Page 28 of Shâhzâdeh

“As in Louisiana creole.” His accent flattened slightly when he spoke like he was allowing one aspect of his heritage to shine over the other.

My God he’s the Black Aladdin.

Aladdin had always been my favorite kid’s movie. Even though I wasn’t supposed to watch it, I had snuck and experienced the magic that was Disney. I never wanted to be Jasmine, I wanted to be Aladdin. Someone who came from nothing and their good heart granted them the life they’d deserved. The life they’d earned because of their hard work and good deeds. I kinda felt like I was living that way now.

And now his real life iteration was sitting across from me looking like a god.

“As in your mama is Black? You don’t look—”

He barked a laugh and I had to wonder if it was the humorous kind or the offended kind. “You sit here wiz skin paler zhan hers, red hair and freckles zhe color of zhe sunset and you want to question how genetics express zhemselves?”

Hair the color of sunset…that was a new one. I liked it. More often, I got told my hair was the color of the flames of hell I would burn eternally in if I didn’t obey.

“I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just surprising. You don’t look like a Black man.” I regretted my words as soon as I said them because none of this was really my business. His eyes fluttered briefly before he kept an understanding smile on his face.

“Zhere have been plenty ofblanc passeelders zhat have come before us. I’m sure Babette would be interested in hearing your take.”

I was trying to figure out what to say that wouldn’t leave me feeling like more of an asshole, but there wasn’t really much to say. “Your father’s genes are just incredibly strong.”

His smirk screamed that he’d heard that sentiment all of his life. “Much to her annoyance. She zhought I would at least get curlier hair but alas I am relegated to zhis. But let me cornrow it and you’ll be able to see zhe cheekbones our ancestors gave me.” He tossed his shoulder-length wavy brown hair back off his face and I couldn’t lie that when you took away the silky ass hair, he looked less Middle Eastern. Slightly.

“I didn’t mean to be offensive. I was just surprised.”

“I took no offense. I simply believe in you going into our arrangement with your eyes wide open. No secrets between us.”

“This is business. I don’t need to know your genetic make up—” he said something in another language that I couldn’t understand. The way his lids lowered into a seductive position and his nose flared, I could tell it wasn’t a threat. “Do I want to know?”

“Are you brave enough to ask?” His eyes did that hypnotic seducing look and his tongue darted out to skate briefly across his lips.

A challenge. I wasn’t sure why he always wanted to challenge me. I wasn’t sure if it was a test to see if I would fold or if he wanted to see how strong I was. I didn’t hate it but I didn’t like it either.

“What did you say?” I held my breath after the words left my lips like that would protect me from the effect his words would have on me.

“I said, you know I don’t mean somezing as simple as a business contract, beautiful. Our fates have long since been intertwined, I’m just waiting on you to realize it.”

“Mr. Cannon, that is something that I can’t have. I’ve fired clients for making advances—”

He sat forward abruptly and I pushed back away from my desk at the sudden movement. The cold heat was back again and the anger on his face scared the shit out of me.

“Give me a name and I will have zheir head waiting for you by zhe time you get home.”

That. That was the reason I had to stay away. This man was… well he was clearly comfortable with murder. And what the fuck was I supposed to do with that?

“That’s… tha.. that’s not necessary. I haven’t had any problems.”

Xerxes was leaned over my desk the rage in his eyes clear, body taut like he was ready to strike the next person who walked in the door if they so much as looked at me wrong.

“If you ever are in need,ziba, make sure I am the first person you call.” He looked around as though something had just dawned on him. “Are you here alone?”

I was but there was usually someone here with me today. I’d buzzed him in when I looked in the camera and saw who it was. “My assistant—”

“Is also a voman, yes?” He seemed to wait impatiently for my answer and I could feel the silent pressure for me to hurry up and give it.

“Well, yes, but—”

“Unacceptable. I vill have a guard here within zhe hour.” He reached into the breast pocket of his blazer and pulled out his phone.

I hopped up and I was so little of a threat to this man that he didn’t look up from his Phone. “I don’t need a guard. I don’t keep money here and there is literally nothing for people to steal. My doors lock automatically and you have to be buzzed in. I have taken the precautions necessary to ensure me and my employee are safe.”

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