The consequences of falling

Chapter 17

They stood like that for a while and for the first time this evening Emre didn't want today to end. By the feel of her touch as Leyla pressed into his body so tightly Emre knew she felt the same. Something clicked between them and it became so normal and comfortable to just hold each other. But eventually Leyla's legs started to tremble in the knees from all the strain of high heels, and she'd whispered:

- Emre-bey, can I sit down?

He stepped away immediately and led her to the sofa by the hand. When seated, Leyla clasped her hands on her lap demurely and looked at Emre. He just shook his head 'no' and brought her fingers to his mouth to kiss. Leyla shied away but Emre wouldn't let her – he'd untwined her fingers and cradled his face to her palm while kissing the other. Leyla was gradually getting deeper shade of red and Emre was very amused by her natural modesty. He said:

- I can stop it if you want, if you don't feel comfortable you just have to tell me and I...

- Don't... It's... nice.

Emre smiled happily at this admission and added:

- But if anything, ever fells wrong you will tell me, right?

- Yes, Emre-bey, I will.

Emre frowned:

- But why is it always 'Emre-bey'?

Her answer was simple and straightforward:

- I'm not sure who we are to each other. I used to call you Emre-bey for years, then Emre for few days then Emre-bey again. And...

Leyla pressed her lips together and looked away. Emre slid down the sofa to kneel before her and to find her eyes again. He asked:

- And?

Leyla nodded and bit her lip to keep her answer from slipping. Emre prodded her again:

- And, Leyla? Please, I need to know!

- Emre-bey, it didn't work out the last time I'd called you 'Emre' and I won't make it through another time like that.

Emre bowed his head in acknowledgement of their history. He knew it wasn't his name that jinxed it but him personally. Leyla's fear was natural but Emre didn't have much to say to dispel it. As he was thinking over his next words, Emre felt Leyla's fingers run through his hair. It was a pleasant soothing motion and his tension began to dissipate. He'd heard Leyla say:

- Your hair is lighter at the roots. I never noticed it.

Emre raised his head a little – enough to see Leyla's face but not enough to shake off her hand – and said:

- Well, you are welcome to study my features anytime you want, as long as I get to study yours too.

Leyla dismissed his suggestion with a shrug:

- Not much to study though...

- Not true, Leyla. You are one of the most beautiful women I know and today you are completely stunning!

Leyla smiled at the compliment:

- Thank you, Emre-bey.

Emre shivered, the 'bey' thing reminding him of unsaid words between them. He tried to start simple:

- Leyla, I love you. I know, I've hurt you a lot, Leyla, but I only ask for a chance to do it right this time. That's who you are to me... the woman I love.

Leyla nodded, her eyes lighting up with happiness. But instead of her own proclamations she said this:

- Tomorrow I will tell my parents that Osman and I called off our engagement. There is a chance I will be grounded for life and you'll never see me again.