Is this destiny?

~ Russia, St. Petersburg ~

11:48 PM

Corey and Merve got into their hotel room and observed the modern interior that a luxury hotel provided. The warm colors of brown and tan dominated the space and intricate curved designs on the walls clashed against sharp clean edges of the furniture, but it all worked well to create a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy.

Their eyes fell on the table in the living area that was set up for two with delicate blinis, each topped with glistening caviar. There were several different dips and spreads, and it was all presented alongside glasses of potent Siberian vodka (with a full bottle of vodka on the side).

With the excitement of the evening, the two of them didn't notice the time pass and now that they saw the food, they realized they were hungry.

"Mmm…", Merve hummed in satisfaction as the fishy decadence of top-level caviar exploded in her mouth. "This hotel knows how to welcome its guests."

Corey and Merve didn't order the food, and they assumed that every room provides this type of welcome for its guests. Of course, they didn't know that Aiden requested the top-tier service when he got them the room, and that included local delicacies. It's not that Aiden wanted to pamper them, but Aiden firmly believes that when a person goes on a vacation, all brakes are off, and the right way to enjoy is by indulging in all the conveniences the given place provides. 

Corey and Merve never had vodka, but the legal age for drinking alcohol in Russia is 18, so they could have it without breaking the law, and they were curious to find out how it tastes.

Corey offered her a shot of vodka and they both had one each. It was smooth in the mouth, yet it burned the throat, which made both Corey and Merve reach out for more food.

They decided to stick to water and leave vodka for later, much later (probably a few years later).

"Wow! I didn't realize that it's midnight because outside is not night!", Corey exclaimed when his eyes landed on the view through the window.

As possessed, both Corey and Merve walked to the balcony. They were focused on the room and each other, and it took them a while to realize that the view outside is not as expected. It was not about the streets, or European architecture of the buildings, or about the glorious view of the river Neva, or about the throng of tourists that filled the streets… it was the sky.

"I read in the brochure about 'White Nights', but I had no idea it will be like this…", Merve said as they looked at the bright sky above them that had only a few clouds that were bathed in warm yellow and orangish hues.

'White Nights' is a phenomenon where the sun never sets, and for St. Petersburg, it happens in summer due its northerly geographical location. The sky goes from daytime to sunset that lasts for many hours until it morphs into the morning.

Merve smiled. "It seems we get to see in person the midnight sun."

Corey hummed in agreement and peeled his eyes from the bright midnight sky in order to look at the girl by his side. Merve is a beautiful girl, and her attractiveness level increases a few notches when her eyes lit up in wonder. She was glowing and Corey really-really wanted to hold her.

"What do you want to do first? Shower? Eat more? Sleep? Go down?" Corey gestured to the street below them that was packed with people. "Or…?", his voice trailed as his lips lifted into a suggestive smirk.

Merve's breath hitched and she felt the heat creeping up her neck and cheeks.

The two of them made love for the first time after Corey's prom, and several times after that. But then Aiden got kidnapped, and they ended up killing a man who trespassed on the property of the Cliffside villa, and things became grim and busy and the most Corey and Merve did romantically was hugging and kissing, and the atmosphere never turned into a heated one even though they shared the room (and the bed). Somehow, it didn't seem right to indulge in carnal pleasures when people around them were hurting, and they were worried about Sarah and Aiden as well, so the mood was not good.

However, now everything was right, and they were on a vacation, just the two of them, and… Merve lowered her gaze.

"What do you want to do?", she returned the question.

Corey touched her chin, making her look up toward him. "How about we freshen up?"

"OK."

Corey pecked her lips and led the way to the bathroom.

Merve stood awkwardly as Corey started to fill the massive bathtub with water. She was not sure what to do. Since they left Los Angeles, they took turns showering and getting ready for the night. It's not that they avoided each other, but they were super-busy and many times their clean-up schedules didn't match.

Maybe she should wait for him to finish first, she thought and started walking out.

"Where are you going?"

Corey's question made Merve pause her steps.

"Uhm… I'm not sure…", Merve admitted.

Corey walked toward Merve and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Don't tell me that you are shy."

Merve bit her lower lip and avoided his gaze, making him chuckle.

"It seems you forgot that I saw you naked. Let's take a bath together.", Corey murmured, and his hands moved to the buttons of her jeans.

Merve didn't move, but she didn't stop him from undressing her either.

"Merve, if you stand like that, it makes me feel I am forcing you.", Corey half-whined and Merve balled her hands into fists.

Corey paused his movements and observed Merve. He thought that she was willing, but her behavior was stiff, and he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.

"Let me know when you are done.", Corey said while making his way out of the bathroom.

Merve panicked and grabbed his arm.

"I'm sorry…", Merve said. "Will you join me in the tub? Please?"

"You don't have to do anything if you don't feel like it.", Corey said without looking at her.

"I know. I want to take a bath. With you."

"OK. But if you want anything to happen, you need to take the initiative."

Merve's eyes widened at Corey's words, but he pretended not to see her discomfort.

He was aroused and needy beyond belief, but he didn't want to be the one initiating intimacy. If she wants it, she needs to act like it, otherwise, he would feel like he is forcing himself on her.

Corey removed his clothes and got in the tub.

"Ahh…", he exhaled loudly and leaned his head at the edge of the tub with his eyes closed.

After a minute, he felt the water level rising when Merve joined him in the tub and he was happy for this small victory.

"Do you want me to wash your back?", Corey offered and Merve hummed in agreement.

Corey opened his eyes and saw Merve sit on the opposite side of the tub, hugging her knees, while her big hazel eyes stared at him apprehensively.

"You need to turn around.", Corey said and reached for the sponge.

Merve closed her eyes while being painfully aware of Corey's proximity and their nakedness. As he moved, the water gently caressed her body, and it made her nerves come alive.

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