Page 38 of Death and Desire

“Anubis?”

Silence.

Violet sighed in relief. At last, some peace.

It seemed there was a way to erect a barrier between them, but it was solely in his control. She swore. Curse him.

After she dressed, Violet ventured down to join her father and brother for breakfast, Khalid walking three paces behind her, as silent and still as a shadow. When she joined her family in the garden, a flurry of questions descended upon her.

“Vi, what the hell happened? We were worried sick!” Isaac bombarded her the moment she took her seat.

With a sigh, she explained her vague memories of the night and deferred to Khalid, who sat beside her, to fill in the gaps. She couldn’t even bear to meet his gaze as he spun the tale. Her gut turned as she stirred her coffee and took a sip of the lukewarm brew.

Was that to your satisfaction, Violet?His gentle whisper caressed her mind.

Go to hell, Anubis,she snapped, praying she replied in her mind and not aloud.

Fortunately, her father and brother were locked in an animated discussion, effectively shutting her out...though she was the obvious topic of conversation.

Are you still angry at me?The soft question drifted into her mind.

Is the sky blue?She nibbled a piece of fruit, unable to enjoy it.

It is blue, but that does not answer my question.

Violet rolled her eyes in exasperation.It meansyes, you immortal idiot.

If you give me what I desire, I shall leave you in peace.

Violet stilled, the cup of coffee trembling in her hand. What didthatmean? She studied his impassive expression. The man might as well be carved from stone—not a flicker of emotion, not a hint of compassion. Had he some other plan for her?

If I wanted you dead, I would have let you drown.

She glowered at him.Get out of my head.

Would you prefer I speak the words aloud and expose your thoughts to those present?The corner of his lip twitched.

What do you want from me?She impatiently tapped her finger on the side of the cup.

Return what was stolen.

Violet bristled.I told you before, I have stolen nothing.She set the cup down, sloshing coffee over the rim, earning her a warning glare from her father, still conversing with Isaac.

Khalid handed her a clean napkin to dab the mess. It only made it worse. She sighed in exasperation. He rested his finger on her wrist, tracing the outline of the jewel inlaid in the gold band.

This does not belong to you, little one.

Snatching her hand back, she cradled it to her chest and let the comfort of its presence soothe her agitation.My mother gave it to me. She bought it from a vendor in Cairo.

He regarded her for a long moment and inclined his head.This may be true, but it does not change the fact that it was stolen from its resting place.

Violet gasped. “Grave robbers.” The words slipped from her lips, and both her father and brother turned to her.

“What did you say?” Isaac asked, his brow furrowed.

“Oh.” She forced a smile. “Just remembering something I read in the museum.” Violet picked at the scone on her plate and broke a piece off.

“Perhaps you should take a turn in the garden, my dear. Get some air. Sunlight will do wonders for your constitution,” her father suggested.

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