To Rub, Honor and Obey

by Melinda Barron

  “I told you the reasons for that. But now that we are bonded, I can move you out today, with witnesses. If something happens there, it can’t be traced back to you.”

  “Poor Mrs. Weinstein. She’s the only person I’ll miss. She was always so nice to me, and she’s all alone in the world with no one but her cat.”

  “Funny you should mention that. Didn’t you read the newspaper this morning?”

  She moved back slightly as a newspaper floated in front of her. There was a photo of Mrs. Weinstein with a big check in her hand. “She won the lottery?”

  “Yes, amazing, isn’t it? And she’s looking at an apartment in this very building. Imagine how surprised she’s going to be when she hears you live upstairs with your new husband.”

  She ran across the room, throwing her arms around him and showering his face with kisses. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

  “Thank Aliya. It was her first case as a Djinni, to make the woman’s life better.”

  She dropped her arms. “What?”

  “Yes, she arranged it, all of it.” He kissed her gently. “I think she did a splendid job. She knew you’d be worried about your neighbor, and she wanted her to stay close to you.”

  The icicles around Moreen’s heart instantly melted. “I can’t believe she did all that.”

  “I told you, she’s not the person she used to be.”

  “You’re right. I need to thank her.”

  “Nothing would make me prouder, my beautiful wife.” He cupped her face and caressed her cheek. She leaned into his touch.

  Returning to the bed, they both laid down, snuggled in each other’s arms

  “You knew all along that we would bond?”

  “No, not until the first time I was inside you. I knew then. You felt it, too.”

  “I thought it was just good sex, but since I haven’t had that much good sex, I wasn’t sure.”

  Deep laughter filled the room. “I’m going to have to change that. Think of a fantasy, something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but never thought was possible.”

  She closed her eyes and moaned, opening them quickly when his laughter erupted again. “That will be a switch, but I’m willing to give it a try. But first, we have something we need to take care of.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Justin, the young man who thieved Aliya’s wallet. He needs to be brought to heel.”

  She pushed away from him. “No. That’s why I returned it, so he wouldn’t get in trouble.”

  “Moreen, you can’t let him get away with it. He’ll think he can do anything he wants. He needs to learn there are consequences. You know it as well as I do.”

  “Then let me talk to him.”

  “No. I will talk to him, as will Matuse. You will be there, yes, but he will return the wallet of his own free will, or face charges.”

  “I’ve already returned it.”

  “Not to him. When we go to the center today, he will think the theft just happened.”

  Rising from the bed, she started to pace, her feet shuffling on the thick carpet. “It’s not fair to him, when I already took care of it.”

  “I appreciate your concern for him, but you know that he needs to learn this now, before his thefts escalate. If this can change him, it has to happen.” He came up behind her, caressing her shoulder. “You know I’m right.”

  “Yes, I know. I just remember the horrible feeling of getting caught, of being in trouble.”

  “Then you know why we have to do it. Better he is caught by us than the police.”

  “You’re right, of course. But he’s going to be angry.”

  “You let Matuse and I deal with him. Nothing good comes from cutting corners, Moreen. He has to be taught a lesson, not be bailed out.”

  She nodded, her fantastic mood gone. Of course she knew Paran was right. Justin couldn’t get away with a slap on the wrist. He would think he could do things like that all the time and never have to pay the price.

  “We’ll be there around four,” he said softly, kissing her neck. “Then you and I can go to your apartment and get anything you might want.”

  “Just the lamp and my clothes. I’d be thrilled if I never stepped foot in there again.”

  “Your wish is my command. We won’t go there. This is your home now, and it’s fully protected against Paschel, I promise you that.”

  * * * *

  As the afternoon drew closer, it was harder for Moreen to concentrate on work. She thought about the upcoming confrontation with Justin, how he would react, and how frightened he would be when two large men approached him, angry about the theft of Aliya’s wallet.

  Despite her misgivings, her body still tingled from the bonding ceremony last night, from hearing Paran tell her that he loved her, and would always care for her. Other than the Justin situation, she’d been very happy all day, laughing and telling jokes to the point where people who saw her at the center all the time were staring at her, their confusion evident.

  When Bruce approached her, she smiled sheepishly.

  “Give.”

  She sighed. “Well, there’s not much to tell, really…”

  “Moreen and I are married.” Paran stepped up behind her and pulled her to him for a huge kiss. “We eloped last night.”

  “Not much to tell huh?” Bruce erupted into laughter, tugging Moreen in for a bear hug. “I’m so happy for you. For both of you.” He shook Paran’s hand.

  “I’m thrilled,” Paran said. “I’m not sure about my wife, though.”

  She slapped at him playfully, groaning when he claimed her lips for another deep kiss.

  “You will let us have a party for you, right? To celebrate?”

  “Absolutely,” Paran said. “A huge party. Lots of food and balloons. And a big cake.”

  “We’ll set it up for next week,” Bruce offered. “That way Shelia, my wife, will have time to plan. She loves to throw parties. I’m going to run and call her now.”

  Bruce hurried to the office and Moreen turned a grin on Paran. “You’ve made his day. There’s nothing Bruce likes more than good news.”

  Her smile disappeared when Matuse and Aliya appeared beside them. Matuse nodded at Paran and they turned toward the area where Justin stood. Moreen touched Paran’s arm, and when he looked at her, she saw his determination.

  “Don’t interfere. Stay right here.”

  “He’s just a kid. Please go easy on him.”

  Paran shook his head, then took off after Justin, who had noticed them watching him and was now headed toward the exit. Matuse caught him by the arm and led him into a small room while Paran followed.

  They shut the door and Aliya put a gentle hand on Moreen’s arm. “They’re not going to hurt him, you know. They’re just going to let him know the consequences of his actions, especially if he does it to someone else, who might call the police.”

  Moreen nodded, looking into Aliya’s eyes, knowing she had things to say to the other woman, but not being able to think of anything but what was happening behind the closed door.

  After a few long, agonizing minutes, she shook her head and took off toward the room, breaking into a slow trot.

  “Moreen!” Aliya’s voice sounded sharp. “Don’t!”

  She pushed open the door to find Justin standing in between the Djinn, fear written on his face. He had Aliya’s wallet in his hands, which he proceeded to give to Matuse, who snatched it and glared at the young man.

  “Too bad there’s no such thing as public stocks anymore,” Matuse said. “I’d see you got more than a few hours there.”

  “Should we call the police?” Paran glared at the young man, and then looked at Matuse.

  “No!” Moreen stepped forward. “Leave him be.”

  Both Djinn turned toward her in disbelief. Justin took advantage of their shock to run, darting past her and out the front door.

  “He’ll probably never come back now,” she said. “What good would that do? Now he’ll just st
ay on the streets and turn to more crime.”

  “He’ll be back,” Matuse replied. He stepped around her and left.

  Paran shook his head. “Did I not tell you to stay out there, to let us handle this?”

  “So, by obey you mean that I can’t make a move on my own anymore? I’m sorry, but I felt bad for him. I just wanted him to know he was going to be fine.”

  “Did you think I would hit him?”

  “No.”

  “Then what? I told you we were just going to talk to him.”

  “I’m sorry. I just—”

  “Have trust issues, I understand. But I’m your mate, your husband. You have to trust me now.”

  “I can’t just turn it off.” She wrapped her arms around her chest, then sighed when he pulled her close to him.

  “I know. Please, little one, try harder next time.”

  “I will, I promise.”

  “Good.” He kissed her.

  When they went back in the other room, Bruce appeared. “Sheila’s over the moon with this. She was already talking themes and types of food when I hung up. She’s coming by tomorrow to discuss things with you, Moreen.”

  “Great.” She pasted on a smile. She loved Sheila, who was like a mother hen to everyone she met. But a nagging doubt bit at the back of her mind. It should be her mother doing this. She needed to let them know her situation had changed.

  For years she’d thought they didn’t care, but now, knowing they had paid for her rehab, maybe she was wrong. Maybe she should try and call them.

  She pushed the idea away before it could take root. Better to just stay with what she had rather than press her luck and ruin everything.

  Chapter Nine

  After Paran left, she worked all afternoon, watching the doorway for any signs of Justin or, truth be told, of Paschel. Paran had assured her his brother would not act quickly, that he was a planner, who would watch and wait for just the right minute. Still, she knew Paran was on the offensive, so better to be that way herself.

  The citrine lay nestled between her breasts, warm and cozy. She stroked it absent-mindedly. She hated that Paschel was here, threatening Paran. She hated it even worse that the reason he’d found her husband was because of her. Their passion had been hard enough to make Paran break his concentration. Still, she wouldn’t give up what had grown between them for anything in the world.

  “Neither would I.” He nibbled on her ear and she pushed at him.

  She fought back a giggle. “You can’t just pop in like that.”

  “Why not? Did you have to push away another lover?”

  “Two of them.” She shrugged. “They barely made it out the door before you got here.”

  “Oh my, she laughs and tells jokes. Who would have known it?”

  She thought about being mad, and then she burst into laughter, throwing her arms around his neck. “Jerk.”

  “You wound me,” he said in fake pain. “And here I’ve got dinner reservations at a marvelous restaurant. I’ve ordered roses and champagne and oysters. Yummy.”

  “Really? He’s romantic. Who would have known it?”

  Paran’s eyes narrowed, but the amusement written on his face canceled out any supposed anger. He stepped back and looked her up and down. Within seconds the slacks and shirt she’d been wearing turned into a sleek black dress, cut low to reveal a great deal of her breasts. He shook his head and the style changed, the neckline coming up enough to still show a little skin, but not be too revealing. The skirt hit just above her knees.

  She kicked her leg behind her and looked at her shoes. “I’ll never be able to walk in these heels.”

  “Sure you will. One small step at a time.”

  * * * *

  “I’ve never heard of this place.” Moreen stepped out of the taxi, amazed, but happy, that Paran had not simply zapped them here.

  They had made out in the back seat during the ride, kissing as if they were teenagers after the prom, his lips roaming over her neck and face. She knew the driver had watched, laughing softly at times, but she didn’t care.

  This was absolutely fantastic. She glanced up at the sign that read Portellos.

  “Greek food, very yummy. Run by a Djinni. He uses it to bring fated lovers together.”

  “Very noble.”

  “Very. He’s a wonderful man, but he’s in Greece right now, so you won’t meet him.” He took a rose from the doorman and handed it to Moreen. “For you.”

  Her hand shook as she held the bud to her nose. “No one’s ever given me flowers before.”

  “Then I will shower you with them every morning for a month.” He kissed her gently and she pushed into him, their lips dancing around each other.

  “Let’s skip dinner.”

  “But I’m starved. Besides, I went to a great deal of trouble for this meal. You’re going to love it.”

  They went inside, Moreen stopped to stare at the opulence. Cozy booths and tables were interspersed throughout the softly lit room. Red satin curtains lined the walls, and as she looked harder she could see they could be pulled around tables, giving the people dining there privacy.

  “Very romantic.”

  “Yes, and it’s also a nice place to talk quietly with no chance of being overheard by the other diners. Portello saw to it. Every table is spelled for privacy.”

  She followed him as he moved through the room. The place seemed mostly empty. As they neared the corner, her eyes widened.

  Paran stepped in front of the table and bowed. “Mr. and Mrs. McGee, I’m so glad you accepted my invitation. Thank you.”

  Her father stood and shook Paran’s hand as Moreen stared at her parents, unshed tears burning her eyes. Her mother looked at her uncertainly, then stood and held out her arms. Moreen didn’t hesitate. She sprinted the few short steps to her then gathered her close, the threatening tears falling now.

  “I’ve missed you,” she said in her mother’s ear. “And I’m so sorry for the pain I caused you.”

  “I’m the one who’s sorry. Too many years gone by for wicked words that held no meaning. Your husband is a good man.”

  Moreen turned to him. “Yes, he is.” Then she hugged her father, and wondered why she’d ever let anger worm its way into her heart so deeply that she would ignore the only two people who had ever cared for her. Until now, that is.

  * * * *

  His hand was on her knee as she listened to her mother talk about various cousins and what they were up to. He wasn’t trying to arouse her, she knew that. His touch let her know he was there, and always would be, no matter what.

  The fact that he’d secretly called her parents, introduced himself as her husband, and invited them to dinner made her heart ache with joy. It showed the love he felt for her, showed that he wanted her to be happy. If possible, she loved him more now than she had when they bonded. She’d never believed in fated love before, had always thought it was a myth, something inserted into fairy tales. She was thrilled to find it was real, that it did exist.

  Moreen took in every word that her mother said. The start of the dinner had been awkward, the three of them nervous and unsure of what to say. But as the minutes wore on, they became more relaxed and the words tumbled out. They worked their way through calamari, lamb chops and delicious vegetables.

  The waiter had just delivered a huge plate of baklava and Moreen stared at it, her eyes widening. “It looks delicious, but I don’t think I can stuff in another bite.”

  Her mother took a piece. “Sure you can, just one. Or maybe two.” They giggled together as they put the tasty treats on their plates.

  “What is it you do for a living?”

  Moreen wiped her mouth to hide a smile at her father’s question for Paran. Even after all these bad years he was still being protective, wanting to know Paran was good enough for her.

  “I’m a businessman, an investor, really. I own interests in several clubs and restaurants across the city.” Paran squeezed her knee gently and warmth floo
ded her body.

  “And you’re from the city?” Her mother added her own question.

  “No, actually my family is from Europe, originally. But I’ve lived here for many years now.”

  The urge to giggle came again. What would her parents think when they heard their new son-in-law had lived in New York for more than two hundred years?

  “Where in Europe?”

  “Well, I was born in Lisbon, but my parents have both passed on now. I have a lot of brothers and sisters, but we don’t keep in touch.”

  The mention of his family made her heart lurch.

  Paran! What if Paschel tries to do something to my parents?

  Already taken care of, my love. Don’t worry.

  Thank you.

  He leaned over and kissed her gently, and when the kiss broke, she saw a look of approval on her father’s face. He looked so much older, but yet he looked the same as he had when he’d taught her to ride a bike all those years ago.

  “There’s a party at the center for us,” she said softly. “Next Friday. Will you come?”

  “We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” her mother said. “We just wish we’d been there for the wedding.”

  “It was a very informal ceremony,” Paran said. “Just the two of us. But we’re thinking about having a larger ceremony for everyone to watch, sort of a reaffirmation of vows.”

  Her mother, who had been relaxed, sat up straight. “You can use our house. We have a large backyard, plenty of room.”

  “Your mother would love to plan it,” her father said softy. “Say yes, Moreen.”

  “Yes. Definitely.”

  They talked and laughed a little longer, and when they rose to leave, Moreen thought her heart would break. She could spend all night with them, discussing things she’d missed in her family, and just sitting there with them close to her.

  When they were gone, she turned to Paran. “I can’t believe you did that without telling me. Thank you.”

  “Anything to keep you happy, my love. And now, I have something else I think you’ll enjoy.”

  He squeezed her hands and the room shimmered.

  Moreen shivered as cool winds flowed in the darkness that surrounded her. She looked down. She was naked. She looked further down and realized she was standing in something squishy. It took her a few moments, but her eyes widened in delight.