Stay with me

Chapter 43 - At the edge of the abyss

The Ipliкci were having fun at the beach party.

The drums sounded loud, and the ukulele guitars were ringing. Girls-dancers in exotic outfits, decorated with coconut shells, rhythmically moved around a fire lit right on the sand. Guests of the island danced with them. Businessmen and politicians, throwing off the mask of strict presentability, caught the rhythm and happily danced barefoot right on the sand. Rum and champagne flowed like water. Omer also had a couple of drinks. The strong drink seethed in the blood and drove to madness. Taking Defne in his arms, he whirled with her and kissed her, not paying any attention to the crowd around. She, too, threw away her shyness and completely surrendered herself to the captivating music, the cheerful atmosphere of the holiday, and the crazy mood of Omer. They danced, clumsily but cheerfully, trying to imitate the dancers. Defne was good, Omer was terrible. She laughed at his awkwardness and teased that she would tell everyone in Istanbul that the knowledgeable and able Omer Iplikci could not master Polynesian dances. He caught her in his arms at the moment when a gentle, touching melody sounded and purred in her ear:

- But the slow ones I dance the best.

Holding her tightly to him, he began to sway to the beat of the melody. His lips lived a separate life. They kissed the temple, high cheekbone, neck, and finally got to the lips. Defne closed her eyes and gave herself up to the music and his kisses. They smelled of rum, reckless passion, and joy. And this recklessness was passed on to her. She wanted to laugh and scream, dance until she drops, love to the point of exhaustion. Defne knew - this night will fulfill all her wishes.

- Aren't you tired? – А velvet voice purred at the ear.

Defne shook her head and, raised her face to him.

- I'm not tired. I just want to drink.

- I'll bring it right now, - he led her out of the dancing crowd and ordered: - Stay here and not a step anywhere.

She deftly saluted him with two fingers and reported:

- Yes!

Omer walked towards the brightly lit bar, and Defne watched the people dancing with the lights. It was as beautiful as if fireworks had descended from heaven to earth. While watching the show, she did not notice the man who came up to her and held out his hand.

- Lady, can I ask you to dance? He spoke English and his voice was vaguely familiar.

Defne looked up at him and her mouth parted in surprise. The man's face was familiar to her. Even more. She saw him in American films. Starring. But in life, he was even more interesting. A kind of sly look and a casual playboy pose.

Omer, waiting for the ordered juice, looked sideways in the direction of Defne, and immediately all the rum disappeared from his head. A man stood beside her. And not just anyone, but a famous Hollywood actor. He, clearly intending to invite her to dance, held out his hand. Moreover, he looked with the eyes of a hardened rascal and womanizer. On his Defne!!!

"Monsieur, your juice," the waiter said to him.

Omer grabbed the glass and walked quickly towards his wife.

Defne was still staring in amazement at the star of the movies and blinking in confusion when Omer grew up next to her and handed her a glass with a bright orange liquid.

"Darling, your juice," he said and hugged his wife around the waist.

- Your boyfriend? The star asked casually.

"Husband," Omer corrected him coldly.

- Oh! - He raised his eyebrows in exaggerated surprise. "Is the lovely lady married?" I wanted to ask her to dance.