The Law of Stars and Sultans

To cause as much pain as possible, Asmodeus didn’t stop until they were on the south end of the dance floor, close to Jai and Red. Ari glanced at Jai only to have her head whipped around as Asmodeus hauled her into position.

She stood stiffly in front of him, not moving.

Asmodeus tilted his head, eyes narrowing. “Dance with me or I’ll make him suffer for your disobedience.”

“Bastard,” she whispered as she stepped into him and placed her hands very tentatively on his shoulders. It was quite the stretch since he was so tall, and she felt him bend slightly to her as his own large hands settled on her hips. He swayed them to the music and Ari felt the heat of Jai’s gaze burn on her neck.

The torturous moment seemed to last forever until Asmodeus drew her even tighter against him. She tried to strain back but he was too strong, and before she could stop him, he kissed her. Not a slight brush of lips against lips, but a hard kiss, forcing her mouth open so his tongue could touch hers.

Ari bit down hard and he made a rough sound before he yanked her away. She tasted blood on her tongue and smiled wickedly at him. Asmodeus’s face darkened and he whirled her around, pulling her back against his front so she was facing Jai. At that same moment, two shaitans appeared in front of Jai, ignoring Red’s commands to step back. Instead one of them pulled out a long strand of thin, hard leather attached to a gripped handle.

A whip.

The shaitan gave an expert flick of his wrist and the leather cracked loudly against the marble floor in front of Jai. The guests gasped, excited whispers filling the ballroom.

“For every bite,” Asmodeus informed her quietly in her ear, “he suffers a lashing.”

Ari’s eyes sought Jai and she could see him battling with control. She gave him a slight shake of her head just before Asmodeus turned in his arms again and kissed her.

She let him. She didn’t respond but she didn’t bite him, either. Just as he let her go, Jai telepathed to her, I would have preferred the lash.

Ari closed her eyes, her shoulders tense with shame. I love you, she promised him. I’m just trying to protect you.

You can’t. This is torture.

Tears spilled down Ari’s cheeks as she turned back to face Jai. Their eyes met and she felt the connection to him hold tight, deep down in the very core of her soul. I promised I’d let you go if it meant saving you.

Then you should have run it past me first. I have a few issues with that promise.

Jai … please.

His expression shifted and she watched his shoulders slump just slightly, enough so that Red took a protective step toward him. Jai gave her a tiny nod. I love you too.

“Now, children,” Asmodeus’s voice rumbled loudly for all to hear. “It is rude to telepath in company.” He spun slowly on his heels and addressed the room. “I think the feast is over. I’d like to retire with my bride-to-be and sample her wares, as they say.”

As Ari froze, the crowd surprised her by eliciting shocked and offended gasps. She looked at their frowning expressions and glanced up the hall to Azazil.

“No!” she cried out and shook her head, pleading with him not to let Asmodeus take her.

Azazil heaved a heavy sigh as he stood from his throne and walked down the dais, a giant among jinn as he passed. Everyone hurried to bow, yet not even Azazil’s presence among them cleared the uncertainty and disapproval from their expressions.

Azazil stopped before Ari and Asmodeus. He gave Asmodeus a look he might give a teenager who was attempting to push his parent to the very limit. “Unfortunately, Asmodeus, there are still some rules in this world that even I won’t break. Without these rules, we’d be uncivilized animals.” His voice lowered now and his lips twitched with amusement as he continued, “I especially won’t break them in front of witnesses.” He turned to his guests and raised his voice. “The bride will not share a bed with her betrothed until the marriage ceremony is complete.”

Asmodeus, to Ari’s surprise, grunted. “We are only delaying the inevitable.”

“Asmodeus,” Azazil warned.

He held up his hands in surrender. “Fine. We shall wait.” He smiled at Ari now as he stroked her cheek with faux tenderness. “Off to bed, then, with your reprieve.”

“Let Jai go,” Ari suddenly pleaded with Azazil, knowing she was pushing it, but needing to. “Don’t make him watch this.”

Azazil’s mouth twisted at the request and then he shrugged, flicking Asmodeus a look. “I promised my lieutenant he could have this vengeance. Unfortunately, that includes the ginnaye. My hands are tied. You know better than anyone that when I grant a favor, I don’t renege on it.”