Chapter 33: Chapter 32-Envy

February

Time passed and pain turned into memories.

Days were occupied by school and nights were spent planning, calling and setting appointments for the wedding. Life for Camelia had been non-stop since, leaving no place for her mind to wander back to needless past events.

The wedding date was set for the first day of spring which was closely approaching in March.  It was the only time during the year aside from winter break Camelia was allowed a vacation from school. She insisted the sooner the better, refusing to wait until the summer when she graduated–much to the dismay of her family.

They approved of Kivanç, seeming to have no reservations thanks to his outwardly collected and inviting manner, friendly personality and constant presence amongst them for the last few months.  However, they did not approve of the short engagement.

It was her father rather than her mother who stood as a road block in her path.  Believing she should stop before rushing into marriage and wait at least a year.  But Camelia absolutely refused to over think anything ever again.  Why prolong her happiness?  Why prolong the future?  She would argue.

It went on for days after Kivanç's proposal.

Annie was quiet through many heated discussions.  Standing silently listening.  The way her hooded gaze soaked in everything, the sharp knowledge in her knowing eyes–It slightly bothered Camelia how intuitive her mother was.  Without revealing any of the personal details of her decision, Camelia was positive her mother understood the why she chose to move forward with Kivanç.

On the fourth day of arguments back and forth, a exasperated Camelia finally declared, "Kivanç makes me happy, why are you standing in the way of what I need right now?"

Whatever triggered her mother in their last argument Camelia did not know.  It was then Annie took it upon herself, stepped in and seized the situation. "Julien..." Placing a hand over her husbands arm, and in a the softest voice spoke three simple words.  "Let it go."

Julien was taken aback to say the least.  But the authority and assurance in which she spoke rendered him speechless.   They were just simple words but with obvious impact.  Just like magic, it was as if her mother snapped her fingers and granted her a wish, after that night he stopped badgering her.  Even after declaring she and Kivanç planned to move to Istanbul after the threat against her life was extinguished, he never uttered another word to try and sway her decision.

They saw how adamant and self-assured she was.  Her father was not pleased but she knew he would not stand in the way of her happiness.

The rest of the family was surprised of the news during the New Year's Eve party.  Congratulations were given and everyone seemed genuinely happy for the two of them.  However, Jasmine, her ever protective older sibling appeared speculative of the speedy engagement.

"Are you sure about this?"  Jamsine asked, pulling her aside during the party.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"I know you made a wish at your birthday to find the man of your dreams, I just didn't think he would have dropped out of the sky so soon."  She commented, referring to the last things she asked Camelia before her birthday party.  "I mean, I feel like you barely know him."

"Jasmine.  I know one thing and one thing only.  He brings me joy.  He helps me forget."  Urging her to understand.  "Kivanç has given me no reason to doubt his intentions and I believe, no let me correct that, I see he's genuine about his feelings.  He won the auction by pure determination paying millions just to be with me.  He insisted in reaching out afterward and made me feel like the center of his world.  We've talked and texted a lot over the span of a few months.   He always managed to squeeze himself into my life and remind me of his presence when I had forgotten about him."  Camelia explains.  "In the last few months I've done nothing to encourage his affections. He should have left, God knows I would have. But he stayed."

"Sometimes the most unexpected detours lead us to the right destination.  Never in a millions years did I expect him to propose."  She continues.  "He was there waiting for me with open arms full of love and a....future."

"Yes, but do you love him?"

Camelia looked away from her sister's prying silver-grey eyes.  "No."  She answered honestly looking back at her earnest expression, watching her eyebrows rise. "But I trust him,  he makes me feel good.  He makes me feel worthy.  All the time he and I were thousands of miles apart he could have forgotten me and moved on to some other girl.  But he didn't.  He stayed when I least expected it. Every time."

"It sounds to me like you're trying to find ways to justify your reasons."  Jasmine pointed out with a raised eyebrow.  "You might hate me for saying this but it's like you're using him...."  She pauses and takes a deep breath before continuing.  "....to forget Stefan."

Camelia straightens her back.  "Maybe, I am."   She replies defiantly. "Maybe I just want to be happy.  Is that too much to ask?"  Jasmine was about to say something but Camelia's raises her hand, halting the words she didn't want to hear.  "I can love him.  With time.  Kivanç can and will invoke feelings in me that will lead to that."

Jamsine bit her bottom lip and nods.  "I only want your happiness and if Kivanç can do that for you than I'm happy for you.   All I ever would want for you is the best and if you chose him to be your husband, who am I to judge?  You're the one experiencing all this and I believe and trust your decision.  If he's the one than he's the one."

"Thank you."  Camelia whispered as Jasmine pulled her into a hug.

Thoughts of Stefan slowly retreated to the back of her mind and she began to open and flourish like the flower that represented her name.

The bright glow in her skin came back.  There was a sprint in her step again.  The smile barely retracted from her face.  Thoughts of the threat against her life blurred in the background.  Surprisingly all attempts made by Nathan Diam ceased after the mall scene.

Camelia never inquired about how the investigation was progressing, insisting she be kept in the dark, absolutely refusing her life be dictated by fear any longer. Thankfully, a full schedule kept her distracted and everything seemed to working in her favor.  Ever since Kivanç asked her to marry him it opened a pathway to allow her to live and nobody was getting in the way of that.

The week's that followed Camelia and Kivanç became even closer.  The wall she put between them vanished as she allowed him passed her walls.  Their connection grew with each passing day. It was not true love yet but slowly growing.   She couldn't ask for a more attentive, loving companion and believed herself lucky to have a man so in love with her.

When she asked Ricky to design her wedding dress he was thrilled, and worked non-stop to make the creation he swore would make all the Princesses in the world jealous.

Sammy made it his job to help her as well.  Anytime she needed to leave the house to run errands, she was in full disguise.   He provided the different colored wigs she would wear to go incognito.  They obtained four identical vehicles filled with undercover operatives. They all traveled in sync and eventually split up causing a slight detour to confuse whoever was watching her every move.

Liam was constantly beside her, never leaving her side.  He was a man of few words but professional and distantly polite as expected.  Sometimes, he too took up a disguise, shadowing his face with a beard or a mustache.  Other days he wore glasses or different hats.

So far it worked.

Although it was advised she not take a risk, Camelia refused to waver and listen.  Simple adjustments that were not available before, allowed her to be free like she wanted.  Despite it being a lot of work to fool the enemy and thrilling, it was worth it.  Life was about comprise and she promised to be cautious but refused to live as a prisoner to make everyone happy.

Being fearless in the pursuit of happiness was really working in her favor.

******

Kivanç invited her to his condo for a celebratory Valentine's dinner just for the two of them. It was also the first time they would be spending time together, alone in privacy, in his condo which was situated in the city.

Camelia was slightly nervous,  it would be the first time she visited his home.

"I'll be right outside if you need me." Liam announces in a quiet subdued tone.

Forcing a smile Camelia nods, her hand fluttering nervously to the pearls at her neck. They were a gift from Kivanç–one of many he constantly showered her with. With a soft sigh, she rings the door bell.

The front door opened not a second later.

Her breath froze in her lungs as she came face to face with her fiancé. He let his hair grow longer in the past couple months and was brushed back from the rugged plains of his face. The finely tailored sports coat he wore clung to his broad shoulders. He looked magnificent, strong and handsome. His lips part as his gaze raked leisurely over her black dress pants and white blouse.

He dissected her clothing with his intense gaze and looked at her like a treat he'd like to devour. Her heart hammered as his gaze retuned to hers, it burned with a fire of lust that left her knees trembling. He bent low over her hand and placed a kiss upon the back of it like a gentleman.

"You look exquisite." He whispered.

Heat flooded Camelia's face. She had to look away, unable to meet his gaze. He led her forward with a bright smile and after closing the door, he walked her into his home, seating her in his dining room with a beautifully laid out lunch.

They sat for hours sharing stories and laughed at the absurd things they did as children. They discussed life in Turkey and how much she'd love it once they moved there. Pristine beaches, a enriched city with a lot of history and a world that was very different than the one she lived in.

A lump formed in Camelia's throat, tears burned her eyes, the reality of her decision finally settling.  She would be leaving her family, her life, sacrificing a piece of herself to be with him.

Her world was changing, dreams were being altered.

Her old life would disappear but she knew her decision to move with him would be easier for the both of them. It was a saddening realization and a unfortunate truth. But like all the other insecurities and doubts she brushed them aside and tried to be optimistic and look forward to the brighter future that awaited.

Kivanç maneuvered the conversation easily while she listened intently, hanging on every word coming out of his charming mouth.

In the last few months she learned he was born in a wealthy family that provided him with all the love, support and luxuries the world had to offer.  His father was a strict hard working man who built his production empire in Turkey, expanding filming locations outside the country.  Kivanç was expected at a young age to learn the business, for one day he will be taking over the family empire.  That expansion is what brought him to the states to begin with.

He revealed his parents were madly in love with another.  He had a sister who was married and had a seven year old daughter.  The faraway warm smile that crossed over his features while speaking of them warmed Camelia's soul.  The way his mesmerizing, beautiful clear blue eyes filled with love and enthusiasm made her picture her future in a brighter light. She could feel something profound happening inside her. She felt as though he cut her free from a leash that had been tied around her neck so long she'd forgotten it was there.

When he locked his arms around her, she felt as though he was her life raft. Her savior. She had lived the past ten years fueled by longing, confusion and uncertainty. Sitting there with Kivanç, didn't fell empty at all.

He ended her suffering.

Once they finished eating a delicious Turkish cuisine they ate chocolate dipped strawberries and fed one another in between kisses and nibbles.  Afterward, they moved into his cozy living room and sat in front of a low burning gas lit fireplace, sitting close together while sipping wine. Kivanç takes the glass from her fingers and placed it on the coffee table silently.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him, burying his face in her hair. The golden light of the roaring fire turned his hair a fiery blonde. He gazed at her with barely contained lust.

"May I feel you against me, Camelia?" He asks in a whisper.

She appeared not to know what to say, looking away, her cheeks filled with a wine-pink blush. He smiled and gave her a squeeze around the waist. He sifted his fingers through her thick hair, then massaged her scalp, neck and shoulders trying to ease the tension from her.

With a sigh she sinks against his chest. "That feels wonderful."

He nuzzles her ear and explored the curve of her neck with little kisses continuing to massage her shoulders until she relaxed. "You smell so good. Like nectar." He said caressing her arms and wrists until his fingers threaded through hers while pushing her back against the cushions.

"It's getting late Kivanç." She said rather breathlessly. "I think I should be going."

"You're in no danger with me, my beautiful love."

His hands found the small of her back while he cradled her head and lowered his head to part her lips with a stroke of his tongue. She reached up, caressing his cheek as they kissed slowly, passionately. Her heart pounded as his hands unwrapped from her back and roamed to her thigh, kneading her hips, stroking her flat belly. She arched and withered slightly between his legs.

She stared up at him as he bent over her, his hands now planted on either side of her, his massive shoulders blocking her view. His golden hair hung boyishly along the sides of his eyes, his angular face shadowed, but his eyes darkened like a stormy dark blue sea.

She held her breath, staring up at him as his gaze moved hungrily over her face and body. Then he met her eyes without a trace of a smile but with a hot male aggressiveness that made her shrink back deeper into the cushions.

"I'm burning to make love to you." He whispered holding her stare. "I have longed to feel you under me since I first laid eyes on you, my lady in red." He said with a more tender smile, noticing the startled fright in her wide-eyed stare. "This is only a very, very short preview of what we will share soon. A few more weeks I will wait, but not a moment longer..." He leaned forward, kissed the exposed skin at the v-necked blouse, directly between her breasts.  "Unless you come to me before."

She swallowed hard and felt a shudder wrack her body. His unblinking, gold tipped lashes unnerved her.

He was too good to be true.

It was his undemanding patience, his carful, determined sweetness, that terrified her where it never did before. It suddenly seemed unwise to question her strange feelings. She had always been careful.

He must have seen something flicker into her eyes for what he says next partly relieved her. "Camelia," He said, "I will not to hurt you."

He searched her face briefly, then turned himself away with a resolute look and sat on the edge of the sofa, resting his elbows on the his knees as he gazed at the fireplace.

Camelia sat up, feeling guilty. "Kivanç...I know you won't." She runs a hand down his back in a soothing manner. "It's just I have strong morals about that form of intimacy before marriage."

"Are you sure that is all?"

"Yes, I'm sure. This is happening so fast and my mind is trying to wrap around it all. You can call it maidenly nerves."

A smile transformed his serious expression and he wrapped an arm around her waist scooting her closer to his side, kissing her forehead.

"You have changed me, Camelia. Thank you for coming into my life. I don't know what would have come of me had we not met."

This is what she wanted. A man who couldn't live without her and wasn't reluctant to show it.

She kisses his cheek. "You changed my life...for the better. Thank you for never giving up and being there when I need you the most."

"Always." He whispers fiercely, tightening his hold around her. Camelia lays her head in the crook of his neck and inhales his soft smelling cologne.

This is how love was supposed to feel.

******

"Do you have any perfume in your handbag? I forgot to apply some before I left the house." Gloriana asks as they stand on the steps of Camelia's home.

"Of course I do." Camelia mumbles and reaches inside her bag to retrieve a miniature travel size bottle of her favorite perfume.

"Thanks." Gloriana replies and sprays the sides of her neck. "I feel so much better now. Perfume is like underwear, if I don't have any on I feel like I'm naked." She hands it back to Camelia with a grateful smile.

But Camelia's attention was on her phone, her brows furrowed. "Kivanç just texted me asking to drop off his dry cleaning.  And I just received a message from the bakery to view the sketch for the design of the cake."  She moaned, placing a palm over her forehead.  "The wedding is in a month and I can't miss this appointment." She declares looking up. "Gloriana would you mind picking up his dry cleaning and dropping it off for me?"

"I uh, yeah sure, I guess. Why can't he do it himself?" She asks with a slight frown.  "I thought we were going to do wedding stuff today."

"He was working all day and nearly all night with his producers. He asked me and I can't very well say no, he's been juggling so much lately with work and the wedding plans." She answers sheepishly. "Don't worry about it I'll do it later if you don't want to. I know I asked you to go with me to help with the wedding...I didn't expect the interruption. It's just I have back to back appointments and I don't know when I'll be done."

"No, no it's fine. I'll do it just give me the address of the dry cleaners and his place. Will he be home when I drop them off?"

"I don't know honestly. But I have a key to his condo so I could let myself in whenever I needed to." Camelia reaches inside her handbag again and retrieves the spare key set with a heart shaped key chain of it's own.

"Awwww, that's so cute!" Gloriana gushes with a broad smile taking the key from her, inspecting the red heart embezzled rhinestone shaped chain.

Camelia blushes and shrugs in embarrassment. "He gave it to me on Valentine's Day along with a beautiful gold bracelet."

A dream like sigh leaves Gloriana's lips. "You're one lucky girl, cuz...Can I ask you something personal?"

"Anything." Camelia answered.

"Did you two, you know...make love yet?"

Camelia blushed. "No." She mumbled. "We are waiting for the wedding night. Why do you ask?"

Gloriana only shrugs. "Just curious. He just seems very....séxually charged all the time. I've noticed him always touching you...the look in his eyes."

"He is a very passionate man for sure. He wants to but I keep putting him off." She blushes a deeper pink.

Gloriana giggles. "Blue balls..."

"What?"

"His balls are probably turning blue from compression and I bet by the time the wedding nears they'll turn black." Gloriana holds her middle, barely able to contain her laughter at Camelia's disgusted expression.

"I swear, you and Sammy have the dirtiest minds. I'm literally scarred."

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself! I'll meet you later if there's still time."

An hour later, Gloriana fumbles with the bolt using her key chain flashlight to see in the dark struggling to hold up a full load of laundered shirts.

Dropping the keys she curses in frustration.  "Damn it!"

Bending down she reaches for them and with unwavering determination slides the key in.   With a sigh of relief she walks into Kivanç's eerily dark home and closes the door with her leg still trying to juggle her handbag and the plastic covered garments which likely wrinkled from her tight hold.

"Hello?"  She calls out using her flashlight to search the house for switches.  Gloriana squints her eyes as she scans a formal living room, coffee tables, lamps and some green plants.  The glare slowly stops at a pair of switches against the wall and she walks directly towards them and turns the lights on, her heels clicking against the tile.

The lamps come to life, lighting the entire room.  She dumps the heavy burden on a nearby couch with a relieved sigh and places her key and bag on a brown velvety arm chair. Adjusting her posture she straightens out her skirt and leather jacket.  Turning in a slow circle she took in her surroundings finding the house empty and began touring the condo like she owned the place.

The house smelled like him.  Like Kivanç.  The rich spicy cologne was emitting from the walls and inhaled it deep into her lungs as if breathing it was more precious than the pure air she breathed to keep her alive.

She could feel herself turn Green with envy, wishing she were Camelia and marrying such a sexy, blonde God.  Secretly she had a major crush on the man since he took her sightseeing in Istanbul.   The way his hand always had a place on the small of her back as he led her like a gentleman.  Assisting her down stairs and clutching her hand so she wouldn't slip and hurt herself.  He didn't seem to mind the physical contact and heavens knew she didn't either.

A shudder of delight and desire pools low in her belly.

They spoke a lot and laughed over lunch and dinner during the few times he invited her to dine out with him.  What infuriated her the most was his questions.  Most of the time he asked about Camelia, despite her clever attempts to steer the conversation.  It was as clear as day he was more than interested in her closed off cousin then her open, bubbly personality.

Gloriana closes her eyes. She had no reason to be upset, but she couldn't help it. The worst part of it all was seeing Kivanç lately with her cousin.  The love shinning from his eyes looked like a salivating dog. It was sickening to see how he conveyed his love. He didn't even try to hide how smitten he was.

Camelia's wasn't the right girl for someone like Kivanç. She was too sweet and innocent. He was a man who liked the chase she represented, increasing his interest. When she refused his advances it only increased his interest in her. Camelia was only a girl he intended as a crowning achievement. Another tally on his list.

The man was experienced, passionate and had many women in his past. Just the way he walks screamed sex. The confidence he executed and the look in his eyes said it all. Gloriana was a woman with experience, knowing what a man liked. Her strict parents couldn't keep her from enjoying the attention of many men. She would be able to satisfy him in ways he could never dream.

Her cousin was a smart girl but she'd never know how to handle a man with such deep hidden  desires. Her mind and heart were too occupied with hopes, dreams and happiness. Foolish girly things that a man like Kivanç didn't need. Gloriana predicted Camelia would be his ultimate downfall.  She'd make him a hollow shell of a man by the end of their first year of marriage.

She deserved him far more.

With a sigh she came to a closed door which she assumed was the master suite. Flickering the hallway lights she reached for the knob, twists it slowly and opens it slightly. The rich fragrance of Kivanç's cologne misted the air strongly. Gloriana instantly froze in her tracks when the light of the hallway creaked through to reveal the man of her desires laying asleep on his back. His broad muscled chest was bare along with his toned legs. A white sheet crumbled around his narrow waist.

Gloriana approached his bedside slowly watching his broad chest rise and fall with every breath he took. Palms clenched at her sides she stands over him like a stalker, a intense yearning burning through her veins. Biting her lip, she wonders if he was naked underneath the thin sheet.

The hum of the air conditioning fan turned on, shooting fresh air through the two vents in the ceiling. The strong smell of Camelia's perfume sunk heavily into her skin and hair feeling the fresh air emitting the fragrance. It seemed to mingle and wrap around Kivanç who stirred in his sleep and inhaled deeply as if he too received a whiff of it himself.

He groans deeply in his throat and clutches the sheet beneath his fingers. Gloriana's eyes widen as if she got caught like a lurking burglar in the dark. She takes a step back ready to leave before he wakes.

"Camelia?" He calls out. His voice sounded gruff by sleep.

Gloriana freezes like a deer caught in head lights and gulps heavily, her mouth drying up like the Sahara desert. She could only stare in shock catching a movement beneath the sheet wrapped tightly around him. Although the light streaming through the door was slight it was enough for her too see his arousal spring up.

Slowly, without making a sound, she bends down and slips off her heels determined to walk barefoot before he rises finding her watching him like a pervert. Forgetting the half dozen gold bracelets around her wrists. She cringes when they clink together with her movements. Every muscle in her body tensed. Biting her lip she straightens, holding her breath and moves slowly.

A lady like squeal comes from her lips as her shoes fly out of her hands and she's snatched by the arms and hauled against his rock hard chest. Coming face to face with Kivanç's mouth a mere centimeters from hers. Gloriana's hair formed a net around their faces, obscuring any form of light and she stares wide-eyed at a half-lidded Kivanç.

"My lady in red." He rasps. "You've finally come to me."

__________________________________________________________________________

I crammed as much as I could into this one chapter. I know some of the scenes were brief but I felt like it's enough transition of the last several months. I hope it wasn't too confusing, I just need to get things rolling.

I have one more chapter to post before Stefan's POV. Hold tight!  The next chapter will be posted earlier than Friday.  I don't know when exactly but since I already started it I'm going to give you all a early update as a thank you for your patience!

Show me the love by voting and commenting. You'd be surprised how influencing it is and what a boost it gives me to write. Thanks in advance!

-Shaz