Zand whispered in his strange language, and the magic carpet returned, floating a few good meters from The Collector’s perch on the tree branch.

The woman’s eyes blazed with temptation, and she confidently navigated the limb, balancing on it with ease, as if she’d been climbing her whole life. Reaching out, her fingers traced the length of its silk.

It pulled away as if frightened of her.

“I’m listening,” she said to the genie, totally in command of this negotiation.

Zand lifted himself onto the branch beside her. “You can have the carpet and three wishes.”

I felt as if a tree trunk had slammed into my gut. I couldn’t breathe. Unable to get a word of protest out. What was he doing? Giving away my wishes? How was it even possible for him to leave me when he hadn’t granted me a wish? My mind tumbled, trying to make sense of it all.

Red’s voice cut through my confusion. “Deal.”

My heart crumbled in my chest. “What about the wishes you owe me?”

Zand glanced over at me. “But first, I must fulfill my commitment to my current master.”

What? I stared at him, working out his scheme. He was playing the woman. Dirty rascal, and here I thought he was fooling me. I felt like an idiot.

Darkness stormed across Red’s face, and she looked ready to spear him in the chest. “Do I look like a sucker?”

She swung around the branch like a gymnast, and landed on the ground with the agility of a cat.

Hands fisted, I jumped in front of Zand prepared to fight for my genies if need be.

Zand sidestepped me, and pulled the ruby ring from his forefinger and held it out for her. “Take this. In one month, my service to my master will be complete. Then you may summon me with this.”

Red inspected Zand’s belonging as if it were a piece of trash, and her nose wrinkled with disgust. “Prove it.”

My hands squeezed by my sides. I couldn’t believe my ears. He didn’t just ditch me for that prettier bitch did he? “Um, Zand, you got a moment.”

He waved a hand at me as if I were a pesky fly. Ruby flames flared on Zand’s wrist and jumped onto the ring. They shot out, lashing Red on the wrist, leaving a scorch mark on her skin.

Was he sealing their agreement with magic? What was he doing?

Satisfaction flickered in Red’s eyes as she examined the marking. “We are tied magically. Now you cannot cheat me out of our arrangement.”

My legs wobbled, and I almost fell to my knees.

The collector accepted his ring with a smile. “It’s a deal. Wait here, handsome.” Her gaze teased across his body as if she imagined doing the dirty with him. “I’ll get you your magical sands.”

With a wink, she drifted off into the darkness.

The remaining wreckage that was my heart turned to dust and scattered around my body. That pain twisted into fury. It surged inside me, like a vicious sandstorm blanketing the city.

“I can’t believe you’ve just made a deal without my permission,” I shouted. “Aren’t I your master?”

“Calm down, Master.” He grabbed my hand and stared deep into my eyes. “Trust me. I’m handling it.”

I rubbed my forehead. My feet carried me the length between the two closest trees. “I don’t understand what’s happening here.”

“Master if you don’t calm down you will ruin everything.” Impatience gave Zand’s voice a brittle edge. “Control your anger. In this situation it’s your greatest weakness.”

My ears couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Fire scorched the inside of my stomach. I shot him a glare more deadly than a cobra’s bite. “I’m helping save your brother so you’ll save mine.”

Hot, bitter tears streamed down my cheeks. Needing to put space between us, I raced off into the forest. The darkness caught up to me, and I stumbled again on what I thought was a tree root. This brought me crashing down on my knees. I shuffled to sit against a huge trunk, and leaned my head back on it. Dead leaves crunched in my hand, and I let them flitter to the ground, each representing the grains of my heart.

Betrayed thoughts tumbled inside my mind in a thick confusion. Did he not have faith in me to get the sands? I remembered something he’d said to Kaza about stealing all the glory. Was Zand competitive and wanting the triumph? Who cared so long as Kaza’s life was saved?

Then there was the issue of Zand leaving me for the collector. Was I not the one who released him from the lamp? Did that not make me his master? What exactly were the rules of the lamp? I hadn’t excused him from his service to me. Yet he was making all the decisions for everyone.

Gods. Then there was the selfish part of me, the one that hated to admit, that I was hurt that I had not had the opportunity to explore my feelings for Zand. Maybe I’d fooled myself into thinking that he had an attraction to me too. The tug I and the genies had felt when I released them from the lamp might have meant something completely different to Zand. Perhaps it was gratitude for being freed after so long. Or recognition of the master that would finally free them from slavery. I struggled to process all the thoughts bombarding me.

The crunch of leaves and twigs signaled someone approached.

I wiped away my tears and smoothed my hair.

Please let it Dahvi looking for me. His presence always had a way of calming me. Damn, what I would have given for Kaza to cheer me up with one of his silly jokes.

“Master?” My stomach dropped at Zand’s deep voice.

“Leave me alone,” I shouted at him.

Flames blazing on his palms illuminated the regret pinching his forehead and the tightness in his posture.

“Please, understand, Master.” He put a hand up against the tree I leaned on, filling me with his smoky scent.

I kicked at a log by my foot, refusing to look at him. “That you’re leaving me for Red and her goddess curves. Sure, I understand.”

Geez. Why was I acting like this? I hadn’t bonded with Zand. Yes, I had a crush on him, but that was it. Maybe my chest ached for my brother, for his devastation at losing his new friend.

“No. Never.” Zand’s voice held a raw edge.

I glared up at him, taking in all his perfect chiseled jaw. “Then what?”

His shoulders sagged under an invisible weight. “Once I became a genie, I was forbidden to ever see my family again.”

The torment in Zand’s words was like a knife cutting me to pieces. I was bursting to go to him. Take him into my arms. Strip away all his pain. Even though he’d just hurt me. But I was not forgiving him that easily. No matter what my body wanted.

The space where my heart used to sit felt empty and hollow. I could never imagine a life without Ali. I’d be truly lost. I could only imagine a fraction of what Zand must have gone through. What I might experience if Ali died from the black lung. Now, I was beginning to understand Zand much better.

The genie touched his finger where the ring used to sit. “This was a gift from my mother. The only thing left I had to remind me of her. Of home. But I gave it to the collector for my brother, for Ali, for you. I’d never leave you.”

My belly stung with the pinch of having misunderstood Zand. No! Not his only treasure. Now in the clutches of that wicked witch, Red!

He got down on his knees in front of me, and I felt a tug in my chest.

“Kaza and Dahvi are the only family I have left,” he said his eyes glistening. “I would do anything to save my brothers.”

Oh, gods. Zand had sacrificed his freedom for Kaza’s life. I pressed a hand to my forehead. What a mess I’d created, only thinking of myself. Zand and I had more in common that I had initially thought. Both of us would do anything to protect our family. Even if that meant giving us the most precious things in the world. This changed things, and made our bond ten times stronger.

I clasped his hand between both of mine. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you to lose your brother as much as I don’t want to lose mine.”

Zand’s hands found the back of my neck, lifting my head so our eyes met.

My breaths labored as he kissed away the tears that rested on my cheeks.

“The Collector gave me the sands.” He held up a long, thin jar of colored sands. “We should return to administer them to Kaza.”

Yes. More than anything I wanted to see Kaza again. For him to make me laugh and smile, and wash away my pain.

“Right now, I just want to be here with you.” To kiss away his sorrow and make the most of the month I had left with him before he left my service to work for the collector. I curled his plaited beard around my finger. “At least for a little while longer.”

Zand rested the vial at the foot of the tree. Then he seized me in his grasp like a python, never letting me go. Rough and hungry kisses met my lips, and I reciprocated, wanting more. He ran his hands up over my hips and underneath my kaftan, squeezing my breast. Warmth pooled between my legs, and I let out a little moan. Encouraged, he found my other boob.

Passion surged in his eyes, calling me to him. I wanted him as much as I had wanted Kaza and Dahvi. Don’t ask me how it was possible, but I did. Despite the fact that I didn’t know him as well as the other two genies.

“I want you so much,” he moaned, his lips inching down my neck, leaving a boiling trail of pleasure. “I don’t want to leave your side.”

Grains of my heart began piecing back together. Damn. After what had transpired with the collector, I hadn’t expected to hear this. Too many emotions raged within me. Confusion melding with the excitement that he wanted to share me with his brothers. Me! The dirty street rat who came from nothing and had nothing.

“I don’t want you to go either.” I ran the back of my hand along his strong cheekbones. “You can’t lose your new family.”

For a moment he turned his face away from me. “Enough about that for now.” His voice held a raw edge that sliced me in two. “I don’t want to think about it. All I can think about is you.”

Powerful hands parted my legs and pulled me on top of his thighs. I gasped, clasping his biceps tight and wrapping my legs around him. Eager fingers knotted in my hair, pulling me to him.

I was a little frightened by the genie’s strength after witnessing what he had done to The Collector’s beasts. He could tear my arms off if I displeased him. But that power aroused me at the same time. In his presence, I knew he’d never let anything harm me. This notion sent tremors of excitement through my body.

“Let me lie with you.” His words promised me paradise if only I accepted.

Neither of the other genies asked my permission. Part of me kind of liked the old fashioned request. My brain screamed at me, reminding me I’d only met the three genies two days ago. Everything was moving too fast, leaving my mind spinning, and unable to catch up. Multiple mates was natural to their culture, but not for mine. Yet I knew with all my being that my attraction to them was more than just lust. It was powerful, thrilling, and all consuming. Just one look and I was theirs. The though of losing any one of my genies made it unbearable to breathe.

Regardless of what my mind said, the pulsing warmth and wetness between my legs did not care one bit. Each of the genies fit a niche within me. Kaza for uplifting my spirit. Dahvi to bring me comfort. Zand to protect and look after my brother and me. More than anything, I wanted to bond with him and make him part of my heart, too. Make them all a part of me and I of them.

To hell with what my brain said. Tonight, I was following my heart.

“You have my permission to lie with me.” I yanked off his vest and tossed it aside. Biting my lip, I let my fingers explore the hardness of his chest and stomach. He groaned at my touch, urging me to search further, and I ran my hands over his arms and shoulders. “Gods you’re huge.”

“Runs in the family.” The wicked look he gave me told me I was in for a lot of trouble…of the good kind.

He lifted my arms above my head and held them there with one hand. His grip on me was firm, unrelenting, telling me he was the boss. Of the three genies, Zand was their leader and protector. Normally, I was the same with Ali. Tonight, it felt incredible letting someone take charge with me. For him to do whatever he wanted to me—as long as it made Zand forget his pain and helped me ignore losing him in a month.

His huge package dug into my belly. Gods, that was going to fill me. I rubbed against it, coaxing a grunt from him as he buried his face in my neck, sucking, licking, nibbling.

“I’m going to devour you.” His breath fanned along my throat, stirring shivers in me.

“I bet you will.” I tossed my head back, loving what he was doing to me.

His excitement rubbed me in just the right way, and I rocked against his hard shaft, building my arousal to match his. Gods, I groaned so bad I swear the whole forest could hear me. But I didn’t care. He was all mine for now.

Flashing me a smile, his large hand ran along the curve of my back, and down my ass. “You’re so beautiful.”

“You make me blush with your sweet words. Your touches drive me insane.” I stood up, letting him remove my clothes, soft and slow. His hands guide me down to the drawstring of his pants. Soaking in every inch of his body, I took my time sliding off the fabric separating our skin.

“Straddle me.” He liked to be in command of the situation. That much was clear. I his willing slave lowered myself over his legs. He cupped one breast and sucked on the other, twirling my tight nipple with his tongue.

I ached for him, shivering for more.

His hand dipped over my sex and rubbed my clit with his thumb. Pulsing with every stroke, I panted and groaned.

Gods. I didn’t know how much longer I could take before I burst. Was it possible for me to orgasm from a single caress?

“I can’t wait,” he growled. “I need you now.”

“Take me.”

He drove his hard cock into me, his shaft filling me entirely, reaching to the mouth of my womb. A scream pressed the back of my throat. But I didn’t let him see my pain and buried my face in his neck. With every plunge into me, it hurt and delighted me in the best possible ways, driving my pulse into a frenzy.

His thirsty hands couldn’t get enough of me, rubbing me everywhere, leaving little bolts of red magic sizzling my skin. Was my body electrified from his steady drill into me? Or was it me reacting to his amazing touch? Escalating arousal had my muscles convulsing. He shuddered, and his fingers dug into me.

Gods, his moan was music to my ears.

Right as I was about to peak, he stopped and smiled.

“What are you doing?” I panted.

He stood up, wearing a smirk, and carried me the few steps to the tree, crushing me against the trunk. Our tongues found each other, writhing together. The taste of his kiss was delicious, and I ate him up. Just to tease me, he brushed his hands on the insides of my thighs. His satisfied laugh tickled my ears.

“Please,” I begged to the tune of his waving finger.

Whatever he was up to I was up for it, and I raised my pelvis beneath him, showing my eagerness.

Gods. Dahvi was a tease, too. I didn’t need two of them driving me crazy!

Zand managed to keep me pressed to the tree as he grabbed two vines dangling from above. He wrapped them over my wrists, tying me up, and stretching my arms above my head. “Hold on, beautiful one.”

I did as I was told, totally under his command.

I had to admit, part of this excited the hell out of me, and my pussy throbbing so bad. My insides bursting with anticipation for what came next. But I had to admit that being restricted—having my arms tied—also terrified me. It left me totally at his mercy. What if he hurt me? There was no escape. A shudder rocked through me. Considering my trust issues, I had a hard time letting go and giving up control. But when I looked in his eyes, I only found softness and admiration.

He pulled away, and my legs dropped to the ground. My ankle ached a little, but I pushed aside the pain and ignored it.

His dark eyes drank me up as if he were memorizing every inch of my breasts, my belly, my burning mound. Finally, his gaze lingered on my long legs.

Both my heart and pussy was desperate to take him.

“Don’t be scared,” he whispered, running his hand down one side of my face. “I won’t hurt you.”

My heartbeat pounded so hard I thought it might explode.

His hands slid across my waist. He fell to his knees, kissing my inner thighs and then trailing his tongue along my wet and swollen pussy lips. My skin sparked with electricity. With a swift movement, he spread my legs wider, hoisted me into the air, and pressed his face against my tingling folds. Liquid heat gathered between my thighs. He lapped at it, sucking, biting, licking driving me insane.

Back arched, I groaned, writhing, dying in pleasure. I yearned to hold him and run my hands through his hair. A sudden shiver gripped me as he coaxed me to the brink. An orgasm ripped through me and I convulsed, gasping from the waves of desire owning me.

Zand wasn’t letting me rest, and he lowered me to his chest level. “Wrap your legs around my waist, master.”

Lost in his hypnotic gaze, I followed his lead, allowing my earlier fear to melt away.

He dived into me hard and fast. Each frantic thrust propelled me toward ecstasy. I couldn’t control the noises coming from my throat, and he was just as vocal in his pleasure. I swear we must have scared every animal out of the forest. Our bodies fused together, succumbing to the heat between us. Each stroke of my slickness brought me closer to the edge. I rushed toward it with every ounce of my being. His fire sent me rocketing up and over again. Once he finished, he cradled me tight, resting against me, breathing heavy.

I welcomed the break. My body needed to recover from what he’d just done to me. I could still feel his cock stretching me, promising me I’d suffer for this encounter tomorrow, and walking might be painful for a few days. But it would be most delicious and worthwhile, reminding me of out amazing time together.

“I want to do that and so much more,” I panted. “Every single day. Three times a day. Once with each of my genies.”

Zand smiled and snapped the bindings on my arms. “Your wish is my command.”

My wrists hurt a little from the tension I’d placed on them by yanking at them. I rubbed at them, chasing away the burn. “I’ve never done anything like that before.” The words spilled out before I could catch them.

Gods. Heat rose in my cheeks and he stared at me as if demanding an answer. One I delivered him.

“At first I was terrified,” I said. “Felt so vulnerable. Worried you would hurt me. But you made me feel so safe. Thank you.”

I was so glad I’d let go and trusted him. That he’d been the one to help me do so.

He leaned in and kissed me. For the third time in a matter of a days, my heart caught alight with flames. This time the color was red, representing Zand’s magic. Our hearts were bonded just like mine, Dahvi’s and Kaza’s were.

“Now we are imprinted too.” He kissed the tip of my nose.

Curiosity propelled me to search his heart. Zand had felt the call of his heart…his words, not mine…when I plucked him from the lamp. It had changed his pain and set his heart into a confused mess. How he agonized over voiding his deal with the collector. That he was determined not to let her tear him away from his family and I.

I pulled back, startled by the rawness of these revelations. The reminder of what lay ahead for both of us hit me like a blast of sand. It brought up emotions long since buried. Fears of abandonment. Piercing betrayal. Crushing lack to trust anyone. Although I knew the genie’s decision aimed it to save his brother, the irrational, frightened little child in me, couldn’t accept this. The ache in my chest threatened to tear me in two. Tears pricked my eyes. Sobs burst from my throat.

Zand cupped my face, forcing me to look at him, but my eyes jammed shut. The pain of knowing he was leaving, that our hearts were bound, that I could do nothing about it, was too much to bear.

“Master,” his soft whisper caressed my cheek.

“I just need a moment.” I slipped out of his grasp and wiped away my tears with the back of my wrist.

My clothes were lying some feet away. I tossed them back on, and strapped my sandals up.

The idea of Zand leaving wasn’t the only problem weighing heavy on my mind; I was going to lose my whole genie family. When the time came, and Kaza and Dahvi had fulfilled their duty to me, they, too, would leave me all alone. I couldn’t bear the thought. Nor could I cling to a false hope of things working out between the genies and me. One conclusion settled in the pit of my stomach—I wouldn’t give in to my developing attraction for the genies any longer. To do so was a recipe for a broken heart. My mother had already done a splendid job of scaring me for life. There was only so much my poor little heart could take.

That was that. My mind was made up then.

“We should head back,” I said to Zand. “Administer the sands to Kaza.

While the darkness still provides us cover.”

Zand stared at the ground, stiff like a statue. “Yes, Master.”

"Call me Azar," I said.

"Yes, Ma—Azar."

His slip up brought a smile to my face.

* * *

By the time the sun commenced its rise, Dahvi, Zand and I sailed on the magic carpet, over the desert outside Utaara. The terrain transitioned into paved streets, buildings, temples, palm trees, and shrubs.

Zand tensed, as if sensing danger. “Fire rages in the city.”

“What?” I glanced down at Utaara. His words had set off an explosion of nerves in my gut. “How can you tell?”

“My inner flame senses fire,” he growled.

The moment he finished speaking, I caught a whiff of something burning. I scanned the city, spotting towering flames dead ahead. The slums. Raging with fire and thick smoke. Whenever a fire got out of control like this, the city rang with warning bells. Not today. Something was seriously wrong. Someone didn’t want the warning to sound. The vizier.

Fear crashed inside me.

Ali and Kaza!