Chapter 9

"Genie!" I screamed as I caught my breath. "Where-where?" As I asked, our surroundings came into view, and I breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank the gods, we're home."

"Yes, my love, home. You gave me quite a fright and my hands were tied. The thought of watching you perish in front of me…" Genie's words broke off as he burst into tears. "I can't. I just… can't."

Genie fell to his knees. I wrapped my arms around him and held him as he'd done for me so many times before. Shuttering and shaking, broken words tumbled from him between sobs. "Too much. That was too much. Never again. My boy. My love. Never again."

Tears fell as the adrenaline wore off and it hit me just how close to death I'd come. Would I do it again to save Genie, to save us? In a heartbeat. Genie was my world and the love of my life and I'd do anything for him. "It's over and you have the lamp back. We are home, Daddy. We're safe."

"Yes, but for how long? I'm not allowed to possess it forever and it only stays hidden for brief periods."

I'd forgotten that part. With every gift came a curse, and Genie's was the lamp and its possessors.

"Let's just stop and catch our breath. We're home, so let's get settled in and enjoy the time we have. However short that might be." Genie in panic mode wasn't a good thing. "Besides, I'm hungry." Though I wasn't, I knew that would do the trick.

"Oh, yes. So sorry, my love." Genie scrambled to his feet as lunch appeared on the dining table seconds later. As I took a seat, he paced the kitchen, muttering to himself.

"Genie, please come and eat, or at the very least, sit with me while I do." Charged like a bomb on the verge of explosion was the best way to describe the uncomfortable silence. "Genie, do you have a way of contacting the fates you've mentioned?"

"No, in fact, I've only ever spoken with them once in the beginning. A brief CliffsNotes version into my existence was all they provided me."

"How did they expect you to do the job they assigned you? I mean, you weren't meant to be here and yet they treat you like you created yourself. Don't get me wrong, I can't imagine my life without you, but none of this is your fault." That's like a parent blaming the child for coming into this world.

"Well, when you put it that way." Genie pondered my words as though he'd never thought of that himself, which surprised me. "Either way, I don't like this. Not now. For thousands of years I've lived this way, at the beck and call of the lamp, and just accepted another master would come when the time was right. But now that there is an us to consider, it's different."

I understood that as well. We could be in the middle of a holiday, and he'd be called. If it wasn't a magic-fused location such as the lamp, he'd be forced to abandon me there.

"You, Raj, are my sole focus and I hate the thought of us being apart."

"What will be, will be, and for as long as I live, I'll be by your side."

"Therein lies the main issue. You can't stay behind, though…" He trailed off. "But what might work is we could announce you as my assistant to whomever the next master may be as we appeared in front of them for the first time. Yes, yes." He spoke to himself. "That could work." Obviously, I'd be on board with whatever he deemed was best for us, though right now I wasn't clear on that. Answering his own unspoken questions left me in the dark.

"It'll be wonderful to sleep tonight to the sounds of the ocean. Better than hearing the vendors setting up their stalls well before sunrise." I did my best to change the subject, though Genie was clearly on his own path.

"Oh, we need a new wardrobe for you." Genie blinked once. "There, the closet has been filled, my love. I'm sure by now your former home has been ransacked by the guards as they search high and low for us."

Maybe, maybe not. The Maharajah was a horrid man, though I wouldn't say that aloud. Fear was how he ruled, and fear still ran through my veins even though I saw him fall to his death. One of his sons would be now crowned and that apple would be of the same tree.

"Let's spend the day on the beach."

Hopefully the distraction would bring Genie back around. I moved to change but he did it for me. I'd never get used to him automatically dressing me, especially in something barely there. I stared down at the skimpy swim trunks? Underwear? I was unsure what to call the tiny patch of material he just dressed me in. "Um, thanks?"

Genie winked. "You look stunning, my love. Shall we?"

Good thing no one could see us because they'd glimpse a whole lot more of me than I'd want them to. But things didn't change once we hit the sand. Genie's forced mannerisms weren't missed by me. I knew that face well and the smile he gave fell short of his eyes. He wasn't here with me, mentally.

Even though I was young when my parents died, there were things from the years we spent together stored in memory that occasionally found their way to the surface. Take for instance, when my mother worried. Mostly over money. My parents worked hard from the time they woke up until sunset and often times past that. During the day, they both worked in the fields and then at night took on various tasks for others in the village. Mother would wash laundry while Father would help repair equipment or things inside their homes, wheels on their carts—you name it.

When Mother worried, my father did his best to take the burden from her and I now understood why. Watching someone you loved worry themselves as she had and as Genie did now was worse than carrying the burden yourself. If it was your problem, you had the ability to fix it. When it wasn't, your hands were tied, and you were at a loss to help. This instance, being a magical issue, and me being non-magical, only made it worse.

I ran out into the water, never going farther than knee deep. I hadn't learned how to swim because our village didn't offer that opportunity. In the middle of the desert, water was hard to come by. Plus, you never knew what lurked beneath the surf, so this was ideal for me. I splashed around, picked up shells to add to the bird bath Genie created for me in the clearing in front of the house and then returned to the comfort of the canopy Genie rested under.

"What did you find, my love?"

I showed him the variety of shells that filled my hands then ran up to the bath to deposit them. When I returned, an adorable bucket sat beside my lounge chair.

"What's this?"

"It's for you to collect your shells in so you need not carry them." The man was beyond thoughtful. I only wished I could do something nice in return for him.

Maybe I could…

I slid out of the flimsy garment Genie had dressed me in, all two inches of it. My sudden nudity snagged his attention. As I reached for his shorts, he furrowed his brows.

"What are you up to, boy?"

"Nothing, Daddy." Flirting wasn't my strong suit, but my goal was achieved when Genie appeared pleased. The use of his favored nickname was a good segue in.

"Well then, by all means, carry on." His intent gaze studied my every move.

I mustered every ounce of confidence I had and slid my hand around his shaft, stroking his cock a couple of times. Genie leaned back, eyes closed, one arm bent and rested behind his head. The picture of content I'd aimed for.

Okay, now that he's comfortable…

My lips slid around the head, replacing my hand as they moved down his shaft and back up. I was proud of myself having only gagged once.

"Sweet boy, climb up here. I need you."

Genie needs me. Tears welled and threatened to spill over.

"Raj." Genie brushed my hair aside. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, Daddy, the opposite." Before I could say any more, I pressed my lips to his, conveying through our kiss how much his words meant. Perched upon his lap, I ground my cock against his to make my intentions clear.

"Baby, I need it hard and fast."

I expected as much given his mood. As I felt my hole stretch, pain-free, Genie had opted to use his gift to expedite this. While it was fun when he took the time to manually prep me, foreplay wasn't required this time. Replacing bad thoughts with good ones was, and using his power to get us there was a non-issue. As long as we both enjoyed our love making, that was what mattered most.

Genie filled me with a single thrust, and I gasped.

"Are you okay, my love?"

"Yes, just didn't expect that all at once." That was a lot to take at one time. With a moment to adjust, I was ready to go.

Genie firmly gripped my hips and thrust up in rapid succession but when that wasn't enough, he flipped me over, pressed my legs up and pounded into me. This was about him and his needs, mine could wait. This was the least I could do for him after all he'd done for me. Being Genie's plaything, his boy, wasn't a burden. Not at all. It was a blessing in my eyes. I knew he loved me with all his heart, and it was good for me to remember that and know I was able to give back in some way.

Genie came with a literal roar as I stared wide-eyed up at him.

"So sorry, my love. Guess I needed that more than I thought." He got this gleam in his eye and shimmied his hips.

"I think I can," I gasped.

"There it is." He pegged my prostate a few times and sent me over the edge. "Good boy. Now, let Daddy clean you up."

Imagine my surprise when instead of magic or a towel, he used his tongue to do so. My cock made a valiant effort at revitalization though it was far too soon. But that was one of the hottest things I'd ever seen Genie do.

He carried me into the water where we watched the sun set. That had become our thing, sunsets, and I looked forward to watching them each night with him. With as much as the Maharajah had been summoning him as of late, we'd missed a few and I was happy to have these moments back. But as soon as we stepped inside the house, his focus was back on the lamp. There it sat in all its golden glory on the coffee table.

"I'd rid us of it if I could, my love."

"I know. But what if…" I crossed the room and picked it up. Genie's eyes widened. "What if I controlled the lamp? I could wish for your freedom and then it would all be over. Right?"

My mind was set, I'd do that and then we could be together forever. No matter how long that time was, and I'd get my Genie back.

"My love…" Genie sat in a nearby chair. "If I had a dollar for every time those words were uttered to me and never followed up on, I'd be a millionaire. Not that I'm not already, but you get my point."

How sad was that? Promises were made and never kept. No wonder Genie didn't love easily or trust the way he had with me.

"Forgive me. I don't wish to speak ill of your intentions, but there is something with that blasted lamp that drives the beholder mad with power and greed. Not that it would happen to you, but I think you understand my dilemma."

"I do, but you've said repeatedly I'm the one and the only one you've given your heart to. Maybe there's a reason for that. Maybe I'm the key to your freedom. Do you wish for me to try?"

I didn't dare rub it without his permission. I'd not put him through another potentially failed attempt without that.

Together we sat, curled up in the big comfy chair. Me on Genie's lap, the lamp on mine. Wordlessly we stared at the cause of our turmoil, equally distraught over possible outcomes if we moved forward with my offer. Would the lamp possess me, too, as it had others? Or would I be able to fight that demon and win the battle for Genie?

"I can't lose you," Genie whispered.

"Oh, Daddy." I scooted around to face him. "You won't. I'm strong enough to fight, you just need to trust me. Besides, I've never had much before you came along, and I'm not driven by money or power. I love you and you're all that I need. Together, we can do this. Our love will see to that."

His face fluttered through a variety of emotions. "Let me sleep on it."

I nodded though he never slept. His existence didn't require it. He'd hold me all night while worrying himself sick over the potential outcome.

"Okay, Daddy. Time for bed."

We showered, and then curled together. It was a fitful night for me as well, worried about Daddy and whether the power that the lamp held was true and if so, how it could possibly affect me?

Was I strong enough to win? I told him I was. But still…

"Good morning, sweet boy." Genie was in the kitchen, breakfast waiting on the table for me while he stared out the window at the gorgeous view.

"Good morning. I can never get enough of that." I too was mesmerized by the island's beauty and the calming effect the ocean had.

I took a seat and let him be while I ate. It wouldn't be me who'd bring up the subject today, he would have to. I made my offer, now it was up to him to decide.

As soon as I was done, the dishes were cleared away. Genie walked across the room, took the lamp and handed it to me.

"Just remember, I love you with all my heart. Rub the lamp three times and I'll appear in my true form."

Now that I held the power within my hands, they shook. Fear of the unknown terrified me. To disappoint Genie would break me. Was I truly ready?

Every possible scenario ran through my head as I stared at it. But it was now or never. I took a deep breath, my mind set on granting Genie his freedom, and I rubbed the lamp three times.

Poof!

My emerald-eyed Genie appeared before me, a whisp of green swishing overhead. "What is your first wish, Master?"

This expressionless format of the man I loved was inside, screaming to get out. This form was unnerving, to be honest, and I wanted my Genie back.

My thoughts scattered, though I honed in on the one I must focus on. "Genie, my wish is two in one."

"Only one wish at a time, Master." I didn't care for him calling me that at all.

"Understood. Let me voice it and you can take it as one or two, however it need be." As ready as I would be, I said the words aloud as they played in my head. "Genie, I wish for your freedom from this lamp and that we may be together forever. Wherever that may be."

Right before my eyes, Genie and the lamp disappeared.

What the hell had I just done?