Page 84 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 8
“It is,” said Habib. “And I can’t say I’m impressed with his progress. He’s only made 421 matches in over 300 years.”
“Sure, he may have gotten off to a slow start. But now he’s started the Society and is helping people find love every day. But more importantly, he loves me for exactly who I am. And that’s difficult to do. Because I’m weird as hell.” Eek. I hadn’t meant to word it that way. And I probably shouldn’t have cursed in front of his excellence. But they got the point.
The beautiful woman sat up a little more. She seemed interested in what I had to say. Hopefully she held a lot of power in this council.
I focused on her because it seemed like she might be able to fight for me. “I’m asking you to free Tanner from his curse. Whatever his crime, 300 years of torture has been more than enough. He’s a good man. He’s learned his lesson. I'm sure of it.”
There was a creaking noise behind me.
I turned around to see Chastity sneak into the throne room. Her hair was disheveled and her lips were blue. She gave me a thumbs up.
I turned back around and stared at Habib’s shocked face. Could he tell what she’d just done to his the Tuareg guard?
Habib shook his head and looked back at me. “So Tanner comes here accused of violating section 8.3 of the Genie Penal Code for interference in a mortal athletic competition. And you want us to reward him by freeing him from his curse? I may be Habib the Benevolent, but that’s too benevolent even for me.”
“But...”
Habib put up his hand up to stop me from talking.
How had I gotten this so wrong? “Please...”
“I think we should do as she requests,” the beautiful woman said.
Really? Ah! Thank you, you gorgeous savoir!
She nodded. “I move that we release Tanner from his obligation to help 1001 women find love.”
Oh my God! Yes! I love you!
“Instead, he should only have to help one woman find love.”
Ah! One is so much better than 1001!
The woman smiled. But it suddenly looked cruel. “Yes, just one woman. Her.” She pointed at me.
Huh?It took me a second to process her words. Tanner had to helpmefind love? “No, wait…”
“All in favor of this proposal?” said Habib.
Everyone in the council agreed.
No.
Habib raised his gavel.
Nigel jumped up from the defendant table. “Can you please clarify this ruling? Tanner will be free as soon as he helps Miss Cooper find love?”
“Yes.”
“So when Cooper appears on his lamp, Tanner will be free?”
“I just said yes.”
No.
“And what of Tanner’s magic?” asked Nigel.
“His magic shall be restored, with close supervision by Ghazi. But be warned: We’ve equipped DODO with special zappers that add new curses to any genie they catch. Court adjourned.” Habib hit the gavel. And then he snapped his fingers and the entire council disappeared.
