Page 55 of Good As Hell

“I will see it done,” I promise.

Knowing I will die before I break this vow to her, I hold her. She and our son are my purpose. Avenging her will bring me unmitigated pleasure.

Chapter Nineteen

ESTABLISHING DOMINANCE

LYRIC ~ WEEKS LATER

“Iwant them to come visit here.” I tell Hassan over FaceTime. He still has not allowed me to go back to volunteer with the earthquake survivors, but he can give me this. “Imagine how wonderful it would be for the kids to have a play date at the palace. It can be like a carnival. They can see the grounds and have a brief break from everything they’ve been through — a day of celebration.” Worrying my lip, I wait for his reply.

He’s super grumpy since he’s been called away or more kingdom business this last week. Up till then, he’s been working from his home office, spending every moment with Ayaan and me.

“We’ll speak on it further when I return tonight.” He says but looks away, preoccupied by something one of his aides has given him. But I can’t stop the smile from spreading over my face.

“You’re be home tonight?” I try not to sound too breathless or smile too big, but I can’t deny the feeling of happiness filling in my heart. This week without him has been hard. Ayaan hasbeen more than a handful, not used to Hassan being away since the last attack. To think the palace has become our home despite how we came to be here is remarkable. I try not to think of it as me folding or having Stockholm Syndrome — though it’s probably a bit of both; but that I’m doing what’s best for Ayaan.

“Yes, jameela.” He murmurs, his eyes settling on me again. They hold an intensity that has my tummy doing somersaults. I know the question in his eyes. Asking it while others are around would be indiscreet.

Did I get the okay from Dr. Bint Aaziz?

Nodding at the unasked question in his eyes, I watch a small smile lift the corner of his cruel mouth in response.

“I’ll see you then, husband.” I can’t help the anticipation softening my voice. I’m always soft for him now. He’s shown me so much he can be that place of safety for me.

“Tonight, little sparrow.” And then his austere public face is gone. And ohmygoodness! I feel like I haven’t in so long a very long time. Way back to my teen years when I felt the first blush of love with Justice. To be honest, this is not the first time. The morning after I made love to Hassan was the first time.

That’s why I was so crushed after finding out he was engaged. The previous night, he gave me something special. He saw me. Not the Empress. Not Lyric the diva or most every winner of the Grammys at thirty-five awards. The feeling of giddy excitement and newness when I woke, and he sat there nude, reading that script, made me feel so at home and safe. And despite not having discovered the person behind the attacks, I still feel safe with him.

“Ooowee, you look like you’re in love,” coos Fifi from where she is lounging on one of sofas. “Don’t she look in love, Indy?” she asks to the girl we’ve brought into our little coven and nicknamed who’s reading on her tablet across from her.

“Umhm,” comes the answer though Indigo never looks up so engrossed in her book to which I lob a pillow over to her. She dodges and screws me a mean look before returning to the device.

“Don’t agree with this messy, hoe. She’s a bad influence.” Wagging my finger, I walk back over to them from the plush little seating area, I moved to for a modicum of privacy while I spoke to Hassan. Not that they’d breathe a word of my conversation.

“Well, love or nor y’all gone be hunching now that Dr. Aaziz gave you the go ahead. Now you can get some head.” Fi makes a moue at me.

“See? Messy.” Sitting across her, I fold my legs under me.

“I’m happy she said I didn’t have any scaring or damage though.” Hassan had more than indicated that he didn’t care as long as I was okay, but hearing those words today made me so happy. More so because I never wanted my choices taken from me ever again. No one had the right to take away my rights or my life for that matter. I would fight for myself every time and I’m so glad my body was resilient enough that I survived what they tried to do to me.

“I’m so happy for you.” Indy looks up from the tablet unburdened this time, the slashing scar doing nothing to diminish her beauty.

“Same.” Reaching over to squeeze my knee in support, she gives me a jaunty little wink.

“Mistress.” My head pops up, attention drawn to one of the palace officials standing just inside the threshold of the outer chamber.

The woman boasts a full up sweep of gray hair styled in a severe but immaculate bun.

My tummy sours as she gives me a thin smile.

“Do you have an appointment?” On cue, Fi stands falling back into the assistant role she held for years, blocking the woman’s path.

“Her Majesty said I could bypass protocol just this once, since my messages have gone unanswered. She’s sure there has been some miscommunication with the High Consort’s staff.” The woman whom, I’m pretty sure, is the head of my son’s primary school education team.

“Let, Mistress?” I pause for the woman to answer

“Umar.” She supplies screwing a dismissive look Fi’s way.

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