BLACK ROSE (COMPLETED)

26 -

Fatih's tantalizing touch was certainly pleasant, but engaging in such flirtatious behavior in front of Sinem? Unthinkable! Especially when the area between the knee and the navel was forbidden. There was a religious dimension to this too, after all. With that thought in mind, I slid forward in my seat and lowered myself from the podium. Every step taken away from sin was a profit.

As Fatih leaned closer, enclosing me between himself and the podium, he asked, "So, what solution has Sinem found, Ece?"

"We're still in the project phase. It's far too early to talk about any concrete solutions."

Fatih took hold of my hands. "Is there anything I could help with on your project?"

In truth, there was. According to Sinem, Fatih needed to fall in love with me. But that was not something I could ever tell him. In my mind, I had named this romance-themed project: Lay me upon the hill, scratch me, caress me.

"If you really want to help, Fatih, you could start by taking a step back," I murmured, for the distance between us had vanished entirely, and I was pinned between the podium and him. "Such intimate closeness is not appropriate. It's a sin."

"Don't worry, you won't be struck by lightning, Ece," he said with a casual tone, gently stroking my hands in his palms. "I'm taller than you; I'll act as a lightning rod and draw the bolts toward myself."

"Oh, great, now we have Alya the second!" I said, rolling my eyes. "Sitting in front of Alya in class all day has infected you with her awful sense of humor. And not only is it cold, but it's also religiously inappropriate. Joking about Islamic matters, taking our faith lightly, is sinful."

"Hmm, I didn't know that. I'll be more mindful of religious jokes from now on."

Fatih continued to keep me trapped between his body and the podium. I warned him once again, "Listen, my dear little contractor, let me put it in construction terms so you understand. I'm asking you to place the pillar a bit further back; it's inappropriate and sinful. Where did this craving for a 'warm snack' come from, right in the middle of the classroom, with Sinem around?"

"I think my blood began to boil when I saw you, Ece."

"Boiling, you say, Fatih?" I raised an eyebrow. Reaching behind me, I grabbed Sinem's small water bottle from the podium. It was half full. With the cap already open, I raised it high and poured the water over Fatih's head. As the cool liquid cascaded down, soaking him through, I couldn't help but laugh. "I hope this quenches your boil."

Fatih didn't flinch as I poured the water, his eyes merely watching mine with a sideways grin. Oh my goodness! I'd drenched the guy, yet he must have liked me because he took it all in stride, not uttering a word of complaint.

When the bottle finally emptied, I swung it in the air a few times, sending the last few drops his way.

"Does it suit a pious, devout girl to waste water, the most precious of blessings?" Fatih asked with a teasing voice.

And just like that—score, one for Fatih.

"You're right," I admitted.

Though he said it in jest, he was correct, and I felt a pang of regret for what I'd just done. Seeing my face fall, Fatih sought to cheer me up. "You've earned your punishment," he said as he whipped off his soaked shirt and, using it like a towel, playfully slapped my behind with it. Fatih's exposed torso revealed abs so finely sculpted that even the most renowned baklava shops would have been envious. A sight to behold...though once, I had lain beside him unknowingly.

"What are you doing?" I exclaimed in shock.

"You can run, but you can't hide!"

"I can run, and I can escape too, you mountain boy!"