Stay with me

Chapter 36 - Loved ones are always forgiven

Defne and Ahtem sat in his workshop and examined on a laptop a photograph of an old necklace made in the form of a patterned breastplate. On the table in front of them lay an open case in which earrings and a ring flickered with reddish glitter on black velvet.

"Not one stone," Defne noted, shifting her gaze from the laptop screen to the jewels. - Only patterns.

"Yes," Ahtem confirmed thoughtful, looking at the photograph of the necklace. - This is an ancient Arabic technique. Pretty complicated.

"Do you know it?" - Without taking her eyes off the photo, she pulled a sheet of paper and a pencil toward her.

"Fortunately, yes," he took out the ring from the case and began to examine it through a magnifying glass. - Red gold high carat.

Defne looked at him and asked:

- Do we have such material?

- Yes, there are from my old stocks. I made wedding rings for one very rich Arab, and he wanted just such gold - red. What do you think of the sketch? Can you draw it? Photos are not too good quality.

The last sentence was said in a displeased tone, and Ahtem grunted knowingly and glanced at the girl.

"Wouldn't like to devote time to work in evenings that are designated for Omer?"

"Exactly so," Defne confirmed and drew the first line on a piece of paper. "Are you still running from Laura?"

"Uh, why am I running away," Ahtem was confused. - We are colleagues and communicate in a civilized manner.

"Ah, colleagues," Defne said mockingly. "And how does civilized manner warm your heart and bed well?"

She looked up at him boldly.

Ahtem was speechless. How could the humble Defne ask such a question? She seemed to read his thoughts. Smiling wryly, she answered his silent amazement:

- I am in shock. I've never said anything like this before ... But I'm sorry that because of your pride and, stubbornness you deprive yourself of real life. Tell me, are you aware that Laura is the only woman with whom you will be happy? Everyone else will provide you with convenience, and only she will give you paradise.

"Or hell," Ahtem muttered softly.

"Or hell," Defne agreed. "But you will not know this until you risk confiding in her."

Ahtem grinned wryly and shook his head.

"You're like a weed." If you cling to something, you won't be left behind.

"I have such a habit," Defne agreed cheerfully. "So, are you coming with us to my relatives tomorrow?"

"No," Ahtem answered - Tomorrow, I will work.

Defne, leaning back in her chair, crossed her arms over her chest, and tilted her head to her shoulder. But the man ignored her eloquent pose and continued to do his own thing.

"If I'm а weed, then you are a stubborn mule," she said.

"I have such a habit," Ahtem agreed in her own words.

"Okay," Defne got up from the table and began to pack things in her purse. - I will not bother you. I have a couple of free hours. I'll return to the office and start with the sketch of the necklace. "She picked up the case with earrings and the ring. Touching the pattern on reddish gold, she asked: "Do you need this jewelry for work?"

- Not yet. Take them. When the sketch is ready, and I proceed to implement it, then they will be needed.

Defne threw the case into her purse and put on her coat.