Page 82 of Bound By Wishes

“May I touch you?” he asked, his voice a low rumble like distant thunder.

I nodded once, unable to trust myself to speak, the weight of my emotions choking the words before they could leave my lips.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me gently but firmly against his chest. The warmth of his body enveloped me. His scent, rich and intoxicating, surrounded me, and for a moment, my worries ceased to exist.

“I know you’re afraid, ya amar, and you have every right to be after what that man did to you.” A tremor worked its way up my spine, and I stiffened. “I will never force you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. All I ask is that you let me try to undo some of the damage he caused…to heal the parts of you he broke.”

I turned in his arms, my gaze locking with his. His arms tightened around my waist, drawing me closer. Anger twisted his features, his jaw clenching tightly, while his eyes darkened to a stormy shade. His magic crackled around him, swirling in angry tendrils, as if his wrath was manifesting in the space between us.

“Promise me you won’t hurt him,” I pleaded, reading the murderous rage in his eyes. “It’s over, and he can’t hurt me anymore.”

Ranen’s posture stiffened as if every muscle in his bodywas honed on me. “It’s not over,” he growled. “Not until he pays penance for the pain he caused you.”

“I don’t need his atonement or anything from him,” I stated firmly. “Promise me,” I said again.

Ranen’s eyes softened, and the magic coursing through the air faded. “I promise neither I nor my men will lay a hand on him.”

“Good. Now get out of here.” I playfully pushed on his chest. “It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”

“Bad luck?” he chuckled. “I’m a djinn, such things don’t apply to me.” He pulled me back into his arms. “And I’d risk a thousand curses just to steal a few moments with you.”

It was a good thing he was holding me because if he wasn’t, I might have melted right then and there. He leaned down, his lips barely brushing against mine, a tantalizing whisper of a touch that sent a shiver through me. He released me, and I instantly missed his warmth.

“Go to bed, ya amar,” Ranen’s voice rumbled softly, a comforting purr that seemed to echo through the night. “You have a big day tomorrow.”

My day started at the break of dawn, when the sun had barely kissed the horizon. Servants by the hundreds flooded into my room. They bustled around me, their chatter and movement creating a whirlwind of craziness as they prepared me for the day. My anxiety spiked at the sight of so many people attending to me. I longed for the comfort of having just Arwa by my side, but on a day like today, it seemed unlikely that I’d get my wish.

They started off trying to force-feed me a tray of food, but my stomach protested, already overflowing with butterflies. I finally choked down a piece of fresh baked bread and some cheese to appease them.

Then I was escorted to the bathing chamber. They scrubbed me so hard, I was pretty sure they were trying to remove a layer of skin. The room was saturated with thethick scent of fragrant oils and perfumes. Once they’d finished their scrubbing assault, they applied layers of lotions and creams. By the time they finished, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d slip right out of Ranen’s grasp the next time he tried to hold me.

The thought brought a smile to my lips, a brief distraction from the nerves that threatened to smother me.

Once I was polished from head to toe, they escorted me back to my bedroom, where they attacked me with makeup. My eyes were defined with kohl and dark shadows, while a touch of silver and white accentuated their natural color. They applied a bold red lipstick that added a touch of drama to the smoky look.

Next, they worked on my hair, gathering it into an elegant updo. They twisted and pinned it, weaving in decorative hairpieces with jewels.

They stripped off my robe in the middle of the room, despite my loud protests, and carefully dressed me in the elaborate wedding gown. The dress was a stunning creation of silver and black fabric that screamed elegance and mystery. It was an odd color to get married in but stunning nonetheless.

I stood still as they arranged the cumbersome layers, ensuring the heavy skirt fell in soft, graceful folds. The long, sheer sleeves, delicately beaded, flowed down my arms, making me feel like an angel of darkness. The sweetheart neckline sparkled with gemstones that caught the light, while silver jewelry completed the look.

Once they finished, I was utterly exhausted and ready to collapse back into bed. The transformation had taken nearlythe entire day, and the sun was now sinking in the west. I was cranky and uncomfortable, but the ceremony was about to begin. Four servants had to hold up the lavish skirts and flowing train of my gown as we made our way out the door.

Malik emerged from the shadows, looking dapper in his tunic and silk pants. He was a sight for sore eyes, bringing a sense of comfort to this overwhelming day. He would never know how much it meant to me that he had agreed to stay so I didn’t have to face all of this alone.

“Cal? Are you in there?” Malik asked playfully, as he made a wide berth around the extravagant gown, careful not to step on the delicate fabric. His smile was infectious, and I couldn’t help but laugh at his antics.

“You could say something nice,” I scolded him, trying to sound insulted, though a smile tugged at my lips.

Malik’s playful demeanor softened as he looked at me seriously. “You are very beautiful,” he said sincerely. “And I would like permission to give you away.”

My heart swelled at his offer, but at the same time, a pang of sadness tugged at me, reminding me of how my father wasn’t here to share this day with me. The thought made my throat tighten, but I forced myself to smile back at Malik, appreciating the gesture more than I could express.

Malik took my arm and awkwardly tried to maneuver us down the hall without stepping on my dress. The layers of fabric swished and dragged along the floor, making it nearly impossible for both of us to fit down the hallway.

“It’s never too late to back out,” he offered quietly.

The thought of escaping flickered through my mind, but Ranen’s sweet words last night rootedme in place.

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