Naleighna Kai's Literary Cafe Magazine Cavalcade Issue of NKLCM | Seite 57

Shakir Rashaan
Carnal
Confections
Story Note
The uniqueness of my story within this
anthology is the fact that my leading lady is
Eritrean, but she does not conform to what
she describes as the “antiquated” mentality of
the men who live in that country. She wields
power as adeptly as a man would, including
when it comes to the men in her life. This
was a fun journey for me to step away from
a typical United States locale and play with
other cultures for a change, with an ending
that I think readers will find interesting.
“Come in, Marco,” Caressa said, her voice both sultry and full
of exotic promise. “I should be ready in just a moment.”
Marco stood for a moment to take in the penthouse apartment
that Caressa Sidaná called home. She was now CEO of Sidaná
Chocolatier, a conglomerate that had been in her family for
generations. A Belgian trip beckoned as she was set to pull off
a hostile takeover that would not only keep Sidaná whole, but
solidify its position as a top-tier competitor in the market as well.
To his right, two-story windows stretched from wall to wall
and wrapped around at least half of the room, giving him a
spectacular view of the whole of London and the Thames River. To
his left, circular stairs led to what he assumed were the bedrooms.
He strolled toward the bar area and looked out onto the rooftop,
where a deck with a Jacuzzi and a pool awaited.
So, this is how the other half lives?
He tracked back into the living room and the first thing that
caught his attention was something he didn’t expect, or rather,
he didn’t catch it upon first glance. Over the fireplace was a large
portrait of Caressa, stark naked, except for a velvet blanket draped
across her body, strategically covering her most intimate parts.
Mesmerized, he was unable to take his eyes off the image. He
placed a finger against the painting, an unconscious gesture as he
felt the oiled texture against his fingertips. There’s something to
be said for a woman with real curves, and his weakness for them
was on full display, leaving him vulnerable to his senses and urges.
For the first time, part of him wished he wasn’t her bodyguard.
It wasn’t like him to feel such an intense desire for a female client,
but it wasn’t a given that she had any interest in him beyond his
lengthy contractual obligation. She seemed to have a worldly
attitude about her despite her youthful appearance, something
she no doubt experienced from learning her father’s business.
The power and money didn’t hurt, either. Power had always
been a strong aphrodisiac,
and difficult to resist. This wasn’t the first time he’d been
surrounded by power, as he’d protected heads of state, but it was
the first time he was contracted to protect a woman who wielded