My Turkish Heart

Chapter 21: The storm is brewing

After a night of good food and being in Burak's arms all night, Izzy starts packing her suitcase. She got a flight the late afternoon to return back to Cape Town, South Africa. Her heart is heavy as she wants to go home, but also hated parting with Burak again. It frustrated her that she became so dependable on him, when she was so independent before she met him. But, then again she had never been truly inlove before so this was a first for her too. She looks around the penthouse and strangely it felt like home now.

As she finishes up, she leaves a note on the fridge for Burak to see when he returns. He was only supposed to leave tomorrow, but the chairman's assistant called to say that they are needed sooner. So he left early that morning, when Izzy was still sleeping and kissed her forehead before he left. It woke her up, but in her sleepy state, she didn't fully comprehend what he was saying. Only later that morning when she woke up did her memory jog back to him leaving. It made her sad that she couldn't see him before she left or say goodbye properly. Izzy sighed heavily as she checked once again if she packed everything before leaving to get her taxi to the airport.

The airport wasn't as busy and she could check in fairly quickly then grab a coffee while she waited to board. Texting Rachel her arrival time in Cape Town, she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Such a beautiful woman shouldn't be sitting alone"
She was startled at the young man standing behind her. He was casually dressed and was quite attractive. But, his cheesy pick up line made Izzy feel weird. Gently pushing his hand off of her shoulder, she stood up to face him.
"Thank you for the compliment, but no thank you for the company"
She smiled timidly then sat back down next to her luggage. He chuckled then replied;
"Oooo, fiesty! I like!"
His words made Izzy turn around with a surprised look on her face.
"I'm just kidding! Sorry! Sorry!"
He laughed loudly from his belly.
She wasn't sure what his intentions were or what he was up to, but his teasing banter was not impressing her. As she turned to tell him to leave, she got an even bigger surprise.
"She's mine! So no need to keep her company, Thankyou"
Burak's manly voice and stern expression on his face, even made Izzy jump on her feet.
"Hmmm... Shouldn't leave her alone then. Such beauty is a rare gem"
Burak's blood was boiling, as the frown on his forehead intensified. Izzy wasn't sure what the guy's deal was, but she could see Burak's fists clenching and she knew what that meant. She rushed over and laced her fingers into his and squeezed his hand tightly to bring him back to his senses.
"Noted.."
Burak said with a smirk on his face then pulled Izzy, as he went to grab her luggage and move to the other waiting area. She was stunned that she couldn't speak. Burak's foul mood was a force to be reckoned with and she was not in the mood to argue with him before she left. His walking pace was increasing and her short legs were struggling to keep up with his strides. She yanked him back, as she stood still in the middle of the block before the boarding gates.
"Wait!"
Burak stopped in his tracks and stood staring at Izzy. Knowing he was in the wrong, he swiftly changed his tune.
"Sorry! I got jealous of that fool speaking like that to you. If you didn't intervene, I'd definitely give him a nice reminder to stay away from you"
Izzy rolled her eyes at him as she let go of his hand.
"I don't care about that guy. I don't even know him, so it wouldn't have bothered me afterwards. Don't get so worked up, I can look after myself"
She came closer to him then stretched out her hand to his cheek. Stroking the slight stubble on his jawline, he softened to her touch and closed his eyes briefly then stared into her eyes.
"Why are you here? I thought you had to leave for the business trip sooner"
"Yes, I am supposed to be arriving there now. But, during the briefing I couldn't stop thinking about you. So I told them I had an emergency and would take a later flight out. I needed to see for myself that you are ok"
Izzy smiled brightly at his sweet gesture, then reached up and kissed his cheek.
"You silly man! Why didn't you just video call me? You have important business to take care of"
"You are more important"
He hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head. They stood in each other's arms for a while, until Izzy's boarding gate was announced.
"That's me.. I should go.."
Burak reluctantly let her go, as he finally realized that he would be away from her for a while. As much as he had plenty to keep him busy, he felt like a part of him was leaving now.
"No talking to other men! Call me when you land! Tell me how your parents are doing...."
"Burak!" Izzy burst out laughing at him.
"Relax! I'll keep in touch and I'll look after myself. Stop worrying! You have bigger things to take care of. Look after yourself and don't neglect eating when you working"
He covered his face with his hand in shame as she knew him so well.
"Yes, Ma'am!" he teased her.
"See you soon"
"Hopefully really soon!"
Burak replied as he pulled her back into his arms and kissed her lips gently.

Watching her walk through those gates, made him feel so forlorn. She had become the main reason for his happiness and he disliked that they had to be apart again. He tried to act brave infront of her, so that she would feel more secure, but he was insecure too. Putting on a brave front, he gave her a bright smile as she walked further away.

On the plane, Izzy was settling into her window seat. It was a long flight and she took out her laptop to do some work before take off. As she was finishing off things, the vacant seat next to her was filled. Too busy to look up, she felt an elbow nudge.
"We meet again. This must definitely be fate"
The young man from earlier smiled brightly at her. She rolled her eyes at him as she knew this long flight would drag even more now..