by Young, Mila
No, the genie didn’t. We had to do something about the fever. Once I’d bandaged him up, I’d brew him some of Ali’s special tea to reduce his fever.
Dahvi laughed, snatched Ali’s cards back, and reshuffled.
Touched by their connection, my heart went light and fuzzy. Dahvi treated Ali like a younger brother, and I drew strength from the fast bond they’d made.
I placed a fresh bandage on Kaza’s leg and tied it. “How did all three of you get trapped in the lamp?”
The genies glanced at each other as if they hadn’t expected my question. Tension clouded the room again, and I braced myself for an explosion.
Zand spoke for them. “Kaza refused to stop lusting over the wife of our last master.”
Kaza huffed and looked away.
Whoa! This news helped me understand the conflict between the two brothers. Zand had suffered for his brother’s mistake.
My heart sagged against my ribs. I related to this. My mother had left me to raise myself and my brother. These days, I allowed few people into my life because I couldn’t trust they wouldn’t hurt me. After what my mom had done to us, I vowed that no one would ever hurt me again.
“For inviting her affections and taking her to his bed,” continued Zand. “He caused her husband to seek out a sorcerer to curse us all, and trap us in the lamp. There we remained for hundreds of years. His curse stipulated that we would only be allowed out when a master appeared—one who would grant us freedom from servitude.” His voice trailed off on the last part.
An ache took residence in my chest. I couldn’t imagine the pain of being trapped in a lamp for so long. Missing my brother and only friend. Deprived of my freedom. Denied the opportunity to live life as I chose. Never to see the stars at night. Never to breathe the roasting air of Utaara. Never to hear the sitars playing in the market stalls.
Once I had my wishes, I intended to grant the genies their freedom. Did that mean I was the master prophesied in the previous master’s curse?
Kaza’s face turned dark, like a brewing storm. “How many apologies will be enough, Brother?”
Zand’s burning eyes locked on Kaza. “Master, may I leave your hovel to scout this new city for medicine?”
My breath caught in my throat. “What if the vizier or sultan’s guards catch you?"
“I can take care of myself,” he replied, tossing one of Ali’s robes over his head and vest.
I didn’t doubt that. It would probably take four normal men to subdue the large, muscular genie. What if he got injured, too? Or worse? The vizier had magic capable of bleeding Zand’s magic. My brain felt ready to explode from all the pressure. After what had happened to me recently, I wasn’t sure I wanted anyone else taking any more risks and getting themselves hurt.
“Master.” Zand grabbed both of my hands and whispered in my ears. “Beware your heart with my brother.”
Whatever did he mean? I wasn't giving my heart to anyone. Least of all the playboy Kaza. I didn't have time for love. Even if I did, I wasn't about to share myself with a genie—or three—who wouldn't stick around once I used up my wishes.
Still, my chest warmed at the concern radiating from the red genie.
“Thank you,” I said, touching his arm, my fingers itching to crawl up his biceps and shoulders.
Zand nodded.
My fingers burned to touch him again as he pulled away.
The door banged shut after him.
I set the iron pot on the stove and snapped some twigs for kindling to light the damn thing.
Despite Zand’s moodiness, I had to admire his determination to save his brother, even after all they had endured.
Dahvi touched my arm, and I nearly dropped the teapot. “Do not worry, Master. My brother will be back when the master of the lamp calls.”
Yeah, well, right now, I wanted to stuff that broody jerk back inside the damn lamp.
I didn’t get time to dwell on my annoyance further because Kaza crashed back into my brother’s pancake of a pillow as if he could no longer hold himself upright. His skin had paled at least by half. Dark circles bloomed under his eyes. Sweat trickled down his temples.
I rushed to his side and pressed the back of my hand to his forehead. His skin was roasting, and I hissed, jerking away. The infection was getting worse and fast. Crap, crap, crap. Zand better come back with the medicine soon.
“Brother,” Dahvi said to Kaza. “You must go back into the lamp.”
“No,” shouted Kaza, startling everyone because he’d been so quiet for so long. “I'm not going back inside that prison.”
I took his hand and rubbed it. This always worked to soothe my brother when he felt ill. I swept away a blond lock from his forehead. I couldn't imagine what being cooped up in a lamp for a hundred years might feel like. My soul ached for adventure and freedom just like his did.
“How will being back inside the lamp help?” My gaze jumped between the two remaining genies in my home.
“It slows down time,” explained Dahvi. “Easing the wound’s progression until we can get the medicine Kaza needs to heal.”
I wondered if my brother could go into the lamp to slow down his illness until the genies were stronger.
When Kaza touched my wrist, tingles ran down my spine. “I'll go in on one condition. If the master comes in with me.”
Oh, boy. There came that cheeky smile of Kaza's again. The one that made me melt, the one full of dimples that lit up his dazzling golden eyes.
Blood rushed to my cheeks, and admiration filled me that he trusted me to care for him. “How long in my time would we spend in the lamp? I don’t want to leave my brother—or yours—at the mercy of the vizier if he busts in here while we’re gone.”
Kaza’s fever-induced-trembling hand stroked mine. “Until I fall asleep.”
Ali usually fell asleep in ten minutes. I could manage that. Hopefully, Zand would return with some ferret’s leaf tea shortly after that.
The notion of spending alone time with Kaza did something to my insides. Except I was going there to help him…not gawk at him. Still, he was so ridiculously handsome I could barely look him in the eye. My gaze ran down the curves of his broad shoulders, down his strong arms and powerful back. He must have caught me admiring him because he laughed.
Heat claimed my cheeks.
Gods. Where was my head lately? I didn't have time for a boyfriend…let alone three god-like ones. Getting close to them was not an option. Trust did not come easily to me. Not after what my mother had done to Ali and me. My brother was my priority, not feeding the lusty beast inside me. For now, I had to find a way to heal Kaza, recoup the genies’ power, and heal my brother.
Chapter 5
“Please, join me inside the lamp, Master.” His playful tone had turned into a beg.
An animalistic part of me groaned, urging me to go with him. I was curious to visit the lamp and the world of a genie. Was it cramped? Full of silk pillows? A smoky haven? But the sensible, suspicious side of me wanted more answers, to ensure mine and Ali’s lives weren’t in any more danger than we were already in.
I pulled my hand away and shyly looked away. “What if this is a trick to trap me inside so you three can have your freedom?”
Kaza pointed to Dahvi. “She’s smart and feisty. I like her more than any other master we’ve ever had.”
Wow. I wasn’t sure how to take his comment. Was it a compliment? Or sweet talk to butter me up and trick me? Either way, my “suspicion radar” was on full alert.
Dahvi sighed behind me as if he were giving up. “If a master commands the lamp, she rules our inner flame, and we may not hurt her.” Sincerity rang loud and clear in his voice.
In my line of work, I had to be in tune with my instincts. My gut was well accustomed to warning me of trouble. Of the three genies, I trusted him the most because he gave me the impression he would never lie to his master. That I was safe with him and he would die to protect me.
Kaza gestured with his fin
ger. “Show her, Brother.”
Like a striking viper, Dahvi snagged the knife from the kitchen bench.
“Hey, what are you doing with that?” Heart racing, I stood between the genie and Ali.
Dahvi lunged at me with the sharp tip.
I froze and screamed.
The knife connected with a bright-blue force. Light exploded outward, thrusting him into the wall. The blade dropped from his grasp and bounced onto the floor. Where he crashed left an imprint of his body in the bricks.
“Whoa!” cried Ali, scrambling to help Dahvi to his feet.
I rocked back on my heels as the force field evaporated.
Dahvi groaned and rubbed his head.
“Told you,” Kaza said matter-of-factly from beside me.
How quickly he had moved left me shaken. So much so I kept dropping the knife when I picked it up from the floor. At last, I got a firm grip and returned it to the cupboard. “Don’t ever do that to me again, understand?”
Dahvi gave me a weak smile and rubbed his neck. “Just trying to prove a point. We can’t harm you.”
While this was somewhat reassuring, it didn’t stop the palpitations stemming from the knowledge that the vizier could still kill me using other means.
Kaza hissed and clutched his leg.
Crap. I had to get him back into the lamp to slow the deterioration of his wound. “Dahvi, please protect Ali while I will escort Kaza.” I kissed my brother’s head. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Kaza’s eyes twinkled,
promising me trouble…just not the kind I was used to. The yellow-vested genie vanished in a golden haze, leaving me wondering how the hell I was going to go in after him.
“Azar,” said Ali, his lips pressed into a cautious line. “Are you sure about this?”
No, I wasn’t. A part of me didn’t want to go inside the lamp because I was scared of what I’d find. What if I had trouble coming back? After all, I wasn’t a genie. What if I was trapped in it? The rest of me begged to explore the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
At that moment, I felt like an excited child had taken control of me. It battled with the wary, older me for dominance. This was so unlike me. I didn’t trust others so easily, but something about these genies left me unable to control myself and excited to visit a whole new world.
“If they try anything funny,” I whispered to my brother, running a hand across his head. “Take control of the lamp, and get me out.”
Concern burrowed behind his eyes, but he nodded.
I stood in the center of my hovel. “Okay. I’m ready to go now.”
Dahvi took both of my hands and stroked the back of my wrist with his thumb. His breath quickened at our connection, as did my heartbeat.
I pulled away. My mind sprayed icy water on the warmth pooling below. What were these three doing to me? It was like a spell had settled on me. Was it genie magic?
Dahvi cleared his throat. “Ready to go into the lamp, Master? It doesn't hurt. Promise.” He caressed the skin across my wrist with his thumb. “Feels like this.”
The fun part of me, the one I hadn’t released in years, wanted to giggle and delight in the chills running up my arm. But I bit my lip, held it in, and nodded.
Static electricity burst all over me. Pale-blue smoke swirled around me, filling my nostrils with the sweetest scent of dates and wine. I felt a tug at my core and was sucked away. Next thing I knew, I stood on top of a slab of marble decorated with a satin recliner, pillows, lamps, and that had what looked like a rectangular pool in the middle. The space wasn’t very wide. Maybe thirty feet square. I crossed to the edge, curious about what lay beyond it.
I gasped and jumped back.
The marble hovered atop a whirlwind extending from a bunch of clouds.
Gods. My throat squeezed with terror that I might fall off, and I stepped away from the verge.
Not exactly the luxurious palace I had imagined the genies had spent their last few hundred years.
“Master!” Kaza leaped up from his lounging position on a satin recliner. Being on his feet obviously caused him pain, as he winced and moaned.
“Sit and rest.” I wrapped my arm around his waist and helped him lie back down.
“I’m glad you came.” His gorgeous, golden-eyed gaze trailed across my face, setting my body alight.
Gods. Maybe coming in here with just him hadn’t been such a great idea. I felt as if I was losing control. That wasn’t me. The feeling was frightening, overwhelming, and exhilarating at the same time.
I guided him down into the pillows. “Rest.”
Please, let him go to sleep as soon as possible. Being so close to him was making me nervous and giving me hot flashes.
“I’ll rest with you.” He inched up, grabbed me with his strong arms, and pulled me beside him. The action brushed one half of his yellow vest aside.
Waves of golden, static electricity crackled between us, and he smiled. I had to use all my self-control not to reach over and touch his chest to see if it was as rock hard as it looked.
I nudged him with my shoulder. “You snuggle next to all your old masters, too?”
“Of course.” He nudged me back, smirking. “Especially the smelly ones.”
We both laughed. His honey tones drove me crazy. I couldn't remember the last time I chuckled out loud. It felt freeing to let loose and relax for a change. Being around Kaza made me forget my troubles and responsibilities for a brief moment. He brought out a sense of fun in me that I had buried long ago. For that, I owed him the world.
“This…I don’t know what to call this place.” I pointed to the slab of marble we were on. “How is it floating?”
“Magic,” he said with a waggle of his brows.
I crossed my arms and huffed. “But you’re weak. Was bringing me in here all a ruse?”
Kaza offered me a goblet of wine. I wasn’t taking his damn drink until he explained himself.
“Relax, Master,” he said as if it was nothing. “It’s something I created long ago. To remind me of home.”
I scoffed. “You lived on a floating city?”
“Yeah.”
He gave me that wicked grin of his, and I felt like I drifted into the clouds.
“You should see Zand’s room. All volcanoes and fire. He likes it hot.” The last line earned me a wink as he sipped from his goblet.
The way Kaza said “hot” had sounded incredibly sexy.
“What do you do for a living, Master?”
Kaza rubbed the end of my ragged kaftan between his fingers, and I blushed.
“You don’t smell like a fishmonger.” He grabbed my hand and inspected it. “Your fingernails are too dirty to be a seamstress.”
He was toying with me, I could tell, but I let him keep guessing.
“Far too beautiful for a princess,” he rambled.
I coughed.
“No. I'm serious. Most royalty I've met would make you want to bring up your lunch.” He whispered in my ear. “Inbred.”
That had me clutching my stomach and laughing.
He winced a little as he folded his arms behind his head. Obviously, the lamp did not steal away all his pain.
“I bet your talents lie in strategy, quick thinking, and keen observation,” he continued.
Now he was really playing.
I began stroking his hair to shut him up. “Shh. Go to sleep.”
He moaned and closed his eyes. “You're a thief,” he said as if struggling to get the words out. “That's how you found our lamp.”
I tucked my head, my cheeks blazing hot as a bonfire. How could he read me so well? Was I that much of a giveaway? Right then, I wasn’t sure how I felt about him knowing my profession. Did he judge me for stealing from others? I’d never let what someone else thought of what I did to survive bother me before, but now, for some reason, I cared about this genie’s opinion.
His fingers interlocked with mine and squeezed. “You
must be a hell of a thief because you stole my heart from across the room.”
I laughed and punched him in the chest. “Do you say that to all the girls?”
He rubbed a lock of my hair. “Only the sweaty ones who have lots of moles.”
Gods. That made me snort. I hadn’t expected to have such an enjoyable time with him.
“That’s very sexy, Master,” he said.
I shoved him in the chest for joking with me. “What makes you think I’m a thief?” I asked, curious how he had me pegged.
He gave me that dazzling smile that took my breath away. “Call it genie magic. When your breast grazed our lamp, we all knew it.”
Gods. Not the breast thing again. I swear he said that to get a rise out of me. It was my whole chest, not just my boobs. I had the bruises to prove it!
My gaze dipped to my filthy, ratty clothes and picked at them. Curiosity chewed away at me like a rat. I wanted to know what else the lamp had told him.
But first I had to explain myself. “I steal to feed my brother. I’m not proud of it. We don’t have a trade or an education. My brother is sick often and I can’t hold down a job if I have to look after him.”
Not once did he blink, look away, or even make a face to indicate his disapproval. Who would have thought the joker had a serious side to him?
“Twelve years ago, Ali and I left the orphanage because they abused us,” I continued, unable to end my blabbering. “The master used us as slave labor, rather than putting us through school like the sultan demanded of every orphanage.”
Kaza brushed away my dangling hair. My whole body buzzed. I didn't want him to stop talking or touching me.
“The thief title is nothing to be ashamed about, my beautiful master.”
Despite his confident words, I didn’t agree with him. In Utaara, I was a filthy street rat, nothing more. But I had much more to give Haven.
Wow. What a mood killer. I hadn’t expected to share my life story. Half of this I’d never even told my close friend Scarlet. But I felt so at ease in the genie’s company. As if we’d know each other forever. Talking about all this stirred up my deep-rooted grief and anger. Any second now, those emotions threatened to burst from me like a flooding dam.