CARNAL

XXV

filler
DON'S REQUEST

Mijako paced the living room of her apartment nervously, her footsteps echoing softly as she awaited the anticipated knock at the door. Siraj, meanwhile, sat deep in thought on the plush couch, his gaze unfocused as he pondered the sequence of events that led to his strip club's closure and the investigation into Governor Wills' untimely demise.

All of a sudden, a crisp knock reverberated through the room. Mijako's heart leaped in her chest as she darted a glance at Siraj before cautiously approaching the door. As she swung it open, her father, Don, stood tall and commanding in the doorway. His countenance was stern, and an aura of authority surrounded him.

"Father," Mijako uttered with trepidation, "to what do we owe this unexpected visit?"

"I'm here to ensure your well-being," Don replied curtly, "and I also need to have a word with Siraj." Without waiting for permission, he strode into the apartment and fixed his intense gaze on Siraj.

"Don," Siraj acknowledged respectfully, rising from his seat to meet him.

"I've been informed that your establishment is currently under investigation concerning Governor Wills' tragic passing," Don asserted plainly. "I possess a significant stake in that business; therefore, I must know when operations will resume."

Siraj exhaled internally, concealing his anxiety. "In all honesty, Mr. Nirroti," he confided, "even I cannot predict when that will occur. The authorities have yet to divulge any concrete timelines for their investigation."

Don's eyes narrowed into slits while he stared at Siraj, questioning him skeptically. "Are you entirely certain you can manage this debacle? Your business reflects upon my credibility as well."

Mijako swiftly interposed herself between her father and Siraj, adopting a protective stance. "Father, I beg you," she pleaded fervently. "Throughout all these months, Siraj has never once incited any issues. This predicament is far beyond his influence."

"It's the truth, Mr. Nirroti," Siraj chimed in with utmost sincerity. "I've always run the club with strict adherence to the law. We are entirely compliant with the ongoing investigation and I can assure you that we'll employ every resource at our disposal to rectify this situation as swiftly as possible."

Don studied their faces intently for a brief moment, weighing the merits of their words. He finally exhaled a protracted sigh and begrudgingly conceded. "Very well," he agreed reluctantly, "But I fully expect consistent updates on this distressing state of affairs."

"Certainly, Father," Mijako responded gratefully, relieved that he was willing to let the matter rest, if only temporarily.

"I promise to keep you apprised of our progress, Mr. Nirroti," Siraj vowed with solemn determination.

With a brusque nod of acknowledgment, Don spun on his heel and departed the apartment as suddenly as he had materialized. Mijako released a tremulous breath as her expression softened with appreciation when she glanced at Siraj.

"Thank you," she whispered, enfolding her arms around him lovingly.

"We're just watching each other's backs," Siraj whispered back gently, reciprocating her embrace and feeling truly thankful for her unyielding support throughout the ordeal.

Mijako released a weary sigh and allowed her fingers to trace delicate patterns along Siraj's spine. "He's simply exasperating, a complete thorn in my side."

A soft chuckle resonated from Siraj as he drew her nearer, his lips tenderly grazing the side of her face. "Don't fret; this will all blow over in due time. Once the club re-establishes its presence, things will fall into place. Perhaps you should utilize your special aptitude and drop by the investigating detectives' office, disguised as Aphrodite."

Upon hearing her succubus alias, Mijako's eyebrows arched in delighted amusement, and she let out a soft chuckle. "You know what... that's actually an ingenious idea."

"We will wait and see if we even have to set your plan in motion," Siraj asserted, his hands sensuously gliding across her curves as he showered her delicate skin with gentle kisses.

"Exactly, I'll attend on your behalf, adorned in a mesmerizing outfit, and present them with a performance they'll never forget," Mijako confirmed.

"A true performance, indeed," Siraj chuckled knowingly, reflecting on the sinister undertones behind her words.

"I must divulge something to you; recall the mysterious woman I mentioned? The one I invited to your residence that fateful night? It was none other than Aphrodite herself. At the time, I couldn't disclose it; I would have appeared mad," Mijako revealed while gauging his astonished and delighted response.

"Well, damn! We need to bring her back here once more," Siraj laughed heartily.

"I couldn't concur more..." Mijako whispered, her mind wandering back to the electrifying sensations of their passionate encounter.

Mijako detected Aphrodite's laughter echoing within her consciousness, accompanied by the familiar buzzing of her cellphone as she reached out to grab it.

Casting a quick glance at the caller ID displayed on her phone screen, Mijako sighed heavily. It was her father. Apprehension gripped her as she hesitated before answering the call. She knew all too well that when her father rang, it typically signaled a grand scheme brewing in his mind.

"Hello, Dad," Mijako greeted tentatively.

"Mijako, my cherished daughter," Don responded smoothly as ice with his trademark composure. "Is Siraj still with you?"

"Yes, he is. You departed merely ten minutes ago," Mijako retorted.

"Indeed. Yet, this shutdown crisis might just be the silver lining we need. I've been considering a new assignment for Siraj."

Mijako's eyebrows furrowed in worry. "Dad, hasn't he been through enough already?!"

Don remained unswayed by Mijako's apprehension. "As you're well aware, your boyfriend Siraj possesses remarkable problem-solving skills and exceptional talent. Believe me when I say that he needs this job as desperately as we require his expertise."

A contemplative silence enveloped the conversation while Mijako grappled with her inner conflict. She was cognizant of her father's point - Siraj undoubtedly needed the financial boost, possibly to secure their elusive escape.

"Alright, Dad. Enlighten me about this job."

A grin spread across Don's face on the opposite end of the line. "It entails covertly investigating the Dorian warehouse. As you might have heard, they've been a considerable thorn in our side lately."

"Not surprising at all," Mijako murmured.

"I share your sentiment," concurred Don. "That's precisely why we must act promptly to put an end to their meddling. Siraj will have to breach The Dorian's ranks and obtain valuable intelligence that could assist us in reclaiming a portion of our turf."

"Are you absolutely certain Siraj can manage such a perilous mission?" Mijako inquired with trepidation.

"Do not underestimate his prowess," Don reassured her. "Siraj has repeatedly proven his mettle. His current standing wouldn't be possible without the family's unwavering backing. My confidence in his capabilities is firm."

Mijako recognized that earning her father's trust was no small feat, and that alone was a testament to Siraj's competence.

"Okay," Mijako consented finally, "I'll inform him."

"Very good, my dear," Don responded before disconnecting the call.

With a burdened heart, Mijako steeled herself to reveal Siraj's latest task from her father. Even with the inherent danger, she couldn't help but view this as a potential turning point and redemption for Siraj. The only question that remained was whether he could rise to the occasion.