BLACK ROSE (COMPLETED)

37 -

When Sinem returned to my hospital room after handling my discharge papers, she gave me a once-over. "Ece, you're a mess from the accident. I might have some spare clothes in my gym bag. If you'd like, you can change into them."

"Alright, Sinem. Thanks."

She handed me a spaghetti-strap, powder-pink blouse and a pair of light blue jeans with tears in various places. I took them from her hand and nodded.

"Could you both step out for a moment while I change?" I asked.

As Sinem left the room, Fatih remained standing, smirking at me. "Do I need to step out?" he asked, winking playfully.

"Actually, not anymore." I had to get used to being married, after all. There was no reason for me to be shy in front of my husband.

I set the clothes Sinem lent me, down on the bed.

As Fatih shut and locked the door, I started unbuttoning my skirt. He turned and began watching me from head to toe. As I unzipped my skirt, his flirtatious gaze felt as though it was undressing me on its own.

He stepped closer. The school skirt I had loosened slid down to my feet, pooling around my ankles. His intense blue eyes were locked on me, and as I started unbuttoning my shirt, my fingers clumsily tangled with each other.

Fatih wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close. "If we were in a more private place, after seeing you like this, I wouldn't let you dress—I'd strip you even more."

"If the doctor catches us again, he won't politely warn us this time. He'll kick us out for good," I mumbled.

"The door is locked, Ece."

"Which will only make the doctor more suspicious and furious when he can't get in."

Fatih kissed me lightly on the lips and pulled back. "Did I ever tell you how much of a killjoy you are during romantic moments, Ece?"

"Many times. But like a boomerang, you always come back to me."

"I always will."

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to continue being a killjoy and get dressed," I said, slipping out from his embrace. I quickly began putting on Sinem's clothes. I knew I wouldn't be able to keep this storm of a man at bay for long, so I hurried.

Once fully dressed, I feared I might turn Sinem's clothes black, as I often did when in a bad mood. But nothing happened. The colors stayed the same. Perhaps this marriage with Fatih had lightened my spirit, drawing me out of my dark, thorny rose phase.

However, I wasn't too pleased with the torn jeans Sinem had given me. The rips climbed all the way up, nearly to my underwear, and the blouse left my stomach bare. Yet judging by the satisfied look on Fatih's face, I didn't have much reason to complain.

"The jeans fit you perfectly, Ece," he said, his eyes scanning my waist and beyond.

"Fit a bit too perfectly! They're so tight that my figure is on full display, like a market stall. I could shout, 'Come, choose your melons, folks!'" I tied my school shirt around my waist, covering most of my stomach and backside. "That's better. Otherwise, I wouldn't step foot outside like this."

Fatih pursed his lips and gave me an approving nod. "Lucky me."

"For having a girlfriend with a nice butt?" I teased. "I mean, wife. Habit."

"Both. But also because I have a wife who's modest. Seems like I won't have to tell you what you can or can't wear—you're already quite reserved yourself."

I shrugged. "Of course, I'll dress modestly. A woman who wears revealing clothes and attracts the gaze of men shares in their sin. I wouldn't want that to happen. And besides, can you remember the last time I wore perfume, Fatih?"