off and on like that?” He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “The last time someone asked me to hide who I was, it didn’t turn out so well for me. I was banished from my home, my family, and everything I held dear, and ended up in there, alone.” He waved at the lamp. “So forgive me if I don’t seem too enthusiastic about your suggestion.”
Ben sighed wearily. “I understand. I shouldn’t be asking you to lie for me. I’m sorry.”
Note to self. Try to find out more about him being banished. Sounds like a helluva story.
The Djinn regarded him edgily. “You do know there’s a solution to your problem, don’t you? Make your two wishes and I’ll be gone. Poof. Then you won’t have to explain my presence to anyone.”
Ben had almost forgotten about his wishes. The past four days he’d enjoyed Daliel’s company, and the reason he was there in the first place had escaped him.
“I know that,” Ben remarked softly. “I’m not ready to give you my wishes. I haven’t figured out what I want yet.”
You. I want you. I like having you around. I don’t want you to go.
Dae’s face gave nothing away. “Then I’m afraid we’re at an impasse, Ben.” He turned to leave the room. “You can tell your friend I’m indisposed, and I’ll stay in my room. That should solve your problem.”
He walked out, leaving Ben behind with a gutful of guilt and an overwhelming sense of loss.
Chapter 7
Dae lay back on his bed, surrounded by some of his favourite items from Quimaria. His treasured quilt, a lush, embroidered affair sporting vivid jewel colours was wrapped around his shoulders. It had been a gift from his mother, Sameria, when he’d been banished. “To remind you of home,” she’d said, tears shining in her eyes. His favourite cushion, a soft, hand-painted puffy thing, created by his sister, Jannalor, was clutched to his chest. In his hand, he held a leather wallet, carefully crafted by his father. Inside was a small, hand-written note, signed by all three of his family, and saying one day they’d see him again.
They were all precious things reminding him of home and a loving family he hadn’t seen in five years. Wouldn’t see for another five, until the full length of banishment had been met.
Dae clutched the pillow to his chest as he stared around his room moodily. “Fuck my life. Everyone always wants me to be something I’m not. Well, a pox on them.” He scowled down at his cushion. “Who is this guy coming over, anyway? A hookup? Am I going to be listening to the two of them doing the rumba all night while I lie here all alone?” Dae wasn’t sure why the idea bothered him so much.
His face brightened. “Perhaps I should go to a bar or something, and find someone to fuck. It’s been a while.” His face softened dreamily. In the lamp, there was no shortage of nubile and sexy partners to keep him company.
As the Djinn of Calado’r, plenty of playmates were into partying and making him feel good, in the hope that some of his magic would rub off on them. Dae hadn’t told them it didn’t work that way. He could do magic, sure, but it was the beneficiary of the wishes who channelled most of it once the lamp was rubbed.
Outside the wind blew, and rain slashed against the windows. It was a miserable night; he promptly decided he wasn’t going out, not even for a little stimulation. Dae sighed. He didn’t want to stay in his room like a naughty boy. He wanted company, and if that meant changing his attire to something boring and respectable, then so be it. He stood up and walked over to the bookcase in the corner of his room. He was sure he’d seen some fashion magazines, which might give him an idea or two as to look ordinary—bleh—while instilling a sense of glamour into his outfit.
The GQ magazine he picked up was interesting in a variety of ways. Not only did it feature some cracking fashion ideas, but the plethora of gorgeous men gracing the pages made Dae’s research project a pleasure.
He tapped a finger against his chin thoughtfully. “Hmm. That should do.” Dae murmured a few words under his breath and grinned as the outfit he wore shimmered and changed. He practised on and off, until finally finding something he was satisfied with. Once he was ready,