Page 22 of Death and Desire

“You’re afraid someone willkidnapandransomme?” Violet scoffed, noting the impassive expression on Khalid’s face as the scene unfolded before him. She shifted uncomfortably and refocused her attention on her father.

“There are always those who would exploit our relationship for financial gain.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time,” she muttered beneath her breath, earning her a stern look from both men. “And yet, when we visited London last summer, you didn’t require an escort.”

“Your brother accompanied you on that trip.” His brow arched. “And when you managed to shuffle off without him, I had someone keep a close eye on you.”

“Youhiredsomeone to follow me in London?” Violet’s temper peaked. She stood, ignoring stares from neighboring tables. “I should have known.”

“Violet...” He extended a hand, but she stepped out of reach. He clenched the hand into a fist and dropped it back to his side. “I will not apologize for wanting to keep my daughter safe.”

When she did not respond, Templeton nodded. “Enjoy your day. I shall see you at supper.”

After he left, Violet swallowed the frustration building inside her. A flash of black caught her eye. She narrowed her eyes at Khalid, who stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his presence unwavering. He regarded her for a few moments, his expression a blank canvas.

“Don’t think for a moment I am pleased about this arrangement,” she grumbled, stepping close to him. “How do I know you won’t disappear into thin air?”

“Your father is wise,” Khalid said, his voice low, drifting only between them. “To allow such a jewel to remain unguarded is dangerous. I will uphold my vow to your father and ensure your safety.”

Had he just complimented her? Violet shook her head and sighed. “I have no choice, it seems.” She pushed past him, heading for her brother’s room. “Come along then,” she said, pausing beneath the archway.

Khalid fell into step beside her. “Do you miss her?”

“Miss who?”

“Your mother.”

Those two words brought her heart to a shuddering halt. She stopped walking and braced one hand on the wall while the other wrapped around the locket at her throat.

“Why would you ask such a question? Of course I miss her. Every day, I long to hear her voice, see her smile.” Violet blinked away the threatening tears and bit back the grief rising like a tidal wave in her chest. “But she’s gone. Life carries on.”

“Yes, it does.” Khalid’s solemn response left her stunned.

Without another word, they continued down the hall. Her mind churned with questions and curiosity. Who was he that he could so easily see inside her mind and tug the thread at the heart of her discontent? The driving force behind her desire to come to Egypt had been her mother’s love for Cairo. A chance to see the city in the stories she’d told and the experiences she shared. This strange connection to Egypt unnerved her as much as it soothed her. It calmed the tension her father’s overbearing nature pulled to the surface, and yet, it left her melancholy with bittersweet memories.

Determined to enjoy her exploration at the museum, Violet pushed her vacillating emotions aside.

After Violet retrieved her brother and David, who both looked as though they’d had no sleep with red eyes and sallow skin, their group returned to the lobby in search of Dina.

Her friend waited by the hotel entrance, wearing an oversized white hat and a flowing linen pantsuit with matching top, complete with gold beading. Dina smiled as they approached, her eyes widening at the sight of the stranger.

“What have you unearthed?” Dina whispered to Violet as she kissed her cheek in greeting.

“This is theescortmy father hired to accompany us. Khalid.”

As if summoned, he stepped forward, bowing to Dina.

Her red lips rounded in a perfect circle as her gaze snapped to Violet. “Is he...?”

“Yes. I’ll explain later. The museum?”

“Oh, of course.” Dina linked her arm through Violet’s. “Keep up, boys.”

Grumbling, David and Isaac lumbered behind them as they stepped into the sun-filled Cairo street. Khalid remained a few paces behind, his watchful gaze sweeping over the crowd as they wandered through the busy streets.

“You said he was tall, dark, and handsome, but by the pharaohs, you never told me he was agod.” Dina stole a glance at Khalid over her shoulder before nudging Violet’s arm. “How did you convince your father to allowhimto be your protector?”

“I didn’t.” Violet damn near hissed as her frustration rose to the surface once more. “My father seemed surprised we knew each other when he introduced us this morning.”

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