Page 84 of Death and Desire

Heat unfurled in the pit of her stomach when he flashed a lopsided, dimpled smile. There were still so many things about him she didn’t know, but there would be eternity for the unraveling of the details. So long as they were together.

Now to convince her father of the sincerity of her determination.

Violet drew Khalid alongside her as they wandered the path through the garden to the veranda where her family waited. His touch infused her with confidence. Every step brought her closer to a confrontation she’d avoided for years, but this time, she had a solution of her own choosing.

While she knew her father acted out of love, his overbearing nature often left her with a lingering bitterness of resentment. While this was not the marriage he would have chosen, Violet was confident in her decision. Even if it meant abandoning everything she’d ever known to pursue a romantic relationship with a god.

As they entered the dining area, Violet glimpsed the familiar faces of her family and inhaled deeply. A knot twisted in her stomach when they looked up and spied Khalid by her side. No doubt Isaac already knew what was coming, but his sly smile when she sat down told her he’d betrayed nothing and was settled in for a show.

She wrinkled her nose at him with a stern glare before turning to her father. “Good morning, Father.” Violet sat and took Khalid’s hand when he rested it on her shoulder. He stood in silent support beside her.

“It is nearly noon, young lady.” His gaze drifted from her face to the hand clasped in Khalid’s. He stood like a statue, maintaining his distance from familiarity at the table but making it abundantly clear there was something between them.

“Is there something you wish to tell me?” Templeton asked, his gaze soft but uncertain.

Violet inhaled, savoring the warmth of Khalid’s touch as it bolstered her. “Yes, Father.” She cleared her throat. “I’ve decided to remain in Egypt.”

“Because of him?” Her father’s gaze shifted to the man beside her. His tone wasn’t condescending or accusatory, but she could hear an undercurrent of concern. “And what of James Beaumond? You seemed to get along with him...until he vanished.”

At the mention of the backstabbing vermin, Violet bit the inside of her cheek to keep from saying something that would invite more questions than she was comfortable answering at the moment. What happened to him after that day in the chamber beneath the bookstore, she could not bring herself to care. Not after he’d betrayed her.

“There was never anything between James and me.” She rolled her shoulders, thankful for Khalid’s steadfast presence. Although they left her rankled, James’s actions did not surprise her. “Khalid has proven himself worthy of my company and my admiration.”

“You’ve known him for little more than a week.”

“Yes, and I only knew James for the same time.” Straightening, Violet harnessed her frustration. “Khalid is an honorable man. In case you’ve forgotten, it wasyouwho hired him to protect me during this trip. Which he has done on several occasions.”

“I need no reminder, my dear.” Templeton softened his posture at her agitated response. “But I cannot allow you to remain in Egypt without good reason.”

“I love him.” Violet looked at Khalid, who smiled and gave her hand a comforting squeeze. She turned back to her father. “Is that not reason enough?”

“We’ve been in Egypt for less than a fortnight.” His expression relaxed, but she saw lines of worry etched on his aging face. “You expect me to entrust a stranger with my precious child and abandon her in a foreign country?”

“Khalid is no stranger.” Violet rested her cheek on their joined hands. “We are bound together.”

“Can you not be dissuaded from such a hasty decision?” her father asked. “Why not give it some time? Have Khalid join us in England for a visit—”

“I...wecannot leave Egypt,” Violet spoke with conviction. “My heart is here.”

Even though Khalid did not speak, she felt a ripple of approval at her words. It washed over her in a wave like a comforting blanket.

“Khalid.” Her father shifted the conversation. “Please, join us.”

Without relinquishing his hold on her, Khalid sat in the fourth chair. He seemed quite at ease as he smoothed his tie with his free hand. “My thanks for the invitation.”

“Have you any rational reason why my daughter chooses to remain in Egypt instead of returning home?”

Khalid held his gaze, unwavering. “I believe your daughter knows her own mind...and her own desires, sir.”

Violet noticed her brother’s smirk but chose to ignore it. Khalid had defended her. She bit her tongue, waiting for her father’s response.

“And you claim to know thosedesires, Khalid?” he asked, focused solely on the man beside her.

“Your daughter knows the road she wishes to travel. At some point, we all must follow the path laid for us, take our own journeys.”

Khalid’s wise response seemed to alleviate her father’s concern a fraction, but he held his ground. “And how do you intend to provide for my daughter?”

Khalid stood firm. “She will be cared for in the way she deserves, with honor and respect, as well as adoration.”

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