Deniz walked inside with her brows furrowed, her nose lifted in anger. The man's attitude toward her was infuriating.
Yes, it had been a ridiculous coincidence, but was this big man really going to act like this throughout the entire project?
Brazen… Aggressive…
When she stepped inside, the entire team was gathered at the table. Kubilay Bey immediately turned his eyes toward her.
"Ah, my girl, come. They've brought sweets."
"Thank you, sir, I'd better not eat."
Elif approached calmly.
"Is something wrong? You've been a little strange since we arrived, Director," she said.
Deniz shook her head, though her eyes were still staring blankly.
Soon after, she pulled herself together and joined the conversation at the table.
Moments later, Captain Fatih entered, greeted Deniz's table, and moved toward his own team's table.
But the moment he sat down, his lips curled into a sly smile.
Because he could feel Deniz's gaze on the back of his neck like a shadow…
And yet, the expression on Fatih's face was the opposite.
Enjoyment.
The next morning, Deniz woke refreshed, her exhaustion gone, feeling lighter.
She thought back to yesterday.
Yes, she had been fired up and suddenly courageous, but seriously, what was she going to do with this man?
If she told him the truth about that fake date, what would he think of her?
Or worse, would he torment her for an entire year on this construction site, just to get under her skin?
She shook her head, as if to chase the thoughts away.
No matter what, she had made up her mind to solve this problem.
At that moment, Elif's soft voice echoed in her ears.
"Director, the team has gathered. We're heading out, just wanted to let you know."
Deniz got up immediately, adjusted herself, and said:
"Thank you. Of course, let's go."
When they stepped outside, Captain Fatih and his team stood across from them, as imposing and stern as ever.
From the beginning, Deniz had been prejudiced against his military identity, but deep down, she scolded herself for finding him attractive.
Just as her gaze was roaming over him, Fatih's eyes suddenly met hers.
Deniz panicked, quickly looked away, and turned her head.
But even that brief eye contact was enough to turn her crimson red.
She couldn't believe the effect this man had on her body.
"Annoying thing…" she muttered.
But her anger wasn't directed at Fatih—it was at her own body, betraying her.
Watching Deniz blush with delight, Fatih shifted his gaze, erased his smile, and returned to that upright, commanding posture inside his uniform.
He spoke in a deep voice:
"Now we'll move to the field with the regional vehicles. You will conduct a detailed engineering survey of the terrain. But I must brief you on the military aspect. We are at the foothills of the mountains. Right ahead lies the border. Therefore, in the event of any possible danger, I order you to comply with procedures."
Deniz raised a single brow, narrowing her eyes.
Fatih suddenly turned his eyes toward her, shooting a sharp glance.
"Did you want to say something, Engineer, ma'am?"
Deniz tossed her red hair, crossed her arms over her chest.
"As far as I recall, we are not subordinate to the military," she said.
Fatih's lips curled with pleasure. There was a mocking expression on his face.
"You have no authority in the area. Out there, all command is mine," he said.
Deniz bit her lip in anger. Her gaze found Kubilay Bey.
He nodded in agreement.
Furious, Deniz grabbed her backpack. As she passed right by Fatih, she muttered:
"Perfect… Joining the military was the only thing left."
And with a toss of her hair, she climbed into the armored vehicle.
Fatih was shaken by the feminine scent the wind carried from her.
He swallowed, shook his head, and when he noticed the stares directed at him, he stiffened.
Both his own team and the engineers were watching him.
He cleared his throat and barked:
"Are you waiting for an invitation? Get into the vehicles!"
A strong voice rang out:
"Yes, Commander!"
Followed by weaker ones:
"Alright…"
"Okay… We're getting in then…"
Fatih rolled his eyes, shook his head as if to say, I've got a lot to deal with with you people.
Apparently, the engineer team was going to be a very different kind of experience for him…
After completing the field survey, they arrived at the housing complex, and Deniz was examining the surroundings.
A large complex had been set up for the military team, the engineers, and the construction workers. It was far more spacious and comfortable than simple containers.
"This block is for the engineer team," Fatih said, maintaining his authoritative tone. "Our military unit will stay in the block next door."
When Deniz stepped inside and saw her single room, she was pleased. At least she would have privacy.
The room was minimal but warm: a desk, a bed, a wardrobe, and a small bathroom.
Kubilay Bey glanced around, nodding.
"Good, good. Comfortable. At least there's no problem with accommodation," he said.
The housing complex was far more comprehensive than they'd imagined.
There were common areas, a cafeteria, even a small meeting room. A separate section had been arranged for the workers. From her window, Deniz could see the military block—not too close, but not far enough either.
As she unpacked, Elif knocked on her door.
"Director, how's your room? Mine turned out great," she said.
While putting her clothes away, Deniz murmured:
"For a field zone, it's very comfortable. The single occupancy is nice, too."
Elif giggled.
"Yes, we're lucky. The men will have to stay two in a room."
Deniz, keeping her usual distant manner, only smiled.
Elif swallowed. "Um, I won't bother you then. I'm right next door, Director."
At the door, she added, "Um… if you need anything, just let me know."
Deniz nodded. "Alright. See you."
She turned her eyes toward the window. Now she had only one thought—her devotion to her work drove her to want to explore the site immediately.
After unpacking, Deniz stepped outside.
The area, surrounded by mountains, intrigued her. There were details worth examining through an engineer's eyes, but the natural beauty also caught her attention.
As she wandered around the housing complex, she noticed movement at the entrance of the military block. Fatih was speaking with his men.
Turning to Kubilay Bey, she said, "Sir, I'd like to head out into the field. A detailed inspection is necessary."
At that moment, Fatih's voice came from behind:
"No."
Deniz turned around, startled. Hadn't he just been farther away? What was this—did the man float, fly, move without sound? How could he be this silent!
She frowned.
"What do you mean, no?"
"You cannot leave the field zone. Absolutely forbidden," Fatih said, arms crossed firmly over his chest.
Deniz inhaled sharply.
"I'm an engineer, and I'm trying to do my job. I have to examine this area."
With his commanding tone, Fatih replied, "There are security protocols. You cannot go anywhere alone."
At that tense moment, Lieutenant Harun stepped in with a warm and polite manner:
"Commander, with your permission, I can accompany the engineer, ma'am. That way, security is ensured and the work isn't delayed."
Fatih paused for a moment, his gaze shifting from Harun to Deniz.
Deniz was practically snorting like an angry bull, her red hair blowing across her face, the freckles on her cheeks glowing.
Fatih exhaled deeply.
"Fine. But don't take too long!"
Deniz pulled her eyes away from Fatih and looked at Harun gratefully.
"Thank you so much," she said.
Fatih's brow arched. That woman who was just snarling at me is smiling at a man she just met?
Harun gestured politely. "Come, let's start with the front field."
Deniz nodded, following him gracefully.
Fatih, however, couldn't understand the electricity crawling under his skin. What was this!
Half an hour later, the two were walking through the field. Harun respected Deniz's work, answering her questions.
Deniz was taking notes, snapping photos. The young lieutenant gave her technical details about the area, explaining its difficulties.
"Working in this region will be truly challenging," Harun said. "But working with an experienced engineer like you is reassuring."
Deniz smiled.
"Thank you. Honestly, I was nervous about working with the military team. But you're being very helpful."
Meanwhile, back at the container site, Fatih couldn't sit still. An odd restlessness churned inside him. He raised his head, trying to see them, but they were too far.
He grabbed his binoculars and scanned the field. He spotted Deniz and Harun.
The two were standing close, studying something. Harun was pointing something out to her.
But they were standing too close.
Fatih's jaw tightened. Why did this sight bother him so much?
Minutes passed, and still they didn't return. Their laughter grew louder, their closeness more obvious.
He couldn't take it anymore—his feet betrayed him.
He dropped the binoculars and strode toward them.
Deniz was collecting soil samples when Harun offered to help. The young lieutenant said sincerely:
"Working with you is truly enjoyable. Honestly, I'm very impressed."
Deniz looked up, surprised, smiling.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean… your command of your work, your intelligence… everything about you is impressive."
The unexpected confession left Deniz even more startled. She didn't know what to say.
Truth be told, she was as foreign to flirting as an alien.
She swallowed, struggling for words.
Just then, when she turned her eyes, she saw Fatih standing before them. Watching them with a devilish glare.
Deniz's heart started pounding fast.
The dark expression on Fatih's face said it all he had heard everything.