Closer Than Kismet

Part 4

It was strange seeing his mom out of the house. Selin told him he was able to come out now, but he didn't know how. Everything was different. Engin and Piril were married. His parents weren't together. Eda. So many missing links. And the confusion made him more angry. But he had to keep calm.

After his mom smothered him, she asked if he was going to spend the the night with her or with Eda.

"Ed-Eda?," Serkan stuttered. "Eda, moved into your apartment when you were lost," his mom explained.

Another change. How was he going to survive this? He didn't like people in his personal space.

"I think you should stay with your bride tonight. You need some time to talk. I can't believe you're here. Alive. My son," Aydan's eyes filled with tears.

"Aydan Anne, we'll stay with you soon. Serkan, let's go home," said Eda from behind him.

At the same time Selin walked in, "Serkan we have to have a press conference tomorrow. But can I speak to you privately for a second?"

Eda didn't like how Selin injected herself into their lives again. There was something wrong here. But she did bring Serkan back to her. Eda nodded as she looked at Serkan and left the room.

As soon as Eda left, Selin pounced. "Serkan, don't forget that she manipulated her way into your life. She is a 45% partner, but she does not have your best interests at heart. Serkan please don't fall for her schemes and manipulations a second time. I am here for you. I will help you through this"

Serkan reassured Selin, "I know. I just have to get Eda to trust me again. Which is halfway done. Thanks Selin, but I have this under control. There is no way I could have loved someone like her."

Selin moved to hug Serkan. Serkan just stood there. Selin was always affectionate, but he didn't understand the point. He didn't like people touching him in general pulling away.

"Selin, I will get my shares back. And everything will return back to normal. I'm tired. I just need to go home."

"Okay, I'll come with you," Selin told him.

"You can't. Eda lives there now."

Selin laughed to no one, but her self "Really? Wow. I can't say I'm surprised. She will do anything."

"Selin, don't. I will handle this myself. Don't interfere. See you," and with that he finally left.

*********

It was a short and uncomfortable ride to his apartment. He could feel Eda's excitement and nervousness. Frankly, he wanted to be alone but he'd take care of it. He'd say he was tired and go to sleep.

He walked in and a big black dog jumped on him. "Sirius, my son." He kissed his dog's forehead.

"He missed you; we both missed you. Being here without you was hard." Eda choked out. She was wiping tears off her face as Serkan stood up. "I stayed some nights here to feel closer to you. Sometimes at my aunt's to not feel so lonely. But I knew. In my heart I knew."

Eda couldn't help herself and threw her arms around him again. She missed him so much. He was real; he was here. But she felt his trauma too. There was something different. He was holding himself back from her. She could feel it in his embrace.

Give him time, she told herself. Don't crowd him. He's been through a lot, she thought as slowly let go.

"I'll put on some coffee," Eda said as she moved to the kitchen.

Serkan looked around. The apartment was modern, chic. Very tasteful, but he could also see the colorful pillows thrown about. Cozy blankets. Flowers and plants everywhere. What was this? The botanical garden?

He looked down at the table where a framed photo of them sat. The two of them embracing. He looked around, more photos. Hard to believe this was him, but he had to admit he looked really happy in the photos.

He felt his another migraine. Wouldn't these go away?

"Eda, don't bother with coffee. Look, I'm really tired. I'm just going to bed."

"Serkan—shouldn't we talk?"

"Eda, please. Tomorrow." Eda could see he was visibly exhausted. "Okay, Serkan."

*******
As soon as Serkan walked into the bedroom he was accosted with images.

He could see Eda in a snakeskin bodycon dress. He saw himself pushing her against the wall. "You're mine. No one can touch you but me." He felt her shiver under his touch. He saw himself ripping off his shirt, ripping off her dress, bending her over to completely dominate her.

Fuck. His body temperature spiked up and for the first time in months, he truly felt completely turned on. He saw in his head as he knocked over everything from his night table to rest Eda on so she got a better grip on him, legs completely around his waist.

Images of their naked entangled limbs and the passionate night flooded his mind.

Serkan forced the images away. And went to shower.

*********
Eda came into the bedroom, freshly showered and patted her dog in his dog bed. Serkan was already asleep. He was fidgeting though. He looked like he was having a nightmare.

She quickly rushed over to soothe him. She crawled in next to him under the covers.

"Serkan, you're dreaming. I'm here," she whispered and she gently smoothed his hair. He instantly calmed. Eda refused to let him go. This time everything would be okay. She put a hand over his heart and just felt his heartbeat. It matched her own. She knew in her heart this is where they were supposed to be and no matter what, all roads would lead right back to each other.

They held each other all night. Completely entwined. For the first time, in a long time, they both slept easy.