“It’s true,” he promises. “If we thought you were clueless, we never would’ve tried to convince you to be our little thief.”
“I’m not yours,” I quip. “And you guys really need to stop trying to claim me.”
His smoky eyes glint wickedly. “Hmm … If you say so.”
“Think whatever you want, but I’m not yours. And I haven’t and never will belong to anyone.” I raise my chin as he continues to grin. “You know what? If you guys keep it up, I’m going to start referring to you as mine. How does that sound?”
His eyes cloud over, tiny sparks igniting in his pupils. “You can’t claim a genie.”
“We’ll see. I mean, I did steal your lamp, so …” I smirk.
His eyes darken as he tugs me toward him. “You never would’ve stolen my lamp. I wouldn’t have let you.” He traces his lips with the tip of his tongue, his gaze flicking to my lips “And no genie in history has ever been claimed. But we’ve claimed a lot of creatures.”
“There’s always a first for everything.” I grin, but I’m all bravado, my nerves bubbling the closer my body gets to his.
“Careful, little thief,” he warns. “If you keep trying to win this argument, I’m going to start wondering if you want me to belong to you.”
For a mind-losing moment, I envision what it’d be like if Asher belonged to me. Then I quickly pull my head out of my ass.
I don’t want him to be mine.
I don’t want any creature to be mine.
If someone ever belonged to me, they’d probably die.
What I want is for things to go back to how they were.
Yeah, the last thought is a lie. The truth is, during my little journey with Asher, East, and Arrow, I’ve eaten better, slept better, and felt safer than I ever have. But I need to make sure I don’t get used to this lavish lifestyle, because eventually, I’m returning home.
Like I even have a home …
I heave a sigh. “Whatever. Will you get out so I can get dressed? I want to get this job done ASAP, so I can hopefully find out what I am.”
He skims his finger along the inside of my wrist. “I understand your eagerness, but the city is full of cyborgs and other creatures, and it might take some time to get the Steel books.”
I fight back a shiver stemming from his touch, but flustered magical creatures, does my body want to!
“How long?”
“I’m not sure.”
“What about the tour? Don’t you need to be somewhere soon?”
“We made a few changes to the schedule and moved our next stop to the end of our tour. Still, we’ll be playing here tonight.”
I gape at him “You’re going to do a concert tonight? But what about the books?”
“We’ll get them. I already said it’ll take some time.” He draws me closer until the tips of my boots touch his. “Doing this concert is a good excuse for us to be here and looks less suspicious.”
“But Arrow said you guys parked all the way out here to avoid drawing fans’ attentions? It doesn’t make any sense.” Unless they’re lying to me about something.
“When it gets closer to showtime, we’ll drive the vehicle to the arena and park there for the night.” He’s confusing the crap out of me, and it must show on my face, because he adds, “We always spend at least a day away from all the chaos of the tour.”
“Really?” Cynicism drips from my tone. “Because it seems like you guys like the attention. Well, you and East seem like attention whores. Arrow … not so much.”
His eyes narrow, but his lips tilt upward. “East loves the attention to an extent, but he gets tired of it. You’re right about Arrow. He’s always preferred being in the shadows rather than the spotlight. Unfortunately, he rarely gets the pleasure of the shadows. As for me”—he settles his hands on my waist—“I only like attention from creatures who don’t annoy the fuck out of me. And so far, East and Arrow are on the only ones on that list. Although, East frequently bounces on and off it.” He grows silent, observing me closely.
I think I know what he wants—for me to ask if I’m on his list, too—but I’m not about to give him the satisfaction.
“I guess I’ll find out tonight if that’s even remotely true.” I give him a pat on the arm. “I’d really appreciate it, though, if you guys tied a scarf on the door or something so I know when aftershow women are in the vehicle. Well, unless I’m just going to stay on the vehicle. Then I’ll just lock myself in my room and wear some headphones or something.”
“You can come to the show.” He momentarily searches my eyes. “And we’re not going to sign up for an aftershow party this performance.”
“Don’t do it on my account. I’m totally okay with going to my room and putting some headphones on or wandering around the city for a while.” Am I, though? Who the hell knows anymore? “I just want to point out that I never have and never will be okay with the general idea of women having to whore themselves out … Wait.” A thought occurs to me. “Human women aren’t on this planet, are they?” When Asher shakes his head, I ask, “Then, how is there even an aftershow?”
“Despite what you think, not every single person who signs up for the aftershow does it because they have to. And they aren’t always human.” His pale lips curl upward. “There’re a lot of humans and creatures who have a fetish for getting fucked by rock stars.”
I offer him a sugary-sweet smile. “How do you know? Maybe they just put on a show so they’ll get good tips.”
“I know the difference between wanting and having to do something,” he assures me, his eyes smoldering. “And East, Arrow, and I always avoid hanging out with aftershow women who have to be with us.”
I eye him over, wondering if he’s telling the truth. In typical genie form, his face looks intense, his eyes flickering. What that means is beyond me.
“If that’s true, then I guess you guys aren’t as terrible as I thought. But I’d still appreciate a heads-up before you guys get some. The last thing I want is to accidentally walk in on that.” I give an exaggerated shudder.
He rolls his eyes. “I already said we aren’t signing up for the aftershow this time, so your little shuddering performance is pointless.”
“It’s not a performance.” Sort of a lie. In reality, the idea of them being with aftershow women bugs the water fey out of me, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to confront why. “You can do whatever you want. I’m just saying, give me a heads-up.”
His eyes shadow with smoke. “Has anyone ever told you how stubborn you are?”
“All the time. But it’s what’s kept me alive.”
His smile falters as he assesses me. “Your life back on your old world … it wasn’t good, right?”
I shrug. “It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t entirely bad either. There were some good moments.” A small smile tugs at my lips. “Like this one time when Jason and I snuck into a circus. We didn’t have any money, so we couldn’t buy tickets to see any of the shows, but we did manage to steal a whole cartful of cotton candy. I’d never had it before and ended up eating, like, five bags in a row. Totally puked my guts up later, but it was worth it.”
Pity fills his eyes, the opposite of the reaction I was aiming for. “Arrow mentioned that you hadn’t slept in a bed since your parents … vanished.”
My chest tightens a bit. “It’s pretty common for humans not to have beds.”
“And you didn’t eat very well.” More pity shows in his eyes.
Beyond uncomfortable, I crack a joke. “Um, hello, did you not just hear my cotton candy story?”
His lips tug upward, but the pity remains in his eyes. “Tonight, you’re going to come to the show. And afterward, we’re taking you out.”
“But I thought this city was dangerous? And what about the books?”
“I already told you it’s going to take a couple of days to get the books.” He sighs tiredly. “And while we’re here, we need to act as normal as possible, which means performing and part
ying.”
“That’s you guys’ normal?”
“No, but that’s what everyone believes.” He reaches up and ravels a strand of my hair around his finger. “And while we’re in the city, you need to be careful. Trust no one, okay?”
“I rarely trust anyone,” I point out. “Except myself. And Jason.”
He untangles his finger from my hair, angling his head to the side. “You’ve mentioned Jason a lot. Have you known him for a long time?”
I nod, stepping away from him and sitting down on the bed. “We were really close up until he got addicted to faerie euphoric dust. We grew apart after that, but only because of his addiction. When I go back, I’m sure we’ll be close again. Well, that is, if he knows who I am.” I give Asher a questioning look. “When East had me look in that Eyes All Mirror thing, his life didn’t seem the same as it was before I made the deal with you.”
“Really?” He plays dumb, but tension ripples through his body.
“Yes, really.” I arch my brows. “He could afford baked goods, and he’s never been able to do that.”
“Maybe he stumbled across some money after the underground mafia freed him?”
“Or maybe you gave him a better life when we made the bargain.”
His lean muscles flex as he crosses his arms. “Now, why would I do that?”
“I have no idea,” I answer honestly. “But you seem awfully uneasy, genie dude.”
The corners of his lips kick up. Then he steps toward me and nudges my knees apart so he can step between them. My heart thumps wildly in my chest as he places his hands on the bed, trapping me between his arms, his gaze so intense I swear he’s about to curse me.
As he dips his lips toward my ear, his cupcake scent surrounds me and makes my mouth salivate.
“And you, gorgeous creature, need to get changed,” he whispers in my ear.
I shiver as he traces his fingers against the side of my leg then steps back, smirking.
I shoot him a dirty look, but I don’t say anything, too worried I’ll sound as breathless as I feel.
Giving me a cocky grin, he spins on his heels to leave.
The second he steps away from me, I let out a shaky exhale.
Get your shit together, Harlynn! You’re better than this! Do not let some genie affect you so much that you forget who you are! And don’t let him sidetrack you from the questions he still hasn’t answered!
“He at least remembers me, right?” I call out before Asher exits the room. “Jason, I mean.”
He doesn’t look at me when he nods. “You may think I’m cruel, but I’d never take away someone you care about. Although, personally, I don’t think he deserves you.”
My fingers curl into fists. “You don’t even know him.”
“I know you almost died to save him.”
“I chose to do that. He didn’t force me to.”
He remains silent for a beat or two before glancing over his shoulder at me. His eyes are flooded with smoke and pity. “If that’s true, then how did the underground mafia know you’re a thief?”
“I … I have a reputation around town.” Not a total lie. Some people have heard of me and my thieving abilities, but not everyone. Still, the underground mafia could’ve easily found out.
“Jason cares about me—he always has.” I loathe how my tone trembles. “And don’t you dare try to take that away from me.”
The smoke in his eyes dissolves. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” He offers me an apologetic look then walks out of the room, shutting the door behind him and leaving me to wonder why he brought Jason up. To hurt me? Maybe. I don’t know, though. It seemed like more than that, as if he knew something.
“No,” I mutter, shaking my head. “I know Jason. He’d never do anything to intentionally hurt me.”
It’s Asher I barely know. I need to remember that.
Need to remember that, despite everything going on, I can trust no one but myself.
It’s the first rule of surviving.
Chapter 2
Picking out an outfit is a pain in the ass. Sure, I saw what Arrow, Asher, and East were wearing, but I’m struggling to pick out a girly outfit to wear. Finally, I give up on trying to solve the problem myself and wander out of the room to find Arrow and get his help. He seems like the best out of my three options, for several different reasons.
The three of them are in the living room when I enter, messing around with their instruments. East is tuning a guitar, Asher has his balanced on his lap and is plucking the strings, and Arrow is perched on a stool behind his drum set and near the hologram window revealing a view of outside.
“I’m not sure if that’s the best one to start with,” Asher says to East.
“It’s fine.” East rotates a knob on the guitar. “And it’s better than the other choice.”
“That’s your opinion.” Asher plucks a few more strings. “But we need to all agree.”
Arrow sighs, spinning the drumsticks between his mechanical fingers. “You two have been arguing a lot lately.”
Asher blasts him with a cold look. “Because we’ve been stressed out.”
“You’re always stressed out.” Arrow stands up and slips his drumsticks into his back pocket. “I think your mood swings might have something to do with something else.”
Asher gives Arrow a dirty look while East grins in amusement.
“I think he might be on to something.” East leans his guitar against the sofa and sinks back in the chair.
Asher heaves an exhausted sigh. “Can we just pick a song? I want to be done with this by the time Harlynn comes out. We’ve already wasted too much time.”
Since they seem too distracted to notice me, I clear my throat. “Actually, Harlynn needs some help before we can go.”
The three of them startle, glancing at me, their eyes slightly wide.
Strands of East’s blond hair fall into his eyes as he rises to his feet. “You walk more soundlessly than an elf.”
“I’m not sure how soundlessly an elf walks, but I do know I can walk as soundlessly as a boss.” I grin in pride. “If I couldn’t, I wouldn’t be a fantastic thief, now would I?”
East’s lips curve into a grin. “Your cocky side turns me on so damn much.”
I cross my arms. “Are you ever going to get tired of hitting on me?”
“Nope,” he shamelessly divulges.
I sigh, my gaze skating to Arrow. “I need your help with something.”
“Why not me?” East pouts at the same time Asher and Arrow ask, “With what?”
“With getting dressed.” As soon as the words leave my lips, I realize my mistake and quickly try to recover. “I mean, with picking out an outfit.”
It’s too late. My slip-up has already caused Asher’s eyes to funnel with smoke and East’s pout to deepen.
“You’re letting Arrow dress you?” East sulks. “That’s not fair.”
“It’s not going to happen.” Asher sets his guitar down and pushes to his feet.
“Will you guys chill out?” I gripe. “I said I want his help picking out an outfit, not helping me put it on.”
“Actually, you didn’t say that the first time,” East points out. “And if he gets to dress you, then I want to next time.”
“Oh, my gods,” I groan, bobbing my head back. “No one gets to dress me.” I gesture at their outfits. “You guys are just dressed so differently than what I’m used to, so I’m not sure what to wear. And since Arrow is from here, I figured he’d be able to help me.” Not the entire truth, but they don’t need to know everything that goes on inside my head.
Like how I don’t want East to help me pick out clothes because his little flirty jokes are starting to make me smile and blush too much. Or how I refuse to let Asher help because, every time he touches me, my skin tingles and the air gets stolen from my lungs.
East visibly relaxes, but Asher remains wound up. Still, he doesn’t argue when Arrow follows me back to my bedroom. Then we head
to my closet, and he begins sorting through the selection.
“I can understand why you thought I’d be able to help you pick out an outfit,” he tells me, “but I should’ve warned you that I know nothing about fashion.”
“But you know how women … or female creatures here dress, right?” I lean against the closet doorframe with my arms crossed.
He stiffens. “Yeah, but I’ve never been a fan of how they dress … or of female creatures here,” he nearly whispers the last part.
Sensing a sink in his attitude, I tread cautiously. “Can I ask …? Do you mind if I ask why?”
He avoids my gaze as he assesses a leather corset. “A lot of them wear these types of tops.”
His avoidance makes me wonder what happened to him, but I’m not about to press. No, if anyone can understand not wanting to talk about their past, it’s me.
“A leather corset?” I step farther into the closet, frowning at the top. “Isn’t that going to be a little … I don’t know, binding?”
He shrugs. “Probably. But if you don’t want to stand out, this is probably your best choice.”
I crinkle my nose. “I guess I can wear it if you think it’ll help me blend in.”
“Unfortunately, I think it will. Although, I’m sure not everyone will agree with me on the unfortunate part.” His gaze quickly skims over me, and then he looks away, appearing embarrassed.
This isn’t the first time I’ve seen him do this. The last time being when I accidentally stared at his crotch.
Okay, it wasn’t an accident. My mind temporarily went in the gutter when I wondered if cyborgs have mechanical penises, a question I’m still waiting to hear the answer to. Not that I’m going to ask anyone on this vehicle.
“What do you think I should wear with it?” I decide to let him off the hook from his embarrassment, something East never does for me.
When his gaze slides to mine, a hint of gratitude flashes in his eyes.
“Let me see what I can find.” He starts digging through the clothes again, finally pulling out a dark purple, velvet skirt that’s long in the back and bunched up in the front with ribbons.
“This won’t make me stand out?” I ask, fiddling with the ribbons and stitching on the front. “It looks pretty fancy.”