Dawn to Dark

by Halston James

  It’s the finality of her comment that pulls the truth from my stubborn ass.

  “You're right.” I brace myself for the verbal assault she’s about to unleash. “It’s me.”

  “I knew it! Why would you lie to me?”

  I glance over at her to find Jasmine frustrated, intrigued, and satisfied that her accusation was correct. It’s better than flat-out anger, so I’ll take it.

  “Can I trust you?” My gaze glows with trepidation as I glance at her.

  She hesitates, looking out the window and up at the blanket of stars surrounding us. We’re on a dirt road, not a person or a building in sight, and the lack of life makes you realize how small you truly are. After a minute, she returns her attention to me, reaches over to grasp my hand, and answers, “Yes, Ali. You can tell me anything.”

  And so I tell her. Everything.

  She listens to every word, nodding when appropriate, asking questions for clarification. And all the while, her hand squeezes mine as a silent reassurance that she’s here. That she’s listening. That she can be trusted.

  I just hope she’s right.

  7

  I'm in my gigantic mansion, lounging on my huge bed with Abu by my side while noting how much my life has changed from a short while ago.

  "So how'd it go?" Ronny's voice echoes through my cell as I press it to my ear.

  "Really well," I reply as memories of my night with Jasmine filter through my mind. My lips stretch into a lazy smile. “Last night was perfect.”

  "Good. There's been some buzz about Jay planning something, so keep a lookout, okay?" His warning penetrates my wistful thoughts and my spine straightens instantly.

  "What have you heard?" I growl.

  "Don't get your panties in a twist, Al. It's going to be fine. I'm keeping an eye out and my ear to the ground in case I hear anything else. He’s hiding something and it’s taking me a little longer than anticipated to figure out what the hell it is. All I know is that he's pissed that Jasmine came home smiling after a six-hour date with a snotty asshole and wants to ruffle your feathers."

  I chuckle at his terminology. "I assume I'm the snotty asshole?"

  "The one and only!" Ronny laughs.

  "So nothing is set in stone yet?" I ask, sobering at the prospect of Jay causing issues for Jazzy and me.

  "Not that I know of. His background is a little fishy and I can’t quite put my finger on it. It’s driving me insane. But the guy's a snake, Al. Don't underestimate him. He craves power as much as you crave that princess of yours."

  I clear my throat grudgingly as I rake my fingers through my hair. "Noted."

  "Good. Keep your phone on you, too. It helps me track your location in case you get in a sticky situation.”

  “My location? What are you, my mom?” I joke.

  “Yeah. Want me to pull out the teat and show ya?” he throws back sarcastically. “If you need anything else from me, let me know. And don't forget, one more wish, okay? I can't go making exceptions for you just 'cause I like ya."

  I roll my eyes in response. "Yeah yeah. Talk to you soon."

  And with that, I hang up the phone then roll onto my side and contemplate what Jay could possibly have up his sleeve.

  A month goes by in a chaotic blur of happiness as Jazzy and I grow closer. I never would’ve imagined how my entire world would quickly be summed up in one word: Jasmine.

  Heading to work for another day at the office, I receive a text and my heart skips a beat when I see the sender: Jazzy.

  Jazzy: Hey stranger. Any chance you'd like to join me and my dad for dinner tonight?

  Eagerly, I reply.

  Me: Hell yes, I would. Where would you like to meet?

  The three little bubbles pop up, notifying me that she's typing.

  Jazzy: Want to meet at my house? My dad has some things he'd like to discuss with you. ;) Plus, I'd love to make you a homecooked meal.

  I'm grinning from ear to ear as my eyes scan her message a dozen times. She wants to cook for me? I’ve never had a homecooked meal, though it sounds amazing. But what about her dad? We haven’t discussed anything important since the first night we met. I never really cared about a merger or taking over QUA Industries. I just wanted to see Jasmine smile, and I’ve been gifted with front row seats on a daily basis since our first date. Could everything really be falling into place? Do I really have a chance of changing my stars? Creating my own good karma?

  Before I have a chance to respond, another text is delivered.

  Jazzy: Meet us at 7. Can't wait to see you.

  This time, my response comes easy.

  Me: Me too. I'll see you soon.

  The day goes by at a crawl, every minor activity taking three times longer than usual. Or at least, that's how it feels. There's been a knot at the bottom of my stomach all day as I consider what Saamir could possibly want to speak with me about.

  I'm not stupid. I know that the possibility of him wanting to talk to me likely has something to do with Jazzy and me, but I don't want to get my hopes up.

  She's been on my mind constantly since the first time I saw her, and this past month together has opened up a whole new world to me. A world of laughter, carefree banter, happiness, and above all, freedom. I don't need the fortune that fell into my lap. All I need is her.

  The realization is a sobering thought as I finally pull into Jazzy's driveway.

  I’m wearing a crisp white button-down shirt with cufflinks and a chocolate brown sports jacket on top. I’ve completed the ensemble with matching slacks and slicked back hair.

  Wiping my sweaty palms against my pants, I pray to Allah that Saamir will have good news for me and my potential future with his daughter.

  My phone buzzes in my pocket as I reach the front steps. Warily, I check the screen and see that Genie's calling me. Yes, when Ronny programmed his name into my phone, he used the name Genie.

  Smartass.

  He rarely calls me, but I don't have time to answer right now. I’m sure he’s just wanting to wish me good luck and I'll call him tonight.

  Slipping my cell into my trousers, I knock on the tall, imposing door, but their servant doesn't answer.

  "Hello?" I call out curiously as my knuckles tap against the solid wood.

  This time, I hear muffled footsteps on the other side before it swings open with a flourish.

  "Good to see you, Ali. Please, come inside." Jay's evil grin flashes before I hear the faint sound of footsteps behind me. Turning, I'm given a glimpse of a giant thug before the handle of a gun slams against my head, causing me to see stars.

  Falling to my knees, I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. Again.

  Jay tsks behind me. "You just won't give up, will you?" I turn to his sinister voice and he takes the opportunity to grab the back of my head before kneeing me in the face.

  My vision goes black.

  8

  When I finally awake, I'm greeted with a terrifying sight. Jasmine's hair is a disheveled mess. Her silky shirt has been torn, exposing the top of her bra. And a hint of blood trickles from the corner of her mouth. Her eyes, however, are glowing with anger.

  The fire gives me hope that they haven't broken her. Yet.

  Saamir, however, is tied to a chair as his lower lip quivers in anxiety. He seems to be unharmed, though. For now, anyway.

  My head is pounding, but I search the extravagant dining area for the perpetrator. Jay.

  “What the hell is going on?” My voice croaks as the metallic taste of blood explodes on my tongue. I think my front tooth is a little loose from his knee connecting with my mouth.

  Bastard.

  “Rise and shine, Ali. Or should I say, Aladdin?” With a triumphant smile stretched across his face, Jay quirks his brow then turns to Jasmine, expecting to see her face painted in shock. Instead, she mimics his expression from earlier, quirking a brow before smiling triumphantly.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Were you expecting a different reaction?” she quips sarcastically.<
br />
  Saamir, however, is a different story. He doesn’t hide his surprise as well as I would’ve hoped, playing right into Jay’s slimy hands.

  “That” —he points to Jasmine’s father— “is the reaction I was hoping for. Thanks for not being a disappointment. For once.” He spits at his associate before walking closer to Jasmine and running the back of his hand along her bruised cheek. My muscles tense in fury at the thought of anyone hurting her, yet the evidence is painted on her olive skin.

  “It’s a shame things didn’t work out between us,” Jay states. “This would’ve been much easier if you’d have followed my plan accordingly.” She flinches from his unwanted touch.

  “And what plan was that?” I growl, trying to get his attention away from Jazzy.

  I don’t want him looking at her. I don’t want him touching her. I don’t want him breathing the same air as her. As his gaze shoots to me from across the room, an overwhelming sense of gratitude floods my system that my distraction worked.

  “You’re the one to blame for this mess, Aladdin. If you hadn’t have stolen a dead man’s identity, none of this would’ve ever happened.”

  “Excuse me?” How does he know?

  “What? You think I didn’t check into your background after picking Jasmine up from your little hovel? That I wouldn’t recognize you? You’re nothing more than a street rat.”

  With a clenched jaw, red hot anger pulses through me. “You know nothing,” I argue, glaring daggers at him.

  He tilts his head to the side, assessing me from head to toe before sauntering over and bitch slapping me across the face. As my head whips to the side, I hear Jazzy scream from her tied up position.

  “Stop it! Both of you!”

  With his hand raised in the air, Jay silently warns her to stop talking. Thankfully, she listens.

  “Now Aladdin, I’m only going to ask this once before I start touching Jasmine exactly how I’ve been dreaming of. Understand?” His voice is eerily calm. “How did you do it?”

  My wrists strain against the handcuffs holding my hands behind my back. The cold metal bites into my skin as I consider his threat.

  “Don’t touch her,” I growl.

  Remembering my thieving days, I subtly unpin one of my cufflinks to use as a pick for the lock on my wrists. If I can just get free… I can keep his filthy hands off of her.

  Meticulously, my fingers start grappling with the lock.

  Jay walks over to Jasmine before grabbing her long ebony hair and pulling it back. The action causes Jasmine’s head to snap up at the ceiling while exposing the long column of her throat. She flinches from the pain along her scalp but tries to remain calm and I commend her for her strength.

  My fingers fumble slightly while inserting the point of the link into the lock, searching for the mechanism that will release the latch and set me free.

  If only Abu were here.

  With my eyes glued to Jasmine, fury pulses through my veins as Jay slowly drags his crooked nose along her exposed skin, inhaling deeply with a wicked smile. She trembles, trying to stay strong when he bites her earlobe aggressively. Bile floods my mouth as I watch, helplessly.

  “Stop,” I grit out.

  Grinning wickedly, he tugs her long dark hair, hard. Jasmine’s head jerks and she digs her pearly white teeth into her lower lip to keep from screaming in pain. Her eyes are squeezed shut as a single tear slips down her bruised cheek.

  The sight snaps the last of my restraint.

  With a savage roar, I watch him touch what’s mine. “I’m going to kill you if you don’t stop touching her. Now!” My threat holds an edge that even Jay can’t ignore. His snake-like stare shoots to mine before releasing his cruel hold on her dark locks. Taking a deliberate step away from Jasmine, he comes closer to me.

  “Then you better start talking.”

  “How do you know he isn’t Ali?” Saamir asks with a shaky voice. I had almost forgotten he was here with how silent he’s been. Or maybe it’s because my focus has been captured by his daughter.

  “Because I killed the real Ali,” Jay states casually as if he didn’t admit to murdering an innocent man.

  A quiet gasp escapes Jasmine’s pouty lips, and Jay smirks in response. Proud that he can claim doing something so despicable to another human being.

  And he claims I’m the scum of the earth.

  “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Am I scaring you?”

  She stays silent, not deeming his sickening question worthy of a response.

  Narrowing his gaze, Jay turns to me. “Now Aladdin, I believe it’s your turn for a little honesty.”

  “Why did you do it?” I probe, stalling. I need to get this lock picked.

  “It was a necessity.” With a shrug, he acts like the cost of a life is minimal in the big scheme of things. “However, there’s only one person I know who could alter the kinds of documents necessary to convince even the sharpest of lawyers that you’re the estranged nephew of Alvah Ababwa.”

  And there it is. The final piece to the mystery.

  It’s like a lightbulb finally goes off in my head when I finally understand what he’s wanting from me. Why he’s so desperate. “You want Ro—” I stop myself before revealing Ronny’s true identity.

  Jay’s brows lift at my near slip-up. “Go on.”

  Licking my lips, I continue, “The Genie. You want him.”

  He takes a short breath in, barely able to hide his excitement. “So you’ve met him? The legend is true?”

  Shit. I can’t throw Ronny under the bus, but I also can’t stomach the sight of Jay touching Jasmine again. My stomach rolls at the thought. He senses my hesitation and takes a hasty step toward Jasmine. “Better start talking street rat, or you might lose something far more precious than an American hacker.”

  Faster than a bolt of lightning, my mind searches for a solution to keep them both safe.

  “What do you know of the Genie?” I need to keep him talking. If I can just stall for a little longer, I might be able to find a way out of this mess. My phone buzzes against my thigh.

  Or Ronny might do it for me.

  He’s calling me for a reason, and I think it might have something to do with the jackass in front of me.

  I need to stall Jay.

  “I know he was in the country for a very short amount of time conducting business. I know that when I sent my men to retrieve him, one ended up with a broken nose, the other had a bruised trachea. You wouldn’t know anything about that, now would you Aladdin?”

  My lips tilt in amusement, happy that I saved Ronny from a lot more than a simple mugging.

  “No idea what you’re talking about,” I responded innocently. His eyes narrow in disgust, but he remains silent.

  Cautiously, I continue my probing. “What were you wanting from him?”

  He smiles mischievously. “I needed a loophole.”

  With furrowed brows, my mind tries to grasp what the hell he’s talking about. “What kind of loophole?”

  “Well, you see, Jasmine here has a stubborn streak.” He motions to her off-handedly while she glares in return. “She was refusing to marry me, even though we could’ve ruled the world together. One oil refinery at a time. Instead, I needed documents. Ones that could prove our hidden marriage to each other before her and her father died of a horrific car accident.” Clutching his chest, he feigns heartache. “It was a terrible experience, but the funerals would’ve been lovely, I assure you.” He pats Saamir’s head like a child instead of an elder who has more honor in his pinky than Jay’s entire being.

  “And you couldn’t find someone to do it for you?” I scoff.

  Jay scowls at me before continuing, “You pathetic fool. Do you know the kind of investigation that would arise from their deaths? From a secret wedding that Jasmine herself never mentioned? I needed the best. And the only person capable of performing the miracle I was praying for is the Genie. Now, you need to tell me where he is, or your precious princess dies.” He ut
ters his threat with such indifference, I’m surprised that Allah himself doesn’t strike Jay where he stands.

  “Fine. I have one more question and then I’ll tell you everything you need to know.”

  “And what is that?” He rolls his eyes in annoyance, though I think he secretly enjoys flaunting his secret plan in the open and I’m trying to use it to my advantage.

  “Why kill the original Ali? You need to tell me more than it was a necessity.” I repeat the words he had just thrown at me. “It makes no sense. You didn’t need to kill an innocent person.” The thought makes me ill. An innocent man is wiped from the face of the earth when all he wanted was to get away from the life he’d been given. Similar to me, in fact.

  Considering my question, an evil smile stretches across Jay’s face. “Their company was in disarray due to the death of their president in conjunction with the successor being a no-show. I needed their instability.”

  “But, why?” Saamir asks from his hunched over position.

  “Because it’s much easier to purchase a failing company than a thriving one, idiot. Eyago was taking care of it! Crumbling their infrastructure from the inside out before Aladdin showed up and ruined everything.” He spits my name like it’s a curse before returning to his initial rampage and screaming at Saamir. “I’ve been telling you for years that we should expand, but you never listened. I bet you wish you could do things differently now that you’ve seen where the pieces lie.” His venomous gaze caresses Jasmine like an oily feather, leaving a slimy residue on her untainted skin. “I bet you both would.”

  Jasmine’s eyes narrow, but she doesn’t move a muscle. However, the heat from her anger would cause Jay to burst into flames if the world were just.

  Unfortunately, considering our circumstances, this earth is far from fair.

  “I would never have touched you,” she whispers, her tone resolute.