curls. Can always liked her hair down, it was something he couldn’t keep his hands off.

He peeked around the corner into her dressing room, watching her put the finishing touches on her hair, ” Sanem you look gorgeous, no, …more than gorgeous, you look absolutely stunning.” He remarked, his eyes roving over her body. She smiled, her insides tingling from his stare, “Thank you, you are very handsome yourself my husband.” She turned seeing him in black trousers and a white button-up shirt with the cuffs turned up to show off his accessories. His hair pulled back neatly in a bun and his necklaces lying against his chest, visible from his half unbuttoned shirt. So simple, yet so alluring. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen. Together they made a head-turning couple, beautiful and powerful…..

The restaurant was beautiful and elegant, making her a little nervous. She didn’t normally visit places like this, but she knew she would have to get accustomed to it being Mrs. Can Divit. Can had noticed all the heads turning as they entered the room, making him proud. She was glowing as they walked in hand and hand.

They had hardly began their meal when a gentleman walked up to the table, ” Mr Divit, Mrs. Divit, how are you?” The man asked, extending his hand for a handshake. Can responded cautiously, ” Hello, annnddd you are?” He replied, reaching for his hand. The man smiled, ” I’m sorry, we met a while ago, but not under the best of circumstances. I’m Ceyda Sancaks father.” He conveyed, not knowing what to expect.

Can quickly turned to Sanem, to give her a look of reassurance and a nod. ” Of course, Mr. Sancak, I do remember now. What can I do for you?” Can asked, trying to control his emotions.

The elderly man hung his head, the look of embarrassment covering his face, ” I’m sure I was the last person you expected to see here tonight, and I do apologize for interrupting your dinner.” He spoke, glancing at Sanem. ” But I felt I needed to tell you again how sorry I am for the part that my daughter played in that unforgivable encounter for you and your wife.” He nervously cleared his throat, ” Ceyda has been under doctors care since she gave her account of what happened and her part in it, but that by no means excuses her from any guilt.” The father explained. ” She is nervously awaiting the outcome of her actions.”

Can listened as he explained, knowing how hard it must have been for him to admit the flaws of his only child. ” Mr. Sancak, what Taner and Ceyda did to my wife, and to me, has caused us more pain then you could imagine. But we are moving on with our lives, so I think you need to do the same..

The gentleman raised his head to look at Can, ” Thank you Mr. Divit, but I think you need to know that even though Taner Yilmaz is in prison, he is still in full control of the outside whole. I just want you and your wife to be aware of that. He is still trying to involve my daughter in his manic behavior. So please do not let your guard down.” And with that, he nodded and walked away

A rush of heat surrounded Sanem as she listened to his words…

” He knows everything we are doing, she thought. ” He is still watching us.” Her mind swirling with the new information.

She had never wished anything bad on anyone before, ….but oh how she wished he would just disappear……

Chapter 20

Can threw his napkin down in his plate, ” Did you hear that Sanem, Taner is still up to his tricks.” He leaned back in his chair, his face distorted with anger as he processed the conversation with Mr. Sancak. She felt numb, but yet her body was tingling like she had been struck with an electric current.

” Sanem, …Sanem, babe are you ok. Hey don’t let what he said upset you. I’m sorry if my reaction scared you. Let’s just finish our dinner.” He reached over to take her hand, making her jump at the touch. She hadn’t heard a word he said, her mind was full of a loud buzzing sound and she thought she may pass out.

That phone call from Taner made even more sense now, he was playing with her, just as he was with Ceyda. She grabbed Cans hand, gripping it tightly, ” How is he doing it Can, how is he still controlling our lives. What kind of person is he.” She muttered, her voice tight with emotion. She rose from her chair, ” Let’s go Can, I feel like he’s watching us right now. Can we just go home.” She asked, her face pale and drawn. Can immediately stood and took her arm to help steady her, ” Of course, here let me help you. Honey please don’t let this get up so upset. I will talk to the attorney in the morning and let him know that Taner is still causing trouble.”

Can watched her as he drove. He could read her face like a book, she was reliving that entire night in her head. She didn’t speak until they arrived home, ” Can I regret that I brought Taner into our lives, I regret that I used Taner to make you jealous, I regret that I was stupid enough to believe him that night.” She spoke slowly and almost in a whisper. ” But I never dreamed that he was so unbalanced, so sick. This is all my fault and I must be the one to fix it.”

Can listened to her, hearing how hurt and frightened she was. ” No Sanem, it was not all your fault. Ceyda was the one that conspired with Taner to break us up, she just didn’t know she was playing with the devil.” Can paced the floor. He thought back to that day of the climb, remembering all the signs that should have triggered that sign of danger inside him. All the things she had said to him, her actions towards him, he should have known something was up. He closed his eyes as he visualized the video that Taner had sent to him, that fear he had felt was like nothing else he had ever endured.

Sanem had rolled herself up into a ball on the bed, letting that guilt of allowing Taner into their lives, boil like a hot liquid in her stomach. She knew in her head that Ceyda and Taner had planned all of this confusion and heartbreak just so Ceyda could take Can away from her, but in her heart she knew she had used Taner regain Can for herself. So that didn’t make her any better than Ceyda…But she knew what Taner was capable of and she didn’t want anything like that to happen again. She wondered if he was already unbalanced, out of touch with what was real or unreal before he teamed up with Ceyda to ruin their lives. Or, did they make him that way. She squeezed her eyes closed tight as the hurt from it all gnawed away at her.

The sight of Sanem on the bed made his heart ache. He scooted in next to her, stroking her hair, so wanting to take the pain and suffering that she felt and bear that burden for her. Just that touch from Can had brought a sense of calm to her, enough that she could allow herself to relax. She let the sleep come, it was always better when she knew he was there to protect her. Can held her as she slept, his heart heavy as he wondered how he would be able to help her heal.

Can woke early, still cradling Sanem in his arms. He needed to talk to Metin, he thought, as he slid his arm from underneath her, careful not to wake her. He splashed some cold water on his face and grab his phone. He gently closed the bedroom door, and made his way to the kitchen. He reached for a coffee cup, no tea this morning he thought, he needed a good strong cup of Turkish coffee. He took his cup and went out to the garden, his favorite place. He knew it was early but he had to call Metin anyway. On the fourth ring he answered, ” Can, hello, is everything ok.” He asked in a groggy voice. ” Metin, I need someone to talk to, sorry for calling so early. But I found out something pretty disturbing last evening.” He told him.

Metin listened as he told him about their encounter with Mr. Sancak the night before, ” Metin, Taner is still causing trouble, even from prison ..how is he able to do that.” He asked, letting the fear come through in his voice. Metin was up now, fully awake and alert, ” I’m not sure Can, unless he has someone helping him from the outside. Let me check on his visitation list and see if there is someone that’s making routine visits. Maybe someone that’s giving him reports on what you and Sanem are doing.” Metin suggested.

Can rubbed his face with his hands, wanting this nightmare to be over, ” Ok Metin, let me know what you find. I’m thinking about taking Sanem away from here for a while, you know, just to keep her away from all of this.” He said, feeling the pressure starting to weigh on his heart. They agreed to talk later in the day, Can thanked him for being there for them. ” Look Abi, you and Sanem are like family to me, I would do anything to make sure Taner Yilmaz doesn’t hurt either of you again.” Metin replied, thinking back to the night he had found and rescued Sanem from Taner..Reliving that fear again was something he never wanted.

Sanem was still sleeping as he went through to the shower. He let the water run over him, wishing it could wash away all the bad memories he had from the past few months. The last thing he wanted to do was leave her alone today just to go to a meeting, but if he didn’t get that taken care of they would never get to take their trip.

Sanem opened her eyes, a bit confused at first. She was still in the dress from the night before, and Can wasn’t there, then she heard the water running in the shower. She stepped into the steam-filled bathroom, seeing the image of her husband in the shower sent that tingling sensation through her body. She unzipped her dress and tossed it to the side, she opened the door and stepped in.

He was deep in thought, as he braced himself against the wall of the shower. The touch of her hand as it slid down his back had surprised him, he turned quickly to see her standing there..

She stepped up against his body, ” Good morning, …I hope you weren’t thinking about sneaking out this morning without waking me.” She whispered, as she molded her naked body to his.

He smiled, ” Not a chance.” He growled, as his hands explored her body.

Chapter 21

” Now. Look, I don’t want you to go out anywhere, I’ll be back as soon as I can. I don’t know why you won’t go to the agency while I’m gone.” Can spoke as he held her tight. The thought of leaving her there alone, even for a couple of hours was unsettling to him. ” I really think I should cancel, I don’t see the need in going that far away just to accommodate this guy.” He spewed, shaking his head.

Sanem was just as nervous about staying there as he was, but she wasn’t about to let him see it. ” Babe, I will be fine. Just go and get it over with.” She replied. Her therapist was due there shortly after he was supposed to leave. She had so much to tell her, she hoped that there would be a solution to all her problems, but for some reason she had her doubts.

Can kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then skipped to her other cheek, making his way around her face before landing on her lips. The kiss was long and hungry, like it maybe the last kiss they would share. She could feel the uneasiness that he had just in the way he held her and kissed her. It was different, more lingering and urgent, ” Can you going to be late, just go, I’ll be fine.” He rested his head against her forehead, ” I know, I’m going. But we are leaving first thing in the morning. We need that getaway just for a few days. Our suite is still there waiting for us.”

She watched as he backed out of the drive and disappeared down the street. Then the fear came out, all the things that Ceydas father had said were ringing in her head. She closed and locked the door, taking a deep breath. She went through the house closing and locking each sliding glass door, but she didn’t feel safe. She sat on the sofa waiting for the therapist to arrive, ” She should be here any moment.” She told herself, speaking the words out loud just to break the silence. The sound of the minutes ticking away resonated in her mind, getting louder and louder until it was almost deafening. The ringing of the doorbell was a welcome sound and she hurried to the door. But when she opened the door all she saw was a huge bouquet lying in the entryway.

She looked around but there was no one there, so she bent over to pick up the flowers. The scent from the flowers filled her head, but it wasn’t the scent of the blossoms it was the scent of the incense that Taner had burned in the cottage that night. It was strong and repelling, almost making her sick at her stomach, but she couldn’t put them down, it was as if they were glued to her fingers. She noticed something stuck in the middle of the bouquet, it was to large to be a card, she thought, as she pulled it out. She opened the envelope expecting to see a note or a letter, but instead, there was a picture. The image on the picture blinded her, it was of the night in the cottage, he had taken a picture of them lying together on the bed. She didn’t remember it, but there it was in vibrant color. Taner was holding her, smiling, no…smirking was more like it. She was still dressed in that awful wedding dress and there were flower petals scattered on the bed.

She felt her stomach churn, slowly at first then more violently as she stared at the picture. She felt it coming, she dropped the flowers and the picture on the floor and ran to the bathroom. The release came fiercely, as she lost the entire contents of her stomach. It had left her weak and clammy as she tried to stand, the Image burning, searing into her mind. She splashed the cold water on her face over and over, until she could feel herself breathe. She grasped the counter, looking at herself in the mirror, ” This is what he wants, he wants you to fall apart.” She spoke, searching for her strength in her eyes. ” I’m not going to, you will NOT fall apart.” She yelled to her reflection in the mirror.

” Mrs. Divit, hello….Mrs. Divit.” Dr. Baris called out from the hallway. The door was open and there was a large bouquet of flowers on the floor. She called out her name again as she stepped over the flowers and ventured further down the hall. ” Mrs. Divit, are you here. It’s Dr. Baris.” The doctor heard a voice coming from the other end of the hallway, it was muffled but she could tell the person was crying, as she continued on down the hall.

Sanem slammed her fist in the counter, ” You will not win Taner, I’m going to make sure of that.” She yelled, as she let her emotions boil. The tears kept coming, as hard as she tried to wipe them away, they still appeared. She took the towel from the rack and covered her face with it, muffling the sobbing that was escaping from inside her. It was then that she heard a voice, ” Mrs. Divit are you in there, I’m Dr. Baris, we had an appointment.” The doctor repeated, as she stood at the bedroom door. Sanem froze for a second, ” that was who, she thought, did she say Dr. Balik.” She closed her eyes, feeling the room spinning around her like a merry-go-round, as she steadied herself by holding onto the counter.

” Oh, Dr. Baris, I’ll be with you in a minute, sorry I felt a little sick but I’m ok now.” Sanem called back to the doctor. She blotted her face with the towel, forcing the tears to stop. Then she ran her fingers through her long dark hair trying to make herself appear presentable. She tried to put a smile on her face but that she couldn’t manage, so she stepped out of the bedroom and walked down the hall to the living room looking exactly how she felt, … worried and afraid.

The navigation map on his truck told him he had 2 miles to go, then take a right onto Road 35-28, and his destination would be on the left. He followed the directions eager to get there and finish his business as quick as possible. He made the last turn, seeing the first road on the left he assumed that was the road leading to the house. As he pulled in the tall iron gate slowly opened, as if to welcome him in. ” some vacation house, he thought, as he drove down the winding driveway.” That uneasy feeling that he got when things appeared slightly off, had started to churn in his gut. He usually listened intently to that feeling, but today he wanted to take care of his business there and get back to Istanbul as quickly as possible. So he pushed away those feelings as he drove up in front of the house.

The door opened before he got to it, so he walked on in. He stopped just inside the door, waiting for someone to appear, when a man came into view. He was younger than Can expected, he was probably a few years younger than himself. He nodded to him, extending his hand to introduce himself.

” Mr. Can Divit, welcome. I am pleased to meet you. I have heard much about you.” He announced, shaking his hand firmly.

” Yes, that’s me.” He answered, wondering how he had heard about him…” And you are?” Can asked, squinting his eyes questionably.

” Ah yes, let me introduce myself, …..I’m Mr. Yilmaz, …Ali Yilmaz.

Chapter 22

Sanem handed the picture to the doctor and threw the flowers on the table, ” Ok, this is the latest thing, they arrived a few minutes after my husband left for his meeting.” Sanem explained, still repulsed by the picture. Dr. Baris studied the picture, ” So this is the person who abducted you that night, Taner, that’s his name right. Dr. Pasha filled me in on what happened to you, and told me that your abductor is in prison, …is that right?” She asked, watching Sanem as she paced back and forth in the room. Sanem shook her head, ” Yes he is, but it’s like he still knows everything that’s going on with us. How can that be, how can he still call me and send me these flowers with a picture. And these flowers, they reak of the smell from the incense that he was burning that night in the cottage.” She yelled, feeling herself losing control.

” What? Did you say he called you?” the doctor asked. ” When was that.” Sanem covered her face with her hands, ” I’m not sure of the day, but it was after we spoke the first time on the phone.” She slumped down on the sofa, exhausted and more afraid than ever. She slowly went over everything that Taner had said to her, delivering all the upsetting details of that phone call.

“Why did he want you to visit him, can you tell me?” She asked. The doctor could see the trauma that Sanem had been through, ” Were you alone when Taner called?” she asked, trying to piece all of it together. Sanem nodded, ” Yes, Can had just left for an emergency meeting at the agency.” She answered, reliving the phone call in her mind. ” Taner told me that he knew I would come and visit him, if I didn’t, I would never be rid of him.”

“And today, you said the flowers came just minutes after your husband left. And where did he go? Dr. Baris questioned, beginning to see a pattern in Taners behavior.

Sanem stood quickly, like it had all just registered in her mind, ” Can went to a meeting, again. For the same company.” She uttered, feeling the fear grip her even tighter. Were the meetings just a way to get Can out of the house and away from her, ….did that person at the tire company have some connection to Taner?

Can smiled as he shook his hand, but a wave of confusion traveled from his head to his feet. Ali Yilmaz, Yilmaz…..that name wormed its way through his mind. How had this person known about him, he had never heard of him before, but the name Yilmaz was definitely a name he knew.

” Come in Mr. Divit, lets sit and conduct our business comfortably. Tea or coffee?” He asked, as he motioned for him to follow him. That feeling of caution gripped him, as he followed him to a small sitting room facing the back garden. ” I will have tea, thank you.” Can answered, gazing around the room. The young man nodded, ” Of course, you are a drinker of Turkish tea, I figured as much. I have never developed a taste for tea or coffee, so I will join with a glass of orange juice.” He explained, giving him a big smile. It was quite disturbing, Can had this strange sensation that the campaign for the tire company was not the reason he was there.

” So Mr. Yilmaz, I understand that you have a different outlook for the ad campaign than what we have. That is what we are here to talk about, right. If you aren’t happy with what our agency has planned for the company, you are certainly free to explore other options.” Can expressed, hoping with every fiber of his being that he accepted the offer. To lose this account would hurt the agency, but at this point he was willing to take that chance.

” Absolutely not, Mr. Can. I know this company has been with your agency for many years, I wouldn’t think of severing those ties. But there are a couple of suggestions that I may have.” The young man eyed Can with a look of confidence. Can nodded his head, ” Yes they have been with us for a while, but if we aren’t making them happy, then maybe it’s time.” Can countered, giving back that same look. Can shifted in his chair, feeling uncomfortable, ” If we are in agreement then, you are more than welcome to entertain other agency’s for your campaign.” Can stood abruptly. ” If there’s nothing else Mr. Yilmaz, my wife is waiting on me, we are going on a short vacation. It was a pleasure.” Can replied, as he turned to leave.

” Ahh, Ms. Sanem, how is your lovely wife. Oh, and my congratulations on your recent marriage.” Can turned to face him, ” How do you know my wife, and the well being of my wife is certainly none of your business.” He spewed, the encounter making his temper flare.

” You know, word gets around. I was hoping that she would be helping on this campaign, I had heard many good things about her.” He answered. Can wasn’t sure if it was fear or anger that had possessed him, but he knew it was time for him to leave. ” Excuse me Mr Yilmaz, but I have to go, and I wish you luck in finding a new ad agency.”

By the time that Can got to his truck and started out the driveway, his whole body was shaking from anger. What was this man trying to pull, he thought? Why didn’t I take care of him while I was there, he yelled as he speed down the road.

Dr. Baris had listened to everything that Sanem had to say. Even the fact that Taner was still trying to involve Ms. Sancak in his plans. ” Sanem, I believe that Taner only has the power to harm you if you let him. He knows that you are scare of him, and that’s the only thing he has to work with.” She explained. ” If he has someone working with him, which is probably unlikely, there are ways to handle that. We have to go to the police and tell them what he’s been doing. They can withdraw all visitation privileges and phone calls as well.” She stated.

Sanem took a deep breath, feeling like the worst was about to happen. “So you think that I’m allowing him to torture me, but why.” She asked, covering her face with her hands.

” Because you feel the guilt for bringing Taner into your lives. Remove the guilt from your mind, and you cut those ties that have bound you to Taner since the day he showed up at the agency.” The doctor spoke, giving Sanem the answer she needed. ” There is nothing you did to cause Taner to react the way he has. He is sick Sanem, but you didn’t make him sick. This kind of behavior comes only from a person with deep physiological problems.”

Sanem knew then that she would have to go see him, just like he said.

Peel off all that guilt that she unknowingly had been carrying around and face him…..

Letting him see that he wouldn’t control her anymore…..

Chapter 23

Can was still seething at the thought of Ali Yilmaz, as he drove back into town. All he could think about was getting Sanem and leaving Istanbul, even if it was only for a few days. He would go to the agency first and tell Emre that they would no longer represent the tire company as their ad agency, then head home to get Sanem.

Just as he turned into the parking garage at the agency, Metin rang his phone, ” Can I have some new information on Taner.” He told him. Can stopped his truck, ” What is it Metin, I hope its good news, I can’t handle anymore problems right now.” He spewed, letting his anger show. Metin knew that tone of voice from his friend, he knew Can had been pushed to his end, ” Well it very well could be good news, it seems that Taner has had only one visitor since he has been incarcerated, but they have been on a regular basis.” He explained. ” Did you know that Taner had a younger brother, that information had never come up on his records before, but evidently he has. He has been to visit Taner several times.”

Can felt like he had been kicked in the stomach, it was all falling into place now. ” Metin, you are sure about this, right. Tell me what his brothers name is, I have to know what his name is.” Can yelled through the phone, feeling the blood rush violently through his body. Metin was shocked at his actions, ” Can calm down, what’s going on.” He asked. ” Metin, his name, what is his name?” He ordered. ” OK, Ok Can, his name is Ali Yilmaz. I’m still checking on his background, but I do know he has seen his brother several times.” Metin answered, letting out a sigh of relieve.

The silence made Metin nervous, ” Can are you still there, did you hear what I said.” He waited for a reply from Can. Can had closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the seat, he swallowed down the all the disgust and humiliation that he was feeling, ” Ali Yilmaz, hmm…..Metin I was just standing In front of him less than an hour ago. He was the man I had the meeting with this morning.” He announced, quietly and definely. Metin couldn’t believe what he was hearing, ” You had a meeting with the guy, why? What did he say to you, you didn’t know it was Taners brother? Metin bombarded his with questions.

” He made a fool out of me Metin, he played me, he all but told me who he was and I didn’t get it.” Can yelled into the phone. “He said his name right to my face, Ali Yilmaz, and then me shook my hand.” Can took his hand and beat it against the steering wheel. ” How could have been so blind and stupid? He shouted.

Metin listened to Can in shook at what me was hearing, ” Can, why did you meet with him, and where did you meet with him.” He implored. It took Can a minute to calm himself enough to talk, as he ran the scenario over in his head again and again. ” He works for a client of ours, ..well an ex-client now, he wasn’t happy with the campaign we had worked up for them and wanted to meet with me. You know, I thought it was odd that he wanted to meet with only me, and not the rest of the team, but they convinced me to go.” He explained. ” He knew about Sanem, that should have been the red flag for me, and the name, I should have put two and two together.”

Can wanted to go back to Yilmaz’s house. He was ready to confront him, but Metin finally talked him out of it, ” Can you can’t go back, let me talk to the investigators and give them the information and let them handle it. You have Sanem to think about. What would happen to her if you got arrested and charged with interfering with their investigation.” Can knew he was right but the fact that this man had just played him for a fool was hard for him to accept. Before they ended their call Metin made Can promise he would not confront this guy, ” Ok Metin I promise, now I have to go talk to Emre. Neither him or Deren will be happy that we lost the account, but they won’t believe who the guy was.”

Metin didn’t lose any time getting touch with the investigators on the Yilmaz case. He didn’t want to tell Can, but they had been searching for a person that was Taners accomplice, other than Ceyda Sancak. Taner had help from someone with getting the sleeping drug that he had put in Sanems drink, and with purchasing of the hundreds of flowers that he had placed in the cottage. They were already looking into his one and only visitor that just happened to be his brother..

Deren screeched in her normal high-pitched voice, ” You what, what did you do Can. I can’t believe you, why would you tell the person that is the head of advertising in the largest tire manufacturing company in Turkey, to find themselves another ad agency. We have been with them for over ten years Can.” She slammed her hands down in the table, glaring at Can. Emre stared at his brother, waiting for an answer. ” Look, I told you something wasn’t right about this whole thing, and….I was right.” Can lashed back, his anger still raging inside him. ” Neither of you bothered to ask the name of the person that I was to meet, ..so I walked blindly into a situation the I wasn’t prepared for.” He spewed, as he paced the floor of his office. They both knew that whatever had happened, it had nothing to do with the ad campaign.

” Do you know who this man was, this man that wanted to meet with me and only me…..alone.” He glared intently at them. ” Well let me tell you, ..his name is Ali Yilmaz. A young guy, a lot younger than me, and that was the first thing that seemed strange to me. Then he told me his name, but that was my fault for not putting two and two together with the name. Then he asked about Sanem, that’s when I knew something definitely wasn’t right. So I told him he was free to find their company another ad agency.” He sat down in his chair, trying to gather this thoughts. ” So who is the guy, why are you so upset.” Emre asked, confused at his brothers actions.

Can raised his hand to stop him, ” No wait, there’s more. Just as I arrived back here I got a phone call from Metin. He was checking on who had been visiting Taner in prison…and who do you think he found. None other than Ali Yilmaz, …..Taner Yilmazs younger brother. He has been the only visitor that has been to see Taner since he has been there.” Can leaned back in his chair, waiting for the information to sink into the heads…

Sanem walked to the door to see Dr. Baris out, ” Mrs. Divit, lets meet again soon, maybe if you can recall the whole incident that night, then you will be able to get rid of the guilt. Guilt can result in an array of problems physiologically. It’s best if you confront everything that happened and deal with it openly. We can try Hypnotic Therapy, it can do a lot of good in cases like this.”

She agreed to call for another session as soon as they returned from Alacati.

” Hypnosis, she thought. I’m not sure if I’m ready to relive it all.

She knew it was the only way……but what if she found out something she didn’t want to remember…..

Chapter 24

Emre was almost to stunned to talk, ” Ali Yilmaz, he uttered, So what did he want, did he say.” Can jumped up from his chair, ” He didn’t have to say Emre, I know what he wants, he wants to ruin our lives. Taner is manipulating everything that Sanem and I do,..still.” He paced the floor, stopping to gaze out the window. ” I didn’t tell you, but we saw Ceydas’ father at the restaurant last night. He told us that Taner is still trying to use Ceyda in all his craziness.” He turned around looking at Emre and Deren, ” Even from prison he’s trying to get to Sanem. He told us to keep our eyes open when it came to Taner, those were his words. And what do I do, I meet face to face with the devils brother.”

Can had begin to feel weak, his anger was turning to fear. What would be next, he wondered, and how would he be able to protect her from him. All he wanted to do was take Sanem and disappear until the investigators could figure out what Taner was up to. ” Emre, I’m taking Sanem away for a few days, Metin is working with the police on this. They think that his brother may be the person that helped him set the whole abduction up.” Can face had turned that ashen color as he explained the details. Emre had never been afraid for his brother before, Can had always been able to take care of himself, but this was not a normal situation. ” Take all the time you need, and Abi, I’m sorry that we didn’t trust your instincts about this.” Emre confessed giving Can a hug.

As Sanem shut the door behind the doctor, that fear of what was next enclosed around her. She took the flowers that he had sent and stuffed them in the bottom of the wastebasket, covering them with other trash, but she kept the picture. She studied it, memorizing each detail about it, thinking back to that night. As she looked at the picture her mind began to remember different details, things she hadn’t realized before. ” He was talking to someone, not to me, but to someone else in the room. Someone else took this picture, she recalled as her thoughts rambled about in her head.

She closed her eyes, feeling a headache coming on. But the thoughts wouldn’t go away, who was the other person….it couldn’t have been Ceyda, so who else helped him…it had to be someone he trusted…..

Her phone rang, bringing her mind back from that awful night, it was Can. ” Hello babe, is your meeting over? She asked, reeling in all those new found memories. ” Yes my love, are you ready, I’m almost home and I’ll grab our bag and we can be on our way.” He told her, relieved to hear her voice. Oh the trip, she had almost forgotten about that, ” Ok, yes I’m ready.” She answered, still looking at the picture.

She hurried around, checking their bag to make sure everything was there. She took the picture and hid it in the pocket of her leather jacket at the back of their closet. She wished she could talk to the doctor again after remembering some of the details about that night, but that would have to wait until they returned. She was looking forward to this trip, she needed a distraction, she needed Can. She had never been to Alacati before, and any place would be special if they were together..

As Can pulled up in front of the house, he closed his eyes, willing himself to transform from that angry and fearful Can back to that person that was ready to whisk his bride away on a special ending to their honeymoon. He put on a smile and opened the door, ” Sanem, honey, I’m here. Let’s get in the road.” He called out. Just the sound of his voice made her feel better, as she rushed out of the bedroom to welcome him home. ” Can, sweetheart, I’m so glad your home.” She stretched up on her tiptoes to give a kiss on the lips. His arms grasped on to her, pulling her tightly against his body, ” Yes, now that’s the kind of welcome I like to come home to.” He returned her peck on the lips with a much more demanding and heat-filled kiss, one that made her knees buckle and her skin tingle.

” Ok, whew, we should go, now….before we get sidetracked.” He muttered, reeling in all those emotions that had just erupted inside him. She smiled at how easily he could become a man that only wanted one thing. He stepped inside the bedroom to grab there bag, ” Hey, ..whats this? I told you all you need was a bathing suit and a toothbrush, and you packed us this whole bag full of clothes.” He asked with that slight smile. She shook her head, ” Can my love, what about going to dinner?…..I’m sure you don’t want me to go in nothing but my bare skin, do you?” He moved closer to her and whispered, ” Room service my beautiful wife, ….room service.”

The drive was a bit long, but the scenery was like nothing she had seen before. As they got closer to Alacati the highway hugged the curves of the coastline. The view of the sea was beautiful, the water a bright aquamarine color, extended out for as far as she could see. She always loved the sea, the coast, she felt more comfortable there anywhere else. The water calmed her…

Can had been watching her as they got closer to their destination, how open she was to the discovery of new places. Her face lit up as they wound their way into the beautiful city. Their resort was on the outskirts of the city, closest to the sea. He couldn’t wait for her to see it. It had even taken his breath away the first time he came there to visit his friend. The Warehouse was a sophisticated and modern resort, full of the latest amenities. But all Can wanted was a comfortable suite where he could enjoy these last few days of their honeymoon.

She opened the door to their suite, gasping at the sight of it, ” Can, Can…this is beautiful, I mean I have never seen anything like this before.” She screeched, as she walked about in the lavish room. His friend had spared no expense, making sure that there was a large buffet of food laid out on the table. It had everything you could imagine, right there ready for them to enjoy. The view was vast and private, and the balcony seemed to expand all the way to their private beach.

She felt like a princess, ….no a queen, and this was her palace. She had only seen pictures and read about places like this, but now she was there, staying in one of the most magical places.

He could keep his eyes off of her as she explored every inch of what would be their home for the next few days. His work had taken him to various places in the world and he had stayed in many extravagant hotels, but this was by far the most important place he had ever been.

He was with her……she brought something more than special to wherever she was, didn’t matter which city, which province or which country…..

Sanem felt his arms slip around her…….she closed her eyes and let her body welcome him..

This would be the place where she could forget……..forget it all and just love.

Chapter 25

Metin was just leaving the police station from talking to the chief investigator in the Taner Yilmaz case. What he told him made this whole case even more bazaar.

” Look Mr. Tekin, I’m telling you that Ali Yilmaz is involved in this more than you realize. Can just met with the man, Ali Yilmaz set up a meeting with him. Of course Can wasn’t aware that he was Taner Yilmazs brother until afterward when we talked. I think this man is going to finish what his brother started.” Metin said, emphasizing the danger this man might cause.

” Did he threaten Mr. Divit?” The investigator asked. Metin slammed his hands down his desk, “So if he didn’t tell him he was going harm his wife then it probably won’t happen.?” He ranted. “Is that what you’re saying, because if you are you have misjudged Mr. Taner Yilmaz. He has also been in contact with Ms. Sancak, trying to get her to help him finish the job, …did you know that?”

Tekin’s eyes grew large, as he shifted around in his chair. ” No, no I didn’t know about that, but how do you about it.” He asked, putting up his defenses.

” Well that’s another thing that Can Divit knew about and you didn’t. Her father was the one that told him. Look, Taner is working his evil just as much now as he would be if he was free. I think you need to put a stop to it.” Metin demanded.

Mr. Tekin nodded, ” Ok I will take care of it. We will close any visitation and restrict any phone calls. Oh, I need to know the location of Ali Yilmaz, can you get that for me.” He asked. Metin agreed, thankful that they were finally going to take this guy seriously..

Can could barely concentrate on their dinner, just sitting across the table from her had made the blood run hot throughout his body and that throb of desire was already happening between his legs, making him shift uncomfortably as he tried to hide it. Sanem was looking at him with one eyebrow raised, ” Can are you ok, you have barely touched your dinner.” She whispered, as she watched tiny beads of sweat pop out on his forehead.

Can looked at her with total frustration, ” I told you I didn’t want to go out to dinner tonight, but you insisted, and now all I can think about is getting back to our room and taking that dress off of you.” Can said as he gritted his teeth in torment.

” Oh, ..I see, so what you mean is that something will be quite visible when we stand to leave?” Sanem asked, her eyes narrowing as she looked at him. She saw the humor in it, but was sure he wouldn’t..

Can tossed his fork into his plate, annoyed that she found it funny ” Yes, yes that’s exactly what I mean, and I know your laughing at me on the inside. Go ahead make fun, but it’s all your fault if everyone is staring at us when we leave..

She smiled at him but she had to admit the thoughts of what was coming later in their room had also stirred her up, and made her feel that strange aching in her gut that traveled all the way down to her inner thighs. But she was able to cloak all of her desires for him, hiding them from view. A luxury that men didn’t have……and yes, she did see the humor in it.

They sat for a there for a bit while Can tried to collect himself. His friend came by their table anxious to meet his bride, ” Can my friend, I’m so glad to see you, and this must be Sanem.” He spoke with a broad smile. He extended his hand to welcome her. ” Yes I’m Sanem, pleased to meet you.” She replied accepting his handshake. He was a very handsome man but the total opposite of Can. A very neat and put together man, dressed in a suit that looked like it had been tailor made just for him and his black hair was short and slicked back smoothly and precisely, with nothing out of place.

The two friends talked for a few minutes, giving Can time to return to normal. They agreed to get together and have a good visit before they had to leave. ” The dinner is on the house tonight. Just consider it a wedding gift.” He told them as they said their goodbyes. Can thanked him and gave him a hug. Now to get out of the restaurant, he thought, without being embarrassed.

As they took that short walk through the beautiful garden back to their bungalow suite all Can could think of was spending the rest of their time alone. Locked away in their luxurious suite with nothing to do but enjoy the whims of their desire. That thought had barely entered his mind when his phone alerted him if a text. Seeing it was from Metin he read….” It’s taken care of, no more visitors or phone calls”

Can took a deep breath, what would he have done without Metin, he thought. Now they could enjoy this time together, but the least Sanem knew about it, the better. ” Who is it Can?” Sanem asked. He gave her a slight smile, ” Just work, nothing to worry about.” He replied, hating to lie to her. She tilted her head, ” I thought we weren’t doing any work for the next few days?” He shook his head, ” You’re right, we aren’t, that was the last time I will think about work. I promise.” He answered, as he unlocked the door and lead her inside.

He shut the door and turned the lock, his eyes connected with hers, ” Well where are we starting first, …i say the balcony. The moon is full and bright and you know that brings out the animal in me.” He mumbled, as he nibbled on her earlobe. She tilted her head to give him full access to her neck area, ” You mean outside, she muttered, ” but, but, someone might, ….Can wait,” Her breath was already short and shallow as he slide the zipper down on her dress.

Her heart was beating hard, throbbing fiercely in her chest as he ripped off his jacket, tossing it on the floor. She was glad she didn’t have any buttons to fumble with as he pulled his t-shirt off over his head exposing his chest. She could see this mans body a million times and she would still have the same reaction, as she sucked in her breath in awe of what she saw.

She wiggled out of her dress, hurrying things along, as he unbuttoned his pants and kicked off his boots.

The sight of her there in the raw was almost more than he could stand, as the moonlight cascaded in through the large glass door. It encased her, making her body seem to glow and shimmer in the dark.

The anticipation had pushed him to a new height of desire, it was almost an out-of-body experience as he let his hands glide down her back and cup the roundness of her butt. He pulled her up tightly against his body, as he felt himself grow larger and larger. He wondered how he could love someone this much, how could another person make him feel this vulnerable and weak, yet so strong that he felt invincible.

She tugged at his pants, pushing them down to his knees. He stepped out of the pant and slide them out of the way, leaving them both completely and fully exposed. He knew he had to slow down or everything could be over in a matter of minutes, and that’s not at all what he wanted..

She wrapped her arms around his neck. He lifted her up as she encircled his body with her legs, clinging to him for dear life…….He walked out to the balcony and gently laid her out on the lounger…….the soft breeze from the sea and the moonlight reflecting from each curve of her glistening body, tantalized him even more.

No, …not yet, he prayed…..as he covered her mouth with his..

” I want this night to last forever, …..

Chapter 26

He breathed in and out heavily, almost uncontrollably, as he felt himself erupt like a bomb. It sent him into a tail spin, his body shaking and shivering from the sheer ecstasy of his release. Sanem had wrapped her legs around his waist, lifting herself up to meet him with force. Her own explosion had occurred magically and just as violently, blending with his to make that final feeling of euphoria.

Nothing else could compare, no one else could equal what these two people had. They bonded together as one, as they held on to each other never wanting to let go.

The air that had been warm and inviting, had turned cooler as it blew across the water. He felt her shiver underneath him, ” Are you getting cold?” He asked as he held her against him. She shook her head, ” Yes, let’s go in. I’m ready for that nice soft bed.” She snuggled up closer in his arms.

He picked her up and carried her to the bed, not ready for the night to be over. He kissed her neck as he laid her on the bed and slide his body in next to hers. She immediately turned over and wiggled herself up to his chest, ” Ahh, that’s more like it.” she mumbled, as she lifted her leg up and over his body. He grabbed the upper part of her thigh and pulled her closer, running his hand along curve of her body. She moaned, as she raked her fingers through his hair, ” Can, let it be like this forever. Never get tired of loving me.” She groaned, as she moved her body over on top of his.

” Promise me,…” She said, searching his eyes. He pulled her down to his mouth, the kiss was hard and demanding, as he thrust his tongue inside her mouth, sliding it against her tongue. The feeling was like nothing else, as she returned the kiss. His hands massaged her breast, kneading them and squeezing her nipples between his fingers. The pain of it had turned to pure pleasure, and she thought nothing else in her life could ever feel this good.

They were breathing heavy,..again, as he looked into her eyes, ” Never will I ever get tired of loving you, never. You are mine, my soul, my life. I will promise you that.” He whispered, as he buried himself deep inside her, feeling as if his life was just beginning. It was some time later when they drifted off to sleep, still clinging demanding to each other, as if their lives depended on it.

The smell of the incense was so strong it almost made her gag, and she could feel the touch of Taners hands on her. She didn’t see him, but she could feel him and hear him whisper in her ear. “Sanem, no one will ever love you like I do…..Sanem I’m the only one that will ever love you……Sanem, Sanem, you won’t be happy with anyone else but me.”

The words sounded so loud in her head, but they were no more than a whisper..She tried to open her eyes, but they were stuck shut. Just the feel of his hands as they touched her made her shake.

Then it was over, just as quickly as it began, and her eyes flew open, it was a dream, just a dream she realized….but did that really happen. Had he touched her, run his hands over her body. She felt that sick feeling start to boil in her stomach. She swallowed it down, crawling out of bed trying not to wake Can. She held her hands over her mouth as she groped her way to the bathroom in the dark. She closed the door, trying to muffle the sound of her sobbing, as she crouched on the floor.

That nightmare was real, she remembered it now. She remembered, she remembered him touching her, but it was like she was paralyzed and unable to move. And his breath on her face as he spoke to her, ….but there was someone else there.

She sat up straight, blinking hers eyes, yes, …there was someone else there. She didn’t see him, she couldn’t even open her eyes, it was just their voices. It was another man…..

Oh my God, what had they done to her, …she shuddered at the thought. Maybe that’s why she can’t remember, maybe it was to horrible for her to remember.

She forced her mind to shut off. ” Stop, just stop thinking about it.” She told herself. She leaned her head against the wall taking a big breath, several of them, in and out..She wiped the tears that were streaming down her face. She pulled herself up off the floor and stared in the mirror, “Nothing happened Sanem, nothing happened. He didn’t touch you or do anything to you, it was just a bad dream.” She recited to her reflection in the mirror.

She was glad that Can hadn’t woke up, it would have been hard to explain what was happening when she didn’t even know herself. She would need to meet with Dr. Baris as soon as they got back home……Home, she thought, she wanted so badly start their life together in their beautiful new home, so she had to get rid of Taner Yilmaz, once and for all.

The next couple of days was full of happiness, and more love than she ever thought possible. Can had held true to his promise of not needing much clothing, and their food for the rest of their stay, was brought by room service.

They did lounge on the private beach one afternoon with the sun and the water. It was a spectacular place, the water was as clear and sparkling as any she had ever seen and the sand on the beach was as white as the first snow of winter.

The thoughts of Taner and that night did not return in her dreams for the rest of their time there, but the thoughts of that one nightmare remained buried in the mind. It was stuck in her head but she refused to let it show.

This was their last day there and they were both dreading the return to Istanbul and work. They were still wrapped up in the covers enjoying the feel of each others skin when Cans phone rang. He sighed, ” That had better not be Emre, I told him to not call again.” He sputtered picking up his phone. ” Oh Sanem, it’s the realtor.” He said with a smile.

” Yes, hello Ms. Sahin. What can I do for you.” The conversation was short, with Can saying nothing more than, Yes ma’am, Yes we can, and Thank you. Sanem waited anxiously until he hung up, ” Well, what did she say?” She asked as she stood up on her knees in the bed.

” Well we have to be in her office at 10:00 am tomorrow, the papers are ready to sign. We can move into our first home.” He yelled, not able to contain himself…

She squealed and grabbed him around the neck……What a perfect ending to a perfect week

They shared a long and passion-filled kiss, both of them happier than they had ever been…

She could see that he was more than happy about having their home together, ” Can are you excited for our home.” She asked as she traced her fingers over the muscles on his chest. He seemed a bit melancholy as he gazed off into space. ” Yes I am.” He answered, his voice sounding a bit shaky. She raised up on one elbow, looking him in the face. ” What Can, what’s wrong.” She asked him, as that feeling of anxiety came over her…

His eyes were rimmed with tears as he looked at her……

“This is my first home, my very first home that I can call my own…I haven’t had a home since my mother and Emre left. I lived at boarding school and only visited my father’s home occasionally. As I got older, I traveled around so much that I never settled in one place, just hotel to hotel.

But not now…..

We will have our home…our first place of happiness……A place just for us..

Chapter 27

There was not a better feeling in the world, he thought, as he held the keys to their home in his hand. This beautiful house was theirs and it just waiting for them to move in. Sanem was clinging to his arm, giggling with anticipation as he pushed the key into the lock and turned it, opening the door to their future, and to all the happiness that they would share.

The door swung open and the walls of this house seemed to call to her as they entered. She went from room to room, inspecting each corner, staking claim to every inch of the house. She felt good here, she felt safe and secure. She wouldn’t allow anything evil to enter this house.

She imagined where each piece of furniture would go as she moved through their house, feeling much like a child excited for her birthday gifts to come. Can came in from the back garden, “Babe they left that big swing set out there, you know that big wooden one with the little house attached to it.” He announced. He enclosed her with his arms, hugging her as tight as he could, “This is so perfect, I don’t know how we got so lucky.” He lower in head to his her lips, eager to take things further, but the ringing of the doorbell put a stop to that. ” Can, the furniture is here.” She squealed, as she hurried to open the door.

The rest of the day was a frenzy of excitement. Emre and Metin had both showed up ready to help. It looked like a bomb had exploded in their home as they unloaded all the furniture and other items that they had bought. With all their help, it wasn’t long before the house was shaping into the most beautiful home she had ever seen.

By the end of the day most everything was in it’s place, just ready for them to enjoy. The guys had stepped out the back garden with a drink to relax for a minute, but Sanem took this time to welcome her happiness into their home. She couldn’t wait to start living her life, just her life with Can.

She wanted to have a big dinner party, inviting her family and maybe Mr. Aziz could come for a visit. She wanted to show off her home, her life, and maybe she would feel like she was normal. The thoughts of Taner and that night hadn’t corrupted her life for the last couple of days, and that always gave her hope that maybe that whole ordeal was over. But she didn’t want to get her hopes up as she had before, only to be slapped in the face with some new memory that would cause her even more pain..

She was putting the finishing touches on the bedroom, getting it ready for them to christen later that night. The sheets were a gorgeous shade of blue, that was Cans favorite color, and she had decorated with an array of candles to set the mood. She almost laughed out loud at that thought, they had never needed anything to set the mood for them, they were always ready to love each other. But this night was special, and she wanted to make sure everything was perfect.

She could hear them all laugh outside the sliding glass doors, Can sounded so happy and relaxed, almost as if none of that nightmare of the past few months had happened. She wished she could sound that way, or feel that way, the way she felt before Compass Sports came into their lives.

Can couldn’t thank Metin and Emre enough as he showed them to the door, ” Thank you guys for coming, I don’t think we could have done it without you. And we will have a dinner party soon and of course your invited.” He said eagerly. They both yelled their goodbyes to Sanem but didn’t get an answer. Can shut the door and called out to Sanem, ” Hey babe, where are you, the guys were telling you goodbye.” He said as he wandered through the house.

The soft glow from the candle light illuminated the hallway leading to their bedroom. He started toward the light, ” Sanem are you in there, what are…….” He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes feasting on the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. Sanem had crawled up in the middle of their bed, completely exhausted and fell asleep. She was still dressed in her sweatpants and t-shirt, her hair was piled on top of her head in a bun and her face was smudged with dirt and dust, but he had never seen anything like it before in his life. She was gorgeous..

He wanted nothing more than to lavish her with kisses and make love to her until the first light of dawn, but he didn’t have the heart to wake her. She looked so comfortable and peaceful lying there, he knew they had the rest of their lives together in this home, so he would have to wait one more night.

It was still dark when she opened her eyes, the new surroundings had her confused for a minute until her mind caught up and she remembered that this was their home. She squinted, trying to focus her eyes to the dark. She could hear Can breathing, that slow even breathing that always calmed her. She reached out to touch him, just to reassure herself that he was really there, as her eyes finally got adjusted in the dark. She slid over next to him and let the warmth from his body relax her and lure her back to sleep. For some unknown reason she felt different, more at ease and comfortable than she had in months, could it be their home that had brought about this change in her.

She laid there listening to the silence, but it didn’t make her afraid this time, not as it had in the past. This silence was calming, soothing, and that’s the way she felt the first time she walked into this house. Maybe this was the place they were suppose to be, maybe this was her place of her rebirth. Maybe this was the place that would erase all those bad memories and replace them with only good ones…..just maybe this is where she could forget..

Can opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was the face of his beautiful wife. She was still sleeping, so he just watched her, thinking how lucky he had been to find her. He had often wondered where his life would be right now if he hadn’t decided to stay in Istanbul and help his Dad. What part of the world would he be In now. He knew his life before he met Sanem had been happy, and he thought he was doing what he was born to do, but he always knew something was missing. And this was it, it was her…….she was what made him complete…..

He couldn’t resist touching her as he tried to wipe the smudge of dirt from her face.

She opened her eyes when she felt his finger gently glide over her skin….” Good morning my love.” She smiled and turned to face him.

” Good morning, did you sleep well for the first night in our new home.” He asked, pulling her close to him. She moved even closer, bringing her lips close to his, ” Yes I did, but I feel like something was missing.” She mumbled as she nibbled on his lips and outlined his mouth with her tongue…

” Something very important……She whispered, as she slide her hand up under his t-shirt feeling the goosebumps form on this skin..

” It’s time to christen our new home.”…….

Chapter 28

Can was reluctant to go off to the agency and leave Sanem alone there, but she had insisted. He wanted her to come along telling her that he could use the help, ” Can I have a lot to do here, I need to get the kitchen setup so we can start doing our own cooking, and empty these last few boxes.” She told him, as he held her in his arms.

Sanem was anxious to have the morning alone there so she could call Dr. Baris and make an appointment. She wasn’t quite sure how she would be able to hide that from Can but she would have to find a way. She had to know what had happened that night and who was the other person there that helped him. If something more went on that night, something that she might not want to remember, then she had to find out and if Hypnotic Therapy was the only way, she would have to do it.

She watched as Can drove down the long driveway towards the road. She felt a little bit of anxiety rumble about in her stomach as she walked through the house. The first thing to do was to call the doctor, ” Hello Dr. Baris, we just got back from our trip and I think we need to have another session. I have remembered something that could be important.” Sanem explained. They agreed on later that morning and they decided on the doctor coming to their new home. It was some place that Sanem felt safe and comfortable, and that’s what she needed right now, especially if she might find out something she didn’t want to know.

Can had just arrived at his office when he got a call from the investigator in Taners case, ” Mr. Divit I have just received some information that might be of some importance to you. I’m not sure how long you have known Mr. Yilmaz, but your wife’s abduction was not the first for our Mr. Yilmaz.” The words seem to echo in Cans head, what did he mean, ” So what you’re saying is Taner has done this before, why didn’t you know about this sooner?” He spewed, his temper rising.

” Mr. Divit, we just found out about this late last night. The incident was never reported by the woman, not until she heard about this case and that Taner Yilmaz was in prison. But she has given us a full statement about what happened to her and the circumstances surrounding it.” Can took a deep breath, “Did it happen here in Istanbul, and when was this suppose to happen? Are you sure about this, maybe she’s giving a false statement.” Can replied, trying desperately to understand.

The investigator assured Can that it seemed to be an accurate claim, ” The woman has been terrified to tell anyone because of the threats he made to her. It seems this man and his brother have made it their mission to terrorize any woman that had rejected them in the past. So there are probably more victims out there that are still hiding.” He reported. ” This incident happened in Bursa, a little over two years ago. The same way, the wedding dress and the flowers then the videos and pictures. He is a sick person Mr. Divit, so it wasn’t anything your wife did that caused this.” He said. ” And his brother, Ali Yilmaz, he was arrested last night. I just thought you might want to know, I think this nightmare is over, for a lot of women.”

The relieve of knowing that with this new information, Taner Yilmaz would probably not see a free day for many, many years, had almost made him feel weak. Maybe this would help Sanem, he thought, she could get rid of all that guilt that she had felt. He grabbed his phone to call her, but then decided not to deliver this kind of news over the phone.

The thought of what was about to happen was making Sanem nervous. The doctor went over everything, telling her step by step what they would do, ” Sanem, the main thing is for you to relax, you do want to remember what happened don’t you?” The doctor asked. Sanem closed her eyes, her heart beating so hard it was almost visible, ” Yes, I have to know, there’s no other way.” She said, as she took a deep breath and released it. “Ok, then let’s get started.”

Over the next 30 minutes Sanem relived that night, the night that had changed her, making her insecure and unable to live the life she wanted.

But as she looked back, all the things became more clear in her head. She could hear the voice of another man and could hear Taner talking to him…but she couldn’t see who it was. She remembered lying on the bed and for some reason her arms and legs wouldn’t move, …she tried to move them but they just wouldn’t. The smell, that smell of the incense was overpowering and sickening.

Sanem repeated everything that Taner said as she remembered it, and the doctor recorded the whole session. When she recalled the part where they were making the video, that’s when she heard Taner and the other person start to argue, ” Ali, only video when I’m lying next to her, I want her to think that I touched her. Just like we did with the other ones, so wait until I’m ready.” His words rang in her head, … The other ones? What did that mean?. Ali was the other person in the room that night. Ali?… The scenario ran on in her head, Ali was Taners brother, she had remembered him from school. He was a grade behind them at the university. But why was he there, she wondered, as the memories of that night flooded in like water from a broken dam..

Can was anxious to finish to get home to tell Sanem. He quickly closed his laptop, grabbed his phone and started to leave just as Emre stepped in his office, ” Can I need you to look at this, we may need to cut back on the TV time for the Jewelry ad.” He spoke. ” Were you leaving?” He asked, looking confused. ” Can, we have a meeting later, did you forget.” Can shook his head, “No I didn’t forget, I just need to take care of something first. Maybe you can push the meeting time back a little, I really need to go home and talk to Sanem.”

Emre knew that look, it was a look his brother got when he had to do something that may just be the hardest thing he would have to do. Sort of like the day he told Emre that their Dad had gone for treatment and not on a vacation..” Hey Abi, what’s going on, you don’t look good. What’s wrong?” He asked, as he closed the door behind him.

Can slumped back down in his chair, ” I just got a call from the investigator, ….this isn’t the first time that Taner has done this. The last time that they know of was over 2 years ago in Bursa. The woman just came forward with it, Taner had been threatening her. Emre this man is really sick and dangerous.” He said, leaning his head back against the chair. ” I have to tell Sanem, let her know it wasn’t her fault. She feels so guilty about what happened, I think that’s why she’s having all these flashes of memories.”

Sanem stared blankly across the room, letting all this new information sink in. ” Mrs. Divit are you ok. I know that was a lot to take in……but you know what this means, don’t you.” The doctor replied..

Sanem slowly nodded her head……” Yes, I know, ….I know. I wasn’t the only one….

She looked at the doctor, ” I didn’t cause him to do what he did…it wasn’t my fault..

” It wasn’t my fault” She repeated as a smile spread across her face…..

Chapter 29

Sanem searched for a word to describe how she felt at that moment. Relieved, happy, confused, all of those words and more were erupting inside her. But probably the best feeling was knowing that she hadn’t cause Taner to do those things to her.

Deep inside she had felt responsible for what he did, she thought that she had led him on, teased him. She did use him to make Can jealous, but she never thought of what that would do to Taner. Maybe she got what she deserved, she had always thought. But now she knew he did it for spite, he had set out to destroy her and Can, not because he was hurt by her but because he thought women deserved to be treated that way.

She walked the doctor to the door, thanking her profusely, ” Dr. Baris I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done.” She spoke, feeling as if the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders. ” Your therapy is probably not over yet,” the doctor told her, ” but the rest of it will merely be you putting your conscience to rest. And when your ready, you need to face Taner and let your heart release all that guilt that has been trapped there all these months”…..

It was Cans first time to make that drive to their new home. His head was full of so many things that he couldn’t focus, how would he tell her, what should he say first, how would she react? All these things raced around inside him. But this was good news, he kept telling himself, news that could fix all her problems. It seemed like hours before he finally reached that long drive way that led to their house. This house that was suppose to change everything, make everything better, and maybe it already had. Just maybe this was their healing place….

He was still unsure of how he would tell Sanem about what he has found out as he turned the key in the lock and opened the door. The house was quiet so he called out, ” Babe, where are you, I came home to help you. Sanem, where are you? ” He yelled as he wandered through the house searching for her.

Sanem had made her some tea after the doctor left and went to the garden, this beautiful place always called to her. She was relaxed and content as she sat down in the ground and gazed out across the grounds. The sound of the sea and the wind made her feel peaceful, as she let herself release all the guilt she had held onto so tightly over the past couple of months. She felt free…..

Can looked out the glass doors and saw her sitting there on the grass, his heart fell. Had she had another bad dream or had her mind been playing tricks on her again, he wondered as he opened the door, “Sanem, honey, what are you doing out there.” He called out to her. She turned with a smile on her face, ” Can? What are you doing her? Come out and sit down, it’s so beautiful here.” She replied, motioning him to come..

Can hurried out and sat down beside her on the grass, ” Why are you out her in the grass, let me get us a chair.” He said as he started to get up. She stopped him, ” No I like the feel of the ground, I don’t need a chair. So, why are you home so early? She asked, smiling and clinging to his arm. He could tell by that sparkle in her eyes that something had happened, she was happier, she seemed satisfied, like her old self. ” I missed you so came home, and I have some news to tell you.” He said, wrapping her up in his huge arms. She snuggled in, welcoming that feeling she always got from the warmth of his body.

She couldn’t wait another minute, it was like she was boiling over with joy, ” I have something to tell you too, and mine is very important, so let me go first.” She spoke, her face lighting up like fireworks. ” Ok, if its that important then go ahead.” He told her, feeling a little relief that his news would have to wait.. ” Can, please don’t be angry, but I have been seeing a therapist. She was recommended by Dr. Pasha.” Sanem explained, but she could see the concern in Can’s eyes as she talked.

Can shook his head, ” Sanem why didn’t you tell me, I could have gone with you. And when did you see him.” He asked puzzled at how she would have had the time. ” First of all, it’s not a him, but a her and she has been coming to the house while you were gone. In fact she just left shortly before you arrived.” She spoke.

She went over every detail of why she decided to meet with Dr. Baris, she told him about the flowers, the phone call, the picture, she told him all of it. She talked for what seemed like hours, but Can listened intently to every word. ” Can, I felt like I was losing my mind, so I had to do something. I felt guilty for what I had done to you, and even to Taner. I thought that I was the cause of him having his mental problems.” She took his hand, holding on for dear life as she looked into his eyes, ” But it wasn’t me, it wasn’t my fault.” She said, feeling such a sense of freedom at just saying those words.

She revealed the whole hypnosis therapy again, telling him what she had remembered. ” Can he had his brother help him, I had even forgotten that he had a brother, but he was there that night at the cottage. He was the one that took the pictures and the video.” She sounded so relieved and happy that it made him feel good. Can just let her talk, let her release all those doubts and fears she had harbored inside her, he knew that was exactly what she needed.

” I wasn’t the first woman they had done this to. Can, he had taken other woman in the same way, they talked about it that night. I just hadn’t remembered it until then. They are both sick people and need to get help.” She spoke wrapping her arms around him. He cradled her in his arms, letting her feel his strength, the safety of his arms, but most of all the love he had for her.

A few minutes had pasted when she said, ” Can we need to tell someone about this, the investigator or the lawyer or someone. They have to know there are more victims out there.” She paused, ” And those women may not have a person to love them like I do, someone to love them through what happened to them.” She said, as she let her fingers glide through his beard..

Can knew he had to tell her what he knew, ” My beautiful wife, they already know. That’s what I came home to tell you. Mr. Tekin called me earlier and told me that another one of the women that they had abducted had came forward. So I don’t think we need to worry about Taner Yilmaz or his brother for a very long time…..

” It’s all over.” She whispered….” I feel it in my heart. Can, I don’t feel afraid anymore….

” All I feel is love and happiness, all for you. I love you more than I thought possible.”……..

Chapter 30

One Month Later…..

Sanem walked out of the doctors office that day feeling more herself than she had in months.. There hadn’t been any nightmares or thoughts of Taner Yilmaz for over a month, and that night was all but a distant memory…

She smiled at Can leaning there against his truck, ” Hello my husband, I think this was my last visit to see the doctor.” She announced stepping up close to him. Close enough to feel the desire that he had for her…

Can cupped her face with his hands, ” I’m glad to hear that.” He mumbled, as his lips grazed over hers. She felt that tingle creep up her spine. ” Shall we celebrate, we have a gorgeous home just waiting for us. I’m ready to put this all behind us, how about you.”

She wanted that too, more than anything. ” Sounds like a great idea, just us, alone.” She whispered in his ear. He shuddered as she slid her hands around his body.

He opened the door and helped her in, never taking his eyes off of her.

The ride home seemed to take forever, as they stole little glances of one another, knowing what was to come. Their life had finally became what it was suppose to be…what he had dreamed it could be.

He reach for her hand as they turned down that long driveway to their home…

This place had been special, their sanctuary of happiness, She thought, as he opened the door for her to go through.

She entered their home this time as Sanem, the whole Sanem, the Sanem that had nothing to be afraid of anymore……..because she had him.

She was the Sanem that would always be ” Safe in his arms of Love” ….

It was months later when they finally heard that Taner had confessed to five kidnappings.

No, Sanem had not been the first, but at least she had been the last…..

Even the thought of him didn’t terrify her anymore, didn’t throw her into a pit of anguish.

Ceyda had been used and manipulated as much as any of the other women that Taner had tortured, but she too would have to pay the price for the part she played in their evil game….Her attraction to Can would cost her more than she had ever expected.

Sanem had lived through the hardest time in her life, and she often wondered how the other women had made it through their suffering. But she knew she had to put that behind her now, because now, her life was better than ever.

They had the home of their dreams and a life full of love. Each day meaning more than the day before….as they dreamed of starting their family one day soon…..of course Can was more than ready to make that happen.

It wasn’t long before Sanem returned to the agency to work, and she took her spare time to write about her experiences, the good and the bad

It helped her to be able to put it on paper……

And who knows, maybe, just maybe, one day it may help someone else……

Thank you for coming along on yet another journey of undeniable love between our couple of Can and Sanem Divit. I hope you enjoyed this unique and different story of this special couple.

It brings to light the abuse that some women may have gone through. The guilt that they might feel for a crime that they didn’t commit.

This was Part 3 of our ” Friends Series” Will there be a Part 4? Who knows, we may have to visit this couple again to follow them as they live, love and grow into a family……

Safe In The Arms Of Love

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