by Tiana Laveen
“This is one of the most bizarre conversations I’ve ever had. You’re weird.”
“And so are you…”
She cocked her head to the side, not sure what to make of this man. Something about him felt… ominous, despicable and foul. She hated how she somehow found all that attractive, even sexy.
“If I’m being honest, if you weren’t so alluring, I weren’t so bored, and you incredibly, yet oddly entertaining, I would’ve walked away at least thirty seconds ago.” He didn’t seem fazed by her backhanded compliment. “The bottom line though is that none of this works on me. Your money, handsome face, and nice body won’t get what you want. Just so we’re clear.”
“Oh, is that so?” His mouth curled in a haughty grin.
“I’m not for sale, Shahzad. You can flash your money, leave big tips, have a place full of fancy furniture, and wear these suits that cost more than I make in probably a month, but I can’t be bought, thank you very much. Just fix my sink, please.” And with that, she turned her back and slammed the door behind her.
…Three days later
“What are you going to do?” Vivian sat in her living room, dumbfounded as she clutched her phone. Sweat gathered along her brow. She was in deep! She’d gotten home from work, it was four in the damn morning, and she was exhausted… Well, not anymore. Now, she was wide awake, like a rooster on a farm at the first sign of sunrise. In her mind, she rewound the tape of what had transpired less than ten minutes prior…
When’d she entered her place after retrieving her mail, she’d nearly jumped out of her skin. Red, pink, and yellow roses filled the apartment, all bound in gold and ivory ribbons. Now, she was busy opening an unlabeled white box with a gold bow on top. Inside of her mailbox she’d found an aquamarine swan pendant. She adored that gem stone; the ice blue hue drew her, called to her. She’d loved swans since she was a little girl, too, and even had them as her décor in her bathroom as a child. How did he know?
“Hello?”
“Oh, girl, sorry. I’m just overwhelmed!” she explained to Elizabeth as she placed the rich fucker’s business card down onto the table, which she’d found wedged in one of the bouquets. Arrogant motherfucker… “He included a note that he wants to take me out on a date, Liz. What the hell?! This is a little creepy!”
“I think it’s kinda romantic.”
“What?!”
“I’m serious! Think about it. He could probably have any woman he wants, but he’s taken a fond interest in you. It might be a cultural thing, ya know? I’ve heard Middle Eastern men are more aggressive.” Liz had a point there. She’d dated a few briefly years ago. They were definitely more forward with their intentions. “He seems sincere from what you’ve shared.”
“I think you’re making wild assumptions now. The man told me he wanted to fuck me. Not in those words… well, yes, he did use the word ‘fuck’, but he framed it around some other shit that sounded less crass. What a lunatic! Why do I always attract crazy men?! If they’re not cheaters, they’re liars or totally insane.”
“Yeah, but this one might be crazy and rich. Big difference. If you’re going to be a nutjob, at least have two pennies to rub together, you know, make it worth your time. You say he thinks he can buy you. Well, girl, you could at least let him window-shop until you get on your feet!”
Vivian burst out laughing.
“You should be ashamed of yourself, Liz.” Though the woman did have a point. She rubbed her eyes, then looked around the place and shook her head in disbelief. “I have to give him this necklace back, girl. This is too much.” She glanced at it, the diamonds in the setting so sparkly and beautiful. “This is far too expensive.”
“Let me wear it a couple of times first, or at least pawn it!”
“Bye, Liz!” Vivian laughed as she disconnected the call.
This guy is batshit crazy… and conceited, too! Anyway, I’ll deal with this in the morning. As she turned to go shower and get ready for bed, a noise gave her pause. Approaching her door, she looked out the peephole and noticed curls of white smoke coiling from beneath the door of apartment 13.
“Shit! The apartment is on fire!” She stepped out into the hall and pounded on the door to see if Shahzad or anyone else was inside. “FIRE!” she screamed, hoping to get attention. One apartment door further down the hall opened and a tired-looking White woman peeped out.
“Huh?” the lady called out. “Your place on fire?”
“Not mine! Apartment 13!”
Just as she was about to turn and call 911, the door swung open and there Shahzad stood in nothing but a white towel around his waist.
“Everything is fine here! No fire!” he yelled, prompting the woman—who’d been awakened no doubt by all of the commotion she’d made—to slam her door.
When Vivian turned back towards the bastard, her jaw dropped.
Mother. Of. God.
He was holding a silver cigar in his right hand and his chiseled chest was covered in beads of moisture, some caught in his silky black chest hair. A gold necklace hung around his neck.
“Dear Lord…” she uttered as she surveyed his body. That wasn’t supposed to come out! I said that out loud? From the look in his eyes, she had…
“Shahzad will do just fine,” he joked, making her smirk. “I see you made it home safely, Vivian. Did you like my gifts?”
“I thought your apartment was on fire!” She pointed behind him but could barely see anything. “Smoke was coming out of here and—”
“It’s incense and my smoke bath.”
“Smoke bath?”
“Yes. Look it up… very therapeutic and relaxing.”
“Look, Shahzad, now that I know you’re okay, I need you to understand that I can’t accept your presents. It’s a very nice gesture but—”
“Vivian, you’re so used to having to do everything for yourself that you don’t even know how to accept help.”
“Help? But I don’t need your help.”
“Yes, you do. There’s no shame in accepting my assistance. I need your help, too.”
“I hate to even ask.” She grimaced. “But with what?”
“With life in general. You have something I don’t.”
“What’s that?”
“A conscience.” She blinked several times as her tongue felt suddenly heavy. “It’s everything about you, actually, not just one thing… I want to wine and dine you. I want to give you at least just one evening of fun and happiness, making you laugh so hard, you almost piss on yourself… eat food so delicious, it sends your taste buds into a tailspin… are kissed so passionately, you think you’re in love and… your wishes finally come true.”
“I don’t want to date. I told you that.”
“But that relationship was so long ago… Time to get back on the horse again.”
Did I tell him at the bar when David and I broke up? Maybe I did…
“I also don’t want a fuck buddy or boyfriend right now.”
“Good. I was thinking more along the lines of a fuck husband.”
“Why are you doing this? Is this your version of some sick joke?”
“The last thing I want you to do is think I’m kidding.” His eyes narrowed on her as he took another toke of his cigar. “And doing what, pray tell? I’m just discussing legal contracts with you. Rings. Orgasms that destroy you. So. Damn. Good…”
She exhaled.
“This is what Middle Eastern men do? Pushy… aggressive. Not taking no for an answer.”
“Well, aren’t you stereotypical?” He chuckled. “How’d you like it if I said all Black women are loud, money-hungry, and bossy, huh?” She rolled her eyes.
“Don’t try to get the focus off you.” She pointed at him. “It doesn’t work that way over here in the States, Shahzad. I understand this may be a cultural thing for you, that’s all I was saying, not stereotyping, but I don’t like your approach. It’s—”
“So telling a woman what I want is wrong?” He shrugged. “You
’d rather me fuck you over like… David?” She seethed. “You’d rather me play games with you like all the men before? You’d rather me tell you all the things you want to hear then do the exact opposite? Or maybe you want me to take things super fuckin’ slow, then give you an excuse to bail? I don’t move like that. I move with purpose.” He tossed his cigar on the floor and crushed it under his shoe. “And this has nothing to do with me being Moroccan. I’m assuming you also think I’m Muslim…”
“Well, a process of reasonable deduction would point in that direction.”
“I am well familiar with Islam, naturally, but I don’t practice. They believe in me, though… Anyway, I’ve lived here in New York for a very long time. I’m more than aware of how women here differ from the ones back home and I certainly don’t need a lesson from you. What you are hearing are clear intentions, Vivian. I’m not approaching you to make you a conquest. I’ve approached you to interview you, to spend time with you and see if perhaps you’re mate potential. I’ve never been married, have no children. By choice. Now, I’ve chosen. YOU. I will be taking you out tomorrow.”
“I’m not going and if you try anything else like this, I will call the police.”
“And tell them what? ‘Oh, officer! That Moroccan man sent me flowers and asked me out! It’s a national emergency!’” He chuckled so the vein on the side of his neck protruded. She gritted her teeth and crossed her arms. “Just one date… I’ll never bother you again after that if you don’t want me to.”
She sighed and mulled over Liz’s words.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been out on the town…
“Come on, you have to admit it seems like fate that we ran into each other again, especially in this way. One night.” He put one finger in the air. “If you’re not feeling me after that, you have my word that we will have a strictly professional relationship from then on and I won’t do anything vindictive like raise your rent or not take care of your repairs.”
“Fine. One date. That’s it.”
“Perfect.” His lips curled as billows of smoke surrounded him… almost as if they’d been summoned. “Good night, sweet dreams, wish on several stars…” And with that, he closed and locked his door…
CHAPTER FIVE
Fires and Desires
“It’s forbidden.”
“It’s not forbidden. There’s nothing in writing in the scrolls, Quran, or any other sacred texts that mention this. There’s nothing that states a Jinn cannot court a human being. In fact, there are several tales that describe just the opposite scenario. We’ve all heard of it occurring.”
Nizar folded his thick arms clad in cream linen. He floated a few inches above the ground, and steam practically poured from his reddened ears. Shahzad raised the ivory chalice to his lips, tasted the strong elixir, and placed it back down.
“Besides, you’re my friend. Not my master,” he said.
“I understand that, Shahzad, but you’re taking a huge risk. Those cases you mention are rare. They wouldn’t have to have it written that no human man or woman is to date a demon, a mere devil.”
“We’re not devils. And you know I resent being referred to as such.”
“You and I both know that we’re not, but we’re still seen by Muslims as such.”
“That was based on evil Jinn. There are evil people. Bad and fallen angels, too. That wasn’t us.”
“It wasn’t?” Nazir fixed glowing, narrowed eyes on him. “Yes, we are along a spectrum. There are slave-like Jinn who somehow see themselves below humans and do their bidding. There are Jinn who grant no wishes either because they are not powerful enough or feral, and then there are those like us… We have the most power. We are known to cause what humans call havoc. Anything that can burn something or someone up within seconds, shower them with riches, or tear them apart from limb to limb with our mere minds is considered demonic in this world! Perception is reality, Shahzad. No, I’ve never known you to attack for the sake of it, but you relish the suffering. Just as we all do…”
Silence webbed between them as Shahzad deliberated on his best friend’s words. He didn’t listen to many, but Nizar was one of the wisest Jinns he knew, besides his own father. His opinion held some weight.
“Are you finished schooling me about myself and my nature?” Shahzad smirked and shifted on his high-backed chair. “I know myself better than anyone. I know myself better than you…” He pointed at Nizar, the enormous ring on his index finger sparkling in the artificial light. “Regardless of what I enjoy, what we’re called and how we’re reviewed in religious texts, we define who we are!” He slammed his fist on the desk. “We can be evil, we can be kind. We can be whatever we choose! One day, I can save a young man’s life and receive nothing in return. Another day, I can cause a building to collapse because the tenants are ungrateful. It’s my rewards. My wrath. We are the wish granters and I won’t apologize for making a living off such a situation. Look at all we have to do to accomplish these things! I will not become a slave for mankind, nor will I wipe them out, though I am completely capable. I didn’t create them so it’s not my right to destroy them like some Jinn you and I have encountered wish to do. Nevertheless, not all of them are bumbling idiots or only good for entertainment or fucking. She’s… she’s intriguing. I’ve dreamt about her… I want her.”
“Like a new jewel, a gadget, a toy, Shahzad. She’s not. She’s a person. They are different from us in every way. She can’t become invisible. She can’t shrink herself and live inside a bottle or lamp. She can’t turn into smoke. She can’t kill at will. She can’t grant you not even one wish! Look, man, we both came into this with the understanding that you are to have a Moroccan marriage once you found a mate that suited you… to a fellow Jinn! This is highly inappropriate. You’re one of the few left of our tribe that is single. I’ve been married for eighty-three years. Mesbah for seventy-two. You were the only one left of your family and close friends still not even engaged, despite the public pressure. And now, you call me into your office to tell me you have your eye on someone to pursue for more than just a fuck! And it’s a human! You can’t do this. This is wrong in every way.”
“Is this the part where the melancholy music plays? You know, like in the movies when a guy is down on his luck and the walls are crashing in? Or the scene where some sad sap is pleading his case in court, trying to convince a jury that he didn’t bop someone over the head, despite the circumstantial evidence? Law and Order! Yeah, don’t you love that show?” Shahzad snapped his fingers and suddenly the theme show music began to play through his office surround sound speakers.
“This isn’t funny, Shahzad. It’s irrational!” The guy threw up his hands in disbelief and his shoulder-length wavy dark brown hair swayed to and fro. “Worst of all, she’s not even elite! I could be more forgiving if she were a queen, or perhaps even a famous doctor. You said she’s some bar maiden.”
“Bartender…” He chortled and shook his head at the guy.
“Oh, fabulous. She helps people become inebriated. What a calling.”
“Nizar, I understand where you are coming from.”
“But you are still going to take his woman out with intentions that go beyond sex, aren’t you?”
“Indeed I am,” he answered with a smile as he got to his feet. Grabbing his thick black fur-lined cape, he wore it over his wine suit and adjusted his gold and diamond pinky ring.
“I hope you change your mind, or at least just screw her and be on your merry way.” Nizar lowered himself to his feet then snatched his briefcase from the floor.
“Well, it depends on how it goes.” Shahzad shrugged. “Truly, you know how picky I am. If she can pass my multiple tests, that will prove to me as well as anyone else that she is fit to be my spouse.”
“Tests? What tests?”
Shahzad flung his office door open. The two stepped out, shoulder to shoulder, colorful lights dancing all around them.
“That’s for me to know, her to find
out, and you to not question my moves. I made it this far in life without needing the aid or rescue of another. I appreciate your concern but this is none of your business unless I bring it up to you in the future.”
“Shahzad, these matters affect everyone! You are depended upon. You can’t be selfish. There’s no room for that. You are not a servant for humanity, but you are a born, royal servant for high functioning, wish-granting Jinns who look up to you! You’ve managed to build an empire and impress not only your fellow Jinn, but the Masters. Not only that, there’s something you lack in this new quest of yours.”
“I lack nothing. I have the riches. I have the power. I have the dick and the tongue that she needs. I can get her whatever she wants, take care of anyone who gets in her way, and give her orgasms she never knew were even possible. The female human body is one of my specialties. They have more pronounced clitorises and actually enjoy sex. It’s not just for procreation. You haven’t lived until you’ve driven your cock inside a beautiful human woman… the heat, the passion, the cries of ecstasy…” He winked.
“You’re looking at this far too simplistically. Female women want love, attention, care and kindness! You can give none of that! Why? Because you don’t possess those traits! You can’t give someone something you don’t have. You say that she must pass your tests. How do you know you can pass hers?!”
“This discussion is officially over.”
In unison they walked, steps thundering until they reached the elevator doors. Shahzad selected the down arrow button and waited, keeping a stony expression. Although he’d be lying to himself if he didn’t admit Nizar’s final words worried him, chipped at his faith. He’d hadn’t thought that far, or even considered that Vivian would want more than the material possessions he could provide and perhaps humorous and good conversation. All the songs he listened to talked about women wanting a bag… money. They were very vocal about wanting great sex, too.