Stay with me

89 Taming the stubborn

Niko only smiled faintly with an ironic, crooked smile. Four years later, he's not the cornered guy anymore. Now he can destroy anyone.

By the time the hungry, cheerful, and colorful company sat down at the table, they managed to introduce Niko to all the guests. He was received good-naturedly and affably, - as if they had known him all his life. He did not admit it to himself, but he was pleased. The merry company, jokes, laughter, the ability to disconnect from problems, and a beautiful girl are nearby. What else do you need to feel satisfied within life?

Niko's place at the table was indeed next to Jansu. On the other side of him sat a pretty, young girl with dark hair and olive eyes. She was introduced to Niko as Esra, the younger sister of Defne Iplikci by her mother. The girl was lively and funny, managing to exchange jokes with the dozen relatives and friends sitting at the table.

"Where did the handsome Mert disappear?" asked the brunette with an earring in her nose, whose name was Nihan. Niko recalled that she was Defne's sister-in-law and her best friend. "How did he leave his girls unattended?"

Niko has become all ears. Mert. This is how Jansu introduced the young Alain Delon.

"Mert went to Rome for an internship," Esra announced loudly. "For a year."

"Holy moly," drawled the brunette. "The boy will be gone for a whole year."

Niko was overjoyed. The opponent left the race and will not get in the way, and he will stop burning with jealousy and rage, presenting him next to Jansu. Niko leaned over to her and quietly, but with a grain of malice, said in her ear, "Are you left alone?"

She threw a prickly glance at him and answered no less sarcastically, "The twenty-first century in the yard. There are phones, video communication, and regular flights from Istanbul to Rome. Don't worry, I won't be lonely."

Niko leaned even lower and a hoarse note appeared in his voice, "I'm not worried, Princess. After all, handsome Alain Delon is not the only one who can allay your boredom."

Jansu, who at that moment took a sip of lemonade, choked and coughed. Niko tapped her carefully on the back.

"Alain ... who?" she asked and laughed. "Damn it, but he looks like! Mert will love your nickname. He loves old French films."

"I'm overjoyed," Niko muttered sarcastically.

This devil knows how to bring it to the boiling point!

And the devil girl turned away from him and spoke to Mrs. Turkan, an old woman who looked like a sultana.

"Grandma Turkan, how is your health?"

"Great, honey!" she answered. "I'll nurse a dozen more great-grandchildren. Your baby will also be among them," she reminded edifyingly, wagging her finger.

"Of course, my Sultana!" Sang Jansu.

The usual answer, but Niko's soul rattled. The thought that Jansu might have a child from another man darkened his eyes. He looked down at the plate and, furiously, stuck his fork into the sarma bundle.

Having risen from the table, the guests were divided into groups. Niko did not join any of them. He sat down on the steps of the terrace and watched Jansu from the side. She played with the children, was completely absorbed in this activity, and seemed very happy. A huge St. Bernard approached Niko. Sitting down next to him, it trustingly laid his shaggy head on his lap and looked with phlegmatic, sad eyes. Niko patted his ear and said, "Hello buddy!"