Page 40 of Death and Desire

Khalid dropped his hand. “You need not fear me.”

“I don’t.”

Violet ignored the hum of tension pulling them closer. His heat surrounded her.

“You fear how I make youfeel.”

Violet shot to her feet. “Stay out of my head!”

Before he could respond, she raced from the garden, returning to her room. Safely inside her sacred space, she threw herself onto the bed and screamed into a pillow. Her muffled cries echoed in her head.

Violet rolled onto her back, staring at the canopy. She longed to explore Cairo and the vast mysteries of Egypt, but she was trapped. No matter where she went, Khalid would follow. And now, he not only invaded her solitude and her thoughts, he invaded hermind, reading her like an open book. Could this possibly get any more complicated?

Her skin prickled at the memory of his touch. She couldn’t deny her attraction to him began the moment they met on the dance floor. Their time together had only solidified her curiosity and fascination. The revelation of his true form had been...off-putting, but it didn’t scare her. Nothing about him scared her.

He was right.

Violet was terrified of the burgeoning emotion toward him. No good could come of it. She couldn’t avoid him forever. But if she could steal a day to herself...perhaps...

Could she manage such a feat alone?

Perhaps Dina could help her.

Chapter Ten

One call to the hotelconcierge gave her the opportunity she needed. Wearing a simple blue dress and wide-brimmed hat, Violet opened her door and peered down the hallway. Empty. Bless the stars.

She slipped from her room and darted in the opposite direction of the lobby. The back entrance of the hotel bustled with servants, but none spared her a glance as she wove through the chaos.

By the time she reached the alley behind the hotel, Violet could breathe freely. She’d managed to slip free from her father’s hold and Khalid’s knowing watch.

A hand wrapped around her wrist, pulling her into the shadows. Violet gasped.

“It’s me.” Dina laughed, her dark eyes sparkling.

“I can see that.” Violet straightened, attempting to regain a steady heartbeat.

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